Continued from The Island of Aeaea

Another screen forms on the wall. Ironically, it appears to be oriented so Dr. Phage can't see it. There is a simple message on the screen, "No. You must take father with you. He refuses to take his meds when he's with us."
In the background, you hear Vitaly chuckle but he doesn't say anything. In fact, he directs a look towards Dr. Phage that could be interpreted only as pitying.
[Secret to JUSTICAR:If Hikari or Karl take a closer look at Dr. Phage's dossier, it becomes clear why he appears to be a 'mad scientist'. By his diagnosis, he is exactly that.]
[Secret to Bellissima:Trishula catches your attention, because his body appears to be comatose. Since your telepathy is active, the reason becomes obvious. Trishula is using astral projection, and apparently waiting for you to notice him. When Bellissima does, he sends a non-intrusive thought your way. "In the event it matters, I can permit everyone to breath underwater and avoid decompression sickness. When you're desperate enough to trust me, that is what I offer. You won't need to release me, just temporarily remove the gag."]

Senor Garcia shook his head and explained we it didn’t matter if they were at 22 meters or 72 meters. Looking at the various controls in the CIC/bridge he looked for a depth gauge to figure ut what depth they were at, they would be below 22 meteres by now, and he looked for other things.

“Look at twenty-two meters we’re already at a depth where decompression stops are needed or one has to slowly exhale as if they were freediving to avoid the bends.”

“You really can’t buddy breath with Dreager’s and we already pushed them to the limit diving under the island." He then explained this bit of information. “You’re not supposed to use Dreger’s below seventy meters, and we probably went below that to get into the islands underwater airlock.”

Next, he explained that JUSTICAR’s rescue ide was just not going to work, besides it looked like the kids armor had been damaged, so it might not even be capable of making it to the surface. “If either myself or JUSTICAR left to get personnel from the Gemini to assist we’d just be saving ourselves as we won’t be able to get back onboard. The submarine is moving, which will make it impossible to catch up to as we descend back to it.”

“Plus, as a titanium hulled vessel this boat probably has a crush depth between two thousand to three thousand feet. So, it can dive pretty deep.”

“Is Runa on the submarine with us? I haven’t seen her, and Chimp Man Z said he was going to help Winter Herald. I don’t see him here either.”

Looking at Bellissima, The Maharaja and then JUSTICAR. “I think it’s just the three of us here, and our three prisoners.”

“Can you swim Bellissima?” If she could, the idea he had in mind might work.

[Private to GM: 18:08, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 35 using 1d100.  SCUBA 115%.
PASS – SCUBA knowledge

18:34, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 36 using 1d100.  Military Intelligence 101%.
PASS – Submarine intel knowledge

18:47, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 45 using 1d100.  Russian 120%.
PASS – read controls

18:47, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 40 using 1d100.  Damage Control and Disaster Response 95%.
PASS – looking for controls that will cause the submarine to make an emergency main ballast tank blow.

Basically, I want to force the submarine to the surface (the AI might not really have control of the sub). But I do not want to put my plan into action just yet. I need to get the other PC’s and our prisoners to the forward, and aft escape trunks first. Only after they are ready would I do the emergency blow and make may way to the escape trunk on the sail of the submarine, and make my exit there.]

"No we did not.. the island was on the surface the continental shelf specifically here is only 66 meters down. My drones approached the Bio-ship no deeper than 10 meters."



{Not true. The Justicar is completely undamaged.  His drones have taken some pounding... but the Justicar is not even scratched and it would need to be Severely damaged to endanger its environmental seal or underwater depth integrity.}



"The Justicar can't go quite that deep.. but close."

Karl spoke up, +'Calm yourself Son... the longer we wait the closer to full system restoration the Justicar movement systems become... you are in no danger personally from this situation. The Justicar has plenty of power and O2.'+
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Sun 05 Feb 2023.

The screen on the wall changes. Still oriented so Dr. Phage can't see it, the message now reads, "My sister has decided to join Holly Cook. We are all in danger. I've set a course to the boats that were waiting when you first came to the island. Please take care of father, we've tried, and failed, harming ourselves in the process."

Justicar is... left stunned... He rolls over to the monitor and opens his visor to speak openly, "..I..I'm so So sorry Bio-sub!  I... did not want any of this to come down this way... we did not expect to find sentient beings as vehicles.  I did not know there was a 'family' of sorts issues involved in all this.  We only came to rescue Holly Cook from what we thought were criminal abductors.  You are new to existence but I know the sting of betrayal by family is... hard to endure.  But thank you, I will personally see to it your father gets help, do not despair!"

