ST:TTV623 | "Jossra"

Stardate 98217.8

Following the trail of messages from the ancient Guardian, the Valley Forge arrives at the Jossra homeworld to find it has long been overcome by the Horde. Mia and Sayu get their first 'all drone' away mission, while Rianni just can't pass up the chance to have her cake and eat it...

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NPK@annpc#557 | As usual, the QanwI' is cloaked and scouting ahead of the VF... NPK@annpc#557 | Pilot: "Captain, we're approaching the coordinates. There is an M-class planet on sensors in this system." Lexi@crystyl:"About time too! Alright people, you know the drill. Poke our noses in and see if there's anything of interest" NPK@annpc#557 | K'Sarn: "Aye Captain!" NPK@annpc#557 | Merc: "I'm reading tech signatures on the planet. No ships in the area, though." Lexi@crystyl:"Guess we're taking a closer look. I want to know what level of technology we're talking here" NPK@annpc#557 | Pilot: "Moving us closer." NPK@annpc#557 | Merc: "Picking up debris now around the planet...and on the planet. This place was a warzone. Most of the cities seem to be in ruins. The energy signatures seem to be concentrated in four - NPK@annpc#557:- sites. I think they're factories. Massive, city-sized factories." Lexi@crystyl:"Intriguing... lifesigns?" NPK@annpc#557 | K'Sarn: "13 million, mostly in those factories, and with enough diversity to make a Federation trade hub look bad. There's something else strange about them too..." Lexi@crystyl leans forward, "Go on..." NPK@annpc#557 | K'Sarn: "The way they're moving, large groups in almost perfect sync. No one has that kind of discipline, not even Jem'Hadar. It reminds me of Borg drones." Lexi@crystyl:"Or the Horde..." NPK@annpc#557 | Merc: "There's no Borg tech readings. I think you're right, Captain. These 13 million lifesigns- they're all Horde thralls." Lexi@crystyl:"Well... shit" NPK@annpc#557 FX | https://youtu.be/Zoz6yMM8mkk --- Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile, the Valley Forge cruises along towards the system some distance behind the QanwI'... Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "Scouting report from the QanwI' is coming in, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Well, let us see what thrilling sensor analysis Captain Vix has for us this time" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva taps her console, "This is not looking good. Captain Vix reports most of the planet in a state of either ruin or disrepair. There are four regions with energy signatures which seem to be - Keliaya@anncaris:- functioning factory complexes. Most of the planet's 13 million lifesigns are concentrated around those, and their movements and biological diversity suggest them to be Horde thralls..." Keelah@crystyl sloooowly turns to Eva, "13 /million/ thralls...?" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "That's what the QanwI' reported. No signs of ships or orbital defense platforms around the planet or anywhere in the vicinity, though." Keliaya@anncaris:"Why would they leave so many thralls unguarded?" Keelah@crystyl perks a brow, "That seems... unlikely. How long until we rendezvous?" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "I suspect it once was guarded- by some of the ships we destroyed at Terminu. There were too many thralls for them to take on the attack fleet and the planet was still of use for - Keliaya@anncaris:- them." Keliaya@anncaris:"So they continue to manufacture whatever they were manufacturing, even though there's no fleets to supply at the moment." Keelah@crystyl:"A reasonable deduction" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Twenty minutes until we enter the system, Captain." Keelah@crystyl:"Increase to warp 9" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "Aye, increasing to warp 9." Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile, Vrolmacht continues to muse, "The Horde must not be expecting a counterattack against them immediately after we halted their advance- and for good reason. The Coalition did decide - Keliaya@anncaris:- to take the time to rebuild and recruit rather than risk any immediate offensive action to take advantage of the deplenished Horde numbers in this region." Keelah@crystyl:"Yes, but that was largely predetermined by our complete lack of knowledge as to their current whereabouts" Keelah@crystyl:"I do not credit the Horde with such calculation anyway. I find it more likely that they simply threw everything they had available into the recent conflicts and have not yet been able to get more - Keelah@crystyl:- ships back to this factory world" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Very likely, yes. We should take advantage of this opportunity." Keliaya@anncaris:"We can't just bombard the planet. These message cylinders we're looking for might still be down there." Keelah@crystyl:"It would also be wise to seize this opportunity to gain insight into their operations here. Whatever it's purpose it is clearly substantial. Something that important may be more effective to - Keelah@crystyl:- sabotage than destroy" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "But how do we get close to the factory or to wherever the message is hidden, with all the thralls crawling over that world?" Keelah@crystyl:"We have implemented means to walk among thralls before, we shall have to find a way here too" Keliaya@anncaris:"We'll also have to figure out where to look for that message. We can't search the ruins of every single city..." Keelah@crystyl:"Hopefully the QanwI' has found more in it's scans while it awaits our arrival" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "We'll be there in five minutes." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Guess we'll soon find out then!" Keliaya@anncaris | Five minutes later, the VF drops out of warp in the system. Fisher taps on his console as the ship slowly approaches the Horde-infested planet Keelah@crystyl:"Sensors" Keliaya@anncaris:"Boosting sensor power to maximum." Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "We're also getting additional data the QanwI's obtained." Keelah@crystyl:"Let's have it" Keliaya@anncaris | The scan data comes in at Lennie's console, validating the 13 million count as well as the presence of the huge city-sized factories and detailed scans of said factories Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Data's comin' in now. Tha's some real industry down there..." Keliaya@anncaris | The purpose of two of the factories can be discerned from the emissions and material readings coming from them. One appears to be a munitions factory churning out massive amounts of photon - Keliaya@anncaris:- and plasma torpedoes, with sensors reading the current stock at tens of thousands. A well-placed shot there would trigger a chain reaction that could quite literally destroy the planet Keliaya@anncaris | The second facility appears to be a huge refinery for a variety of different fuel sources, including dilithium Keelah@crystyl | Lennie relays all of this with her usual eloquence Keelah@crystyl is predictably disturbed by this, "What of the last two facilities. What can we tell about those?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Not much from orbital scans. One of them is definitely producing something but it's hard to say what. The last one doesn't seem to be giving off major amounts of pollutants like the rest." Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Tha' could be some sorta residential area maybe. Seein' a large concentration o'lifesigns in there" Keelah@crystyl:"What about potential sites for the message?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Sensors show a number of bunkers and bunker systems all throughout the planet, underneath the ruins of the cities. One city in particular seems to be larger than the rest, have a central position - Keliaya@anncaris:- on the central continent and possess considerably more bunkers. That's probably where the capital was, and if the message is still here, it's likely in one of the bunker systems in that city." Keliaya@anncaris:"It's still a lot of bunkers to search, but at least it's one city and not a dozen." Keelah@crystyl:"As good a place to start as any. Any activity on long range sensors?" Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, "Nothing yet." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "I suggest posting the QanwI' on patrol on the outer edge of the system, so we have further warning if something does approach us." Keelah@crystyl:"Very good, and we will stand at yellow alert. Staff conference in 15 minutes to determine our next move" she stands, heading to ready room Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "Aye Captain. Standing at yellow alert." --- Keliaya@anncaris | Fifteen minutes later, the senior staff and all other relevant personnel are gathered in one of the conference rooms... Keelah@crystyl looks around, "All right, you all know the brief; now we need a solution" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "From what we know of the Horde facilities, the most substantial damage we can do is to sabotage their torpedoes, preferably something in their production mechanisms that will cause - Keliaya@anncaris:- any torpedoes made from now on to be defective. Failing that, we may be able to sabotage some of their existing stock. The difficulty will be making our way into the facility." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The Horde cannot sense us with our implants, so stealth is possible. However, they can still see us with their natural senses, and there are a large number of thralls in the factory.” Keelah@crystyl | Lexi huffs, "Why don't we just bombard them from orbit and be done with it?" Keelah@crystyl:"We still need to try and recover the next message. Besides, sabotaging their arms would deal a far more critical blow to their next assault" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "Another possibility would be to take the planet from them. The Coalition could certainly use all of that replenishment just now" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "But that would require dealing with 13 million thralls without bombardment." Keelah@crystyl | Rianni: "I didn't say it would be easy, or that I had any clue how to do it. Just pointing out that this is a sizeable cache of desperately needed assets" Keelah@crystyl:"Rianni is right, but without any viable method to achieve this I fear we must focus on the alternatives for now. First things first, we need to infiltrate the facilities" Keliaya@anncaris:"We /could/ still use bombardment. We can fill our torpedo casings with toxins instead of antimatter." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Large scale deployment of chemical, biological or radioactive weaponry is forbidden by the Khitomer Accords." Keliaya@anncaris:"That's only because of the tendency to affect innocent civilians with such deployments. There are no civilians left on that planet." Keliaya@anncaris | Silvestrie: "But we're still members of the Federation, and the Federation signed the Accords." Keelah@crystyl:"Less drastic means would be preferable. Less biological warfare, more infiltration" Keliaya@anncaris | Kazra: "What about phase-shifting?" Keelah@crystyl:"Like the Devidians?" Keliaya@anncaris | Kazra: "Exactly! The Devidians on Vue-En took us to a future where the planet was overrun by the Horde, and their people were there to feed on the Horde. We should be able to walk undetected - Keliaya@anncaris:- among them that way." Keliaya@anncaris:"We'll need to do some tinkering with phase discriminators, but it should be possible." Keelah@crystyl:"You think you can create a mobile solution?" Keelah@crystyl | Lennie: "Maybe use bio-dampeners as a base?" Keliaya@anncaris:"Good idea, Lennie. We should be able to manage it, but you'll have to return to normal phase to interact with things in our phase, so it's only good for hiding someone up to their destination. The - Keliaya@anncaris:- team will be visible when actually performing the sabotage." Keelah@crystyl:"It's a start at least. Unless our Klingon friends have been holding out on us with with the cloaking systems and have some handy personal cloaking devices in the QanwI's replicators..." she looks - Keelah@crystyl:- to Lexi Keelah@crystyl | Lexi shakes her head, "I'm sure they have, but they wouldn't share that with me. We're outcasts remember" Keelah@crystyl chuckles, "Very well, proceed with the phase-shifts" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll have my teams working on them. As for the search for the message, well...we can't narrow that down anymore from here. Hopefully, if we explore the bunkers in the capital city, if we - Keliaya@anncaris:- don't find it, we might be able to locate some clues, some records that survived the Horde takeover, which might point us in the right direction. Everything hints at the city we've identified as - Keliaya@anncaris:- being the Jossra's seat of government, so it's the most likely place where we might find relevant data." Keelah@crystyl:"We can only hope. How long will it take to produce the phase-discriminators?" Keliaya@anncaris thinks for a moment, "We can probably manage the tinkering in one to two shifts, but we'll want to perform some tests with them first to make sure they're safe for use. We don't want our team - Keliaya@anncaris:- trapped out of phase. I'd say four shifts would be best, so a little over a day." