On the security monitors, you see guards piling into the magnitruks to head in your direction.

From Zone V, you head out of room 14 and back into room 13, where your magnitruk sits at the terminus waiting for you.  The two robots (one shut down and one destroyed) still float around the room in the negligible gravity.  (NOTE: I erroneously believed the .6 gravity was maintained throughout the base.  It is only maintained at the carousel through its rotation.  Therefore, the rest of the base has negligible gravity and steel floors for magnetic boots.)

You pile into the magnitruk and its cargo trailer as before.  Remember that the missile silo (Zone V) connects directly to the Carousel (Zone VI), not the Hub (Zone II). See below:



You press the brown button, which will take the magnitruk to the Command Center of the Carousel.  (You may now increase or decrease speed up to 20 meters per turn, to a max of 60 meters per turn.)



REMINDER:

Artemis Base was cut out of the rock of Setarz with mining lasers. Setarz's gravity is negligible and zero gravity considerations apply. To compensate for this, a huge revolving wheel was constructed beneath the moon's surface. This wheel is known as the "Carousel" and houses Artemis' population along its rim, where gravity is maintained at .6g.  Another five areas form the rest of Artemis — the Docks (Zone I), the Transport Tunnel (Zone II), two distinct power plants (Zones III and IV), and the Missile Silo (Zone V). All of these areas have negligible gravity and steel floors for ease of movement — all occupants are issued with magnetic-soled boots, and convenient handholds are spaced throughout the base.


TRAVEL:

Travel between the various areas of the base is via a magnetic transport system. Steel rails run along the wall surfaces and small cars containing personnel and cargo travel along them. There are two types of car — magnitruks and cargo trailers. Both cars are 1.5 metres wide and 2.5 metres long. A magnitruk contains a magnetic generator and can hold two persons in an uncovered area. The rear half contains a cargo area covered by a semi-circular lid.  Items can be placed or strapped into this area and the lid closed to stop them from falling out. Cargo trailers have no motive power of their own, being simply larger versions of the magnitruk's cargo area. Up to four characters may be concealed in here.

The system is fully automated and computer controlled. Magnitruks can increase or decrease their speed by 20 metres per turn and can reach a top speed of 60kph. Call buttons are found at each of the termini and, after pressing the button, a magnitruk arrives in approximately 5 minutes. Magnitruks have an intercom and a control panel with eight coloured buttons. The colours correspond to various areas of Artemis base: Orange - the Docks; Blue - Power Plant 1; Purple - Power Plant 2; Yellow - Carousel Recreation area; Black - Carousel Science area; Brown - Carousel Command area; Green - the Missile Silo. There is also a clearly-labelled, red, emergency stop button. Pressing a button (other than the emergency stop), causes the magnitruk to travel to the designated destination where it waits until given a new destination or until directed by the computer.

Pressing the emergency stop button halts the magnitruk and transmits a radio signal to the security room. From there, a guard calls the truk to ascertain the nature of the problem and whether assistance is required. If so, a zero-g or normal maintenance robot (depending on the location) is then sent to sort out the problem. The magnitruk can be restarted by pressing the red button again. In case of power failure, handholds are regularly spaced along the transport shafts.

Weapon damage is calculated as if it were a normal vehicle. A result of steering jam cuts out the magnitruk's drive and causes safety interlocks to stop it (this result is not possible if firing at the rear of a magnitruk). A result of 27+ destroys the magnitruk and inflicts 1d10 points of damage to each passenger.



STAFF

There are 16 support personnel at Artemis. In addition there are 5 security guards
(commandoes) and 7 security robots (4 zero-g and 3 normal). The racial mix is predominantly Human, with only one Yazirian and two Dralasites presently on Artemis. All Artemis personnel wear light blue, hooded coveralls and carry emergency breathing apparatus in case of an air leak.

Security Devices

There are fewer security devices than at the Sanatorium, but they all conform to the same specifications (infrared beams, security cameras, etc.). As at the Sanatorium, the security systems are monitored from a security room. (Remember that Vrusk are the target of this terrorist organization and will be highly conspicuous and deemed enemies if seen.)

There are computer terminals as shown on the maps.  They do not have access to the missile launch computer.

Here is the current body count:
2 security guards dead (posts 74, 79)
2 technicians knocked out by doze grenades (probably awake again by now) (post 25)
1 zero g security robot destroyed (post 54)
1 zero g security robot disabled (post 57)

Remaining staff:

3 security guards
5 security robots (2 zero g and 3 normal)
16 support personnel (technicians, etc.)



Your current party consists of:
Desi (human, in disguise uniform)
Sgt. Porter (human, in disguise uniform)
Orvo (dralasite, no uniform)
S'krllk (vrusk, no uniform)
Kri'lik (vrusk, no uniform)
Hammer (mechanon, no uniform)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:13, Mon 25 Sept 2017.

As we begin the next chapter, here is where we are:

You are leaving the missile silo section and heading toward the command center.  You saw on the monitors that a magnitruk is coming your way on the opposite track with two security guards in it.  Your paths will cross on the way to the Carousel.

