A month later, bases are established on all two of the Labrysian rebel planets as well as a Labrysian base on 1339. Needless to say, the Terran colony is no longer secret, with several Government scouts being chased from the system, and some destroyed.

Trade has now been set up, with two Cruisers being fitted with massive Jump-2 drives. The Terran base back at Chrysolite is working hard to accommodate the new alliance, especially as Andrew has agreed to hand over the two cruisers to their control in return for considerable resources and assistance. In fact, Andrew is now officially recognized as Governor of Aegir, as the colony has become known. Andrew is in the process of getting a third cruiser built for himself, but Captain Maya is being re-assigned to one of two massive 6,000 dTon freighter they have repaired. A carrier, two other freighters and two cruisers are being refitted with Fusion power plants and Jump 2 engines, but it will be some time before they are operational. Chrysolite are trying to negotiate to get them as well, but Andrew is working hard to ensure he will not be disadvantaged by the deal!

Cyril is now Captain of the Dastavka. Due to it's size and speed, it has been selected to assist the Labrysians in gathering intelligence about the government forces. The break from fighting has allowed the rebels to repair their fleets, whilst the losses causes considerable infighting within the religious order governing the Labrysian government. The details are not known, but finding out is a large part of your responsibility. You may select Aegir (1339), 1439 or the rebel Mining colony at 1440 as your starting location. Dastavka has now been fitted to accommodate 30 Labrysians, and has room for 37 humans. You will have at least 25 Labrysians aboard for this mission, who need to be delivered planet-side. You have a ships boat (with an APC) and a short range missile fighter. Please let me know any details, such as unusual cargo, supplies, and location you are departing from.

Do we know what is at/on 1540?

Which Planet system is considered the home world?

T which system are we to deliver these Labrysans too?  That affects our decision a lot.
That said, Aegir appears to be the best located for infiltrating the other systems.


[Private to GM: OK, You did some odd calculations on rank... Cyril is a retired Commander [rank level 5 or 6 IIRC], so how will his rank go up and what are the costs? At 5 points a lvl, I can't do a thing. ]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 2):

1540 is a Binary star system with a single gas Giant planet. It is patrolled by Rebel ships at this point, which report back fortnightly. 1140 is the Government and race homeworld, while the Rebel main colony is just below the map in the next sector at 1401.

The intelligence operatives will be most effective for creating dissent delivered to the homeworld, but scouting the captured research colony at 1340 would be more feasible. Both would be well defended at the moment.

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: Cyrils active rank is level 3, courtesy rank level 5. Hence it costs 4 point to convert a courtesy rank back to an active rank. It is true with just three points you can't go up yet, but you can save the points to go up next time you get a few points, and that is all I am suggesting. That would enable me to assign a small scout to your command as well.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Sat 18 June 2016.

And which option do the powers that be want? We can get to either ... which furthers the rebellion best?
As for defended... are we talking a few ships ready to pursue intruders or whole fleets in orbit?

One we have a chance against... the other is likely a one way trip... have the rebels been scouting the home world? Would that be unexpected at this point?


[Private to GM: OK, so we save 3 for later...]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 4):

Our current intelligence reports are as follows for government systems:

(1140) Garden Moon, Labrysian Homeworld, Binary system, 5 Gas Giants
  Moon around Gas Giant 2, Atmosphere: Standard, Sulphur Taint, 1.06G Gravity
    3 Cruisers, 6 Destroyers, 6 Frigates at planet, Orbital Base

(1239) Garden Planet, Labrysian colony on Planet, 4 Gas Giants, One planet
  Atmosphere: Standard, Hot and Thin, Sulphur Taint, 0.68G Gravity
    3 Cruisers, 6 Destroyers, 6 Frigates, Orbital Base

(1340) Garden Moon, Labrysian Research Colony (Captured, was Rebel), 3 Gas Giants
  Moon around Gas Giant 1, Atmosphere: Standard, Very Cold and Very Thin, 0.5G Gravity
   3 Cruisers, 6 Destroyers, 6 Frigates at planet (60F), Orbital Base being built

Most of their production is focussed at the base being built, but it is believed that another carrier is under construction at the home planet.

Little to choose in terms of defensive forces. All are equal, which implies a lack of military thinking. We will need to refresh our supply of nukes I suppose. I can see greatest value to the Rebels in both the home world and the research facility, which maybe populated with many disaffected rebels working under duress. The home world seems politically unsettled as well.    How do you see the benefits?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 6):

"Actually, much of the homeworld have been brainwashed into thinking that we have been infected by evil spirits. Recent reports indicate that they call you demons, physical manifestations of such spirits. The colonies have a much greater percentage of the population exposed to life beyond the homeworld, so they are generally more receptive to the idea that other intelligent aliens exist.

Unfortunately, the bases, which we have not tested in combat, are positioned to be very threatening to a colony. The homeworld is big enough to be able to last for an extended battle with the Orbital base, but the colonies are not. As such, the key is the Orbital base for the colonies, one of which is still under construction.

Their military thinkers have never come across a situation where brute force did not solve the problem. They have won all wars through attrition. As such, they have been put on the defensive, though they do talk of a new super ship designed to kill the Aliens being under construction on the homeworld."

O then the research station is our best choice and a nuke in the orbital platform would be an huge plus?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 8):

"Yes. or capturing it using the 'unbelieving' slaves they are using to build it. A problem they have no doubt forseen, but perhaps you have ways of getting around their straightforward thinking? Troops are likely to be the best defence they have for that scenario."

OK, interesting thought ... first we have to send their whole fleet on a goose chase... perhaps with a large dummy drone for them to chase after. Then we have to sneak up and unload your marines and enough weapons for the slaves ... assuming we take this platform... how do we hold it when their cruisers and the rest of the fleet come back? What about the forces on the ground? That plan sounds like something needing a bigger force to pull off.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 10):

"Perhaps. Perhaps you could be the distraction. Head to the other colony and Nuke the Orbital platform there. When the other ships come running, then we might have a better chance...

We would not need to hold the platform...though if all our militaries arrived there, perhaps we could!"

Perhaps... but I think some careful preparation would pay big dividends... fighters, infantry etc. to seize both platform and the planet.

"One question is where do all the raw materials come from? Could we slow the building of the station but cutting off their supplies? That might also draw out some of their fleet"

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 12):

"Yes, true. But we have only 4 fully operational cruisers at the moment, as the rest, and indeed most of the rest of the fleet, are undergoing major refits with new Fusion reactors, Beam weapons and missile racks. They will not be finished for several months at least. Your secretary raises a good point: perhaps if you were to hit the other colony at 1239, also a mining colony and where most of their silica is mined from, to destroy the Orbital base there, we could hit the research colony with an invasion force 8 days later. That would give them time to get word out about the attack and send what ships they could spare to respond. The Dastavka could then move to the Labrysia to insert our operatives there too. Perhaps your ships could then deal with the re-inforcements sent, and we could then re-capture the research station!"

He is getting a bit excited at the idea. But an old commander behind him bursts his bubble...

"But how would you be able to destroy the Orbital Base? They know about your suicidal nuke fighters now, and they will use the whole fleet destroy any that get near. You would have to wipe out the fleet first..."

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: Andrew would be none-too-keen to send his Capital ship away, and the carrier is still undergoing some repairs. A second carrier is being sent in exchange for the Cruiser hulls, but both carriers are only modified Karl Marx vessels with 300 dTon Hangers.]

I suspect we hope for too much too soon ... as much as I would love to see them fall, I think we should take a smaller step with a better chance of success ...  He looks at the older commander... where would you think we could do the most  with what little we have?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 15):

The old Commander thinks for a few long moments.

"I think the best you could do would be to engage in some piracy on the system near the colony on 1239. If you can capture a freighter, or at least make it look like you tried to, you could attach a nuke to it. Then let it carry the warhead to the Orbital Base, and the rest is much more interesting. But you will have to destroy a lot of fighters first...so perhaps some raids of attrition may be required.

Putting some agents in the Colony first would be very advantageous..."

