Interdictor-Class Battleship "Mastodon"
Low-Earth Orbit

There's something magical about the smell of a freshly sanitized battleship, Captain Blaise decided, clasping his hands formally behind his back as he gazed at the majestic of the cosmos from the bridge's viewport.

"Shuttle Fractal Pterodactyl reports it has docked in our bay, sir," came the hesitant voice of his helmsman, jarring the officer from his reverie. "Shall I bring us 'round toward a new heading, or are we expecting others?"

Blaise breathed in deeply from his nostrils, holding it in for a good ten-count before exhaling in the same manner. The combination of fast-drying chemicals tinged with the metallic tang left in the air by the recirculation scrubbers creates a slightly burnt, slightly sweet odor that many naval officers came to associate with comfort and efficiency.

"Sir?"

"There's enough trouble aboard the Fractal to go around," Blaise says, perhaps more curly than he intended. His tone softens, but only slightly -- displaying too much compassion might be good for morale, but it was definitely bad for discipline. "Yes, we're moving out. We've been in Braeburn's airspace for too long. Not that they'd admit there's a point at which their airspace ends."

The rest of the crew on the bridge laugh along with him, but it's a strained sound that lacked any trace of humor.

"Set a new course, Lieutenant. I want us in Venusian orbit as soon as possible."

"Venus, aye, Captain," the helmsman says, punching coordinates into his console. "ETA 97 standard cycles. 95 if we wait a few hours to align our departure with Earth's orbital thrust."

The captain sucked air through his nostrils again, annoyed by the universe's arbitrary limits and at his inability to circumvent them. Not yet, anyway

"Put a head on that, if you can," Blaise said, nodding at the helmsman. "The bridge is yours until I return. I have guests to attend to."

With that, the captain turned and walked toward the hallways that would eventually lead him to the docking bay. Along the way, he activated his comlink to speak without breaking stride.

"Bring the asset to my private conference room," the captain said softly, confident in his system's encryptions. "And notify the ARES agent. Our away team has arrived."

***

The Fractal Pterodactyl was a standard shuttle with textbook, assembly-line specifications across the board. At least, on paper. If one were to pop the hood, however, they would quickly notice a variety of upgrades generally reserved for smugglers, bootleggers, government contractors, and other criminals.

A cursory glance at the smirk on the pilot's face when the shuttle's side hatch opened to admit him was all it took for Captain Blaise to know it was the latter which he was dealing with.

"Welcome aboard the ICB Mastodon," Blaise said, awaiting a salute that never came. He brushed away his irritation and continued, this time addressing the group of men standing behind the pilot. "I trust the accommodations will be to your liking, Hor- Battalion. If you would follow me?"

The group of men began to follow, but Blaise stops them with a raised hand.

"Only Prime is needed, if you please."

There's a groaning, but eventually a single man steps forward -- the pilot, his mischievous smirk never leaving his face.


***

The pair enter Blaise's private conference room only to find that it is already occupied by a businessman wearing a pristine suit in the latest fashion and a non-nonsense expression. He steeples his fingers from his seat at the head of the table -- Captain Blaise's seat.

"Ah, Flux. I see you've arrived. Excellent," the captain says, swallowing his objection to the seating arrangement and taking a place at the opposite head of the boardroom table. He motions for Battalion to take a chair, as well.


Moments later, the door opens to admit a confused-looking man with a short-cropped haircut and a dirty Braeburn flightsuit. His expression is glassy, and he seems to be talking to himself under his breath.

"Xander. You're late," Blaise says, eliciting a start of surprise from the newcomer. "Please, have a seat. All will be revealed in time."


An awkward silence falls as the group looks at one another -- a silence broken when the door opens for what will be the final time of the meeting. A man in a white lab coat walks in, ushering a young girl holding a doll before him.

"Have a seat, Becky," the man says. "This nice man wants to help you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:45, Thu 21 Aug 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 1):

"Gentlemen," Captain Blaise begins. "Lady. You have been brought here today to help us address a matter of grave importance. The risks are great, but the rewards are greater."

He looks around the room, making eye contact with each person in turn.

"Freedom," he says, glancing at Battalion.
"Power," he says, with a nod toward Flux.
"Knowledge," he says in Xander's direction.
"Peace," he finishes, smiling at Rebecca.

"These and more are at stake, and they aren't just vague concepts. We have concrete data we're willing to share with the right group of people, in return for a cut of the profits. But it will mean going up against some of the biggest names in the game. The IDAS. Braeburn. GENOME. The list goes on."

Here, he pauses.

"Any objections so far? If you want to walk away, it's now or never."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 2):

Walking isn't the issue, JJ says with a smirk.  He drops into a chair with a loud thump then leans back and puts his feet up on the table, hands tucked firmly into the pockets of his orange jumpsuit.  Though I avoid it when I can.

A second Batallion appears to his side.  The duplicate wanders over to the long table that runs the length of one wall of the room and pours a glass of water from a stainless decanter.  This he brings back and hands to the original before winking out of existence.  In that time, two more duplicates appear and take the seats to either side of JJ so that he effectively sits on an entire side of the table 'alone'.

JJ nods to Flux.  JJ Hooper.  Batallion.  Whatever.  He sips at the glass of water and then reclines back and locks his fingers behind his head.

When do we leave and where are my quarters?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Thu 21 Aug 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 3):

The girl says with a precocious tone in her voice:

The information given to us does not allow for a significant analysis of your offer to walk away.  We must know specifically what risks are to be incurred and what rewards can be reaped before a proper level of acceptance can be analyzed.  Peace is what I desire above all else but how is your quest to intersect with my own.  That is the question.

"Hard to be on time for an appointment you don't know about," the jumpsuited man mutters, though it isn't clear to whom. He stands up and walks over to the corner of the room, where the pitcher of water sits on a small table. He pours himself a glass, drains it, pours himself another, and drains it too. The third glass he brings back to his seat, into which he collapses, rubbing his temples.

He knew water was what he needed, though he wished for something quite a bit stronger. Though the look of confusion and disorientation remains - helped not at all by JJ's sudden multiplication - he looks a bit less dazed. At least, he stopped moving his lips under his breath, perhaps aware that it made him look quite crazy.

Though, all things considered, given the makeup of the room, it was far down on the list of 'unusually weird occurances.'

Sipping his third glass of water, he sits silently and awaits further explanation.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 4):

Absentmindedly, Flux raises his hand in the direction of the water jug and glass, lazily pulling them both through the air and onto the table. With an unflinching gaze fixated on the group of misfits and miscreants assembled at his opposite, Flux pours a glass of water and drinks deeply before responding.

"Understanding is not required. Only obedience. If you find the current constraints of our proposition unacceptable, I'm sure we could return you to whatever happy life you left behind prior to joining us here today; the local Braeburn authorities would be eager to assist in your transport."

Flux pushes his chair back from table and stands to continue his address. He stands an even 7.5 Micah's tall (roughly 6 feet), cutting an imposing figure in his well tailored suit. The tight lines of the suit do nothing to hide the physique of what a brick shithouse would describe as an actual brick shithouse.

"Of course, there's no saying we can't have a little bit of fun along the way. A little bit of good. A little bit of bad. Minimum Casualties. Maximum Effectiveness. It is the motto our mission will keep at all times.

Questions?"

The look on his face makes it apparent Flux does not anticipate additional questions.

Upon the mention of the local Braeburn authorities, Xander flinches noticeably, as if slapped. An odd reaction, given the markings on his jumpsuit indicating him a member of Braeburn's R&D division.

He winces, rubbing his temples more vigorously. "We're all right here, there's no need to shout..." he murmurs. Xander looks at his now-empty glass and then at the pitcher floating near Flux longingly, though he can't seem to summon the energy to get up and retrieve it. Or at least, the energy to do so without vomiting all over the conference table.

He remains seated.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Thu 21 Aug 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 7):

JJ raises his hand.

Question: great motto, but can we leave the obedience part out of it?  Never had much use for it, or people demanding it.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 8):

Flux smiles deeply and genuinely, tenting his fingers as he ponders Batallion's question.

"Demand? Demand implies an inquiry or request has been made. No demands are being made of you.

Should you choose to not indulge in the basic expectations of this expedition, you are free to return to the proper authorities now, or the emptiness of space via the closest airlock I can shove you into.

We believe in freedom of choice here at ARES, but that doesn't mean we're above stacking the deck. I would think a man of your proclivities would appreciate such a distinction."

Xander elects to remain silent until such a time as the universe decides to start making the least little bit of goddamn sense.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:48, Thu 21 Aug 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 10):

As in all walks of life, I'll assume your silence implies consent.

Proceed Uninterrupted, Captain.

In reply to Flux (msg # 11):

JJ raises one brow to express his incredulousness but remains quiet for the time being.

Yup, I got your number fancy-pants.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 12):

"I can see why you came so highly recommended," Captain Blaise says, favoring Flux with a nod of approval before returning his gaze to the others.

"As I was saying, what we aim to do is no small matter, and will earn us a great many enemies in the process. But, as ARES is fond of saying, enmity is just another word for winning."

He activates the holo controls, which are built into the table itself. In response to his gesture, a timeline of sorts materializes above the group.

"This chart represents to rate at which Braeburn has expanded relative to the rate at which Braeburn has released technological advances. Note the enormous upticks present in three specific areas: when they deployed the Archive, when they established their Lunar colony, and most recently, when they established their Titanic colony."

The chart dissolves and is replaced by a graph depicting the company's revenue stream and rate of government contract acquisition.

"It shouldn't surprise you to hear that Braeburn hasn't lost a military contract it's bid on for years -- nobody's in a hurry to piss off the solar system's only high-fidelity data transmission provider, especially when said provider is also a leading player in the world of military contracting and consumer electronics."

This image is replaced by another, this one representing Braeburn's R&D budget and various science/tech grants.

"We've seen Braeburn's R&D grow by 15% or more every year since the establishment of their base on Titan, which would make more sense if it didn't coincide with their complete apathy for bidding on recent scientific development grants. As you can see, most of the money is being funneled to the Society of Aeronautic and Galactic Explorers."

The captain's voice becomes more serious.

"S.A.G.E., being a nonprofit, is bound to publish its findings to the Archive... but we suspect there's some collusion going on, wherein some of the choicest tidbits are passed directly to Braeburn's R&D instead, in exchange for S.A.G.E.'s near-monopolization of grant money in those fields of research."

The slide fades, replaced by an image of Saturn's largest moon: Titan.

"That may account for what we've seen, though we have other suspicions that merit follow-up as well. This may sound crazy, but I'm deadly serious: there's a chance that Braeburn may have made first contact with an advanced civilization."

He waits for that to sink in, then continues.

"We don't know if that means they have aliens slaving away at schematics in a dungeon somewhere or if that means they have a holo-based card game every other week with some big brain light-years away. Either way, if it's true, I want in."

The next slide is a very detailed diagram of Venus, animated to show a large pinprick of light suspended in the thick atmosphere.

"But that's a digression for another day. The matter at hand. This is Venus," he says unnecessarily. "And that blip of light is S.A.G.E's main research facility. They have many others -- most notably, the one on Ceres -- but this one's proximity to Earth makes it essentially their headquarters installation."

The pinprick of light zooms in, showing a very detailed schematic of the facility and a chart showing estimated populations of scientists, guards, drones, and other defenses.

"We have reason to believe S.A.G.E. is on the cusp of announcing a scientific advance that will revolutionize everything we know about space travel. Our intel is spotty on exactly what the discovery involves, but we're pretty sure it has something to do with sentient AI, faster-than-light travel, or something equally profound."

