The Crow lands without incident, the marines detached tot he search team quickly file aboard still clad in their heavy armor and packing serious firepower as they board. The team does no move beyond the cargo bay and quickly settle down into a crouch to better deal with any sudden maneuvers during flight.

   On the bridge a encoded signal from one of the orbiting warships gives Aziza a general area to begin her search. the break of the massive dreadnought and the explosions on impact making it hard for the craft overhead to pinpoint the most likely area the command section of the ship landed in.

  a few moments after the ship lands small bits of debris begin to fail, pieces of metal, plastic, and components from the stricken ship. even more alarming are the reentry trails of several crippled enemy craft as they begin to burn up on entry.

T'risa gathered the group around her. "Remember that we're here to rescue all survivors. Be careful and respectful as we search through the ship. There are lives that have been lost on board, and it's likely we'll find remains on our search. Please remember that each person has given their life in the battle against She and deserves the utmost respect. We're here on a search and rescue mission. Organics and inorganics alike. It might take us some time to get through this ship, but we will search each and every place we can and try to account for everyone on board." T'risa turned to look at the skeleton of the vessel. "Let's get moving."

"Want me to bring my powered armor T'risa? I should fit into most places with it and If I have to I can always send it back to Aziza and the Crow. Might come in handy for clearing Wreckage then again Leo can probably clear just about anything that's in the way." She waits to see what T'risa wants then comes along using whatever gear is appropriate. She didn't expect combat but the powered armor would enable her to handle hostile environments. Poisons released into the air from battle damage, fire, and other issues such as clearing a blocked passage.

As she stood at the briefing, Elsbeth glanced in M'kira's direction.  The tall Praetorian was still wearing her powered armour, though she had broken the environmental seal for the moment and had taken the helmet off for the time being, tucking it under her left arm.  Lights danced on her face as the display diagnostics were still running and keeping her constantly appraised of her hard shell's status.

The CMC Marine hadn't even considered the possibility of going in without her armour.  As M'kira had noted, the muscle amplification and environmental systems alone would be a boon at any crash site.  Elsbeth also suspected that Hearth Guard wasn't about to enter the salvage operation in anything but the armour that they arrived in.

The actual question on Elsbeth's mind was more along the lines of, "Marshal, will we be using the mecha for any salvage and recovery?  At least during initial entry?"  To her mind, they would be of limited usefulness due to their size and weight - it was both an advantage and a disadvantage in such operations.  But at the very beginning during entry to the vessel, their size was likely to be less of a limitation.

Still wearing his company overalls and boots, Syxis checked his pocket computer for any readings. Life signs, energy bursts, temperature fluctuations. Any information up front might help the mission.

Nonetheless the replicant felt stuck in the situation he was in. He tried to focus on the job at hand, but was burnin' to get out of there.

"I sincerely doubt I'm of any use for this mission. Look at me, I'm a worker not a soldier. I don't even have the fancy armour or anything. Who knows what we'll encounter this time."

Sigh...

"The wreckage of a friendly.  I think soldiers would have been less a comodity on this trip.  You're familiar with more job hazard stuff than we are.  I'm a dancer after all.  I have some emotional attachment however and I make a decent utility tool." Leo said with a smirk, his armor having retreated within his clothing after things died down in the personal fighting department.

Elsbeth looked slightly askance at Syxis, then she leaned in and seemed to agree with Leo's assessment.  "I believe," she noted rather deadpan, "that those with technical expertise would be the most useful on this search and recovery mission."  She shrugged slightly before continuing, "I and the other marines here offer only muscle that needs to be properly directed.  Your detection and directive skills will of great use, I would think."

Her piece said, the tall Praetorian straightened back up and returned her attention to the Marshal and the rest of the briefing and preparations.

A faint smile appeared on Syxis' face. Appreciation perhaps? He looked up from the PDA and observed the company he was in. A diverse bunch it was...even more diverse with him being part of it.

"OK, I'll see what I can do. Do we have anyone with medical skills with us?"

Syxis again concentrated on the data his computer came up with.

  " Our orders are to secure the sight and assist in recovering Prometheus and any surviving crewmen." The leader of the hearth Guard spoke up " The TAE high command has issued an arrest warrant for Prometheus and his crew though. seems a few days ago he tore out of earth orbit and burned hard and fast for parts unknown."
  "They want us to hold the area till they can free up a technical team to land. A lot of search and rescue going on up there right now."

" OOC: Prometheus controls the entire earth system defense grid...and earth is over one months hard burn away through hyperspace. The comment about him leaving earth three days ago seems .... implausible."

T'risa looked at the Hearth guard with a glint of amusement in her eyes "needless to say we're going to ignore the arrest warrant. If we find Prometheus we'll see if he can operate as our ships core. I'll donate the ship to him and we can work of that." before she spoke out loud. "Everyone should feel free to wear armour.There might be a point beyond which we cannot use it. So be prepared to go without." She looked around making sure the hearthguard was out of hearing before moving closer to Leo. "You have an affinity with Prometheus. Is there any way you can speed our search so we get to him before them?"

"Perhaps.  We've met before... I'll piggyback on someone's armor for now, so that I can focus on that contact.  I can meditate into a Dreaming while awake... then I'll call to him.  We'll see what I get.  You're welcome to be in there for the conversation if you don't think being carried by someone would arouse too much of the guards' suspicions.  I'm not keen on arrest warrants either, but I do think that given the circumstances, earth command will issue a pardon to a hero of yet another war." That said the young blue dancer took a single slow breath and his eyes rolled gently in his head as he covered his face with his mask again.  "You there old friend?" he muttered softly.

At the talk of ignoring the arrest warrant the Valkiir broke into a deep chuckle and shook his head." Prob'ly why were here instead of a TAE strike group."
  "  Ol' Major K'drahda got demoted, sentenced to twenty years hard labor, pardoned, reinstated,promoted, and Awarded the Spear of Odin in the same day....hell they did it all in the same courtroom."
  And there is "Balki" here, what that Ol witch have to say after Cutters rift? Never seen a general threaten to shoot someone,slpa them with a inciting mutiny charge, then Propose in the same breath."

  "What can I say I have that effect on people...sides she wasn't my type.She Didn't have the right moves."His hand settled on Elspeth's shoulder as he spoke. I think The big guy might like the idea of shoving a few megatons of Q'sa ordnance up the Bitch Queens back passage."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:14, Tue 05 Feb 2013.