Well putting the agents down requires a very deep penetration ... given the fighters and other ships, that seems very high risk. Capturing Freighters makes good sense ... Duke, how long would it take to either make the freighter a drone or to slip a nuke on one without alerting them? The second option would seem easier ... then command detonate it.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 17):

"I could make something like the equivalent of a nuke limpet. If attached near the engines, the radiation from the reactor would mask it's presence, and take only 30 seconds in the right location. Perhaps a minute  or five for someone walking on the hull in a powered suit like mine..."

"I do think we should change some of our tactics to keep the government off guard. Plus if we can keep hitting them till the main fleet is ready, they might not be able to gain strength." She looks at the old commander "Just so you know, I am the chief pilot of the Dastavka, not a secretary.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 19):

The Alien faces create an expression you have not seen before, perhaps surprise.

"A female pilot? The females of your species must not be as emotional as ours then. That is good to know...

A change of Tactics could be a good tactic, we agree, but the swarms of Fighters, Cruisers and Orbital Bases are where their real strength is, so finding ways to take them out of commission will be needed."

Oh I don't know about that... Cyril smiles...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 21):

"Oh. If our females flew after a domestic disagreement, they might just fly into an asteroid on purpose. But that is not your concern.

Back to the topic on hand...if you were to jump to one of the gas giants, they would unlikely send anything more than fighters and frigates to hunt you. How many do you think you could destroy? Or better yet, disable. If you could attach the bomb to the hull in a 'failed' boarding attempt, that might work..."

Their frigate is just a bit bigger and more powerful than we are... our advantage is the missiles. Accosted by fighters and a frigate or two puts us in a serious spot. I think working out by the jump points and attacking incoming merchants somewhat ineffectually is our best ploy. We could also gain some supplies as well, but need to be alert for the same bomb ploy in reverse.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 23):

They pause for a bit.

"That unfortunately is a good point. You will have to watch for their own suicide fighters."

"If only there fighters and frigates will chase us, we draw them off and then attack the larger ships while they are gone. And we can be emotional, but no more then men, especially if their sports team losses. " she says with a grin.

Cyril makes a face  Sports .... bah!

I don't see how we can draw them off very well, when both the frigate and the fighters are faster than we are ... Let's stick to attacking the merchants which are none too easy targets themselves.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 26):

"The frigates are a little slower, but the fighters are faster. They would be a worry...but they would still take many hours to reach you at one of the Gas Giants. Whilst the merchants would never visit them, perhaps a few trips to there may be enough to cause them to allocate some of the frigates to the Gas Giants, leaving the merchants leaving and arriving at the system more vulnerable."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:29, Wed 22 June 2016.

OK, that is true... and we could scan from there gaining some information... as an aside, rocks and debris fly around space with some regularity ... if a rock around 2 feet or so in diameter (he holds up his hands to approximate two feet or so) came around the planet, how close might they let it get?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 28):

"The asteroid collision alarms would sound, and fighters would be dispatched to intercept it before it got within 100,000 of your miles of either the colony or the orbital base."

So that's no way to float a mine in ...  just trying to think of ways to attack surreptitiously ... although getting fighters dispatched might be useful...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 30):

"If you can come up with something else, let us know. As we mentioned, we are upgrading our fleet, so our operational ships are minimal at the moment."
This message was last updated by the player at 06:02, Thu 23 June 2016.

We may just have to be happy mugging their Fighters... it will cause some issues when they run short.

We could do a war of attrition on the fighters and hopefully we can gather some intel from that"

That's what I am saying... and maybe a freighter or two...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 34):

"So do you want to take the Agents now, or come back for them?"

I think we have agreed that putting them down safely isn't possible yet, but a prize crew might be good to have should we be able to grab a merchant. They would need an IFF and basic computer to jump to here, in case the crew wrecks theirs.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 36):

"But was not the whole point of capturing a freighter to attach a nuke and have it fly to the Orbital base?"

Indeed it is... but we also need to look like we really are pirating them, not just roughing them up... that would be suspicious... they have some idea of the power of this ship, so we need to use it ...  I may have Duke see about flying the bomb to the freighter we choose to let go... hopefully mixed in with damaged parts and the like, it won't be noticed.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 38):

"I can look over the freighters blueprints while we are in hyperspace..."

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 39):

"Let us know when you are ready to go and we will have a pirate crew ready then..."

"Oh great, now we get to play pirates."

We should be ready within the next 24 hours... fueled, armed and re-provisioned.  Let me check for any last minute Intell updates.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 42):

The next day, your vessel is prepared, and a message arrives saying that you will have Labrysian agents waiting for you at the mining base at 1440, along with any last minute Intel updates.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:03, Fri 24 June 2016.

Off we go....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 44):

A week later, you arrive at the Mining colony and refuel, taking on the thirty heavily armed Labrysians. They are of less than admirable qualities, actually being specially released from confinement for various acts of poor judgement, most of them violent. Not the guys you would entirely trust.

Kat makes sure she has a pistol with her and looks to see if there is a leader who is more admirable.

Cyril looks at the Labrysan leaders... You are that hard up?  I am not sure I'd trust these guys with a stick of chewing gum... if we give them a ship, they may become a problem rather than a solution.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 47):

"True. But they have all suffered greatly at the hands of Government forces, and the one thing we do trust them to do is to attack them. Whilst expendable, they are capable, and some have government criminal records as pirates. For what you are planning, they will add considerably to your case.

But they do not know about your package. Which is probably best..."

Are any of them trustworthy? or need we watch them all constantly?  _{we'll keep our other missions to ourselves.}

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 49):

A large Labrysian approaches, looking more like a rock than a creature and carrying a heavy Plasma weapon with two flamers as sidearms.

"I will keep these men under control. Just take us to the Government ships, and we will do the rest."

Well Met Captain, We will do our damnedest to do just that.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 51):

"Then I will do my best to keep these men under...HEY HUGROCK, PUT THAT DOWN, AND DISARM THAT WEAPON FOR NOW"

He rushes off to one of his members who was looking over a box of Grenades. The Labrysian does as directed, and they continue loading their gear aboard.

They are ready soon after, and Labrysian authorities clear you for take off, after refuelling your vessel.

Dastavka slides out of her dock and heads out to the jump point.
Tanya, plot us to 1340 and lets go to the middle gas Giant ... but not close to the research station. Kat, we'll need to be on our toes as we may have company when we appear... Sigourney, have the weapons ready when we exit...

OOC- IIRC Sigourney was promoted to Security officer... might be good to get a full name.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 53):

"The middle Gas Giant will be about 36 hours travel from the Research Colony at our maximum speed, and the Orbital Base under construction will be orbiting that moon. Heading for Gas Giant II now."

She lays in a course, and Duke engages the Hyperdrive.

OOC: Sigorney did not have a second name. Feel free to create one...
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Sat 25 June 2016.

Kat pilots the ship out and prepares to jump.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 55):

hip slips into hyperspace, and you prepare to wait a week before jumping out again...

We use the time to train and ensure all is in good shape, we are ready to exit some 8 hours before the expected exit.



OOC- With Kat away, it's going to be harder to play ;-}

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 57):

The Other player has decided to come in on this thread. I think you may have noticed him...should we assume you hired him as a new security chief?

Or Andrew appointed him and sent Sigourney with Nikki...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 59):

Hired him for you, yes that could work. He knew you would need additional security...

Whatever... Eva was fine and likely more fun ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 61):

She will still be aboard!

OK, so I guess Kate shouldn't have to be concerned with her... I'll have to behave.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 63):

The Dastavka drops out of hyperspace 4 hours past the due time. The Gas giant ahead is massive, and seems to be giving off a lot of electromagnetic interference due to raging storms within it.

The outer Gas Giant is visible from here, but the Research Colony is not.

Any ships in sight?
Looks like a good spot, this interference will make it harder to notice our arrival, let's move around the gas giant and see if we can observe the research station. Tanya, any chance you can determine where their freighters may be arriving?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 65):

"Not yet. The gas giant it orbits is currently on the other side of this star. Unfortunately, we came out of hyperspace some distance from the  gas giant, so the interference is more likely to hide a waiting ship than us."