Then thinking quickly, Hikari will grab ahold of the techno-organic ganglia and tap out a Morse Code set of coordinates with his gauntleted hand and say, "If you can manage it go to those secret coordinates... if you can get there ~ I may be able to give you refuge and repair.. do all you can to preserve your life functions!"

PM [Private to SSOGM: The Coordinates are for San Sebastian Isle]

Turning Justicar will close his suit and seal it then begin helping Bellissima and Maharajah usher the prisoners' to the main deck hatch of the sub.

Across the LESP Secure channel...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

{OOC: GAH! I totally Missed this post...So Sorry....!!!  It would have dramatically change previous posts in this thread! Sorry..my bad!!}

“Let’s use the forward or aft escape trunk.” He then explained why. “Either of those hatches put us closer to the waterline after the sub surfaced. Going out through the sail means we have to climb down from it to the waterline.”

“Is there an ETA for when we surface?”

OOC: Basically if we have to climb down the sail somebody could fall off, hit the hull of the sub and could possibly drown before we got to them.

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 8):

"Yes, It was my intention to use the forward deck - Escape Trunk. I am moving everyone to the forward truck.  I also think that would be the best place for their illicit loot to be stashed ~ the most accessible cabin from the either the forward or aft escape trunk. So if you are still looking for those files that may be the best place to search. If you will search the aft cabins adjacent to the aft escape trunk I'll do the same on the forward Escape trunk adjacent cabins."

"I cannot easily calculate the sub's velocity... but it did indicate it would surface near the Zodiac boats approach.  Perhaps a minute or so?"

OCC: Yeah I poorly identified the exit I was going for when I said main hatch ... I meant the hatch on the forward deck of the sub.. the escape trunk there specifically for the same reason closer to the waterline and less risk of a fall.

With maybe a minute to the rendezvous there wouldn’t be time to look for documents. But they could check the forward torpedo room for the items stolen from the bank vault.

“Ok, well let’s get our prisoners forward. We can check the forward torpedo room real quick.”

Hikari pondered, "I hadn't considered that. Is there a large ordinance hatch there to load large numbers of torpedos easily?  Or is their some autoloader mechanism instead with no need of a large access hatch?  I'm trying to think of places in the submarines structure that a large cargo of supplies could be easily and quickly onloaded like foodstuffs and supplies.  Such a cargo loading space would be ideal for quickly stashing loot in a hurry.  Carrying loads of loot through a cramped escape trunk would be ...slow and tedious, to say the least, I would think?"

“Yes there would be a weapons loading hatch, maybe two. But it’s going to only be slight bigger than a torpedo tube.” Looking at the three prisoners he then asked a question. “Have we formally arrested these three and read them their rights?”

“If they haven’t been formally arrested then anything they’ve told us so far can’t be used against them in the court of law. But this provides us with the opportunity to ask them questions in which they may be more apt to answer if it isn’t admissible in court.”

“We could get some valuable intelligence.”

In reply to Senor Garcia (msg # 12):

Justicar shook his head, "I only subdued them in battle and I promptly, bound, and gagged Dr. Phage... to keep him from issuing any 'Voice Commands' to the Bio-ship, and then Bound, Gagged and Blind-folded Trishula to keep him for repeatedly targeting and casting spells at Winter and I.  They have said nothing nor have been allowed to say anything as I was trying to deal with Whisperer.. I've been too busy. I have no idea what Chimpman Z, Maharajah or Bellissima has said to Provider."

"This was supposed to be a rescue operation for Holly Cook, we suspected the Refusnik's had the loot from the City Vault Heist somewhere in their lair... we've already seen some of it onboard the Bio-ship... and I have a Electronic Chip taken from the possession of Dr. Phage by Bellissima that was listed as one of the more valuable pieces missing from City Vault Heist.  I think its VERY UNLIKELY to expect Holly Cook - Lady Armageddon, to appear in court and actually press charges of abduction to Provider and crew so that crime is practically out the window.  Don't know if what we have is enough evidence to tie them to that breakin ~ especially without the Dimensional-Transporter to present as evidence."

"But honestly, its not a priority for me right now.. getting the team out of this mess is my main concern right now... but if you feel you can question them in the time before we formally arrest them to get 'vital intel', feel free ~ but No Torture and leave Trishula alone completely he needs to stay unable to cast spells!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Mon 06 Feb 2023.

“Contrary to popular belief, torture rarely gets an interrogator good information.”

“I’d only use torture if lives were on the line.”