PM

OOC: *cough* my talk of ignoring the warrant is telepathic so as not to offend the sensibilities of our erstwhile liberators.

PM:

"I am being conduct sensor scan of wreckage and look for life signs." Aziza notes.  "Please to being stand by, I am being transmit coordinates of hits."

21:02, Today: Aziza rolled 18 using 1d20+13. Use Computer: Sensors.

Elsbeth's brow furrowed as one of the Hearth Guards related his story about Balkiir.  She blinked hard and tilted her head with some incredulity when the word 'propose' was uttered.  The tall brunette was mildly amused that Balkiir was so 'in demand'.  Something that had been previously hinted at and that she knew intellectually, given the male to female ratios that the Valkiir were known for.

She pulled off her armoured glove and put her own hand on Balkiir's when he tried to reassure her.  A slightly dopey smile played on her face, but she remained silent for a moment.  She looked lost in thought.

When Elsbeth finally addressed the Hearth Guardian, she merely quipped with a slight smirk, "I suspect that General probably had the right of it."  Though she neglected to say which part or parts of 'it' were right.  She shrugged nonchalantly before adding, "I have it on very good authority that Friend Balkiir's prowess off the battlefield far surpasses his prowess on the battlefield."  And given what she (and really, what they all) knew about Balkiir's storied and decorated military career - well, it was the highest compliment that the Praetorian could think of.

Then Elsbeth craned her neck and turned her head to kiss Balkiir, not really caring that it was a public display of affection.  Or a mission briefing.  Or in front of her commanding officer and a group of testosterone-driven Imperial Guards.

Leo smirked, it would have been a broad grin but he was only half in the living world.  To him the dream was like ghosts among the living, his interactions with either were slowed and dimmed.  Though generally this put him merely on terms with more typical people.

Leo voiced aloud in a half mocking tone, "Save the smootches for while people aren't in danger!"  He then turned his head to whisper softly to T'Risa, "I've learned that this isn't the Prometheus that I have such a connection to.  This one is... a construct as opposed to the entity.  The entity believes he can assist, though Maran and Sunny might be more passively reliable than my own connection, the entity may be able to use us as a relay.

Not that anyone would see it with his mask drawn but his eyes fluttered in his head as he looked around, then he spoke in the dreaming, "Hm... that would explain a lot.  We're going to start the rescue attempt in just a little bit."

He returned to his whisper but kept his head turned toward the hearthguard as if waiting on them, "I have an idea about how we might get this Mini-Prome out... but I'm not entirely certain if it will work.  I'll speak with the entity about it as we go on approach."

"I agree. Theres going to be a high demand for technical skill with synthetics, computers, and more on board. I am afraid I am just your friendly Pilot, mecha, fighters, powered armor, that sort of thing. Patching people up not one of my specialties. Though I am pretty sure we are going to have a team of medics coming along for this one. Oh and Syxis be careful around Aziza especially if she wants to medically treat you. She's a little paranoid about brain parasites and things like that."

Looking at Leolin she continues softly. "If no one else volunteers you can piggyback on mine. While mine is smaller then a true mech your nimble enough it shouldn't be to much of a problem."

One delicate eyebrow raises at the description of the courtroom trial followed by a proposal. "I am not sure if I should consider that romantic or just plain crazy. Though if it works out for the best that's good in my book."

Telepathically responding to T'risa. "Very Generous of you T'risa considering the fortune you would have from selling it. Promethus might owe you a pretty big favor. Course he might have a ship tucked away somewhere in case of a situation where his primary body/ship is disabled."

M'kira actually blushes slightly at Elsbeth's frank admission of Balkir's prowess off the battle field. She smiles over at T'risa with a look of amusement then turns her attention back to Leoulin as he starts talking about idea's and potential plans. Needless to say she also gets her unique powered armor. She would be ready when it's time to go.

  Balkiir smiled broadly as Elspeth traded banter with the marines, when she made the prowess comment he actually turned a shade of blue that no one had seen on his face in years. almost chocking on his tongue for a second before Elspeth Kissed him and his world shrank to her for a few precious seconds.

  Somebody is always in danger." He shot back and Leo, with a grin as he shot the other marines a slightly bemused grin as they cheered and chuckled in approval. " Ya got to enjoy life, especially when ya might run out of it before ya get back to camp."
  Don't worry though, We'll be ready for any trouble when it pops up. Valkiir have been going into battle with their women long enough to know when to put their war face on."
This message was last updated by the player at 01:47, Mon 11 Feb 2013.

  The crash site was actually a large spread of debris scattered over nearly one hundred miles of terrain. there was a huge smoking crater where the engines and power systems section of the ship had impacted. event he hardened casings of an Android AI would not have survived the impact and explosion in that region.
 A smaller section had hit five miles away most likely the hanger section and part of the crew section. it was now a mangled mass of twisted girders, fire gutted metal and slag. Perhaps some of the disabled crew who had not been evacuated in time could have survived in that section if their Core casing was still intact.

  The forward section had impacted in a shallow dry salt lake near a line of mountains. scorched metal armor plate and some external systems had survived, to Aziza's eye it looked as if the ship had hit the atmosphere aft section forward with the engines and power systems taking the brunt of the entry damage and impact. From her knowledge of starships it was probable that the heavy internal blast protection and armor of a dreadnought class warship would have protected the survivors from the detonation of the engine, and if there were still functioning inertial dampeners working reduced the impact damage to survivable.

  As her scans swept over the area dozens of emergency pingers were active, all had the distinct signature of Promethean AI cores, and indicated that the cores were intact.
  Nothing organic seemed to have survived the crash, at least according tot he suit pingers and emergency systems, all survivors were either Robotic or AI. a distinct Emergency locator quickly responded to her sensor probes. on she had not seen before and could not identify due to it having an encrypted data steam instead of an open source code.

M'kira looked rather amused seeing Balkir turn such a lovely shade of blue. She claps him on the back with a amused expression. "Well someone get a picture of this before he turns back to his normal shade!"

Laughing along with everyone else she gets ready for the rescue mission. They had lives to save and she hopped they could get everyone of them. In some cases it wouldn't be easy to get through the wreckage without risking losing the being they were trying to save.

Telepathically to T'risa who likely could also feel the laughter and amusement. "Well someone is certainly doing something right to get such high praise!Maybe we should give Elsbeth a gift of chocolate and make sure she knows to share it with Balkir!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Sat 09 Feb 2013.