The schematic zooms in even further, revealing a dotted-line path that laces through the facility, into several rooms, and back again.

"Whatever it is, our sources indicate that it's stored in this data hub. And that's where you come in."

The slides fade entirely, and the captain addresses the group both formally and matter-of-factly.

"Your mission is to break into the S.A.G.E. research facility, access the data hub, retrieve whatever's there, and bring it back here. WITHOUT alerting the authorities, if at all possible. Mastodon will be standing by to assist, and the IDA fleet will be months away -- far too slow to stop us."

He smiles nonchalantly.

"Any questions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Fri 22 Aug 2014.

Typical Smash and Grab. Emphasis on the Grab, minimization on the smash.

Do we have any idea of the anticipated military resistance capacity available at the base? I'd like to know what sort of weaponry and training we're facing.

While I'm certainly familiar with the business anlytics you've presented, I'm not expert in the procurement of interstellar research data. I assume one of the lovely chaps here is somewhat savvy with computers?

Flux sighs heavily before turning toward Batallion

"And I suppose you're my SME on the breaking and entering?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 14):

JJ shakes his head dismissively.

Nope, sorry, not me, not anymore.  Strictly legit these days I'm afraid.  Fully reformed and all that.  Straight and narrow, like an arrow.

While he speaks, a duplicate of Batallion wearing a tuxedo appears and walks over to the table holding the water pitcher.  He searches around for some time then winks out.

JJ sighs and looks disappointed.

Though, metaphorically speaking of course, I'd kill for a danish or something.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Fri 22 Aug 2014.

"Questions? Yes. I have a few. Namely, who the fuck are you? Where the fuck am I, how the *FUCK* did I get here, and how the..." Xander blinks, interrupting his own tirade when he remembered the presence of the child in the room. He continues in a lower, slightly more calm tone of voice. "How do you even know my name?"

He blinks. "Also, Sentient AI?" he asks in a completely different, non-confrontational tone of voice.

Upon JJ's mention of a danish, Xander's stomach churns audibly. He suddenly realizes he is famished. "I second that," he says weakly. "I haven't eaten in...God, what time is it? What day is it?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:55, Fri 22 Aug 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 16):

"Manners," the captain says, looking distastefully at Xander. "I am Captain Blaise. You are aboard the ICB Mastodon -- where you docked of your own volition, you'll recall, as a stowaway. We've allowed you wander around a bit since then."

"Generally food can be found in the mess, but my private conference room does have some ameneties worth mentioning."

A placemat-sized chunk of the table slips aside in front of each of the people present (minus the various duplicates), revealing a data pad.

"Feel free to type in whatever you want, and our fabricators will do their best to accommodate you."

He turns to Flux.

"Detailed military and security countermeasures will be made available when we get closer -- our current estimates may be out of date. I don't expect it to be more than a few dozen sentients and a handful of battlesuits, though."

A map of the Mastodon materializes above the table, as well.

"Each of you have been assigned to a personal quarters, located here. You have the run of the ship, but do meet here once a day at the appointed time to mingle and discuss tactics. I've adjusted your chronos accordingly."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Fri 22 Aug 2014.

"No, I do *not* recall," Xander replies testily, "otherwise I wouldn't be asking."

He swipes through the various menus on the datapad, settling on requesting bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and black coffee. If I can't figure out what time of day it is, then breakfast seems the only logical choice.

His stomach rumbled again. He sits waiting for his food to appear, rubbing his temples. "Alright then, Captain Blaise," he says in a much calmer voice. "My question was more, 'whom do you work for?' I don't recognize your uniform. If I'm going to be bound up in this venture, I'd at least like to know who is holding my leash."

He's clearly not Braeburn, so that's good news, at least...

In reply to Xander (msg # 18):

JJ leans forward and engrosses himself in the food menu.

A leash... he comments idly, implies a dog at the other end.

JJ puts in a request for ten danishes but continues to flip idly through the menu.

I think I know who here is... accustomed to leash holding but as for dogs well...

JJ does not address this to anyone, in fact he doesn't even look up, allowing the comment to do as it will.

]

In reply to Batallion (msg # 19):

If the quip was meant for Flux, he doesn't look up from his recently materialized steak long enough to notice.

"Well at least they've got spunk, and they'll likely be receptive to some of the mission's potential fringe benefits"

In reply to Flux (msg # 20):

The briefing quickly becomes dinner, after which the group is left to its own devices.


OOC: Let me know what, if anything, you want to do in the immediate future and over the next three months or so of transit. There's nothing special about the transit period, but you should be interacting a little bit at least to get to know each other better. Unless you specifically decide you don't want to do that, I suppose.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Fri 22 Aug 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 21):

The very first thing you notice about the small girl sitting infront of you with her feet swinging off of the chair and wearing a hospital gown is that she is very pale... too pale... a closer look to find she is an albino, down to her reddish-pink eyes.  Eyes that don't seem to blink quite often enough for your taste.

When you hear mention Braeburns potential extraterrestial contact she has absolutely zero reaction.  Though she seems to not react to much, period.

Rebecca flips through the menu options and orders a giant ice cream sundae, with lots of whipped cream, and chocolate chip pancakes.

When the food appears she sits and watches everyone else eat.  She sets the doll behind the sundae and says quietly

Eat Percy.

The doll slumps limp face first into the sundae

The girl hums to herself while looking at each of you.

She fixes her unblinking eyes on captain Blaise

You know you talk like a member of Braeburn middle management.

She adopts a mock serious tone

We have increased our R&D budget by 15% year over year.  *She pauses for a minute*

Please tell me that you are not planning to stop there?  You show me pictures of Titan, tell me about Braeburn contact with extraterrestials and then ask me to steal a... thing from SAGE on the other side of the solar system like a petty criminal?  Then what?  Where do we go from there?  Congratulations we are now all fugitives.  How does that get us any closer to your alien card table considering you don't even know what blockbuster their releasing?


Even though you never saw her eat, part of the sundae appears to be missing as you leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Sat 23 Aug 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 22):

Batallion, once it's clear the captain is done talking, hoists himself up and ambles lazily from the conference room along with nine duplicates, each eating a danish.

He doesn't head anywhere in particular, just wandering until he stumbles upon his quarters.

After finishing what he declares to be breakfast, actual chronological time notwithstanding, Xander wanders out into the corridor in search of his quarters, a shower, a shave, and a change of clothes.

In all future meetings in the conference room, Xander is precisely on time, prompt by even military standards, usually arriving within a few seconds of Flux. Gone is his dirty Braeburn uniform, replaced by an impeccably immaculate but nondescript crimson jumpsuit. He speaks little during the briefings. When he does, it is typically to offer advice on military hardware, or corporate cyber-security protocol.

In general, Xander keeps to himself. After his acclimation the first day, he is much more even-keeled. Though he doesn't go out of his way to make conversation, when engaged he is polite and friendly. Most of his time is spent down in obscure part of the tertiary hangar bay. Anybody who happened to follow him down would notice him rigging up a complex looking series of tubes, pipes, and re-purposed stainless steel fuel drums.

The purpose of the contraption becomes clear about a month into the voyage. One day Xander shows up at the daily briefing lugging a large auxiliary fuel drum behind him. Pulling it into the corner of the conference room, he begins dispensing a a heady amber beer for all interested.

"Hefe-weizen," he says with a faint grin. "Brewed properly. None of this replicator swill. I figured if we have three months to our first mission, I might as well use the time wisely." He shrugs. "It's five o'clock when we say it is, after all."

Future meetings have variants of different pale ales and stouts (and soon after Xander managed to jury-rig a refrigeration unit, lagers), on tap.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Mon 25 Aug 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 24):

Batallion shows up to the prescribed meetings, but is normally late.  He contributes fairly little of substance most of the time and sometimes partway through the meeting he will pop out of existence thus revealing it to be a duplicate rather than the real Batallion.

In the hallways and passages of the ship you run into Batallion often, sometimes multiple times at once.  He just seems to be everywhere.

When Xander begins to bring kegs of beer to the meetings, Batallion's attendance improves.

You seem like a decent sort, not sure why I didn't see it at first.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Sun 24 Aug 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 25):

Becky is never seen in the hallways, only brought in by her handler at the time of the meetings.  Whenever meetings occur during mealtime you always see her order, never see her eat.

One day after the meeting she quietly goes over to the captain and tugs on his jacket, for all of her precocious speech patterns she still is a little girl after all.  You see her whisper in his ear.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 26):

They speak very quietly for a minute and she nods her head solemnly raises up on tip toe and lightly kisses the captain on the cheek.  She blushes furiously her whole face turning red due to her lack of pigment and she runs back to her caretaker dragging her doll behind her.  She looks back as the captain as she quietly takes the scientists hand and they walk out of the room together.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 27):

Roughly a week before the journey's end, Captain Blaise summons the group together again off-schedule for another briefing.

"Gentlemen. Lady," he begins, as always. "It's time we started to think about your mission in terms of specifics. You've had a chance to get to know each other, seen personalities and traits in action, and have been given a rough idea of each others' capabilities in combat -- and out of combat, as well."

A series of floorplans materialize, complete with moving dots.

"This is a real-time look at the security overlay you'll be dealing with. Well, it was real-time a few weeks ago. We have no reason to believe it will be dissimilar. Have a look and tell me how you'd prefer to tackle it."

***

The schematic is quite detailed, and shows obvious entrances and exits along with cameras, turrets, and patrol routes for what looks to be three dozen guards. A garage and docking bay shows about a dozen shuttles and half that many battlesuits.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

In reply to Captain Blaise (msg # 28):

Seemingly from thin air, Flux appears over the Captain's shoulder.

"Interesting. Laser movement grids and vibration panels? This is going to be more than just a coffee and cake run."

The sentiment strikes you as odd, as does Flux's mysterious appearance. You've been trapped on a ship together for 3 months, but your relationship with Flux wouldn't show any signs of forced proximity. Sure, he's been at all the required briefings, and you've caught glimpse of him having conversations with the Captain a few times, but your personal enouncters have been few and far between, if any, and if you haven't been spending at least 2-4 hours a day in gravity altered cardio exercise, you may not have seen him at all.

"Well troops, what are your opinions?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 29):

Batallion, showing the first signs of interest since Xander's beer, leans forward and gives the schematics a close looking-at.

Xander gazes on from over JJ's shoulder. He seems focused on the cyber security countermeasures they were likely to encounter. He turns to Captain Blaine. "This is a lot of hardware for a research facility. Do you have any sense of how well-trained these folks are with their equipment?" The mechanized armor in particular was a concern, and he points them out. "I can deal with most code walls with a neural interface," Xander says, hands absently brushing the input jacks at the base of his skull. "But these battlesuits could prove particularly problematic. Any idea what models they are?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:12, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 30):

So it appears our entire group did not really talk while traveling through space.  You literally would only see Rebecca in transport to or from the meetings and at the meetings themselves.  You know that she is remarkably intelligent and has an extremely strong will.  Many things are... off about her.  Also her doll creeps you the fuck out.

Percy take a look at this.  She places the doll on the table near the hologram.  She climbs up on a chair and then from the chair to the table and sits cross legged inspecting the hologram.  She has been wearing a hospital gown every time you have seen her and today is no exception.  She rocks back and forth biting her lip studying the project like a child watching TV.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 32):

If you can deal with the code walls and automated security, JJ says without looking up, then I can probably think of one or two ways to nip in and pop back out again.  There's plenty of doors, but only a few are worth our time.

