"We still need to know more about the project. If it are only files in their computer system then a power failure would prevent their deletion until the court order is signed. Unless they are willing to physically destroy their computer system of the facility to protect it."

Khea pauses a bit to see how Ceruleanne reacts to this.

"But if there are samples which need refrigiation a piwer failure would destroy them. So what kind of project are we talking about? Technical, biological, theoretical?

"If it is like most other business/science facilities, they usually have a back up power generator just in case of a power failure." Walter said, looking at Ms Blue for her answer as to the type of project that they were going to raid.

Sharik's expression became a touch dispassionate as they got down to brass tacks.  The look wasn't quite disapproving with respect to Vonon's enthusiasm and dismissal of any difficult, but she obviously wasn't investing too heavily in that vibe at all.  The raven-haired dilettante seemed to be splitting some attention between the live conversation and what was streaming in front of her eyes, the dull shimmery glow on her inside surface of her shades showing that she was already accessing multiple data streams.

After a few moments, she cleared her throat and snapped the fingers of her dataglove softly, softly muttering the word, "Fibben."  The lights of the room dimmed slightly and the room projector of the meeting room hummed to life.  She appeared to start with Darrel's request first, a montage of public advertisement stills, wireframes and close-ups of different angles came into view in the center of the table.  "I suspect that the facility that we are going to be infiltrating is one of BioDome's Karnak All-Environment Modules.  Ondrac purchased the fifty-foot diameter, AC-50, and thirty-six foot diameter, VLD-36 models within the last month and received shipment two weeks ago.  The former is a 'habitation' module, the latter is standard for a multiple vehicle setup - given the airlock structure."

She gave her assembled companions a moment to with the exterior shots to view and memorize the standard layout of access points and viewport on the two domes.  As she did so, Shar seemed to be reading aloud some marketing literature, "'Easily customized, BioDome's Select-n-Click™ systems can be erected and modified in-situ with minimal effort.'"  The cosmopolitan, dirty-brown brunette pursed her lips for a moment, then summarized, "Which means that we can't know exactly how things are situated inside, though the size precludes having too much area to search.  Entry could be hairy; limited access points as originally posited - one into the main dome and one larger vehicle port into the smaller dome and connections between the two.  We should expect guards and patrols, though no more than a half-dozen for a facility of that size with only two entrances."

Another thoughtful pause, and she added, "The Karnaks aren't rated for anything deeper than fifty metres.  Enough to be a pain for random trespassers, though."  Which they weren't, but it didn't make the job easier.

"But..." Shar ventured, rubbing her chin thoughtfully, "that depth limit gives us a viable search radius off of Ogalapago Island.  But the area is still a bit large."  And a topographical survey map of the local cluster appeared in the center.  "We are here in Beowulf," she highlighted, "And the target island is here..." the last island to northwest then was encircled in light blue with habitation sites pin-pricked in red. "Personnel and equipment will need a secluded beachhead or launch point, presumably not too far from the target facility..."  Since was still summarizing her findings so far, she hope that fact would spur another of the gathered individuals, to start running down that path to narrow the search area.

Sharik looked directly at Ceruleanne, "We will need diving equipment for all of us and transportation, say an air-raft or two or other set of submersibles, to and from site.  Are you to arrange that?  Or are we?  If the latter, we'll need a cash advance, a discreet supplier and a contact at this hour.  Post-haste."  It was part request and part direct order given the compressed time frame and the evening hour.  All-in was all-in.

"Dr. Vanager signed for the pieces in person, it appears ... " she mused quietly with the electronic triplicate equivalent on display.  Sharik tsk'ing slightly, as though the document made the trail either too sloppy or too obvious.  Or both.

"With respect to the good doctor herself..." Shar moved on to topic of the retrieval target and potential research, a copy of the woman's public curriculum vitae popped virtual existence for all gathered to see, "she appears to have advanced degrees in Pharmacology and Biochemistry."  After a few moments, she summarized her take, "Plenty of experience in genetics, especially recombinant DNA research - with an emphasis on disease control and designer pharmacology.  My searches are still running to find a viable picture of the woman ... "

There was another pause and a slightly plaintive sigh as she continued stare at the floating document, "Drugs and biological samples can be painful to transport under the best of circumstances."  Her tone seemed to imply that these were not those circumstances, as the thin brunette socialite continued, "I guess that we are going to have to presume physical notebooks and electronic data to be present for retrieval."  Which gave some potential parameters, she supposed.  Sharik made another equipment 'request' of Ms. Blue, "Do we have a supplier of waterproof transport cases and man-portable refrigeration?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Tue 30 Dec 2014.