"M'Kira, I still think there are many who do not realise the stakes at play here. A starship is a great tool of wealth and would assure my position as matriarch of House K'mahda, but it's far more useful as a housing for prometheus in a battle where the survival of many species will be at stake. Me in charge of a starship won't alter the outcome of any battles, Prometheus in charge of one...well, the most recent battle seems to indicate he'll do well. The time for chocolates and congratulations is once we've rescued all of the survivors, and not one instant before. I'd be devastated to lose another while our rescue is underway." T'risa purposefully sent the response to everyone, breathing a sigh of relief as Aziza picked up some rescue signals. She waved for the commander to draw closer "If you've no objections, I think we'd prefer for you and your team to rescue the cores at these locations here. My team will head up the search at this location." T'risa pointed to the map where Aziza's encrypted signal came from. "Aziza, Sybelis try to track all of the cores at our destination. We will rescue all of them."

Elsbeth caught herself in mid-kiss, her eyes darting back and forth for a bit.  When she broke away from Balkiir, she fanned herself for a moment, a slightly sheepish smile on her face.  A simple, "Excuse me, Ma'am." escaped her lips ostensibly directed towards T'risa.  She wasn't entirely repentant, but did appear to be genuinely apologetic for disrupting the flow of the briefing.

And after that brief moment, Elsbeth was back to business.  The Marshal seemed to have to dismissed the issue and moved onto the task at hand.  So, Elsbeth took her queue from T'risa and moved to ensure that her computer weave and commlink held the locations of the mission objectives and metric information in place.  And she made ready to go, meaning that equipment was double-checked, armour diagnostics were triple-checked and that her gloves and helmet were back in place to allow her to reseal her self-contained environment at a moment's notice.

She flexed her armoured gauntlets for a moment, testing their familiar fit.  Then with thumbs-up, the tall Praetorian nodded slightly to T'risa, M'kira and Balkiir that she was ready to go.  Or, at least would be once her visor shut.

Syxis stood around scratching his head, not knowing what was to be expected of him. He used his PDA to examine the surroundings of the available AI cores. Any readings of fires, radiation or other hazards would be welcome information beforehand.

"You know I have seen ships like these before. Must have been about a year ago while I was working at...can't remember what system. Anyway, I've done some maintenance work on one of those. Well-built sucker. Oh well...not anymore"

The droid shrugged.

She nods in response to T'risa's telepathic words responding silently. "I am sure Prometheus has a new ship waiting for the core. That aside it doesn't change what you have to say. I suspect Promethus will put it to good use."

Having gotten ready to go herself she places one armored gantlet on Elsbeths's shoulder. Then playfully nudges Balkir's side with her elbow. "Ready to go when you are."

Glancing over at Sysixs she just nods. Not really having anything to add.

Leoulin smiled under his mask and gestured toward the ship's wreckage site, "Ladies... Just let me know where you want to go in... and I mean anywhere." Glittering blades danced around his fingertips for a few moments before clicking together softly to form a spike of sorts for just a second, then they danced apart again leaving nothing remaining of them as he planned to be on the move.

"Perhaps we should try Making a entrance near the Prometheus core. Rescuing the main A.I. that commanded the dreadnought if possible then work our way out rescuing every A.I. core that we can save. If we are lucky some of their bodies might be functional and they can assist in the rescue effort."

If she has sufficient knowledge she suggests a specific entry point to Leoulin. If not she inquires with Syxis. Perhaps poppy because she might be able to track the beacons with her own ability inside her body and no external equipment. OR anyone for that matter that would know the best place to cut their way in without causing a explosion or a structural collapse.

OOC: We can just fudge things and Leooulin you work your magic. OR if you want a chance to Shine Sysis, Poppy anyone. Feel free to role play the cut into the hull here part. ^_~

Elsbeth moved almost instinctively with the others of her immediate group; following Leoulin, M'Kira, and Balkiir as they positioned themselves for action.

She had already come to accept them as part of her 'protectorate', her family or cadre, in the Praetorian parlance.  Since the destruction of her squad in the 359th (which seemed almost a lifetime ago, now - even though it was not more than a couple of weeks tops), Elsbeth's immediate loyalties had transferred nicely to the group.  They seemed to need her muscle and she needed the direction - both needed each other for continued survival.  For her part, that bond only strengthened through the cameraderie, the battles and the various missions that the crew of the Crow had freely given to her.

So, here she was locked and loaded.  Armoured from head to toe.  And ready to defend the others by sacrificing her life, if it need be.  Her customized laser carbine was held casually, but still at the ready, as per her training.  The lights around her reflecting dully off of her mirrored visor.  The tall Marine glanced at the others and gave a simple 'thumbs up' to signal her readiness to explore and recover (and then to seek and destroy, if necessary) the wreckage of the Promethean dreadnought.

[OOC: Ready to move on to the 'core' of the recovery mission, as necessary ...  I know, I know.  Sorry about the pun, I couldn't help it.]

T'risa wondered how she must look to the others in the group. With rusty fatigues and a knee length overcoat. The mud, blood and all they'd been through in the last few weeks had taken their toll on her clothing, and she couldn't really get them laundered to the pristine condition in which she'd received them and now they were about to head into a burning wreck. "Let's get in and out as quickly as we can. Aziza if you can direct us towards any cores you are detecting, and especially the significant one then we'll rescue them." T'risa noded, indicating her assent to begin the arduous process of cutting through the outer hull to get access to the interior.

 The wreckage field was a searing inferno in places at times the group was stepping over globs of glass tossed up b the drive sections impact kilometers away. Sections of half meter thick Neodnium enhanced armor lay in twisted masses scorched and scarred by weapons that would reduce the Crow to plasma.

  As they neared the Main hull they were greeted by a grisly sight laying contorted and twisted on the ground  the body of a crewman broken and charred beyond recognition by the battle damage and reentry. Even though the glint of metal and circuitry told them it was a cyberoid The unfortunate crewman was frozen in the midst of very human death throes.

   The outer hull of the ship was an insurmountable barrier to entrance. Reinforced with carbon-zed and synthetic black diamond the armored shell was impenetrable to anything short of another dreadnoughts main battery. Beyond the shell were layers of carbon fiber and synthetic sheathing designed to absorb radiation, heat, exotic particles of every sort known to man. not as durable as the Neodnium outer shell, but stronger than steel nonetheless.

