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18:31, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

The Game: Chapter 12 - Beyond.

Posted by The WatcherFor group 0
The Watcher
GM, 3583 posts
Knows, Sees, & Tells All
Above: 2 Truths, 1 Lie
Thu 27 Sep 2018
at 15:12
  • msg #1

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

Recap & Disposition

With the Titan matter finally sorted and behind them, our heroes find themselves free to revisit the many lines of inquiry they'd been forced to abandon while time was of the essence.

Before taking their leave of the Goethe, Billy asks for and receives a state-of-the-art holographic recording device and a Faustian helix blaster from Captain Vasquez. In return, the IDA commander requests the specific coordinates for each of Sol's known jump gates, assuring you that the IDA intends to be monitoring them carefully moving forward.

Once this exchange is accomplished, the crew and the IDA go their separate ways.

***

Though depleted and demoralized by the tragic losses of Candy and Barachiel and the departures of Fiernas, his pups, Bradford, Abe, Huck, Muse, and Hadrian, the crew nevertheless finds its spirits lifted as the Ship of Convenience finally whisks them away from the Saturn system and all the trouble that accompanied it.

Of dubious value is the addition of a new crewmate, the thin and sickly man known as Basilisk. Interactions with him are of the 'self-serve' variety, as he doesn't seem inclined to don the suit that enables him to leave his shielded habitat unless a specific need arises to warrant it.

Kayla spends no little time between shifts trying to convince the rest of her teammates of Basilisk's value.

"He's been dying for years," she explains to Billy, Xander, and Rebecca on one such occasion, crunching some numbers into the wrist bracer containing the enigmatic AI known as Madisyn and showing him a readout displaying what he assumes to be biometric data. "So he's got to be more durable than he looks. Probably resistant to toxins, poisons, biological hazards, maybe even radiation. What if we're in unknown space and need a landing party, or need to effect repairs to the hull during a radiation storm or something? He's the perfect man for the job."

***

Your ultimate destination remains Venus, where Dr. Pryor awaits the return of his experimental plasma drive, but the route you plot to take you there is perhaps more meandering than he would have preferred.

You first travel to the 4 known jump gates in the Sol Sector, including those leading to the quarantined planet and the void pocket. Working together, you're able to record the exterior and interior of each and allow Whitney to take a series of readings on either side. The SAGE scientist has become less stand-offish of late, spending less time locked away in the engine room and more time interacting with the rest of the SOC's crew.


Your second destination is Eros, which seems to be a bustling hub of renewed activity by the time you arrive. Though the AOS and the IDA have abandoned the asteroid and its orbital station, dozens of ships registered to an entity known as Violent Acquisitions, Inc. can be seen docked with the station and flitting around the local airspace.

Billy soon informs you that he is the new owner of the orbital station, and that he'd hired the mercenary Kopfgeld to secure his property until he could arrive to claim it. Thus, when the SOC touches gently down in the primary docking bay reserved for its use, it is difficult to escape the feeling that you have, somehow, arrived "home".

Thanks in part to Kopfgeld's forces actually living in and around Eros and the orbital station for what appears to be quite some time, the facilities are in good working order.

Xander and Rebecca take point on inspecting every nook and cranny for useful technology, and are pleased to uncover a storeroom housing a pair of battered J9-series droids much like the ones that had cared for you when you had been held prisoner here so long ago. Their logic circuits are fried and they won't turn on, but those are solvable problems for anyone so inclined to tackle them.





After kicking your heels aboard Eros for longer than strictly necessary, you leave the orbital station once more to the expensive care of Kopfgeld and his associates in order to board the Ship of Convenience and take it to Venus, as promised...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Wed 10 Oct 2018.
Dr. Dorian Pryor
NPC, 45 posts
Captain of the Dichotomy
SAGE Commander
Wed 10 Oct 2018
at 13:55
  • msg #2

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 1):

"It. Has. Been. MONTHS!"

Dr. Pryor barks through the comms, his normally affable tone impossible to discern through the irritation.

"At first, I feared something had gone horribly wrong, that the plasma drive had malfunctioned and left you stranded in space. But then! I saw those videos..."

The flickering video feed accompanying the call shows the man's severe frown lines easing greatly.

"...magnificent. I can hardly wait to go over the readings and hear all about your travels. You said you were two weeks out, yes? Perfect. More than enough time to bring the Persephone out of dry dock for you. Touch base when you're closer, or if anything should happen to delay you."

He wags a finger at the screen.