The magnitruk is set at a default of 20 meters per second.  You may increase or decrease as needed per the instructions above (or hit emergency stop, which will also call robots to your location).  If you need to leave the vehicle at any time, there are handholds along the transit shafts to propel yourselves in the zero g.

Currently, Desi and Porter are in the front of the magnitruk (still disguised, but now the disguises are known).

The remainder of the crew are hiding in the compartments behind the magnitruk in its storage area and the cargo car hitched behind it.

I will let you decide how fast you go and how you deal with the incoming guards.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 2):
"We should speed up to keep ahead of the one's coming to intercept us.  We need to hurry too!  Any other thoughts are welcome team!"

"I agree! Let's punch it...max speed! That missile is on countdown so we need to move as fast as possible!"

Hammer says, "Yes, full speed ahead, but let's lay down covering fire when we pass the guards."  He prepares his laser rifle for firing when the other truk comes into view.

Porter nods to the others. He unfolds the tripod mount of his machinegun and places it on the hood of the magnitruk*, ready to fire as necessary.

*I suppose there must be a glass/fiberglass window in the front. Can we knock it out? It'll make for a windy ride, but I'd rather have it out of the way before we start firing at the incoming guards.

S'Krllk looks at Kri'lik, and says, "if this is that thing the humans call 'playing chicken', shouldn't someone explain to them the nature of railed vehicles?"

Kri'lik replies, "Nah, they'll figure it out.  And if they don't, we can have a chuckle when we see the look of surprise on their face when they don't understand why the two vehicles on separate tracks did not collide with each other."

Kri'lik clicks his mandibles in amusement as he climbs into the cargo area and takes cover as best he can.  As he is currently severely wounded, Kri'lik will do his best to avoid exposing himself when the shooting starts.

You lay covering fire as your truck passes the truck with the guards.  They fire back as they duck for cover.  No one hits anything as the two trucks pass, but you hear them yelling and pointing to the driver to turn it around.  You think that one of them may be giving you the finger...unless that is the way he naturally points.

But as you learned from driving these a few times now, they will have to make it all the way to the far end before turning around.  That gives you a few minutes head start.

Your magnitruk slows at it nears the Carousel and turns from the central hub (marked "17").

You are now in the Carousel.  The Carousel revolves constantly and maintains a gravity of .6g, which is about as close to normal as you've felt in the last day.  Your magnitruk docks through one spoke and moves to the rim of the Carousel, and you feel your bodies becoming heavier.

The magnitruk operates differently here.  It drives/lands onto a lift and waits a few seconds while the spoke of the Carousel lines up underneath.  Your magnitruk is then turned to maintain correct orientation to the "gravity."  As it descends, you feel the gravity increasing.  Then the lift doors open and the car drives out along the rails to the disembarkation areas.

The magnitruk is driving (right to left) and is currently at the black arrow marked "recreation."  It now moves rather slowly, up to 10 mph, and you can stop it at any time.

As the magnitruk passes the room marked "rest room," you can see through the windows a number of monitors. All monitors are showing the imminent launch of the missile.  Three support personnel are in there watching the monitors, but the alarm is going off, so when they see your magnitruk go by, they begin pointing and strapping on belts with guns.

"How much further do we have to go?"

The magnitruk is currently at the left side of VI(A) and will have to pass through VI(B)...at a slow pace...before coming to the command center at VI(C).

You can either stay in the magnitruk or stop it and go by foot.  It depends on how sneaky you want to be.  They are currently expecting you to be in the magnitruk, given the alarms.

It might be a good diversion to send the magnitruk on without us in it, but I don't think we have time to rig it to crash/set charges on it.

If Desi wants to stop and deal with the techs, Porter will lead the rest on to the control room to try and stop the launch.

OOC: It was just a thought.  We're still a little banged up and maybe we should still stick together?  WE can send the truck ahead still and go on foot, together.  Whatever we decide, we need to do it quickly to try and get to the launch site.

Open for (more) suggestions...

Hammer agrees with sticking together, or maybe separating into two groups, just in case one gets pinned down or sticky grenades go flying through the air.  It looks like the entire thing is like a wheel, so each party could go a different direction and they'd both end up at the same place.

You let the magnitruck move forward while the group exits and carefully goes the opposite direction.  Doing so leads you to the left side of the Command Center.

You see that thee are large bay doors allowing the magnitruks to follow the lift in and out, but they are closed, and guarding the doors is a well armed security robot.

(You are now in the area marked "sleeping quarters" looking toward the right.  The doors you see are the doors just above the marking "VI/C" by the number 18.)

The robot with its extrasensory perception--infrared, night vision, etc.--is alerted to your presence as you approach.  There are small areas you can jump behind for cover during the fight, but a fight is now inevitable.  It begins lowering the guns in its hands.  They are large and look deadly.



NOTE: There are many technologies that have developed since these adventures were published.  I am modifying them somewhat to avoid an antiquated feel.  One thing, for example, is that they clearly would have wireless technology and your characters would know that the robots could communicate to others in the carousel without actually making any sounds or talking.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 15):

Desiraye pops enough of her body out of the little 'nook' she's squeezed into to shoot at the security robot.  She fires [2] 10 SEU shots at the robot.