  Only where there was a breach in the shell was there any chance of bypassign the armor. numerous hatches and ports were avaialble that the group could see. as well as a gaping rip in the hull torn open when the ship slammed into the ground ending it's fall.

Hovering in her battle armor she moves along looking things over. She was saddened by the horrible sight of the deceased cyberoid. However they needed to move on in order to rescue those that needed help.

"Unless Aziza directs us to a different entrance we could go through the breach caused by the crash. We just have to watch out for bare high energy sources/cables and perhaps fires. The security and anti personal systems should be down. If we go through one of the hatches it's going to have to be opened manually I suspect."

Needless to say she will head inside following Aziza's directions so that they could rescue as many cyberoids as possible. The only difference is where they decide to go in!

Disembarking form the Crow, Elsbeth's training kicked in.  With M'kira in the air - effectively taking the high ground, Elsbeth concentrated on what she knew best and moved to start a bounding overwatch with Leoulin, Balkiir, and the Hearth Guard on the approach and entry to the dreadnought.  The muscle needed to protect the people that were going to do the real work of recovery (which she did realize included Leoulin, but since he insisted on being - and had proven that he belonged - in the front) and she was not about to fail in that job.

The display on her HUD kept her appraised of the location of the others - as well, Elsbeth was getting used to having T'risa and the others 'in her head' with respect to the communications link which could also give her some idea of locations and proximities.  Still, the acclimation took time.

She moved with speed, attentive and precise on both bound and watch.  Her hand signals were simple and efficient.  She was amongst professionals who moved with her; it felt good to be in that element again.  And though Elsbeth wasn't the brightest tool in the shed, she trusted the Marshal.  So, when T'risa said this was important, it became supremely important and Elsbeth bent all of her resources to help accomplish that mission at hand.

The twisted, charred, cyberoid body did not phase her, all it now represented was an obstacle to be avoided.  By any definition of the word, the sophont appeared to be dead.  At this point, she could not help 'him' and any time spent mourning, meant time away from any potential survivors.  So, on she trail-blazed - into the belly of the (giant, smouldering, spherical) beast...

Leo stopped for a moment by the cyberoid, "If someone knows where to cut I can remove a section that should contain the blackbox core and we can attempt recovery. I'm neither surgeon nor technician, but I make a great scalpel."

Syxis put his hand on Leoulin's shoulder, looking him in the eye.

"I think I recognize the build. You'll find the part you're looking for between the shoulder blades. Beware though, a strong electrical current runs through some of these models' core casings. They require some skill to be removed...a precaution by the manufacturer. Be warned that there's a shock hazard. If you insist on removing the core, let me help."

Syxis stood ready to lend Leoulin a hand with this tricky task. He carried any tool he needed in his overall pockets.

T'risa looked astounded that th3 cyberoid might have survived the crash. "there's an active core in there....how did they...never mind. Please take your time and recover the crew."

M'kira stops standing guard over the others as it appears she was mistaken. If they had already found a survivor she was relieved to be mistaken in this case.

"Holding Position T'risa. Good luck Leoulin, Syxis."

OOC: I had been under the impression that particular cyberoid is NOT a survivor. However happy to be wrong if that is the case.

When the order came through to halt for a potential survivor, Elsbeth stopped her forward progression and kneeled to place herself in an overwatch position.  With the looming breach in the hull before her, she dutifully began to scan her forward quadrant for anything unusual while (she presumed) that the others were working behind her.  A simple hand motion ensured that she had signaled those behind her about her holding actions.

Her eyes darted between focusing on her HUD display with its plethora of streaming and tactical readouts and the environment in front of her.  The tall Praetorian forced herself to focus.  She was not good to anyone, including herself, by succumbing to any paranoia.  She was not earning her pay by letting her (albeit, limited) imagination run wild.  Elsbeth's fingers tightened on the well-worn, custom grips of her trusty laser carbine, even with the various visual filters on the HUD sensors overlays - the shadows dancing across the rent into the huge ship were disconcerting.  Plenty of places for anything to come out at the group; Elsbeth stilled her breathing and worked with the biofeedback mechanisms that she had been taught - she knew that she needed to be ready.

[OOC: Go Leo and Syxis!]

Leo smiled, "Come over and guide me then.  Any prison is still a prison.  I cannot imagine one more frustrating than an unresponsive or dead body," the dancing crystaline blade formed at his fingertips, "I'm going to hope that everything outside the core was toasted before or during the crash. This will be a lot quicker and maybe even safer than trying to open them up with conventional tools."  Before inserting the blade he took his best guess as to which side was originally the back... and awaited Syxis' instructions.

Syxis scratched his chin with his thumb.

"This is an old model. Normally, to eliminate the flow of electricity a tiny jumper should be repositioned on one of the main PCBs with a pair of tweezers. If the PCB was fried or broken during the crash, putting the jumper in the right place won't have any effect. The electrical current would still be there. In that case, the only way of reaching the core safely is to cut the wire supplying the current. Cut the wrong one by mistake, and the current destroys the core and will be lost. Besides, through some of the wires runs a toxic fluid which won't be very nice to your blades. I told you it's an old model.

Syxis moved closer to where Leoulin prepared to work the body.

"First things first. You'll find the main PCBs behind the left ear."

Leo laughed out loud at the thought of ruining his blades, "They are thought constructs... shattering them means I have to refocus my thoughts... that's all.  Still, slowing us down too much is not what anyone wants."  Repositioning his blade to the head, "How deep?  Am I just peeling back synthflesh or are we talking about going into what would be an organic brain, ear drum, optic nerve?  Peeling this charred remain will mean cutting out a section not just cutting up a flap."

Syxis shook his head.

"This model is a mixture of an inner organic structure and electro mechanic body work. For reaching the PCBs, you don't have to dig deep. They should be pretty accessible. The core is another matter. It's positioned deeply into the flesh behind the shoulder blades and is surrounded by lots of wiring. But let's see if the PCB's still intact first."

