OOC: You each gain 2 XP.

Hammer searches more carefully while you begin making preparations to leave.  There are two short wave radios under the seat.  A printed message is also folded and placed under the seat.  It reads:

"Gartik,

Offworld trouble makers are at Quazzt. That blundering blob of fat, Gorboz, has mishandled the situation at Gozzorf. An attack on their train was unsuccessful. They may be heading to High Peaks. Stop them at all costs. They are easily recognizable. The group contains two Vrusk, two humans, a dralasite, and a Mechanon.

Boot"

You take off in the vehicles.  It takes several hours drive time to reach the sanitorium, and the sun is starting to set.  There have been no messages on the radios or elsewhere.

You stop the vehicles just out of sight of High Peaks Sanitorium to take a look at it.  The road had been winding through the mountains, so there is not much to hide, and you take turns peaking around the corner.  (See arrow on map pointing to "explorer")

There is an approach road that winds up the mountain, and then an open area that leads up to the main buildings.  It is definitely set atop a "high peak."  A river far below separates this peak from the adjacent mountain.

The entire complex itself is pressurized. The center is a large dome of glass encasing what appears to be a vegetation area or gigantic garden. There are two airlock doors near the front to enter the building.  They appear to be locked with voice recognition locks and some type of electrical field.  You are not sure if there are other security devices in the complex.  You see a number of small, well armored security cameras set around the open area (marked "c" on map).

Doing a little more scouting, you also see that there is a refuse chute that is possibly unsecured.  It dumps refuse out the back of the mountain--you had seen some garbage as your vehicles crossed that path, which led you to look up.

Unfortunately, the refuse chute is 175 meters above the road, and 25 meters down from the top of the cliff.  There are plenty of foot and handholds in the mountain, so you theoretically could climb it if your skills are good enough.  There is no way to get to the top part of the cliff without moving through the open area with the large security cameras.





It is as you are scouting it out that you hear interference on the radios. Fine-tuning the receiver allows them to pick up a broadcast from the Sanatorium:

"This is Boot calling Gartik, come in Gartik. Please state your position. Repeat, please state your position."

Night is beginning to fall...

Orvo looks to the more militant members of his crew. "We could try climbing the refuse chute. I really don't see any other way to approach unobserved."

Hammer says, "It's that or pretend to be Gartik and his crew.  I'd hate to split up, though.  Didn't we find climbing gear in the explorer?  Maybe that'll help us get up there."

"I thought there were two sets?"

"I doubt we could convince Boot that we were Gartik and his crew long enough to get inside. I believe that either storming the gates or climbing are our only real options."

"OK, we have a couple of different options here.  We can try one of the entry points, one being the top, the second being the climbing route as one unit.  Or, we go a two-pronged approach, splitting the team attacking them from two sides.

Let's get a vote and get this going.  I don't think we're barking up the wrong tree here.  I think there's something off with the Sanitarium and it may have to do with the KLC attacks.  We may be able to find some clues here.  At worst, we're arrested for destruction of property or we collect our fee for ending our investigation.

Thoughts and/or concerns?"

Orvo's ocular nerve bundles grow larger. "Splitting the party? Is that a good idea?"

Hammer says, "Why don't we radio back and pretend to be the scouting party.  We tell them we will be there in the morning.  If they believe us, great, they won't expect anything.  If they don't believe us, then they won't expect anything until morning.  In the meantime, we try to climb up the garbage chute."  The mechanon was not excited about rock climbing but realized it was the best and possibly only hope of getting in there unnoticed.

S'Krllk starts to sort through the various systems, scanning with his bodycomp as necessary. Explaining, he says, "I'm going to take another look at the captured equipment, if they have the right communications gear, we might be able to gain a look inside without actually being inside."

You have enough equipment to try to get two people up to the chute at a time.  The handholds going up can also be used to do some rock climbing up the surface.

OOC to S'KRllk: I'm not sure what he is searching for or what equipment he is looking at. Can you be more specific?

It has been several minutes now, and the voice repeats:"This is Boot.  Gartik, come in!  State your position!  Repeat, please state your position."

"You know what Gartik sounds like? Or any of the others? What if they have a password or phrase? If we answer them, they will know. If we don't answer them, they'll wonder."

"They didn't say anything before opening fire, so we don't know anything about their voices.  We could mimic heavy interference with the reception and put in a lot of background noise."  You can almost see Hammer's Mechanon gears turning to figure this out.

Desiraye was trying to make the best call about using the radio when it came to life.  She turns to the others, "We take a chance of them getting the feeling something is wrong whether we answer the call or not.  Hammer has a good idea and let's go with some interference when we answer."

"And a passphrase?"

OOC: Sorry for the absence.  Life has been hectic lately.  9-month old baby, need I say more?  :D

DM - All of the soldiers we fought were human, right?  Also all male?  I'm making that assumption here.

Porter looks at the radio.  "I think we need to contact them, and I'd better make the call.  They might not realize I'm not one of their men, but they'd surely pick out a vrusk, dralasite or mechanon voice.  Should I tell them Garik was wounded in the fight but that 'we' won?  Then they may think I'm just one of the others.  If they send out a medical team, though, that could be bad.  Any other ideas on what to tell them?"

"I am still concerned that we know too little of those men and their organization to trick them."

"Orvo still makes a good point everyone.   We need to decide quickly.   Damned if we do, damned if we don't!"

S'Krllk is poring over the communications gear. "Maybe a medical team would be good, might have vrusk or dralasites or others we could use to infiltrate."

OOC: he's looking for a way to hack into the systems at the base of operations

"If only two can climb using that gear, the rest of us could go in the front.  We could radio that Garik was killed in the firefight, but that we took the survivors prisoner.  Might get us up to the gates at least."

Hammer says, "Or we just take turns with the gear.  It'll take longer but be safer.  If anyone's really good at climbing, they can just use the handholds.  That person probably isn't me."

Hammer will let the others decide what to do about the radio as he begins setting up the climbing gear to get to the top and get through that garbage chute.

"If me and someone else go up using the ropes, who else can use the rocket launcher in case you need to?"

OOC: To keep this moving, I went ahead and made the rolls for climbing.  Interestingly, Desi came close to having a critical miss...

You hide the explorer in the brush and get ready to climb.  You leave the radio calls unanswered.  (Whatever you are bringing should be able to be carried on your person due to the climb.)

You begin climbing the wall, with Desi and Hammer on the ropes.  As you climb, Desi hits a loose patch and begins tumbling... (RS check success)

...she catches herself, but not before being slammed up against the side of the mountain.  (7 STA damage.)  As you continue to climb, Orvo also takes a misstep and begins to fall.  He scrapes his jelly-like body pretty badly against the rock wall but catches himself with a dangling appendage.  (RS check missed; 8 STA damage.)

As you reach the chute, the climbing becomes easier but is still at an angle.  Occasionally, you have to dodge kitchen refuse being flung down at you...