JJ leans back in his chair and stares at the ceiling.

All hypothetical you understand.  Just sayin'.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 33):

"I'm not sure exactly what kind of battlesuits you'll be facing," the captain responds, though he seems quite pleased with the infiltration-in-progress clearly happening behind Battalion's eyes. "I'd imagine they began as standard-issue Braeburn tech, but recall that this is S.A.G.E. -- if they haven't upgraded them with experimental tech, I'll eat my hat. Still, it's nothing you can't handle, I'm sure. If we do this right, you won't see them at all; I intend to draw their attention far away from whatever access point you choose."

"Experimental tech?" Xander echoes, unable to conceal the sudden interest. "Yes, that would be...concerning."

"Very well. If you were able to draw the battlesuits away, could we use their hangar to stage our inflitration? What is our method of deployment? Atmospheric shuttle?"

In reply to Xander (msg # 35):

"You'll be shuttled down, yes. If you want to try the hanger bay, that's your call -- though since that's the home of their battlesuits and ships, I'd suggest a less dangerous approach, offhand."

In reply to Captain Blaise (msg # 34):

Besides, 10% of my annual bonus is the destruction of experimental non ARES based technology. If we find ourselves encountering any SAGE mechs, they'll be regrettably disappointed to be confronted by my defense of my bottom line.

And let's be real- smashing up giant robots is AWESOME.

Percy- Do you think you might be able to assist us in disorienting the local guards? Your strange ability to hear the unheard and see the unseen would be a useful catspaw if it could be projected onto others. We could disable the security without causing alarm.

Flux eyes Rebecca cautiously before shaking his head and continuing. Did I really just address a doll?

Not my preferred way of doing business, mind you, but this operation does seem to call for SOME subtlety.

If it hasn't become clear to you yet, I'll be the ground force strike leader. No one takes an action without my say so, and those that do will know a significantly more intimate relationship with the gravity of Venus, and my fists.

Turning to JJ, and pointing a finger toward a seemingly innocuous, albeit isolated and well defended (in the security measure sense) room.

We'll also need to make a pit stop here. Nothing to concern yourself about Captain, but I'll be having a discussion about our secondary mission objectives with the team once you've completed your briefing. JJ, Xander, I'll want your recommendations on incursion and extraction tactics by the time my briefing begins.

In reply to Flux (msg # 37):

Oh sure, I'll be sure to type that up for you.  JJ gives a sloppy mock salute to Flux, but doesn't bother to stand up or take his feet off the table.

I wonder what breaking into a SAGE facility will do for my rep... and my parole.  Might get me in pretty with Flux's boys, they seem to take care of their own.

JJ turns to Xander.

Meaning all possible respect and deference and whatnot to you, it's bad manners to insult he who brings you beer, but if you want to just walk into the main hangar, you can do that without me.

Xander shrugs off any offense. "It was just a thought. I wasn't sure what diversion the good Captain had in mind. I was merely expressing my opinion that recovering experimental technology could be fun and interesting. But if we don't have a way to do that safely, it's not worth risking ourselves over."

He waves a hand at the schematics. "I honestly don't care which point we pick to start our mission. *A* hangar might be useful, if there's a less-guarded secondary cargo bay or something. I'm mostly interested in avoiding casualties and excess damage. "Thief" I can live with. "Terrorist" sits less well with me. No offense to you, Captain, but I don't know you or whatever organization you represent. I certainly have no intention of killing on your behalf."

In reply to Xander (msg # 39):

Nor should you. Our goal is to maximize profit and damage, and to minimize casualty.

I believe we have a contact who has been successful in procuring us access to the SAGE dock? We're going to be posing as smugglers of questionable repute bringing some situationally procured and highly regulated material to SAGE for God know's what. Of course, we won't be giving them the material, and we'll be using the cargo dock as our beachhead, but these are simple semantic concerns.

I'm not of a mind to be a terorrist or a thief. I pride myself on being a hero and champion of my cause. I expect you to do the same.

In reply to Flux (msg # 40):

JJ raises one hand and places the other over his heart.

Big damn heroes.

In reply to Xander (msg # 39):

Rebecca speaks on Percy's behalf she sounds half out of it though

Percy is able to distract several guards at once, though each subsequent target is less reliable than the previous.  Depending on how well they are armed Percy will be able to offer us around approximately 60 seconds of distraction with potential to incapacitate several guards.


She looks at Flux while she stands on the table and jumps off into a chair and subsequently to the floor.

Many villains and evildoers envision themselves as heroes through the ages.  Remember everyone is the protagonist in their own story.  We are thieves at the moment that may change with time.

/ooc all I can think of is Handsome Jack in Borderlands 2 after talking in depth about torturing someone then killing them prodly saying "I showed them mercy, because thats what heroes do.  They are merciful!" /ooc

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 42):

Ownership little one, is in the hand of the owner. Possession is 9/10's of the law. A child of your mental aptitude is familiar with the requisite platitudes. We aren't going to be thieves. Think of us more as enterprising businessmen with a penchant for entropy. Besides, when has a corporation ever not been the hero?!

In fact, Rebecca..

(Flux pales momentarily, seemingly reacting to something done by the doll, though not apparent to the rest of you)

Should we be addressing you directly, or should we be talking to Percy? If you're going to be part of the team, we've got to communicate effectively.

That goes for all of you. I've got instructional holovids on the imperative of 3-way communication which will be required pre-mission viewing
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

In reply to Flux (msg # 43):

Already watched those.  Fascinating stuff.


A duplicate appears and fetches Batallion some water.  Another two appear behind him and proceed to massage his shoulders while Batallion relaxes.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 44):

Oh? I was unaware we had a teacher's pet.

Pop Quiz Hotshot!

Tell me, what would the proper 3 way communication response be if Xander here told you he'd completed repairs on a frayed electrical conduit and was passing you the conduit to reconnect?

In reply to Flux (msg # 45):

She fixes her red eyes on Flux.

I hope that was a rhetorical question about corporations.

She straightens up to her full 4'6" and strikes a haughty pose.

You may speak to me.  Percy is very shy.

/ooc at this point you realize that while she is young not only is she very small but also acts at certain times several years younger than her age./ooc

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 46):

Any other questions, or shall we continue with the classified portion of the briefing?

In reply to Flux (msg # 47):

Hmph.  She says turning her back and walking away.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 48):

I'd tell him to reconnect his own damned conduit.  What do I look like, a shop tech? 

JJ leans forward and clasps his hands seriously.

I certainly wouldn't want to endanger the lives of the good people here by doing something I'm unqualified to do.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Tue 26 Aug 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 49):

"Quite," Captain Blaise says with a nod. "You are each specialists in your own field, which is what makes you so uniquely qualified for this mission."

One of the rooms in the schematic glows with a golden light and the whole display shifts to it.

"That mission, by the by, is in this room. As you can see, it is well guarded and right in the center of the installation. It's a terminal bay, where data is hard stored for later retrieval. You'll need to access that room, copy all the information from their active data storage unit onto a portable drive, and then make your way back out with the copy in tow. You'll also need to make sure you grab their encryption key, too -- I imagine you can find that in any of these security centers."

Five rings of light pop onto the screen to accompany this revelation.

"Straightforward, no?"

In reply to Captain Blaise (msg # 50):

Flux makes mental note.

It's clear Batallion did not watch the holovids.

And a psychic stuffed doll is making faces at me. Great. At least it's a capable group. They might be able to get into the real experimental tech area..

Clear as crystal Captain.

Xander nods. "Just tell me what you need done."

Sure, I'll get you your data core. But after that...I will have my answers, "Captain."

In reply to Xander (msg # 52):

The meeting adjourns and business-as-usual persists for the rest of the journey, which comes to an abrupt end with a signal from the ship's intercom system.

"Entering Venusian space. All crew, prepare for orbital lock."

Soon, the Mastodon comfortably in orbit around Earth's shrouded twin, and your private transmitters spark to life with Captain Blaise's voice.

"Away team, report to the docking bay. It's go time."

***

Flux, Battalion, and Rebecca arrive to find Battalion's shuttle primed and ready -- Xander is nowhere to be seen. Captain Blaise is standing nearby, along with two technical officers, a mechanic, and a scientist in a white jacket.

"We took the liberty of adding a few modifications to your already-impressive system," the captain says. "Dr. Venkis will explain."

The scientist nods and steps forward.

"In addition to possessing an upgraded pressurization system to keep it safe in the scalding Venusian atmosphere, this shuttle is now equipped with an extremely sensitive bauble of... Perry's... design."

He flicks his eyes toward the doll perched on Rebecca's shoulder, then continues.

"We installed it in the cockpit, near the co-pilot's steering column. It looks like the grip to a holoracket," he continues. "While Perry or Rebecca holds the grip and focuses their considerable mental prowess into it, the entire ship should benefit from one aspect of their unique gift. This makes choosing an access point incredibly easy."

Captain Blaise picks up from there.

"With Dr. Venkis's amplifier in place, the ship can phase through solid objects for brief windows of time, so long as Rebecca maintains her focus. It's spotty, at best, so I recommend you use it to pass directly down from the structure's roof and into its top-level storage space. The approach you choose to use it ultimately up to you, but we haven't been able to make it work for more than one solid object in a row, so you can go ahead and dismiss the notion of flying right into the center and soaring out unscathed."

"Begging the captain's pardon, but it's not 'spotty'," the scientist bristles. "It's perfectly capable of making at least two phases before it melts down."

"A process that would damage the shuttle's structural integrity. Which means if you choose to save it for an emergency contingency plan, I'll understand."

He looks at each person in turn.

"If you have any final questions, now's the time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Wed 27 Aug 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 53):

Experimental phasing technology? Awesome!

We'll handle logistics from here Captain. Raido silence will only broken in the event of an emergency on standard gold level channels.

In reply to Flux (msg # 54):

Shut up Percy they are NOT going to die.


/edited to change for an in character tweak
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Wed 27 Aug 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 55):

Batallion looks at each of his 'team' in turn.

We're doing this then?

This is the worst plan I've ever heard... and I once helped Destructo Dominatrix raid her ex-husband's law firm for proof of infidelity by posing as "reproductive consultants".

By all means then, after you gentlemen.

True to form, Batallion follows into the shuttle dead last.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 56):

Becky bounces in behind Flux and starts pointing out some of the cooler points of the ship.  In mid-stream she says

Where is Xander?

Then immediately continues talking about her modification.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 57):

I assume he's somewhere nestled deep inside the shuttle finding a way to get intimate- such is his purrogative.

In reply to Flux (msg # 58):

Batallion clearly neither understands a thing Rebecca is saying nor cares particularly much.

So, kid, you're some kind of prodigy then?  Tell me this, what is it they've got that's so valuable?  You seem the sort to work that out.

Batallion absolutely does not seem to care that everyone else can hear him.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 59):

What 'they' do you speak of?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Tue 02 Sept 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 60):

Batallion narrows his beady eyes.

ARES, the Captain, whoever, kid.  The ones pulling the strings.  We're not on a multi-million dollar trip for our health.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 61):


Rebecca cocks her head to the side examining battalion with her red eyes.  After a moment she speaks.

If you had listened during the briefings you would understand (she says with the heir of a college student who is tired of letting others copy their work) we believe that Braeburn corp has discovered and been in contact with an alien race.  We also know they are being less than forthcoming with their information about this potential contact.  Finally we know that there has been a major disruption to world communications that seems to have coincided with Braeburn's involvement.

