You now take a deep breath as the shuttle leaves the shuttle bay of the Pegasus.  Its lights are flashing in a strange pattern.

General Ashe says, "It's in a self destruct mode.  Get us out of here!"

Desi gets the shuttle moving as fast as it can, sending anyone not strapped down flying to the back of the shuttle.  Out of the ports, you see the explosion.  It takes out not only the Pegasus but the entire Aurora space station.  You have to wonder how many made it out alive and how many perished.



Ashe and Shinsa sit in silence, awed and horrified.  Finally, Ashe says, "This data is too important to let them have died in vain.  We have to get it in the right hands."

"And properly translated and decoded," Shinsa reminds him.

Desiraye puts the shuttle on auto pilot as she swivels in her seat to listen to all of the information that was gathered, where they have to go and see and, a time frame of the susp[ected Sathar invasion.  "This person or excuse me, persons, on Kraatar will be able to help us with this stuff?  Won't that infect their sytems there as well?"

"It shouldn't," Shinsa says.  "That's what the alien datasphere should help block if we get help."

"I guess we're off to Kraatar then?

You're free to move about the cabin then and the smoking light has been turned off for your enjoyment," Desiraye kids as she sets course for the planet of Kraatar.

S'Krllk looks sideways at Desi, "I didn't know any of us were on fire."

Kri'lik takes a moment to check on the General and the rest, tending to any wounds they may have. Once they are looked after he turns to the rest of the group. "Whos in need of attention?" He says as he hold up his med kit.

Desiraye smiles as she tries to relax and looks to S'Krllk, "Nothing like that S'Krllk.  I guess it goes back in Human history for when you flew the old 'airlines' they called it and reached a certain altitude, you were able to smoke in the main passenger cabin.

Anything we should know about this place General before we land?" Desiraye asks the General and his staff.

OOC: Given our makeup of humans and Vrusk in the party, this adventure should prove interesting on a cultural/roleplaying standpoint.  Please keep that in mind as you read the following and after you reach Kraatar.

The general shrugs.  "I don't know much about it.  Shinsa, what can we find out in the data?"

"Well, since it looks like we have some time," Shinsa says, and begins pulling up information.  She says, "Kraatar is a small planet in the Tristkar system.  Most of the surface is covered by rugged, mountainous uplands and desert plateaus where the atmosphere is too thin to be breathable.  Only in the lowland depressions (flatlands) scattered around Kraatar's temperate zones is the air dense enough to breathe, and only here are there rivers and lakes. Human colonists from White Light came to Kraatar about 200 years ago, settling at Gozzorf on the shores of the Yatiz Sea.  When their early attempts at mining proved fruitless, they turned to farming.  It became largely ignored by the other planets.  About 80 years ago, the Vrusk found that it is in a good location for commercialization, and now Vrusk trading ships go in and out, trading tech goods for agricultural goods.  Now the planet is known for making computers and glassware."

She pauses.  "Some humans felt threatened by the Vrusk coming into their territory and urbanizing them.  This is a cultural phenomenon that was difficult for the Vrusk to understand.  The human reluctance was regarded as antisocial and lazy by the Vrusk."

"Apparently," she says, "the prosperity of the Vrusk was too much.  They even employed experts in human personnel management to sort out the problems.  But 30 years ago, a group of human idealists led by Jack Legrange and David Dever founded what they call the Kraatar Liberation Corps ("KLC").  It is a secret organization dedicated to freeing Kraatar from Vrusk domination by "direct action," including bomb attacks and sabotage directed against the Vrusk.  Recently, the Vrusk Commercial COunsel has taken a step of employing RIK, a Vrusk security tradehouse, to police the major population centers.  The other trade houses have also increased security.  Some have even taken their own clandestine reprisals against 'known agitators.'"