OK, Be extra alert... we don't need any surprises... lets see if there is a chance to refuel before we do anything... it gives us more options.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 67):

You head towards the Gas Giant, which is still some distance off, when a sensor signals something.

"Captain, we have multiple incoming at 95,000 miles. Looks like a flight of four fighters coming from the direction of the planet."

Lovely... so we probably have a frigate down there too...  lets do a missile launch, put one on the three to the rear and all the rest on the Leader.  See if you can spot the launching vessel.  Put the next load on the next fighter back.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 69):

The first fighter is hit by three missiles, despite each of them shooting down a missile. He erupts in sparks as his vessel explodes.

The other three close to 35,000 miles as Kat moves away from them at full speed.

OK, Start using the Lasers... pick the left one and zap it, while loading missiles on the right.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 71):

All six turrents open up on the targets, with 4 missiles targeting the right two fighters and the beams targeting the left one.

Lewis, please designate which person you want on each weapon.

[Secret to Lewis Eugene Grey: PO Rodney and Ivan have Beams at 18, Sigorney, Peter, Moa and Jo have Beams at 17. You have 2 nose turrents with 3 Beams, and 4 turrents with 1 Beam and 2 Missiles.]

"Battle stations! Rodney and Ivan, take one each of the missle/beam turrets. Moa and Jo, you take the other two. Sigourney and Peter, to the nose Turrets! OOC: Rolling for Tactics

OOC: failed by 1

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 74):

The Beams have a hard time hitting the targets, but three manage to hit, including two of the nose turrets triple lasers salvos. A second fighter flies into three pieces as two salvos of four missiles each close on the remaining two fighters. Whilst several missiles get shot down, one fighter is hit by one missile and the other by two, destroying both of them.

The predicted frigate then begins to loom into view at 120,000 miles, coming for you at its maximum speed, a fraction less than yours.

Lewis is visably pleased, though calm, as he watches the plasma blooms exploding, from his view from the bridge. "Good! Give it to them!"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:47, Fri 01 July 2016.

Nice shooting, not excited about fighting a frigate, but let's give it a go...  See what you can do Lewis... Kat, slow down just a little, so he thinks he's gaining on us.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Fri 01 July 2016.

"Lay down a barrage of laser fire! Save your missles until the frigate  get's within range." Lewis orders the gun crew.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Fri 01 July 2016.

Lewis, I think he's just coming into missile range now... but hold off a bit and they won't have quite as long to shoot at them and the missiles won't be out of gas when they get there.

"Ala Colonel Prescott!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Fri 01 July 2016.

Colonel Prescott? don't believe I have heard of the Gent...

"Ancient history sir. He was a colonel on the rebel side, during the american war for independance, from the british. Out numbered, and low on ammunition, he told his men to hold their fire, "til you see the whites, of their eyes>" then charge with the bayonet."
Lewis's eyes are narrowed, watching the the ship get closer.

OK, I have heard of the event, but missed the man's name.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 83):

The hostile ship is fired upon by the full bank of beam weapons at 69,000 miles, but they have little effect at that range. The Beams do half damage beyond 29,000 miles, which also happens to be the range of the Frigates plasma cannons, and the armour is able to absorb all hits with little damage.

OK, we need to keep him outside of 30k miles ... Back to missiles Lewis...

"Missles away. Fire-at-Will." Lewis orders the the gunnery crew.

No, Lewis, Fire in Salvoes... quick salvoes is fine, but that way they have to deal with many at once, not ones and twos. Many at once seems to cause them issues.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 87):

"Should we launch the fighter sir, to add another three Missiles to the Salvos then?"

My concern is that if we leave quickly, that the fighter is not left behind... but it's worth a shot, go ahead Illiam.

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 88):

The Beams fire again, this time targeting the Bridge of the oncoming vessel. Sigorney cuts through it, causing considerable damage.

OOC: Other valid specific targets would be Turrents, Power supply, Fuel Tanks, Sensors or Hangers. Engines are in the rear.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Sat 02 July 2016.

"Fire in Salvoes, now. Try and cripple the engines."
Lewis directs.

In reply to Fate (msg # 90):

The first Salvo leaves the ship at about the same time as Illiam in the fighter. He heads ahead and to port of the Dastavka, trying to keep formation.

The Beam guns fire a second time with less success as the first missile salvo closes, but the frigates point defences take most out. Two, however, manage to make it close enough to tear holes in the hull, but the vessel seems to be able to keep coming. It is now leaking Labrysians and debris.

One more time Lewis... that will hopefully do them in...

"Another salvo, Gunners."

"Yes, Cap'n. They're depressurizing with the hull opened up like that"

They don't seem to mind... they can survive in zero gravity so long as they have air to breathe.
[at least that's how I understand it]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 96):

"Oh, Aye, that’s right. They can survive just fine in the vacuum while their air bottle last for breathing. Often they depressurize prior to combat. A couple of hours, usually, unless we fly by on an air raft and have us some target practice..."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Sun 03 July 2016.

In reply to 'Captain' Ronovan Ga Det Hug (msg # 97):

The next couple of rounds of shots are spectacularly unsuccessful. Only Rodney manages to hit an Engine nacelle, but it is not enough damage to take it out of commission, and there is quickly a swarm of Labrysians around the site trying to repair the damage.

Even the missiles are all shot down, as if they had been practising for a long time, despite Illiam adding three from the Fighter.

Frustrated at not being able to catch you, the vessel turns and attempts to run back towards the gas giant, sending out a transmission as it does so.

OK Kat, stay with him, keep the range just outside 39,000 miles and let's see if we can hurt him some more.

OOC:Lewis critically failed his electronics op (comm) roll, whatever that might do

Lewis tried to jam the frigates transmission, failing badly. "Blast!"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 101):

"He does not have any bay weapons, so as long as we are beyond 30,000 miles, we are safe...but with that IFF signal you just sent out instead of the jammer, there will probably be a few ships here in a day or so that do. And maybe a bunch of fighters to boot."

In reply to 'Captain' Ronovan Ga Det Hug (msg # 102):

Kat turns to keep him at 41,000 miles, as requested, while the gunners target the engines, but again only Rodney manages to hit them, and his single beam at this range does negligible damage.

Once again, all missiles are shot down, but less convincingly.

They appear to be tiring... lets try another barrage... close it in about 1,500 miles to 39,500  if you don't mind Kat... it's a chance, but I don't think he can turn on us or slow down quickly enough to prevent our withdrawal from his weapon range.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Mon 04 July 2016.

Lewis watches the fleeing ship get closer, and as it gets within the prescribed distance...
"All gun positons, fire!"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 105):

As the vessels close, all Beams fire at the hostile ship, but with their focus now on evasion, none hit. The missiles are also away, streaking off from both the Dastavka and the small fighter.

The gunners second volley is more effective, with Rodney cutting into the vessels nuclear power plant. The surge takes out the power just long enough for the missiles to close and detonate, creating a spectacular and deadly explosion that does a lot more than decompress the hostile disc, which fragments.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:40, Mon 04 July 2016.

Fine shooting, doubt they have much of value, but we could look...  what do you think Captain Ronovan?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 108):

"Always worth a look. At any rate, we can make sure there are no survivors..."

OK Kat, bring us close enough for the Ships Boat to be used ... Captain, I'll make you leader of the search party... Lewis, you take a crew to run the boat and support the captain as need be. Take at least one person in Space gear and a Grav Belt* should you spot something of interest.

OOC - *assume there is some sort of device to allow a ships crew to move short distances around the ship in space, to recover items or fix things out in remote locations on the ship. Clunking around in magnetic boots has it's own issues, not the least of which is that not a lot of steel or ferrous metal is likely used.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 110):

Kat manoeuvres to where the bulk of the debris is. A couple of enthusiastic survivors fire at the approaching vessel, but the gunners soon silence them. Illiam returns to dock the fighter, asking who will pilot the Ships boat.

Ronovan gets a group of enthusiastic volunteers together, many armed with 15mm anti-material rifles.