Our happy side trip to Venus is expected to decrease our total time spent on mission.  As for the overall purpose of the mission... that depends on what we find after Venus. 

She pauses.  You can tell she knows more than she is saying and she is not certain what or how to proceed.  She fidgets with the drive on the ship.  She adds in an offhand, distracted and bitter manner.

Braeburn is full of liars.  I can't believe I didn't see it sooner.  The great thing about being dead is you have an uncluttered perspective on things.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 62):

She's nuts totally nuts.

What you need, kid, is a healthier sense of paranoia, I'll give you the first booster shot:

If we're really after aliens and tech, it's not because ARES wants it for the good of mankind.

Batallion looks like he's about to say more but he just shakes his head and leans back into his seat.

We there yet?

In reply to Batallion (msg # 63):

I see a singular Ares representative in this cooperative and he is not the captain.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 64):

...And no.  We are not there yet.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 65):

The journey is surprisingly smooth right until the final approach, at which point a decision must be made: assuming you're flying directly at a facility suspended entirely in the atmosphere (think Cloud City, but with a flat top and narrow, top-like bottom), where would you want to dock? Essentially, do you want to try to phase through a wall somewhere, or land on the top like the Captain suggested?

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 66):

Shipping and recieving.  Batallion muses out loud.  Plenty of comings and goings, less security.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 67):

Given you are the subject matter expert in terms of the penetration of security I see no reason to dissent from your opinion.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 68):

after a moment she adds

Percy agrees.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 69):

The ship approaches the docking bay reserved for Shipping & Receiving, making an inconspicuous approach alongside a bevy of white GlobEx and brown IPS freighters.

"Contact, S.A.G.E Air-Traffic Control," a voices squawks over your intercom. "Maintain current heading. State your destination, cargo, and affiliation, over."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Thu 11 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 70):

Mutters to Battalion

Well Mr infiltration?  Any ideas?

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 71):

Batallion raises one eyebrow.

Why ask me?  This isn't my op, I didn't plan any cover, nor did I plan to fly into a military installation without one.

Batallion glances at Flux then shakes his head.

Fabrics, textiles, shredded fibers:raw stuffs for fabbing uniforms and clothing.  Boring shit, right?

God, it's like grade school in here.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Thu 11 Sept 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 72):

"Repeat, state your..." the voice begins, then squawks out of existence. The reason becomes apparently just moments later, as the various GlobEx and IPS freighters break off their trajectories in clearly evasive maneuvers. "Attention all freighters: Belay all former instructions. This facility is under attack from an Alpha-Bravo-Bravo threat. Proceed to the nearest docking bay for immediate lockdown. Remain aboard your vessel until we send the all-clear. S.A.G.E. countermeasures have been deployed, and we expect an all-clear shortly. Repeat, we sszzzzzzzt-"

The communication ends abruptly in a burst of static. Lances of bluish energy crackle through the thick atmosphere in front of your viewport, crashing against the facility without causing any apparent structural harm.

"Mastodon here," Captain Blaise's voice snaps from the intercom. "I'm pleased to report that the S.A.G.E. station's communications grid is, strictly speaking, a hot mess right now. Land in the prescribed docking bay and get to it. Xander's en route as well. Move quickly; I'm not sure how long we can maintain the lockdown."

Another shuttle streaks into the docking back ahead of you, ostensibly the one the Captain referred to just moments ago.

Worth noting: six larger ships take off from that self-same docking bay, blasting upwards flanked by large mechanical battlesuits. If you had to guess, they are probably intending to do something about the Mastodon...
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Thu 11 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 73):

Its like I have to do everything myself...

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 74):

The party's crew manages to pilot the shuttle to the appropriately locked down docking bay, alongside a half-dozen other courier-style freighters. They are now left with a series of choices, the primary one being whether or not they remain put as instructed by S.A.G.E.'s air-traffic controller before everything was disrupted.

Captain Blaise, of course, makes his own opinion known.

"You're clear, for now. Go, go, go!"


For additional details, see this map (note, each square represents about 50 meters): https://docs.google.com/spread...o/edit#gid=538859994
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:07, Mon 15 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 75):

As the ship moves in to land, all available space in the shuttle is gradually taken up by a small army of armed and uniformed soldiers who are otherwise identical to Batallion.

Each carries a heavy rifle and has a shiny badge on his left breast inscribed with "E Pluribus Batallion".

Do we listen to the crazy voice in our ears? JJ asks idly, looking toward the exit.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 76):

The most efficient method to retrieve the items we need is to dock on the third floor, then acquire as quickly as possible the encryption codes, leaving and redocking into the second floor and picking up the materials there, followed by leaving.  We could further facilitate the plan by using the ship's newly deployed phasing power to drop it from the third floor through the ceiling of the second floor if you were interested.

However my calculations are only theoretical.

It appears we have limited options and that we must make optimal use of the distraction provided by Captain Blaise.  Nowhere to go but out.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:04, Tue 16 Sept 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 77):

Batallion nods.

Then after you.

The soldiers all look ready to leave, but Batallion doesn't make any move for the door.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 78):

Xander- what can you do to interface us with station security? I'd like to have as much visibility to the facility layout and security response while we are mobile. A line into the security feeds would be optimal.

Batallion, I need you to keep Rebecca and and Xander protected. We'll be using your doubles as the primary insertion into rooms.

And as for me, I'll be in field command and will be the one knocking on the doors.

Questions?

The subtle shift in Flux's body posture suggests the answer is "No".

Only silents greets your query.

[OOC - Xander is not on the shuttle]

In reply to Xander (msg # 80):

Rebecca raises her hand meekly.

I do not require protection... I'm already dead.  Also do you require suppresive fire? Or a distraction? 

/ooc you still have no idea as to her powers... she has been kept on lockdown the entire trip.  Only seeing her at meals. /ooc

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 81):

Ain't no 'we' in what how I use my troops.

Batallion pauses.

Sir.  He adds sarcastically.  But I've no interest in having my ticket home killed or waylaid.  Lead on, they'll escort.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 82):

Satisfied with his show of force, and eager to get to the mission, Flux opens the shuttle door and steps out of the ship.

"Time to make the donuts"

In reply to Flux (msg # 83):

Rebecca phases out and quietly drops through the bottom of the ship to the tarmac below hiding behind a wheel and surveying the situation before the team leaves the ship. (Phasing 56)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Sun 21 Sept 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 84):

The group of troops follows Flux out of the ship, but having neither of their assigned escourtees in sight, they can't do much guarding.

Battalion himself hangs back in the ship until the group moves on.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 85):

As Flux and the troops stream out of the ship, a metallic voice rings over the local intercom speakers.

"Attention: Remain on lockdown. Repeat, remain in your vehicles."

A quick glance reveals the owner of the voice, a portly fellow standing inside the glass-windowed office that overlooks the docking bay. It is situated at the top of a one-flight steel staircase near the exit, such that you will have to pass by him in order to exit.

His eyes widen at the sight of armed soldiers, and he presses a button on his console. Immediately, blaring sirens and whirring lights spring to life.

"INTRUDER ALERT. INTRUDER ALERT."

With a hiss of steam, three robotic enforcers detach from hidden wall panels and begin to lumber toward the small army in question.



They're coming in fast, and they certainly don't look friendly...

~~ It's CLOBBERING Time! ~~
Batallion
S.A.G.E. Bots
Flux
Rebecca
Xander
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:40, Tue 23 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 86):

You can hear Rebecca's voice echoing in your head as if she was standing next to you.

I could have neutralized the observer if you had not have made a grand show of force... now everyone knows we are here and have lost our element of stealth.  Idiots.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:57, Tue 23 Sept 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 87):

Your input into command decisions is not required at this time. Had you considered that diverting resources and response to this bay could be a capable distraction for our many faceted friend Batallion and our technical whiz Xander to infiltrate other areas of the facility while you maintain communications and I show these boys a good time?

No. Of course you didn't.

Relay the plan to Xander and and Batallion. Maintain contact between us and prepare Percy for the distraction.

In reply to Flux (msg # 88):

The voice continues disappointed...

I'm not in contact with Xander, my communicative abilities are... limited nearly to those of standard speech.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 89):

Your limitations are noted. Relay to Batallion and prepare for combat.

"Xander, we'll secure the landing site. Proceed with Batallion to mission objective. Batallion, ensure a copy is left here to maintain a communication link between mission command via Rebecca and yourself/Xander as the incursion team.

Do you understand these instructions as they have been outlined?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 90):

Oh, I understand JUST fine.

Battalion's troops fan out and form a loose barrier between the oncoming robots and our 'heroes'.

They open fire at the leftmost automoton.  Of the dozen soldiers, 8 score hits on the machine [6 green, 1 yellow and 1 red Kill result.  I think with GD damage vs GD armor that's 5 damage per hit?  Not sure about the Bullseye and the Kill]

Battalion himself breaks into three identical Batallions [OOC: Duplication roll 74 yellow] which all slide off from the group toward the exit covering... nobody since there's nobody around to cover.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:49, Wed 24 Sept 2014.

{A brief burst of static spikes on Xander's com frequency, but nothing intelligible. You think you might hear a voice, but it quickly fades into the background of atmospheric disruption.}
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Tue 23 Sept 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 92):

The first S.A.G.E. bot sustains 40 points of damage, but ultimately still looks fine. It and the other two bots level wrist-mounted blasters at the soldiers, blasting three of them to pulp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:36, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 93):

Flux reaches his arm out, seeking to grapple the robot, but nothing happens.

[Gravity Mainpultion 16]

Fine. We'll do it the hard way.

[Haste 82, Red Success]

Flux positions himself in a blade stretch, and explodes forward, arms stretched in a violent clothesline as he approaches the robots.

Flux's outstretched arms connect with both robots

[Fighting 1, 25 Green Success] [Fighting 2 65, Yellow Success]

[Damage 50]
[White Stun]

How's that for an opening offer?

In reply to Flux (msg # 94):

The man in the booth looks around swearing he saw something strange but ultimately dismisses it as the stress of combat.

Solid illusions vs. guy in booth: 4 White Fail
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

Suddenly, the entire hangar bay shakes violently from a sonic boom, the deafening roar of thrusters, and the shriek of flames. Hovering at the entrance to the hangar is an enormous battlesuit, wreathed in the fires of re-entry.

The mech glows cherry-red, though as the atmospheric shield tiles burn off and fall free, gleaming black armor plating is revealed underneath, comprising the bulk of the sleek chassis. What angles and edges are visible are trimmed with blood-red crimson, though the design is largely flowing, organic lines. Rather than a sensor dome, the 'head' of the mech is modeled something along the lines of a medieval knights helmet. Twin photoreceptors burn crimson in the 'visor' of the helmet .This, combined with the unnaturally fluid grace with which the contruct moves, lends the impression of a living creature more than a machine.

Shoulder-mounted thruster modules shoot ionized energy behind the mech in a torrent of blue-white fire, maintaining the battlesuit's altitude. The segmented maneuvering vanes are unfurled for atmospheric flight, like the bat-like wings of some hellish demon.

By far the most salient feature, however, is the massive railgun held in battlesuit's right hand, currently aimed at the nearest robotic defender. The sleek barrel of the gun comes alive, crackling with electricity, discharging a withering volley of depleted-uranium slugs at hypersonic speeds. The rounds tear clean through the defending automaton, entering once side and leaving the other in a trail of smoke and sparks.

[Attack: 74]

[Damage: 45]

The SAGE robot collapses in on itself, and then explodes.