Sam watched the presentation with interest.

"Actually - I think we need a submersible for insertion. I've never dived before, doubt anyone else has - and I would imagine 50 metres below the surface is as hostile as vacuum - so with no training, I would want to avoid it.

How tall are those domes - ie how far below the surface might the apex be - might be another way in? Top down?"

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 93):

"Dived? I've dived lots of times." Vonon confirms, "At least twelve times I've been aboard a ship as it dove into a gas giant for fuel skimming."

Ikram, nearby, groaned loudly and dropped his face into his hands. Vonon took a swipe at the back of Ikram's head and missed.

"She was talking about diving, and I have done some diving. Jarhead." Vonon growled, then added, "Hey, wait, you're not talking about actually going out into all that water, are you? I mean, I've swum in the park lake on Rockport, but that was only four meters deep. This thing is -- what'd you say? Maybe fifty meters deep? How the frack does that work?"

Khea bit her lip as she is getting more and more uncomfortable with what she signed up to.

"None of us here is prepared for a deep water operation, so we probably need some of that money upfront for equipment purchases"

Ceruleanne, for a moment, looked quite pleased with Sharik's data, before resuming her business face.

"A friend of mine can provide any diving gear you might need, including a submersible and waterproof cases," Ceruleanne responds to some of the requests.

"If you take the submersible out to the island, maybe an hour's ride, my search vessel may turn up something by the time you get there. The submersible has a refrigeration unit in it, "

"I have no idea what the parameters of the dome are, though Sharik might know."

In reply to Ceruleanne Blue (msg # 96):

Rather than belching, again, to get attention this time Vonon raises a hand.

"Uh, seriously, people...Asteroid Dweller, here. I was literally born on a spaceship and raised in a vaccsuit." Vonon said, "This diving gear you all keep talking about -- does it work like a vaccsuit? Because if not, I may be of limited use, here. Unless..." Vonon pauses a moment, digging some statistics up from his memory, "I know what atmospheric pressure my own vaccsuit is rated for, would that be the same for water pressure?"

"Hahahahahaha!" the shrouded barbarian suddenly burst out laughing. He'd been sitting there quiet the whole time, so far, because he felt he didn't have enough experience to offer anything intelligent.

He finally realized that they were all quibbling over little things... like whether they would get their hands dirty or miss showtime for the opera.

"My apologies for laughing," he offered. "It's just the incongruity of the situation finally hit me. I was born and raised on a desert world. I couldn't even have imagined this much water."

"But I am also a marine. Not active any more, of course. While we didn't do any underwater training, we covered the fundamentals during basic."

"I also now have something to contribute."

"To answer Vonon first, yes, water pressure is like atmospheric pressure. In fact, water depth is often measured in how many atmospheres it is equivalent to. You gain an atmosphere of pressure for every 30 feet down you go."

"However, water qualifies as a mildly insidious atmosphere. It's chemical properties can affect even waterproof systems... eventually. If you wish to use your vacc suit underwater, don't think that makes you impervious to the water."

"A second point. Based on the estimated depth, scuba gear would only be necessary for long term operations. A simple mask and snorkel will let you free dive down to the dome. Likewise, you can easily swim to the surface if the dome gets flooded."

"Now, that being said, I do have some training in military tactics."

"Not that I am saying we should underestimate our target, but we seem to be thinking this is some kind of top secret Imperial base. It's only been in place for two weeks, if Sharik's information is accurate. The nature and location is the security they needed. About the only thing they might have besides guards is passive sonar sensors."

"As the Sarge always said, 'Hope for the best, but plan for the worst'."

"The question should be whether their vehicle dome can accommodate our submersible. I rather suspect it can, because that is also probably how they are getting in and out of the dome. Also, no beach landing would be necessary. What you should be looking for is a boathouse. The submersible could come up from under it without ever being seen."

"If anyone is comfortable with scuba diving, then you can recon the dome once we get there. If not, a direct assault should work. We'll have the element of surprise."

He let his words sink in with everyone as he went back to sipping his wine.

"I hope your contact can find a Aslan sized diving suit on short notice"
To underline her point Khea swings around her tail a bit wider than usual.

"We also might need someone who can drive a submarine unless someone else here has some experience with them."

"Okay, let me put it this way," Ceruleanne says. "Before I transfer the company shares, is there anyone here that does not wish to pursue this venture?"