Kri'lik is hit by a particularly foul smelling bit of refuse and begins to slide down the chute, but he is caught by Porter before he goes all the way down.

You surface in a 12 meter by 12 meter room.  The only exit (besides the chute) is a 6 meter wide corridor leading east.  About 6 meters past the corridor's opening is a closed door.

This is some sort of maintenance room.  It contains the Sanatorium's power generator (level 6), a back-up generator (level 4), refuse disposal facilities and life support equipment (level 4).

A maintenance robot is throwing kitchen waste down the refuse chute, which explains the food that was flying past your face.

Given that you entered from the chute, the maintenance robot apparently thinks you are waste needing disposal.  It begins chasing the first person who came up the chute (Desiraye).

Hammer will wait to see if anyone can disarm the robot nonviolently.  If not, he will pull out his weapon and begin firing before anyone gets thrown down the chute.

OOC: Sorry for the late response, RL has been kicking my ass.  What kind of weapon(s)  does/is the robot using?

Just with its pincer claws.  It thinks since you came up the wrong way from the disposal chute that you are trash that needs to be thrown down the chute.  It is attempting a grapple (which will hurt from the metal pincers), and then what amounts to throwing you down the chute, which will likely lead to death if it succeeds.

S'Krllk will attempt to change the robot's default interpretations to mark humans in the shaft as maintenance personnel to be obeyed. If there's no interface that can be reached with his bodycomp, the bug will clambor over whatever needs crossed to remove the robot's maintenance plate and turn it off.

Porter scans the room, looking for a canvas bag or something similar that he can use to try and cover the robot's sensors while S'Krllk tries to reprogram it.

If he finds something, he'll try to cover the robot's sensors and tie it shut.

OOC: Yes, the infamous "bag over the head" trick. Why not?

While Porter searches for something, S'Krllk has great success in reprogramming the robot.  (Roll: success)  It now does not identify you as garbage to be thrown down a chute and it returns to its normal operation.

Porter only finds three rubber garbage cans.  This is a maintenance room with machinery.  It contains the Sanatorium's power generator (level 6), a back-up generator (level 4), refuse disposal facilities and life support equipment (level 4).  There is also some kitchen refuse that the robot had been throwing away.  It is this refuse that is in the three garbage cans.

There is an exit to the east through a closed door.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 28):

"Thanks S'Krllk.  I thought I was the next piece of trash to go out!

Do you think we can make some kind of malfunction in the life support or the generators to draw one or two of them down here to see what is wrong and take them prisoner?  Maybe get some Intel out of them to see what's going on here and what we're up against?"

"Why not turn off the life support all together? If the alarms are also turned off, the entire staff will be unconscious while we investigate."

Hammer says, "Somehow, I think they'll have a reserve back up or emergency or something.  Besides, won't we all be unconscious too?" Hammer is willing to try it. He just wants to air his thoughts first.

"I'll look around, but I suspect we'll need to get further in before we find suitable access to their systems. This is a garbage chute, no need to let the trash access your grid."
As usual, it is unclear whether this is a statement of fact or a jest on S'Krllk's part.

"They've most likely got emergency breathing apparatus in most work stations, in case of a breach or system failure. Some of them will likely notice the lack of O₂ before they pass out. There could be security bots as well. I think the plan is fine, but we shouldn't consider it a cake-walk if we can pull it off."

Hammer says, "I think Porter is right.  While we've got the element of surprise, we should use it.  We can always come back to this room if we need to.  Let's explore further and then decide before we take any risks."

"We could turn off the generators. They'll send some maintenance guys to fix it. Or, as I like to call them, prisoners to interrogate." He drums his pseudopods together as he says that.

"Exactly what I was thinking Orvo."

"Well, let's go find that generator, then."

OOC: Is there only the one passage out of this room (besides the trash chute we came up)?  Makes it easy to get started if so.

OOC: This room contains the generator and the backup generator.

There is only one exit from this room.

Whoever turns off the generator must make a tech skill check.

"Look, I can turn off the generator, but the backup will kick in and we'll have to wait for them to send someone. My experience is whoever they send will take his time getting down here, allowing the backup generator to carry the load."
S'Krllk starts examining the generators, looking for some sort of automatic switch to start the backup of the main one fails. "But if I turn on the backup, they'll figure the automatic system has faulted and send someone to fix it right away. Let me see if it's possible."

OOC: Figure it's a roll on tech to figure out the system, and want to develop the habit of making my own rolls, so:
23:25, Today: S'Krllk rolled 26 using 1d100. tech (level 3).
Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to determine whether I've succeeded or not.

OOC: Typically, every level of a skill gives you a plus 10% chance to succeed on top of your base percentage (which is based on an attribute).  But we also have to add in any modifiers.

S'Krllk successfully figures out the generators and starts the backup.  Two things happen:

First, tampering with the machines sets off an alarm.  The lights go briefly off and then back on as the backup generator overrides the regular generator.

Second, in response to the alarm, just moments later, two security robots and a maintenance robot enter the area to investigate.

"That could've went a lot better," Desiraye says as she comes around from whatever cover is available, she brings up the sights of the Gauss Rifle and fires a burst of fire from it at the closest Security Robot.

IM: +6
CURRENT STA: 57/62
Military Skein Suit: 45/50
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Projectile Weapons: 4  [DEX:30 + 40 = 70%]

Gauss Rifle
Damage 3d10/8d10 burst
Ammo 40 rounds SEU -
Rate 2/1*
Defense Inertia
Range(meters) PB 0-10 Short 11-65 Medium 66-200 Long 201-600 Extreme 601-1200
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Tue 02 June 2015.

Hammer likewise fires at the nearest security bot.  he will take cover behind the nearest equipment if he can.  "I wonder if they are allowed to shoot near the equipment," he wonders aloud.  "They could take down the entire station if they're not careful."

"I guess we're going to find out the hard way if that's true," Desiraye thinks to herself as she has already depressed the trigger on the gauss rifle.

Seeing the security droids, Porter also heads for cover and readies the assault rifle he appropriated from the last battle. He concentrates a burst on the first robot, hoping the combination of fire from Desi, Hammer and himself can take it down quickly.

OOC: Can we see what the sec-bots are armed with? Sonic stunners or something more lethal?

IM: +7
CURRENT STA: 30/50
Military Skein Suit: 30/50
Projectile Weapons: 3  [DEX:35 + 30 = 65%] +20% burst, total 85%

Auto Rifle
Damage 1d10/5d10 burst
Ammo 20 rounds SEU -
Rate 3/1
Defense Inertia
Range(meters) PB 0-10 Short 11-40 Medium 41-100 Long 101-150 Extreme 151-300

S'Krllk prepares his spanners and gets ready to glom onto the maintenance robot, remove its covering panels, and access its control circuits.

"That is not quite who I hoped they would send." Orvo takes aim at the same robot that Sgt Min shot at and fires.