"Here," she says, "Read up on the system all you like."  She shows you the screen:

Kraatar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Colonizers: Vrusk/Humans
Population: Medium (60% Human; 38% Vrusk; 1 % Dralasite; 1 % Yazirian)
Trade: Farming, electronics, metal extraction and glassware
Climate Range:
Average Surface Temp.: Temperate zone: 20°C (day=30°C,night=10°C)
Equatorial Zone: 30°C (day=50°C,night=10°C)
% Water:  20%
Atmopshere:
Gravity: 0.6
Diameter: 9800km
Moons: 2
Length of Day: 18 hours
Inclination: 20 degrees
Length of Year: 272 local days
(68-day seasons, affecting ave. temperature by +/- 1O°C)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Description

Kraatar is a small, mountainous world first settled by Human colonists from White Light 200 years ago. The planet lies in a close orbit to the star Tristkar and has a thin atmosphere. Water covers only 20% of the planet and there is very little cloud cover. Being near the inner edge of the system's life zone, Kraatar receives large amounts of stellar radiation and temperatures at the equator range from 0 to 60°C. As a result, deserts occupy most of the equatorial zone of the planet.

The majority of Kraatar is covered by high altitude deserts and jagged mountain ranges rising up to heights of 10,000 meters. The atmosphere in the mountains is too thin to breathe without the aid of breathing apparatus, but numerous "flatlands" exist around the planet, many of which are below sea level. These areas are very fertile and, more importantly, the atmosphere here is sufficiently dense to allow PC races to breathe without assistance. However, the air is not as dense as most people are used to, and characters attempting any strenuous activity (e.g. running, climbing or fighting) will lose 1 point of Stamina every 10 minutes. When a character's Stamina reaches zero, he/she will fall unconcious for 1d10+10 turns. For each turn of rest, characters regain 1 point of Stamina, although Stamina lost through wounds, poisons, etc. must be recovered in the normal way. Natives of Kraatar are not subject to these effects, but they cannot function in the mountains without breathing apparatus, where unprotected characters lose 1 point of Stamina per turn until dead.

History
The first Human colonists landed at Gozzorf, on the shores of the Yatiz Sea. Soon small communities were established here, at Quazzt's Depression and in the other flatlands. Searches were made in the planet's mountains for heavy metals, but no rich deposits were ever found, and only a few iron and copper mines were established.

Isolated in their communities many ofthe colonists took to a quiet life, tilling the land for crops and herding a few imported animals. As the years passed, the colonists lost many of their technological skills, and as machinery wore out, they were unable to replace it. Gradually they were reduced to a simple, self-sufficient existence where high technology was a thing of the past.

Enter the Vrusk
Few ships visited Kraatar until 80 years ago, when a Vrusk trade ship landed at Gozzorf. After a hesitant meeting, the two races struck up a rapport and the Vrusk traded technological hardware for agricultural produce. The Vrusk soon left Kraatar, only to return later with more machinery to trade with the Humans.

Equipped with the latest in farm machinery, the Humans were able to increase production, and buy more Vrusk goods. Soon more Vrusk ships arrived at Kraatar. Many came to trade, but others brought settlers and with them Vrusk trade houses eager for new markets. The trade houses began to establish manufacturing plants and to conduct comprehensive surveys of the planet. This research revealed that the sands of Kraatar's deserts could provide an ideal source of silicon for computer manufacture, as well as producing some of the most beautiful glass ever seen by Vrusk. If cut and polished, the glass scintillates and sparkles with all the colours of the rainbow. Soon Kraatar glassware was sought by Vrusk art lovers all over the Frontier, and rapidly became one of Kraatar's major exports. At the same time, the two seas were discovered to be rich in mineral deposits. As news of these finds spread, more Vrusk trade houses came to Kraatar to exploit its new found wealth.

In the early years, both races benefited from these developments. The Humans were supplied with much needed technology, and the Vrusk had markets both on and off planet with which to enrich themselves. The Vrusk trade houses established hospitals and a university at Gozzorf. They discovered the remains of the original Human settlers' ship, and set about restoring it. It would never fly again, but it was lovingly rebuilt by the Vrusk with a museum around it to honour the Humans on Kraatar and to display Vrusk art collections.

The Dispossessed
As more farm machinery became available, fewer Humans were needed to work the land, freeing them for other activities. Many of them journeyed to the new Vrusk towns and cities where they fou nd employment in the Vrusk electronics, glass and metal-extraction factories. Many others found work building the monorail which now circles the planet.

It was in the factories that dissension first grew among the Humans. As the Vrusk became more established, more of their racial beliefs were introduced. To a Vrusk it is second nature to allow a trade house todetermine one's life but, to many ofthe Humans of Kraatar, this was abhorrent. Used to a pastoral existence, with order imposed only by the seasons, many Humans refused to accept the full ramifications of Vrusk society. Dissatisfaction was first shown in a desire to return to the land, but Vrusk technology had changed the world. Now one machine could easily do the work of over a hundred labourers. A return to the old farming techniques was impossible, for Humans now relied heavily on Vrusk technology to maintain their farms and standard of living.