IM: +6
PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 62/62
Military Skein Suit: 50/50
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 42/50

Laser Rifle [Set on 10 SEU for 10d10 Damage]
SEU Back Pack (Weapon): 50/100
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 1  [DEX:30 + 10 = 40%]

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 15):
Orvo knows that he's not that good in a firefight but, circumstances are forcing him to try and make a difference and helping to take out the security robot with the others.  They need to stop the missile launch and they need to kill this robot before they can.  He fires [2] 8 SEU shots at the robot with the laser rifle.

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 56/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: power beltpack 50/50 seu
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 100/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Fri 15 Dec 2017.

Porter also tries to take cover behind a bulkhead, and when he gets a shot, fires a spray of bullets at the robot with his machinegun.

IM: +7
CURRENT STA: 50/50
Military Skein Suit: 30/50
Albedo Screen
Gas Mask

Projectile Weapons: 3  [DEX:35 + 30 = 65%]
Martial Arts: 2 [DEX:35 + 20 = 55% dmg 5, knockout 01-04, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50]
Thrown Weapons: 1 [DEX:35 + 10 = 45%]
Gyrojet Weapons: 2 [DEX:35 + 20 = 55%]
Beam Weapons: 1 [DEX:35 + 10 = 45%]
Melee Weapons: 1 [DEX:35 + 10 = 45%]


Machinegun  Hit: 85% [65% projectile skill + 20% burst]
Damage 10d10 burst
Ammo 100 rounds
Rate 1
Defense Intertia
Range (meters) PB - Short 0-70 Medium 71-200 Long 201-500 Extreme 501-1000

S'Krllk hides in whatever niche is available. Rather than waste ammunition firing on the robot, he focuses on using his body comp to hack into the robot's communication network so that he can, if possible, countermand the robot's orders.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 15):

Kri'lik stays as far back as possible and in as much cover as possible trying not to make himself a target but at the same time will fire off shots with his laser pistol if he thinks he can do so without too much risk of getting fired upon. Overall priority will be to not get hit as one shot will probably take him down.


IM: +7
Current STA: 5/35
Civilian Skeinsuit: 40/50
Inertia Screen

Beam Weapons: 2 [DEX:25 + 20 = 45%]

Laser Pistol: 45%
Damage (5 SEU): 5d10
Ammo: Powerbelt 30/50 SEU

Hammer also takes aim at the security bot, firing at full strength and then stepping back behind cover.

A volley of shots fire from you at the robot, and from the robot back to you.  S'krllk is attempting to interface with it.

Desi, Porter, Kri'lik and Orvo all hit the robot, sending pieces of it flying as its body armor and shields are unable to deflect it all.

Its lasers, in return, hit both Hammer (21 STA dmg) and Orvo (18 STA dmg).

S'krllk is unable to override its orders but is able to create a distraction.  It fires to the right where there is nothing there, wasting its last shots of the round.

From behind you, you can hear shouts of people coming to the firefight.  They are still beyond the curve of the carousel and you cannot see them yet (nor them see you), but you have maybe one or two more rounds before you are attacked from both sides.

The robot moves forward, unconcerned about cover, as its skeinsuit shimmers to reflect further attacks.

Hammer fires again at the security both and quickly ducks for cover between shots.  (3 shots at 10 psr)

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 22):
Desiraye pops her body out enough to fire [2] more rounds with her laser rifle trying to put the threat down.  "Team, we've got company coming up behind us.  We need to drop this robot and deal with those coming up.  We need a couple to get eyes and guns on them.  Copy?""

[2] Shots at the Robot at 10 SEU/Shot

IM: +6
PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 62/62
Military Skein Suit: 50/50
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 42/50

Laser Rifle [Set on 10 SEU for 10d10 Damage]
SEU Back Pack (Weapon): 30/100
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 1  [DEX:30 + 10 = 40%]

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 22):
Orvo's Albedo Screen absorbs the damage from the robots laser but, he is able to return fire again with his own laser rifle.

Continues to fire [2] shots at 8 SEU/Shot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 56/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 46/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 84/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

"I've got our six. Take that 'bot down while I prepare a surprise for those coming up behind us."

The UPF Marine ducks and weaves to avoid fire while moving back about 10 meters from the group. He looks for someplace that will provide him cover from the front and rear, and sets up his machinegun and places a pair of grenades, one tangler and one frag, handy as well.

S'krllk decides to pursue the slight success and attempt to obfuscate the robot's sensors. Besides, he knows he's a lousy shot.

Porter moves back defensively, just evading a laser from the robot.  He crouches behind some machinery to begin assaulting the guards coming his way.  They also take cover.

Hammer and Desi fire and hit the robot, while Orvo and S'krllk miss.  It seems to be blinded from Desi's hit to the face and it fires chaotically.  One of those shots finds its mark, hitting Hammer in the shoulder.  (21 STA damage)

Another skims S'krllk's uniform at the arm, luckily only creating a small burn but one that dug deep into one of the muscles.  (10 STA damage)

The assault of fire on the robot is leaving it severely wounded now.  It is also slightly blinded and is weaving from one side of the corridor to the other as it approaches Desi's location in the front of the vanguard.