"I know that fact which is another reason why I'm against it but more importantly IT'S EVIL! We need to be better than that or what is the point of professing to stand for Justice?!?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Tue 07 Feb 2023.

"I think you're going to fail at that. Trishula is projecting, and his spirit is definitely not in the same bonds as his person. If he intended to do anything, he would already have done it."

This time, it doesn't take high tech hearing to know that Dr. Phage is chuckling. When JUSTICAR looks towards him, Dr. Phage quite obviously taps his foot on the floor. Although part of the message appears to be 'hey, I can still communicate' the rest of it, and possibly the reason Dr. Phage finds it funny, is contained in the code he taps. As his foot beats out
.. / -. . ...- . .-. / - .- ..- --. .... - / .... . .-. / -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . .-.-.-
[Secret to not JUSTICAR; not The Maharaja:Catching that Dr. Phage is using morse code, his taps translate to "I never taught her morse code."]
[Secret to JUSTICAR:JUSTICAR is distracted enough to miss PART of the message. He loses the beat in the midst of the tapping and can only discern that Dr. Phage started with "I never" and ended with "morse code."]

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 17):

Justicar regards Dr. Phage's code... his expression being unreadable.

But clearly he understood ... something...

Hikari accessed his H.U.D. looking to see if their depth was decreasing and what his inertial compass said was their bearing for confirmation.

He rolls over to Dr. Phage and very gently and respectfully picks him up and sets him comfortably in a CIC chair.

Speaking with Senor, "This gag is ineffective. Dr. Phage can still potentially communicate with the AI.. though he claims he did not teach 'her', Bio-Sub, Morse Code, I did not get the rest of his code ~ it might not have been for me. Be wary.. this man is a consummate Genius!  I wish I might engage him in a chess match... HE would be a challenge to out think!"

Looking at the various gauges and analog readouts in the sub's CIC/bridge, Senor Garcia tries to get a good idea of their heading, and speed.

Upon the realization that Dr. Phage has bene using morse code, Senor Garica thinks to himself, Well shit....

As JUSTICAR puts Dr. Phage in a chair, Senor Garcia has an idea, but considering the younger man's uppity morals decides to ask the question first. "Will you consider it torture if I put Dr. Phage in a choke hold and put him to sleep?"

[Private to GM: 20:01, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 62 using 1d100.  Read Sensory Equipment 90%.
PASS]

Justicar answers, "If the Bio-sub is actually doing what it said it would... if we are surfacing and heading toward the Zodiac craft... I see no point to it.  It will just make it inconvenient to carry him bodily off the sub.  And no.  That is not torture."

Dr. Phage taps his foot a bit, everyone gets the message except possibly the bio-sub. Apparently ".. / -.. --- -. .----. - / .--. .-.. .- -.-- / -.-. .... . ... ..." means "I don't play chess."
The submarine's gauges indicate the ship is definitely surfacing. Its heading doesn't suggest any specific destination; its velocity suggests Dr. Phage has modified more than the controls.
[Secret to Bellissima:Trishula's spirit faces Bellissima. First he gestures towards Dr. Phage, then he points to his own temple and moves his finger in circles. Finally, he gives Bellissima a mock salute before gesturing at his comatose body.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:48, Wed 08 Feb 2023.

"Trishula is about to do whatever he had planned. His spirit just waved goodbye."
"I think we should brace ourselves."

Justicar 'shrugs', "...I always thought 'Astral Projection' was a psionic manifestation?  Are you saying Trishula is a spellcaster AND psionic?  Not sure what we can do about it... I've done EVERYTHING I can to neutralize his ability to attack us save outright killing him.  We should have a discussion with Detective Broyko about the use of lethal force against 'spellcasters' if this is typical of their capabilities."

For the second time during this operation, Senor Garcia idly wondered how much training LESP had in deadly force and its application. There was no escalation of force laid out either. Something that would need to be rectified. “If someone is about to kill or seriously injure another person then you can use deadly force.”

Unforntunelty, as a prisoner, killing Trishula made things a bit murky. You couldn’t just kill a prisoner even if escaping, unless during that escape they were going to cause death or serious bodily harm. But Bellissima’s warning was really all the justification Senor Garcia needed.

“I have little to no knowledge about magic or psionics, only that attempting to transport a prisoner with those abilities can be difficult, and in my previous occupation, unless they were a high value target it was always easier to just kill them instead of taking them into custody or we kept them heavily sedated.”

Then looking at JUSTICAR, Belimissa, and The Maharaja he stated something that was probably not going to go well, but had to be said. “Look, if any of you feel squeamish with killing Trishula, I have no problem doing so.”

