The limo navigates the streets of the city with relative ease. Night traffic isn't as heavy as it is in the day as few people go out on their yachts after dark.

At first, it looks like the one you just left, with an array of docks and boats moored along them. But then you realize the street is a bit different. This one is concrete, whereas the other one was timber. This one has a bit less industrial look to it. It's not really more upscale, but probably more modern with businesses catering to the tourists rather than the boat trade.

As the limo pulls up, it also appears that this might be a somewhat smaller marina... only a dozen docks with maybe 100 boats. The other one could have been twice that size.

Rather than a security house providing control and access to the docks, this one is done through a dive shop. Of course, that's a bit of a simplification, even if that's what the main sign says. Other signs tout fishing gear and boat detailing and repairs. There are even rentals available.

There's still about 45 minutes till the agreed upon meeting time, and the shop still seems to be open.

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 1):

Still playing the part of a Bodyguard, Vonon opens the door and steps out, pausing to look around before he steps aside to let anyone else out.

OOC: 21:06, Sun 25 Jan 2015: Vonon Ronkunu rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((5,2)), making a straight INT check to Notice anything out-of-the-ordinary.

"If I remember correctly," Vonon says, "That Miz Blue said that she'd chartered a submersible, here, for us. So...maybe we could go in and ask if there is a submersible, here, waiting for a charter group?"

Walter stepped out and looked around at the marina. "Looks like this will be a chance to get any last minute gear that we might need. lets find a place to get changed into work gear while we wait." he said

Quin looked over the docks, smiling.  Something about sea travels correlation to space travel had often compelled her.

She turned to Zeller, "Changed?"  She chuckled, "Someone just wants to see two rather attractive females nude, eh?"  She was not entirely serious, just trying to lighten the mood enough she could relax.  Stress was mounting and not in the good ways she had become familiar with.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 3):

"Well, this is what they call a 'Dive' shop;" Vonon tosses out, "I think that means you can get the gear needed for going underwater, here. They should have some kind of changing rooms, I'd think. Either that, or there might be changing facilities aboard the submersible."

A thought suddenly occurs to Vonon, "Hey! This is where I had my, uh, gear sent to! I wonder if they delivered it to the shop, there, or to the submersible, itself. I'm gonna go find out."

Vonon heads into the 'Dive Shop' to inquire about any deliveries made in the last hour-or-so in his name.

AS the taxi drew near the Marina, Sam could see the limo and asked the taxi to pull up alongside.

As it stopped beside the vehicle, Sam opened the window and poked her head out

"Hi guys, hows it going? DO we know where our transport is yet?"

Quin walked up beside the cab, "We seem to still be unsure about the transport Sam.  But how are you?  How was your end of things?"

She had heard Vonon's ramblings about gear and could not help but lend a smile to her rifle.

In reply to Quinzella (msg # 7):

Vonon enters the dive shop and looks around for shop staff. Sighting someone moving around behind a counter, Vonon heads over.

"Heh-rho, Buddy!" Vonon says, approaching the counter, "I have a couple questions for you. First, is there a submersible in this marina that has, maybe, been chartered for a late night cruise?"

"And...." Vonon draws the word out, as he reaches into a pocket, then lays the same hand down on the counter, the corner of a folded 100 Credit bill -- courtesy of Ms. Blue's 'advance' -- just peeking through his furry fingers, "Has a delivery service been by to drop off a handful of travel trunks and some luggage? They should have been held for Ronkunu, Vonon Ronkunu. They might even have been passed on to that chartered submersible I was talking about."

Vonon enters the dive shop and sees a crate just inside the door. It has his name on it. He also realizes that the ship is considerably bigger than he first thought--not that it's bigger on the inside, just that, in the dark, the back half was lost in the darkness. In fact, the back half appears to be some sort of enclosed dock.

"Hello!" a man calls out from where he's working. "You must be Vonon. The crate arrived for you about 20 minutes ago."

"I suppose there's a submersible in the marina, two, in fact, considering they're here in the shop. I've not heard of any others, but who knows? And, yes, one of mine has been reserved by Count Cromwell."

He ignores Vonon's money.

"You want your stuff on the submersible, you'll have to take that up with the Count."

Sharik stifled a slight chuckle at Quinzella's attempt at humor.  She decided to play the straight-woman apparently.  "I suspect that the dive shop will have changing rooms." she reassured Walter.  And with that she finished what was in her tumbler and put it down on the wet bar.  Then the lithe socialite deftly grabbed her duffel bag and clambered out of the back of the limousine after Quin and Vonon have already seemingly exited the vehicle.

She took in the sea air for a moment, smelling it and holding in a deep breath.  Each ocean she had seen had always had a slightly different tang to it; she expected Grendal to be no different.  And so it wasn't - at least not in any way that mattered to her for the moment.  Shar had had enough experience in the water on her homeworld of Gaargir that felt a certain kinship with the waves lapping against the pier nearby.

The moment passed though and the diminutive dilettante was back to business.  With Quinzella chatting with Samantha in her conveyance, Sharik headed towards the doorway that Vonon had disappeared through.

In reply to Quinzella (msg # 7):

Sam paid the cab, grabbed her gear and started getting out of the cab as she spoke

"Interesting. Found some leads - mostly dead ends, but did have an interesting development, which I 'll tell you all " she looked pointedly at the cab driver " in a minute, and when the rest of the gang are here."


Putting down her two bags, she paused, and motioned towards the dive shop

"Should we follow the rest of the gang?" she asked

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 9):

"Well, thanks for looking after my gear." Vonon acknowledges, as he re-pockets the money.

"Yeah, me and my friends, outside, are with The Count. He's on the way; be here in a little while." he continues, shrugging his shoulders "So. I'm guessing, for security and liability purposes, nobody goes aboard til The Count gets here, yeah? Okay, I can scope that. Although..."

Vonon makes a small sub-vocal growl which first activates the comdot on his throat, and then opens the channel to Walter.

Turning slightly away from the shop owner, he begins speaking, "Hey, Sir Walter, it's Vonon. There is a submersible, here, rented in The Counts name. So...question for you...just how much do you represent The Count? Are you his Man of Business, or anything like that? 'Cuz if not, it looks like we might have to wait until The Count actually arrives, before we can board the boat."

Quin smiled, "Yes of course we should."

She grabbed her own changing materials and held out her elbow for Sam to accept as they moved.

Departing the Tropic of Sir Galahad, all things considered, there were alot of answers, some which didn't make sense...but, thinking once the group gets together and pools their information, the jigsaw puzzle might be less confused.

Pulling up to the Marina, Darrel gets out, looking for friendly faces.

"Sorry, looks like we need to wait a bit. While I have known the Count for quite a while, I do not have any authority with his dealings. Just like what we were talking about before he decided to go on a sub ride, I would want to get any agreement down on paper. While some think its a hassle, coming up with a contract helps to make sure that everyone knows what the rules are and who answers to whom. There is a vehicle pulling up. Looks like the Count and others have arrived. Security level 1." Sir Walter said over the mike.

Seeing the Count exit the vehicle, Walter tossed down the last of his drink and grabbed his gear, as he exited the limo.

Exiting on the opposite side of Count, Khea quickly tries to slip her gun unnoticed into the crate containing their bought equipment before joining him and Walter.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Sun 08 Feb 2015.

In reply to Kheaiftouaw (msg # 16):

Vonon listens to Walters response, then turns back to the shopkeeper.

"The Count just arrived." he informs the man, "If you have to do anything to prep the submersible, you might get started."

Then Vonon turns to look back at the door into the shop, and again makes a sub-vocal growl; this one, however, opens the circuit to everyone in the group, which was set-up back at the bar.

"Hey everyone, it's Vonon. Submersible access is inside the shop, here." he sends to everyone, "Miz Blue chartered it in Count Darrel's name; the gent, here, won't let anyone aboard til you check in with him, Your Countshipfulness, but I guess that's probably an S.O.P. for rental vehicles. Otherwise, everything looks good in here; the shop is secure."

Sam smiled at Quinzela and picked up her two bags then motioned with both hands to show they were full and shrugged.

Responding to Vonon she keyed comms to the rest of the group "best we continue discussions inside, a little less open to view I would suggest" walking inside she scanned the area for anyone paying undue attention to their arrival

Ooc
08:31, Today: Samantha Kilgore rolled 12 using 2d6+1. Recon with right dice.