Xander's voice crackles over the com frequency. Sorry I'm late to the party. Had some issues with re-entry. Looks like I made it for the fun part!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 96):

A bit melodramatic don't you think?

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 97):

The two remaining S.A.G.E. bots agree, turning to face the greatest perceived threat: a large battlesuit.

~~ Round 2 ~~
Batallion
S.A.G.E. Bot A (Damage: 0)
S.A.G.E. Bot B (Damage: 40)
S.A.G.E. Bot C (destroyed)
Flux
Rebecca
Xander
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:50, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 98):

Xander, nice to see you were able to make the party. Maintain hangar security and protect our launch bay at all costs.

Rebecca, you're with me. We're going to catch up to Batallion.

We...probably want to finish these guys off first. I'd rather not get this thing more banged up than I have to. We might need it to punch out of here.

In reply to Flux (msg # 99):

The remaining 9 troops continue to fire on their original target, and nearly half manage to hit. (2 Green, 1 Yellow, 1 Red success so 20 damage?).  They maintain a rough firing line formation to provide some minimal cover.

Batallion, or the three of them, continue to make for the door.  Two new soldiers flick into existence escouring them (duplication success)

This is the dumbest plan I've been part of yet...

Hey gear-head, make sure you don't smash me as you tear this place apart!

In reply to Xander (msg # 100):

Flux strides calmly away from the robots, showing them his back as he nonchalantly approaches Xander's towering mech.

With a look of disdain and a tone of no response expected, he retorts simply:

"Command level decisions are not negotiable; your concerns have been noted and will be documented in the mission report.

You will follow my orders or you will find your way to a the first Braeburn facility I can find with the biggest bow I can craft placed upon your dismembered mech and your lobotmized brain.

Hold. My. Launch bay.

Monitor mission status and remove technical obstacles via console interface as requested by mission command.

Dismissed."

Flux turns back to the remaining robots.

Now where were we?

In reply to Flux (msg # 102):

The S.A.G.E. bots turn their blasters toward Xander's mech, unleashing hell of the plasmic variety.

[Blasters: 59, 92]

The first blast lights up the pilot's screen, which dutifully indicates minor structural damage (IN damage - RM armor = 10 damage). The second blast, however, bullseyes the main power junction, which threatens to go critical (10 more damage, "kill" threat).

[Endurance (Xander): 86, success]

The battlesuit's power source surges with energy, but mercifully remains operational.

The overweight man behind the control panel, noticing Battalion's approach, presses another button, which causes a thick metal door to fall in front of the office's entrance and in front of the docking bay's exit/entrance to the main facility. Until dealt with, you will be unable to leave.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 103):

Batallion makes a rude gesture at the overweight man. [Success]

In reply to Batallion (msg # 104):

Flux turns toward the controller smugly gloating at his reinforced position.

[Gravity Anchor 81, Red Success]
[Haste 6, White Fail]

"Let's discuss this face to face, shall we?"

Flux reaches out with his hand toward the control panel, connecting himself to the rotund man.

With an exaggerated pantomime, Flux tugs his hand toward him. In immediate response, the portly plebe is yanked toward Flux, smashing through the glass and accelerating toward Flux.

Flux's left hand rises in gesticulation of a stop sign, leaving the chubby chap hanging above Flux and level with Xander's guns.

"The code's to open the gates and signal the security all clear, please. That is, unless you'd like to negotiate with a railgun?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 105):

"No, no no no, please," the man squeals, reddening at the sight of the railgun leveled at his chest. "The key's still in the system slot back in the office. Just turn it off and pull the key out, it'll all go back to normal. Please don't hurt me!"

In reply to Flux (msg # 105):

Rebecca, might you be able to do something to relieve this poor soul of his current consciousness? I'd hate to further stress him with the overt threat of certain descrution.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 106):

Not so tough now, eh?

In reply to Batallion (msg # 108):

Rebecca steps out from her hiding spot under the ship and focuses her pink eyes on the man and SAGE bot A (Solid Illusions 87).

Suddenly the man is engulfed in a solid looking mist rendering him unconscious (Fighting 89, Damage 40, choosing to render unconscious).

You hear a crunching noise as a hereto unnoticed mist pounds down on Sage Bot A causing its shocks to rebound with the force of the blow (Fighting 59  damage 30)


This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 109):

Eyeing Xander:

"Cleanup, aisle 4"

Xander tracks Sage Bot B, and as soon as the reticle flashes solid red, unleases another volley of railgun fire. The crackling of energy along the rifle culminates in a series of hypersonic pops - 400, specifically.

The rounds continue to slice through the mechanical defender, punching through its armor as if it was nonexistant.

[Attack: 79]

[Damage: 40]

The roar of the thrusters fades as the battlesuit descends to the metal decking with a muffled clank. With the last of the re-entry coating shed, the battlesuit's designation can be seen in small letters on the left shoulder: ARC-001. And right below it, the unit apellation: Abraxas.

With the controller unconscious, Xander keeps his railgun trained on the standing mechanical defense.

Save your unnecesarily complicated threats for the enemy, Flux Xander replies flatly over the comline. We're on the same team. There's no need for your posturing.

In reply to Xander (msg # 111):

Posturing and threat implies a lack of follow through. You will follow the command structure, or you will be replaced. It was a declaration of fact.

But you're right. We are on the same team.

Now, would you care to come down and disarm the doors and see if you can patch into station security and get us a view of the current layout and strategic defenses? I'd like to begin emphasizing the "Grab" portions of this smash and grab job.

Absolutely, as soon as the units *actively shooting at me* have been neutralized.

In reply to Xander (msg # 113):

Where is your sense of adventure?

In reply to Flux (msg # 114):

Oh for the love of... Battalion mutters to himself.

Battalion, followed by his small entourage, dash over toward the overseers recently abandoned office.

Instead of using the stairs, however, one of the jump-suited Battalions breaks off and steps up into thin air... which is quickly occupied by a copy of him on all fours, thus providing a step.  As Battalion steps again, more duplicates appear to support his feet such that he can climb easily up into the window.

He clicks the key to 'off' and pulls it out of the slot.

Now, where were we?

In reply to Batallion (msg # 115):

The remaining S.A.G.E. bots deactivate, as do the sirens, leaving the docking bay oddly quiet.

You are struck by the presence of the other freighters, however, the occupants of which are both 1) obeying the lockdown edict and 2) assuredly aware of what just happened.

Either way, the metal barriers are raised, and the way forward is clear.

~~ End Combat ~~
+ 50 Karma to all
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 116):

Flux flings himself into the control room, grabbing the intercom

"To all docking bay personnel and ships. Those who remain in their vessels until we have departed will not be boarded or harmed. Any attempt to make communication with the base or an external entity, or to leave the ship, will be viewed as a hostile action and met with extreme prejudice.

This can all be over quickly and cleanly for you, and you can continue your humble existence without further imposition.

Or you can try your luck with me and the railgun.

The choice is yours. I encourage you to make it quickly and intelligently.

The electricity crackling along the barrel of the railgun decreases to a dull hum as the capacitors return to combat standby. Nice work, JJ! Xander says appreciatively. Absent the disruption of the charged magnetic rails, the audio fidelity was much higher.

Hmm. I'll have to look into that. Maybe some EMP shielding on the C3 uplink suite...

He scans his panels, checking for damage. Status report - operating at 85% combat readiness. Do you want me holding the hangar, or facilitating infiltration? Or perhaps continuing the diversion topside? Xander asks hopefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 118):

I'd like a tactical assessment of the security force layout and a recommendation for path of ingress. Once that's complete, you're welcome to continue playing topside.

I'll maintain our egress route and remind our friends here of the consequences of leaving their ships.

Abraxas glides over to the control office, taking care not to step on any of JJ's duplicates. A hatch you didn't notice before pops open with the audible hiss of pressurization, and a fully oxygen-suited Xander steps lightly out into the office, using Abraxas' empty left hand as a stepping stone. Once inside he takes off his helmet, resting it on the desk as he searches for the proper input jack.

Finding one, he takes a plug out from his head, and inserts it into the console.

Alright. Let's see what their security disposition looks like.

[Interface with Machine: 48]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Thu 25 Sept 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 120):

Unless it appears that Xander needs it for whatever he's doing, Battalion pockets the security key and wanders out of the control room.

He steps easily down again along a new makeshift bridge of duplicates, all of which vanish as soon as his feet touch the floor.

Battalion then goes about "securing the area" by creating a substantial compliment of guards while he waits for Xander and Flux to "quit screwing around" as he notes.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 121):

While walking around and splitting off duplicates Battalion walks into Rebecca playing with Percy and humming a tune of her own composition.

Her pink eyes lock on his.

Your fighting style is inefficient, but effective.  Thank you for defending us.
She tries to grab three of your fingers in one tiny hand.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 122):

Battalion flinches reflexively and a duplicate appears in his stead, the fingers of which Rebecca seizes.

Yeah, well all in a day's heroics.

While filling out his ranks, Battalion calls up to Xander and Flux.

Is the rest of our plan smash and fight or do you have something better in mind?

In reply to Batallion (msg # 123):

Once we have an assessment of the security response and layout, the 3 of you will proceed inward to the mission objective. I will maintain position here at command and control and ensure our safe egress. I'd also like a scan for traces of Arbidium 295 isotopic presence.

With perhaps a quick detour to see if the rumors of SAGE's procurement of the fabled Xel'Ite are true.

In reply to Flux (msg # 124):

Suddenly Rebecca appears next to Flux, like she had always been there.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 125):

In reply to Flux (msg # 126):

The docking bay secure and the alarms silenced, the group has little trouble working its way through the first floor. Xander's interface reveals nothing but confusion and static -- apparently the Mastodon's ionic strikes have scrambled more of the station's internal systems than you thought.

A manual check of the floor reveals that the rooms seem dedicated to packages, crates, and the like, but the shipping manifests indicate that these are mostly circuit boards, electronics, and other scientific equipment of minor-to-moderate value.

The lift tube, however, poses a slight problem, in that the normally green indicator light that one might press to activate the system is pulsing with red light and emitting sparks. There are no doors to pry open; instead, the lift tube appears to operate by manipulating local gravity levels.

Or it would, if the controls weren't blown all to hell by what looks like a malicious blaster bolt.

An input jack is nestled into the wall nearby, but otherwise you appear to be completely alone on the current floor -- minus the unconscious overseer and the dozens of freighter captains and crew currently locked down in the bay.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:17, Mon 29 Sept 2014.

Xander attempts to plug into the interface, but the white noise of the ionization prevents him from making a connection.

Almost...dammit! Almost had it! he exclaims. This might be tricky. If we have the time to spend, I can probably make it work. Eventually.

In reply to Xander (msg # 128):

"Maybe we'll have better luck from the inside?"

Flux grips his hands at the elevator's seams and pries:

[Str 12, 56 Yellow Success]
[Karma -44]

In reply to Flux (msg # 129):

If this system utilizes local gravity fields why could you not just act as a suitable proxy for gravitational fields?  Are you unable to exert the necessary control?

/ooc also aren't there not any doors?  so nothing for Flux to force./ooc

Flux gave up reading, as well as the ability to rhyme on purpose, for an extra +2 to hit.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 130):

Flux's efforts causes the control panel to emit a shower of sparks and then go dark and dead... but a subtle hum from the tube itself indicates that the local gravity field is responding the Flux's controls.

At least for now.

OOC: There were no doors, but I repurposed Flux's roll into jamming the field back online. It will operate under his guidance at the present. Duration unknown.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 132):

Upward and onward.