  Cutting into the body of the charred Cyberoid It's obvious the internal systems and central power system is fried. A low voltage "lifesaving" System still remains active and the core area is relatively undamaged due to the construction of the Cyberoids shipboard armor and protective gear.
 The older design of the chassis is a slight problem to the operation. Syxis can tell this crewman's body was long due for an upgrade and replacement. Most likely to a newer Military standard Plug/play interface with it's chassis.  The older body and lack of upgrade indicates this was a new recruit coming over from civilian life to the military not a purpose built military cyberoid.
  The "light weight" construction and need for body armor and protective gear also tells Syxis that this Cyberoid was a service or domestic model, and an older one probably in the range of fifty to sixty years old at the time it entered the service.
 A few deft slices and some team work on moving and realigning the core result in the extraction of an armored beer can sized core of solid Synthetic Black diamond. The status indicators on the core indicate the matrix is intact and in deep hibernation mode to conserve power and prevent degradation to the AI within. A name plate on the Core Housing indicates the Promethean is "Sally Wynn" Crewman first class, Ordnance Division.

  Hello...heloo is anyone there...Oh please tell me this is a rescue...It's dark in here." a weak signal over the emergency distress channel sound in everyones headset as the core responds and reboots as it is disturbed.. If it's not I've got four ounces of Cemtol explosive, and refined Nitrogen-zed in in my core..and I'll use it.... So put me down and run. You have thirty seconds to reach minimum safe distance"

OOC: the "cemtol cocktail" a nasty hybrid conventional/Exotic matter explosive used in micro grenades and military warheads...It would be about the same as a kilo of C-4. Probably enough to level a small house

T'risa decided to respond to the crewman. "Hello Sally, this is Marshal K'mahda. You have been rescued from the wreckage of Prometheus and are safe. It might be more than a few hours until we can find a host suitable for you to interact with the environment. We have more crew to rescue, so I'll ask you to be patient until we can bring you online properly."

M'kira had to give Sally Wynn credit it was a pretty brave thing to kill yourself rather then let yourself be taken prisoner. In cases where it would cost many lives or compromise the war effort for your side. It wasn't if there was still hope of eventual rescue although for a A.I. it might be different considering her programming might be vulnerable to tampering and possibly something worse then death. It could be a bluff, however she wasn't taking that chance.

She doubted she would be the only one to respond to Sally to try to stop her from blowing herself up. If possible she sends the Rescue code confirmation something likely given to them to prevent problems like this. In addition to see tries to talk Sally doan. "This is a rescue effort. Kronos won the battle due to support from the Imperial fleet plus of course a well timed shot right up the Queen's kilt from our Dreadnought on the ground. I am under the command of T'risa a Marshal in the field conducting a investigation. Your safe now Sally Wynn and you will be returned to Prometheus or Kronos in due time. Whoever picks you up first I don't know what your return protocol is. If you want you can talk to poppy she's a cyberoid like you but you best conserve power till we can get you back in one piece. We have a lot more crew to save if we can and time is critical."

OOC: I Really hope she doesn't blow herself up. It would be a tragedy to lose someone while trying to rescue them. Considering this is probably a standard protocol I am assuming someone was smart enough to give us a authorization/confirmation code to prevent them from blowing themselves up. If it's a bluff, possible, however not taking that chance.

Elsbeth bristled at the mention of 'cemtol', her helmet twitching at the mention of the word.  While, it was not surprising that the cyberoid protocols on a warship required that all of the crew have such measures - it sure didn't make their job easier.  She shifted her position slightly, but only in case she now had to react to actions behind her - even if they were secondary in her current duties.

She knew why they were there - even if 'Sally Wynn' didn't - and so did everyone else in the rescue squad.  And the tall Praetorian knew her forte, which was neither tech stuff nor talk stuff, necessarily.  So, Elsbeth left the defusing of the situation to the other, more expert, members of the group.  From her kneeling position, Elsbeth kept her vigilance over the perimeter going - and one ear on the conversation between Syxis, Leo, M'kira and Sally.  You know, just in case things went 'sour'.

Thank the creators...oh guess that's you guys...Glad your not one of those creepy bug people." sally replied after a moment. The AI ran the recognition codes, and identity keys before speaking again." I hope you don't mind if I nod back off. I've only got a few days charge left. My systems were... well... you know us old ladies we have to take a nap once in a while."

  Oh, you might want to watch your rad badges we were packing a full load of nukes. They might have lost containment....here...take this it's a deck layout that's accurate, Some of the files we sent to fleet had a few.....errr...ummm.... surprises for anyone trying something sneaky.


a file transfers to Syxis' and T'risa's comps detailing the internal layout, defense precautions and keys to several anti-tamper systems as well as the deactivation keys to the Mark XII 1.5 megaton warheads carried by the ship...a note on the keys indicates they can only be used by imputing them directly into the warheads physical arming panel.

T'risa smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand. "This is Marshall K'mahda to all personnel at crash site. Take all radiological precautions. Prometheus had nuclear weapons on board. Repeat, take all radiological precautions necessary." She closed her eyes for another moment to gain a moment of peace. "Syxis, can you please take what we know about the deckplans, and the wreckage we've discovered and try to figure out where they are?" T'risa started making plans, nuclear weapons were always good things to have when you needed them. "Actually, it might be handy if we can figure out where all of the ammunition locations were on the ship. And if there are any salvageable weapons we can put on our own ship." she reached back for the communications system "Thank you crewman Wynn, you're safe now. the information you gave us should help us in rescuing other crew and keep everyone safe."

T'risa paused for a moment. Her talents as a Battle Witch might stand all of the rescue crews in good stead if she could link them all together. "This is Marshall K'mahda, one crew, ident Sally Wynn rescued."

Looking towards the ship, T'risa pointed "Let's head in."

"Thank you Sally, We will make good use of the information you provided. Sweet dreams."

Listening to T'risa sending out a general warning to all rescue teams she checks her own radiation badge. Then when she gives the order M'kira grins. "You heard her, we are going in! Move out!" She moves her arm in the signal recognized for proceeding. Then flies or perhaps float is a better term since she keeps pace with the group towards their entry point.

Syxis flipped out his pocket computer and started searching for the required data.

"Checking security systems first. We don't want to run into any "surprises" Sally was talking about. I'll try deactivation. Checking locations for armament as well.

Elsbeth rose slowly from her kneeling position when the order came down from the Marshal.  She paused momentarily when T'risa warned her about potential radiation hazards and then stopped, along with the others it seems, when Syxis advised caution and requested a moment to scan his updated schematics.