This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

Quin smirked at Sam's gesture, "I had thought the same, about shielding the conversations.  But I thought we were going to change first Sam?"

She was smiling though, if she was hurt or something it did not show.

Sharik does not spot anyone watching the marina, and no one seems to pay any particular attention to the vehicles that pull up.

When the count gets out of his vehicle, he sees his limo already there and Walter climbs out and greets him.

Once inside, the Count is given access to the submersible. You are introduced to your driver, if you need him: Grev Allyrica.

Sharik exited one of the changing stalls with her tailored vacc suit on.  It was quite form-fitting and highly fashionable, the helmet was fastened to the tether on her belt and she had the sealed gloves in her hands.  Peeking out around the edges of the suit sleeves and neckline was the thin body sleeve that she wore underneath the tailored suit.

She carried her black duffle, which presumably contained her business suit, jewelry and other sundries inside.

The lithe dilettante lay the black bag on the counter for a moment, next to Vonon and the clerk, carefully noting who was present in the store, including all other employees and any other customers.  "I'm going to need a dive knife and a portable compass." Shar rattled off, tossing a set of credits on the counter before adding to the list, "Also, do you rent flippers and weight belts?"  She knew a little bit about diving - having spent a fair bit of time in the water on Gaargir.

She still wore her dataglove, the display of which show through the custom display on her vacc suit's forearm; Sharik tapped the earpiece of her p-comm once to test it.  "Roger that.  Security level 1." she responded dutifully to Walter's prompt.  Pointing to one side of the shop and then herself, Sharik let Vonon know which side she was securing and then covering.  She pulled her stunner from her kit bag and fastened the shoulder holster around her torso for the moment before picking up her stunner and starting another sweep of the establishment.

Once that was done, Sharik started to strap on the equipment that she had requested from the desk: the knife on her thigh, the compass on her wrist, the belt around her waist.  She waited on the flippers, simply tucking them under an arm.  She gestured towards the front door and then at Vonon, "You wanna get that or me?"  After all, someone had to hold the door for the Count...

Khea carries her old captains outfit as a rough bundle under her arm, intending to change back into it later as her new attire does not feel right in this situation. But for now she waits at the sideline while others are already donning their suits.

Only when they are ready she speaks up. "So before you all rush into the depths, has anyone found out something which would require us to change the plan?

For example this place not requiring a two man guard perhaps?", circling her finger around to underline her last sentence.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

OOC: There's a bunch of gear (if I remember correctly) that should be here.Direct copy/paste.


4 stun grenades
6 stunsticks
2 sonic stun carbines (full ammo)
4 teargas grenades
2 tranq rifles with ammo 20 rounds.

Seeing the others and moving forward, "There's some gear I've ordered. Should have arrived by now."

In a casual manner, as the group gathers, Darrell signals towards Tolman, "Light's out, max scrabble...

Having the group together...."Look, there's alot of things going on, far beyond our simple mission of just stealing the "Shennara project", Here's a small sample of what I learned....

Glances over towards Khea,

Only when they are ready she speaks up. "So before you all rush into the depths, has anyone found out something which would require us to change the plan?

For example this place not requiring a two man guard perhaps?", circling her finger around to underline her last sentence.

The Count describes in detail our meeting with DV...

OOC: Refer to
link to a message in this game

At this time of night, apparently there are only two people in shop--the owner and the submersible driver, who is in the submersible.


The requested gear has arrived.

In reply to Darrel Cromwell (msg # 23):

Sharik gestured towards the front door and then at Vonon, "You wanna get that or me?"  After all, someone had to hold the door for the Count...

"Aye-aye." Vonon said, as he quick-stepped over to the door -- reaching it only a breath before the Count's hired man -- and pulled it open.

"Excellency." Vonon said with a knod -- and a canine smirk -- as he held the door open for Darrel and his entourage.

A few minutes later, once the group is all together in the shop, Darrel says, "Look, there's alot of things going on, far beyond our simple mission of just stealing the "Shennara project", Here's a small sample of what I learned...."

"Hack-hack! Uh, your Excellency...?" Vonon interrupts, gesturing with his muzzle towards the shopkeeper, still standing behind his counter, nearby, "Might I suggest your briefing on tonights...festivities...wait until we are all secure aboard the submersible...?"


OOC:
Say, StarMaster, old mucker, would you be so kind as to describe this submersible for us? I'm curious.... ^_^

OOC: Although the Count is a bit impetuous at times, I don't see him blurting out "group plans" in front of people...you don't make that SS by being a blabbermouth. Although, Vonon, you are totally correct in putting that in perspective.

Having seen the initial gathering of the group and us, the group once more together, is reassuring.

Seeing the shopkeeper and anyone not directly involved, "I have to discuss things with my associates privately, please excuse the inconvenience. Our studio will take care of expenses."

At this point, those designated to security should "remove" anyone not involved.

OOC: Then it reverts to my previous posting and/or any new problems encountered.

OOC Note:There was a reason I said from a previous message... i just remembered it, I covered that.




There isn't going to be someone around , or an electronic device or anything that should "observe" our group.

In reply to Darrel Cromwell (msg # 27):

OOC: Oh, okay. Sorry. I didn't catch that...my mind must have blanked out, just then ^_^

The submersible is a Gashedda WS-9E Aqua-Diver Excursion model. It is quite large, being 60 feet long and about 40 feet wide. It even has two decks.

The upper deck has a 180-degree wrap-around front window, a large bridge, galley, photography lab, and supply lockers.

The lower deck has two outrigger treads mounted on either side, a utility bay with manipulator arms out front, a microbiology lab, cartography room, common room that can also be used for storing specimens, and 4 staterooms.

Propulsion is from two water jets mounted on top of the treads, or else the treads themselves.

Access to the submersible is via an airlock on the upper deck, while access to the lower deck is through two floor/ceiling hatches.

Sam puts her kits bags down to one side, and as the Count indicates moves towards the two employees. Gesturing towards the door she says "would you mind Gentlemen? " smiling.

As they start to move she says "Thank you"

She watches as they leave and then rejoins the group.

At a suitable pause she jumps in " I have some intel that changes the parameters of our mission, hopefully to our advantage"

ooc
Is it ok to link to another thread or would others prefer I summarise?

Personally I prefer the summary as it allows PCs to edit what they pass on (should they desire too) and also adds to Chinese Whispers which always makes things more interesting. The thread is currently hidden atm but hopefully it can be unhidden if need be.

Interesting idea... if you link to a private thread, is it now visible?


There are only one person in the shop proper at this time--the owner! He's not going to be too thrilled about getting escorted out of his own shop!

The other person is in the submersible.

OOC: If the manager isn't willing to leave, then, I imagine we back up a little bit in the timeline and start our conversation outside?

The owner has no objection to moving out to the dock where the submersible is. Forcing him to leave the shop is a bit heavy-handed and insulting... not the best ways to ensure his co-operation. After all, he's there for you, presumably doing a favor for Ceruleanne.

Tolman looks around the shop, carefully eyeing the equipment on display. He then addresses the shopkeeper. "The gear that's supposed to be here, can I have a look at it? I want to check everything's ready and as purchased."

Him moving out to the dock is fine.

Walter joins the others in the shop. Looking for the changing room, he slips into his work clothes and stores his suit in the locker, slipping in a credit before locking it and taking the key.

Once that has been done, Walter listed to the conversation that occurred between the Count and Del Vinian. "If he has not passed the world to the higher ups, he would be pleased to see them get taken down a notch or two. As for trying to take the submersible, depending on the dome, we might be able to send the ones that we planned to be in underwater gear to disable the vessel. A length of chain wrapped around one of the control surfaces like the rudder will make it hard for them to escape." Walter said before excusing himself for a moment and stepped inside.

"I am sorry that we commandeered your office. Pray tell, what is your drink of choice? I will speak to him about sending a case of it to you for this inconvenience, if that is not a problem." Walter asked before stepping back inside.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 36):

"Wait...what?" Vonon said, after listening a little, "Am I hearing this right? Are you suggesting we intercept a moving vehicle? That is, we, in our vehicle, locate a target vehicle that is attempting to evade us within a large volume of space -- in this case, an open ocean -- then to close with said vehicle, intercept it, and cause it to halt all movement while we have our way with the target vehicles passengers?"

Vonon pauses a moment, looking around the group, then says, "Where I come from we have a pair of words to describe that situation -- we call it space combat. And trust me, that civilian submersible, there, is no combat vehicle. So please, tell me I mis-heard you."