Flux hops in the tube and shoots up.

[Gravity Manipulation 14, White Fail]

But his hold breaks as soon as he reaches the next floor.

In reply to Flux (msg # 133):

Flux's ministrations allow the group to ascend precisely one floor, landing them on Floor 2 of the grid: https://docs.google.com/spread.../edit#gid=1364999552

The hallway is long and narrow, with doors to the north and the south. It looks almost sterile -- as a research facility should -- and the hallways are completely empty.

The door at the far end of the hallway leads to that floor's docking bay. You are able to read the various labels on the doors as you quietly walk the length of the hallway.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 134):

I'd recommend we take this in a standard approach, clearing each room as we go.

Anyone got an opinion re: left or right?

I hate being surprised..unless it's by unexpected treasure. That's. Fine.

In reply to Flux (msg # 135):

Percy says we should begin at the left.

Xander shrugs. As long as we get to explore the robotics facility eventually, I'm happy.

In reply to Xander (msg # 137):

This is not a shopping trip Xander.

In reply to Xander (msg # 137):

The group eventually decides to try the door on the left, lacking any better options, but is frustrated to find it locked and sealed tightly. The card reader considers the credential stolen from the overseer for a moment, but spits it back out without opening the door.

The next door is sealed in the same way, but the overseer's credentials do appear to be sufficient to open the third door on the left: the break room.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 139):

Victory!

She prances into the break room and takes a cookie, and puts it under Percy's arm.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 140):

So we've infiltrated the tea and cookie room. Smashing.

Xander- Do you think you can hack any of these doors, or is the snack room going to be the extent of our incursion into this facility's secrets?

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 140):

So engrossed is Rebecca in her mission to retrieve a cookie that she quite overlooks the four burly men and six lab techs lounging about the room.

"Where'd you come from?" one of the lab techs says, setting down his sandwich. "We're on lockdown! It's not safe."

"Karl..." one of the burly men says, pointing toward the open doorway (and those mustered near it). "She ain't alone."

The ten S.A.G.E. employees glance at each other for a moment, then one of the lab techs clears her throat.

"I assume you gentlemen have IDs? Let's see them."

OOC: The burly men are armed and armored, though it's hard to tell exactly how well. The techs do not appear to be carrying weapons.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 142):

Overhearing Flux chattering about hacking, the burly men draw their weapons as the techs huddle toward the back of the room -- all save the speaker, who adjusts her glasses primly and narrows her eyes.

"Actually, let's skip the IDs. I don't think I'd trust them anyway. Boys?"

~~ En Garde! ~~
Guards x4
Xander
Rebecca
Flux
Techs x6
Battalion

The guards draw their weapons and fire them at the doorway, ignoring Rebecca entirely to focus on the men. Bands of blue-green energy streak outward.

[Blaster A vs Xander: 70]
[Blaster B vs Flux: 2, white (miss)]
[Blaster C vs Battalion: 40, white (miss)]
[Blaster D vs Flux: 86]

Xander and Flux are both struck, and find their muscles involuntarily seizing up in reaction to what appear to be stun guns.

[Stun? vs Xander: 45, fail (Stunned 1)]
[Stun? vs Flux: 85, success]

Xander is unable to act, speak, or take action this round, but Flux shakes off the ill effects without trouble.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:00, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

Xander takes the opportunity to totally on purpose fall to the ground, preferring the strategic advantages offerred by not standing up.

Don't Lase me, bro! he grunts.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 144):

And what did we learn about just walking into closed rooms in secret facilities during intruder lockdown?

In reply to Flux (msg # 145):

Rebecca looks like she is concentrating then screams like... well like a frightened 8 year old girl... and runs out of the room and hides behind the group of Battalions.

[Manifest Fear: 18 white fail]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:58, Tue 30 Sept 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 146):

I don't suppose any of you fine gentlemen are just of a mind to sit back down and enjoy your breaks while we go on our way? There's no need for bloodshed here. We don't want anything from you.

Whatever happens next. Just remember. You choose how this all goes down.

[Gravity Manipulation 82, Yellow Success]

Flux subtly connects with a pillar in the break room, anchoring himself and taking control of its gravity.

He prepares himself to rapidly increase the gravity at the focal point of his connection with the pillar, forcibly drawing in the unsuspecting mooks and setting the stage for a quick and dirty confrontation.

Flux shrugs. They always pick the hard way.

"What's it going to be?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 147):

Neither the guards nor the techs seem particularly inclined to surrender.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 148):

I knew you'd pick the hard way.

The gravity anchor manifests, rapidly increasing the gravitational pull at the center pillar, drawing all unbraced/unprepared forcefully toward it.

Group hug?

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 148):

Hey, it counts if SOMEONE gave them a chance to surrender, Battalion quips from his hiding spot in the hallway.  He and the four other jump-suited Battalions clustering around him lean casually against the bulkhead and whistle a playful off-key melody.

Get 'em, boys.

The eleven or so armed Battalions, however, do not stand idly by.  Instead they fan out into the room and begin to fire on the security guards without prejudice (2 Green 1 Yellow success).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 150):

As the guards start to be actually shot, the female tech who spoke earlier seems to lose her nerve a little.

"Stop, stop, STOP! What's this all about? What do you want? We're scientists!"

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 151):

We'd like you to take a nice, long, quiet lunch in this room for the next 10-20 minutes while we continue our tour of the facility.

Stay behind the door, and nobody has to get hurt.

Questions?

In reply to Flux (msg # 152):

One of the guards -- the one who has been shot several times -- raises his hand.

"I'm going to need to go to the medbay, or I'll bleed out before your 20 minutes are up."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:31, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 153):

Congratulations. You've been promoted to escort. You're coming with us.

As for the rest of you- Enjoy your lunch!

Flux opens the door outward, escorting the wounded man and leaving the the remaining techs/soldiers to fight with his gravity well. Grabbing a doorstop on the other side, Flux uses his superhuman strength to kick it under the door, jamming its opening.

I love nonviolent conflict resolution.

Swiss Cheese soldier- do you have a radio to contact medbay and request assistance?

In reply to Flux (msg # 154):

"Er, yes and no," the injured guard says. "We have transmitters, but they've been scrambled to hell by whatever lousy outfit's..."

He pauses, remembering himself, and looks at the powerful insertion team he's found himself carried away with.

"... by your fine strategy," he finishes lamely. "The medbay's the next floor up."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 155):

Lead on, and do try to think of a clever reason for why we're with you in the event we get stopped.

I'd hate for you to find yourself in another fire fight..

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 155):

Battalion's armed duplicates form a rough phalanx that marches behind the newly appointed guide and that also forms a barrier between him and the cluster of jump-suited Battalions lagging behind.

You're certainly showing your magnanimous side, Battalion notes with a nod toward Flux.  Now if you could only hide that evil smile...

It's more like smug, with a touch of evil, Xander muses, still trying to work out the circulation in his recently-stunned legs.

Smevil? Diabuglical?

In reply to Flux (msg # 156):

Telepathically to Rebecca:


Just because we're committing a capital crime for unnamable masters doesn't mean we can't be civil. When you think about it, our humanity and civility is really all we have left.

Speaking of crime and unnamable masters, is there anything else you'd like to tell us about what's housed on this floor/this facility and it's potential value/defenses? We'd hate to find out there was valuable information here you didn't share, as it would certainly alter the current conditions of our business arrangement.

..Meaning we'd kill you.

I know you've lost some blood, and I didn't want the sinister implications to be lost to my refined and professional subtlety and your rapidly decreasing grasp on reality.

Magnanimous!

In reply to Flux (msg # 159):

"It's... it's just the servers and the data center," the guard says, paling slightly. Whether this is due to Flux's words or general loss of blood is hard to tell. "I don't know much about it. It's where the techs type all day."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 160):

Xander, if there's nothing you believe we need on this floor for mission objective, I suggest we continue escorting our friend upward toward the promised medical attention.

Oh, no, nothing I can think of. I mean, other than one of our primary objectives.

In reply to Xander (msg # 162):

Amateurs

In reply to Batallion (msg # 163):

According to the map given to us by captain Blaise one of our objectives is the last door on the right of this floor... before the loading bay.  As you had made the suggestion of sweeping the floor in typical military fashion we had decided to proceed until our diversion in the break room.

She looks at the injured tech. She hold out the doll.

Percy really wanted a cookie.

She looks back at flux.

Shall we proceed with the sweep or move directly to the objective point?Unless Mr. Battalion has any better ideas.  Amateur indeed (she snorts)

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 164):

Let's head for mission objective. I bet our rapidly exsanguinating friend here will be highly motivated to open that door for us.

Flux clasps the poor guard strongly on the back.

Won't you buddy?

In reply to Flux (msg # 165):

All versions of Battalion scowl.

Stay out of my head.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 166):

"I, er, sure," the guard says, producing a keycard and handing it to Flux. "Fired is better than dead."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 167):

A sound logical argument.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 168):

Oh no, you'll be opening the door as part of your routine patrol. Heaven forbid we knock or try to use your card and it sounds an alarm.

No, no. you'll continue to lead on, and if you're a good boy, you'll be free to head to medbay after this.

Unless you want to discuss exsanguination again..

In reply to Flux (msg # 169):

The guard looks down at the rapidly darkening blood stains on his uniform.

"I, er, sir, with all due respect, I think they'll notice something is wrong if I enter looking like this."

He looks down at the floor.

"Please don't shoot me."

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 170):

Yes, I suspect you're right. Which is why you'll just be opening the door, and our terrifying friend and her cookie consuming spectral pal will be handling further negotiations vis a vis "Normalcy".

This guy. Talking to us like it's our first interstellar robbery.

In reply to Flux (msg # 171):

uhhhhh....

It is my first interstellar robbery.

Additonally how many can we expect to find in the room and how are they armed?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 172):

Probably just 2. This doesn't seem like a genetic mutation and experimentation facility.

But I've been fooled before!

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 172):

after the tech answers she hisses

Don't block my view of the room.

Rebecca rushes forward infront of the door with the data center in it.  She places Percy at the entrance and almost (but not quite) seems to teleport... its more like she was always a few steps away from the door.  She seems to fade and become far less solid(stealth 62 green success).  She waits, unnaturally still, she does not appear to be breathing at all.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

In reply to Flux (msg # 173):

"Most of them are on break," the guard says. "Shouldn't be more than three or four in there right now."

Xander peers into the data center. Look, can I make a suggestion here? If you give me a bit of time, I ought to be able to hack into their security systems, and lock the patrols in their rooms. Carrying this guy around as a human shield isn't really helping us at this point, and well, I'd really prefer not to add 'murder' to the list of crimes we're committing today. Maybe...somebody could get him to the medbay while I'm working on their servers?

In reply to Xander (msg # 176):

Where is your sense of adventure?

I'll head up to Medbay with our friend here. The rest of you are on primary mission objective.

That phrase...you keep saying that phrase, Xander replies in response to Flux's reference to adventure.

He looks at Flux skeptically. I do not think it means what you think it means.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 178):

Fine by me.  The quicker we're out of here the better.

Battalion looks around, particularly at each panel and data port in the hallway.

I can send some me's to keep you company while I escort Xander and the little lady.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 179):

*If you don't mind retconning this so she runs down after this conversation*

Problem: The elevators are out and Flux is acting as defacto elevators meaning if he runs to sick bay he has to then run back here in order for us to go anywhere otherwise... we are stuck. 

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 180):

You'll trust have to trust Xander to make an honest woman out of the transport system.

I'll see what I can do.