“Although I have no idea who in the world may want him for crimes he may have committed or information he has, I don’t think he can be considered high value target to us like The Provider, or Dr. Phage are.”

“As it stands, we do have a mandate to do everything within our means to protect the lives of those we have taken prisoner, even if it is protecting them from another prisoner.”

Justicar nodded, "I understand that Senor, and I have Always agreed that if lethal force is being used against us..we have EVERY right to respond in kind.  But in this case we have a man restrained, gagged and blind-folded  the optics on this is bad and legally unsupportable!  We have no provable or recorded evidence that this man is a threat.  All we have is unsubstantable testimony from one person of vague gestures the prisoneer is supposedly making. No insult to Bellissima's power we can't act on that alone to simple execute a man in an extra-judicial action without knowing if this man is guilty of ANY crime other that associating potentially with bank-robbers which in itself has not been fully determined!  No. We can't just kill him... but this subject should definitly be raised with our LESP patrons."

He folded his arms,"Also, its not established that killing his body would have any effect upon whatever his 'Astral Body' or what he has done or may do.  We just do not have any evidence what he is about to do is even lethal or dangerous to us! Thus far the only powers he has demonstrated are non-lethal incapaciatating effects. He's not so much as once caused harm to Anyone! We cannot just end his life ~ 'For What he MIGHT Do!'"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:09, Thu 09 Feb 2023.

Senor Garcia responded in the native language of his father, a man who has traveled from Colombia to the United States and fought the Nazi’s in World War Two. The words were spoken in a near perfect pronunciation of Castilian/Peninsular Spanish: “Nos cargamos a ese hijo de puta, y convertirnos en la mejor opción.”

[Private to group Spanish:
Literal translation for those characters who know Spanish: “We kill that mother fucker and make ourselves the best option.”]

He didn’t bother to translate, but explained his reasoning, which unforntunelty was a result of real-world experience. “When I go out on an operation, my objective is to bring everyone on my team home, alive.”

“If I have to execute or torture someone one to make that happen, I will.”

“I don’t care what anyone thinks, I do not care about any bullshit laws."

“Especially those that are aimed at protecting the criminals and not the innocent.”

“What I care do about is my team and their survival.”

“YOUR survival.”

Pointing towards the bow (i.e the front) of the submarine, Senor Garcia continues.  “We need to move our prisoners to the forward escape trunk. Let me take custody of Trishula, and I’ll bring up the rear.”

“If anything, crazy happens, I hope Trishula enjoys living as a ghost.”

OOC: If my wife was home, she’d probably give me a better translation for what I wanted to say in Spanish as she is from Colombia. Also, the Spanish language as it is spoken in Colombia is very close to the original Castilian/Peninsular Spanish as spoken in Spain.

Almost as if Trishula was listening, the floor underneath the comatose villain shimmers brightly before it vanishes. Trishula's body immediately falls through the floor with a splash! Dr. Phage reacts with muffled shouts. The Provider, who is now sitting on the floor with his back to the wall says, "that seems like a bad idea."
[Private to Bellissima: Trishula's astral form floats to the edge of the hole in the floor and pantomimes holding his nose and jumping into the hole.]

Justicar has had enough of this fool's self-destructive actions and will no longer put up with him putting everyone's lives at risk.

He rolls over looking briefly at the damage done to the Bio-Sub's structural integrity... before firing his towline grappling hook to spear Trishula through an appendage to draw him back out of the hole in the deck to reel him in reach only close enough to be within melee reach...

In one unambiguous motion Justicar springs his Triple Arm Blades and with no hesitation BEHEADS Trishula!

Reeling in his towline he grips the corpse long enough to kick the head back into the hole and drop the corpse to the deck.

"THAT, is enough of That!"

Turning to the others, "Now MOVE.. we are leaving!"

{ooc: If this is a Mystic Portal spell... even if Hikari could have caught him falling with his tow-line grappling hook... no amount of force in the universe could have reeled Trishula back.  That spell is one way. I'll forgo Justicar taking his shot as he could not reel his tow-line in either!}
This message was last edited by the player at 10:13, Fri 10 Feb 2023.

JUSTICAR attempts to get to Trishula and prevent his comatose body from dropping through the floor, unfortunately his suit continues to refuse to assist in moving, and the burst of effort is exhausting. To make matters worse, when he looks down into the hole to target the body, he sees that the hole is a blank column that stretches some sixty feet down. Not only does it go through the submarine, but the last ten feet are in the water. No obvious force is holding back the water at the bottom of the column, but the column maintains its shape despite moving through the water at a fair speed. Trishula is nowhere to be seen.