Unable to return to the farms, most Humans have now adjusted to their new lives and accept the presence of the Vrusk as employers; but attempts to impose Vrusk beliefs have not been very successful. Few Humans have adopted Vrusk company names, and attempts by Vrusk executives to instil in Humans the Vrusk sense of belonging to a trade house have met with little success.

Vrusk Attitudes
Many Vrusk executives are confused by these reactions; they see the situation as one of mutual interdependence - the good of the trade house is the good of all, Humans and Vrusk alike. The trade houses offer medical, educational and recreational facilities to both their Vrusk and Human workers. Surely this is the road to harmony and prosperity for all? Yet many Humans insist on moving from one trade house to another, requiring new housing and causing disruptions in daily life and production.

To help with this clash of cultures, many Vrusk trade houses have employed Human advisors in an attempt to sort out the problems as equitably as possible. For years it looked as though this approach was working; Vrusk and Humans began to work closely together and all benefited.

The Freedom Fighters
However, some Humans were determined to stop their fellows becoming ever more Vrusk-like, and 30 years ago the Kraatar Liberation Corps was secretly founded by Jack Legrange and David Dever

The Kraatar Liberation Corps (KLC) is dedicated to freeing Kraatar from Vrusk domination. It is an underground organisation which has been responsible for numerous attacks on Vrusk factories and installations. Until 3 years ago these attacks were small scale, but now Legrange is secretly supplying arms to the KLC and it has recently been able to stage a number of major attacks. A raid on a glass factory left eight Vrusk dead and disrupted production for 3 weeks. Another attack at the starport resulted in the destruction of a shuttle and the loss of seven Vrusk and 12 Human lives.

The Commerical Council
The group of Vrusk executives who form the Commercial Council are currently monitoring the situation, hoping for a return to harmony and a stabilisation of life on Kraatar.

The situation is very tense. Many Vrusk do not wish it to get any worse and hope that harmony will restore itself. Vist'Lat trade house is, however, intent on exacerbating the situation by cutting the wages of its human workers and by economically squeezing other Vrusk trade houses (see Major Trade Houses - below). All trade houses have increased their level of security and Ral'lk'Ka (the trade house specialising in security) is doing booming business. Acting under Vist'Lat instructions, Ral'lk'Ka has even carried out reprisals against some farms believed to harbour KLC members.

Major Trade Houses
With the exception of Vist'Lat, the various Vrusk trade houses on Kraatar all have a specific area of interest:

Adq'Bizz (AB) - metal extraction and refinement.
Clic' Aqat (CA) - glass manufacture and export.
Gst'Gar'St (GGS) - electronics and computer manufacture.
Ral'lk'Ka (RIK) - security and police functions. RIK personnel are contracted by the Commercial Council to act as Kraatar's police force. They are also hired by individual trade houses as security forces against terrorist attacks. With the recent increase in KLC activity, business for RIK is booming.
Sik'Triksta (ST) - General: controls all transport services on Kraatar including the monorail and the hire or sale of ground vehicles. ST used to own the starport but 6 months ago, it was bought out by Vist'Lat.
Vist'Lat (VL) - General: main company involved in finance and off-world trading. VL is expanding, and has recently bought the starport from SikTriksta.


This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Fri 20 Jan 2012.

Shinsa takes over the navigation.  "I've sent a distress beacon.  They are sending emergency transport to take us in to Kraatar.  We probably have a day together."

Kri'lik helps heal the wounded.  Everyone is back to normal stamina again.

S'Krllk examines the readout on Kraatar, performs his usual shrug-like motion, and moves off to maintain his body-comp and associated peripherals. He mumbles, "Of all the trade houses on all the planets in the known universe, why do i always crash near Adq'Bizz."

Hammer says only half-jokingly, "Being of the robotic species myself, I must say that metal extraction and refinement makes me nervous."

Desiraye comments on her take on the current situation on Kraatar, "Looks like we're heading into a planet that has a lot of internal issues and clashing parties that are resorting to terrorism and straight out racism.