While still firing, Hammer takes out a second laser pistol an fires both at the robot at full SEU power.  "You're going down, you inferior form of techno," he calls out as he moves in.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 28):
Desiraye watches the erratic movements of the damaged security robot as she tries to take two [2] more shots at it to disable it for good.  She is able only to get off one [1] with her SEU backpack finally being drained of all power.

She drops her hook-up to the pack and begins to swap out for a fresh energy clip* for her rifle.

IM: +6
PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 62/62
Military Skein Suit: 50/50
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 42/50

Laser Rifle [Set on 10 SEU for 10d10 Damage]
SEU Back Pack (Weapon): 10/100
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 1  [DEX:30 + 10 = 40%]

*It's trivial but, I hate using the term Clip for a weapons magazine.  I'm a firearms instructor and it drives me bonkers when people refer to it as such.  Like I said trivial but, it's all good...

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 28):
Orvo tries to get a better sight picture after missing and fires twice [2] more at the damaged robot;

Continues to fire [2] shots at 8 SEU/Shot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 56/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 46/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 68/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

Just before he abandons his attempts at compromising the robot's systems, S'Krllk shouts, "HEY! I only got four of those!"
Then he starts firing at the robot with his needler.

Desi and Orvo both hit the robot, while Hammer and S'Krllk miss.  But the hits are enough to take it out of commission.

Porter fires more shots at the approaching guards behind you.  That gives them pause to jump behind cover.

You can now focus on taking out the guards behind you or you can press forward through where the robot was destroyed (since it goes in a circle to the same location).

You sense your time to get to the Command Center to stop the missile is running short.

As a reminder, you are in Zone VI.  You are in the area marked "sleeping quarters" (top panel) looking toward the right (where the robot was at).  The guards are approaching from the area marked "food and recreation."

Just past the robot are double doors that open automatically.  The doors are the two doors you see in the bottom panel on the left (above the point marked "VI/C").  You are trying to get to the room marked 20 for the command center.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:20, Tue 27 Mar 2018.

Hammer fires back at the approaching guards but says, "Let's ditch these guys and get to the command room."  He moves past the sentry robot to the double doors to get to the command room area.

"Go, I'll keep these guys busy. Just keep that door propped for me when you get through."

The Sarge continues to lay down supressing fire with the machinegun from cover.

"Hold them as long as you can Sarge then follow up quickly!  We'll hold the door for you.  Orvo will stay and cover with you.  The rest of you come with me, we're running out of time!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Sun 08 Apr 2018.

Orvo will switch his attention to the approaching troops and fire his laser rifle twice at them along with Sgt. Porter.

Continues to fire [2] shots (Rifle) at 8 SEU/Shot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 56/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 46/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 50/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

Sorry, but I made an error.  The Command Center is through Rooms 22 and 23.  Since it's just across from where you are anyway, we'll have you go to room 22.
With crossfire blazing through the corridors, you duck into room 22 and find it is a Security Room.  Sarge takes down another of the guards.  You see a total of two more guards still pursuing you and a new Magnitruk pulling in with two more armed guards getting out just 20 feet away.

Inside the security room is a guard and a security robot.  Two guards who were in here have already been taken down.

You see a wall locker stacked with weapons, screens, and beltpacks.  There are various types of machinery strewn about that you can take partial cover behind.  There is also a hatch in the ceiling leading...somewhere, and there is the door to room 23 right in front of you that leads to the Missile Control room.  But the robot and security guard stand in your way.

You have the option of locking the door behind you with a level 4 security lock if someone has the skill.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 38):
OOC: Can anyone unlock the door with the skill needed?  Desi has only a nominal skill.

S'Krllk decides they would be safer if the universe could only try to kill them from one direction, so he hangs back to lock the door they came through.

"Zap the robot and the guard!  We need that locker," Desiraye calls out to those of the team in the room.  She concentrates her fire on the security robot firing [2] rounds from her rifle at [10] SEU each shot.

IM: +6
PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 62/62
Military Skein Suit: 50/50
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 42/50

Laser Rifle [Set on 10 SEU for 10d10 Damage]
SEU Clip #1: 20/20 (Empty after this round of fire)
SEU Back Pack (Weapon): 0/100
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 1  [DEX:30 + 10 = 40%]

Hammer fires at the security robot while approaching close to get inside of its firing range to a point blank range.  "I'm the only robot allowed in here," he says.
This message was last updated by the player at 23:16, Wed 09 May 2018.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 38):
Orvo yells out, "YEAH!  You want some more, Fother Mucker?"
Continues to fire [2] shots (Rifle) at 8 SEU/Shot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 56/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 46/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 34/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

Shots break out in the room while S'Krllk is trying to lock the door behind you.

Hammer is hit (18 STA), and he falls to the ground, but not before getting a shot off that hits the robot in the head.  Much of the blow is absorbed, and it turns to step on and crunch Hammer in the head.

