"Can we get a fix on those comms signals? Current locations would be useful!" pushes Brutus. "Or at least the number of repeats for a rough bug head count."

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 29):

Sensors take a few minutes as the signals are sent out.

"Counted 68 signals, Sir. Transmitting locations to you now."

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

"Good work!" he commends. With those input to the tactical computer brutus get some straffing runs set up.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 31):

The first couple are pretty straight-forward, though the bugs are obviously trying to run for cover. But the cover is on fire, so their options are limited. You get about 3-6 at each radio signal site for the first three sites, though the third site you already have to hunt a bit.

The other tank drops down to assist with a few sites as well.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

We go again and then pull back.

Between you you estimate you have taken out maybe 40-50 bugs before they are getting very hard to find.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Reporting back to Gloria Brutus finishes with, "Don't think we're going to catch more immeditaly. Orders, skipper?"

I'd like to get a better look around, is it safe to bring the survey ship down in closer now, with the tanks flanking it?

"Yes. Best if one tank can precedes it, a couple of thousand feet lower."

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 37):

The tank does draw some fire, which is quickly put down.

What is the survey ship looking for?

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Life other than bugs ... signs of previous life and some clue as to how developed it was.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 39):

There is little evidence of advanced life. What there is seems to be hunters and gatherers, though they have been decimated. Survivors seem few and isolated. Unless you move in to risk dinosaur laser fire that you have seen bounce harmlessly off the tanks, more information might be hard to get.

They have clearly stopped taking the bait offered by tanks, however, and only fire on them now when they are fired upon, meaning that a hidden sniper could still pose a threat to the less heavily defended craft. If they can tell the difference...all are 6 dTon flattened spheres that use the same docks, so they are similar in shape and size.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

"Skipper, I could land and go walkabout, try and draw a few more bugs out. Permission?"

Denied, They aren't bad shots ...  but if we can pick up a couple of hunter gatherer types, we might be able to resettle this place and learn more about it. With the tanks close the survey ship can stay a bit higher and between them while it scans.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 42):

You note that the bugs do seem to be hunting the locals. Through the scanners, it is hard to differentiate them from this range, though.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

"We could try it the other way, skipper. Dump me in front of the direction that some of the bugs are heading. If they're driving locals in front of them, then maybe we can make caontact in a favourable way with the local. And kill some bugs," suggests Brutus on a private channel.

That might work and convince them we are on their side. Butyou'll need a team of  five or six and overhead back up.

"Are aye, skipper!" says Brutus trying not to let his smile sound in his voice. Switching to a wider band(?) comms channel he updates the fliers and the 'infantry' aacordingly and waits fro the techies to recommend drop points ahead of the advancing bugs (and hopefully retreating locals.

He adds, "If there are chpoices of terrain, then chest height grasses would be my preference." The whole crew are aware on his fondness for (and skill with) pop-up attacks.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 46):

It takes a few minutes to prepare an away team and launch them (Brutus is in a tank). In that time you notice the bugs are not in a hurry. Their methodical approach involves wiping out everything, so the locals they figure will not be able to run forever.

The APC approaches, and together you move in, the tank taking and returning the heavy fire that deals with the local bugs effectively.

Landing in front of the locals, you note they are very much humanoid, and seeing your men, they hesitate, and watch you cautiously, looking at how you respond.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Putting his weapon away brutus says, "We are here to help you." He hold his open hands out away from his body. The comm channel is open for the computers and tachs to work on the local language.

He points slowly and carefully at himself and says, "Brutus."

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 48):

The humanoids are clearly scared, but come closer. They look like Neanderthals form ancient earth, and act similar as well. The have primitive spears leveled, and from the range of 300 yds, you doubt they could hit you. Maybe.

24 July 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300

Brutus relays this information upwards and asks, "Orders, skipper? Continued bug hunt? Or..?"

Well, we are in the make contact stage, so complete that while Bug Protecting for the moment

"So is that time to dial up someone with better people skills than me, skipper?"

Send the APC back up, I'll send the skilled folk and some trinkets and a steel knife or two.