Good thing is, we're not going there for that.  We're here for this Matrix issue and then maybe we can get on with our lives if these people here can help us.  And, if I read it correctly, this guy LeGrange, is the leader of what one could call a terrorist organization?  I'm not here to judge anyone of their problems but, is this going to be a problem?

We're going to have to watch each other backs very carefully when we travel out together and try not to go ut alone.  They way things seem, we could be asking for trouble from both sides!  We should also check the CCW (Carrying Concealed Weapons) rules and regs to see what we can or cannot carry on us."

"I guess you have a problem with that house S'Krllk?"

Somewhat reluctantly, S'Krllk responds, "It's nothing. I fixed some of their machines, once."

Professor Kri'lik reads through the system dossier. "Ral'lk'Ka...I have some history with them. Several years back, no not several more like 20. On Ken'zah-Kit in the K'aken-Kar system. In my earlier carrier as a field medic I was part of that house. This of course was long before I felt the urge to go out on my own. Thats a very odd feeling for a Vrusk I must tell you. Not many do. The loyalty to a house is very strong. There is a chance I may know someone with in Ral'lk'Ka still. Ill have to investigate that."

With that said he begins to formulate a greeting message within his commlink to Ral'lk'Ka. Once they arrive on the planet he will be better able to send the message and perhaps find a long lost friend or two.

"Contacts are good!  If we have the time, please feel free to make them.

We're going to have to watch one another's backs down there.  Just so that's clear to everyone."

Your shuttle travels toward Kraatar, and you send transmissions.

When you inquire about Dr. LeGrange, you find that a vid has been forwarded to you.

It starts by showing a stately hall with a podium at one end. A man there says, "Today, the distinguished scientist and philanthropist Dr. Jack Legrange was awarded the Fulbourn-McCoy prize for his contribution to bio-engineering."

As applause erupts, Dr Legrange, a middle aged Human, approaches the podium and accepts the prize from one of the officials. As is customary, he turns to face the crowd to make a speech. "Thank you for the honour you have bestowed on me, I am most grateful and pleased that my work has been recognised. I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the planet of Kraatar, my home-world, where the Humans are being ruthlessly exploited by the Vrusk. These creatures have been undermining Human rights on Kraatar. They must be stopped, this cannot be allowed to go on, for the galaxy..."

The picture is suddenly blanked out as an official-sounding Vrusk voice makes an announcement, "Due to technical failure, we are unable to continue this broadcast, we will meanwhile play you some music."

There seems to be a lot of garbled transmission and facts where LeGrange is concerned.

When you finally arrive on Kraatar, you are met by the UPF contingent.  It seems like the UPF has little more than lax security guards here.  You are led to an office to fill out the official "paperwork" regarding the incident on the Pegasus, your other encounters, and even Volturnus.  You can see it will take several days to complete this process.

The UPF "security guards" seem to have little interest in your fantastic story.  When Desi mentions communicating with the UPF, the security guard says that communications have been really bad lately, especially since the incident with the LeGrange guy.  One of them mutters about the terrible decline in the quality of service recently.

You are given access to Spartan rooms and the ability to go into the city.  The UPF contingents promise your reports will be filed and looked at closely by "top officials" at the UPF.  You realize that the UPF has little more than an outpost here on this small planet, and that the Vrusk Starport Security is really in control of things.

The UPF guards point you generally in the direction of bars and shopping.  They say they will work on fixing your escape shuttle and anything else you want repaired.  That seems about right to you.  They appear to be more like dirty mechanics than soldiers of the UPF.

OOC: You are all fully healed now.  You may want to put together a short list of equipment you are taking with you out on the town.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #17):

OOC: Anything back on what can be brought into town as far as weapons, screens, small nuclear devices, etc>?

I didn't read anything about restrictions.  I'm sure they would be more suspicious of humans than Vrusk.  I'll look at it again, but until then, I'd say just to be discreet.

OOC: Okay, I see where I went wrong.  You guys are already on Kraatar and the printed adventure has a few minor plot unravelings before coming here.  I will merge the two and adjust.

You are currently at Gozzorf starport, which is owned and controlled by Vist'Lat trade house, who deal with the administration of the starport.  At present only pistols and melee weapons are allowed on Kraatar.