Of course, that will be for Lewis to decide...

OOC: With no gravity, grav belts are not so useful, but all space suits have thrusters. Labryians have just breather suits and thrusters.

[Private to Katherine 'Kat' Steele: Let me know when you get back!]

Lewis takes a moment to appreciate the fire and explosions, then moves to carry out his orders.

OOC: Lewis makes a leadership roll, and rolls well, a 6. to gather a suitable crew for boarding.

This message was deleted by the player at 00:48, Wed 06 July 2016.

"OK, so lets do it" she says with a grin.

Cyril turns and whispers to Kat... you going dear?

Duke,rodney,sigourny, I want you to come with me and each of us assigned a squad of recruits.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 117):

"Four men to a squad I presume."

Without waiting for confirmation, he picks off 15 men and assigns them to 4 squads of four, including himself.

She whispers to Cyril "Get the marines going? I did my job"

Cyril nods at Kat then turns to Lewis... I don't think your recruits are untrained... perhaps not as disciplined as our marines, but likely just as tough. Keep a gip and lets get  a move on it... we are vulnerable with all you out there.

"Aye Aye, Cap'n." Lewis speaks to his squad: "Alright, let's go!"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 121):

"[Language unknown: Bleeenset larek, i ectet ine siripr. Tiowa amekornotwherat to werstavor nech se la a undruthoulat. K poie set lo fitees acngce, ardhouiou le ad itnot di eterad plri...]"

Lewis raises his left forearm to his mouth and speaks softly. "Computer, playback and translate in english.. Log file."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:53, Thu 07 July 2016.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 123):

The computer speaks clearly for all to hear.

"Alright men, we have our orders. Get everything of value and get rid of witnesses. If you see a bridge officer, bring him in for a quiet chat..."

Captain Ronovan looks at you and smiles, before heading to the ships boat with his selected men in tow.

Cyril nods his approval ... Good plan ... and good to the point instructions.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 125):

"Was Captain of squad in special forces. Will wait in ships boat..."

He follows his men to the ships boat.

"Alright men... operation: *Jane-get-me-off-this-crazy-thing!* commencing!" Lewis leads his squad to the boat.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 127):

The rest of the crew board the ships boat, and you prepare to leave.

OOC: Who is flying the ships boat, and who on the turrent?

Lewis makes hastily for the turret

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 129):

Seeing the pilots seat empty, Illiam heads into that position, asking Tanya to join him as navigator.

Illiam, You don't need Tanya ... she can stay here ... You are only going a few miles at most ... You can see their ship and will be able to see ours.

"Today's Tom Sawyer
He gets by on you
And the space he invades
He gets by on you..."*instrumentals* Lewis activates his media library, and gets psyched for the boarding, rather archaic, but appropriate music in it's irony, emminates from his person as he activates the gun systems controls.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 132):

Illiam kicks the ships boat to live, and the large launch unlocks the docking clamps and departs for the larger debris.

The destroyed ship is primarily in three sections. The main bridge section, the port section and the starboard section. All are flying off in different directions due to the explosion that destroyed the ship. The engineroom is no-where to be found, being the site of the last explosion. Illiam makes out for the port section, which is nearest.


With the Dastavka falling behind, he closes. It only take ten minutes before he starts his approach. The gutted side of the vessel looms, and clearly an airlock won't be necessary to access this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:03, Fri 08 July 2016.

In reply to Fate (msg # 133):

"Which squad to dispatch here sir? Sigorney, Duke or Rodney?"

"My squad, Duke, and sigourney. Rodney's squad stay with the boat, and Rodney, keep those turrets ready. Fine Shooting, today."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:15, Fri 08 July 2016.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 135):

Duke suits up and has his men tie a rope between them prior to the approach. He seems eager to be the first group out. He uses a translator in his suit to broadcast to his men

"Laser and plasmas only, folks, until you have your feet on solid ground. I don't want to have to send a ship to recover you!"

Kat let's keep them fairly close... Should we need to depart... But don't enter the debris field though.

"Sure boss, close but not in the field. I can do that" she says as she pilots the ship.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 138):

Kat manoeuvres slowly but accurately to the edge of the debris field. She is still about 3-5km from the ships boat though.

Dukes squad head out first, and make it to the remains of what was once a hanger bay. It has been badly cut up by the missiles, though.

Sigorney heads out next to the open accommodation area. The large common room beckons hauntingly in the open space.

Lewis and his squad head towards the hulk as well. Only hanger and accommodation spaces really beckon.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 138):

You do so many things well... he rubs her shoulder without thinking.

Kat waves her hand "Of course I do, we woman really do make the best pilots" she says as she thinks of other things she does well.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 141):

As Lewis' squad wait for his orders, Duke secures the hanger after a brief but deadly firefight that cost him 2 casualties. He reports that the shuttle aboard there has been severely damaged, and seeks to bring one injured back on board, though unfortunately the other is pronounced dead.

The accommodation area is similarly heavily fought, and Rodney fires the Beam weapon from the ships boat to assist, but the casualties are lighter there. Only one of your squad is injured, though the entire area is not yet secure.

We get PO Kyamoto alerted and tell Duke to bring him and any other wounded in...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 143):

"Aye, sir. Just waiting for the other guy to bring in the body of thier comrade, and for the other squad to return. Managed to get a shuttle computer, which I am pretty sure I can modify to make it remote control, if we can find a working ships boat..."

Maybe in one of the other sections... let us know if you need additional fire support.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 145):

"All good for now, though we will need some replacement men before we head out again."

You are only down two... and another man in another squad

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 147):

"Yeah. Three men down in 2 squads of four..."

OOC - Thought these were squads of 8-10? ...  4 is a fire team.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 149):

Lewis created them.

OK... My misunderstanding..


OK Duke, we'll have replacements standing by...

ooc: i didn't have a chance to say anything to the contrary about their composition, the labrisian sort of took matters into his own hands... if i had it my way, we'd have a platoon in there.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Mon 11 July 2016.

Lewis has his squad take up a defensive position, behind cover.

 Lewis calmly speaks into his helmet comm:"Grey in position. awaiting orders, Sir. *psssh*"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 154):

After a long pause, you hear over the comms...

"Sir, you are in charge of us in the wreckage. Who are you awaiting orders from? I am moving my squad to finish the sweep of the accommodation area."

ooc: my bad. i read that wrong. i thought the narrator said i was awaiting orders, but the squad is awaiting mine.

Lewis attaches a cable to some rubbled bulkhead, weighing at least half a ton, and attaches the coil to his utility belt, and draws his pistol. "Okay men, we move in."
Lewis then subvocalizes into his comm: "Activate sensor visor."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 157):

The large chunk of hull is nearly as big as the Dastavka. Your sensors show four figures moving through the hull, with a number of sensor readings that could be hostiles through the hull. Suddenly, one of the figures sweeping through glows, and one of the stronger readings dims near it.

A fifth figure you can see is the injured Labrysian from the squad that moved into the accommodation area. He is staying gaurd at the 'entrance' for now.

Using the information from his sensors, Lewis formulates the best tactics for an assualt upon the position. OOC: Tactics, rolling...

OOC: Tactics roll succeeded by 2

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 160):

Directing the men, you manage to close in on the remaining survivors in this piece of wreckage with only a few minor injuries.

You do however manage to capture a senior medic, who seems afraid of something else even more than yourselves.

This message was deleted by the player at 23:41, Tue 12 July 2016.

Lewis subvocalizes into his translating computer, activating labrysian to read the speech into his visor's HUD, allowing him to comprehand them, and his speech come out labrysian, through his helmet.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Tue 12 July 2016.

"What's this, then? Why are you all so fearful?"
OOC: Lewis is responsive, which acts like the advantage empathy, but at -3. rolling to see what he can pick up on from their feelings.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:56, Tue 12 July 2016.

OOC: nailed it with a 5, and i needed a 10 to succeed.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 165):

Despite some being lost through the translation, you pick up this Labrysian (I would say man, but he is more like a living rock, as most are) is very much afraid of what will happen to his family if word ever gets out he has been captured rather than fighting to the death.