In reply to Xander (msg # 182):

Team Blood & Bureaucrats

Flux and the guard head to the lift tube, which Flux subtly manipulates to bring the up to the next floor.  The guard is having trouble walking at this point and looks like he might pass out at any moment -- despite Flux's threats of violence, he doesn't look like he can move much faster or much further. Battalion's duplicates help cart the man along for a little while, but they disappear after about a minute, leaving Flux and the guard quite alone.

Fortunately, the door marked "Medical" is the second door on the right.

Unfortunately, that room appears to be a hub of activity.

A half-dozen people are rushing in and out of it, running between the medical bay and the third-floor docking bay. It would appear S.A.G.E.'s struggle with the Mastodon is causing more than just superficial damage.

Team Main Objective

Xander, Rebecca, and Battalion mill outside the server room, ready to enter.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 183):

Team Main Objective

The unlocked door swings open to reveal a data center room humming with activity. Or maybe that's just the crackling of energy from the equipment, which looks like nothing you've ever seen.

Powerful computer terminals line the walls, leaving the middle of the room free to be dominated by an enormous table that seems to consist entirely of four legs and a holographic display panel. This panel is divided into a grid of segments, and the six techs currently working in the room frequently walk over to the table from their workstations to consult it.

None of them look up at the door as it swings open -- nor do they appear to care (or be aware of) the lockdown procedure currently in place.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 184):

The door swings open and Percy marches purposefully into the room like he owns it

Manifest Fear 73 yellow success vs 3 opponents.

A moment later you hear several screams from inside and one tech runs screaming out of the room into the hallway

Resist 3 37 Fail

A scream of pain is then followed by a muffled thump

Resist 2 44 green success
Fighting 2 58 green success 40 damage (KO not kill shot).

Next a grunt as if someone exerting a great deal of effort in evasive action

Resist 1 49 green success
Fighting 1 11 white fail.

You also hear muffled conversation as the three unaffected techs try to figure out why one of their colleagues just ran screaming out of the room, another collapsed for no readily apparent reason and the third just leaped over the table to nearly avoid something that no one can see.

What do you mean you can't see it?  Its huge!  I hate carnivorous plants! You can hear the panicked cry from in the hall.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Mon 06 Oct 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 185):

The three remaining techs take advantage of the chaos to verbally question what the hell is going on.

"What the hell is going on?!"

"Carlos, get back here! There are no plants on the station, carnivorous or otherwise!"

"Who the blazes are you?"

The last comment is directed at Xander and Battalion who are now visible since the door has been flung wide open and techs have been running every which way.

"Security? SECURITY!"

One of the techs lunges for a bright red button on the wall, while the other two produce some kind of blaster from compartments near their data stations.

~~ Combat! ~~
Battalion
S.A.G.E. Techs
Xander
Rebecca
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:59, Mon 06 Oct 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 186):

"Well, this looks like your stop. Good luck!"

Flux gives the guard a brief tap on the head to ensure his foggy minded compliance, and leaves the body at the door.

"I've got wounded here", Flux cries before retreating backward, turning his back from the medical bay and heading toward his "PowWow".

Now let's see what you're really storing here..

In reply to Flux (msg # 187):

The armed Battalion dupes swarm into the room but rather than opening fire on the scientists, they instead throw their bodies at them haphazardly in order to physically subdue them.

First, six mob the genius going after the button (3 yellow 1 green success).  They form a pig-pile on top of him and end his alarm-pressing career for the near future.

The remaining 4 break into pairs and go after the techs who think it's a good idea to play with guns (2 yellow on first 2 green on 2nd).

JJ and his 4 look-alikes mill around in the hallway out of the line of fire.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 188):

Floor Two

The techs, as it turns out, are easily subdued by the mini-mes, giving the group full access to the room and several prisoners.

~~ End Combat ~~

"What the hell ARE you people?" one of the techs says, trying to soothe the tears of another who was recently exposed to a horrible vision of terror. "Just... take what you want and go."

Floor Three

Flux reaches the powwow room, but finds it locked. Without the guard and forgetting to take his keycard before dropping him off, he's left in a lurch.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 189):

The man recoils in horror as what to him must look like a demon in young girl form suddenly materializes out of thin air.  She skips into the room and picks up a doll and hugs it to her chest.  She walks over to the man who is cowering in fear and strokes his hair.

Cookie?  she asks her voice sparkles and honey.

She tries to take a cookie from the doll, definitely resists.

Let go of it Percy.  She grunts.

she hands the cookie to the man and smiles.

She pirouettes in the middle of the room and with a flourish plops down infront of the prisoners.  Her small white feet dancing to no tune in particular her pink eyes fixed upon the prisoners.

We need encryption keys.

She holds out her tiny hand.

Xander wanders over the central computer, plugging into the interface.

[Interface with Computer: 58]

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 189):

Freaking security

"Xander, I need an override on the security lock controlling the door to Advanced Research and Applications on the 3rd floor. Mission Objective Beta depends on timely access to this room during the period of controlled chaos currently ensuing."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Thu 09 Oct 2014.

In reply to Flux (msg # 192):

Battalion's troops peacefully, but firmly, round all the techs into one place and surround them.

We have every intention of taking what we want, one of the armed Battalions says with a smirk, but good of you to offer.

The 5 Battalions in jump-suits, however, remain outside by the door and out of sight.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Thu 09 Oct 2014.

On it. Interfacing now. Give me a moment. If you'd like, I can see about locking down the doors we don't intend on entering to keep unexpected company to a minimum. If I can't get complete access though, it might make getting through those doors take longer if we *do* decide we need to get through them. That is, if I can get into security at all. Either way, your call.

In reply to Xander (msg # 194):

Focus on locking out medical access. With the damage the facility and personnel are taking, resources will have to be diverted to regain access to the triage facilities.

So...let me make sure I understand you correctly. You want me to lock the medical facilities...so that the wounded can't get to them?

In reply to Flux (msg # 195):

over the radio.

Youre a big meanie.  That is not nice.

In reply to Xander (msg # 196):

I want you to lock the medical facilities because it will draw an immediate response from base resources to ensure the wounded can get in.

One does not make an omelette without cracking a few eggs.

A few moments of silence stretch out on the radio, where you would imagine you'd hear typing if Xander wasn't interfacing directly.

Huh, that's funny. I can't seem to manage it. Weird. Sorry boss, looks like the medbay stays open. Nothing I can do.

In reply to Xander (msg # 199):

You're an egg.

In reply to Xander (msg # 199):

Fine. Lock whatever appeals to you. I'll just stand here continuing to be the expert in industrial espionage and tactical warfare.

And where are we on the door in front of me opening?

Renegade hacker with a conscious. This day just keeps getting better.

In reply to Flux (msg # 201):

In the hallway, a duplicate of Battalion dressed in a tuxedo appears and begins to search the hallway for snacks.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 202):

Team Plot

Xander is able to quickly access the data feeds and copy them onto a portable drive.

"We... we don't have the encryption keys," one of the techs stammers at Rebecca's honestly creep visage. "They're kept upstairs."

Upstairs

With a click and a flash of green light on the access panel, the door in front of Flux unlocks.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 203):

So what the hell are we here for Xander?

She slowly drops her hand.

These.

Xander holds up the successfully extracted data files. We got the files. We just need the encryption keys now. Which we have been helpfully informed are elsewhere. So let me see if there's anything else useful I can do from this terminal, and then we'll be on our way.

In reply to Xander (msg # 205):

Now that's more like it. Let's see what's inside.

In reply to Flux (msg # 206):

Team Data

Xander extracts the encrypted data files but finds nothing else of use in the system. Looks like getting the lift tube to function will require a different outlet or maybe a set of grappling hooks.

Team Flux

The door opens to reveal a holotable upon which rests a scale model of Mars and its moons -- including outlines of much of ARES's infrastructure. There are some inconsistencies, however, as there are large habitable zones indicated on the moons that Flux has never heard of before.

A live feed from four different first-person vantage points can be seen on four screens superimposed nearby. The first shows Deimos's main mining facility. The second shows the same thing, but on Phobos. The third and fourth, however, show what appear to be bubbling tar pits into which a steady stream of bound prisoners are being systematically chucked. Sometimes they are later retrieved, but not often.

It looks entirely foreign to Flux -- like someone was watching a movie in here on those lower screens when the lockdown occurred.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 207):

How can this be? I've never seen or heard of any of tar pits. I'm the company's chief of security. There's not a single black facility I'm not aware of. Shit, I've personally established half of them, and visited the rest. This can't be real.. yet there's no denying these are all ARES facilities.

But there's so much more space. And the people. They all seem so distantly familiar, and yet..

There must be a reasonable explanation. Has to be. I'd better bring a copy of this back and chronicle it as evidence for review with the board.

"Xander, I'm going to need a full download of the terminal at my current position. Walk me through what you need from me to facilitate"

What's more disconerting? That the people are being marched into the pits, or that some seem to be coming out..
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Wed 15 Oct 2014.

In reply to Flux (msg # 208):

Let me know when you've had enough rapid typing and cryptic talk.

Beer and pizza, here I come.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 209):

Oh... OK!

Rebecca stands up and begins skipping around the room humming and holding her dolly.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 209):

Sorry to disappoint Batallion. I'm being confronted with an Omega Level security breach showing me information that either can't be real, or is evidence of a ..something at an ARES board of directors level meant to.. no..it can't be that. There's an explanation. Must be. ARES would never lie to me. Has never lied to me. ARES always cares for me. I cannot question ARES.

Flux continues to prattle on self assurances at a frantic and seemingly robotic rate, seemingly unaware of his surroundings or the conversation he'd just been having.

In reply to Flux (msg # 211):

Sounds like we've lost a man...

The Battalion clones, both armed and otherwise, are beginning to get visibly jittery.

We should go, one random dupe comments.

No doubt, it's getting a little cramped in here... and too quiet.

Xander will try to help Flux download the video feeds, and then disconnect and leave to move to the next level.

In reply to Xander (msg # 213):

Flux are you attempting to assure us or yourself.  If you would be please so kind as to postpone your existential crisis and report to the elevator and haul us up to the third floor so we may proceed with the mission.  Xander's efficacy will increase with proximity to the interface unit.  Therefore the best use of time is move Xander to the unit and have him interface directly as we all have to move up to the third floor anyway.  Please meet us at the elevator and proceed with the plan.  I agree with Mr. Battalions recommendations.

You could always use your 'phone' to take a video... even though those expositions tend to lack in detail but can make a decent proxy when nothing else is available.

~~End Radio Communication~~

Xander, What do you require to repair the elevator?  How may I be of assistance have you seen any doors that would portent having elevator repair materials in it?  I fear that the evidence appears to be agreeing with Battalion's assertion.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 214):

Who is reassuring themselves? What are you talking about? I'd just come upon this terminal after Xander opened the door. I hadn't made any other communication attempts.

Hmm. Now what's this? This looks like secure ARES information. But this can't be..I've never heard of these. Is this some sort of..

No..that's not right. Must be a mistake..

Flux continues to prattle on again in the background. It's becoming eminently apparent he's trapped in a doom loop and isn't going anywhere.

In reply to Flux (msg # 215):

Wonderful.  So who's for rescuing captain repression?

Of the dozen or so Battalions, only one raises his hand.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 216):

A few minutes pass, and Flux finds himself in the hallway confronted by a closed door.