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Take as long as you need. We can't afford any mistakes from rushing development here" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "There is one more thing..." Keelah@crystyl:"Go ahead" Keliaya@anncaris:"We can't transport directly into the bunkers. Our team there will have to make their way across the surface of the ruined city. It shouldn't be a problem for Mia, but the terrain will be difficult - Keliaya@anncaris:- to traverse for most other people. I suggest sending Sayu with her for security, but anyone else is more likely to slow them down and put the team at risk." Keelah@crystyl:"Just Mia and Sayu; is this an alternative to a team using phase shifts, or just a supplement to it?" Keliaya@anncaris:"That's just for the city, to search for the message. We should send a different team to deal with the factory- the two aren't close together, and scans of the factory don't suggest that movement - Keliaya@anncaris:- would be a problem. The factory team should be good at infiltration, but there's not a lot of thralls in the city, so Mia and Sayu's speed should be enough, and if any thralls do get close, they - Keliaya@anncaris:- should be able to handle a confrontation with the small numbers in that area." Keelah@crystyl nods, "Sounds reasonable to me. Mia has worked in close confines with thralls before so she knows what to expect, and I believe their non-biological nature makes them less interesting to the Horde" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "I hope so too. They'll explore the city ruins for the message, while a separate team will sabotage the factory." Keelah@crystyl:"We have a few days to prepare, I suggest making the most of it" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni nods: "If it's at all possible, it could help to try and steal a couple of their finished warheads. Studying them in detail could allow us to optimize a sabotage method" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "It should be much easier to sneak into the storage depots than the factory itself. We can retrieve several warheads to study first. I am sure your infiltration skill will be - Keliaya@anncaris:- useful for this mission, Ensign. Would you like to lead the team?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni seems a little taken aback but nods after a moment, "I will not let you down Sir" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "The Lodzki spy Lumini will also be a good addition to the team. Any other suggestions?" Keelah@crystyl | Rianni nods, looking to Lexi, "If permissible, I would like to have Avita with us" Keelah@crystyl | Lexi grins, "I'm sure she'll be delighted to know you haven't forgotten about her" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "An excellent idea. It seems we have our teams, then." Keelah@crystyl:"Then let's get to work" --- Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Over a day later, Rianni, Lumini and Avita are called into one of the engineering labs. Inside, Kelly and Taizam-Dur await them Rianni@crystyl wanders in, looking around, "Commander, crewma- wait, your Tai aren't you?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur nods, "I am. You've heard of me?" Rianni@crystyl approaches with a smile, "Emma won't stop talking about your recent adventures!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur smiles back, "Ahh, that would explain it, yes. So you're leading this team, then?" Rianni@crystyl:"Mhmm! Well, the infiltration anyway. I won't even pretend to know what you techy types are doing" she smiles Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly chuckles, "These particular things took quite a bit of fine tuning, but the theory isn't /that/ complicated." Rianni@crystyl turns to Kelly, "I assume then we are here to start testing on the phase discriminators?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly nods, "That's right." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur picks up a small device from the central console-table, "We've set it to put you into the same phase the Devidians use, as that's been known to conceal you from notice by the Horde." Rianni@crystyl:"You guys have certainly made light work of preparing them. Impressive just for that!" Rianni@crystyl:"Wouldn't it be funny if we use them down there to find this planet full of Devidians" she chuckles Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "If that's the case, hopefully they'll be sated by the Horde and be uninterested in you, at least long enough for you to shift back," she chuckles before pointing to a button, "One tap - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- of this will cause the phase shift, and tapping again will bring you back into regular phase. It clips onto your belt- make sure it's attached before you press it." Rianni@crystyl:"Sounds simple enough" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur hands the device to Rianni, "Don't use it yet though, you'll also want to have this. Alien NPC@annpc#557 | He steps up to the table and picks up a small earpiece Rianni@crystyl takes the first device with a "hm?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "It's exactly what it seems, an earpiece for comms. It'll tie into regular comms, which you can activate through the combadge, this'll just feed it directly to you rather than - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- sounding it out loud, which is not a good idea for a stealth mission. You'll need these to communicate with anyone in regular phase, whether on your team or here on the ship." Rianni@crystyl:"What about communication within our team should we need to split up. Do we use these for that too?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly nods, "They work for regular comms too." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Give me your combadge, let me tie it in for you." Rianni@crystyl unclips it and hands it to Tai Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur attaches a wire between the combadge and the console, then another to the earpiece before tapping away for a few moments. Soon, he disconnects the wires and passes both to Rianni Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "They should be all set. Just put them on and we'll have a quick test." Rianni@crystyl does as instructed, "Thanks" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur taps his own combadge Alien NPC@annpc#557 <C - Tai> Taizam-Dur to Ensign Tierno Alien NPC@annpc#557 | The sound does indeed come in from Rianni's earpiece Rianni@crystyl pokes a little at the unusual sensation of a voice in her ear <C> Signal test confirmed, I hear you clearly Alien NPC@annpc#557 | The return feed plays from Tai's combadge, and is audible to everyone Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Perfect. I don't hear Tai's message from your combadge, so your comms shouldn't alert any thralls, assuming you don't raise your own voice too much while talking of course." Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "That would be rather counter productive wouldn't it!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur chuckles, "That it would. We can try the phase-shifting now that we know comms is working as intended." Rianni@crystyl:"Now this should be interesting. Is there anything I should know in preparation?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "No...nothing I can think of, at least. We'll all disappear, but don't panic, the ship will still be here. You might be able to move through certain fixtures you weren't able to - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- move through before though. Just make sure you aren't inside anything or anyone when you shift back." Rianni@crystyl takes a moment to think it through and shudders with a nervous gulp, "Duly noted..." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Maybe we should set it to a closer phase, one where you can see us as well...but we're not sure if the Horde might see through that. You'll just have to be careful to exit phase - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- out of the way, so you don't appear inside someone else." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly nods, "The thralls seem to be quite predictable from our scans of their movement from orbit, at least when they're just going about their usual work..." Rianni@crystyl:"It would be useful to still be able to see them" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Maybe we can try that phase when you go down to retrieve some torpedoes for study. If it works, we'll keep it, otherwise we'll be able to adjust in time for when you go into the - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- factory. But first, let's get you used to moving in phase first. We'll make the necessary adjustments before you're deployed." He hands the phase discriminator to Rianni Rianni@crystyl nods, "Sounds good to me" clipping it to her belt, "And that raises a good point; we'll have to use transporter tags on the ordnance. I assume they'll be phased with us when we carry them, but will- Rianni@crystyl:- they phase back on their own when we place them?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Actually...that is a good point. You won't be able to interact with them when you're phased. You'll have to return to normal phase briefly and attach another phase discriminator onto - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- them, then you'll be able to carry them out. The phasing will only apply to you and everything on your body at the time of using the device." Rianni@crystyl:"Carry... torpedoes? That will be awkward. I had planned to go in with transporter tags to place on the torpedoes and beam them out" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "You can do the same with a transporter tag, though the Horde will probably detect if we beam them directly out of the depot. You might want to move them outside the storage buildings, - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- before tagging them. It might be a little awkward, but the phase discriminators should allow you to move the torpedoes through the walls, and with no risk of being detected when they're on if - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- they work properly. The only risk will be the moment you turn them off to interact with the torpedoes." Rianni@crystyl:"Understood" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "We'll prepare some extra discriminators for you to apply to the torpedoes to carry outside them out of the depots." Rianni@crystyl:"Alright then. How about we give this test a go?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Ready when you are, Ensign. We won't move from our positions, so you'll know where not to be when you phase back." Rianni@crystyl:"Here goes nothing!" she smiles, tapping the control Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Everyone suddenly flashes out of view around her, though the lab and its consoles, as well as the rest of the ship, are unchanged Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Kelly> Can you hear me, Ensign Rianni@crystyl:<C> It is strangely echo-ey, but yes. *giggles* ooh tingly, this is surreal Rianni@crystyl is apparently putting her phase state through its paces Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Kelly> Wait until you try walking /through/ something Rianni@crystyl:<C> Don't worry Commander. I just leaned against the console while looking around and my hand passed through it! Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Kelly> Yes, that's something you'll have to get used to when out of phase *she chuckles* You can't interact with everything you see anymore Rianni@crystyl:<C> How is your perception from that side? Any indication of my presence? Alien NPC@annpc#557:<C - Tai> I can't see you nor can my scanner detect you in its default configuration. If I adjust it specifically, I can detect you, but it would require knowing the presence of something off-phase - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- in the vicinity first. It's imperative that you remain hidden when deactivating the device to interact with something. You can still hide from them visually if you are spotted, but once they know - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- what to search for, they may be able to detect you. Rianni@crystyl pops back into view on the other side of the lab behind Kelly & Tai, "Understood!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly turns and smiles, "There you are! Don't worry, we'll adjust the range so you can see us. Anything else you think is worth mentioning from that little test?" Rianni@crystyl:"I think that's the main thing. Otherwise it's just a matter of practice and familiarization" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "We'll try to have the tweaks complete before you go then and give you more time to familiarize yourselves with it." Rianni@crystyl:"I would also like to stress test the system. We need to know how fragile these devices are, and how much notice we get of one failing" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Be careful though, we don't want you getting trapped out of phase." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Actually, Commander, that's not much of a risk. We know the exact phase they're going to, so one of us can use a functioning device to recover them. The only risk is phasing back - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- in while inside something or someone." Rianni@crystyl:"I am sure we can think up a way to remotely test a spare unit. Trust me, not wanting to get stuck like that is exactly why I want to cover every eventuality" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly nods, "Especially not down on a Horde infested planet. Don't worry, the Captain says we can have all the time we need, so we'll make sure we take the time to test it properly." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "We'll do some more adjustments first to find a phase where you can see everyone properly still, and let you know when it's ready for more testing." Rianni@crystyl:"I look forward to more testing! Meanwhile, I need to brush up on my stealth tactics. I'm familiar with infiltration, but that's deception based. Camouflage stealth is a completely different thing" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "I can help you with that. I rely on camouflage stealth over infiltration, as you can likely tell from my appearance." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "You have quite the extensive suite of cyberware. Some of it I recognize as Underworld equipment, others I've never seen before." Rianni@crystyl smiles and nods, "I was hoping you would say that! It's why I asked for you to join our team for this one" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I've been trained in a little of both. I'm sure we can all share ideas and experiences and learn something new." Rianni@crystyl:"Then I suggest we let these guys get on with their fantastic work on these little miracle boxes and go review our different strategies" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Sounds good!" Rianni@crystyl turns to Kelly and Tai, "Thank you both for all your work, we'll reconvene when you're ready to test more!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "We'll let you know when the tweaks are done!" --- NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni, Avita and Lumini head to one of the holodecks following the first test of the phasing... NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "So, you do infiltration as well?" Rianni@crystyl:"Mhmm! Well I mean, mostly the other me. But I've done my own share since getting my life back!" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Interesting. Do you often go on missions like this, then?" Rianni@crystyl:"Well 'often' is a subjective term. After all, I've not been in Starfleet /that/ long..." Rianni@crystyl clearly feels a little inadequate in present company, and not just from her stature as usual... NPC@annpc#557 | Avita meanwhile steps over to the holodeck controls, tapping away. A few moments later, a simulation of a basic hallway appears, with two patrolling Klingon guards NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "This will suffice." Rianni@crystyl:"Seems simple enough" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "At the School, we were always taught that line of sight is key for stealth. Keep in mind what your opponent can see and keep an eye on them from a position where they can't see you or - NPC@annpc#557 - aren't likely to notice you." Rianni@crystyl:"So the purpose of this exercise is to use natural cover and the like to get past the patrols without being spotted, right?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "Yes. This is only a very simple exercise. There are more difficult scenarios we can use later." Rianni@crystyl:"Very well. So who goes first?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'll try it. This does look fairly straightforward." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps up, keeping a low profile and making her way across the hall. Despite her size, she picks her cover carefully and moves with almost no sound, and the NPC guards patrol on - NPC@annpc#557 - obliviously as she makes her way through NPC@annpc#557 | Avita looks to Rianni: "Want to go next?" Rianni@crystyl:"Sure" she nods, focusing her attention as she tries to mirror Lumini's behaviour in carefully moving from cover to cover as she progresses down the hall NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni manages to make her way down the hall without much trouble either NPC@annpc#557 | Avita follows after them, managing just as well, "We should attempt something more difficult. Computer, raise difficulty to level 15." Rianni@crystyl beams proudly as she joins Lumini, though it quickly fades when she hears how much a jump in level their next go will be NPC@annpc#557 FX | The holodeck flickers around them and the hallway disappears, replaced by a forest with large trees NPC@annpc#557 | Figures of guards can be seen in the distance of the forest NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "An open area. More difficult to predict the movement of the guards, but also more room for us to move." Rianni@crystyl:"Many more variables to be aware of, not least being the unpredictable ground conditions" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Precisely. Line of sight is just a saying- often times, sound is just as important. You want to keep an eye on the ground, not only for the presence of traps, but also for potential - NPC@annpc#557:- objects you may step on that could make noise and alert others to your location. Things like that are all too common in a woodland environment." Rianni@crystyl:"What about communication with one another? We will be moving as a group through the facility, but verbal communication may be problematic in close proximity to thralls" NPC@annpc#557:| Lumini: "We could ask the engineering personnel to work an additional function into these earpieces, a button for us to press to send auditory cues directly to one another. Then we can work out a - NPC@annpc#557:- simple code of beeps to communicate without having to speak up." Rianni@crystyl:"That could be useful, especially if we find ourselves out of each others eyeline" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "I agree. We can ask them to add that functionality when we return for more testing with the phasing devices." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks to Rianni, "Do you want to try the forest first, or should I?" Rianni@crystyl:"I'll let you go first again. It is useful for me see how a pro does it" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini smiles, "You're pretty close yourself, from what I saw you do last time." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps forward, using the large trees for cover. The trees are tall and thick enough that she is easily concealed behind them NPC@annpc#557 | She takes her time on this one, pausing to take note of the patrol patterns of the guards and often times waiting for one to walk past before cautiously proceeding once their back is turned NPC@annpc#557 | One of the guards notice something and walk over to check, but Lumini carefully circles around the truck of a tree, keeping on the opposite side of the guard until he steps away before going on NPC@annpc#557 | A short while later, she makes it to the other side of the guards Rianni@crystyl again watches closely to see the methods used and begins making her way across in the same fashion Rianni@crystyl:rolls 5 (1-100) NPC@annpc#557 | A twig snaps beneath Rianni's feet, causing a guard to walk in her direction to investigate Rianni@crystyl silently curses, after she even made a point of such things before they started. She quickly changes direction to duck behind cover and wait for the guard to give up NPC@annpc#557 | The guard searches the area for a few seconds before shaking his head and promptly returning to the spot he was before Rianni@crystyl is extra careful watching her positioning as she moves around the guards patrol route... NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni manages to make it to the other side without further incident NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Well done!" Rianni@crystyl breathes a sigh of relief as she joins Lumini, "I can't believe I stepped on a branch!" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Places like this make it easy to accidentally make noise. Too much leaves and plants concealing things that might alert others to your presence. Don't worry, we all make mistakes," she - NPC@annpc#557:- smiles reassuringly. "I'm pretty sure that guard was onto me because he caught a glimpse of me as I was moving from tree to tree. Open environments give you more space to move, but it also means - NPC@annpc#557:- more places where you might be spotted." Rianni@crystyl:"That's why it pays to be aware of your broader surroundings, so you always have a next move if it's needed!" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "Indeed, and you did that very nice-" she pauses and looks back across the forest as Avita extends the blades from her arms and promptly begins crawling up the tree like an insect NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "She can do that?" Rianni@crystyl:"Apparently so..." she notes, dumbfounded as she watches NPC@annpc#557 | Avita leaps from treetop to treetop, staying low enough not to touch the leaves at the canopy, but high enough to be well above the guards. Some of them look up at the sound of her blades - NPC@annpc#557:- digging into the trunks, but by then she has moved on to the next tree. She doesn't take long at all before leaping down before the two, breaking her fall with a roll NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Is that a natural part of your species?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita stands, retracting the blades into her arm, "No. They're a cybernetic augmentation." Rianni@crystyl:"A useful personal trait we would do well as a team to keep note of" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita looks to Rianni, "And a general thing to remember- staying far above someone is always a good way to be out of their line of sight. People tend to check beside them first before looking - NPC@annpc#557:- up, if they look up at all. It is much harder to get above someone, but a useful position to be if there is a way." Rianni@crystyl:"Though I have a lot of the Observer's agility and skill, I am not sure I have the upper body strength to fully capitalize on that in corridors..." Rianni@crystyl:"Or the reach either of you possess" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "True. But outdoors, rooftops could be an option, if they are accessible." Rianni@crystyl:"Good point" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Let's try something with some proper challenge. Computer, raise difficulty to level 25." NPC@annpc#557 | The forest disappears to be replaced with a fully guarded gate to a compound of some description... Rianni@crystyl gulps --- Mana@anncaris:| As Rianni's team tests the phasing devices and prepares for their mission, Mia and Sayu gathers on the transporter pad to begin their search for the message. Mana follows to the transporter room, - Mana@anncaris:- seeing them off Mana@anncaris:"Mana is confident in Mia and Sayu's abilities, but be careful down on the planet. The city is mostly empty, and hopefully Mia and Sayu's non-organic natures will not be of interest to any thralls - Mana@anncaris:- in the area, but this is still a Horde controlled planet." Mia@crystyl:smiles, "Do not worry Ms. Mana, we will take good care of our brother and make sure to bring him home to you safely!" Mana@anncaris:"Be careful not to get cornered in the bunkers. The Valley Forge can get a transporter lock in most places on the surface of the city, and there is plenty of space to move, so even if there - Mana@anncaris:- is trouble, Mia and Sayu can fly up until the ship can transport. But inside the bunkers space is more limited, and the bunkers seem to be lined with materials that make transporter locks - Mana@anncaris:- impossible." Mia@crystyl:"We promise to be careful" Mana@anncaris:smiles and hands Mia and Sayu a chip each, "This contains all of the detailed scan data the ship has obtained of the city and surrounding area, including the location of all the bunkers. The - Mana@anncaris:- transporter will take Mia and Sayu close to one of those on the edge of the city." Mia@crystyl:feeds the chips into each drone, "Understood" Mana@anncaris:"Good luck!" she nods to the transporter operator, who energizes... Mana@anncaris:FX | https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/fb/a6/9afba6f0211621bd109131ccce5f40c9.jpg Mana@anncaris:| Mia and Sayu transport down to the edge of a ruined city... Mana@anncaris:| Their newly uploaded maps show the entrance of a bunker close by Mia@crystyl:| Beeps a cursory all clear to Sayu as she scans the area and begins hovering off in that direction Mana@anncaris:| Sayu follows behind, scanning as he goes. He pauses before they reach the bunker however, instead tapering off to one of the collapsed buildings Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Look at this.] Mia@crystyl:| Hovers over to scan what has his attention Mana@anncaris:| Mia detects a large number of dozens of bodies buried beneath the building, but not only buried- they seem arranged in a circle, almost a ritualistic positioning. Scans show none of the bodies - Mana@anncaris:- reveal any fatal injuries. They are all part of the same species and genetically consistent, not having been corrupted by Horde breeding Mia@crystyl:[Biologicals do have the most curious rituals…] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Indeed, and it looks like these died- sacrificed themselves? performing it. This culture looks advanced though, most cultures of this level no longer practice sacrificing to higher deities.] Mia@crystyl:[It may not be a sacrificial ritual, but perhaps just a familial burial site] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Or maybe they knew the Horde was coming and performed some form of ritual suicide. We may never know. Let us continue with our mission.] Mia@crystyl:[We will retain all relevant scan data for Ms. Lennie's perusal upon our return. She will be eager to make a record of who these people were] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Good idea. Lennie will be very interested to see what we find here.] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu veers away from the ruined building, continuing towards the bunker Mia@crystyl:hovers after him [Isn't it wonderful brother? Who would have thought we would end up working together like this independent of Ms. Mana on our very own mission!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [And such an important one as well. These messages could eventually lead to the facility the Valley Forge is out here to search for, one that could alter the course of this conflict.] Mia@crystyl:[Exactly, yes! This is a proud and exciting day for us for brother!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [That it certainly is! According to my sensors, the bunker entrance should be ahead...] Mia@crystyl:[Then let us proceed with caution] Mana@anncaris:| As expected, they do detect the entrance ahead, but the visual feed shows only a hillside. The entrance itself has already been buried Mia@crystyl:[This is problematic. If we can not burrown through we will have to find another entrance] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: "I should be able to burrow through. Give me a moment.] Mia@crystyl:[We will stand watch] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu hovers up to the hillside and activates his beam, the drone moving as it cuts through the dirt. Mia sees no activity of note as she keeps watch and before long, the dirt slides off, - Mana@anncaris:- revealing a metal door. Sayu hovers beside the door and uses the red beam again, cutting through a panel before turning to Mia Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [You should be able to get the door open, sister. The mechanisms still seem to be intact.] Mia@crystyl:[On it!] she hovers over and interfaces with the panel Mana@anncaris:| A few moments later, the door groans as it tries to slide open for the first time in many years. It stops, moves a little again, and finally fails completely, but the gap is wide enough for the - Mana@anncaris:- drones to squeeze through Mia@crystyl:[There. Big enough for us, but not thralls. Exactly as we intended!] she proudly declares in spite of the happenchance Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Good thing only we drones are on this mission!] He passes through the gap into the dark hallway beyond, [Sensors read all clear.] Mia@crystyl:follows, scanning thoroughly Mana@anncaris:| The hallway leads them down beneath the hill and eventually to a large open round entrance Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [This seems to have been the main blast door for the bunker, but it was never sealed. Not good prospects for finding something within.] Mia@crystyl:[Only one way to find out...] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu hovers into the bunker and begins their search... Mia@crystyl:heads in and splits off in the opposite direction to cover more ground, though doesn't stray beyond sensor range of Sayu, focusing just in the area Mia@crystyl:rolls 100 (1-100) Mana@anncaris:| Mia finds that the bunker's primary generator, though offline, is entirely intact and can be reactivated Mia@crystyl:[Brother, we have located the facilities primary power generator and it is fully functional! Most likely never got activated as the bunker was never first sealed. We shall restore power] Mana@anncaris:| As Mia activates the generator, the entire bunker lights up. Consoles flicker to life as various systems come online Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [These consoles may have useful information.] Mia@crystyl:[That is our hope! Beginning systems analysis now] Mana@anncaris:| Mia begins searching the systems of the bunker computers, and they indeed do contain a plethora of information! Patching together pieces from various logs and communications, Mia learns that the - Mana@anncaris:- Jossra did indeed know that the Horde was coming. The Jossra culture was, as Docha claimed in her message, very agreeable and extremely peaceful, but prior to the arrival of the Horde, a - Mana@anncaris:- particular radical faction arose which were proponents of defending themselves against the Horde rather than attempting to evacuate. The Jossra suspected this faction was under Horde influence, - Mana@anncaris:- as it sabotaged their evacuation attempts and tried to breed augmented soldiers that were supposedly immune to control to fight the Horde. It's even theorized that this faction helped in some way - Mana@anncaris:- to destroy the Guardian task force that tried to evacuate the planet as they claim to have found the wreckage of the ships after they never arrived Mana@anncaris:| According to these records, most of the bunkers were never used, as the Jossra knew the bunkers provided no shelter against Horde control. However, a number of them were sealed, not to protect - Mana@anncaris:- people but cultural artifacts and documentation. While there is no documentation in this bunker of which bunker holds which particular artifacts, the list and location of used bunkers are - Mana@anncaris:- there, which certainly helps narrow down the areas that need to be searched Mia@crystyl:relays all the data to Sayu as she processes it [We appear to have narrowed the search parameters] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Excellent. Where should we go next?] Mana@anncaris:| There is another bunker a little further into the city which has been sealed Mia@crystyl:[There is no data presenting favourable likelihoods between bunkers, so we recommend starting with the next nearest] she highlights the coordinates Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Let us proceed, then.] Mia@crystyl:heads back out ready to proceed to the next bunker Mana@anncaris:| The two drones travel across the landscape. It takes almost a half hour of hovering for them to enter the city proper. Once there, they are surrounded by the remnants of what used to be great - Mana@anncaris:- skyscrapers that could have easily matched anything on the Federation homeworlds at their height, but many of them are little more than skeletal frames and piles of rubble. Many times, they had - Mana@anncaris:- through gaps between collapsed structures or over huge mounds of debris, the streets being completely unnavigable for anyone on two feet Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Lifeforms up top.] Mia@crystyl:slows her pace and progresses a little more cautiously Mana@anncaris:| Above them, three figures climb vertically up the surface of what remains of a tower. They don't reach the very top, all three deftly jumping down onto a beam halfway up before crawling - Mana@anncaris:- upside-down in a very insect-like fashion to the building it connects to, disappearing between some cracks in its surface. Sensor readings match one of the specialized Horde variants aptly named - Mana@anncaris:- by the Guardians as Horde Crawlers Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Good. They did not notice us.] Mia@crystyl:[We are curious as to what purpose they could be serving all the way up there] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [It seems unlikely they would be patrolling a ruin. Perhaps these are salvage teams, digging through what remains of the city to find materials for their factories.] Mia@crystyl:[That does seem most likely] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Our next destination should not be far. Over here.] He proceeds on cautiously, alert for more lifesigns Mia@crystyl:follows, equally vigilant Mana@anncaris:| The two drones soon reach a spot above the bunker, though there is no obvious way down as the bunker seems to be beneath several ruined and a few partially standing buildings Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [There's a tunnel system leading into this bunker. Entrances must be nearby, perhaps accessible from these ruins.] Mia@crystyl:[Most likely given the nature of the bunkers] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Splitting up may allow us to find an entrance faster, but it could be dangerous with the presence of these thralls nearby.] Mia@crystyl:[We have no fixed time parameters for mission completion. We believe it would be best to search together still] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [I agree. Let us play this safely.] Mana@anncaris:| The two search the ruins together, coming across multiple dead ends. At the bottom of one building, they find a curious hallway lined with skeletons which show evidence of Horde hybridization Mana@anncaris:| Throughout the hallway, their sensors detect emplacements for turrets and other defensive systems, but the systems themselves are no longer there Mia@crystyl:[The activity here suggests a higher priority use than the surrounding areas. we may be on to something with this one] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [We shall search this building thoroughly.] Mia@crystyl:continues searching attentively Mana@anncaris:| After a few more minutes, Mia finds a locked door which sensors indicate lead to a passage further down. She locates the control panel, but it appears to be broken beyond use or repair Mia@crystyl:[This appears to be a promising route but we are unable to override the controls here. Brother, can you cut through this one? Mana@anncaris:| Sayu hovers over, scanning the door before beeping an affirmative. He activates his red beam again, cutting around the frame of the door until it comes loose and crashes down onto the ground Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Good find, sister!] Mia@crystyl:[And good job with the cutting beam, brother! We may have to look into a little upgrade of our own!] she giggle-beeps Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [I have Mana to thank for that! Maybe you can ask for an upgrade too.] Mia@crystyl:[Maybe! Though we suspect mon Capitaine may take more convincing] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Indeed. Perhaps if we find the message, it will make her more amenable to the idea.] Mia@crystyl:[Perhaps. But first we must find it. Let us continue, and be careful; this vault was sealed so it may still contain active defenses] Mana@anncaris:| The two drones continue down into what appear to be maintenance tunnels underneath the city. Even with their sensors, the tunnels are a maze and it takes a good fifteen minutes of navigating - Mana@anncaris:- before they come on the right trail. There are indeed more defense turrets, these ones intact within the ceilings, but inactive due to a lack of power source Mia@crystyl:[We appear to be clear as long as the power remains off...] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [We will have to be careful about activating further generators, then.] Mia@crystyl:[Indeed] Mana@anncaris:| Before long, they reach a large round vault door, this one sealed unlike the previous one. There is a control mechanism which is intact and only requires minimal power that a small generator - Mana@anncaris:- nearby can provide Mia@crystyl:[We should be able to isolate this control and power it with a mobile generator] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Excellent. I will stay alert in case any turrets are activated.] Mia@crystyl:sets about connecting the power generator and attempting to open the vault. Mia@crystyl:rolls 20 (1-100) Mana@anncaris:| Mia has to do some repair work before the generator functions properly. When it turns on, it powers up only the console and fortunately no turrets come online. However, opening the door is more - Mana@anncaris:- difficult than Mia anticipated as the controls are locked with alien coding unfamiliar to Mia. It takes her a good twenty minutes before there is a loud clank and the door finally begins to open... Mia@crystyl:[There!] Mana@anncaris:| This door appears to be in far better condition and opens all the way, with a series of loud metal noises as the heavily sealed vault door is cracked open for the first time in who knows how long Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Well done, sister!] Mia@crystyl:[Stay alert brother. Even if there is nothing inside, that sound may have alerted thralls to our activity] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [True. I will watch for enemies while you search the bunker.] Mia@crystyl:beeps an acknowledgement and continues forwards Mia@crystyl:rolls 43 (1-100) Mana@anncaris:| Mia manages to find another generator, this one likely to activate the turrets, but there are no turrets in the bunker itself, so it should be safe as long as the generator is turned off when - Mana@anncaris:- they depart Mia@crystyl:records the position as she passes by Mana@anncaris:| Aside from the generator, the bunker contains a number of cultural artifacts. There are many consoles like the previous bunker, but they are inactive with the generator off Mia@crystyl:continues scanning around systematically in a search for the message container Mana@anncaris:| Unfortunately, there is no sign of the message container among this bunker's contents Mia@crystyl:informs Sayu of the situation and notes thaat the computers may have more detail but it comes at the cost of activating the turrets as well Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Activate the computers. There should not be any turrets inside the bunker, but I will be alert and keep watch.] Mia@crystyl:[Acknowledged. Standby...] Mana@anncaris:| As Mia searches the computers, there are sounds of phaser fire outside... Mia@crystyl:[Brother, what is happening out there?] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [You were right- the noise has attracted the attention of some thralls. Fortunately, the reactivated turrets have dealt with them.] Mia@crystyl:[Do you need us to pull back?] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Negative. The thrall have been neutralized, but we should speed up our work here in case more thralls from elsewhere come to this location in force.] Mia@crystyl:[We are working at peak efficiency! We will update as soon as we have anything. Stay safe brother and fall back to our position if needed] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Understood.] Mia@crystyl:continues racing through all of the data using all available processing power Mana@anncaris:| Before long, Mia manages to dig up some historical records of the planet. Much of it contain various different details on the politics of the planet and the many power struggles in this region of - Mana@anncaris:- space in the past. One piece is of particular interest, documenting the arrival of the Sorobeth Guardian Docha and her Nuhar Construct friend the Attentive Watcher. The records claim that the two - Mana@anncaris:- helped end a conflict between the Jossra and the nearby and then only beginning to expand Vex Empire. Following this, the Jossra historians assisted the Guardian in furthering their search. A - Mana@anncaris:- short while after her first visit, Docha apparently returned to the planet, and according to these sources, left not one but two messages with the Jossra. Unfortunately, the records do not say - Mana@anncaris:- where the messages are, only that they were safely stored away Mia@crystyl:relays the find to Sayu, confirming that this does not further narrow the search Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [At least we know there are messages to be found on this planet, so this search is not for nothing. Let's close the generator and move on to the next bunker quickly.] Mia@crystyl:[Acknowledged. Powering down now.] Mana@anncaris:| The lights and consoles flicker off throughout the bunker until the entire area is pitch dark again Mia@crystyl:'s light flickers on and she quickly makes her way back to Sayu Mana@anncaris:| Sayu hovers near the bunker entrance, his light also on. He begins making his way out as Mia joins him. They proceed back through the tunnels, where three bodies of crawler thralls are now lying Mia@crystyl:joins Sayu as they proceed back out and make their way to the next bunker Mana@anncaris:| Once the two make their way back out onto the surface, sensors begin to pick up lifesigns again... Mia@crystyl:[More lifesigns. Attempting to isolate...] Mana@anncaris:| It doesn't take Mia long to isolate six lifesigns moving through the ruined city towards them, and also three somewhere above... Mia@crystyl:shares the data with Sayu and looks to take find a suitable observation point Mana@anncaris:| Mia finds a little crack leading into a small, mostly-collapsed room that makes for a perfect hiding place. Sayu follows her in and the two drones wait. It doesn't take long until six Horde - Mana@anncaris:- crawlers come into view, squeezing through the ruins and proceeding down towards the bunker they had left not long ago. The two lifesigns above still remain, appearing to circle the area. One - Mana@anncaris:- comes into view as it perches on top of a ruined skyscraper, revealing itself to be an avian thrall Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [If we cling to the ruins and proceed slowly and cautiously, we should be able to avoid the notice of these avians.] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed. We have to keep moving] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu slowly creeps out of the ruin, keeping by the debris as he tries to slip beneath the notice of the flying thralls... Mia@crystyl:cautiously follows him as close as she can Mana@anncaris:| As they move out into the open, they can see that only one of the flying thralls is avian- the other appears to be clearly reptilian in origin. Both seem to be primarily searching the area where - Mana@anncaris:- the bunker was at and once the two drones leave the area, they continue to circle behind them like vultures Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [We should be clear now, though I advise keeping low when possible.] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed] Mana@anncaris:| The pair remain low as they proceed towards the next sealed bunker... --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | As Mia and Sayu searches the ruins of the city, Rianni and her team beams down near the factory with their new phase discriminators and communication earpieces to steal torpedoes from the - NPC@annpc#557 - Horde depots to determine how best to sabotage their creation... NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DINeyQKXoAIh4Q5.jpg NPC@annpc#557 | The team materialize in a sandy terrain on the edge of a truly massive industrial complex. It is difficult to see far into it from the sheer volume of structures and pipes, and even where - NPC@annpc#557 - there are gaps, the smoke pumped into the air by the factory clouds what they can make out NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "This must be the largest factory I've seen, and I've been to many worlds." Rianni@crystyl:"Quite the feat of engineering" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "More so just a lack of consideration for the longevity of the planet, I think. The Lodzki could build something like this, but it would destroy the atmosphere in the long run." Rianni@crystyl:"No arguments there. Anyway, shall we proceed?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "There are no thralls in the immediate area, but we will encounter them sooner or later. Let's activate the phase discriminators and proceed out of phase from here." Rianni@crystyl nods and activates NPC@annpc#557 | Avita and Lumini activate theirs as well. The world flickers around them before coming back into view again NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "The depot should be this way," she begins to walk Rianni@crystyl hurries along behind her NPC@annpc#557 | Indeed, it does not take long before they come upon a long line of thralls marching along carrying large chunks of metal like a column of ants bringing food back to their colony NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini and Avita instinctively take cover behind nearby buildings and crates Rianni@crystyl follows suit, "I guess now we find out if these things are truly working" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "Should we stay under cover until they pass, or step out and see if they can see us with these things active?" Rianni@crystyl:"Well we need to know if they work as intended. If not, better to find out before we're surrounded..." she takes a deep breath and steps out, cautiously walking towards their goal NPC@annpc#557 | The thralls continue in their line, showing no indication of spotting them. Avita and Lumini slowly follow suit, the thralls still oblivious to them... Rianni@crystyl keeps the chatter to a minimum, simply holding a steady pace NPC@annpc#557 | They walk alongside the column of thralls and none of them seem even slightly aware of their presence. The rest of the team moves just as cautiously as Rianni, though it seems pretty clear the - NPC@annpc#557 - devices are working as intended Rianni@crystyl keeps going until she can find a relatively secluded spot to risk performing a scan to get her bearings NPC@annpc#557 | Managing to find a spot and scan, she notes that they are not far from a storage depot, but would need to go around a very long arm of a nearby factory building in order to reach it Rianni@crystyl shares the map with the others, tapping her earpiece, "Thoughts?" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "With these devices, we should be able to pass straight through the walls and machinery of the building. It may be worth giving it a try here." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Time for test two then. Want me to go first again?" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "I'll go first. I've always wanted to be able to walk through walls," she chuckles Rianni@crystyl:"Go for it" NPC@annpc#557:| Lumini steps forward, putting one foot through the wall, then the other. Soon, she disappears through it entirely, replying through comms, "All good so far." Rianni@crystyl:"Thank God for that! Avita, it's our turn" she follows cautiously through the wall NPC@annpc#557 | Avita follows through as well, and the three find themselves in the interior of a massive Horde factory with multiple conveyor belts and Horde thralls all over the place, working the machines - NPC@annpc#557:- and adjusting the controls. Their movements are so robotic that they appear to be part of the factory, and in some places they can quite easily be mistaken as another part of the machinery Rianni@crystyl:"This is horrific..." NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "I never imagined telepathic control can be used to such an extent. And people think Letheans went too far back in Klingon space..." Rianni@crystyl:"Letheans have got nothing on this lot" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Indeed. Let's press on and do what we came to." Rianni@crystyl nods and keeps moving forwards NPC@annpc#557 | They press on through the factory, walking through the various assembly lines with no resistance, and then through the wall and out on the other side. The depot sits not far in front of them, - NPC@annpc#557:- a simple huge building linked to the nearby factory by several long extensions and pipes that seem so out of place they look somewhat like Borg architecture Rianni@crystyl:"This must be it" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods and scans, "Doesn't seem to be any thralls inside. We should be able to go in, get a few of the extra phase discriminators on the torpedoes and start moving them out." Rianni@crystyl nods and continues forwards NPC@annpc#557 | The group enter the building without trouble to find nothing but shelves upon shelves of torpedoes. The conveyor belt leading into the building they had come from was closed, this particular - NPC@annpc#557:- depot being so full that it couldn't store any more munitions Rianni@crystyl:"That's a lot of torpedoes..." NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "Enough to supply an entire task force of ships. We only need to take a few for our engineers to examine." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "We're going to need to make multiple trips. None of us can carry one alone." Rianni@crystyl:"Then let's get started" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "I suggest we take the opportunity while the building is empty to return to normal phase and apply phase discriminators to the torpedoes we want to take, and then activate the devices - NPC@annpc#557:- on all of them. Then we can come back and carry them while out of phase and not have to be concerned about being spotted." Rianni@crystyl:"Sounds good to me" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita and Lumini deactivate their devices, appearing back in regular phase. Lumini activates her comm, "You're a tactical officer as well, you're more of an expert on the torpedoes than we - NPC@annpc#557:- are. Pick out the ones we should take with us, and we'll help you get them phased. Remember, we only have four extra discriminators." Rianni@crystyl appears back in phase with a nod, already moving to inspect them more closely, "I just need to be sure we get a solid cross section in case they are making multiple types" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "Do what you need to." NPC@annpc#557 | As Rianni examines the torpedoes, she notes that they are indeed producing two different types of photon torpedoes, as well as one plasma-based type Rianni@crystyl:"Ok we have photons and plasmas, so let's tag two of each" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "A good idea," she gets to work tagging the torpedoes, tapping the devices once attached. The torpedoes appear to vanish into thin air as the devices are turned on, though they are of - NPC@annpc#557:- course waiting for the other team in the other phase NPC@annpc#557 | Before long, all four are tagged and Avita looks to Rianni, "Time to activate our own devices and begin carrying." Rianni@crystyl:"This is the part I've not been looking forward to..." Rianni@crystyl says that as though sneaking past the Horde army ranked higher than carrying torpedoes... NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini scans the area before announcing, "There should be a secluded place close to the edge of the complex, just some ways south of here. That could be a good place to take the torpedoes." Rianni@crystyl:"Alright then, let's get this over with" she takes a deep breath and taps her phase device NPC@annpc#557 | The others tap their devices as well and they return to their phase, where the torpedoes come back into view again. They move over to one of the phased torpedoes, beginning to carry it along... Rianni@crystyl helps as best she can, but since she can't carry one on her own there is little use for her right now it seems NPC@annpc#557 | After bringing one torpedo to the location Lumini identified, a trip that was shorter than Rianni expected, they return to the depot to grab another NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "We should alternate. You help with this one, and I'll come back in to replace Avita for the next. These things are heavy" Rianni@crystyl moves to at least take a turn in helping