IM +5
Current Sta: 56/60
Military Skiensuit 46/50
Albedo Screen 50/50

Beam Weapons 45%
Martial Arts 40%

Laser Pistol: set to 4 (4d10 dmg)
Laser Rifle: set to 4 (4d10 dmg)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Wed 10 June 2015.

A firefight breaks out.  The security robots fire but you duck behind cover.  Everyone fires at the closest one, which takes moderate damage.  In the firefight, a power generator is slightly damaged.

S'krllk is ducking and running behind equipment to get close to the maintenance bot, but it will put him in the open if he jumps now.  However, the maintenance bot is moving forward and will be within reach next round.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 48):

"We have to take out the robots so they don't destroy the grenerator's and give S'Krllk do his work!"  Desiraye switches fire of her Gauss Rifle at the undamaged security robot on full-auto while she hopes the other can finish off the damaged one.

IM: +6
CURRENT STA: 57/62
Military Skein Suit: 45/50
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Projectile Weapons: 4  [DEX:30 + 40 = 70%]

Gauss Rifle
Damage 3d10/8d10 burst
Ammo 40 rounds SEU - 10/40
Rate 2/1*
Defense Inertia
Range(meters) PB 0-10 Short 11-65 Medium 66-200 Long 201-600 Extreme 601-1200

Hammer also fires at the same robot that Desi fires at.  "Get them now!  We have to take them down.  It could cause an explosion in here!

Porter empties the magazine of his auto rifle at the first security bot, hoping to take it down now that it's damaged.

OOC: what sort of ranges are we at? Too close quarters for safe grenade use, I'm assuming.

Burst fire at Sec Droid 1.
Combat stats same as last round above.

My apologies. I thought I posted the map.  Each square is 3 meters.  You are in room 10, and the robots are coming down the hall.


You open fire.  The first security robot is bombarded with fire and goes down quickly.  The other one fires, just missing both Porter and Desi by a slim margin, and slightly damaging the life support system with its fire.  The other goes harmlessly into the wall.

The maintenance robot sees S'krllk trying to get at him and swipes at him, knocking him back.  (3 STA damage.)

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 52):

Trying to brush off the close call of being hit by the security robot, Desiraye focuses her sights on the remaining security 'bot and fires another burst at it.

IM: +6
CURRENT STA: 57/62
Military Skein Suit: 45/50
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Projectile Weapons: 4  [DEX:30 + 40 = 70%]

Gauss Rifle
Damage 3d10/8d10 burst
Ammo 40 rounds SEU - 20/40
Rate 2/1*
Defense Inertia
Range(meters) PB 0-10 Short 11-65 Medium 66-200 Long 201-600 Extreme 601-1200
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Wed 10 June 2015.

Hammer also fires at the second security bot.

Porter drops his empty auto rifle and pulls out the heavy auto pistol, firing three single rounds at the second robot.


Three shots, 2d10 damage each.

IM: +7
CURRENT STA: 30/50
Military Skein Suit: 30/50
Projectile Weapons: 3  [DEX:35 + 30 = 65%]

Heavy Auto Pistol
Damage 2d10/5d10 burst
Ammo 20 rounds SEU -
Rate 3/1
Defense Inertia
Range(meters) PB 5 Short 15 Medium 30 Long 60 Extreme 150

Orvo levels his rifle and takes a pair of shots.




Beam Weapons 45%
Martial Arts 40%

Laser Pistol: set to 4 (4d10 dmg)
Laser Rifle: set to 4 (4d10 dmg)

OOC: At the least, it will be very loud in here due to the close proximity we're at.  I guess depending on the grenade you choose to use, that's your PC's call.

In the next round of open fire, the security robot hits Desi with a laser blast. (-12 STA)

Several shots hit the robot in return, but Orvo's final shot is what takes it down.

S'krllk is also at the maintenance robot now, which seems confused by the shots and all the people, as well as the smoke coming from the life support system.  S'krllk successfully deactivates the maintenance robot, leaving you without foes but not sure what the rest of the facility is aware of.

If there is any good news, it is that the second (furthest back) door was closed during the short shootout, and it would have blocked the sounds of the firefight from anyone beyond.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 58):

IM: +6
CURRENT STA: 51/62
Military Skein Suit: 39/50
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Projectile Weapons: 4  [DEX:30 + 40 = 70%]

Gauss Rifle
Damage 3d10/8d10 burst
Ammo 40 rounds SEU - 30/40
Rate 2/1*
Defense Inertia
Range(meters) PB 0-10 Short 11-65 Medium 66-200 Long 201-600 Extreme 601-1200

Desiraye looks down at the wound she just received and is thankful it isn't nothing more than a scratch (thanks to the skeinsuit she's wearing).  She begins to reload the Gauss rifle with a fresh magazine and turning to the others, "Everyone top off with fresh mags and clips.  If we're going to do anything, we need to do it pretty quickly.  Theres no telling what the rest of the facility knows or doesn't know right now.  We don't know if we're going to have air pretty soon unless we fix the problem by letting the maintenance 'bot do it, do it ourselves or, wait to see if anyone else comes down to check.  We need a plan quickly!  Floor's open."

Hammer says, "I think we have to push on and see what we're dealing with.  We're just fish in a barrel back in this room."

Porter retrieves his dropped rifle and reloads. After checking to see that his albedo screen is ready to be switched on if needed, he dons his gas mask.

"If we encounter any living resistance, I'll try to use the doze grenade on them. If you've got masks, you might want to put them on as well," comes his now muffled voice from behind the mask. I probably should have said that before putting on the mask, he thinks.

Porter is ready to move out.

I'm going to help you out a little here because I don't want this section to unnecessarily take up too much time or effort, which will take away from its enjoyment.

Hammer and S'krllk go to work on the nearby computer station.  They are able to download a basic schematic for the floor you are on (Level 4).  Here is what they find:



You are in room 10 (maintenance room)
Rooms marked 5 are staff and guest (i.e., patient) rooms, and 6 marks the balconies to the rooms that overlook the steep cliff you just climbed.

Room 11 is a storeroom with typical nonfood items stored. (You don't know exactly what at this point.)

Room 12 is a robot storeroom, which stores, not surprisingly, robots and their parts, along with charging stations.

The places marked with a "3" are the elevators on the floor.  There are three total.

A circled "c" indicates where a security camera is mounted.

You also discover that there are invisible infrared beams at the location marked IR, and are likely tied to an alarm.

A door with a dot means the door is security locked.  (As you can see, on this level, they are to make sure the "patients" do not leave their areas or escape.

The two doors leading to the maintenance room are in the form of an airlock door to maintain pressurization of the inside of the sanitarium (since the area you are at has that direct garbage chute that would interfere with that.  The airlocks are not locked.

"I would think we want to make use of elevator 3a or, with the power out, that shaft. There's no reason for it to have security on it if it doesn't go somewhere important."

Porter nods at the Dralasite, "I agree. But I'd like to know a bit more about what we're in for before we set off any alarms. It might not hurt to scout a bit from elevator 3b first."