"Technician Syxis," she prompted as she continued to warily scan the opening and the area surrounding it, "is it safe to proceed?"  Then she tacked on an additional request, "Can you make those updated schematics available to all of our displays.  It would be unfortunate, if we were to get lost due to being out of sync."  The latter was unlikely, especially given the mental link that T'risa provided.  But it never hurt to ask.  And Syxis was the 'new guy' to the neural net - even newer than Elsbeth, which was saying something.

Her eyes continued to dart between her near-field HUD overlays, the video feed from her laser carbine's integrated scope, and the actual terrain - which was really the huge rent in the looming dreadnought hull before the group.

Leoulin looked over the technician's shoulder, "I can do that if you give me each image for several seconds.  I can memorize it and put it into mental files for Tee to make available on the network."  He didn't care if anyone thought him off for speaking familiarly of T'Risa.

Leo would nod to Syxis after taking each mental image.  In his own mind they turned and slid to layer on each other. He could only apply this to the images presented, but it would be a good start.

Syxis nodded while he browsed through the schematics, giving Leoulin the opportunity to scan the images.

"OK sounds like a good idea. In the meantime I'm still checking the security systems and trying to shut them down. Hold your position 'till I'm done."

  The anti intrusion, anti boarding defenses on the Prometheus are impressive to say the least. They run the range from Hallways that are arranged to funnel boarders into killing zones. To explosive antipersonnel mines, and pop down machine gun/plasma turrets.
  In addition to the static defenses several hundred automated mobile drones are listed in inventory, as well as a full company of "Warhounds", Purpose built special issue combat cyberoids able to kill a combat marine with their bare hands.
  scanning the files in depth takes several minutes, but reveals the location of the location and status of the defenses. Damage to the structure and internal spaces of the ship may have destroyed or shifted some defenses, making the actual process of moving through them a bit tricky.

  The inventory of ordnance still on the Prometheus is surprising. over 80% of it's stores seem to have been expended. In theory the Prometheus was able to defeat a sizable task force on it's own. the fact that it was reinforced by it's twin "brother" Kronos, And a battlegroup of allied ships, and still used up the bulk of it's payload is vaguely disturbing.
  According to the inventory the Nuclear weapons are still in secure deep storage. in inactive mode. with their fuses and triggers safely stored separately from their main body. The order to arm, and launch the nukes one only the President of the TAE could issue.
  With a bit of work a single team could penetrate into the stores area and secure the warheads. But it would require specialized cutting equipment to penetrate the sealed door without a key code from Prometheus itself.

"Thank you, Death Dancer Leoulin." the tall Praetorian noted rather formally, when he offered to help with the schematics.  Elsbeth waited patiently as the files were 'uploaded' and then 'distributed'.  She reviewed what she could, made sense where she could and always tried to remain vigilant on watch.

Her nervousness as remaining stationary, especially so close to the smoldering hulk was fairly obvious over the telepathic link - it was no more than vague discomfort spawn of paranoia (likely) than any specific known or credible threat.  And she knew that entering the dreadnought without reviewing the schematics was likely suicide.  An opinion borne out by the contents of the files - warhounds, nukes, and kill zones (static and dynamic) with mines, turrets and drones made the going potentially very hazardous.

Even for those in self-contained, environmentally-sealed, reinforced hardsuits.  Ifni only knew what the others might do for protection.  Well, actually, Elsbeth knew as well what they needed for protection; she gripped her laser carbine just a touch more firmly and waited for the signal to proceed.

M'kira waits patiently wait's for Syxis to clear the way as well as whoever distributes the data they needed to be effective. For now she checks the rad readings just to be sure and waits for the go ahead.

OOC: IM not sure if the GM's  post means we can proceed or not. So waiting for someone to give the all clear let's get inside and do something.

"Hold on...I'm still trying to turn off the security systems. As you can see on the schematics now, exploring the ship without deactivating them will be too dangerous. I think I can do it, but then again the crash might have resulted in some defense mechanisms still working afterwards nonetheless."

OOC: 14:12, Today: Syxis rolled 32 using 1d20+16. Deactivating defense systems.

  Syxis can access several of the networked defenses after a rather lengthy process of worming his way through firewalls and accessing the systems still functioning network.The fact that any systems still remained functional was a miracle of engineering and backup hardware.
  even with codes, and keys provided in the briefing packets the systems were hard to bypass, more than half f the static and mobile systems were still online refusing to disarm either due to malfunctions or a need for onsite confirmation by authorized personnel.
  The still active defenses were easy enough to plot and not on the map, but several mobile units were still signalling they were armed and on high alert. Thise would need to be avoided or neutralized by force if no other means of safely deactivating them could be found.

T'risa nodded willing to give Syxis all the time he needed. The one most important thing about doing a search and rescue job, was to not need rescued yourself at the end of it, and Prometheus was a dreadnought at the end of it all. "Well rescue the nuclear weapons from the wreck after we've saved the crew we can. We can't leave them here for scavengers to pick up. Syxis, you may also wish to prioritise systems we can uh....liberate from this ship and retrofit to our own."

After several minutes of browsing and hacking, Syxis came up with the score.

"Alright, I managed to deactivate some of the systems but not all. Some are still active and need to be shut down on site. Continuing this mission still won't be without risk. According to my data several static as well as mobile defense systems are still on high alert, which means we have to deal with them when encountering. We could use the help of authorized personnel to deactivate the static systems, Sally might be an option. To eradicate the mobile units, we need more soldiers, there are lots of 'em."

Syxis looked at T'risa, awaiting the call.

Elsbeth was pretty sure that there weren't any additional reinforcements coming.  Though, given that the Hearth Guard had made their recent debut, anything was possible she supposed.  Besides she wasn't really paid to strategize; she was just a grunt.  A really tall, genetically-engineered grunt with a fancy hardsuit and some weapons.  And some training.

And that training kept her alert and ready to move out.  She remained vigilant and continued to scan the area before her, as well as the tactical displays on her visor's HUD.  Everything still seemed in order.  Though Elsbeth did note that Syxis had said that there were roving patrols of warhounds still active, which didn't give the wiry Praetorian a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

As she reviewed the interior layout, Elsbeth tried to assess the various known threats and plot a course that might bypass any perceived kill zones.  It didn't seem like there were many options and as Syxis had noted - there was still plenty of risk.  And the CMC sergeant also knew that she wasn't the keenest tactical mind either; but she pushed her assessment to the others of the group over the mental link for review.  At least, they could all be on the same page.  There were plenty of opportunities for her to be wrong, and this was one of them...