"The money will be delivered to the local TAS office where you can claim it in the morning."

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 100):

Vonon listens as his old marine buddy lays out some info on vacc suits and water depth.

"Excellent! I'll just wear my suit down there, then." Vonon chuckles, then his eyes widen then he claps his hands together and points at the Count, "Yeah! Just like that vid you did, Count! Years back. That period piece about sailors on some kind of steam powered aquatic vessel, and they had those really primitive-looking vaccsuits with the hoses coming out the top of their copper helmets! You were going underwater to salvage something. At least, I think it was you...Oh, what did they call those suits?"

"Well, I'm in, like I said." Vonon looks to Ceruleanne, "You need us to sign anything? Guarantees or something? I gotta go to the Starport and get a few things from storage. Hostile Environment Suits aren't exactly clubwear, if you know what I mean."

Vonon looks over at the Bureaucrat, "Sir Walter, if I'm hearing you right, you intend to try to gather information from a couple of people." Vonon's electric-blue silk shirt ripples in the bright light, as Vonon flexes his arms in place, "Will you be needing any back-up, Sir? I could accompany you, on my way to the Starport."

Sam sighed under her breath

"Beggars and all that" she muttered softly, looking at her drink

She drained it, and then put it down on the table loudly

"I'm in, and that's my last alcoholic drink - anyone else planning on going in should probably stop drinking too"

In reply to Vonon Ronkunu (msg # 101):

"Ahhh, yes, 'The Underwater Temple of the Troglodyte Queen', not my best work, but, the diving suits were authentic."


Puts his glass down, "I'm ready, although I'm not a battle-hardened veteran, I might be ale to help down below...the question, which we can work on as we head out to sea, how are we going to get in the dome, by trickery or stealth?"

Taps his fingers on the table, "If it comes to defending ourselves and to preclude any charge of murder, perhaps we should have tranquilizer weapons, in fact, if we can get to the air filtration system, we might be able to introduce something to put them to sleep?"

"Ah." she shook her head with some chagrin, giving the others around her a slightly self-deprecating smile, "Here they are."  She obviously felt that the retrieval had taken too long.  Sharik posted the known physical specifications (measurements, layout, and physical properties that were publicly available) for both of the BioDome facilities for everyone to see, "The dome might be able to withstand some small arms fire... but not much."  She seemed to agree with Samantha's assessment, "Best to avoid, if possible."

She noted to Darrel since he had broached the topic of non-lethal weapons, "I have access to a stunner, but it will not work in water."  She looked to Ms. Blue, to see if tranquilizers were going to be an option; they were pretty much at the mercy of their local supplier given the timing.

Sharik pushed a grainy picture of a rather austere woman of indeterminate age up onto the public display.  She noted rather deadpan addressing the conversation flying around her, rather than the photo, "I suspect that if you are rated for HEV use, you'll be fine."  Her brown hair bobbed as she nodded in Ikram's direction, "Water, especially salt water, is considered a mildly corrosive, asphyxiant."  She didn't bother to address his remarks about preparation or planning.  They were all doing what they were trained to do.  And it seemed that Sharik could both compartmentalize and was quite detail-oriented.  In her own fashion.

She added idly, as she started to turn her attention back to the picture (and the incoming data streams flashing on her heads-up display in her glasses), "I still have my full Level 2 salvage certifications for hostile environment suits."

Pointing to the low-resolution picture, "That is the only visual representation of Dr. Vanager that I could find, unfortunately."  She shrugged, "While not the target, I would expect to potentially see Doctor Vanager at the target location.  It doesn't say anything about weapon skills, but that doesn't mean that she isn't dangerous.  Especially around her life's work."  Sharik knew that she would be taking her own precautions.

The still picture moved off to the side, "This is a composite overlay of the island topography with satellite imaging..."  Sharik paused for a moment and a light blue ring appeared around the small island, it's width varying, "The light bluish annular boundary around Ogalapago is the fifty metre limit."  The gloved hand of the brown-haired dilettante gestured and a single red dot appeared on the coast, "There is one documented covered boathouse where the water remains at 10 metres in depth up to the coast.  Probably should check that first."  The hybrid map view zoomed in on the aerial surveillance view of the boathouse, given as much detail as her source could muster.

"Master Zeller," she addressed Walter in a semi-casual peerage, "I'm seeing only one Ondrac employee with any scuba diving training.  A... Damiano Curfo?   Since you appear to have a track into the Ondrac personnel files, can you dig a bit on him?"  She wasn't necessarily expecting much, but you never really could tell when a detail might really matter.