Justicar turns to Bellissima, "Belle..can your telemechanics close all the pressure hatch doors of the breached cabins below? Or can you erect a TK force field at the hole below"

The Justicar rolled over to the screen Bio-ship had been using his tone one of concern as he almost comfortingly tried to caress the technorganic ganglia of the ship, "Bio-Sub... a-are you still functional?  a-are you in pain?  Can you seal the hole in your decks below? I'm so sorry.. I never suspected Trishula could do that while bound, gagged and blindfolded!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:51, Fri 10 Feb 2023.

Senor Garcia remained calm as Trishula disappears from view, and thought to himself: Well, that’s not something you see every day. Without knowing how long until whatever it was the Trishula did would end and the submarine would begin to flood, Senor Garcia began to look over the various controls and readouts.

10:17, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 78 using 1d100.  RSE 90%.
PASS What is our depth?

10:18, Today: Senor Garcia rolled 7 using 1d100.  SCUBA 115%.
PASS Are we close enough to the surface where we do not have to worry about the bends?

[Private to GM: 10:18, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 27 using 1d100.  Damage Control and Disaster Response 95%.
PASS

I would really like to be able to find the controls to do an emergency blow to the surface so we can get off the submarine.

Trying to swim out of the escape trunk would not be healthy for those character who can’t swim.]

Justicar monitored his external sensors and was puzzled...regarding the clearly apparent 'hole' through the deck of the bio-sub.

"There is No cabin pressure change. The water is clearly in motion at the bittom of the hile but does not even obey normal fluid mechanics to even  enter the lip of the hole.  This is impossible."

"Whatever this may appear to be... it is NOT a hole in the decks of the bio-sub as far as material reality Physics is concerned!  If this is similar to spells cast before... this effect is not permanent and 'should' dispel... after some undetermined duration."

"My inertial compass and depth gauges say we have not slowed and are indeed still surfacing..."

{ooc: Mystic Portal is one way. Nothing material can come back through the portal. It is not even visible from the other end of its terminus. I'm uncertain if energy can pass though... though clearly light and gravity are working ~ we can see through the portal to the sub decks below and Trishula 'fell' through it gravity in opperation}
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Sun 12 Feb 2023.

OOC: Going to wait for the GM to post instead of just assuming things....for example the last GM post doesn't say anything regarding our status of rising to the surface.

Nor does the last GM post state if the ship is filling with water.

Last, if nether of our characters has Lore magic (I don't maybe JUSTICAR does have the skill), we wouldn't know Trishula used mystic portal or even how it works.

So, trying to use knowledge of mystic portal in game would be meta gaming (i.e cheating).

{ooc: Not metegaming.. reading and accepting what the SSOGM has already told us.}



Dismissing the magically created hole in the floor, which he cannot really analyze... but figures its best not to fool with it ~ though the nagging curiosity of why the water does not fill back through the hole when he distinctly recalls hearing a splash when Trishula hit the bottom. {So sound and light and gravity work in the hole.. but why not physical matter? Perhaps only energy can travel back through the hole? Fuckin' Magic... makes my head hurt!!}

He tore his mind away from worrying about something he could not quantify in science or control. Same went for control of the Bio-sub.. it 'seemed' unaffected by the sudden magical hole in its structure, another something that was never in anyone's hands to control save Dr. Phage at least he was making no trouble. Hikari turned his attention back to something he could comprehend...

"Ok Karl we can't figure out the microchip, fine.  Scan it in detail all its components and chip circuitry... map it deep scan it get me schematics. We'll analyze it later."

17:02, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 28 using 1d100.  Karl - Read Sensory Instruments [43%]. – [roll=1676235762.99787.355584]

17:02, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 95 using 1d100.  Karl - Electrical Engineer [73%]. – [roll=1676235740.98661.355584]

17:04, Today: JUSTICAR rolled 86 using 1d100.  Karl - Computer Repair [68%]. – [roll=1676235846.76343.355584]

Karl replied his tone irritated, 'This is... a schematic design.. I have never encountered before Son.  Very complex.  We would need a near Electron-Microscope to see it in detail. I can scan it as best but the image will not be perfect without additional external analysis.'

Justicar kept monitoring his navigation telemetry trying to estimate their location when they break surface... and absently replied, "I'm sure your best efforts with be fine Karl... we'll analyze it together later."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:11, Sun 12 Feb 2023.

That's the GM telling the players in the Out Of Character thread what is going on.