Elsbeth then waited for the signal to proceed.  With caution, of course.

T'risa nodded to Elsbeth and M'Kira to take the vanguard "Don't get too far ahead. Take your time, let's take things slow and cautious. Keep close, we may need to pause from time to time to extract more AI cores on the way."

"Maybe Sixus if we can get sally a stable power source or better yet a functional body. I certainly have no objections to having assistance from the crew we are rescuing since likely only they can truly disable some of the defenses."

Needless to say they all received the relevant tactical data. Places they would have to avoid, spots they might have to fight through, and theoretically the supposed safe path considering wandering sentries. "Understood T'risa we won't stray to far."

Moving forward she keeps her area or responsibility covered both to recon and fields of fire if they end up having to fire. She trusts her partner Elsbeth to cove her portion as the advance as the vanguard for their small group. "Guess things get a little more complicated from here on out. Keep us updated if we get close to someone that needs to be rescued."

Syxis looked around the room, trying to spot some sort of energy source to give Sally's AI core some more juice.

"Sure, we might run into a power source for Sally or into any other survivors that can help us out. Let's be cautious though. Anything might trigger the fickle security systems on this ship."

  Syxis reasoned he could adapt a standard power module. a standard battery pack wasn't difficult to modify, they were designed to be easily adapted for field uses.  but putting together the adapter would take a bit of work due to the core's older design and tricky power connections it requires someone with very advanced skills to modify those older power couplings.

( OOC: it will take about an hour or two to modify the adapter due to the older model core in the field. )


 The sound of turbines sounded over the wreckage. Tiny came zooming in dodging and ducking though the debris followed by Poppy's mecha. The two seemed to be flying a little faster than usual and taking turns and jinks through the debris.

T'risa motioned everyone to move forwards "Syxis, if you can find a power source then all well and good, otherwise we need to rush, there are other survivors just as needy that also have power supplies running down. If the worst comes to the worst, we can have someone run back with the cores we do rescue back to the ship where we can plug them in."

T'risa paused a moment. "Actually...." T'risa looked at the power connector for Sally, using her telepathy to reach the HearthGuard commander "Have we set up a place for the surviving cores to be recharged? Is it compatible with older style power induction styles?"

She contacts Poppy and Tiny using their encrypted channel. "Poppy, Tiny is everything all right with you two. Your moving a little fast just want to make sure we don't have any issues."

Moving forward per T'risa's orders M'kira continues to scan for any survivors. She will of course help them as soon as possible. She also watches out for any signs of a active security system that might have a problem with them. "Maybe we can carry a portable charging station with us. Might come in handy in a emergency T'risa. Also if this ships crew was mostly cyberoids I wouldn't be surprised if there are charging stations all over the place. If we find a functional one that has power it might just do the trick. Plus they had to have spare bodies and replacment parts in case of accident or battle damage to a cyberoid. We might come across something we can use."

Syxis nodded.

"I agree. It would be likely to stumble into active charging units with this much droid activity. With the old models being used, creating a mobile unit would take some work, I suspect an hour or two. In the case of being in a hurry, I suggest we follow the safe route on the map to locate an active unit, hook Sally up and take care of the security systems then. Along the way, we might run into survivors with more juice left in them to help us out.

Moving on would mean the feeble security system is still bugging us though...beware."

Leo nodded, "Wary is my uncle's middle name.  Really, the V is silent.  In anycase, yes we should move along."  That said he too began to move toward the wreckage ship.  He thought of falling debris that might be ejected from the ship and kept that energy blade on hand in case something was quite too large to avoid.

Given the order, Elsbeth started to move out.  She merely nodded to Syxis' order to be careful; honestly, the tall Praetorian would not have proceeded any other way into potentially hostile territory.

She motioned to the others to indicate what pattern to advance with as the rift in the dreadnought loomed closer and closer.  Her laser carbine was held at the ready, the servos of her hardsuit hummed in anticipation, and her HUD displays were streaming plenty of data (or lack thereof) as she neared the ship.

"Safe route is the only one that makes sense to me. Unless we have a very good reason to take the dangerous one." She grins for a moment at syxis then nods moving on as well when Leoulin and Elsbeth start to advance.

She keeps a share eye out checking her sensors regularly for survivors or threats to their team.

  Tiny set down near the group and took up a guard postion sweeping the area with her heavy weapons. She Held back from the mangled mas of machinery to keep a clear line of fire as poppy moved forward.

  Poppy nearly jumped out of her Mecha before it was fully shut down. Jogging over to the group then sliding to a halt as sh viewed the carnage and mangled body the group had salvaged.
  Oh man, That's gonna void her warranty for sure....Is her core intact...I mean if her cores intact she'll be fine..unless she's loosing power than she'l have to go into deep standby and that just sucks like you wouldn't believe..I mean you can go bonkers ...trust me I know. Poppy spoke excitedly obviously upset by the state of the survivors. I dint think anyone could take down Big Daddy...I mean wow..I know he had crashed but great googly moogly he got FUBARed.

  "Oh Hi there! your new, and a cutie..... I love the skin job" Poppy smiled broadly as she spotted Syxis. Seeming to shift gears totally. then with a shake of her head and a look of frustration she went back into tactical mode weapons out, face looking serious. as she moved along with the group.

M'kira couldn't help but smile as Poppy joined them. She liked the cyberoid and a extra hand at saving people or taking down threats is always welcome.  "She's a older model Poppy and yes I am pretty sure she's shut down to avoid spending any unneeded energy. Syxis thinks he can rig a portable charging station if we come across one."

"Benefits are it  could save some cyberoids that are critically low on energy plus anyone we save can help us bypass any stubborn security measures that require actual crew to bypass. Hmm I hate to admit it but whatever alien race that used to be here and fell before this queen. They were very innovative in their Dreadnought construction and maybe a bit more advanced. Even after millennia of just sitting around they packed a nasty punch."

When poppy noticed Syxis M'kira smiles at her once again. She gives Tiny a waves of welcome as well. Always aware though she continues to patrol as they move on. "You know if we find the primary core we are going to have to protect him. He's likely got secrets other people might want to pry into. Just saying this is a someone linked to Prometheus even if it's not the main him."

T'risa nodded giving her assent for the group to make their way into the wreck. "Our priority has to be the Prometheus core. We will rescue all crew on the way there. They can survive for a time on deep standby, it might not be comfortable, but it might be necessary. If things start to get very poor or we save more crew than we can safely take with us, we'll send them out in batches with one of our team." T'risa started walking steadfastly towards a rent in the hull that might get them close to where they needed to be according to Syxis map correlated with the crow's intelligence.