"Xander, I'm going to need your help accessing the door at my location as part of mission objective beta. Do you copy?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 217):

O.K. then... I guess it was always going to be this way... complete the mission or take part in heroics.  Saving our friend, no man left behind and all that?  Such a thing goes beyond honor... it speaks to a core value, a common bond between all of mankind.  It is a duty, no, an obligation to follow that impulse.

Battalion does not budge, despite his rhetoric.

Xander sighs wearily. Yeah, we really should. I suppose it's possible that if his memories have been tampered with, his personality has too. Could be he's not actually a complete asshole after all. Either way, I guess he's *our* complete asshole right now.

In reply to Xander (msg # 219):

Xander downloads the files, adding them to the other extracted documents, and then heads to the lift tubes with the others.

They are still inoperable, but the interior looks pretty scalable... especially if one is adept at climbing a ladder of duplicates.

When all is said and done, the group makes its way safely to the third floor. The bustle of activity around the medical bay hasn't stopped, though Flux is easy to spot standing with his mouth agape in the middle of the center door to the left.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 220):

"What are you all doing up here? I thought I ordered you to take care of Alpha objective. It doesn't seem like there's anything else of importance here. I just finished securing this area.

Shall we make our escape?"

In reply to Flux (msg # 221):

Aye.  Leaving, quickly and without any more side-trips.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 222):

Xander, do we have all required information? I willingly admit this computer business is gibberish to me.

Data is not beholden to the whims of gravity, and has never held much interest for me.

And moreover.. why are you all gawking at me?

We have the data, but their encryption keys were kept on a separate, isolated network. I imagine they manually carry data back and forth on physical media. Archaic and inconvenient, but also better to prevent exactly what we're trying to do. We'll need to find the keys for the data to be any use.

Xander pantomimes wiping a smudge from his cheek. Nothing, there was...something on your face.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:06, Thu 16 Oct 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 224):

Suggestions as to their location?

In reply to Flux (msg # 223):

Rebecca walks over to flux and hugs his waist.

It will be ok.  Do you want to hold Percy?

According to the map, the encryption facility is right down the hallway. This way.

Xander points out the proper way forward, but does not himself take point.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:08, Thu 16 Oct 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 227):

Flux wipes a large hand across his mug.

"Beautiful as ever, I expect"

and proceeds onward down the hallway in the direction indicated.

Xander hangs back, seemingly lost in thought.

In reply to Xander (msg # 229):

Rebecca goes into the room they found Flux in to see what threw him for such a loop.

In reply to Xander (msg # 229):

C'mon typey, don't YOU hold us up now, one of the jumpsuited Battalions says to Xander with a clap on the shoulder.

The armed dupes form a sort of crude barrier to the group's front and back, keeping weapons raised and eyes open while those in orange jumpsuits hang around the middle of the group.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 231):

The group finds that there is really no way to proceed without edging past the medical bay, which is bustling with activity. Nobody's paying you much attention now, but shouldering past as a huge group (including armed soldiers) and entering the encryption room is bound to raise some eyebrows.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 232):

Anything dear Percival can do to draw the attention of our friends in med bay?

Or perhaps a streaking Batallion clone?

Who wants to have fun with the mooks?

In reply to Flux (msg # 233):

NOW you're making sense.

A well-dressed version of Battalion holding a briefcase appears and checks his watch.

A Battalion soldier appears behind him and promptly shoots him in the leg and shoves him, screaming in agony, through the medbay door.

HELP ME! The duplicate cries, dragging himself into the room.  EVERYONE COME HERE AND HELP ME!

The rest of the Battalions run past the door and down the hall.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 234):

Wow. He's going to be one to keep an eye on.

Great tactical thinking!

Flux scurries behind the Batalli (the obvious plural) and heads for the encryption keys.

In reply to Flux (msg # 235):

Rebecca allows herself to be carried off with the rest of the team.

She speaks quietly to Flux in the back.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Mon 20 Oct 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 236):

The medical bay preoccupies itself with Battalion's rather clever distraction, allowing the group to slip unnoticed into the encryption room.

It is entirely empty except for a palm-sized terminal nestled in the far wall. The room is spotlessly clean and unadorned... though there is an obvious camera embedded in the ceiling, angled such that it can take in the entire room with ease.

Could somebody take care of that please? Xander asks, indicating the camera. I hate people reading over my shoulder.

He then proceeds to interface with the single terminal in the room.

In reply to Xander (msg # 238):

Xander's eyes goes blank as his consciousness focuses on the terminal. It's a strange thing to watch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:43, Mon 20 Oct 2014.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 239):

Flux produces a compact mirror from his pocket, and hovers it into place in front of the camera. The compact is angled such that it continues to view the room, but is (in theory) not viewing Xander.

Never leave home without it!

Xander nods absently, only dimly aware of the room.

In reply to Xander (msg # 241):

Battalion's battalion stand in a rough swarm near the door.

I hate computers... one of the jumpsuited versions laments.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 242):



Xander continues to interface.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 243):

Flux and Rebecca continue their previous discussion regarding Rebecca's review of the Flux blackout room.

Xander's lips move, though he doesn't speak anything audibly.

In reply to Xander (msg # 245):

Xander continues to interface.


Meanwhile, the medics appear to have Battalion's double more or less stabilized, and at least one is looking at the group gathered outside the encryption room with curiosity.

Almost...done Xander murmurs aloud, distractedly.

In reply to Xander (msg # 247):

I think it's time to be more than 'almost done'.

Two duplicats of JJ appear, one dressed in a mechanics jumpsuit and the other dressed in a fancy tuxedo.

The pair dash into the infirmary.

SPACE MADNESS! the mechanic JJ shouts.

WE CANNOT OVERCOME THE LUST! screams the fancy JJ.

The two then proceed to strip off their clothes and go about the loudest, most awkward, most flailingly terrible recreation of a pornography video you have ever seen, incorporating as many objects and people in the infirmary as they can and generally causing holy hell.

You have half a minute... Battalion nudges Xander.  And I'm not sticking around that long.

True to his word, the group of Battalion's in jumpsuits make for the exit while the armed guards stick with Xander.

Xander takes a quick moment to override controls to the PA system. From the infirmary you hear the beginnings of some bass guitar riffs and a synth track.

In reply to Xander (msg # 247):

Xander begins to stir, his interface session coming to an end.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Tue 21 Oct 2014.

Xander's eyes widen distantly, and he lets out an audible Whoa...


His eyes snap open and he comes to almost violently. Alright! I've got everything we came for, and much more. Let's get out of here!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Tue 21 Oct 2014.

In reply to Xander (msg # 251):

"Excuse me," a medic says, approaching the group huddled outside the door. "This is... this is a restricted area. You shouldn't be here unless you're injured."

He notices the guns and takes a step back.

"What's going on here?!"

We were just leaving, Xander says simply. Perhaps you ought to do the same?

In reply to Xander (msg # 253):

"Can't leave," the man says. "We're on lockdown and under attack. You'll only get hurt if you don't stay put."

We'll be fine. You should take cover though.

Xander turns to Flux. Let's follow the good man's original instructions and return to our ships.

In reply to Xander (msg # 255):

Rebecca follows in tow with the group fixing the man with a riveting pink eyed stare.  She twists her mouth into a half smile and holds her fingers to her lips.  She then zips her index and thumb across her lips pantomimes a lock and throwing away the key.  She then whips her hair around and skips back to join the team.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 256):

Flux levitates himself slightly off the floor, hovering a few feet from the medic.

As though the medic were not there, and he had grown tired of walking, Flux floats nonchalantly past the medic.

"I think perhaps it'd be best if you don't mention you saw us here. Our friend over there has his eyes on the coms, and we'd hate to have to come back to have a discussion with your wordsy mouth, wouldn't we Batallion?"

With a brief swirl, Flux accelerates toward the group.

"Back to the ship. Time to see what that cloak is made of!"

In reply to Flux (msg # 257):

The armed duplicates escort the group away from the buzzing medbay while the unarmed duplicates, already far off down the hall, continue to move toward the ship and the exit.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 258):

Flux quickly activates the lift tubes, shutting the group down to the appropriate floor with ease. They make their way back to the docking bay without further trouble, but that is where the easy part ends.

Given that Venusian atmospheric conditions are hardly pleasant, even at this temperate altitude, the docking bay's main hatch is kept closed by default. With the overseer still unconscious and the facility on lockdown, there's no way out.

Xander puts his suit helmet back on with hiss as the magnetic clasp seals. Climbing up into his waiting battlesuit, he calls down over the radio. Rebecca, how much can you phase? Can you...warp?... us too, or just the transport you rode in one?

In reply to Xander (msg # 260):

Battalion climbs into the shuttle.

Can't you just... blow a hole in something?

I will if I have to, but it's messy. I'll see if I can hack it.

In reply to Xander (msg # 262):

Hack, blow up, I don't care.  You heard it here first!

In reply to Batallion (msg # 263):

Unfortunately this system is merely a prototype and is not fully featured or as consistent as I would like for it to be... there appears to be a significant rate of failure and would rather not use it if I do not have to.  Since the phasing device is limited in its capacity to the ship and occupants, and we will need to hack open our door out anyway, I think it best to see if we can utilize that method of egress for both portal and Abraxis. 

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 264):

Not using unreliable technology to phase through solid objects, I can get behind that fully.

In reply to Batallion (msg # 265):

Good. Xander's on the digital route. Becky, secure the ship and get us ready for launch.

Batallion, you're with me. Fan out and search the hangar for the clamps holding those doors in place.

Fuck it, let's make this interesting.

Why don't we see if 20 men and a force of gravity can pull the door open before the hacker does?

Winner gets to pick the music in the shuttle on the way back up!

In reply to Flux (msg # 266):

Flux, Battalion, and Xander each tackle the problem of the docking bay door in their own way, with the end result involving 1) an open docking bay and 2) a half-dozen Battalion duplicates being swept away into the horrible reality of Venus's atmosphere.

Xander stumbles his way through the swirling loss of pressurization and somehow manages to strap into his battlesuit before passing out.

Soon, both the mech and the transport shuttle are away -- however temporary.

It occurs to someone -- perhaps all of you -- that you have not heard from Captain Blaise in quite some time, nor do you have a lock on the Mastodon's current location.

Scans indicate that there is a capital ship in low orbit about eight minutes away, and a swarm of nearly two dozen smaller fighters and a half-dozen mechs mustering nearby. Hard to say whether the capital ship is the Mastodon or a S.A.G.E. ship, but the swarm does not appear to be shrinking at an appreciable rate.

In reply to The Watcher (msg # 267):

Well shit.

This mission is going tit's up. Quickly.

If the ship were large enough for Xander's Mech, we wouldn't have needed to open the doors to get him out of it.

Without a rendezvous point, we're isolated, and he has all the intel. We've got to see who's got the ship up there, and if necessary, claim the ship by force.

Smash and grab Batallion. I believe you're familiar with the concept?

In reply to Flux (msg # 268):

JJ sits absolutely still and stone faced as the situation is revealed.

he ignores Flux for a few beats before slowly responding, his voice rising in agitation.

I am not going to be stranded out here... I don't care which ship or whose it is, we're taking one of them out of this bullshit end of the system!

First thing I'm doing when I get home: murdering my lawyer slowly...

In reply to Batallion (msg # 269):

You arrive back at the ship to find that Rebecca has already chosen the music... classical, Chopin.  Any attempt to change her results in an icy stare and a slap from Percy.

You suddenly look different Flux.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Fri 24 Oct 2014.

In reply to Rebecca Taylor (msg # 270):

I like having a plan. And being on that base has done wonders to clear my head. It was like I just couldn't think straight down there.