You will have to go through a customs process before being given entrance into Kraatar itself from the starport.  You can freely roam the starport, however.

You are shown to your cabins at the starport.


You feel like you have barely settled in when you are approached by a human female who says she is Charletta Komitz. After introducing herself and offering to buy you drinks, she informs you that she works for Pan-Galatic Holo-News, a reputable frontier-wide news agency, and that she is trying to obtain an interview with Jack Legrange.

She has heard about your travails and wants to interview you about them as well, but the timing is right to get an interview with Legrange.  Following his outburst at the awards ceremony, Legrange has refused to speak further but a press statement has been issued by him.

Charletta wants evidence for an exposé of Legrange's illegal connections with the trustees of the Fulbourn-McCoy prize.  However, Legrange is notorious for his dislike of journalists and since he travels everywhere with his bodyguards, Charletta wants to hire you as a back-up in case of trouble. She explains that Legrange is actually going through the same customs process as you, having recently arrived on board the spaceliner "The Golden Dawn".  His cabin is not too far away.

"Since you're stuck here for a day or two anyway, it would really help me out," she says.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #20):

Desiraye will accept the drink and invite the woman to sit down at the bar/table the group is currently sharing.  She listens to the story the Charletta gives them and sips on the drink (something decent but, not too expensive) that the news reporter purchased for them.  Desi has a couple of questions;

1). Does she think that LeGrange is some kind of terrorist, if so, to what extent and is there any proof?

2). How bad is the situation here between Humans and the Vrusk?

3). Did the Vrusk shut down LeGranges ceremony becuase of what he said?  Maybe he has a point about Humans rights being violated?

"You want to hire us?  I think since we have a day or two to kill, what kind of pay we talking?

What do the rest of you think?" Desiraye she asks the others.

OOC: That's all I got for now.

Hammer says, "It will give us something to do, surely.  Perhaps we can regale him with our story from the exploding space station."  Given his metallic construction, Hammer does not drink, but he stands politely nearby.

At the Mention of speaking with Dr. LeeGrange Kri'lik's interest in the woman increases. He's one of the individuals needed to help understand the sphere and the intruding aliens. Perhaps he will have some answers we have not thought of yet.

"Yes we should help you..."

"What do you think S'Krllk?"

She seems excited that you will help and turns to Desi's questions.

"If you can help me with all my investigations into LeGrange's activities on Kraatar, I can pay you 5000 credits, plus I can give you a map called the Tourist's Guide to Kraatar, which might help."

"I'm having trouble deciding who to trust, here. Whatever we do, I think it would be best if we kept it 'in the hive'."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:39, Wed 08 Feb 2012.

She tells you where to find LeGrange and tells you to assess his mood, and you take off to see what is going on.  Unfortunately, for the entire day, he is in his cabin.  His bodyguards watch the door at all times, working in shifts and allowing no one to enter.  They appear distrustful of the Vrusks too.

But on the second day, you find him in the lounge reading.  He is accompanied by his two bodyguards, who keep a wary eye on the two Vrusk executives.  They also suspiciously eye S'Krllk and Kri'lik, the two Vrusks in your party.

But you at last have seen him and found him.

Hammer walks over and says, "Are you Dr. LeGrange?  I've see you on the vids and have wanted to meet you."

LeGrange looks up at Hammer.  "Why, hello," he says.  "What species are you?  No, let me guess.  Mechanon, right?  How rare to find one of your kind here.  What can I do for you?"

Desiraye stands behind Hammer and let's him go.  "So much for worrying about on how to break the ice and get close to this guy.  Leave it to a Mechanon," thinks Desi as she waits to see what happens and watching his body guards.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

Hammer says, "Yes, a Mechanon.  I want to talk to you.  These are my friends."  He points to everyone else.  "We are all fascinated with your story."

LeGrange looks dubious for a minute, and then invites everyone over for drinks.  "Just don't let the Vrusk do anything too suspicious or my bodyguards might accidentally hurt them."  He laughs and buys around for everyone.  "So what can I do for you?"

You sure didn't expect someone so friendly.

Desiraye takes a step forward and approaches a little closer to LeGrange making sure not to make the bodyguards suspicious of her actions.  "With all due respect Mr. Legrange, I can assure you, my partners and I aren't here for anything dubious.  Our associate here would very much like to talk to you if that would be OK?  And, thank you for the drinks sir, you're very kind!"