"Though, to be clear, I think there have been quite enough delays already. Pryor, out."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:06, Wed 10 Oct 2018.
Kayla Wallin
NPC, 398 posts
Captain, Mechanic, Pilot
Occasionally Weightless
Wed 10 Oct 2018
at 13:58
  • msg #3

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Dr. Dorian Pryor (msg # 2):

"Welp. You heard the man," Kayla says, switching off the comms and grinning over at Xander from the co-pilot's seat. "Are there any detours to explore before we have to give this thing back?"

She looks back over her shoulder toward the main crew compartment.

"You're SURE we have to give it back, right?" she calls out jokingly.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Wed 10 Oct 2018.
Billy Laser Fist
player, 2593 posts
Stacks of green paper
in his red right hand
Wed 10 Oct 2018
at 15:28
  • msg #4

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

"Given current agreements, yes.  This is SAGE property, and we need to bring it back to SAGE," Billy says in his most professional tone from behind the Pilot's seat before a wicked grin cuts its way across his face, "Of course, once we do there are further negotiations I plan to carry out.  I dunno what the condition of the Persephone is, but she's not exactly gonna cut it as a flagship for what we're doing next."  He places his bionic hand on Kaya's shoulder and gives her a wink.  At some point during their stay on Eros its characteristic chrome finish was replaced with candy-apple red paint making it look even more like a hot rod from the wrist down.  At any questions about the change in appearance (or, in fact, the vaguest curious glance) he eagerly explained that it matches the flames going up the sleeve of his new EVA suit.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:50, Thu 11 Oct 2018.
Basilisk
player, 25 posts
All Suffering can End
Decide nothing matters
Thu 11 Oct 2018
at 01:43
  • msg #5

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 4):

While aboard the Eros orbital station, Basilisk  does leave his chamber once or twice.  He lumbers down hallways slowly in his massive EVA suit, avoiding contact with Kopfgelt's people whenever possible and continuing to keep to himself.

Once the ship departs, he makes a habit of wandering the ship in his suit.

If permitted, he will make his way to the bridge from time to time.

What ARE you... we doing next? he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Thu 11 Oct 2018.
Billy Laser Fist
player, 2594 posts
Stacks of green paper
in his red right hand
Thu 11 Oct 2018
at 06:31
  • msg #6

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

Oh right, you’ve been in a box,” Billy remarks, bemused, before his tone turns very matter-of-fact, “We’re going to go find aliens.  Trade for advanced technology and establish a position for humanity in interstellar civilization.  There may or may not be green women involved.  Kayla thinks we should keep you around so we can throw you at inhospitable environments instead of risking our own necks, but I thought that sounded a lot like making you a different kind of test subject and didn’t think you’d be into it.  Of course before that we’re giving the ship back to SAGE and if we do your box is kinda built into it so you might be camping on Venus.
Basilisk
player, 26 posts
All Suffering can End
Decide nothing matters
Thu 11 Oct 2018
at 14:17
  • msg #7

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 6):

Interesting, the ancient voicebox crackles.

The suit remains motionless for a moment.

I don't believe in debts, but I am grateful to have been released from... further testing.  As I have no options back on Earth, I would rather continue to travel as opposed to storage on Venus.  I will help you if I can.  Alien life sounds intriguing.  I have been reading as much as I can about your mission thus far.
Xander
player, 1038 posts
On the Shoulder of Giants
Wanted
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 15:52
  • msg #8

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

Xander pivots in the pilot's chair, turning to regard the man in the EVA suit. He hadn't had much time to interact with the mysterious patient, busy as he was in his own research, though he made a point to be friendly whenever Basil was out and about.

It shouldn't be that difficult to either replicate or transfer your unit to whatever vessel we end up taking with us, should you decide to accompany us. I'd hate for you to be trapped in that EVA suit without being able to take it off and put your feet up.
Nightmare
player, 2892 posts
I was young, and that may
explain my actions.
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 16:34
  • msg #9

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Basilisk (msg # 7):

PRIOR TO CURRENT EVENTS

quote:
The first time Hadrian is back to normal she can tell as soon as he walks into the room.  Her face lights up and she throws herself at him, kissing him hard.

Welcome back, I've missed you...

She says her voice breathy.

**********

When the team returns to Titan they are greeted by a neon colored streak that leaps directly into Billy's chest and alternately zig-zags to hug each of the crew members.  Once they have recovered from the initial onslaught they see even in the small space of time that has passed Nightmare has continued her mental and phsyical metamorphosis.  Her hair pulses with rainbow colors that seem to mimic her mood.  When the team first sees her they are cycling through a rainbow of colors, eventually as she calms down, settling on a pulsing blue-purple with pink tinging the tips.