Although it's apparent that the Count trusts all these new people (how far is unclear), Tolman has yet to be introduced to them. So, as he inspects the 'special' equipment he helped the Count acquire, he keeps a wary on the others.

The purchased equipment was all sent here as requested. After inspecting it all, he's satisfied that it is all in good working condition.


At Walter's question, the owner has an amusing gleam in his eye for a minute as he contemplates some exotic beverage. Finally, he answers, "Narfamvargan Rum would be fine."

After he's done inspecting the gear, he turns his attention to the rest of the group. It's probably a good idea to introduce himself and get to know who these people are. "It seems we will be working together. My name is Tolman Jackstadt, I'm tasked with keeping the Count's safety. Pleased to make the acquaintance."

"Doable - I've had it worse. Lost half my team, but that was another place, another time."

"What if the submersible is already here, at the dock? or if we can trick it to come back?"

Darrell goes and asks the owner, "You have 2 submersibles, correct? The other one, is it here or at the dome, and if it is at the dome, I would assume that you have a means to contact it."

OOC: This is an idea that Khea made me think about.

Walter looked at Vonon. "No, no. What I mean is that if it is still docked at the dome, it would be easier to stop it there before it escapes rather than out in the open sea."

Outside
Walter nodded at the owner. "Narfamvargan Rum? I will let him know. If it is available here, it should not be a problem unless it is illegal. Offworld, it might take a while." he said, jotting down the address of the place and the owners name.

The Count realizes that his preoccupation with events and a pressing time-frame caused him to miss the basic etiquette..."Sorry everyone, this is Tolman Jackstadt, I've hired him as a security specialist and his help has been invaluable. Mr. Jackstadt, these are my associates.."

Sweeps his arm towards the group, he introduces them.

OOC: To avoid doing a long drawn out thing, I'll let the new player check out the cast/etc.

After listening to the Count's plan for a while in disbelief Khea interrupts.

"We don't even know where the dome is exactly so how should we recognize which submarine is theirs?

Sure, if we had more time to find out it would be a good plan. But as apparently we do not."

Vonon assumes a more relaxed stance.

"Oh, well then, sure! That's doable! Yeah, trust me, it's going to be a lot simpler to break into a fixed location than it will be to intercept and board a moving vehicle without doing lots of damage to said vehicle."



As Darrel walks away, Vonon looks around at the others in the group.

"What? The guy that runs this place is running submersible service out to the secret lab? Really?! Outstanding!" Vonon wraps a hand around the baskethilt of his Blade, "Just give me a quiet place and a few minutes to interrogate this guy, and I'll have the location out of him in nothing flat."

Suddenly, Vonon's muzzle takes on a perplexed look.

"But....wait....Miz Blue hired this guy to take us out to the dome, but didn't she also say she had teams out in boats searching for the dome? Why would she be searching for the dome, if she knew that this guy already knew where it was?"

Vonon brightens, and pretends to slap himself on the side of his head, "Oh! Right! Sir Walter and I left a few minutes before everyone else! Miz Blue must have said something about this guy knowing where the dome is after we left, right?"

Whatever submersible is being used by the underwater lab is probably privately owned. Its base has not been located yet, either, but it was deduced probably to be a beachfront property on the other island that had a boathouse.

The marina here has two submersibles that it rents out. Both are moored in the exterior 'boathouse' built off the back of the shop.

The owner, Tarl, looks really confused at the Count's words.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Sir. I don't know about any dome. Both of my submersibles are moored right over there."

Sam muttered under her breath ". What was that Sam? Some important information which might alter our mission parameters? perhaps we would all benefit from knowing that, not just ignoring it."

Taking a deep breath she raises her voice over the various conversations going on, and talks loudly and clearly

"Fascinating though all this speculation is, can I suggest that we all gather togethor in one place and share our information, and then update our plan based on all that information togethor? And can I suggest we do that right now, because entertaining though it is to debate this like a cross between a mothers meeting and Chinese Whispers, in terms of sorting out tactics the main outcome of that approach will be fewer of us collecting our pay alive or uninjured. And I like my body parts exactly where they are too much to be keen for that to happen."

She pauses and tries to catch everyones eyes (hoping that they are all now paying attention)

"So, in 30 seconds I suggest we are all gathered there " She points to an open area in the shop big enough for the group to stand around "to start something which will hopefully resemble more of a briefing, and less of a cluster fuck in the making."

She waits two beats, then without looking at anyone strides over to far end of the area she has indicated, turns round and stands there examining her watch very obviously, counting down just loud enough for people to hear.

"25, 24, ...."

"Finally a word of reason" Khea says while pushing off the wall she was leaning on and walks to Samantha.
"This was starting to sound more and more like a Ihatei war council."

In reply to Kheaiftouaw (msg # 47):

"I agree! I agree!" Vonon quickly responds to Sam, raising his hands in 'surrender', "But, if I might suggest -- hopefully without getting shot -- that we have our staff meeting aboard the sub." Vonon points at the vehicle in the back of the shop.

"I only suggest it because the metal, double-hull construction of that craft will defeat both shot-gun and laser microphones. Because the info we found out..." Vonon gestures at Walter, Sharik and himself, "...is that the bad guys know we're coming. And we may be being watched...."

Sharik is simply waiting by the counter for a decision on where the pow-wow is going to happen.  Vonon has summarized their findings, and she has nothing to add for the moment.

Given that she's completed her sweep, Shar kept out of people's way while they try to shuttle the owner about, get dressed and run about the shop for a bit.  The slightly bemused smile crossed her burgundy, cosmopolitan lips.  Sharik eyed Tolman for a bit, nodding in greeting to him once the Count introduced the bodyguard to her.  Cromwell vouching for him was enough for her right now.

She didn't bother to strap on the weight belt she'd ordered, tossing it over her shoulder for the moment.  Sharik glanced at the array of spear guns in the locked cases behind the counter.  She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, but decided to ask later.  Flippers in one hand, the diminutive dilettante leaned against the counter with her arms crossed watching where the others eventually decided to congregate.

Sam nods at Vonun and eyes up the submersible

ooc
is the common room on the sub a big enough space for a team meeting?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Wed 18 Feb 2015.

Several areas on the submsersible, including the common room, the bridge, the utility bay and the bioresearch lab, are large enough to accommodate everyone. The bridge is probably not a good idea, per Vonon, as it has a wrap-around window. The dock is enclosed, though, so no one can target the window with a laser mike.

Walter nods at Samantha's suggestion. "I think that we are all use to working as independents long enough that we need to sit down and discuss what we have found in a private place before we go any further. The sub would be as good as any. Lets go and it will be a new experence for me." he says to the others, as he heads for the hatch on the sub.

OOC:To sub

Darrell heads to the sub.

In reply to Darrel Cromwell (msg # 53):

Vonon drops his hands and hurries to gather up his luggage and travel trunks, then follows everyone else into the sub.

Samantha lags behind the others, making sure everyone is heading for the sub, but also performing a visual sweep to spot anything out of the ordinary. She gathers her two bags and takes them with her to the sub.

Without a word, Tolman gathers his equipment and follows the Count into the submarine.

While everyone is boarding the sub Khea heads out again, gets the gun she hid among all the other stuff the Count bought and hides it between the bundle of clothes she still carries and only then heads into the sub, shouting "Have you already forgotten about the equipment Count bought? I won't carry it after you so when you need something get it yourself." once inside.

Sharik found it slightly amusing at all of the posturing that was going on.  She quietly and simply picked up her bag, then one of the bundles of group equipment that the Count had ordered and was laying in the pile.

She knew that she couldn't carry it all (at least, not all in one trip), but if the stuff was going to be potentially useful for the mission and needed to get into the submersible some how, then the diminutive brunette was all for helping get the equipment on board.

As she boarded the waiting sub, Shar murmured a soft, if heartfelt, "Thank you." to the owner of the dive shop.  It was a simple courtesy and there was no need to burn the bridge either.  She hoped (if not assumed) that she would see the man later.  And when they returned, his aid might be crucial to their success...

Once everyone was inside Sam let them settle briefly then spoke up

"I'm gonna run this brief - just to keep order, unless anyone objects. " She paused and looked round everyone waiting for any response

Private to GM: Am assuming Ikram is no longer with us?]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Sat 28 Feb 2015.

You assume correctly. Ikram has vanished... at least for the time being.