A shot from the guard hits Orvo in the shoulder.  (12 STA)

Orvo, Desi, and Porter fire at the guard, who never stands a chance.  He falls in a heap at the floor.  There is now just the combat robot about to pounce on Hammer to deal with...

S'krllk lets out a curse as his first attempt to security lock the doors fails.  He sets at it again just as he hears the guards from the outside coming up to the door from the outside.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 44):
Desiraye utilizes what cover she can reload her rifle with another energy clip/mag.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 44):
Continues to fire [2] shots (Rifle) at 8 SEU/Shot at the robot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 44/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 46/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 18/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

Hammer fires up from the ground and tries to roll away from the security robot's stomping foot.

Hammer successfully, and barely, rolls out of the crushing foot blow.  The robot follows with its mounted laser rifle, tracking Hammer.

Meanwhile, it is hit with blows from Orvo and Desi, which hit it straight on.  Some of the firing is absorbed, but its shield now appears to be exhausted.

Its laser rifle scorches Hammer in the leg.  (16 STA dmg.)

The robot's other gun fires at Desi, Porter, and Kri'lik, who is standing behind the other two trying to hold the guards out of the door.  The gun fires ballistic bullets in a spray.  Desi and Porter follow their military training instincts and hit the floor, avoiding a direct hit.

Kri'lik is not so lucky.  The Vrusk is hit dead on.  At least one of the bullets in the spray pierce his head, and he falls instantly dead to the ground.

Your doctor is no more.

The combat robot is seriously damaged and is reorienting to fire again at Desi and Porter.  However, a spray of shots from Porter, Desi, Hammer, and Orvo fill the air.  The combat robot is no match and it topples over next to the locker full of weapons and ammo.

Meanwhile, the additional guards are still trying to get in through the door you just entered.

There is the closed hatch in the ceiling above you, but more importantly, there is only one door now between you and the Missile Control Room.


18 MINUTES POST-MISSILE LAUNCH

S'Krllk looks at Krillik, and turns back to the door only for a second before running to the doc while drawing his needler. In a sibilant hiss, he mutters "by Grabthar's hammer... by the Suns of Worvan... you shall be... avenged."
Then kneels by his fellow Vrusk and starts firing maniacally at the door guards.

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 48):
Desiraye tries to reach out to Kri'Lik but, she knows it's too late for their doctor (and friend) for him to make it.  "NO!  FRAK," is all that comes out as she watches him hit the floor, lifeless.

Desiraye looks into the weapon locker as she doffs the spent SEU backpack no longer any use to her.  She does look to see what else may be of use to them.

"Team!  I need a SITREP,  We need to get in and keep those troops off our backs.  Doc is down.  I say again, the Doc is down.  Sound off who's still in the fight.  Over."

Orvo helps to finish off the last of the robots and gets ready to keep fighting the troops still coming after them.  "Hey, its Orvo.  I'm hurt but, still in the fight.  What do you want me to do?  We still have guys coming after us!"

Seeing Doc go down, Porter growls, "They'll pay for that."

Hearing Desi's call, he answers, "I'm here. Ready for more. Let's get that door to the control room open."

Just want to double check, since things have been a bit slow and jumpy lately. We're all in the same room (slight DM ret-con to get things moving), there are guards outside the door behind us, and one other door to the control room in front of us. We have no idea where the hatch in the ceiling leads. Correct?

Yes, that is correct.  You are all in the same room.  The guards are locked outside of your room (temporarily).  You are surrounded by weapons and weapons lockers.  The door to the command center is in front of you, and you do not know where the hatch leads.

Desi finds another SEU backpack as everyone starts regrouping.  You can grab a new weapon or other supplies, but you have very little time if you want to divert the missile from causing massive civilian damages on the planet.

Porter quickly looks through the weapons lockers for another belt for his machinegun. He's getting low on ammo.

OOC: I realized I've not been keeping track of ammo used, but I've been firing off a lot... Probably all of two ammo belts by now... If there are no MG belts in the lockers I'm back to the autorifle and grenades.

Hammer also replenishes his supply.  When everyone is ready, he will be at the door to the command room with gun raised, ready for anything.

S'Krllk drops his empty needler and turns towards the control room. Paying no attention to the weapons locker, S'Krllk attacks the door mechanism with a determination bordering on fanaticism. He throws two words back, speaking through the space between his two left elbows, "open soon."

"OK S'Krllk good.  Once you get that done, grab another weapon besides a needler.  Something that can actually damage robots if we run across any more."

As the air clears, you look around.  Kri'lik, your trusted doctor, is dead.  Only five of you remain:  Desi, Porter, Orvo, S'krllk, and Hammer--two humans, a dralasite, a Vrusk, and a Mechanon.  You have lost so many.

With his skills, S'krllk is able to engage the lock on the door behind you, locking out the approaching guards and security robots.

You begin searching the lockers.  (Note: there are machine gun belts and ammo for all of the other major weapons as well available here.)

S'krllk goes to the door to the command room to see if he can make the lock work.  But to your surprise, you find that the door is unlocked and it opens easily.