"Looks like this level is where they keep their 'patients' while they stay here for treatment.  I guess they wouldn't want them wandering around."

"I would say a very quick recon but, once we find out what we need, time is of the essence now.  I'm sure S'Krllk needs a couple of minutes for his new toy so, I say we've got about 15 minutes, tops!

Sarge, you and Orvo got the recon.  Me and Hammer will hold secuirty here while S'Krllk works on the robot."

Hammer says, "That IR defense is still up and running, right?  Doesn't that make it hard for us to go to elevator 3a?  How do we get past the IR?"

S'Krllk rubs his carapace where the robot batted him, and says, "It won't take long. I'm just going to set him with the task of switching the generators to check the running one for faults, repeatedly."

OOC: just in case, I did a few rolls for this
19:38, Today: S'Krllk rolled 117 using 3d100 with rolls of 18,30,69. playin' with robbie robo.

Porter nods at Desi's suggestion. "Alright, Orvo, let's move out."

The marine heads to the first pressure door and activates the mechanism to open it. (Or is it still open from when the robots came in? If so, he heads through to the hallway beyond.)

Orvo resets the power level on his rifle and follows Sgt Min.

"It could be.  Be careful you two!

Can we get any other schematics up?"

The hallways past the pressure doors are clear.  You cannot pull up any other schematics from here.  The only reason you found the one you did is because it was already pulled up.

S'krllk begins fiddling with the maintenance robot.

"How much longer do you need S'Krllk?"

S'krllk doesn't find any faults with the generators, but his expertise soon lets him figure out which circuit breakers power the IR rays, which can be unplugged.  Unfortunately, the cameras are on a different system and cannot be disconnected.

"I can just unplug the IR, but the cameras will still work. If I took a bit more time I might be able to mis-direct the feeds from both, even feasibility will take a moment to figure out."
While he lets his subconscious chew on those ideas, he starts to look through the wreckage of the security robots for usable weapons (maybe to give to the maintenance robot).

The weapons are attached to the security robots and are not detachable.  He is correct that the cameras will still work and possibly detect them, but the elevator will be usable and the IR detection system will be disabled.

Hammer will sneak around the northern side of the halls away from the cameras.  He will check the doors to 11, 12, and 13 to see what might be required to unlock them.  He will also look in the elevator at 3a to see how many floors there are in this place.

"Let's get ready to move.   We don't want to lose any advantage we may still have.   Strike fast and hard.  See if we can't get us a prisoner to talk to us! "

OOC: have Orvo and I already moved up to the other elevator? Or at least to the locked door in front of it? If we don't find anything unusual, I say we rejoin the others and take the formerly secured elevator together.

And what's in room 11?

I was thinking they can stay there and we'll meet up there.

Walking down the northern curve of the hall, you see the following labels on the doors:

3b: Cargo Elevator
11: Non-Perishable Storage
12: Robot Storage

You guess that the robots that just came to investigate must have come from room 12.

(You can be wherever you want between room 10 and the northern curve of the hallway.  You have not yet unlocked the locked doors, but can take the central elevator down, if desired.)

Hammer will try his hand at opening the locked door leading to the supplies in 11.

Desi will stand behind him and provide cover, if needed.

Hammer succeeds!

Opening the door you find that the room contains standard non-perishable supplies such as blankets, clothing, spare lighting panels, and so on.  There does not seem to be much of value or use otherwise.

"Unless we need anything for the robots, us kicking in doors may work against us.  Up or down the elevators?"

"The bigwigs are usually at the top. I vote for up. Try to take whoever's in charge by surprise, then maybe get the answers we need without having to fight door to door and give the head honcho time to escape."

"That is also where they will have the most guards." Orvo points out.

In looking at the elevator, you find that there are four levels to this building.  You are on level 4, which is technically the lowest, since level 1 will be at ground level above.  In fact, level 1 is marked with a "G" on the elevator.  (You also wouldn't want the garbage falling past 3 other levels after exiting the garbage chute you just climbed up, right?)

OOC: Also, there is a computer room in the facility, which is why I'm trying to be careful to give you enough inside information to make your choices meaningful and fun without destroying the utility of breaking into that computer room (should you choose to do so).

"We can go straight to level one and try to make sure they can't use anything to escape from here or we work up level to level.  If we go to the 1st level, we would have to secure that then work our way back down to the other levels.  No matter which one we hit first, they're probably going to know we're coming.  We get caught between levels then we need another way to get around the place and I don't think we have an idea of how big this place is so, we need to get control, and hold what we take."

Hammer agrees. "I think we scope out the top level first.  Then we know our exits and options up at ground level.  We can work our way down from there with a knowledge of the most important floor and an escape plan.  Do you want to take the central elevator or try the cargo one?" He eyes the lock on the carvo elevator door to see if he might be able to open it.

"Good point Hammer.  Just wanted to throw our options out there.  Anyone else got anything?"

OOC: I will assume you go to level 1 unless someone posts something different today.

OOC: thats why i was leaving an open question in case anyone else had something.  if not, 1st level here we come...

You take the elevator up to the first floor at ground level.



The elevator ("3a") opens onto a reception area (marked as "1").  There is a reception, concierge counter--which has video monitors to monitor security around the facility.  You are on the employee side.  On the far side, you see the entry into the sanitorium, along with some couches and plants in a very relaxing atmosphere.  There is a security camera to the northwest of the elevator that scans the room constantly.  Monitors are on this side of the counter.

At the place marked with the star sits an armed commando staring at the security computer monitors.  He slowly begins to turn in his seat as the elevator dings and the doors open, as if expecting to see someone else working at the facility--not armed strangers.

Desiraye quickly approaches the guard sitting at his security computer so he doesn't get the drop on any of her group.  She will make a hushed, brief comment, "If you want to make it outta here with you life, don't touch anything and just stand up away from the computer!"  Her newly acquired Gauss rifle is aimed at his chest.

Orvo steps out of the elevator and scans the rest of the office making sure there aren't any more guards in the area.

Seeing that Desi has the commando in her sights, Porter exits the elevator with his rifle ready and checks around to the left to see if anyone else is in the area behind the reception desk but in the blind spot from the elevator.

OOC: I think this is also what Orvo intends. That's OK, two heads are better than one. As are two guns.

That's exactly what Desi wanted without saying it!!!

OOC:It was what I had intended.

There does not appear to be anyone else in the vicinity.  However, you are keenly aware that Desi has stepped into the line of sight of the security camera on the northern wall.

The commando shakes his head, raising both hands.  "So you were here after all.  I'll give you credit for getting in here undetected, but you sure smell like garbage."

He looks past Desi to see exactly how many are in your group.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 101):

"Thanks so much for the endorsement from who, the KLC for our visit?  What the hell is going on around here?

Hammer, secure the prisoner and make sure he's unarmed so he's not driven to do something so completely stupid that he loses a limb or worse!