As you entered the submersible's upper deck through the side airlock, you were greeted by a green-skinned man.

"Hi. Welcome aboard. I'm Grev Allyrica, your pilot... if you need me. No problem if you don't."

Everyone is now gathered in the Common Room on the sub. Tolman brought in all the extra equipment.

Sam turned to Grey

"Hi Grey. My name is Sam. Your employer, according to the schedule is the Count there " she indicated Darrell. "We're just about to have a meeting so could you please check the sub is ready for departure and give us about 20 minutes privacy please? Assuming that's ok with the boss. We'll let you know then what we need, but my hunch is you won't be getting the night off.".

Sam hated sucking up to Nobles, but her service had made her realize sometimes it was just easier to play the game.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:53, Mon 02 Mar 2015.

Nods at Sam to continue.

OOC:My posting will be slow and erratic for a while, but, I'm here. ;-)

Not waiting for their pilot to depart Khea spoke into the round "At least we won't crash into the dome when trying to dock now"

Grev didn't hang around; he was just letting you know that he was available.

"Submersible is all ready to go," he informs you and leaves.

Sam acknowledges Darrells nod, and thanks Grey as he leaves.

Looking round at everyone she starts talking, standing alert but at ease.

"Okay guys, I suggest what we do is feed back from our various activities to see if theres new information. I'll start. I did some research on our target and the names we had and managed to track a few things down. One lead was too far away, the other I passed on to the Count, who will update us, I am sure."

She pauses

"I crashed after that and a bit later received a call from Ceruleanne warning me in a roundabout manner that someone else might contact me, and I should listen to them. They did. Justev Wredrav contacted me. He spoke in plain language so I had to try and read between the lines. But he is in the dome. He is asking us to pick him up as he tries to leave at midnight. Our plan was to go in later. So we have three options. Go in earlier, as if he escapes they'll likely be on alert. Pick him up and use his intel to help us get in - though they'll be on alert. Or persuade him to wait for us, then we have someone on the inside who could help us. Be clear though, communicating this guy is not going to be simple. He thinks hes being tapped (and may well be)so its not like we'll be able to ask him lots of direct questions about whats going on. I think our best option is the last one, to try and get him to wait and help us get in. So any thoughts, comments on that first?"

"It would be worth it if he can help us get in, but, the trick is keeping in contact with him without tipping off his employers."

Justev nervously watched the clock. Soon would be make or break time, and his heart raced.

"I agree with the count. A man on the inside would be a great asset, we just need to figure out how to talk to him without anybody else knowing."

In reply to Tolman Jackstadt (msg # 68):

"So, there's this fellow who is inside the dome we wish to -- for lack of a better term -- break into," Vonon adds in, "and he says he feels so much like a prisoner that he's planning to escape from the dome. In fact, he was planning to escape the dome, even before he learned about our little escapade, and now wonders if we wouldn't mind picking him up and giving him a lift out of there, since we'll be in the neighborhood."

Vonon looks around, then continues, "Now, I'm not usually one to look a gift bottle of oxy in the valve, but I have just one question...if we're gonna rendezvous with this oh-so-convenient inside operative, then, shouldn't he, maybe, tell us where the friggin dome is, first?!"

Sharik had given Tolman a helping hand.  Not being the strongest of individuals didn't seem to phase her or hinder her ability to port the limit number of items involved.

She simply listened to the Samantha's summary nodding to the salient details.  Shar smiled slightly as the Count then Vonon voiced their opinions.  Both were correct, and Samantha appeared to be the one with the information.  So, the dark-haired dilettante simply looked to here for any answers that might be forthcoming.  Of course, their contact might not have had the chance to give all of the information that they would have liked - if he was being monitored and not on a secure channel.  And this man, Justev,  might not have the same level of past experience in espionage that some in the room might have had.  Allowances had to be made,

Her curt nod and intent expression made her agreement with Vonon rather apparent.  The timing for any rendezvous couldn't be accurately estimated if a search was involved.  But, presumably, Sam had more information on the dome location, if she was entertaining that level of coordination; she held a hand up and placed it on the rather animated vargr's shoulder bicep in a calming gesture to give Samantha a chance to speak.

Considering that access to the underwater dome is via submersible, it's probable that those in the dome, except maybe Shenarra herself, don't know the actual location of the dome. Why would they? It's not like it has a street address--32006 Coral Reef 823 West.

In any case, the location can be determined from Justev's cell phone calls.

"Has this person said why he wanted to leave in such a hurry?

That he knew our employer would suggest that he is connected to this project we need to secure. After all this is what she is interested in. And that he has to leave so fast on the day before the project has to be turned over can't be a coincidence.

Any way, is there a chance he can bring the stuff we need to get with him?"

The Count adds, "Concerning my conversation with the guy that took the fall for the company, he was well compensated and didn't mention much that would help us practically, mostly what we already knew. However, Del Vinian did mention a few things that add to the puzzle;

1. The dome would be in fairly shallow waters.
2. The R&D project, Shenarra, involves grendels somehow, perhaps pertinent with their longevity. So, that implies that the dome would be near a large grendel population.
3. The other simple logistics thing, he mentioned a sort of military shore leave program, meaning...like clockwork, small groups of workers go out for a week, come back, party for day or so, and then back out. maybe something as simple as checking police records for consistent weekly fights in local bars near a marina?"

Looks over at Khea, "Did I miss anything?"

Thinks about it..."Well of course there's always barfights near marinas, but, if we look at consistency, that might boil it down to a specific marina, especially one with submersibles."

"I realize these all seem disjointed, but, if we factor all these independent pieces together, maybe that will point us to a small search area."

Smiling, "Or we just track the location of our inside man's communications."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:46, Sun 08 Mar 2015.

Sam looked around as various people commented.

"It was a call for help, not a long conversation,so location wasn't discussed. I think he assumed we knew where he was. Comms is going to be a problem with him, without alerting anyone else. I think we could probably try one more contact with him, but we'll need to communicate in a code which sounds like plain english, and which we haven't agreed mutually already, so thats gonna be hard. SO I think we need to keep it simple. I don't think we can ask one man to do a job that she thought would take half a dozen of us, even if he is already inside. I favour just asking him to help us get in, and then take it from there. He could certainly help guide us to the location. And, um ahem" Sam coughed a little sheepishly "I haven't traced the call, but we could probably try that now"

She paused.

"Before we get onto Grendals, I think we need to agree what we ask this guy to do and how to do it. Then we can move onto the Counts information."

"Concerning Sam's guy, 1st priority is we need to set up a trace-line, with the ability to find his location...between those of the group with those skills and our own equipment, I'd like to think that's doable...Mr. Tolman's local contacts and expertise might come in very handy. "

Glances around the cabin, "Well, about the message itself...difficult considering the circumstances....no serious previous contact, no established protocols, and trying to maintain a 'cover'."

Leans back, pulling out a flask to take a small sip, "Reminds me of a part I played, an agent dropped behind enemy lines without any prior coordination, but, I and the oppressed people had the same desired end result. He wants to get out and we want to get in, same concept."

Tapping the top of the flask rhythmically, somewhat in a offhanded manner..."Ahh, I remember, morse code...anyone involved in maritime operations knows morse code...If we alert him to that in code somehow, we send a message, in the background."

The Count gets motivated for a moment, "Alright, this must be a audio or video message... you're his girlfriend and his dog Morse is sick and dying, lots of tears, sobs and breasts...that's a distraction for the censors...music is playing in the background...."

"Or something like that."

Actually, the info that was passed to Samantha was that Justev wasn't actually supposed to have his comm unit at all. His primary problem was simply getting caught with it. He was attempting to talk in code in case he was overheard, and he could then claim innocence. Apparently he wasn't there by choice.

Calling him wasn't an option. Not that you don't have the number, but since you can't know what his status is at any given moment, he's not likely to be able to answer you. At the very least, his comm will be in silent mode.


Getting the location from which he called requires hacking the comm satellites and determining the reception vector.


Del Vinian merely suggested a rotation would be used to get the people out of the dome for a short period of time to avoid cabin fever setting in. It's not likely that any of them would be allowed out to a bar. Time at the base, without the ever-present water overhead, would be sufficient, with maybe a chance to go 'into town' to visit a convenience store. Escorted, of course.

Sharik scratched her head for a moment, causing a lock of hair to fall in front of her face for a moment.  She didn't know what to make of Darrel's plan.