This message was deleted by the player at 00:44, Wed 13 July 2016.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 167):

Those with translators get the message from Captain Ronovan, who is with Lewis.

"I am here to make sure no word gets back about your actions. What do you know about the security here?"

The sight of the Labrysians seems to scare him more however.

"orders are to leave no witnesses. this doesn't necessarily mean you will be killed...if you play ball with us. But if you wish to die, out of matters of honor, it will make our jobs easier... so what shall it be? do you wish to live or die?"
Lewis adjusts the dial near the end of his pistol barrel and levels it, finger on the trigger.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:15, Wed 13 July 2016.

OOC: rolled an 11

Lewis, tell him he can pick a new name on the spot and the old person will die for the cause.

Lewis hears the Cap'n cut into his comm. and repeats the Cap'n's offer, after switching to labrysian.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 172):

"Oh, yeah. We can make that happen real good. Then we can even help find your family, and maybe save them!"

OOC: Feel free to try detect lies on him, at -4 due to language cultural and racial familiarities!

In reply to 'Captain' Ronovan Ga Det Hug (msg # 173):

The Medic does not look like he is sure whether he believes the Labrysian pirate.

"But what good would it do? What could I do except exist without my family?"

OOC: how 'bout i make another responsive roll. IQ-3?

OOC: rolled and succeeded by 2

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 176):

With some more convincing and input from Captain Ronovan (whether you wanted it or not) he agrees that if you can give him a new ID and help rescue his family from the Labrysian Home planet, Labrysia, he will tell you all he knows. But he insists on staying with the ship until you do rescue his family.

He looks at you, and your translator translates "Do we have a deal?"

Lewis subvocalizes into his comm to all his men, and the ship. He does so everything will come as text to those in his group, to keep things between only us. "We'll have ships out here that will pick him up, if we leave him with the ship...we'll have to kill him as soon as he reveals everything to us..."

"Cap'n..?"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 179):

Ronovan respects the wish for privacy. He steps out and texts a reply.

"If he is willing, I would be glad to keep him as a team medic. He knows our anatomy better than your medic, I will wager."

Lewis replies: "Let's try that.. You make the offer, since he is your people."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 182):

Your translators record his response.

"We have a deal if you are willing to stay on as our medic, and you tell us what you know about the war."

In reply to 'Captain' Ronovan Ga Det Hug (msg # 183):

He agrees, and reports that the military is just defending while they build the new space station in this system. There are also supposed to be construction of a new massive type of warship that will win the war for them, and get rid of the demons they have summoned.

"Can you download any information about the ship such as security, cargo, to us?"

Turning to Gun Da Bin OK make a record of the new extra large ship being built ... seems they put a lot of faith in the Biggest of things.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 185):

He is not familiar with the term "download", but all he knows about it is that it combines the abilities of a cruiser and a fighter. He is not even sure what that means.

"I'll wager, it's something like transformers!" *alters his voice through the scrambler on his comm, to a very exaggerated robot voice* "more than meets the eye!"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 188):

You get a blank look from all the Labrysians at that point...

Lewis chuckles then becomes all business. "Alright.. where are the valuables?"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 190):

"Safely in the church on Labrysia, of course. They collect all valuables there, only removing them as they are needed."

"Alright.. let's take care of business, first." Lewis inspects the wounded, and has them go get treated, and requests replacements as needed. "let's sweep this place clean."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 192):

You head back to the Dastavka and leave the wounded, replacing them with fresh volunteers. The medic sets to work immediately with the injured, also letting you know the captain seemed to survive in the bridge section.

"Is he in our Custody?"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 194):

No. You only fought in the hanger and accommodation sections. The bridge section is an entirely different piece.

"Alright, I want dukes squad to accompany me. after we secure the area, I'll need an engineer in there to help me with retrieval and such matters."

"I also request, squad level support weaponry: Semi Portable Plasma Cannon...The Cap'n'll be makin' his stand, I reckon."

"and also plasma cutters. they've no doubt barricaded the blast doors...but I have a plan"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 198):

"Sir, we don't have Semi-Portable plamsa guns, though there are 15 Anti-Material rifles and 10 Heavy Plasma Guns from among the Labrysian's armoury. We have a pair of single shot 84mm LAW as well. The other five Labrysians are armed with Hand flamers, and many carry Picks as the hand to hand weapon of choice."

OOC: Check link to a message in this game for equipment is the Dastavka

"Bring one of the laws, and some grenades, the hand flamers will suffice, for what I have in mind>"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 200):

"Right. Which grenades and/or Limpits? Should I also bring some HE? I got 100 lbs or my own personal supply..."

"I'll leave the ordinance, up to you, so long as we can break through the blast doors quickly, and fill the bridge full of explosive, plasmic-pandemonium...We'll try and salvage what we can afterwards. I want to see what's in the ships mainframe."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 202):

"In that case I will have one of my men, a specialist in hand to hand combat, take a Limpit mine dispenser and 5 shaped charges. Should do the trick. Though after their bridge took a direct hit with the Beam weapons during the fight, we may not get a lot from their computers. But worth a shot. I will give each of my four guys 2 frag grenades as well...that should fill the bridge with enough shrapnel to kill any of them."

"Very Good. Report with your squad, when ready."

Ready as we'll ever be I suppose...

Lewis rendezous with Dukes squad at the appointed spot. when both squads are assembled, he has them stand ready. "Dastavka, anymore intell on the bridge, and our captain?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Fri 15 July 2016.

What do you have Gun Da Bin?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 207):

He taps away at the screen.

"Nothing coming up, Captain. Hull is de-pressurized, but we knew that. I got 12 life signs aboard, 7 in the bridge and 3 at the communications array. 2 more faint ones elsewhere."

That help Lewis?

"Aye Cap'n. Have some of our people try and break through their Comms in the bridge, if they aren't open. Let's try and talk to him first, before we move in?"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 210):

"Their comms are completely down, unless they have an internal intercom that does not require power. That seems to be what they are trying to fix, but the reactor is in another section, so they must have backup batteries in this section."

"I suppose all we can do now, is to move onto the offensive. Let's move, then."

Are we trying to take prisoners or just kill 'em all?

"any bridge personnel we can capture would be useful.. let me try something."
Lewis attempts to reach the labrysians in the bridge, by way of shortrange comm, rather than the ships comms, assuming that some of them are equipped with them, inside. he carefully tunes his own to any frequency he can pick up on, fine tuning his sweep. OOC: electronics op (comm)

OOC: lewis rolled an 8, success by 5

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 215):

Lewis can pick up a signal, but it is digitally encrypted.

"Dastavka... I've broken into their short range comms, but it's digitally encrypted.. I'll send you the frequency now. Let's see if we can't have our people decrypt it?"
Lewis transmits his readings back to the ship.

OOC: could I try to decrypt this?  I assume this would default to math -5, offset somewhat by a bonus for using ship's computers.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 08:55, Sun 17 July 2016.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 218):

Given it is an encrypted radio transmission, I would have to say the lower of Electronics Operations(Comms) and Cryptography (which is a hard skill that defaults to IQ-5). There are other modifiers you don't know about which may make it harder or easier, so if you want to have a try, roll, but let me post the results.

PO Gun also has Cryptography, though he is no expert in it. Given he is back on the Dastavka, though, you would need to relay it back to him real time, not just a short excerpt, to give him a try in a short time period.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:18, Sun 17 July 2016.

I have a fair bit of training in Cryptography too, but Kat speaks the language some which would also help a lot.



[Private to GM: 08:35, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 ((4,6,1)).  Made it by 1]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sun 17 July 2016.

OOC: I did a secret roll.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 221):

Cyril is able to break their digital encryption, and the conversation you have translated for you indicates that they are monitoring your approach, with several Anti-material guns, while they attempt to use batteries to get a message back regarding the capture of an individual from the other section. Clearly, they were monitoring events in the other sections remotely.

Pretty efficient ... Gun Da Bin.... make sure any transmission is buried in Jamming. Lewis, I think our chances of a Prisoner are low... at least with the Captain around.