Elsbeth nodded and chirped cripsly into the comm, "Yes, Ma'am."  Orders were orders and they had been given theirs:  rescue Prometheus, rescue other crew as possible, salvage was tertiary.  She continued to scan the darkness beyond the hole in the outer hull as she entered, picking her way careful as she went.  She had both the overlays from Syxis and Aziza in her displays on her visor.  The augmented reality gave the darkness some form.

Before she turned on her shoulder-mounted flood lamps, the CMC Marine prompted the others, "Do we go in bright or in the dark?"  Elsbeth didn't have much in the way of EMR filters outside of the visible range configured.  So, without more light it might make some maneuvers more difficult.  Still, she had motion trackers and some rangefinding sensors mounted on her carbine - so, she wasn't completely lost if staying dark was called for.

Syxis winked at Poppy and gave her a smile.

"Thanks, honey. I'm pretty much pleased with it myself. Yours is cute too, nice piece of work. Who's your designer?"

When preparing to enter the ship, Syxis informed the others.

"No lights necessary for me. I could try to fix the interior lighting, but as the emergency lights don't function either, the electrical system probably will be very messy. It could take some time."

"I can't see in the dark. Lights for me please."

Leo flexed his mind for a moment and held up his other hand, it began in a moment like a children's sparkeler but then lashed out in the flames of a true fireball, about fist sized for a slightly larger man.  These flames were the same teal color as the lights that made up most of his psionic activity, so it was safe to assume that it had the same origin, "While the blade won't hurt someone I'm not telling it to... the fire is pretty real.  An adaptation of military purpose.  No sticking your hands in it."

 "Oh this, it's just something they threw together for me."
     I did have a nice Tamhane special, Legacy Edition Had it shaped by S'mai over on Thuderhead. Cost me a years pay but if fit real nice, and had a great response time on the peripherals...You know how good those crafters on Thuderhead are...do everything... " Poppy actually blushed bright red. Seeming to realize she was babbling, as she brushed off her body armor and adjusted the twin heavy machine pistol slung low on her hips....<sigh> but then some bug went and trashed it...I hope she died painfully."

  Oh! a series 850! I havent met one of thos in years.! She glanced at the core they had been working on and quickly changed subjects. moving t join the others as they moved forward digging into he satchel and coming out with flashlights, and a orb the size of a softball tossing it into the air. The orb lit up with the intensity of a handheld lamp.
   She slid close to T'risa and M'kira as she strolled alongside them_{" Hey do either of you have anything nice..I mean clothes, and some make up I look like a mess."} She whispered as she glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Syxis.

"Understood T'risa." M'kira was eager to find the prometheus core. It would be something else if they could talk with him even if it was for a little while. Besides T'risa was talking about instaling him on the dreadnought. She Fancied being on it even if it was for a little while.

"My powered armor takes care of my visual needs however we might as well use lights since not all of us can see." If needed she adds a little light to the mix however between Poppy and Leoulin's efforts she has a feeling they have enough light for the most part.

Laughing and smiling she looks over at Leoulin with a grin. "So your literally to hot to handle." "Listening to Poppy she gives her a look of sympathy. While it's true she's talking about her own body. She could understand it from the perspective of having a incredibly pricey dress get trashed. Then having to make due with whatever you had on hand. "Well I know what we need to help get you for your birthday Poppy. A new Tamhane special or something better depending on what you want." She was amused by her friends blush moving along with the group. Her eyes scanning the area for anything dangerous.

Pausing when Poppy Whispers to her a smile blossoms whispering back. "Our colors a bit off for our make up to work well for you as our skin is naturally bluish. However I think we can work something out. I definitely can lend you some clothing Poppy."

"I arrived on this planet with only three sets of fatigues to my name. If you really want a pair I can give you one, but they're starting to fade." T'risa commented to Poppy. "Thank you Leo... lets go rescue!" T'risa was thankful for the light as they moved deeper into the wreckage, before pausing to let Poppy catch up "Actually...I may well indeed have something for you, something I forgot about. It's more clubwear than nice...but if you want to borrow it, I'd be happy to lend it."

 Moving into the Titans hull the group can see that the rip in it's hull appears to be from the hull impacting the ground. the climbing and squirming is speeded up by a few deft slices and cuts from Leo, and the raw strength of Elspeth opower armor enhanced hands.

  A short time later the group is in the hallways of one secondary area of the ship, most likely a living space for the crew of the Dreadnaught. Oddly it is well appointed for a ship ran by androids and cyberoids, posters, pictures and artwork hang or lay on the floor, the rec-area has a collection of video games and simulator booths, and setting in the middle of the floor is a holo-table labeled command network.

_{Cool, thanks Boss, your a life saver..... "Fatigues and jumpsuits I got."} Poppy whispered with a giggle_{." anything that shows off my legs...nope....and these are nice legs too, one of the girls back at the camp was a secretary before she transferred to field services...had a really great pair of spares she wore with this really slinky dress...great for distracting the guys at the office but not really good for dirty grimy places....she let me have them in case I need a fresh set...geesh this planet eats up spares like nobodies business... I mean even Balkii needs a new set...and he's a brute}."


Despite he rant about cyber fashion her eyes and hands were all business her twin machine pistols tracking smoothly from shadow, to doorway, to hallway, her eyes unblinking as she scanned the same path visually.

  Negative contact, no movement within forty meters...

  Balkiir moved to keep Elspeth flanked, covering the opposite direction as her. his weapon rock steady as they entered the interior of the vessel. He paused and linked his own motion tracker to Elspeth's, and then synched up their data feeds using His HUD to label locations and items of interest for later investigation.
  " Gues the flagship gets the luxury package." He commented as he moved a drink machine out of the way tossing a hundred kilo weight around as if it were nothing. " Anyone want some NanoQuench, now in orange and root beer. He tossed a can of the nanogel doped soda to Syxis, and another one at poppy. the warning label reading "NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUPTION"


OOC: NanoQuench
repairs 1d4 Points of damage to inorganics
Has a light effervescent taste with a hint of fruit, floral essences, and heavy metals. or so the label says, It has a slightly metallic after taste....which to most cyberoids is actually slightly refreshing.