When she turns away from Billy she intentionally flicks her ponytail so it lightly smacks him in the face, smiling mischievously over her shoulder.

Hadrian wouldn't let me do anything until I recovered from the battle with Apex... I got bored.  You like it? 

She asks with a brilliant smile.

**********

She works with Abe to help him get set up in his office.  When they finally have him comfortable she stands infront of him looking a bit abashed.

I'm... sorry for some of the things I said or did earlier.  I was going through a lot.  I really appreciate what you have said and done for me.  I... I think your right about the accelerated diagnostics program.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help with that. 

Before leaving she gives him a nervous, but genuine hug.

**********

As they have time to burn on the ship of convenience she spends her time working on her own projects, reconnecting with her teammates, harassing Billy, with Hadrian or sitting in Basilisk's room.  Not even necessarily talking, but provides him someone in proximity, knowing the loneliness of his isolation and having none of it.  The two of them are an unlikely pair, but seem to have an understanding of each other.

She spends a good deal of time laying on Hadrian, where her hair always seems to be a reddish-fuchsia.  At one point she pulls away from the comfort of his body and sits up looking serious.

How are you feeling regarding the Apex situation?  I know she... meant a lot to you as a mentor and otherwise.  Are... are you ok?  I know how I felt when the Mastodon was destroyed.

**********

Which brings us to her first meeting with Pryor.  She begins the meeting all cold scientist, but given his interaction with the rest of her team as well as the assistance they provided she relents.

I believe that I owe you an apology for the tenor of our first meeting.  I was... young then, and while no excuse it may go a way in explaining my actions.  I understand the Blaise may still be alive?  I would speak with him if I may and see if there is any way that we may negotiate his release as well.  Additionally I would like to find the hull of the Mastodon, as it is possible there may be some additional data there that I would like to recover. 

**********

When she discovers the J-9 units with Xander she flashes a borderline manic smile and her hair goes a brilliant neon yellow.

We need to fix these!  Oh the things we could do with these robots.  Are you in?!

If he opts to fix them with her she will ask about the research that him and Sophia are so intent about.

**********

At some point Rebecca celebrates another birthday on the ship.  As is her way she makes a cake of 'food' that she smuggled from Titan and gives everyone but Hadrian a physical gift.  This year the gifts are all hand made ornate, small statuettes of them, and people they have loved or interacted with.  So Kayla got a statuette of her, Fiernas and the dogs; Xander gets himself and Kelce, Billy gets Candy, Nightmare gives one of herself to Basilisk with a sheepish smile.

Sorry I didn't have any reference material for you...

The statuettes are painstaking in detail and she obviously made them on Titan when she had access to greater resources.  Hadrian receives a wink and a smile.

You'll get yours later.


**********

When its time to leave with Hadrian she is crying her hair is entirely its natural color with no hint of the LED's showing.  She hugs him and puts her head under his chin, which a few months ago would have required a significant amount of stooping.

You idiot.  I'll miss you.
She gives him one last passionate kiss and reaches her hand out to hold his until the very last second she watches until the ship bearing him is fully out of sight, at which point she slumps in the corner wracked with sobbing.


**********

HERE & NOW

As time passes and they get ready to leave, she reiterates her desire to recover the Mastodon, pointing out that it could make the flagship that Billy had spoken of earlier.  She also promises they could create suitable quarters for Basilisk in any ship they come to occupy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Mon 15 Oct 2018.
Kayla Wallin
NPC, 399 posts
Captain, Mechanic, Pilot
Occasionally Weightless
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 16:45
  • msg #10

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 9):

"Maybe we can try to reel in the Mastodon after this business with SAGE is done," Kayla reassures Rebecca. "Hopefully we can learn more about what happened to Blaise and your other friends, but even if we don't that's a capital ship just sitting out in the void. Probably with IDA codes and technology on it, too. Someone should reclaim it, and unless the boss disagrees, it might as well be us, right?"
Billy Laser Fist
player, 2596 posts
Stacks of green paper
in his red right hand
Mon 15 Oct 2018
at 16:49
  • msg #11

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

"I had planned to talk about the Mastodon.  Pryor can fill us in about the crew.  As for the ship itself, it'll depend on how involved SAGE gets with our operations. We do have another option for the ship itself though."
Basilisk
player, 27 posts
All Suffering can End
Decide nothing matters
Tue 16 Oct 2018
at 15:40
  • msg #12

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 11):

The suit makes a slight nodding motion toward Xander and the voicebox makes a sound that is likely a sigh.
The Watcher
GM, 3593 posts
Knows, Sees, & Tells All
Above: 2 Truths, 1 Lie
Tue 16 Oct 2018
at 21:50
  • msg #13

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Basilisk (msg # 12):

Lacking any ideas to further forestall the inevitable, the crew of the SOC accompany their craft ever closer to Venusian airspace.