You look momentarily up at the hatch in the ceiling but then move to the command room to see if you can divert the missile.

You all enter the command room with weapons raised...and pause at what you see there.

Numerous monitors provide views of the missile silo and of Kraatar as seen from Setarz. You remember for a moment in the excitement that you are on the moon, the missile has fired toward Kraatar, and you need to stop it.

Sitting in front of the monitors by a bank of controls are three technicians responsible for tracking the missile. They do not turn from the screens or even seem to recognize your entrance.  They are unarmed.

Behind them in a large chair that overlooks all of them sits a familiar face.  You recognize Jack Legrange.  He swivels his chair to face you.  In his lap sits a cat.  He strokes it, and it purrs but does not seem to notice you.  His body has been altered significantly to add an exoskeleton.  You had heard this, but seeing it is another thing entirely.



In the distant corner, two additional cats are looking at you.  They DO notice you and have a distinct growling purr.  These cats are not normal.  They are the size of a small lynx, and they have mechanical robot legs.  They also have small rocket packs attached at the base of their tail which appear to be to allow them to hover or fly long distances through the air.

Legrange continues to stroke the cat without making any offensive moves toward you.  In fact, he seems downright friendly and congratulatory as he says, "You have done so well to thwart my plans, my friends.  Although it is too late to do anything to prevent the missile since it has already launched, I applaud your efforts.  Let's recount your successes.  You successfully figured out that I surgically altered Trans to resemble myself, and then when my doppleganger was assassinated, you tracked down my agents like good detectives.  I admit feeling a small pang of regret that my family mourned my death when it was really Trans who died."

He taps his heart melodramatically.  You see there is no danger from him, so you let him continue his rundown of your successes.

"Let's see.  You found my agent Gorboz.  He worked for David Dever at the Sanitorium, as you found out.  He was a fat little dralasite who liked stupid puns.  I never liked him much.  And Dever called him a blubbering blob of fat.  Did you know Dever founded the KLC with me?  The Kraatar Liberation Corps.  Doesn't that just flow off the tongue?  That was a long time ago.  Dever was put in prison for 10 full years before he managed to escape.  When we got back in touch with each other, we were able to restart the KLC activities for the ultimate takeover of Kraatar.  He hates Vrusk almost as much as I do, you know.  But I have to say that Gorboz may be as bad as a Vrusk by blundering things here."

Legrange looks with disgust at S'krllk.

"So then you managed to get on a train, found Dever's implant in the Vrusk to make him do our bidding, and then destroyed our KLC commandoes and crashed the train.  I know you have been reporting back to RIK Zzik'ti and he gave you wide authority to take me down.  Did you know in your time since breaking into the sanitarium that he has been capturing and sentencing my KLC operatives to prison?  Stupid Vrusk.  He will die with the others when the missile lands."

He shrugs.

"Oh well. You broke into our sanitarium--very sneaky, I must say.  You took down our commandoes and came in through a vent, bypassing all of our security measures.  You found out about our implants and ability to control the Vrusk through them.  You found out that 'Dr. Boot' was really Dr. Dever.  And what did you do?  You put a bullet in his head.  My longtime friend, a brilliant doctor--and you just killed him.  So you learned I was on the secret base on the moon.  You found out I was going to release the deadly Fumiga Virus, genetically engineered to only affect the Vrusk, and it would kill off all the Vrusk so I can return and lead the people."

You recall the following from when you had killed Dever:
Dever's calculations and experiments unearthed a fact which (had you not killed him) Dever was about to transmit to LeGrange:  Unknown to Legrange, the virus will react with Kraatar's atmosphere to threaten all life forms on the planet. One week after being released into the atmosphere, the virus will have killed all Humans as well.  LeGrange doesn't realize this and still plans to release the virus.

The Fumiga Virus:  Legrange discovered a deadly virus which appears to affect only Vrusk, killing all who come into contact with it within 6 hours. He intends to release this into Kraatar's upper atmosphere, but, unknown to LeGrange, the virus will mutate into an even more deadly strain. This new strain will kill not only Humans, but most other life forms on the planet, turning Kraatar into a world devoid of life in a week.

For full review of what you found, go to message 18 here: link to a message in this game



This makes you also remember the other facts you learned:

As an expert in bioengineering Legrange has supervised extensive alterations to his form. His skeleton is enhanced with the equivalent of an internal exoskeleton . Legrange also has a tight-beam computer link implanted in his brain, which allows him to communicate with all computers on Artemis Base.

"Lucky for you," Legrange continues, "you had rescued a pilot, Rezz, from the riots, and she agreed to fly you here.  How convenient.  I laughed when I intercepted the transmission from RIK Zzik'ti saying they had no spaceships or vessels capable of interplanetary flight currently in the system to stop my planned missile launch, and they stupidly closed down the starport.  Stupid Vrusk.  Never prepared."

He laughs and strokes the cat again.

"So you get here on the shuttle, find our secret Artemis Base carved into the moon.  And you try to shut down the missile launch.  Too late.  Too late," he repeats with a shake of his head.