You want to make it through this alive buddy?  We're tired of the threats on our life and people trying to kill us plus, whatever the hell else you've got going on, on this planet of yours pitting people against each other.

Someone please check out the security monitors.

Orvo, Sarge, maintain security please."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Mon 29 June 2015.

Hammer will do as directed by Desi, checking for weapons and frisking the commando.

The commando lets Hammer approach.  Then, with a skillful martial arts move, he grabs Hammer, placing Hammer's body between himself and any guns pointed toward him.  His hand flashes down for a brief moment, and you hear something small fall to the floor.

It is the pin of a grenade.  He holds the grenade up above his head, clasping it to prevent it from exploding unless his grip loosens.

"I am ready to die for my cause," he says.  "Are you?"  He has Hammer in a headlock with one arm while the other clutches the grenade.

Desiraye curses to herself as she watches the Mechanon be taken into a bad position and in the line of fire.  She brings the sights of the gauss rifle up to her eye and looks for the best sho of either the hand the grenade is holding or the game stopping head shot with as little damage to Hammer as possible.  She flips the selector switch to single-shot from burst fire.

"Hammer?"

The commando says, "You shoot me, and this grenade goes off.  Who are you with? UPF?  Why do you persist?  Just leave out planet alone, you Vrusk lover."

Orvo sights in the guard. "Hammer go limp. He won't be able to hold your weight."

OOC: Just to be clear, if you kill the commando and he drops or loosens his grip on the grenade, it will explode.

As to Desi's question, you do not have earpieces that can only be heard by you.  You have the communication long range radios that were used to talk to the commandos, which you stole off their bodies when you took the explorer.  But those are not for common usage among the commandos.  It is unclear what communication devices this commando has, but there is another handheld radio sitting on the desk by the security monitors.

Porter drops his rifle and slowly walks up to Desi, hands raised. He motions for her to lower her weapon and step back.

"OK, pal, you win. I'm a Star Law agent, investigating the assassination of Dr. LeGrange. That investigation has led us here. Now, if we drop our weapons and come peacefully, do you intend to put the pin back in that grenade, or are we all facing the end of the ride here? Your choice now, buddy."

He responds, "This is above my pay grade.  I'm going to call Dr. Boot down here and he can figure out what to do with you.  I'm going to have to ask you to step away from the elevator."  He motions with the grenade for you to move to your left (west), away from the elevator and toward the area on the other side of the front desk.  He starts to move back toward the security monitor to do something, without letting go of Hammer in the headlock or the grenade in the other hand.


You remember that name from the transmissions you heard:

The printed message under the explorer you stole read:
Gartik,

 Offworld trouble makers are at Quazzt. That blundering blob of fat, Gorboz, has mishandled the situation at Gozzorf. An attack on their train was unsuccessful. They may be heading to High Peaks. Stop them at all costs. They are easily recognizable. The group contains two Vrusk, two humans, a dralasite, and a Mechanon.

Boot"

You also heard a voice in the receiver you took that had said:

This is Boot calling Gartik, come in Gartik. Please state your position. Repeat, please state your position."

And later:

This is Boot.  Gartik, come in!  State your position!  Repeat, please state your position

When the guard starts to move toward the security desk, Porter makes a lunge for the grenade. He attempts to grab the grenade out of the guard's hand to prevent it from going off.

OOC: IM 7, RS 70
Martial Arts attack 55%

"I guess we're all about to die here." Orvo will rush to help Sgt Min when he goes for the grenade.



IM +5
Current Sta: 56/60
Military Skiensuit 46/50
Albedo Screen 50/50

Beam Weapons 45%
Martial Arts 40%

Laser Pistol: set to 4 (4d10 dmg)
Laser Rifle: set to 5 (5d10 dmg)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Fri 03 July 2015.

Both of her guys are going for the grenade and Desiraye does have a really good score in Laser Weapons but, she will go after the guy to try and control the grenade in his hands.  "Good day to go I guess."

Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
IM: +6
CURRENT STA: 51/62
Military Skein Suit: 39/50
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Tue 07 July 2015.

You lunge at the commando, three of you at once.  He sees you coming and leaps over the countertop.  But Min knocks the grenade from his hand.  In an act of extraordinary dexterity, Orvo grabs the grenade in midair with his stretching dralasite appendage, grabbing the grenade before it falls.

However, Desi notices that the grenade will still blow in Orvo's hand and knocks it away by slapping it out of Orvo's hand.

The grenade flies crashing across the room, and you all duck instinctively behind the counter and into the open elevator.

When the grenade explodes, furniture flies through the air, and you hear shrapnel fly around you, but miraculously no one is hurt.  No one, that is, except the commando who had jumped to the far side of the welcome counter.  His body is shredded by the grenade.

The security camera still sweeps the room from the northwest side, capturing all of this on film.

It takes a moment for Orvo's hearing to start to come back. As it does so he looks over the counter at the splattered remains of the guard and at the security camera. "I guess they know we're here now. We should probably make haste."

Desiraye begins to get up and dust off the cobwebs from the blast as her ears are still ringing.  She shoulders her rifle at the low-ready carry and looks around to make sure that everyone is still good to carry on.  "Great haste I'm thinking Orvo.  Good job with the grenade, You too Sarge.  We'll take prisoners who want to be taken.  Those who don't, deal with them accordingly.

See if the guard has a security card or something to open doors if needed.  If not, we need a computer station to access blue prints or schematics."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Wed 08 July 2015.

"How the hell did that even work?" Porter grins after his nerves calm down a bit. "I'll check for a card, but it doesn't look like there's much left of that guy."

Porter hops over the desk, scans the area for threats, makes an obscene gesture at the camera, then takes a look at the remains to see if there's a security badge or ID card.

"Porter, check that door behind the counter where the guard is.  We need to start clearing and stay together.  They might be sending people after us shortly so keep an eye out on the elevators and doorways!"

Orvo jams something in the elevator door to keep it from shutting.

You find an electronic security card on the guard, as well as a laser pistol with 30 SEU, and 1 tangler grenade.  He also carries a walkie talkie.

The computers and monitors at the desk are useless now.  The explosion destroyed them.

The elevator begins making an annoying alarm to indicate it has been open too long, but Orvo keeps it from shutting anyway.

You don't hear any overhead alarms or anything...yet.

"Do we search the other rooms or try to go up another level before they get organized?"

"I think we should clear Orvo.  We may also need to find another way to any of the other levels, up or down, besides the elevator here.

Someone take the radio and monitor their transmissions and see if we can get an update on what they may be doing.  We're still on camera so they know we're here now."

OOC: Is S'Krllk still active?  Kri'lik the medic is still NPC'd Heath?  I'm trying to to a quick pairing of us before we go to far if you don't mind please.