Desi will look back to Charletta and motion her forward so she can conduct her interview.  She will step back and watch and listen to the interview and keep an eye on his bodyguards while she sips her drink.

Kri'lik moves next to Desiraye and speaks softly. "Once this interview is over we need to talk to him ourselves. Hopefully he can assist us with our current 'Problem'."

Taking another sip of her drink, Desiraye leans over to respond to Kri'Lik, "I don't want to sound disrespectful Doc but, I'm not sure he's too keen of you and S'Krllk being to close to him.  With that being said, both of you are my partners and I stand by you no matter what he thinks.  We can try talking to him if he's up to it.  Do you have any questions prepared?"

"I have noticed the way he looks at me. Its as you say but perhaps he might suprise us if I spoke with him on this matter. We are afterall outsiders with no ties to the Trade Houses on this planet. Perhaps his loathing of the Vrusk will peek his curiosity if it is a Vrusk that asks for his help." The professor pauses as he considers what he says then adds, "Its just a thought."

Psycho-social Level 2
  Empathy                  - 30%  (10% + Sk Lvl)
  Persuasion               - 30%  (10% + Sk Lvl)

Desi nods her head in approval of Kri'Lik's plan.  "I like it Doc.  You've got the floor first.  Just keep in mind who you might be dealing with here."

S'Krllk quietly sips observes the bubbles in what passes for his drink, occasionally making motions with his utility arms to indicate he is paying attention.

Now that you've warmed him up, Charletta approaches and you go to a private place for the interview.

Before the interview, Charletta encourages you to ask questions as well.

She asks you to hold the holocamera, and during the interview he tells you the same story as described above.  However, he adds some new facts.  He states:

- Vrusk are enslaving Humans; the Humans have no choice but to work for the Vrusk in their factories or indirectly on the farms.

- Humans are treated as second class citizens; no Human holds a managerial post, all have low jobs in the hierarchy. - Vist'Lat, described as "by far the most rapacious trade house on Kraatar", has been carrying out vigilante raids against Humans.

- Then Charletta asks him about his connections with the Fulbourn-McCoy board of trustees, but Legrange is very offended and terminates the interview immediately.

He trounces off, and Charletta says, "This makes me even more suspicious.  He won't even talk to us about it."  She gives you the holotape for safekeeping.  "I wonder how we can find out more," she wonders aloud.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #39):

OOC: Before he leaves, can we still ask questions or is the session over?

Actually, you can track him down to ask him more questions, as long as the reporter is not with you.

OOC:  Ok, thanks!

BIC: Desiraye takes te holotape from Charletta with a quizical look on her face and then tells her, "Listen, we need you to stay here please!  We need to talk to LeGrange for other matters unlrelated to your story.  It's pretty important and may make a bigger story for you later if we get to the bottom of it."  Desiraye turn to the others, "We need to talk to him so try and direct you questions towards this Matrix stuff we've got.  This business going on here wth him now is secondary."

Desiraye leads the others off after LeGrange and his bodyguards.

LeGrange is in his room.  His bodyguards stand outside.  They are reluctant, but LeGrange allows you to come in without the reporter.

"So much controversy around me," he says.  "Why can't anyone just listen without trying to go on the attack?  I must say," he says further, nodding toward Kri'lik and S'Krllk, "I wonder why you travel together, and why these Vrusk are any better than the ones here.  Still, I know Vrusk from the outside aren't involved in all this nonsense.  Maybe you could even be my eyes and ears on the inside."

He waits to see what it is you've come to talk to him about.

Professor Kri'lik slowly steps forward at the mention of working with Vrusks. When LeGrange stops talking the Doctor begins to speak in a calm and hopefully relaxing manner. "My self and S'Krllk trust our lives with our human companions. In fact if there is a leader of our group it is Desiraye Lipost. She has saved all our lives numerious times."

Seeing that he has LeGrange's attention he continues. "We have recently come into pssesion of an alien artifact and have been lead to believe you can be of assistance." Kri'lik motions to Hammer to bring the sphere forward.

If LeGrange will listen Kri'lik will also begin to tell their tale of the Matrix virus, the recent events on the station and how he was named as possible help.