"alright, well... how about we check out the rest of ship. we'll leave some troops where we are now, to make sure nothing moves... I think a troop assault will result in too many casualties for us. You're right, Cap'n. They won't surrender without a fight. But with their ship weaponry offline, they're sitting ducks. Now that we've broken through their code, let's reply back to them in kind: surrender yourselves, or we'll dispatch the fighter, to take the remnants of the bridge, where they are holed up."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:30, Mon 18 July 2016.

Hmmm... That actually might be an idea... Duke, what are the odds we could get the whole Bridge section back to the rebels with us... could we fit in the warp bubble? Might have to use a limpit or two to eliminate the living...

That's got to be a remote possibility at best, captain...

Kat looks at Duke "So you think we could tow it or what?"

Lewis interjects: "I like it. We wouldn't risk damaging the bridge's main computer, with an assault, either. We could take the whole thing with us! Cap'n?"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 227):

Bad idea, sweetie ... almost sure we'd get a bad jump out of it...

Lewis hadn't thought of that... "Duke's right.. our mass isn't calibrated properly for the jump...it's asking for trouble... good looking out, Duke."

I'm concerned about the possibility of other ships approaching.  May I keep a close eye on ship's sensors?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Mon 18 July 2016.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 231):

We've got that area covered Tanya... Gun Da Bin is monitoring it now...

"So how do you propose getting it back"

I don't Kat... maybe some of the contents if we get to them... but we can't take the whole thing...

Even a jump-capable tug might have trouble doing that.

Indeed... and we have no where near that capability.

Lewis speaks after listening to his shipmates: "Cap'n. It looks like we'll have to try and get a surrender, or assault them. For our best shot, you might want to deal with the enemy captain, and give him your terms, yourself. I might add, them seeing our fighter, menacing them from their bridge, would be comprable to holding someone at gunpoint."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Tue 19 July 2016.

Those are the choices, unless we have some way to incapacitate them.

Roger --
Transmitting in the Labrysinian code-
Labrysinian ship, you all have 1 minute to start exiting, unarmed and surrender. There after I will have to order your deaths. There is no hope from your allies.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 239):

The radios fall silent before the response is heard.

"To die in battle for the Golden One is the surest way to Golden fields. Come take us or die trying."

So much for doing things the easy way.

"Well, we went the extra mile to try and get a surrender. Goody! I get to make/see burnies again."

Zap them quick, before they destroy anything more.

"Let's get everybody off this hunk of scrap, and we'll turn what's left of 'em into pretty plasma blooms. All squads to the shuttle, on the double!"

Roger

"I hate religious nuts, there is no dealing with them. I guess the only good thing about it they will not ally with anyone"

The enemy of my enemy is my friend... it's a sick mind set.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 245):

You return to the ships boat, using the turret as covering fire. The covering fire soon destroys the structure of what is left, killing off any survivors as it does so.

The last remaining section, the smallest, is drifting towards the gas giant at a rate of knots. You estimate you have an hour before it falls into the heavy gravity of the planet.

Let's evaluate that section and se if it's worth chasing...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 249):

"Three faint life signs sir. It looks to have housed a sick bay and accommodation, and perhaps a maintenance section with life support."

Doubt there is much of value to us and they don't seem inclined to surrender...  their chosen life is tough.

OK Lewis, let's get in the bridge and see if we can find anything of use ... and be careful... they may not all be dead.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Wed 20 July 2016.

"Aye Cap'n. Alright, same squads, Let's go see what's left for mother."
When assembled, Lewis leads them to back to the bridge.

*Psssh* "We'll need technicians and equipment to remove the electronics and a gravskid. Over." Lewis subvocalizes: "Activate sensor visor."
Lewis draws the heavy laser pistol at his side, and gives the signal for the men. "Into the breach, sweethearts!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Wed 20 July 2016.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 253):

The approach to the bridge is strewn with debris. Most of you have seen the results of Beam weapons up close, but it is another reminder of why ship to ship combat is deadly for individuals caught in the wrong place. With the gunner having targeted the living, and particular those outside with heavy weapons, your approach is somewhat simplified. You find seemingly hundreds of bodies in the section as you approach, and outside the bridge thirteen bodies, though only four are armed, and only two of those with AM Rifles. Sensors indicated no life there and they seemed accurate, though there are numerous holes and gaps where floor once was.

But the Bridge itself still beckons. Sensors indicate some faint life signals from within, but there could also be jammers in operation, as there are a lot of electromagnetic activity for a seemingly dead bridge.

"Let's get this area secure, then we'll have the techs come in, when it's clear."

I hope some deadly Golden God isn't lurking on the bridge, licking its holy chops.

Duke leads his squad over and looks for openings ... he uses a small scanner through one to see what's inside. If clear he'll find an entrance or make one.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Thu 21 July 2016.

Lewis has his squad take up a defensive position, while waiting for Duke's squad to make, or find a breach they can all get through.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 258):

There is no shortage of entry points. The Beams have seen to that. As the squad moves in, a heavy plasma bolt flies out, taking off an arm of the Labrysian soldier you sent in just in front of Duke.

Duke sees the culprit. Two Labrysians, one with on odd round yellow circle on his right chest front, are half lying, half leaning up against what was once a command post. One with a heavy plasma, which just fired, and the other with an AM rifle he seems to be readying to fire at Duke.

OOC: rolling a tactics to minimize casualties, and find the best way to assault th enemy, no wthat they've given away their position.

OOC: success by 4

Duke curses over the radio and trys to dodge while throwing a grenade into he opening... neither efforts work well.


[Private to GM: 18:59, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,3.  Throw Grenade. missed by 1
18:58, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,4,6.  Dodge. missed by 4]
This message was last updated by the player at 19:52, Fri 22 July 2016.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 262):

The massive AM round hits Duke in the left arm, disabling it but failing to penetrate the armour of his torso. The force of the round knocks him backwards as his grenade bounces long and to the left.

[Private to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund: Take 3pnts of Damage, left arm temporarily disabled. Your suit patches the hole immediately. That would have taken most peoples left arm off completely and penetrated the torso! What sort of grenade did you throw?]

Lewis sees a few different opening through which the offenders can be caught in the crossfire...but lobbing grenades to bounce around obstacles in this zero gravity environment may work even better.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:51, Fri 22 July 2016.

Lewis subvocalizes his orders to his men, directing them to pin the enemy down with laser fire. He directs them to split, and outflank them on both sides, trapping them in a crossfire.

Noting the labrysian, who lost an arm, he orders the alien to fall back to safety, and speaks to duke over his helmet comm: "Duke! are you alright?"

I'll live... hurts some, but I can still function.





[Private to GM: Grnade was a standard Frag sort.]

OOC: due to the heavy action and witnessing comrades taking injuries, first-hand, Lewis tries to resist the urge to go gung-ho!

Lewis keeps a cool head, maintaining his composure, and air of command.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 268):

The Labrysians in Lewis' squad are armed with Heavy Plasma Guns, as none of them are familiar with laser rifles. They exchange fire with the enemy with the heavy plasma gun, but no-one hits anyone for now.

"We need to get a grenade in there...try and ricochet off some of the debri floating near them, rather than a direct lobbing."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 270):

The two Labrysian agents do as directed. They lob their grenades just right, bouncing off the bulkheads to where the hostiles were. In fact, they still are there, and they pop up to fire at both the agents. One takes a plasma bolt in the chest, and groans as he collapses behind a bench. The other takes an Anti-Material gun 15 mm round in the left leg, severing the leg below the knee.

Then the grenades go off. The twin plasma bursts glare as the offenders are engulfed in plasma. The cell packs add to the fireball, and it is unlikely either offender survived, but two more angry agents close in to make sure. Both hostiles are confirmed down, and soon dead.