Rianni@crystyl smiles, "You read my mind" NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni and Avita move the next torpedo to the site with no trouble, but on the way back, Avita announces, "I'm detecting thrall activity inside the depot." Rianni@crystyl:"They may have detected our movement. We must investigate" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "Agreed. They shouldn't be able to see us at the moment if we go back in." Rianni@crystyl heads back in, more cautiously as she watches what's going on inside NPC@annpc#557 | Inside, a trio of thralls are pulling levers and tapping buttons. They watch as the conveyor belt starts up again and torpedoes come in. The thralls carry the torpedoes into the slots where - NPC@annpc#557:- the torpedoes that the team moved away or phased out had previously been. Two new torpedoes are stacked on the same spot as the phased out ones, though the two do not interact due to being in - NPC@annpc#557:- different phases. Once the empty spaces are filled in, the trio promptly turn off the conveyor belt and leave the depot, having done all of this without uttering a single word like true mindless - NPC@annpc#557:- drones Rianni@crystyl waits until the coast is clear before anything, "Huh... so they immediately registered the inventory change but apparently no thought was given to the cause of the sudden loss" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Or maybe they are thinking about it, but we can't see it from these thralls. Remember, they are telepaths, and some vast telepathic network at that. The Horde might be trying to - NPC@annpc#557:- process this, just not these particular thralls. Their job was restocking." Rianni@crystyl:"If that were the case though, I'd expect to see more of an investigation of the scene..." Rianni@crystyl:"We can't afford to dwell it on now though, we have the last two phased already so it should be clear to move them out" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "Let's get them out and onto the ship quickly." Rianni@crystyl nods and redoubles her efforts, grunting as she helps with another NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini helps her with the next, and they manage to move it to the site without issue again. On the way back however, they find a pterosaur-looking thrall perched on the roof of the depot, - NPC@annpc#557:- looking around NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "That may be their investigator..." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Or just a sentry." Rianni@crystyl:"Seems so. Either way, no reason to believe it has any more perception of us than the others" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "One more torpedo to go. We'll take this one, you have a break for this one." Rianni@crystyl:"I'll keep an eye on our friend up there" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita and Lumini proceed inside, reappearing with the torpedo in hand after a few moments. The Flyer thrall doesn't notice them as they continue back towards the site where they put the other - NPC@annpc#557:- three phased torpedoes. Before long, all four torpedoes are out Rianni@crystyl:"There! Time to get this haul back to the ship" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, "We'll have to deactivate the phase before beaming out." She gets to work returning the torpedoes to normal phase first Rianni@crystyl keeps a lookout, calling to prepare the transport NPC@annpc#557 | VF acknowledges, and there are no thralls in the vicinity as they de-phase the torpedoes and tag them for transport. The torpedoes are beamed back first, but before they can be beamed up, - NPC@annpc#557:- Rianni's sensors pick up the flying thrall moving in their direction... Rianni@crystyl:"We've got incoming!" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini quickly taps her device and returns to their hidden phase again, "The torpedoes are away. Hopefully it won't be able to see us in this state." Rianni@crystyl quickly follows suit, "Break to cover, just in case!" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita and Lumini nods, moving into cover. The Flyer thrall flies overhead, then circles around...once...twice... NPC@annpc#557 | Finally, it moves off, the trio able to see as it makes its rounds somewhere else, then drops down to rest on a tall pipeline Rianni@crystyl:"Might be our best chance" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "Let's deactivate the phase discriminators and beam back while it's landed." Rianni@crystyl does so, quickly calling for transport as soon as the other two are back in phase NPC@annpc#557 | The trio beam back to the Valley Forge, appearing in a transporter room where Kelly and Taizam-Dur awaits them NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly smiles as they materialize, "Welcome back! Did everything go without incident?" Rianni@crystyl steps off the pad, "It was a bit close at the end there, but yes. No incidents" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "Perfect! And you're all using the devices well? Used to how everything works when out of phase now?" Rianni@crystyl glances to the others and smiles, "I think we've got the hang of them, yes!" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "That's good. You'll probably need to use them one more time for the actual sabotage." NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "We've received the torpedoes. We'll let you know once we've figured out what best to sabotage." Rianni@crystyl:"Thank you Tai" she smiles, "I can come and assist if you like" NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "You're also knowledgeable on weapons systems as a tactical officer, right?" Rianni@crystyl:"I'm a strategist and tactician, not an ordnance officer. So I won't be the best on board to help, but I think I know enough to be of use still!" NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "I'll be happy to have you along. I'll head down there now, feel free to grab a rest if you need." Rianni@crystyl:"I'll be along shortly" she nods --- Alien NPC@annpc#557 | A short while after returning from the factory, Rianni proceeds to the cargo bay where the torpedoes are stored. Taizam-Dur is already there, examining one of them Rianni@crystyl wanders over, "Hey Tai. So, what do you think of our little haul?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Well, they're not that impressive if you ask me. They're not bad, either, perfectly serviceable torpedoes, but there's nothing exceptional about them either. I suppose the Horde - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- tend to focus on quantity, though." Rianni@crystyl:"That's good news for us, we don't want anything super-fancy to contend with!" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "That is true. I suspect the reason they have these different variants is to be used in different types of ships. There's no major yield differences, but they are clearly meant to - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- work with different launch mechanisms." Rianni@crystyl hrms, "How different are we talking here? Only the launch mechanism is an optimal trigger point for us to try and sabotage if we can" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Not necessarily. Let me see about this one in the plasma torpedo..." he reaches into the open casing, pulling out a small device. "Aha. Perfect." Rianni@crystyl crouches next to him, watching curiously Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur handsd the device to her. Though the design is different from Starfleet ones, Rianni would easily recognize it as an intermix regulator Rianni@crystyl turns it over in her hand, "Hmm, intermix regulator. What are you thinking?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "All four torpedoes, even the plasma ones which use a different mixture for detonation, make use of the exact same model of intermix regulator. The intermix regulator determines - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- when the reaction inside the torpedo occurs- in other words, when it explodes. This is of course normally when the torpedo detects that it has impacted something or when the fuel runs out, so the - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- galaxy isn't littered with primed but undetonated torpedoes which never reached their target." Rianni@crystyl:"So if we can adjust their manufacture of these regulators to detonate when the launch mechanism triggers..." Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur nods and smiles, "Precisely. Well, we can't adjust it to when the launch mechanism triggers due to the different mechanisms they were all built for, but I can do the next best - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- thing. The intermix regulators can be adjusted to cause the reaction as soon as the fuel propelling the torpedo is released. They won't explode inside the tubes unless there's a jam or a slow - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- launching mechanism, but they will still detonate right next to the ship, likely in close enough proximity to deal some damage." Rianni@crystyl:"Aww... Maybe we can find some other way to make them detonate in the tubes?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "We could sabotage the launch mechanism themselves, but that would mean multiple different points in the factory due to the differences. There's likely already a few points to cover - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- with the intermix regulators; with the amount of torpedoes they're producing, I doubt it's all coming from a single assembly line, but it could be all within a single building, at least. I can - Alien NPC@annpc#557:- include directions for how to sabotage the launch mechanism, but you might not be able to get them all. A few would still help, though." Rianni@crystyl:"No, that will not be very practical for sabotage..." she scans the torpedo, paying particular interest to it's casing Alien NPC@annpc#557 | The casing appears to be quite standard in shape and composition, close enough that with an altered launch mechanism, it could be used by the VF or Federation ships Rianni@crystyl hrms, mental cogs clearly turning as she considers an idea Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur looks to her, "What're you thinking?" Rianni@crystyl:"I'm thinking that this is a manufacturing operation on an unprecedented scale. So anything we do needs to be done earlier in the process as tampering with finished torpedoes will be far too laborious" Rianni@crystyl:"I'm thinking..." Rianni@crystyl:"The casing fabrication. What if we get into their replicator patterns and adjust the alloy composition to weaken the casing. If we get it right, it should compact and explode when launched!" Rianni@crystyl:"But it would have to be a fine tweak... anything extreme would throw off the weight and that would likely flag up the fault" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "That's a good idea, and it will be easier to locate where to go from our sensors as well. We can detect the presence of industrial replicators from our scans of the factory." Rianni@crystyl:"Do you think you can find the right adjustment to the pattern?" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "I should be able to. It might need a little work to figure out what would best go beneath notice, but it's doable. Good idea, Ensign." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Thank you! I can get Mia to help us with simulations in the holodeck if it would help" Alien NPC@annpc#557 | Taizam-Dur: "Once she gets back from her own mission, that would certainly be helpful." Rianni@crystyl:"I'll see to it and keep you posted! Now just to figure out a plan for the ordnance they already have stockpiled..." --- Mana@anncaris:| In the city, Mia and Sayu have searched two more bunkers, locating addtional cultural and historical data on the Jossra, but no messages yet, nor anything that narrows down their search. One - Mana@anncaris:- of the searches proceeds quietly while the second attracted the attention of nearby thralls again, but like before, they were able to slip away unnoticed Mana@anncaris:| As they head towards the next bunker, there is a visible increase in the number of Flyer thralls circling above various districts of the ruined city Mia@crystyl:[Brother, do you think they suspect a presence here and are trying to search for us. Or... for biologicals at least?] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [At the very least, they suspect something is going on. They might have passed it off as a mechanical malfunction when they heard the first bunker open, but now that they have detected two - Mana@anncaris:- doing the same, they must be investigating closely. We will need to be very careful.] Mia@crystyl:[Indeed. Even if they do not sense our presence like they expect to, our movement alone could draw attention now] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Agreed. We may have to slow down, perhaps wait for them to lighten the search. It will be dark soon, that may impede the flying thralls' visibility.] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed, caution first] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu finds another place to squeeze in where a larger thrall would not fit, [Let's wait here until the sun goes down.] Mia@crystyl:follows and nestles beside him [We will relay our status to the ship so they do not worry] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Good thinking, Sister.] Mana@anncaris:| They wait inside the area for over two hours as the sun sets outside. Soon, the only illumination outside comes from the light reflected by the two moons of the planet Mia@crystyl:maintains constant scans for thrall activity Mana@anncaris:| Sensors continue to pick up thralls moving all around them. Their numbers do decrease as the hours pass on, but the Horde are clearly keeping a presence on the area, now certainly patrols instead - Mana@anncaris:- of salvage teams Mia@crystyl:[We are beginning to suspect this is as good as it is going to get] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Not unless we return to the ship and continue our search later. Let us continue searching, and if the thrall presence becomes too heavy, we can call for extraction and return later.] Mia@crystyl:[Agreed. We want our first drone-only mission to be a complete success!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu slowly makes his way out of the crevice, giving Mia a beep as he detects the coast is clear before continuing on Mia@crystyl:acknowledges and follows closely Mana@anncaris:| They travel for a few more minutes before nearing the site of the next bunker. The orbital scans from the VF Mana had given them shows an underground tunnel network which seems to connect - Mana@anncaris:- with this bunker, and Sayu discovers a half-collapsed entrance to said tunnels, signalling Mia over Mia@crystyl:joins him [Good find brother!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [This should take us into the right tunnel network.] He squeezes through the debris, activating his light as he enters the completely dark tunnels beneath Mia@crystyl:follows, also activating a light Mana@anncaris:| As they proceed through the tunnels, it becomes clear that this was once an underground tram network. They come across a few of the anti-gravity trams, but their power is long since gone and they - Mana@anncaris:- simply sit motionless and in disrepair. The entire tunnel is clearly in bad shape, with some parts of it having caved in, but it must have been very well engineered as the two do not encounter - Mana@anncaris:- any complete collapses and their passage goes unimpeded Mana@anncaris:| A few more minutes of flying through the tram tunnels later, they detect that the bunker is nearby through a side passage at the next turn Mia@crystyl:continues her diligent recording of everything they find as they progress Mana@anncaris:| Sayu finds the entrance to the side passage barred by a sealed metal door, which he uses his beam to cut down again. From there, they make their way down the passage, soon coming upon another - Mana@anncaris:- round vault door with a control panel and small generator nearby. Their sensors also detect unpowered turrets along the passage towards the bunker Mia@crystyl:[This appears to be a consistent arrangement. We will proceed with the power up] Mana@anncaris:| Having opened three sealed bunker doors prior, Mia has gotten familiar with Jossra generators and locking mechanisms, and manages to get the door open without any trouble! Inside, like everywhere - Mana@anncaris:- else, a dark, unpowered bunker awaits... Mia@crystyl:rolls 87 (1-100) Mana@anncaris:| Mia finds the generator of this bunker in good condition and can easily activate it with no trouble! Mia@crystyl:gets right on with it, having a well established routine for the searches by now Mana@anncaris:| As Mia searches through the bunker, she does not find any of the familiar Sorobeth lockboxes, but there does seem to be a curious safe deep inside the bunker that is locked and lined with - Mana@anncaris:- material that prevents scanning inside it.. Mia@crystyl:[Brother, we may be onto something with this] she shares the scan data with Sayu Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Indeed we may! An excellent find. Can you get the safe open, Sister?] Mia@crystyl:[We are searching for a means right now] Mana@anncaris:| The safe seems to be powered on now that the bunker has power, but the lock is different than the one used for the main doors. Instead, it seeks a numerical password, with increasingly longer - Mana@anncaris:- lockout times every time a wrong attempt is made, and there is no visible way to circumvent the password Mia@crystyl:hovers there in front of the panel in silence, just a pulsing light as she reviews all data on record relating to the messages to try and find potential sequences. Mana@anncaris:| There are several potential sequences relating to dates in the Jossra calendar, one for Docha’s first arrival, one for the date she negotiated the peace between the Jossra and the Vex, and one for - Mana@anncaris:- her return to the planet when Docha gave a second message to them Mia@crystyl:begins a methodical trial starting with the most likely dates first Mia@crystyl:rolls 5 (1-100) Mana@anncaris:| It takes Mia several tries, with each one the wait time doubling. In the end, she manages to get it open after nearby half an hour of waiting and trying, but at least it didn't get into the days - Mana@anncaris:- range, which the program seems perfectly capable of doing... Mia@crystyl:would breathe a sigh of relief if she was projecting the avatar at that moment. As it is, she simply signals Sayu [We are in!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Let us see what lies within.] Mia@crystyl:waits for Sayu to catch up then proceeds into the sealed chamber Mana@anncaris:| Sayu arrives and the two proceed inside to find a room filled with various artifacts like the rest of the bunker. They must be more valuable than the others, but it is difficult to tell without - Mana@anncaris:- cultural context. One particular artifact catches Mia's attention however- a Nuhar drone shell Mia@crystyl:hovers over to get a closer scan, her light beam highlighting it Mana@anncaris:| A closer scan reveals that the drone has long since been stripped of internal components, but she does pick up two cylinders of Levisium inside.. Mia@crystyl:[Brother, are your scans sensing this? The drone shell contains Levisium cylinders] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [I am seeing it as well. These may be the messages we seek.] Mia@crystyl:[Indeed! Can you sufficiently narrow your beam to perform a surgical extraction?] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [I should be capable of it. Attempting now.] Mia@crystyl:provides a steady light to assist Sayu Mana@anncaris:| Sayu activates his antiproton beam, now little more than a thin red ray, and begins surgically cutting through the drone shell. Once a large enough hole is cut, he extends one of his clawed - Mana@anncaris:- appendages and extracts one cylinder, then another. They do indeed look identical to the other Sorobeth cylinders Mia has encountered Mia@crystyl:[Excellent work Brother! We should return these to the ship before reviewing the contents] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Let us make our way back.] Mia@crystyl:beeps an affirmative and turns to head back out Mana@anncaris:| Sayu pauses before they reach the exit as weapons fire sounds outside... Mana@anncaris:| Scans detect the turrets opening fire on thralls trying to make their way into the bunker.. Mia@crystyl:tries calling for an extraction from their current position Mana@anncaris:| The VF is unable to get a transporter lock here Mia@crystyl:[We need to get out from this bunker in order for the ship to extract us. Scanning for alternative routes] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [We have to go through the passageway. Do you think you can reprogram the turrets not to target us? We may be able to slip past there when they are occupied with the turrets, and the wider - Mana@anncaris:- tram network will give us more space to move as well as more exits to use.] Mia@crystyl:[Uncertain. We will have to interrogate the targeting program to determine if it has sufficient parameters. We shall find an access port and attempt to do so!] she hurries off to see what she can find Mana@anncaris:| Mia is indeed able to alter the targeting to include only those with biological lifesigns rather than movement. Mia@crystyl:[Success brother! We have restricted the targeting to biological signatures only! Now we should be able to proceed] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Good work, sister! Let us make our escape while the turrets still hold out.] Mia@crystyl:[We will follow you; your armaments are better suited to quick reactions than ours] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu beeps an affirmative and leads the way. Outside the bunker door, a group of thralls are having a shootout with the turrets, with several thralls down but two of the turrets destroyed as well Mana@anncaris:| Sayu dodges and weaves through the fire, darting out while the thralls are occupied with the turrets Mia@crystyl:deftly follows him at every turn Mana@anncaris:| The two make their way past the shooting without incident and out into the tramway. Sayu continues to lead the way, but sensors begin reading lifesigns coming from the way they entered from... Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [We're going to need another exit.] Mia@crystyl:scans for alternatives Mana@anncaris:| There is indeed another exit further down the tram tunnel Mia@crystyl:[Follow us brother!] she adjusts her heading, moving to take the lead as she races to reach the alternate exit Mana@anncaris:| Sayu follows, and as they move past the exit they had come in from, a number of Crawler thralls stream in, a few of them taking potshots with pistols but missing. The thralls immediately begin to - Mana@anncaris:- chase after them, crawling not only along the ground, but the walls and ceiling of the tramway, whichever was most clear of debris Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [I will cover our back.] Mia@crystyl:[Understood] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu spins around and fires his beam in a single continuous stream, disintegrating the three nearest thralls caught in its path before he turns around to continue following. A few shots trail - Mana@anncaris:- after them, but the Crawler thralls do not appear to be very accurate, at least not when they are actively giving chase Mia@crystyl:presses on with all her might, sensors and servos working as hard as she can push them Mana@anncaris:| Mia soon detects the next exit not far up ahead... Mia@crystyl:[Almost there brother! Stay close and be ready to seal it behind us Mana@anncaris:| Sayu stays close, and the exit comes up as a side passage... Mia@crystyl:[Sharp turn ahead. Stay with us now!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu follows closely as the two make sharp turn. He doesn't just turn though, but spins around to face the exit, firing his beam again and catching the thrall that turns the corner behind them Mana@anncaris:| He then darts backwards, pointing the beam up and collapsing the entrance before additional thralls can follow through, before turning back around and following Mia out at full speed Mia@crystyl:tries again calling for extraction as they get clear Mana@anncaris:| VF replies that they need to get a little further up due to interference in the area, and just as the reply comes, four avians show up on sensors, their arrival quickly announced by a hail of - Mana@anncaris:- energy bolts coming towards the drones... Mia@crystyl:[Brother watch out, above us!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [We must lose them or take them out. We need to go higher for extraction.] Mia@crystyl:[On your lead brother. This is your forte more than ours, whatever you think is best!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Follow me!] Mana@anncaris:| Sayu fires his red beam into an erratic pattern in the air first, forcing the Flyers to scatter before he darts up. The Flyers quickly reorient themselves and begin to pursue, firing as they do, - Mana@anncaris:- but the nimble drones are able to evade easily Mia@crystyl:again follows him in tight formation Mana@anncaris:| He darts through a ruined tower, forcing the larger thralls to go around and lies in wait on the other side, taking out the first thrall that circles around the building, then turning - Mana@anncaris:- to flee before the rest can open fire Mana@anncaris:| Sayu drops low again and another thrall is unable to pull up in time, slamming into a chunk of debris and dropping to the ground. The remaining two continue the chase but decide to shoot at a - Mana@anncaris:- nearby crumbling tower instead of directly towards the drones. Chunks of debris fly through the air before the entire building begins to crumble.. Mana@anncaris:| Sayu: [Make sure you keep close...] Mia@crystyl:[We are right behind you brother, fear not! Mana@anncaris:| The two dart away from the building as what remains of the tower collapses down, but one of the thralls is not fast enough and is knocked out of the sky by a chunk of debris. The last thrall - Mana@anncaris:- persists, but as the ruined tower impacts the ground, a massive dust cloud rises, obscuring visibility. Navigating with sensors instead of eyes, Sayu moves in a different direction from the - Mana@anncaris:- Flyer and succeeds in throwing it off. Before long, their pursuer is nowhere to be seen and Sayu pulls up again, clinging to the edge of another ruined tower to be less visible Mia@crystyl:tries again to call for transport in their moment's respite Mana@anncaris:| This time, the VF manages a lock and the two disappear into transporter beams... Mana@anncaris | A few seconds after materializing on the transporter pad, Mana steps inside, "How did Mia and Sayu's mission go?" Mia@crystyl ripples back into view, first turning to cradle Sayu with her hand, "Brother, are you ok?" Mana@anncaris | Sayu