However, Sam's remark about location made sense.  "I can probably help with getting that comm signal triangulated..." the diminutive dilettante offered to there Samantha, "just let me verify your p-comm ident information."  She was well aware that the networking on Beowulf was  not quite at the Imperial Standard™ which she could only hope would make it easier to infiltrated.  Shar had to trust that it wasn't so far off of spec that things swung back into the more difficult realm.  In any case, in theory, she should be able to get in and use the local global positioning data from multiple satellite relays to give them a pretty good idea of where the dome must be.  Cross-indexed with the topological maps that she had publicly available to her.  Well, Sharik could only hope that it would be enough.

And she hadn't really had the time to dwell on it.  If they were going to get going, then they needed to know where they were supposed to be headed.  So, Sharik set to work.

[OOC:  Trying the comms things... if no one else is going to try...

  22:36, Today: Sharik Kaagira rolled 10 using 2d6+3. Comms/Int Check: Comm System Hacking and Triangulation (+0 Comm, +2 Int, +1 Program).

*crosses fingers*  No difficulties taken into account...]

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

quote:

Mr. Tolman's local contacts and expertise might come in very handy.

Am I supposed to have contacts here? Because I don't think I have. And my expertise is more centered on shooty stuff rather than "techy" stuff.

---

Tolman ponders the situation, studying what the rest of the team proposes. "Now that I think of it, can we be sure that this man is truly on our side? He could be trying to lead us into a trap." He crosses his arms. "Perhaps it might be safer to not rely on him at all and go in by ourselves, maybe even give him erroneous information about our team's details."

He clacks his tongue a couple of times, and continues: "About that "shore-leave" system... Could that be an easy, stealthy way to get in? Perhaps pass ourselves off as one of the submersibles that carry the workers back inside the dome? Of course, for that we'd need to find the location, but I am confident that our specialists will be able to trace the call."

Walter listened to Sharik talk about triangulation to find to dome and helps her with it. "We should be able to do that. I have not used it to triangulate on a planet surface since school. I am more use to doing it with spacecraft and other objects in space." he said, looking over her calculations.

OOC:Not sure if there is an aid function but it might help increase her chances. If not Comms, use Computer as it is also at 1.

14:55, Today: Walter Zeller rolled 12 using 2d6+2. Comms/Int Check: Comm System (+1 Comm, +1 Int). 

Khea leans back onto the submarines hull crossing her arms and says in a resigning voice while letting her tail hang motionlessly.
"What good is a code everyone knows about. If JustevWredrav can figure out that there is a coded message inside the transmission so can others.

Not waiting for a reply she continues.

"So in the case we find out the location, what are we going to do with it? We hardly have time to find out if there are any workers scheduled to come back even if we knew where to start looking for that information.

She sighs and speaks towards CountDarrel "You don't happen to know an ehm.. assassin? we could ask how to proceed?

OOC:Couple of quick notes, hhhmmmm.... I believe Mr. Tolman (when he was an NPC) was "connected", meaning he had contacts either in the local security folks and/or in the people dealing with them.?.

My personal belief is that given time, we could figure all this out, the one final determining factor, we don't have time. So, we need to act on our best judgement given the information we currently have.



Khea's question to Darrell is like a ice cold shower, "We're not killing anyone.!. That's a non-starter for me, I'll have nothing to do with something like that."

At that point, the Count stands up and moves away, trying to figure out how we have gone from "innocent" industrial espionage to murder.

Sits in a isolated corner for a moment pondering, "I must have misunderstood something, or be confused, damn it, Khea is Aslan but not bloodthirsty."

After a moment, Darrell returns to the group, "Please explain the reasoning behind the need for an assassin?"

In reply to Tolman Jackstadt (msg # 78):

Vonon pointed at Tolman, but spoke to Walter.

"Y'know, Sir Walter, this 'moke may have a point about the inside guy being a set-up."

Vonon turned and spoke to the group, "When we went to the other marina to speak with the Security Guy who got canned, he didn't react the way we expected. He seemed content, almost happy with the way things had worked out. We were expecting a disgruntled man who was resentful of being made a scapegoat, but instead, that guy had nothing but good things to say about his former employer. In fact, he even implied that we were wrong to even hold any suspicions about his former employer."

"When we left, we, uh, kinda left a little bug behind, and what we heard those guys saying after we left pretty much convinced us that it was a set-up. They weren't there expecting us, specifically, but they had been ready for someone to come around asking questions, and they did then report our snooping around to someone off site."

"Shar'r, you still have a recording of what the commdot picked up, right? Well...um...Sam, right? Uh, Sam, at what time did you first make contact with this guy in the dome? We should compare it to when the guys at the other marina reported on us. If dome-guy called after we were reported, then he just might be a set up."

Vonon tried to give the canoid equivalent of looking sheepish.

"Not that I wanna throw another bone into the dog pile, and slow us down even more..."



OOC: I'm not really asking for a specific timeline, Star*Master, I only care if the guy in the dome made contact with Sam before or after Vonon & Co. left the other marina. And, if he did call after, was it long enough after there may have been time to set something up with dome-guy?

Popping his head up from the data that he was reviewing, Walter dropped his pen and looked towards Vonon with a quizzical look. "That is too much of a coincidence." he said. "A timeline would be a good idea. The meeting that we had with the former employee was nowhere near what we had expected. Maybe he was content but most humans, and other races for that matter, have a serious issue when they get fired for something they did not do or had no control over, to the point they get down right vengeful. The guy took it as if was nothing. If they had payed me lots of money to hush me up, the last thing i would be doing is working as a Rent-a-Cop. I even tried calling his bluff in front of the goons that showed up shortly after we did and that did not even phase him." his eyes going back to the task at hand but his ears listening to the conversation.

Sharik looked up from the display on her dataglove that both she and Walter were working with.  "Hmmm?" she noted idly, before tearing her eyes away from the screen.  It took her a moment to refocus, "Oh, yes, of course.  Give me a moment..."  And she kept her personal Intellect program continuing to spin on the decrypting the comm link information.

After a minute or so, Shar had pulled up the audio capture and pushed to everyone else comms - at least, to the individuals of the group that had given her their drop addresses.  It displayed exactly as her vargr friend had outlined.  Oolak acted and sounded more like a man still on the payroll than a disgruntled employee.  And the four men that had been 'meandering' about the marina were obviously there to keep tabs on him and whoever visited him.

Once the feed capture had been forwarded, the diminutive dilettante returned to the task of triangulating the comm signal with her fellow nobleman.

Sam checked her comm

"Hmm, he seemed genuine to me, but I think your right we should be cautious. From Memory I think it was about 20:00 I got the call" She checks her comm to confirm

ooc
GM can you correct time if I've got it wrong

And guys,  unless the GM is really sneaky, don't think he's a plant. But we should confirm that ic

Slightly irritated by CountDarrels outburst Khea continues "An assassin would certainly know how to get into the dome undetected.

But that was just a random thought in the case that you knew one on this planet which would be a huge coincidence.
An assassin for hire likely won't part with his knowledge, especially to strangers, and also likely needs more time to make a plan than we have.

Still, we could call and ask one if all else fails."

Khea's answer greatly relieves Darrell's fears and he realizes the misunderstanding, "Khea, I'm sorry that I over-reacted, in my culture, when the word assassin is used, it's generally used in connection with murder, not espionage."

Grins, "However, I do understand your point, a spy or professional thief might be useful in our task, however, I'm fairly sure that there are those amongst the group that have the appropriate abilities."

"A thief would work too but I am sure that assassin is the appropriate word. They are after all more easy to find.
Does no one of us here have a household assassin on this planet?"

Well, thinking Darrell's easy idiot guide to Aslan relations is perhaps not up to the task...
"Ahh, hhmm, ahhhmmm, well, I think that your definition of assassin per se, especially something like a "household" assassin isn't quite how things exist in our terms."


With a deadpan expression and voice, "I'd love to have one, but, you know, it's not really practical and probably against our laws. And, the less laws we break, I think the better. Don't you agree?"

On many worlds, there are still 'cell towers' that relay comm signals around the planet. On this one, it's all done by orbital satellites, so no triangulation needs to be done. The received signal's source comes with a vector, so Sharik has no problem hacking the satellite and finding out that information.


According to Justev, there are only 9 people working in the dome. It'd be impractical to pretend to be any of those, and even more so to pretend to be 'others'. There isn't likely to be a shore leave run before morning.