The chrome visor of his armored helmet, reflects the blaze that momentarily mesmerizes Lewis, also hiding the broad grin spread across his face. He enjoyed fire a bit much.. coming to his senses, he bowed his head and spoke to the men: "Victory..but at a high cost. These brave labrysians have given life-and-limb, literally, this day... let's get the medics in here."
Lewis subvocalizes to the ship: "Dastavaka, send in the techs and gravskid, and we have two wounded, with an arm and leg lost, respectively, and one dead... Grey, Over."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 272):

You hear over the radio

"<Groan>....not dead yet...<groan>"

"Hurry, please! the one i thought dead, might make it!"
Lewis rushes over to the labrysian, and though he doesn't know their physiology, he knows that he must have coolant, and fast before the molten armor, and slag bury themselves even further into his guts. "does anyone have any coolant, quick! we may save this one, if we can get his armor off, and the blast-point's heat, neutralized!."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Sat 23 July 2016.

"I hope you boys remembered the beach towels... probably a lot of blood floating around now."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Sat 23 July 2016.

The ships boat and support therein is closing now...

"Aye, Cap'n. Roger that." *pssh*

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 277):

As the ship approaches, one of the other Labrysian Agents attempts to assist his friend. He rolls him away from any residual plasma in a simple but effective motion and attempts to stifle the bleeding, but the round has punched a large hole in him. He pulls out something that looks like a giant bandaid to seal the hole in record time and applies the patch, but it does not look good.

You get the impression this happens a lot...

Then you hear a report back from the rest of Dukes team.

"Bridge secured, Sir. Have located the central computer system for the techs. [Language unknown: Ul io ionhatles, ng ec ave u us...]"

Lewis sub vocalizes to his data-linked, translation computer on his wrist. "Playback last transmission, to translator, feed text to HUD, log language."

"I'll join you." Lewis has his men occupy the remains of the command post, and enters the bridge.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 279):

Transmission reads out

"Or at least, what is left of it."

When you get to the bridge, you see what was meant. Most of the panels have been burnt away, either by the beam weapons or the more recent plasma firefight. There is one station that is only about half blown away, where you may be able to salvage something, but unlikely much. But with Duke not up to his usual self, you will be relying on the other Techs Dastavka has on offer. One of them is on her way...

OOC: Lewis is decent with computer salvage/repairs himself. with specialized equipment and a computer aided expert program, he would be really good. He's going to do some work of his own.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 282):

OK, this will be an Electronic Repairs roll, -2 due to unfamiliarity with Labrysian systems. The systems are very dated compared to Terran computers, basically what we were using 5 years ago, but the technology is slightly different in that they don't use a motherboard per se, and the letters and symbols are nothing you know, as you have barely seen Labrysian written down. Tools used apply further modifications as well. Computer aided programs for Labrysian computers do not yet exist: Terrans have only just met them!

Using the specialized tools of the technicians, Lewis notes the labrysian letters at the control panel, and photographs the images of labrysian script,feeds them to the translator and subvocalizes to his translating, wrist-comp: "Triangulate the labrysian language, labrysian text, and corresponding english text. Feed text infomation to HUD..." Lewis will piece the script together, himself from the translated alphabet.
OOC: rolling..

OOC: made the roll with 1 point to spare, before positive modifers even applied, whatever, those were. Looks like he did good.

In reply to Fate (msg # 283):

Duke comes over... Listen to what I say... I have a lot of expertise.

He guides the efforts

[Private to GM: 09:47, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,1.  Electronics Repair.  That is 10 under skill before the -2 ]

"Alright then, let's see what we can do...." Lewis listens for further advice.

>But with Duke not up to his usual self, you will be relying on the other Techs Dastavka has on offer. One of them is on her way...

OOC: is that me?

OOC: I assumed you were on the bridge with the cap'n, and not with the away team, but fate will reveal. xD

OOC: that's what I thought, too.. just making sure.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 291):

There were other junior techs on their way with the ships boat.

When they get there with the tools, you are able to identify and extract, with Dukes valuable guidance, what appears to be two hard drives, one more damaged than the other.

You have plenty of time as the ships boat ferries the individual who are wounded nack to the Dastavka before returning.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:53, Sat 23 July 2016.

Setting them aside, Lewis scrounges around the bridge for any other valuable salvage.
OOC: Trying a scrounging roll..

OOC: made roll with 1 point to spare.

Duke goes looking for the safe and other storage of interest...



[Private to GM:  16:42, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 4 using 3d6 ((1,1,2)). ]
This message was last updated by the player at 01:13, Sun 24 July 2016.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 295):

There are a couple of old style power backpacks to power various weapons, as well as some Heavy Plasma guns, Hand Plasmas and Anti-Material rifles not damaged by various plasma grenades or Beam weapons. Some of the dead Labrysians have body armour, rebreathers and various person items as well. Anything that is slightly fragile, however, has been smashed, broken or crushed by debri.

Duke goes to what he thinks is the Captains quarters, but there are a lot of religious paraphernalia there. He does indeed find a safe, but it is locked, and built into the vessel.

Duke checks the safe out...  figures he'll remove it if he can't open it reasonably easily.


[Private to GM:  18:16, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,6.  Engineer (spaceships). by 4]

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 297):

Whether removing it or opening it, he is going to need some serious steel cutting torches...this thing is built into the superstructure!

How long will it take, best estimate?


Captain, we have a safe here, built in... I'd have to cut it out of the ships structure... probably take 5 hours. Is it worth it to us?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:12, Sun 24 July 2016.

"Hell yes, it is, let's get this clam open!"

Lewis scrounges up the arms salvage, particularly interested in the plasma guns, as he can tinker with beam weaponry. "We should have people on standby with cutting equipment. We didn't know, if we were gonna have to cut our way into the bridge."

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 301):

There is a team on standby with Limpit mines and explosives, and a cutting torch. You are able to use the torch to start cutting the safe out of the superstructure.

After an hour of cutting, you have some of it away, when Gun comes onto the radio.

"We have detected some action. Another frigate coming in from the other Gas Giant is sending it's four fighters, and they should be here in about 3 hours. There is also a wing of maybe 16 fighters coming from the Starbase, but they will not be here for another 14 hours. Not getting a whole lot else..."

Lewis responds: "Check. We should be away before then, we're just about finished here."

Given your experience with explosives, can't you cut it out with those Duke?



[Private to GM: Small charges can be used to cut metal quite effectively, and that's TL 7 and 8 stuff]

We could make perforations in the steel, rather than cutting straight through, then blast the weaken sections apart. It'll save time."

Of course, there is a chance that the contents of the safe could be damaged by the explosives.  By the way, did you secure the navigation logs?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:47, Sun 24 July 2016.

"That's true..we'll have to work faster. and yes, i believe so. we've recovered two hard drives".

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 307):

After another two hours, you are just over half-way through. The structural support the safe is built into is made of a specially hardened alloy that takes a long time for the torches to cut through in space, due to the heat losses. You estimate it would take another two hours of careful cutting to get it out, but the fighters will not be giving you that long, and the other frigate is just 2 hours behind them.

"Alright, let's use my suggestion, about using the explosives after structural perforations, just like on a frag grenade... otherwise, we're going going to still be here when they come back."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Sun 24 July 2016.

No, Let's just cut it ... Give me the explosives .`... I want then cut like this in thin sheets, that I can build up.... And I need one person to assist me...... Get the cutters out to a safe distance, we may need them to finish up and clear out All the weapons we want.





[Private to GM:  07:00, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 10 using 3d6 ((3,3,4) Demolitions.  By 2]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Sun 24 July 2016.

Lewis does everything Duke suggests, but he has all men not involved in the work, packed up, and getting the shuttle ready for departure.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 311):

Duke lays the explosives to blast the safe free with a minimum of collatetal damage within 20 minutes, while the rest of the group board the ships boat and stay a safe distance. His limp left are make it difficult, but he manages. The blast succeeded, and with his suit and assistance he was able to extract it in another 20 minutes, getting it aboard the ships boat just 20 minutes before the next four fighters arrive.

"Good work! Now to see just what it was all for..."

OK, We are pressing on time... get back aboard... Tanya, find a decent jump point away from these guys...lets go back to the Rebel base ... this safe may have stuff of value...or not.

OOC: Not sure this is necessary, but I made a skill roll to plot that jump point.