S'Krllk searched and salvaged, but found little to use. Finally, he shrugged, kicked one of the security bots, and began to walk after the others. Upon hearing the explosion, his walk became an amble. Turning to Kri'lik, he remarks, "Sometimes I wish I had lips like a human, they make this whistling noise that seems appropriate for times like this."
Despite the obvious intelligence of going towards the location of what must have been the dangerously quick release of an expanding cloud of heated gases, S'Krllk heads to join what has begun to feel like a hive.

Hmm... Kri'lik is not an NPC.  If he bowed out for awhile, I forgot and I have not been NPCing him.  I'll have to check on that since I haven't seen a post in quite some time from him.

Desiraye looks around the room and tries to formulate a quick plan to move on.  "OK everyone, I want to formus us into pairs to weatch each others backs and try to make us more effective.  Here's how I want us from here on out:

Team #1 is Sgt. Min & Hammer
Team #2 isOrvo & S'Krllk
Team #3 is Me & Kri'lik

We'll take turns leapfrogging taking the point so one team isn't expected to do it all unless they want it like that.  Last team will always have rear security and be in charge of monitoring comms.

So, if no questions or input?  Team 1, find us a route through an open door or use the security gurads pass key to get us through somewhere so we can sweep this level to clear it.  Team 2, jam that elevator so it doesn't go anywhere until WE need to use it.

We've got the guards radio and will monitor any traffic and pass it on.

I'm pretty sure they know we're here so, proceed with caution!  Let's do this."

Orvo goes out of the destroyed security station and tries to open the first door he comes to.

Right now, the only unlocked doors are the two double doors on the south.  The other doors in the map are locked and need to be unlocked.  (If you have the skills, you may be able to unlock them.)

If the door is locked S'Krllk will have to try and open it.

"Blast them open if you have to!"

Hammer will also give it a go.

S'Krllk mumbles something suspiciously like, "I'm not sure becoming more skilled at bypassing locks fits well on my permanent record". Nonetheless, he gives it a go.

While S'Krllk and Hammer try to open the first locked door, the sarge comes up and hands them the security card he took from the guard. "See if this works first."

If it doesn't work and they have to pick the lock, he will search around the lobby area for signs of heavy passage or unusual traffic.

[Tracking skill, 40%...I know it's intended for outdoor use, but if I can try it with a penalty, it may give us some clues about where to go, and which doors are used commonly and which aren't.]

"We'll keep that amongst ourselves S'Krllk.  If it will make you feel better, I'll try to pick it up some myself."

What door are you trying to go through?

You find that the security card works well.  It will work on all the doors down here--or up here, I should say.

OOC: Behind the counter first or Team 1 can make the call.  Glad to see everyone still around.

Desiraye gets ready to move with Kri'lik and hands off the radio they got off the guard to him.  "You got the radio, I'll take security Doc."

I assume you mean the room by the star...

OOC: I'll leave that up to Team #1 to decide

Team #1 you're up guys

OOC: Sorry, my bad.  Life's been crazy.

You successfully unlock the door to the east.  It leads to...a kitchen.  There are abundant supplies and food here.  Other than the door you entered (west), there are doors to the east and south.  They also appear to be locked.

There is no sign yet of any tripped alarm or anyone following you.  Yet.

There are also no security cameras or computers in this room.  It is just a large kitchen to serve the sanatorium guests and doctors.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:43, Mon 03 Aug 2015.

keep trying doors until we come to something interesting.

Keep following until they find something interesting.  Making periodic checks behind us us as they all move.

East or south first?

East first.

OOC: still on vacation for another week or so. Will be back to more regular posting after that.

You move to the east and are able to unlock the door with the security card.  It leads into an extension of the kitchen.  This is the pantry, where boxes of food are stored.  In the center of the room is the cargo elevator (marked "3b"), which you assume is the same one that goes up and down from the floor you were previously on.  There are two locked doors leading east.  (The kitchen is the room marked "4".)

Hammer will investigate the two doors to the east.  "Can we get these open with that card?"  Being of robotic crystalline design, he does not take any interest in the food or kitchen.

OOC: Sorry for delays.  Life has been crazy.

These two doors don't open with the card, but someone could take a try at them with a skill check.  (You will receive 15% extra to the check because you can use the card in conjunction with the check.)

S'Krllk will see about getting the doors open.
01:24, Today: S'Krllk rolled 100 using 1d100. unlock a door.

01:23, Today: S'Krllk rolled 13 using 1d100. unlock a door.
ugh

Porter will stand ready, awaiting possible trouble, while S'Krllk tries to open the doors.

OOC: back from my vacation and ready to game!

S'krllk gets the door open.  You are now looking out into a garage.  It contains a ground truck and two ground cars.  They look operational and unarmed.  There is a techkit on a workbench along with spare parts for the vehicles.  In the middle of the floor is an inspection pit.

There is a door to the north which is wide enough to fit the vehicles through, as well as the door you entered (from the west).

"Quick search!  Make sure it's clear and then we move on.  At least we have vehicles to get out of here with if we need to.  Let's see if there are any accessories for them while we're at it."

Orvo quickly goes through the vehicle bay looking for anything he feels may be of use.

Porter moves in with Orvo. While the Dralasite searches the room, the sarge keeps an eye out for enemies.

Desi and Doc cover the direction they just came from while the others search the garage.

You really don't find anything helpful in the garage.  It's just a lot of parts and tools.

But then you search the inspection pit and find something unusual.  There is a concealed doorway down there.  It appears to be alarmed.

(Requires a tech to unlock a level 2 alarm.)

The radio in your hand then goes off.  "Boot, This is Dever.  Get up to my office.  I'm preparing to start the interrogation."

Another voice replies, "Roger. On my way."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:39, Sat 22 Aug 2015.

He says, "Something tells me this should be my job."
Then S'Krllk starts working on the door, imaging the lock as best he can with his bodycomp and sensor suite before he attempts to bypass it.

"And that should be my job." Orvo says referencing the interrogation. "We should get up there. I would bet that Dever has some information we want."

Porter nods at Orvo. "We need to find Dever's office, pronto. If we're lucky, this hidden doorway will take us where we want to go, but I doubt we're that lucky. Still, we have to try."

Porter checks the magazine in his rifle. It's half expended so he switches for a full one, locks it into place and pulls back the charging handle. The familiar snapping sound as it slides back into place reassures him that this team can get the job done, even if the odds are long.

"You take us in Sarge then we'll switch up on the level below with Orvo leading and us as back up.  Your job will be Dever when we find him Orvo."

Desiraye also checks her weapons and screens to make sure she has enough juice in them and then waits to proceed forward.

"OK. I'll need that battery, those wires, and those clamps. Oh! some water would be good too."

You are unable to do anything about the hidden door.  You will need better security clearance for that.

However, Orvo gets his supplies.

OOC: Not sure where you are going.  There are four levels:  You started on level 4 (bottom) by coming up through the refuse chute.  You then took the elevator to level 1, which is the floor level and entry to the sanitorium.  You have not yet been to level 2 or level 3.



Now that you know Dever isn't directly onto your presence yet, you quickly use your security card and do a sweep of the 1st floor.