Psycho-social Level 2
  Empathy                  - 30%  (10% + Sk Lvl)
  Persuasion               - 30%  (10% + Sk Lvl)

Desiraye tries to make herself comfortable in the room and also try to make non-threatening gestures while there.  She listens to LeGrange and his points and gives her other companions to chime in when they're ready.  "I don't want to bore you with peppy team terms like, "There's no 'I' in Team."  We are our own individulas sir but, we all work as a team.  Each of us have our own specialities and we back each other up without question.  I would put my life in anyone of my teams hands without question.

It seems that you have a tricky situation here Mr. LeGrange but, if you wouldn't mind though, we were told that you may be of some assistance to us with a problem that Kri'Lik began to mention before I interupted.  We were hoping that you wouldn't mind shifting gears a little bit to get your mind off of current events?"

LeGrange listens to your story and seems fascinated.  He also looks over the sphere.

"This is incredible," he says.  "A new species.  Extra-dimensional, surely.  Hostile?  Maybe they've been told lies by the Sathar.  This is big.  Huge.  As big as the first encounter man had with an alien race.  Because this is from another dimension.  Our first encounter."

He gives you back the sphere.

"This technology, though, is beyond me.  If this is a datasphere with data needing to be decoded, you need someone with expertise.  There is someone I know.  Her name is Dr. Tarriel Nuna.  She is an employee of the Void Corp, and is part of their survey team scientists.  She's somewhere here on the planet.  Once we get out of this quarantine--because that's what it really is, if you stop to think about it--then I will try to locate her and take you to her.  Just think if she can decode extra-dimensional alien communications.  Wow."

After this discussion, he asks if there is anything else.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #47):

Desiraye looks around to the rest of the party, "Anything else guys?  Now's the time!"

Other possible questions could relate to the reporter's lines of inquiry and his reputation (rather than the artifact).

OOC; Desiraye's line of thinking her is this.  She doesn't want to piss him off or annoy him any further after Charletta questioned him.  It's obvious a hot topic around this planet and what is going on.  However, they got the name they were looking for for help with the artifact and she doesn't want to get involved too much.

With that said, anyone is still free to ask questions...

Is Kyrillian or any of the others of the same race with us still?

"Yes this Tariel Nuna is one we seek as well. Can you tell us how to find her? Speed is important as we only have a little over a month before catastrophe."

OOC: Good point!  Anyone of those others with us can have input?

The others are not with you.  They are recovering until they get through the customs and quarantine.  Remember that Kyrillian is extremely nervous by nature and wouldn't feel comfortable in this situation.

LeGrange says, "I'm not sure where Tariel is exactly.  Once we get out of here, I can ask some acquaintances of mine where she is."

Desiraye is still a little curious about what happened with Charletta.  "I mean no offense when I ask you this Mr. LeGrange but, the main reason we are here is to find out what this sphere is and what it does.  I'm not saying what is going on your planet is unimportant to us, we just feel like this other dimension stuff mixed in with the Sathar could affect the whole galaxy.

So, what was it that pissed you off about Charletta's questions?  We're a little out of the loop here and guess we should try and understand what is going on."

LeGrange says, "Why do you want to talk about that?  You want to talk about the rumors that I support the KLC and give weapons and finance to it?  You want to talk about the rumors that my sanatorium is a cover up for insidious operations?  I won't feed into those rumors by responding to them.  And when overzealous journalists start bringing up those issues again, I know what they're getting at.  They want something juicy, something that implicates me and makes for a controversial story.  Well, I won't give it to them.  My sanatorium provides 'stress alleviation therapy' for overworked Vrusk, and they enjoy the relaxation after they have worked their hard days.  Here I go and win the Fulbourn-McCoy prize for medical research, and they go around painting me as some sort of extremist based on rumors.  I won't play into that, and I don't want to discuss it further.  I'm sure you understand.  Sure, you've seen my statements against the Vrusk and all they've done to hurt my homeworld here, but why paint me as an extremist?  They want to discredit me, and I won't give them the satisfaction."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:25, Sat 03 Mar 2012.

Desiraye takes a deep breath & exhales it to clear her mind nefore addressing LeGrange again.  "Sir, I think I can speak for my entire team here that we understand your point and that we're not here to judge you.  If we're going to be on your planet, we're trying to get the feel for what we might be getting ourselves into during our stay.  We're not looking for trouble, we're looking for help to solve a very serious problem that good very well be the demise of our galaxy if it's not addressed very quickly!  If our friend offended you, I should apologize on her part."