Duke reports to sick bay to have his arm looked at... he may need it later.

Captain: I have bad news, and really bad news.  Which do you want first?

He shakes his head... Surprise me...

The nearest jump point is about ten minutes from here... trouble is, it's in the direction from which the fighters are coming.  We can avoid them by going around the gas giant, but that will leave us only two minutes to jump before they catch us.

I'm sorry if I've ruined your day, sir.

"We'd better get everyone to battle stations, and have everyone get into their emergency jump, harnesses!"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 320):

"We can take em out, sir! They are the same as the last lot...lets launch the fighter and hit them with missiles, and their mummy too!"

"I like your style, soldier. As I said, back at the wreck, four fighters don't frighten me, it's the frigate that we'll be wanting to avoid. Battle stations!"

"Cap'n?  Morale is good for a fight. We can take four fighters. Illiam wants to launch for combat. After dispatching these, we'll have plenty of time, to plot a new course, without too much haste.."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Mon 25 July 2016.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 323):

"You do know the wreck we just took out and were exploring was a Frigate, right?"

"Yes, it was really no match for us either, and was a sitting duck... while we were out of it's range. After dispatching these little guys, only this time we won't have the element of suprise on our side. I'll pass it along to the Cap'n, Soldier."

OOC: is there any way that even more ships could be approaching without us detecting them?

 OOC: If the person at the sensor array goofs up and is negligent. lol

I'm not inclined to go around the Gas Giant and find who knows what... Go ahead and launch Illiam, Lewis, same as last time, Majority of missiles on one ship and one or two to distract the others. Use the Lasers when they come into effective range.  Kat turn us around toward Tanya's way point. We don't jump until Illiam is docked again.

"Aye Cap'n." Lewis gathers the same gun crew and assigns them as before, at their respective posts. "Looks like today's a two-fer!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Mon 25 July 2016.

"Scramble to your fighter, Illiam. Let's see some more fireworks, today!"

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 330):

"Fighter away sir. Will launch with Dastavka and stay close to her. We have 11 missiles, so two each on three and 5 on the fourth?
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:40, Mon 25 July 2016.

No one on each except the blessed one ... he get's eight.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 332):

Illiam acknowledges that. As the fighters approach maximum missile range, they launch.

At 240,000 miles, there is some fireworks as all shoot down one missile, then the lead fighter erupts in spectacular fashion as seven missiles slam into it.

As you are heading towards each other at 330,000 miles per minute, you will be in close range by the time the next salvo hits...

These look like experts, split the missiles 4, 4 and 3; use the lasers when in range.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 334):

As the two race toward each other, the missiles reach the fighters just as Dastavka is approaching their maximum range. Distracted by the missiles, they each shoot down two, but alll get hit, most twice. Two are torn apart by the double missile hits, while the third, hit only once, spins off out of control.

This message was deleted by the player at 23:11, Mon 25 July 2016.

OK, Tanya, get us the hell outa here... Cyril says with a smile... Fine shooting there folks...

Get us out of here, aye.

OOC: I rolled.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Mon 25 July 2016.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 338):

"Sir, you don't want us to press the advantage and take out another Frigate?"

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 339):

Tanya plots a course to a jump point not far away, just beyond the 100x diameter limit of the planet. The Frigate is well past it, and easily in space from which you could jump.

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 339):

NoI Illiam, I want out of here...Land that thing aboard ASAP... Lord knows what's following and we don't need to risk damage that prevents our jumping out of here.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Tue 26 July 2016.

"We didn't gain our gains without losses of our own today.. we'll have time to study what we extracted from their ship's main computer, and also, what that safe contained."

Kat just waits to see what the Captain wants her to do.

Just get to Tanya's way point so we can jump, Kat...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 344):

The Dastavka easily reaches a jump point ahead of the Frigate. Despite a curse which translates to something about "devils will pay", you enter hyperspace.

[OOC: I should check, what is the target system?]

Congratulations, captain.  You mammalians continue to surprise me with your competence.

In reply to 'Captain' Ronovan Ga Det Hug (msg # 346):

Why thank You Captain...

OOC- We were returning to the Rebel base... new info... meanwhile, Duke can work on the safe carefully.

OOC: Lewis brought back salvaged plasma weaponry, and power packs.

In reply to Lewis Eugene Grey (msg # 348):

Once in hyperspace, Duke and the Labrysians worth together meticulously on both the safe and the hard drives.

Some of the contents of the safe have been damaged by the explosions. In particular, some fine crystal artwork is in shards, puncturing a flash drive that was there. Fortunately, there is still a working flash drive, a couple of Platinum bricks and a small box of Diamonds undamaged.

Duke and the Labrysians then bring in one of their own computers and access the drives that are working. The damaged hard drives need to be removed from their casings and the magnetic disk transferred to a working drive, but this is done. The flash drive is easier, and just plugs into a Labrysian computer.

The hard drives contain Navigation information and scheduling. It would seem that next week, all capital ships will be sent to ensure that the construction of the research station starbase is completed on schedule next month. Only 4 destroyers and 4 frigates will be left, along with the 200 fighters on each existing starbase, will be left to defend the other two systems.

The flash drive reveals something more sinister, however. This movement is to entice the 'devils' to attack the homeworld, just in time for the completion of the new class of Battleship in 6 weeks time. The Battleship has enough speed that the 'devils' will not be able to out run it, whilst still having nearly as much armour as the Cruisers. In addition, they employ large numbers of smaller 'eyes of the Golden one' to dispatch with the 'tiny suicide fighters' the 'devils' employ. Labrysians think this may refer to the Beam weapons which had previously been considered not useful in combat.

"We should get this intell analyzed, which i can do, cap'n..if nobody is better."

"They might change their plans, now that we've taken one of their ships.  We shouldn't underestimate them.

"It is also possible that this information is a trick."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Tue 26 July 2016.

"Precisely why I suggest we analyze. going over every possibility, comparing known sources of data, and zeroing in on the most likely."

Nods.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Tue 26 July 2016.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 353):

Old Intelligence

(1140) Garden Moon, Labrysian Homeworld, Binary system, 5 Gas Giants
  Moon around Gas Giant 2, Atmosphere: Standard, Sulphur Taint, 1.06G Gravity
    3 Cruisers, 6 Destroyers, 6 Frigates at planet, Orbital Base

(1239) Garden Planet, Labrysian colony on Planet, 4 Gas Giants, One planet
  Atmosphere: Standard, Hot and Thin, Sulphur Taint, 0.68G Gravity
    3 Cruisers, 6 Destroyers, 6 Frigates, Orbital Base

(1340) Garden Moon, Labrysian Research Colony (Captured, was Rebel), 3 Gas Giants
  Moon around Gas Giant 1, Atmosphere: Standard, Very Cold and Very Thin, 0.5G Gravity
   3 Cruisers, 6 Destroyers, 6 Frigates at planet (60F), Orbital Base being built

Suggested New Intelligence

(1140) Garden Moon, Labrysian Homeworld, Binary system, 5 Gas Giants
  Moon around Gas Giant 2, Atmosphere: Standard, Sulphur Taint, 1.06G Gravity
    2 Destroyers at planet, 6 Frigates(one at each unoccupied Gas Giant), Orbital Base

(1239) Garden Planet, Labrysian colony on Planet, 4 Gas Giants, One planet
  Atmosphere: Standard, Hot and Thin, Sulphur Taint, 0.68G Gravity
    2 Destroyers at planet, 6 Frigates(one at each unoccupied Gas Giant), Orbital Base

(1340) Garden Moon, Labrysian Research Colony (Captured, was Rebel), 3 Gas Giants
  Moon around Gas Giant 1, Atmosphere: Standard, Very Cold and Very Thin, 0.5G Gravity
   9 Cruisers, 14 Destroyers, 2 Frigates at planet plus one at each unoccupied gas giant, Orbital Base being built

The Labrysian agents with you suggest there is no way to really know if the Government even knows you got any information, but even if they did, what difference would it make?

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: Perhaps time to update the Diary? Return date about 18th March 2171, if I calculate correctly.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Tue 26 July 2016.