She almost didn't bother to respond to Ceruleanne's prompting about acceptance of the job.  Once she caught the blue-haired woman's eye, Sharik simply nodded and noted, "We have an accord.  Once the funds are transferred, we can begin the operation in earnest..."  Which, if the fact-finding they were currently doing wasn't in earnest ... then the alternative might be truly scary.

A bit hesistant. "I am in as you tend to say. Yet I do hope that we decide on a plan which does not involve shooting up the place. Unless the males over there"  making a small nod towards Vonon and Ikram "are among the best soldiers this planet has to offer I do not like the odds of it."

Walter started checking out Damiano Curfo to see if there is any additional information online. "Let me see if there is anything else on Mr. Curfo. It could be that he is an underwater mechanic to help keep the dome working or maybe he works for them on security matters." he said to Sharik Kaagira with a nod

"I was thinking of heading out to check out Shindar Oolak at the marina, Spacer Ronkunu. Maybe appear that the Trade ministry sent me to look into Ondrac due to their practices causing harm to an imperial company. He might have some knowledge due to being a finance officer. Count me in on this caper even if my "skill set" is not optimal." Walter said to Ms. Blue

12:00, Today: Walter Zeller rolled 10 using 2d6+2. Computers/Damiano Curfo.   

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 106):

"Got it, Sir Walter!" Vonon said, "Just like when I was a fresh-minted Leftenant; when the Captain would do all the talking, in a Customs interview, he told me to 'just stand there, keep your mouth shut, and look efficient'. Hurr-hurr-hurr."

Vonon looked down at his outfit and gestured at himself, "I'll need to change into something a little more authority figure. I've got just the thing, I think, back at the hostel."

Khea stops as she remembers something and checks the library data on Beowulf before addressing Ceruleanne.

"What about those Grendel creatures? Do they pose a threat to this operation? I do not want to be diving outside the dome when they are around. And do have underwater domes have extra defenses on this world to deal with them?"

"In general, if you leave the grendels alone, they'll leave you alone," Ceruleanne answers Khea's questions. "They aren't normally aggressive but that attitude may be undergoing a change as they come into more and more contact with Humans as we are increasingly invading their territory. The area you are going to isn't a known territory of theirs, and the water should be shallow enough to discourage them."

"However, there is marginal evidence that they may be intelligent, which would make encountering one only slightly more likely."

In reply to Ceruleanne Blue (msg # 109):

"Okay, then, Mizz Blue, do we need to sign any contracts, or anything? Are we good to go?"

Vonon turns to the bureaucrat, "Sir Walter, it looks like we have a side mission to go interview this ex-employee, yes? Do you want to share a cab, while I run over to my hostel and change clothes, or would you rather some other plan?"

"Sounds fine with me, once we get some hard currency in small bills."  Walter said. "Every bit if information can help before the others go to check out the dome." he said

Sharik had been contemplating some of the data - on the domes, the grendals, the potential targets, &c, when she realized that Vonon had mentioned a cab.  "Vo," the thin brunette called out to her vargr friend, "I should probably pick up some personal effects from the TAS hostel that might help us out here as well.  Mind if I tag along?"  She figured that her old drinking buddy wouldn't really mind; so, in some senses, her question wasn't really a request.

She inclined her head towards the noble merchant, adding almost as an afterthought, "Assuming that Sir Zeller doesn't mind the additional company."  They probably could compare notes along the way.

Before leaving, Shar gave her comm link drop information to Ceruleanne, so that the blue-haired woman could contact her easily, if necessary.  They still needed to coordinate equipment.  And the night wasn't getting any younger...
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 00:43, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 112):

Vonon -- who hasn't had to think tactically in almost a year -- thumps himself on the temple.

"Right! Coordinated communications protocols!" he says in milspeak, "I mean, we should all sync up our personal comms, and establish a common comm protocol. Shar'r, if you wouldn't mind? You were always better at Comms than me."

Sam pitched in, looking pointedly at Walter and Vonun getting ready to leave

"Before we all bomb burst and do are own thing, I think we should agree whose doing what, and when we're reconvening, or what the plan actually is - you know to make sure nothing gets missed."

She paused

"A key factor on who does what and when is travel time to the target, and how much time we need to allow for the operation. Working back from that gives us how much time we have now to prepare before those going in need to embark. So Ceruleanne, whats the travel time to the target, approximately? Or put another way, how soon can your resources get us there with a submersible?"



ooc

What is the actual local time now?