Our characters still wouldn't know what a mystic portal is unless another character states it (after the GM confirms it to them) or you figured it out for yourself in character by the GM telling you in character what it was.

The portal sticks around for almost five minutes, then it winks out. JUSTICAR's armor frees up a little over six minutes later. The submarine reveals another screen, this one in an obvious place. "My sister has informed me she will drop off your friends before she leaves. She doesn't say how, and that worries me. I'll change my heading to pick them up if necessary."
Sure enough, the heading of the submarine swings almost 180° a few moments later. Dr. Phage, although quiet, watches the screen and notes the heading change with a look that's almost proud.

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 36):

Justicar nods, but reveals nothing of his movement systems return to functionality.

He sets a gauntleted hand upon the monitor in some attempt at comfort and says, "Family is important ~ help your sister. Never give up on family! In the world.. they are the ONLY thing.. truly ours!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Sun 12 Feb 2023.

Taking notice of their new course heading and the proud look on Dr. Phage’s face, Senor Garcia lifts the doctor up to his feet. “Why the look on your face?”

As he states this Senor Garcia removes whatever gag Dr. Phage has. “Why do you look so happy?”

[Private to GM: 14:43, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 2 using 1d20.  knock out Dr. phage is he tries any voice commands with the sub.
PASS, driving my thumb into Dr. Phage’s Radial nerve which is in the inside of one’s upper arm. It's a pretty uncomfortable place to have someone drive their thumb into. The initiation of pain is get compliance from Dr. Phage.

14:43, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 70 using 1d100.  Interrogation 105%.
Oops, that won’t go too well if he decides to give the sub commands.]

Dr. Phage nods to JUSTICAR, "Your friend is correct. Our family is our only real connection to the future. If I go with you, will you leave them free? I had great plans for them. It never occurred to me that I would be the biggest obstacle to those plans."
"But I was caught up in other strands, fate pulling my strings and skewing the warp and woof about me. I may require restraints, my mind is oft not its own."

Justicar was alarmed at Dr. Phage being ungagged ...free to issue any voice commands!  But... Dr. Phage's expression remained concern for his creations... and he spoke to Hikari... in sane coherence.

So Hikari pondered Dr. Phage's words and request...

"Legally, your two.. creations have no legal standing as 'persons', even being AI's they are at best 'pets' of which you are responsible for their actions.  But I recognize them as sentient beings with their own right to some self-determination.  If you can get them to allow us to unload the stolen goods you absconded with from the City Vault heist, yes ~ we could let them go on their way?  I have already given Bio-sub a potential location where she can find safe portage at least temporarily... longer would need to be negotiated, but that would be her choice. I would very much like to examine and analyze your creations structure ~ careful not to harm them and mindful of their self-determination! I was not exaggerating Dr. Phage; if your techno-organic discovery could be utilized.. it would revolutionize industry as we know it and could very well save the entire earth from industrial dystopia of a polluting industry run wild!!"

"And I meant what I said to Bio-sub.. there is no need for this event, this lapse of judgement, to end your life Dr. Phage! You are mentally Ill and unstable, at least your creation Bio-sub believes so. You need help.. and we can see to it you get that help.. psyche evaluation and a full clinical diagnosis to find out how you may be assisted to return to productive societal reentry if possible.  But you have to try and be willing to let those who can help you do so!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Taking heed of the last part of what Dr. Phage said, Senor Garcia "Ok I'm going to put the back in again."

He then answered the man's question, and knowing full well the sub could hear him hoped that it got the message. "I will leave them alone, but your family as you call it should stay away from other vessels, and the coastlines."

"I can't make any promises that any Nation with a Navy may fire upon them."

[Private to GM: Do I need make a second interrogation roll to see if he was lying?]

OOC/EDIT: Well that's odd, I didn't get RPOL's notification that someone posted as I was typing my post.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Sun 12 Feb 2023.

Justicar steps off his two drones and they dock immediately to their docking ports. He walks over to Dr. Phage and opening his visor to meet him eye to eye  says, "We have an ... unfortunate development.  I can help you and your creations but you must help me.  Our team member Chimpman Z has been for lack of a better term 'attacked' by the Bio-Island Vessel as he is described as haveing a nascent bio-island forming around him currently.  What is being done to him and how do we stop it?  Do you know of a counter agent to what is attempted to being done to him?"

Hikari will remove the duct tape gag ready to replace it if the Doctor tries something.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

Senor Garcia is still holding Dr. Phage as JUSTICAR talks to him.

The older man doesn't speak, and just waits for a response.