"And now the missile has been launched for 20 minutes.  You have killed my men, destroyed my robots, caused all sorts of clatter and destruction.  And you can't kill me, can you?  You know that I may be the only person in the galaxy able to solve the Datasphere sent by the "Shadows of Rakon" and prevent the imminent multidimensional attack orchestrated between the Qantariate and the Sathar.  I have been following all of it.  How many days are left until the attack?  I think it's fewer than 30 now.  Yes, 29 as of today, if my calculations are correct.  And my calculations are always correct."

He lets out an audible sigh as he continues to stroke the cat.

"So I guess the question you have to ask yourself is this:  Would you rather kill me and let the Sathar enslave or kill every intelligent species in the known galaxy with the Qantariate, or would you rather let me kill the Vrusk on Kraatar, rule the planet as my spoils, and help you save the human race?  And other races too, of course.  Either way, killing me would not stop the missile now, would it?  You have in front of you one of the greatest minds of human existence.  Tariel told you I was the only one who could help.  So what will it be?  I will call down my men and let you get safely back to your Vrusk pilot.  But she and your Vrusk friend S'krllk here won't be able to survive on Kraatar, so maybe they should stay here or find another destination."

He shrugs.

"So what do you want it to be, my friends?"

He smiles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Mon 08 Oct 2018.

S'Krllk looks at Legrange and shrugs with all his limbs. Then he turns to the others, and says, "I vote we let him decode the sphere, and then give him a lift planetside as a reward. He wants to rule the place, and I think by then it would be just what he deserves."
Turning away, S'Krllk walks back out the door as he says, "I'm sure discussing it will be easier if my presence doesn't distract Mr. Legrange."
S'Krllk attempts to step around the corner so that Mr. Legrange won't have to see him.

Porter also smiles. "I'm Sergeant Porter Min, acting Star Law agent. I am placing you under arrest for terrorism, conspiracy, attempted genocide, and probably several other crimes. You have all the rights of sentients granted by the UPF and retain these rights as a prisoner. Resisting arrest equals an abridgment of your rights to fair treatment. Come peacefully and comply if you wish to retain your rights as a sentient member of the UPF while under arrest."

He hefts his machinegun, betting that LeGrange will resist.

Orvo looks a little spooked by the ultimatum given by LeGrange.  His eyes dart back and forth and he finally comes to get a hold of himself and concentrates.

He tries to Detect Lie (10%) and then Empathy (40%) so he can try to get a better understanding of the situation unfolding.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Tue 09 Oct 2018.

With a new powered backpack attached to her laser rifle and a new beltpack attached to her screen, Desiraye keeps her rifle in a low-ready position ready to bring up her sights on LeGrange or another target.

S'krllk steps out as the others continue the discussion.

LeGrange listens patiently to all of you.  He looks to the side for a moment as if staring blankly at the wall for a few seconds.

He does not respond to Porter's threat, but with a flick of his finger, the two modified cats in the corner begin growling and moving around in a protective gesture, one on each side of his chair.

"Arrest me?" LeGrange says.  "I will go with you.  But where will you go?  All of my robots and commandos surround you just outside those doors.  It will be amusing.  And you will need to deal with my cats first."

The cats, one on each side, crouch in a stance ready to pounce.  One is about 5 feet to the left of his command chair.  The other is about 5 feet to the right of the command chair.  Their enhancements make them much more than mere cats as they bare their sharp teeth and curl their claws.

Hammer steps back and fires at the nearest cat cyborg creature with his laser rifle. "Call them off, LeGrange."

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 63):
Orvo looks very unsettled after LeGrange's demands.  "Something is very wrong here guys!  He's lying about something, I can feel it!"

Anyone else doing anything or is Hammer the only one shooting at the cat creatures?

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 66):
Desiraye can't fight off the anger any longer.  She shoulders the laser rifle and fires [2] 10 SEU shots at the cats.

[2] Shots at one of the Cats at 10 SEU/Shot

IM: +6
PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 62/62
Military Skein Suit: 50/50
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

Laser Rifle [Set on 10 SEU for 10d10 Damage]
SEU Back Pack (Weapon): 100/100
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 1  [DEX:30 + 10 = 40%]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Tue 30 Oct 2018.

S'Krllk continues working, feverishly, desperately in determined fashion.

Porter swings his machinegun at one of the cats and opens up on it with a burst of bullets.

IM: +7
CURRENT STA: 50/50
Military Skein Suit: 30/50
Albedo Screen
Gas Mask

Machinegun Chance to hit 85% (including burst bonus, not including range penalties)
Damage 10d10 burst
Ammo 100 rounds
Rate 1
Defense Intertia
Range (meters) PB - Short 0-70 Medium 71-200 Long 201-500 Extreme 501-1000

With Orvo believing that there's some dishonesty from LeGrange, he covers him with his laser rifle in case he does something other than spew lies.

- Rifle set @ 8 SEU/Shot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 44/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 50/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 18/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

The cat creatures are quick.  They have rocket propelled propulsion that makes them fly through the air.  You fire quickly but soon see the danger in firing on a creature that is quickly moving toward your companions.