Tolman's local connections occurred post-career (i.e. after character generation). He's been doing freelance work on the planet... more or less biding his time, and he's got a good rep with security personnel on the planet, particularly the mercenaries.


As near as Samantha can tell, she got the first call from Justev just about the time the others were talking to the guard at the marina. Only everybody's conspiracy paranoia could possibly have made a connection between Walter and Samantha at that juncture... or else a really bad coincidence at the club. Ceruleanne just didn't seem that... careless.

Sam checked the timings and looked at the others

"My hunch is we trust Justev. I think he can help get us in and hopefully guide us to the package. We just need to let him know we're coming and that he needs to let us in.

Are we agreed on that?"

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 91):

"Yeah, I'm good." Vonon nods, "The time difference between us walking into that set-up at the other marina, and you talking with this Justev, is just too short. Even if a set-up like I feared was arranged in advance, I just don't think anyone could have triggered it so fast."

Vonon looks over at Sharik and Walter, "So, as soon as these two locate your contact, I'm good to head straight out for the dome."

Vonon pauses a moment to think.

"Now, did you say that Justev already had his own plans to leave the dome at midnight, or something like that? And he wants us to pick him up? Well, okay, I'm just gnawing a bone, here, but once we figger out where the dome is, then we can calculate how fast we can get there. Once we do that, we let this Justev know when we'll be there."

"Now, if I remember right, Sam, you said that Justev told you he wasn't supposed to have a personal comm, but that he'd stashed one, anyway. Okay, then. Let's assume that if he's smart enough to hide a comm, he's smart enough to turn off its ringer. So, once we know where the dome is, we send Justev a text with an innocent sounding message -- something like 'Dannys party has been moved to 2 o'clock', or whatever time we think we'll be there. Then we hope he reads the message before we get there."

"I'm still thinking our best bet for getting into the dome is to walk, or swim, up to it; people-sized targets are less likely to set off alarms, as opposed to big, metal-skinned submersibles. And if we can coordinate with Justev to open an airlock for us, we're golden."

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 91):

"I'm good with that."

Sharik glanced up at Vo's mention of her and Walter.  "Working on it." she quipped with mock exasperation.  Then her expression grew more serious, as the waifish dilettante summarized.  "Almost there, I think.  Two minutes." and Shar gave her noble cohort a glance.

"Oh," she noted off hand, matching Darrel's intonation and accent, "I'm good with the plan, too."  Sharik didn't look up from the display though, and continued to tap away.

While watching Sharik work Khea replies to Vonon "On a planet with aggressive aquatic reptiles I am not so sure that diving to the dome would cause any less of an alarm. Unless it is a military installation I suspect they have more defenses to keep grendals away than submarines."

After pausing for a moment she asks the group

"Is it possible that Justev can do our work for us and bring whatever we need with him when we pick him up?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:59, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

Justev wasn't able to convey the physical size of the project, so it isn't clear if he could pick it up and put it in his pocket. Obviously, though, he could bring the data... for his project. He was able to indicate there was more than one project being worked on.

And it's always possible that he could be shot if he's caught trying to leave.

Walter nodded in agreement to the plan of action, "Sounds good to me." he said, barely glancing up from the work that was being done.

The waffling finally winds down, and there's no longer any excuse to keep from launching the submersible.

The owner, Tarl, comes on board just before then.

"I was led to believe you might require some instruction in scuba diving," he says.

"I can give you a crash course in an hour or two... just to give you a taste. You won't be experts by any means. That requires about 20 hours of training and at least four dives."

"Thanks Tarl, if you could get us under way, Sharik should be able to give you our heading soon. If anyone wants lessons I suggest you chat to Tarl. Does anyone have any other points to raise?"

Ooc
Sorry that fizzled out, Sam should have been leading discussion more but been a hectic week.

To sum up, I think we have agreed that we'll get a message to Justev to get him to help us get in, and find the project. Apart from that, how we are going to actually get in still needs to be agreed (swimming or submersible)

"I myself have some experience with underwater operations. Unfortunately, I don't think it would be feasible for us to swim inside; as our Aslan friend here said, either grendals or the measures taken to defend the dome against them would make our mission impossible." He cocks his head, shrugging. "If I had to cast my vote, I'd take the submersible. Even if it is noisier, it's certainly safer."

OOC: I have also been remiss, RL time constraints have been problematic. However, here I am to rescue the day...;-)

"I agree with Mr. Jackstadt, trying to come up with some sort of "Seal Team 6" underwater operations on the fly with untrained and/or previously uncoordinated individuals is a recipe for disaster, not only for us, but, even dangerous to innocent civilians working in an underwater dome."

Looks around the group, "A simple question, if by our actions either directly or indirectly caused death to someone, is it worth justifying it by some monetary reward? Therefore, our decisions must stress accomplishing this with the minimum qualification that NO ONE DIES."

Leans forward placing his hands on his temples, "We can do this, without a doubt. But, let's try to do it as safely as we can, not just for us but for those folks down there. Meaning, practical and methodical planning."

The Count pauses..."I'm up for this, but, let's just reflect for a moment...if we're going to do this...be smart, efficient and professional. If we can do that, Rock and Roll."

Waits for comments.

Realizing that he had only demonstrated his convictions and not his plan, Darrel said, "Give me a moment, I need to gather some information and then, let me give a possible plan, although professional input is more than welcome"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Sun 22 Mar 2015.

Reviewing the information on these domes...." I was thinking, since the airlock to these domes can be remotely (?)) opened, shouldn't there be an "emergency" override code, and can one of you computer experts find that in the manufacturer's electronic information?"

Having to check her translator from time to time when following CountDarrels speech Khea waits until he is finished to add.

Being able to open the airlock or maybe even submarine hangar remotely would certainly help. Just in case though is anyone here good in electronics? I could do it, but that is not my speciality. And there is still the problem of potential defensive systems at the dome.

She looks over to Tolman and the hatch to the cockpit. Maybe one of the natives can explain what kind of systems the domes have in case of Grendal attacks.

Semi-OOC: Whatever our course of action might be, I'm going with some basic "scuba" training for me.

Tolman smiles when the Count says smart, efficient and professional. "I like how you think, boss."

"However, we have to consider the possibility that things go wrong; we might get caught in the process of breaking inside. It's not an appealing prospect, but it is something we have to plan for. If security starts shooting at us, what are we going to do? Pull out? Press on? For my part, whatever happens know that I will value any member of the team's life -especially yours, Count- above a security guard's."


StarMaster?

Walther nodded in agreement to the Counts suggestion. "It would more likely need to override the computer system but they might also have a manual emergency override by the doors, like an escape hatch. If we can get a copy of the plans, that would be a great start." he said

Sam nodded as people spoke

"I agreee, personally I favour the submersible over swimming." she paused briefly

Perhaps we could use the grendals to our advantage? We could pretend to have had an encounter with one and be unable to surface, and have injured? That could be our excuse for approaching, and may even get them to open the door for us?"

None of the domes come with any kind of weaponry or even places to put such. It'd be kind of pointless, as the domes are hardly a good defensive position.


The grendals attacking human installations is a new and still rare occurrence, so there is little to go on. No one on the planet has suggested declaring war on the grendals, though there has been some talk about declaring the grendals intelligent being.

The few incidences of them attacking a settlement always seems to be when the settlement was in the grendal's feeding grounds. While structures were damaged, no one was ever injured or killed.

Sharik begged off on any scuba training, though she was more than willing to get a rundown on the workings of the submersible.  Her comfortable demeanor and ease with which she moved in her vacc suit seemed to back up her simple assertion that she had had plenty of time in environment suits already and didn't need a refresher.  The thin socialite had also asserted that she had plenty of aquatic experience, though that remained to be seen; still, it was quite possible for anyone that had grown up on Gaargir which had extensive oceans and plenty of opportunities to swim on the resort world.

She looked up at Darrel's suggestion about hacking the airlock.  "Could be tricky..." Shar noted off-hand, "but not impossible.  There is generally a manual override on the air lock itself.  While it may fail closed to maintain integrity, it has to have a low tech way to gain access during all sorts of emergencies."  It was a simple fact, otherwise the airlock would potentially be unusable and no better than a bulkhead.

"We can get on it once we are finished with this triangulation" Shar concluded as she continued to tap away on the virtual keyboard on her dataglove.  The holographic display shifted as a number of datastreams continued to update quickly.

Anyone that takes the scuba training will wind up with Swim-0 and Scuba Diving-0.