[Private to GM: 13:37, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 57 using 1d100.  Interrogation 105%.
PASS
Going to subtly remind Dr. Phage’s that I can apply quite a bit more pressure to his Radial nerve, if he tries anything....

13:41, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 97 using 1d100.  Interrogation 105%.
PASS? (I hope so...)
Gauging if Dr. Phage's response to JUSTICAR is truthful.

13:38, Today: Secret Roll: Senor Garcia rolled 24 using 1d100.  Prowl 103%.
PASS
Hiding the fact that I am coercing Dr. Phage, by applying pressure to his radial nerve]

Dr. Phage looks thoughtful, then says, "I don't think I did anything like that. It's possible Aeaea is attempting to rid herself of what she sees as parasites."
"It's also possible I did it in one of my other mindsets. If I had, it would likely have been intended to fill the living spaces on Aeaea so she could jettison them and use the space for other purposes."

Justicar nodded and closed his visor...

Then turned to Senor Garcia and shrugged, "That 'seems' an honest answer.  I don't think if the ~ Aeaea has to ability to designate lifeforms onboard it as parasites... if normal biology is any clue such antibody white blood-cell action is normally not under the living beings control.  But in this case maybe it is?  But I think once its been started there is no reversing the process likely?  In any case do you think Senor that even IF Dr. Phage could talk Aeaea down from attacking CMZ we have enough time for that to work? I personally don't think so."

"I can now move I could exit the Bio-sub through the Aft Escape trunk to go extract CMZ... if you think that would be best?"

"Otherwise we should try to get Bio-sub to agree to allowing us to unload the City Vault stolen goods to the Shadowhawk.. that's the best way I think to recover that... 'sensitive data' we are seeking."

"Do you have any better plan or am I missing something?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

Dr. Phage shakes his head, and as he does so his left cheek twitches. "You're sure to be missing something. What's the point of your brilliance except to expose how it is surpassed by your betters."
Then Dr. Phage looks pointedly at Señor Garcia's hand on his arm, and rolls his eyes. "To be honest, I've no horse in this race. This little submarine and that giant amoeba have served their purpose. Go ahead and blow 'em up."

In reply to SSOGM (msg # 46):

Hikari's smile is hidden behind his visor but it is clearly heard in his gentle tone,"... now, Now Doctor, you know that is just your frustration, misanthropy, and lack of meds speaking... when you calm down and regard your emotions you know you really don't mean that.  And yes 'the more a wise man learns the more aware of his own growing ignorance he becomes.' But Senor Garcia, has decades of tactical field experience in situtations that would likely give me nightmares... and yet here he is alive and free and still capable. I'd be a FOOL not to rely upon his practical wisdom and Hard WON experience!  I'm no fool."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

Senor Garcia was surprised Dr. Phage was so willing to give up his creations so easily. "What do you think would happen by creating an Artificial Intelligence and then installing it on a Cold War era submarine?"

"You probably did it as a form of control. With the AI trapped in the body of this submarine you would have known that upon detection this sub it could be fired upon by the naval vessels of a nation state."

"With that fact you could have told the sub that everyone else was bad you were the only one to be believed."

"Except now the submarine is probably listening to me. To be honest, the only sure way I know the submarine won't be sunk for sure is if it sails into a United States port waving a white flag. The general public would know of the sub's existence, and the fact there is an AI onboard could be leaked."

"Although I don't believe an Artificial Intelligence has the same rights as a mortal being, there are plenty of people in the United States who do believe that an Artificial Intelligence should have the same rights as a mortal being."

After delivering a mild ass chewing to Dr. Phage, and hopefully giving the submarine's AI some information that could help in its survival, Senor Garcia address JUSTICAR's concerns. "The other team sounds like they are good to go."

"Let focus on the here and now to get the submarine to surface so we can get off without HVT's."

Pointedly making no remarks concerning Dr. Phage or its freedom, the submarine generates another wall screen

Justicar nods in acceptance of Senor Garcia's direction then addresses the bio-sub regagging Dr. Phage, "Bio-sub, whatever your sister-ship ~ Aeaea is planning to do you can neither help or hinder in your current state. But you can allow us to get your father to safety and the needed psychiatry medical help he needs! Please surface now and let us get unloaded from you what we need and get your father to safety?"



Justicar will signal the Shadowhawk to come to the near location {no closer than 200'ft} of the Justicar's signal to be present for unloading the Bio-sub.

At surfacing Justicar will have Maharajah and Bellissima see to the unloading of the prisoners to the Shadowhawk while Senor Garcia and Justicar will search the Bio-sub for stolen goods {and secret files}... to begin off-loading to the Shadowhawk.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:37, Wed 15 Feb 2023.