You entered through elevator 3a.  The entry level is #1.  You searched the kitchen areas at 4 and the cargo elevator at 3b.  Then you found the garage at #2 and the hidden pit entrance that is security locked.  The areas marked with 5 are staff rooms.  They are currently all empty.  There is nothing of value in there, just the normal beds and desks you might expect.  There are no computers or anything--they must keep personal items on notebook computers or something.

#6 is a balcony overlooking the drop off.  It is surrounded by high tensile glass, and has house plants and a panoramic view of the mountains.

#7 is a large lounge/garden.  You look into the area and see two staff members playing cards.  One looks to be a commando (well armed) and one looks to be some sort of medic.  Easy chairs and coffee tables are dotted around the luxuriant lounge.  A well stocked bar is in the area just south of the kitchen.  There is a security camera sweeping the area.



This message was last edited by the GM at 19:49, Mon 24 Aug 2015.

"Let's go down to the next level. Maybe we'll find our quarry or a computer that we can use to figure out where he is."

"I'd say the odds are high that Dever is on the second level. The message did say 'come up' to his office. Which elevator would be best?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Tue 25 Aug 2015.

"The next level down it is!"

Hammer says, "Let's ignore these guys playing cards for now.  I think we try the cargo elevator this time to avoid any cameras.  What do you think?"

"We just need to rememebr that they're being left behind us and can come into play once we get violent, again." Desiraye says as a reminder if we leave these two up here.

"They also might have some Intel about down below too!"

You take the cargo elevator (3b) down to level 2.  When you get off, you are in an empty room with an exit leading west.  You spot another of those infrared security beams, which are some sort of alarm system.  You can most likely go over and under the two beams (DEX +15% check) to pass through undetected.

Orvo's form stretches and twists as he forms it to get through the security beams without setting off the alarm.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Tue 25 Aug 2015.

Desiraye watches in amazement as Orvo manipulates his body through the IR sensors to the other side.  She waits for him to set up security, S'Krllk to make his way through the sensor, then she will attempt to make it through without setting the alarm off.

09:55, Today: Desiraye Lipost rolled 8 using 1d100.  Desiraye DEX Check.

She sets up security with the other two and waits for the rest of the group to pass through and looks for something to shut of the IR field.

Porter attempts to pass the IR sensor beams without touching them. "Coming, Big Guy?" he asks Hammer. Unfortunately, in his glibness, his arm crosses a beam.

Dex 70, rolled 82.

OOC: Let's get ready to rock...

Hammer easily makes it through without touching the beams.

10:31, Today: Hammer rolled 28 using 1d100.

Actually, you get a +15 bonus, so Porter still made it through.

Orvo, though, has a problem.  Despite his tumbling skills, he still manages to trip the alarm by breaking the beam.

The alarm itself is silent, but you can see the IR lights blinking, indicating a breach.

No one is here yet, but you hear a voice over the radio state, "This is Boot.  Send security robots up to check the alarm and report back."

There is a long hall ahead (west) that ends in two security locked doors.  One leads north and one leads south.  If you can break through one of the locksin time, you might just beat the security robots.  If not, you'll have something to deal with soon.

You will need to choose which lock (north or south) if you want to go that route.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 27 Aug 2015.

OOC: Orvo, you're team is in the lead so it's your call my friend.

"Oh-oh! Looks like we're going to have company. Let's try to get through that door (the southern one). We'll have our backs to the outside wall."

Porter looks to S'Krllk. "Any chance we could neutralize and reprogram the security bot if we get caught?" He readies a tangler grenade just in case while the party moves up the hallway.

Desiraye will follow Orvo over to the southern door and set up over watch/security.

"Assuming it doesn't pulp me while I'm disassembling it's security plates, yeah, we could do that."
It's so difficult to tell whether Vrusk understand sarcasm, that the answer to your question will just hang there, similar to the response from a technical query to Microsoft.

S'krllk tries but fails to unlock the south door.  You hear the distant opening of the elevator to the north, just around the corner.  (The elevator is at #15.  With speed and skill, it may be possible for you to unlock the north door and then the east door in the far hall. See map.  Whether you can do that before the combat robot gets to you is the question.)

"It's your show S'Krllk!  We've got your back, just get us on the other side of that door!"

Desiraye turns to the others, Doc, you watch the way we came.  The rest of you, cover up where you can and cover the other direction we think the robot(s) are coming from."  Desiraye swings her Gauss rifle towards the suspected approach area of the robot(s) and makes ready to fire if/as needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

Orvo levels his laser and readies for the fireworks to start while hoping that S'krllk can get the door open in time.

S"Krllk rushes to the north door and starts working on it. As he does so, he rubs his forward appendages together making strange buzzing and clicking sounds.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The proper vrusk response would be "Do you clean your mandibles with those appendages?"

---

S'krllk fails miserably.  (Almost a critical fail.)  You know there will be no time now.  You will either have to fight in the next 30 seconds, find a way around the combat robot (or disable it or something), or retreat.

"This is going to hurt. Maybe we can put it down fast enough to keep it from sending a message. That should at least give us a little more time." Orvo readies his laser pistol.

Hammer also readies his gun.  "I agree.  Let's just all be ready and shoot before it can react."

Porter shrugs, stores the tangler grenade, and readies his assault rifle.

S'Krllk mumbles, and pulls out his laser. "I wish they made the things a little softer, I don't like this gun."

Just waiting on a post from Desi.  Also, I think Kri'lik is still with the group, but his player has been gone for awhile.  I may NPC him.  Bartja is still back at the space station.  Do you want a new player?  I could always try to find someone to play a mental patient from the sanitorium.  :)

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 187):

OOC: Sorry, thought we were waiting for robot to attack us.

OOC 2: Not opposed to another player

BIC: "Hit it with grenades first and thenn put as much fire into it as you can. If we can't drop it quickly,  we'll need to retreat out of here and find another way in.."

OOC to Desi: You know the robot is coming and have time to prepare an ambush (of about a minute or so) since you don't have time to try to unlock the doors again.

"Does anyone have any explosives?"

"Just one frag grenade, no tornadium. While I agree we need to take this 'bot down quick, I'd rather save this grenade for a group of hostiles, if possible."

"S'Krllk?  Anyone else got any ideas or ambush ideas?  No idea to out there!"

Hammer says, "If we just all attack with our guns at the same time, won't that be enough to take it down?"  He prepares to fire.

The combat robot comes through and is ambushed.

Guns fire, and the battle is over almost before it begins.  The combat robot is destroyed before getting a shot off.

That said, you then pick up a transmission on your stolen handheld radio.  "That's strange.  I've just lost transmission from the combat robot.  We've had some others out on the lower floor too.  Should I go and investigate, Boot?"

"Yes.  Start with the one that just went out.  See if there's interference or something else going on.  We're on high alert, so do it pronto!"

You are able to keep the door open that the security robot just came through, so now you can proceed north, go back east, or try the lock to the south door again.  You are not sure how long it will take security to get to you.