LeGrange says, "That's okay, but I think we need to cut this short.  I don't give long interviews at any rate, and I'll help you find someone about that datasphere."  He gestures toward the door for you to leave.

Hammer says, "We appreciate all your help.  Once we get out of here, we can work more together, I'm sure."  The Mechanon extends a metallic hand to shake.

Before Desiraye leaves, she will also offer a hand to LeGrange to shake.

When they leave the room, "What do you all think of that and how it went?  Sounds ilke they've got a lot of problems here!"

Hammer says, "I don't trust the guy, but I'm not human, so what do I know."

"That doesn't matter Hammer.  Your opinion matters!  Don't feel like you have to hold back.

What about you two?" Desi asks of Kri'lik & S'Krllk.

Hammer says, "Based on the inflections in his voice, I had the feeling he was--holding back."

That reminds me, what about my Empathy implant?

Thanks for remembering.  Here are the details:


Empathy Implant: Kri'lik has the following abilities:  At any time, he can touch someone and heal their Stamina; doing so causes 1/2 of the stamina healed to be transferred to Kri'lik (rounded up).  With his medical skills, he can also heal injuries such as broken bones if given 10 minutes of concentration.  He cannot heal permanent injuries or semi-permanent damage due to causes such as radiation.

Kri'lik also has enhanced abilities to detect if someone is lying, in pain, or suffering from any emotion.  He receives a +25 to related social checks among the known races (PC races) and a +10 percent to alien races.


So he just has to announce he is doing a social check to detect if someone is lying, in pain, or suffering from an emotion.  This can be in a private or public message.

"I don't think we have time to worry about what's going on here right now, no offense you two but, we need to get this stuff looked at first and then if you want, we can look into what's going on around here.  Agreed?"

S'Krllk performs another pseudo-shrug with his dextrous smaller limbs, and responds, "Maybe it's just me, but I don't know that either of the two races here have the wrong opinion of the other race. Most of the problem is that they have such high opinions of their own."

"He's afraid. He wants to speak out and that puts his life in danger." Professor Kri'lik then tries to speak to the Doctor. "Would you tell us what you had wanted to say before the Vrusk shut you down? As you know by now we are not from your world and are only now understanding what is happening here. There is a possibility that if you help us with our problem we might be able to help you."

LeGrange is not interesting in going into further details.  He seems uncomfortable with talking too much more, but he says he will see you when the "quarantine" (as he calls customs and immigration) is done.

You step outside and leave him.

As you are discussing things back in your room, a vid comes on with the headline "Breaking News."


News Reporter:  "This video has just come in from the passenger ship Golden Dawn.  This video was taken during final maneuvers of the ship as it was preparing to land at Kraatar."

A video comes up on the screen.  It is through the view screen of the Golden Dawn.  Through the view screen can be seen a large black void set against the backdrop of stars. Light begins to appear at one edge as the ship alters its course. Soon more of the light side of the moon comes into view. Suddenly the whole of space is illuminated by a flash of light from the dark side. The crew frantically flick switches as the captain shouts out orders.

The scene cuts back to the reporter:  "What you have just seen is an explosion from the Shomtz Mining Colony on the dark side of the moon.  We will bring you further details as this story progresses."


Only a few minutes later, there is a knock at your door and Charletta is there.

"Did you see what happened on the moon?" she asks.  "With the KLC attack on the starport recently, I have to wonder if it has something to do with that.  And I wonder if LeGrange knows anything about it.  Or, better yet, if he knew about it in advance.  I need to talk to him one more time.  Let's meet at the base of the ramp at customs when immigration has cleared, and I'll try to talk to him one more time.  What did you learn?"

She seems more excited than sad by what appears to be a great tragedy, but she is a journalist, you remind yourselves.

"I'm not sure we learned anything really helpful to you," Hammer says.  "But sure, why not go tomorrow and see if he'll talk to you again?"

"You might be pushing your luck with him Charletta but, you've got a job to do.  Technically right now, we work for you so if you want to try to talk to him again the ball is in your court.  By the way, do you want to take this tape from us now or wait until tomorrow?"

"Let's do it later.  I'm going to go try to see him again.  It's my duty," she says, and heads out.