The submarine surfaces. As the villains and evidence is being unloaded, the submarine helps locate the ill-gotten gains of the Refuseniks. Although most of the things stolen from the vault are obtained, no files are found. Finally, the bio-sub creates a big sign on its side.

With the sub's intentions to dive with its hatches open, Senor Garcia didn't waste any time boarding the Shadowhawk.

Once JUSTICAR was aboard the Shadowhawk, the members of LESP had a decision to make.

"Be advised, we are all aboard the Shadowhawk. We got most of the stolen goods from the bank vault, and have both Dr. Phage, and The Provider in custody."

"Do we want to officially arrest Phage and the Providor or hand one or both of them over to Lt. Smohk?"

"Keep in mind that if we CANNOT charge them with a crime that sticks, and puts them away for a long time, we might be better off handing them over to Lt. Smohk."

This time, it is The Provider who shows the way. "Take us to the police. I am through."
"I will explain how we pilfered the vault, and what I did to Holly Cooks. It is time for justice, I am so tired."

Justicar will help oversee and unload the stolen goods and secure the prisoners from the Bio-sub... to the Shadowhawk.

He will return to the interior of the Bio-sub for one last check to make sure everything has been unloaded.  He will take that opportunity to remind the Bio-sub of the coordinates he gave her where she might find safe harbor and repair if needed and wished her best of fortune.

On a whim he will ask her if she has any idea where father discarded his Dimensional-Transfer device when he threw it overboard?

Returning to the Shadowhawk, at least briefly, to watch the Bio-sub submerge ~ in a flash of insight Hikari will search Ninja Takagawa's recovered gear and remains for any camera or flash-drive or potential evidence HE may have acquired or copied the missing files?

Justicar will secure the Ninja's effects in a evidence bag... along with the poisoned Kunai-blade in a sample jar from the crime-scene materials onboard the Shadowhawk.

... before he leaves, Hikari will go to the Shadowhawk bridge and check to see if the flash-drive he left for Prof. Undorf was where he left it.. or if he miscalculated?  If its still there he will collect it and make a mental note the he still needs to fulfill his part of the agreement with the Professor for his consultation and assistance in the Dimensional research.

Then Justicar takes flight... only to seal his systems and dive into the sea ... seeking the continental shelf some 70 meters down!  He will launch his two underwater drones Zeta and Lambda.. to help him search the previous coordinates of the Aeaea 'Bio-ship'... searching not for its location but for any metallic devices that might be the discarded Dimensional-Transporter device on the sea floor.  He does not expect to find anything but he feels he MUST try.. such technology is clearly dangerous and should not be allowed for some other party to find and abuse it again!

Likely tide and ocean currents will make the search futile even with his sensors tuned to metal detection, he will only search an hour... then duty satisfied, 'He tried' will make the slow rise to decompress and return to Center City... calling Dr. Grayson.. to find out where the Hermetically sealed Bio-chip needs to be delivered.

Then Justicar will kick in his Rocket thrusters to Mach 1, if need be, to get that life-saving chip to the child in need.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

Delivering the prisoners to shore was no mean feat. It likely would have been more difficult but Lt. Smohk offered some of his personnel to assist. He doesn't look relieved at being unable to retrieve the files.
When JUSTICAR goes into the bridge on the ShadowHawk, he finds a particular thumb drive has been replaced with some polaroids of an odd looking beam weapon. The sticky note attached to the photos indicates,

Hikari stood upon the bridge of the Shadowhawk an opened his visor to regard the polaroids... and laughed ~ loud, long and madly!

Eventually... calming himself and shaking his head he tucked away the photos & post-it note in his armor and pondered how many world-changing 'near-missess' occur like this world over?  But... at least it was nice to know... his young shoulders need not solely bear the weight entirely of protecting humanity from itself... though he was sure many would debate the 'safety' of the technology being in the hand of a known criminal ~ Phantasma.

Altering his plans Justicar contacted Dr. Greyson on phone to find the location to deliver the Bio-chip for the Boy's surgery... and took flight to do so.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:16, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

Through coordination and robotic piloting, the stolen goods with the exception of the files and the chip, reach shore and get sent to the appropriate parties. JUSTICAR rushes the chip to the hospital, and the operation is a success. Whether or not the boy is cured can only be answered with time. The Provider makes a full confession on the events of the robberies and Holly Cook's disappearance. Although he doesn't implicate anyone else, it turns out that Dr. Phage is a clichè, he's escaped from an asylum.
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