Seeing that the others already have a good idea, or at least several guesses, how to get into the dome Khea, growing a bit impatient, follows up on Sharik to drive the discussion forward.

"So once we are inside, what then? Hope that Justev can tell us everything we need to get? Or should we round up everyone in the dome and interrogate them?
Besides, what about their communication systems? If they manage to call for help it can get complicated."

Sharik nodded slightly to Khea's suggestion, "Knocking out comms is probably a good thing.  Unless we can be sure that we can get in and out quickly."  She pauses for a thoughtful moment, "Though as Justev has proven, a p-comm can still be effective.  If he has one, what is to say that any of the others, especially the security guards, don't as well?"  The obvious implication that they could not stop or limit the use of a personal communicator without much more sophisticated methods.

She gave the assembled a 'thumbs-up' and then relayed the triangulated coordinates from the GPS satellite data.  "I think that should be enough for our heading," Shar noted, "At least, good enough to get underway."

The dark-haired dilettante turned local hacker, then turned her attention to the question about the airlock security and schematics.  Sharik h'mmed for a moment sending out her intellect program spiraling out on public search for anything first then started to probe the BioDome's site.  Of course, they could have subcontracted the part, so Shar knew that it was likely to take a little digging.  But once the specs were in, she was pretty sure that she could figure out if it could be cracked or bypassed.  And given the distance to the dome, she did figure that there was ample time to do so...

[OOC:  Let's see what we can see...

  23:32, Today: Sharik Kaagira rolled 14 using 2d6+3. Investigate/Int Check: BioDome's Airlock Specs (+0 Investigate, +2 Int, +1 Program).
  23:33, Today: Sharik Kaagira rolled 16 using 2d6+4. Computer/Int Check: BioDome's Airlock Security (+2 Security, +2 Int).

Hopefully, there is a bypass.  But at the very least, Sharik will be really certain there isn't one, if there isn't actually one...:D]

Tolman nods at Sharik; she's made a good point.
"Hm, the girl's right. Do we have some way to jam those p-comms?"

"Timings gonna be everything. if we can jam we need to do it at the right time to make sure it doesn't tip them off too much. With that in mind, we should maybe see if we can monitor broadcasts on our way over, see if theres any regular traffic we need to be aware of. As for Jamming itself, theoretically yes - but do we have the right kit aboard?"

OOC: Didn't Darrell buy some jamming comms stuff somewhere along the line or Tolman said he could get it?

"There should be a scrambler with the equipment CountDarrel bought. Although it probably is not powerful enough to jam all communication from the whole dome from a distance over water.

Maybe we could sabotage one of those communication towers instead?"

Sam shakes her head "I think We need to keep the plan simple and fast, and not very explosive. Trying to damage a comm tower risks damaging the whole structure integrity. Unless you have an idea how to do it non-kinetically? If we get in close fast, we can blast the jamming over the whole dome, and that will hopeflly buy us enough time to do the job before anyone can call for help. If they've got anyone close enough on call that they can respond quickly to a mayday, then we're in big trouble anyway. So I think we want to slow down comms, not worry about shutting them down 100 %. She pauses and ponders the ceiling

"perhaps what we need to do is flood the airwaves with traffic, so any maydays get lost in the noise? Or just go full on and EMP the area - could damage the package tho.

"It might be better to not do anything to the communications until the last moment to avoid tipping our hand. It might be even better to not do so until we are in the dome to help prevent them from speeding up the destruction of the information." Walter says

Sharik shrugged slightly, she hadn't carried the bag with the Count's jamming equipment - though should could likely figure out how to use it.  All she really knew was that she didn't have any such items in her kit.  "Likely," Shar ventured, tacking onto Walter's statements, "the jammer won't have a very long range anyways.  Especially underwater."  In her experience, water could attenuate many shorter wave signals - even if some of the longer wavelength ones were enhanced.

"Back to expert timing..." the diminutive dilettante mused to no one in particular.

There were plenty of ways things could go wrong, but seemingly one in which it would go right.  It just remained to be seen if they could navigate those treacherous waters successfully.  Both literally and figuratively.

Slightly annoyed Khea adds.
"Enough about what we cant or shouldn't do. Either we decide now on a plan how to get in and what to do after we are in or we don't plan at all, go there and send the men in.

"Unless the Count has a platoon of Imperial marines or a handful of commandos, a lot of us will be getting "on the job" training for this plan. The notion of crawling into scuba gear fascinates me, having come from a vacuum world. I can take the training but I am not sure how useful I will be in the water." Sir Walter said.  "If I might make a suggestion, let us make sure that we set our com-links to not get interfered by the jammer. As for planning, I would leave it to those more use to these kinds of operations in a real world manner like Vonon, not some role they played in a vid." he said, glancing at the Count with a smile.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 122):
OOC: Sorry this is so long - Vonon has a lot to say ^_^


"Well, thank you very much, Sir Walter." Vonon nods, "But, while I have such training that you're talking about, I, too, have the same handicap you do -- I've spent my entire life living in an asteroid belt. I'm not directly experienced in underwater operations, but the principals of my training should still apply."

Vonon pauses a moment, as he runs the claw of his thumb under his chin, "As I've said, I was in my homeworlds Space Patrol -- think of it as a single planet Space Navy. I have been part of several boarding operations of both ships and bases -- but those were all zero-g and zero-pressure operations. Now, I haven't been data-mining as thoroughly as my buddy Sharik, there, but I have gathered a few facts in some of my off minutes this evening."

"Specifically, that a standard design Vacc-suit will work perfectly well as an ad hoc diving suit; they are air-tight, so they are water-tight as well and the same design and technology that prevents the suit from ballooning-up in zero-pressure will also prevent the suit from locking-up under water pressure. To a point, that is. Also, the tendancy towards bouyancy that a Vacc-suit would have underwater is quite similar to the experience of zero-g operations."

"So, Sir Walter, everything you learned growing up on a Vaccuum world, wearing a Vacc-suit, you will be able to use here, underwater."

"I've already said that I believe we should attempt to walk -- or swim, for those who can use this SCUBA stuff -- into the dome. And here's why I think such a plan will work..."

"First...have any of you who are looking for data about the secret -- and I remind you that Mizz Blue did say the lab was a secret! -- have any of you found anything like a construction permit, or a bill of sale for the piece of seabed that this dome is built on? Hmm?" Vonon pauses a moment, "No, we haven't. And that is because the very existence of the lab is a SECRET!!"

"That means that they are keeping a low profile, where ever they are. Now, I would point out that there is one thing that is the same here, on this water world, that was true in my asteroid home -- because there is so little dry land here, a significant portion of the populace actually spend all their time out on, or in, the water. SO, whatever security sensors the secret dome lab will have, should be low-profile and probably short of range, so that they don't give themselves away to any casual passers-by."

"And that brings me to my second point -- whatever sensors that dome has -- sonar, underwater listening devices, anti-Grendal scanner, ultra-microwave radar, or even a watchman in an observation tower, whatever! -- they will have to be unobtrusively low power and short ranged, that means they will have a few of the same kind of sensor shadows we used to take advantage of, back in The Patrol. Specifically, that the closer the scanners get to the irregular features of the seabed, the more scattered and indistinct their readings will be. Thus, the smaller the object that approaches on or near the sea bottom, the less likely they will be to identify it, until it is too late."

"Now, I noticed that this submersible was equipped with crawler treads, so it can set down on the sea bottom and travel along it. That will be fine, but, as I just pointed out, the closer we get to the dome, the clearer its sensors will be, and the larger the object approaching, the more likely it will be detected well away from the dome." Vonon raised his hands and waved them in a pushing down motion.

"I'm not saying we should walk several kilometers across the seabed. What I am saying is that we drive this submersible to within about a half-kilometer -- using whatever terrain we find to our advantage -- then we walk and swim up to the dome. We have schematics. These folks are doing research into sea-critters, there has to be some kind of airlock with direct access to the outside somewhere on it! And every airlock I've ever encountered had some kind of opening override -- manual cranks and pumps, self-powered back-ups, whatever -- for emergencies if nothing else. Even ones that could be locked-down. All somebody has to do is hack into the door controls." Vonon pauses and grins at his friend Sharik.

"SO, to say it again, I do believe that our best chance for acheiving a surprise entrance into the dome will be to walk in. Once inside we use strong-arm tactics to suppress the security force -- which we now have details about, thanks to Sam and her inside man. Then we secure the computers and labs before anyone has a chance to erase any data, call in the sub, pack everything up, then jet."