As you draw to within a couple days of the planet, Kayla begins to spend her downtime doing active scans for electronic signatures instead of leaving this task to the passive detection protocols.

"Last time we came to Venus, something shot us down," she explains simply. "We're lucky that nobody died that time, and I want to be ready for trouble this time around."

"Captain, your observation is inaccurate," Madisyn's voice interjects. "There was one casualty: Dynamis."

Kayla looks down at her bracer.

"We don't know that for sure. I'm still hoping we can restore him once we get the Persephone back."

There's a moment's pause, and then the bracer beeps again.

"I hope so, too."

OOC: Last call for prep work!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Tue 16 Oct 2018.
Billy Laser Fist
player, 2598 posts
Stacks of green paper
in his red right hand
Tue 16 Oct 2018
at 23:55
  • msg #14

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

"I've gotten mixed messages from Pryor on the state of things, but he mentioned Dynamis was complicating his situation, so there's something left of him.  I expect him to get back in action more than the Persephone at this point, make no mistake."
Nightmare
player, 2893 posts
I was young, and that may
explain my actions.
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 13:29
  • msg #15

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 14):

Rebecca will spend her time stripping out as much of their tech from the SOC as she can making sure there are no remnants of their important works.  Other than that she doesn't need anything to prep for Venus.
Basilisk
player, 28 posts
All Suffering can End
Decide nothing matters
Wed 17 Oct 2018
at 14:40
  • msg #16

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Nightmare (msg # 15):

Basilisk, having no possessions other than his suit and no connection to the ship other than the fact that he cannot leave his chamber without said suit, has nothing further to prepare.
The Watcher
GM, 3594 posts
Knows, Sees, & Tells All
Above: 2 Truths, 1 Lie
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 18:03
  • msg #17

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Basilisk (msg # 16):

Kayla's constant vigilance goes unrewarded (or perhaps rewarded would be the more accurate term), as the Ship of Convenience approaches Venus's orbit without incident.

You immediately notice the presence of Dr. Pryor's flagship, the Dichotomy, along with a smattering of smaller ships that seem to be waiting for you.

"Welcome, Ship of Convenience," a voice hails from the comms. "We've been expecting you. Please follow your escort to the station."

A trio of SAGE Wasps flit toward you, maintaining a constant speed and formation in front of you and to your sides like an arrow head.

As Kayla brings the SOC around and you make your approach through the hazy atmosphere and, ultimately, toward the SAGE research station, Xander and Rebecca are struck by a sense of deja vu from the last time they were here.

The facility looks much the same as before: a multi-level floating station with a docking area to the west, observation decks in the center, and the industrial/mechanical/technical hubs to the east. The main difference, you may reflect, is that this time you're not coming here to rob the place.

Probably.

***

In short order, the Ship of Convenience has touched down within the re-pressurized docking bay. A look at the monitors shows Dr. Pryor striding toward the ship, eagerly outpacing his companions in the process: a pair of scientists and a man with a scraggly beard who you eventually recognize as Gestalt.

"Anything we should discuss before we talk to the welcome wagon?" Kayla asks, her hand hovering over the ramp's release button. "We should all be on the same page if the plan doesn't involve the whole truth."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:03, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
Billy Laser Fist
player, 2600 posts
Stacks of green paper
in his red right hand
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 18:50
  • msg #18

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

"Don't bring up the Mastodon just yet, I'd like to know details of where we stand and debrief with Gestalt and Dynamis before we try to beg or borrow a capital ship.  Nothing else I can think of that he shouldn't know," Billy replies to Kayla's pre-disembarkation warning before striding himself to meet the good doctor.
Nightmare
player, 2894 posts
I was young, and that may
explain my actions.
Fri 19 Oct 2018
at 23:47
  • msg #19

The Game: Chapter 12 - The Infinity Beyond

In reply to Billy Laser Fist (msg # 18):

<orange>what about Blaise do we ask about him?  Besides, with gestalt there he can tell us where it is.<\orange>

She is clearly getting excited and is shifting from one foot to the other.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:48, Fri 19 Oct 2018.
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