One of the cats goes down.  The other lands on Desi, digging its half robotic, half feline claws into her.  (8 STA damage.)  But Desi quickly puts the thing down as she looks at the bloody claw mark on her thigh.

And then you notice the strange thing that just happened.  A stray laser bolt had hit LeGrange--and passed right through him.

Desi begins to feel a slight weakness in her leg and realizes that the cats had poison in those claws.

LeGrange laughs.  "Oh, you got me.  You shot me."  He grasps at the place the laser had gone right through him.  "Oh, maybe not."  He reaches over to touch something invisible to your sight, and the hologram of LeGrange disappears in front of your eyes.

He has just spent valuable time talking to you to delay you.  But where is the real LeGrange?  And how do you stop the missile?

22 MINUTES POST LAUNCH

In reply to GM Heath (msg # 71):
Desiraye tires to stand up, she notices that there's something wrong with the leg the cat just hit her in.  She feels the weakness and tries to steady herself with one of the walls.  "Cats had poison on their claws!  One tagged me pretty good.  Anything in our medkits to help against poison?

S'krilk!  How we doing on getting that missile?"

IM: +6
PUNCHING DAMAGE: 7
CURRENT STA: 58/62
Military Skein Suit: 46/50
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

Laser Rifle [Set on 10 SEU for 10d10 Damage]
SEU Back Pack (Weapon): 80/100
SEU Belt Pack (Screen): 50/50

SKILLS:
Beam Weapons: 6 [DEX:30 + 60 = 90%]
Martial Arts: 3 [DEX:30 + 30 = 60%]
Thrown Weapons: 1  [DEX:30 + 10 = 40%]

"Damnit!  I knew there was something off about LeGrange!  He set us up and cost us precious time.  I should've known better, sorry guys," Orvo curses as he watches the image of him dissipate.

- Rifle set @ 8 SEU/Shot

STR/STA: 60/60
DEX/RS:  50/50

CURRENT STA: 44/60

PS/IM: +3/+5
Ranged: 25%
Melee: 30%

Lie Detection 10%
Elasticity

DEFENSES:
Albedo Screen: Power Beltpack 50/50 SEU
Military Skeinsuit: 50/50

WEAPONS:
Martial Arts: to hit 40%| dmg: 3| Rof: 2|
Laser Pistol x2: to hit 45%| dmg: 5d10/seu| RoF 2| power beltpack 50/50 and 50/50 seu
Laser Rifle: to hit 45%| dmg: 1d10/seu| RoF 2| power backpack 18/100 seu

Tangler Grenade: to hit 25%| Entangled| 2 grenade
Smoke Grenade: to hit 25%| -10 to hit| 2 grenade
Fragmentation Grenade: to hit 25%| 8d10| 4 grenade
Doze Grenade: to hit 25%| Sleep| 2 grenade

Hammer says, We still have to stop that missile launch and make our escape.  There's that hatch in the last room, or maybe we can use these computers."  He tries the computers to see if anything can be done.

"Tech people, give me a status report and the get on a computer, a machine, or a panel and stop this missile!  Everyone else, prepare to fight!"

With the cat creatures gone, you scan the computers and see that LeGrange has taken a shuttle to escape. He has made it away, and he is the only one with the intellect to solve the issues of the alien invasion of the extra-dimensional Qantariate. And now you know the Sathar are in league with the Qantariate.

But you do now have access to the control room, and with a few programming efforts by Hammer and Kri'lik (Level 3), you are able to reconfigure the missiles to veer away from the planet and fly harmlessly into deep space.

You have little time to let out a sigh of relief because LeGrange's guards are still trying to break in the door to get to you.

But Hammer had noticed the hatch in the ceiling in the adjoining room. The hatch in the ceiling gives access to an elevator which runs up the outside of one of the 'spokes' to the hub of the wheel. Located around the outside of the hub is a shuttle bay. One of the shuttles is missing, and you can only guess it was LeGrange escaping. There are two other shuttles, and you quickly get into one and head out.

S'krllk heals Desi's poisoned leg and you land safely in Gozzorff City. UPF Consulate Grandin Spief has just arrived, and he is happy to hear your report of the Qantariate connection.  He gives you all field promotions on the spot, even as word that you have saved Kraatar begins to spread around the planet and through the newscasts. Vist'Lat is closed down pending a full enquiry and Sik'Triksta take over the starport.

Upon hearing of the escape, Zzik'Ti vows to capture LeGrange. He is already trying to find the vectors of escape and look through galaxy-wide traffic.

The Kraatar Commercial Council is so pleased that it rewards you with 100,000 Credits each. This is enough to fund just about anything you can find.

But there is little time, Spief tells you as you contemplate your rewards and promotions. The Qantariate attack will wipe out and enslave civilizations and allow the Sathar to become rulers of the known galaxy. LeGrange was the key hope to translating the data and finding a way to respond. Spief tells you that they are working on how to proceed but to take a few days off to relax in Gozzorff.

XP:
You each receive 9 XP to use for your characters.