"I'm not saying this will be an easy bone to pick, but it needn't be complicated."

Sam nodded. 'I've head worse plans. One thing to add. With some good timing the approach of the sub could be used as a distraction? Just a thought. "

It's just at that point that Samantha gets a text message from Justev:

[Message received. Will wait arrival till 200. 5 sci 4 BGs. Bolt soon.]

Kheas tail twitches while listening to Vonon and as she realizes that he is right she unconsiously starts to scratch a spot above her stomach.
She swallows a protest and after a moment replies "That... does sound resonable. After all we do not know how exactly we can get i to the dome so having everyone in the water increases the likelyhood that someone has the skills to get the entrance open."
Feeling the need to mention it to make sure the males are aware of it she adds. "Not all our equipment will be watertight, so we need some bags to transport it."

As an afterthought and with some relief, shown by her tail calming down somewhat, she then mentiones in a hopeful voice "That assumes that an Aslan breathing mask can be found on such a short notice so far away from the Hierate. If not I will stay back at the submarine and come in when you opened the docking bay."

Sharik looked up from her forearm display for a moment and gave her long time vargr friend a 'thumbs-up'; obviously she'd been listening to him the entire time.  The thin ex-Scout had been in her tailored vacc suit to do some EVA work from the beginning; to her mind and her actions and demeanor had been quite explicit about it, they were going to get wet on this one.  Even beyond the fact that this was underwater after all.

The plan as originally posited, to get a couple of people in and then pull the submersible into the vehicle bay, was regaining traction.  "Everything that is old is new again..." the diminutive socialite quipped quietly to no one in particular.  Her fingers danced on the clear overlay screen of the suit as she continued to run diagnostics on her suit and computer, double- and triple-checking the integrity and overall efficiency of the tailored, high-tech coverall.  Even though the suit was originally designed for vacuum, she knew the spec well enough that it would serve just as well submersed instead - especially at the depths that they were going to be dealing with.

She rubbed her hands together in anticipation, prominently putting her eagerness on display.  "Let's kick the tires," Shar prompted the others, "and light the fires on this one..."

Darrel volunteers for training, but realizes it would be best to stay aboard the sub, given his skill set doesn't really make for a breaching unit.

Tarl has already locked up the shop, so the submersible is ready to depart. It has automated docking clamps rather than mooring lines, so the pilot Grev has no problem getting the vessel underway.

As expected, he informs you that the GPS co-ordinates will be reached in about 2.1 hours. The on-board navigation computer takes into account current and water temperature to derive that time.

Is anyone going to sit in the co-pilot's seat? Samantha?

Is anyone going to take the sensor/nav seat?


Once the submersible clears the harbor, Grev takes it down to about 50 feet, sets a course in the nav computer, and puts it on auto-pilot.

He remains in the pilot's seat, and keeps a watch through the windows.


Those taking the crash course in SCUBA-diving are Darrel, Walter and Quinzella. There is a mask suitable for Khea. The plan should not require Khea having to go into the water, but you never know what may go wrong.

Vonon, Sharik and Tolman are the ones expected to go EVA through the water to open the airlocks as necessary. Those taking the SCUBA lesson can also go.

Disappointed Khea examines the Aslan mask which she has been given.
"I hoped I could avoid it, but it looks like there is no way around it"
She turns to Vonon "But just to be sure, the plan is that all of us dive to the dome?"


OOC: Thats how it sounded to me.

In reply to Kheaiftouaw (msg # 130):

"Well," Vonon answers, "The more of us that that swarm into the dome, the quicker we may be able to overcome the security force. But it would also be a good idea to have a couple of us remain behind on the sub, as a reserve force."

Vonon casts a glance towards the control cabin where Grev is sitting.

"And to watch the pilot." Vonon says in a lowered voice, "He's just a day-hire. If we leave him alone while we all go off to enter the dome, who knows? He might bolt, and leave us stranded."

Sam says " I've no desire to get wet I'll stay on board as backup. With that in mind, I'll join the pilot for a crash course in flying this thing. Or Swimming it? whatever" she shrugs and heads to the cock pit to take the co pilots seat and asks Grev to talk her through the controls.

"Lets get training then since we will be there in two hours or so." Walter says, looking over the SCUBA gear.

Shar and Vo were already on the same page, given that they'd known each other for almost two decades and had done some work together (insofar as knocking around could be considered work).  Given that she'd given Grev the coordinates, it only made sense that she'd have more than a passing interest in seeing those coordinates used properly.

As her vargr friend talked with the others, Sharik slid into the navigator seat and monitored the submersible's progress via both the displays and the viewports.  Her own dataglove's display had tied into the (relative to her own computer's techlevel) old GPS system to try and monitor their progress as well.  The thin socialite knew that her intellect software was taking care of that in the background.

Though she had little experience direct experience with land navigation, Sharik was confident that she'd be able to the make sense of what was going on; she had extensive exposure to astrogation techniques as well as some basic survival training.  And she had an ace in the hole: expert software pertaining to that specific field.  So, both she and her virtual aide had access to additional navigating techniques.

Every few minutes into the journey, she glanced out one of the forward view ports over Grev's shoulder, watching darkness the spread out before them.  The ocean seemed a huge dark desert, especially at night when the lights only cut into the gloom so far.  Cruising along at seventeen metres meant that they were unlikely to encounter any natural or artificial surface traffic.  The dark underwater was different than the Deep Black of space, the denser medium reflected and diffused light in a subtly different way.  Still, it was all-encompassing.  Eventually, Shar turned slightly and broke the silence by asking the rented pilot quietly and casually, "Do we expect to see any grendals along the way?"

"The submersible functions like a surface craft, particularly when we're on the bottom," Grev explains to Samantha. "It's a bit like flying, too, in that you have a third dimension."

"The main difference is reaction time. This vessel doesn't stop on a dime, it doesn't change direction radically, nor does it go up or down very quickly. We have control vanes that allow us to make slow movements left or right, and small movements up and down, but a change it depth is done with ballast."

"The steering wheel is left and right, but pulling back or pushing forward also lets you change depth. If it's more than a 10-degree elevation, then the computer automatically adjusts the ballast."


He then answers Sharik's question.

"There is a grendal feeding area a bit off our starboard course, but we'll steer well clear of it."

As she listens to the Pilot, Sam suddenly, stiffens up, and pulls her comm out of hte rpocket

a message had arrived earlier but being distracted she had ignored it.

She checked it now.

"Frack. Excuse me a second, got some more info for the others, "

She then forwards the message to the others

"Got this message from our contact a little while ago.

"Will wait arrival till 200. 5 sci 4 BGs. Bolt soon."

I am reading that as he'll be expecting us about 0200. That there are 5 sc staff and 4 Body Guards. Not sure what Bolt soon means"

ooc
sorry guys got distracted and forgot that had arrived

"Bolt is a phrase to indicate that someone might leave a location. Like Lets get ready to bolt." Walter says "I think that the contact is planning to stay for us until 0200 and then leave."

"I don't mean to pry," Tarl says, "but I couldn't help overhearing what you said."

"I don't think that's what 'bolt soon' meant. Sequence is wrong... and redundant. If he was planning to bolt soon, why would he have said he'd wait till 2? No, I think the 'bolt soon' meant the others were going to bolt soon."

"Just my two cents. It's one of the disadvantages... or advantages... of a lot of people on a submersible."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:44, Mon 13 Apr 2015.

"Only four guards?" Khea asks in an obvious more joyful mood.
"If we do not spend time to open the submarine bay first but hit them immediately when we enter this can be over really fast."

Sam pondered. "Why are the others bolting? They must be expecting something". She muttered to herself and then tapped out a reply on her comms

As Ceruleanne explained, the court decision was most likely to go in favor or her client. Even when both sides go in thinking they have all the answers, there's always the possibility of a Spaniard getting thrown into the works--'new evidence', a postponement, stalling by the defendant's law team, etc. The other side may feel they have a chance of either winning or delaying the verdict, which is why the project hasn't yet been shut down.

When those in the dome get the result of the verdict, that's when they will most likely bolt. On the other hand, if they admit that they can't win the verdict, then it would seem that the project is so important that they are willing to risk continuing it until the last minute.

Monitoring communications into the area for something like 'rabbit', 'alas, Babylon' or 'bug out' might be a sign that it was time for them to leave.