Can we try one of the other doors again?

He can try the south or east doors, if he wants.  The door to the west was opened by the combat robot, and leads to the main elevator.  But this is also where they will be coming from to check on the robot.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 196):

"Maybe we should go right at them?"

Hammer says, Why don't we try to get the east door unlocked, and then ambush them from behind when they go to the robot?  Or if we can't get that door unlocked, we just ambush them as they come out of the elevator?

"I think we can do both. Try to get the door open to help with the ambush of the agent. Then we take the fight to them."

"Let's do it!"

"Ok, I'll get the door. At least the universe is shooting at us, again... shows that it cares."
S'Krllk starts to work on the east door, scanning the lock and trying to open it. After a short time his secondary appendages begin to sign rapidly, only Kri'lik would know exactly how bad the cursing is. Not long after this begins, S'Krllk says, "This may require more time than I originally anticipated."

"It's your show S'Krllk!  We'll cover you while you work."

S'krllk begins working.  You hear the elevator moving.  S'krllk is having problems with the lock.

The elevator opens and a voice beyond says, "Open this door," to a subordinate.

S'krllk hears a beep and the door to the east opens.  You run inside just as a card is swiped on the opposite door.  You quickly close the east door just as the opposite door starts to open.  That was close.  S'krllk almost didn't make it. (Close call on the roll.)



You find yourself in a computer room.  There is a single computer here (level 4) with a built in battery as an emergency power source.  It is clearly an important computer for the facility, and you have found it unmanned.

Next to the computer, but not connected, is a transmitter/receiver.  It is tuned in to Kraatar's datagrid.  (You can attach this device with a successful interface roll to tap into other computers.  While not connected, it also removes this computer from the datagrid of Kraatar, which is why it is disconnected now.)

Beyond the door, you hear two or three soldiers talking and swearing as they see the damaged pieces of the destroyed combat bot.  "Check the service elevator and our men upstairs," says the leader.  You--stand guard at the computer door here so no one gets in or gets past."

(As shown on the map, there is also a door going west from the northern side of the room.  The door you just entered is now being guarded from the outside.)

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 203):

"Anyone got a stunner?" Desiraye says in a hushed voice to the others

Porter shakes his head no, but again produces his tangler grenade with raised eyebrows. "Better than nothing," he whispers.

Orvo also produces a grenade. A doze grenade. He then remembers something and quickly goes to his 'first aid kit' and pulls out a spray hypo and inserts a small vial. "A sedative"

Desiraye smiles as she watches Orvo pull out the spray hypo from his kit.  She gives him a 'thumbs up' to go through with the plan.  She will move to cover the door in case something goes wrong or he needs help.

You open the door quietly.  The soldier stands with his back to you and hasn't heard anything.  Orvo then reaches out a tentacle and stabs him with the sedative.  The guard drops unconscious to the ground.

(Two very good rolls there...success.)

Orvo pulls the guard inside. "Make sure that door is secure." He takes the guard's radio and offers it to whomever takes it. After that, Orvo relieves the guard of his weapons and ties him up.

As soon as Orvo drags the unconscious guard in the computer room, Porter closes and locks the door.

After the guard is tied up, Porter looks him over for an ID badge or card, and tries to estimate if the guard's uniform would fit him or not.

OOC: Do the guards wear helmets? Closed face visor type? That would be awesome. (Totally not expecting this to be the case.)

The guards are dressed like typical security guards, though they obviously have training.

He has a basic albedo screen with a full charge, and a laser pistol with a full clip.

They do not have masks or helmets.  Their cover is as security guards for the sanitarium to protect the patients.  They are not dressed like military commandos or anything too intimidating.

Desiraye will retrieve the guards laser pistol and tuck it in with her gear for the time being and secure their prisoner.  "Anyone need a screen or laser pistol?"

Hammer will take the screen but has a laser pistol.  "Can we try to hack into this computer system?"  HE indicates the large computer in the room.

"Not me.  Anyone else?"

S'Krllk looks at the machine. "I'm not that good with thinking machines, but I'll see what I can do."
Before approaching the machine, he scans the whole thing with his own bodycomp to get an idea of what he's up against.

"It's worth a shot, do it!"

"I'm no good with machines, other than weaponry. Besides, do we have time to hack their system? They know we're here, and it probably won't take them long to find out that this fellow is missing. I'd rather secure the complex first, and try to sort through computer files later."

OOC: If the party feels we should try to get the info now (they could wipe vital files, after all, that's OK with me. In character, Porter wouldn't want to wait that long.

OOC: We can wait until we clear to get the information.  Just a thought for now.  Let's move onward

You begin looking through the computer.  S'krllk gets some interesting information:

This computer is a level 4 computer with the following programs: Life Support 3; Analysis 3; Information Storage 3; Install¬ation Security 3; Maintenance 3; Commun¬ication 4; Computer Security 4 and Robot Management 4. The computer has a built-in type 2 parabattery, as an emergency power source.

Adjacent to it, but not connected, is a transmitter/receiver which is tuned in to Kraatar's datagrid. S'krrlk is able to successfully interface it, which allows him to attach this device to the computer, and use them to tap into other computers (like a portable hacker).  When not in operation, the device is disconnected, to remove the computer from the grid.

You find information that tells you all about the KLC, its membership, and the Vrusks who were given explosive implants.

Provided with this information, Zzik'Ti will be able to capture and convict all known KLC members, and neutralise all Vrusks with implants.  You quickly copy the information on a portable disk.



The door in the upper west side of the room begins to open.  "Where are you going?" the leader's voice says.

Another voice answers, "I'm showing that someone just accessed the main computer."

Outside the door, you hear movement

Porter draws his heavy auto pistol and moves to stand flush against the wall between the two doors, facing and pistol pointed at the northern passage. He intends to try and capture whoever comes through the door, assuming that person is alone. He gives a military hand signal of his intention, although he doubts anyone other than Desi might understand it.

OOC: Just to be clear, I'm hoping a gun muzzle against the head (or similar body portion if a Dralasite) and a quiet word to surrender will be enough. If not, well, looks like we're one room away from our goal. :D

Orvo doesn't have time to take cover so he just points his weapon towards the door and prepares to fire.

In reply to Sgt. Porter Min (msg # 220):

Desiraye acknowledges the signal from Minh and kneels down in front of the door and flips the safety of the Gauss Rifle to burst mode in case it gets nasty quick.  Forcing a surrender would be the best option here for them.

Using his secondary limbs, S"Krllk attempts to power down every robot that takes orders from the computer. As he works, he says, "if they know we're accessing this machine, they'll show no restraint."
His primary limbs pull out and ready his needler.

"Peace through superior firepower S'Krllk.  Right Sarge?" Deisraye whispers.

Hammer nods as he lifts his own weapon.  "Time to finish this," he says.  He will fire at the first signs of violence, but first he looks to see if there is a light switch to turn out the lights in the room