beeps an affirmative, [I am undamaged!] Mia@crystyl beams, turning to Mana, "It was a very exciting departure! But we think Sayu was the best!" Mana@anncaris | Sayu: [Mia also did very well! I would never have been able to open the bunkers and recover the messages.] Mana@anncaris smiles, "Both Mia and Sayu are the best! Mia has the messages now?" Mia@crystyl:"We recovered two messages here! Sayu has the canisters, we did not want to risk waiting to view them on site due to the overwhelming presence" Mana@anncaris:"Mana understands. Should Mana inform Lennie to come view the message, or does Mia and Sayu wish to come and seek Lennie?" Mia@crystyl:"We would like to come and see the fruits of our labour! We have collected much data for Ms. Lennie also!" Mana@anncaris:"Mana assumes Mia has obtained information about the people that used to live in these ruins?" Mia@crystyl nods eagerly, "We gathered all we could along the journey!" Mana@anncaris:"Mana is sure the science officers will be very interested in what Mia has found!" she turns and starts leading the way out of the transporter room Mana@anncaris asks as they step out of the transporter room, "Computer, where is Commander Lendaria?" Mia@crystyl | Computer: "Commander Lendaria is Science lab 4" Mana@anncaris heads over to the nearest turbolift, leading the way to Science lab 4, "Mana hopes navigating the ruined city was not too difficult?" Mia@crystyl:"It was a fun excursion!" Mana@anncaris | Sayu: [Indeed it was! There were challenges, but nothing we could not handle.] Mana@anncaris:"That is good to hear!" --- Mana@anncaris steps into the lab with Mia and Sayu, "Hello Lennie!" Lendaria@crystyl turns and smiles, "Heya ladies! And Sayu!" Mana@anncaris smiles back, "Mia and Sayu have found the message!" Lendaria@crystyl:"Nicely done! We'se got a new lead then?" Mana@anncaris:"Actually, Mia's been waiting to play it until now! So Lennie will have to see..." Mana@anncaris | Sayu meanwhile passes the cylinders to Mia Lendaria@crystyl:"Ooh, exclusive preview! Melikes!" she smiles, stepping aside Lendaria@crystyl | Mia chuckles, taking the cylinders and moving to open and retrieve the first Lendaria@crystyl watches curiously, "Wait... two?" Mana@anncaris | Sayu gives an affirmative beep Lendaria@crystyl | Mia: "Oui! Our guide left two messages on this world!" Lendaria@crystyl:"The plot thickens..." Mana@anncaris | Mia is able to read the first message like before, and play it as a holo Lendaria@crystyl | Mia's avatar gives way to the message, projected into the centre for everyone to view properly Mana@anncaris | Once again, Docha's holo appears... Mana@anncaris:| Docha: "My name is Docha Mu-Heiread. I leave this record here in case I fail, so that future peoples who take up the mantle of Guardians may continue my mission. As you have noticed, - Mana@anncaris:- these holo-cylinders are specifically configured so that they can only be read by a Nuhar construct or a similarly advanced artificial lifeform, technology that the Horde has not developed and - Mana@anncaris:- we believe have no reason to ever develop. This is a simple recording and not an interactive program, so do not attempt to communicate with me.” Lendaria@crystyl chuckles, "Good t'see ya again too Docha" Mana@anncaris chuckles as well as Lennie communicates with the holo that just said not to communicate with it Lendaria@crystyl talks to her pet spider-corder guardian. This is nothing new for her Mana@anncaris | Docha: "It seems my friend was right. The Jossra civilization is indeed still alive here on their homeworld. If only all civilizations were like them, but I suppose the downside of their - Mana@anncaris:- rather unambitious natures is that they haven't developed much, despite being in existence for much longer than my own civilization. Their tendency to keep to themselves have been one contributor - Mana@anncaris:- to their longevity, but they're bound to be discovered eventually. I seem to have arrived at one such time. A new civilization has made it to the stars in this region, and they are aggressive and - Mana@anncaris:- expansionist. Despite being significantly less advanced than the Jossra, they've continued trying to raid them in hopes of taking some of their technology." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "These aliens, the Vex as they call themselves, are not beyond reason however. They simply respond to superior force rather than the pacifism of the Jossra. When I came to the world, - Mana@anncaris:- the Vex had finally managed to take a Jossra ship, and the Jossra leaders were spending forever deciding whether to let them keep the thing- bad idea- or actually launch an offensive action for - Mana@anncaris:- once to retake it. By the time they made up their minds, the Vex would have already dissected their ship for all it was worth, so Attentive Watcher and I went after it ourselves. Their low level - Mana@anncaris:- level of technology was no match for a Nuhar Watcher, and after decimating their fleet, I seem to have gained their respect and ended up negotiating a treaty between them and the Jossra." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "But I need not go into detail about all this. If you've found this message, you're probably on the Jossra homeworld, and there's plenty of records about their conflict with the Vex - Mana@anncaris:- Empire there, if you are even interested. What I am sure you would be interested in is that after resolving the crisis, the Jossra gave me free reign in their libraries. As I expected, they knew - Mana@anncaris:- next to nothing about the Heart of War itself. Attentive Watcher and I spent a good forty-seven days searching, and we were about to give up when we came across a potential lead." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "Apparently, some Lupan who were on the sphere may have survived and passed on this knowledge, but unfortunately the Lupan in their fragmented state today don't know anything about it. - Mana@anncaris:- The records that were lost in that ancient battle that dealt the death blow to the Protectors of the past and gave way to the Lupan as we know them today, though...perhaps there may be something - Mana@anncaris:- there. Since we are searching this region anyways, we may as well see if we can find the crash site of their First Sisterhood." Mana@anncaris FX | The holo of Docha flickers and disappears Lendaria@crystyl:"Ooh th'First Sisterhood! Quick MIa, onto episode two! I wanna see wha' happens next!" Lendaria@crystyl is making it very hard to tell just how serious she is being... Lendaria@crystyl | Mia reappears, chuckling at Lennie as she swaps the canisters and looks to replaying the next one Mana@anncaris | Docha's holo appears once again.. Mana@anncaris | | Docha: "My name is Docha Mu-Heiread. I leave this record in the case I fail, so that future peoples who take up the mantle of Guardians may continue my mission. As you have noticed, - Mana@anncaris:- these holo-cylinders are specifically configured so that they can only be read by a Nuhar construct or a similarly advanced artificial lifeform, technology that the Horde has not developed and - Mana@anncaris:- is unlikely to ever develop. This is a simple recording and not an interactive program, so do not attempt to communicate with me." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "That introduction was probably not necessary, seeing as I left this message with the Jossra again, but it is possible that the two may be unintentionally separated in the future. If - Mana@anncaris:- you have also found the previous message, you must be wondering why they were in the same location. Technically, it is not, this is just a copy of another message with very similar contents, but - Mana@anncaris:-- you may not find the other version of this message and it is imperative that the information within is preserved." Lendaria@crystyl:"Two versions of th'same message? Dammit is this just a rerun..." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "Using a combination of Jossra, Lupan, Nuhar and even Vex sources, I located what remains of the First Sisterhood- their descendants, to be precise. The other version of this message - Mana@anncaris:- has been left with them, but I do not have their coordinates stored here, nor anywhere. At the request of the Lost Tribe, their location has been wiped from my memory and that of the Attentive - Mana@anncaris:- Watcher. What I can tell you is that the First Sisterhood was not separated in battle by accident. They were betrayed- by a faction among the Lupan who at the time had grown tired of the - Mana@anncaris:- thankless war against the Horde. This was merely the first step in the transformation of the Protectors into the scattered packs and tribes of our time. Despite my efforts to convince the elders - Mana@anncaris:- of the Lost Tribe that this faction was no more, they were not impressed by the state of the current Lupan, especially following the failed attempts by multiple Nuhar Constructs to turn them back - Mana@anncaris:- onto the right path. They insist on continuing to hide, not only from the Horde but also their own people, and they will not reveal themselves until something they call the Second Betrayal and - Mana@anncaris:- the return of the Fallen Master. The only way they would allow me and the Watcher to leave was if we did not remember their location." Lendaria@crystyl:"What?! Well this sucks. Now we've got nothin' but a bunch o'prophecy..." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "I know this sounds like some form of superstition, but it seems the Lupan Elders have always had a tendency to coat their explanations in grand words. However, much of what they know - Mana@anncaris:- lines up with my sources, and I have no reason to believe that what they told me was untrue. While the Lupan do not know the exact location of the Heart of War, it seems there were a number who - Mana@anncaris:- worked on it and was present when the attempted use against the Horde took place. They claim the jump was not truly random- the coordinates were, but it was made away from the rim. They also - Mana@anncaris:- knew that with the low power the sphere had, the range was limited and the Iconians stretched it as far out as they could go. Ultimately, these Lupan have identified a region they believe most - Mana@anncaris:- likely for the sphere to have jumped to. Not a precise destination, but we have a conical region of space to search in, something that helps narrow the search significantly." Mana@anncaris | Docha: "The region is highlighted on a map included with this cylinder, and begins only a few days of travel away from the Jossra homeworld, which is why I have chosen to give another version - Mana@anncaris:- of this message to them for safekeeping. I now depart on this lead for one final search. If the Heart of War is not inside this region, then...no one has any idea where it could be." Mana@anncaris FX | Docha's image flickers away once again Lendaria@crystyl:"Aight Mia, le's get tha' map overlaid wit' our own!" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia smiles as she reappears, "We had a feeling you would like that part Ms. Lennie!" Mana@anncaris | As Mia overlays the map, it shows a large conical region with the point originating further rimward. The cone is approximately thirty lightyears wide and fifty lightyears long- a sizable - Mana@anncaris:- region covering over a sector's worth of space, but it does help narrow things down significantly. Moreso, the VF's current path based on estimates of the sphere's direction from the gateway - Mana@anncaris:- activation goes straight through the cone, further indicating that these Lupan may be onto something... Mana@anncaris | Indeed, the region does begin only a few days of travel away from their current location as well Lendaria@crystyl:"Now tha's more like it! Sure, doesn't help our bearing at all. But now we'se got distance!" Mana@anncaris nods, "This should be very helpful for the search! And the Valley Forge does not look to be far from the search region either!" Lendaria@crystyl:"Yes, this's great. An' all thanks to you'se two" she smiles at Mia and Sayu Mana@anncaris:"Yes, Mia and Sayu has done great!" Mana@anncaris | Sayu gives a happy beep and circles around Lennie Lendaria@crystyl | Mia beams happily, "A successful first mission brother!" Lendaria@crystyl:"We should let th'Cap'n know 'bout this. Y'all wanna do th'honours? Since it's ya first big mission an' all" she grins Mana@anncaris:"Ooh, good idea!" she smiles at Mia, "Mia and Sayu should get the honours!" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia beams, "Thank you Ms. Lennie!" Mana@anncaris:"Does Mia wish to find the Captain now?" Lendaria@crystyl | Mia nods eagerly, "Oui Oui!" Mana@anncaris smiles and turns to lead the way out Lendaria@crystyl | Mia skips along to catch up, pausing at the door, "Oh! Ms. Lennie, we almost forgot to say but we have also uploaded all of the cultural data we captured on the Jossra!" Lendaria@crystyl watches them leave turning a little dumbfounded as she turns back to see the streams of data pouring over the monitors --- NPC@annpc#557 FX | Sometime after Mia's return, they are able to find the right alterations to sabotage the torpedo casings while VF's sensors identify three replicator sites for them to sabotage... NPC@annpc#557 | This time, the team is forced to beam down further away from the factory due to the increased presence of flying thralls that now seem to be patrolling the area. It takes a bit of a walk to - NPC@annpc#557 - reach the factory, but with their phasing devices active, there is no sign that the Flyers can see them once they begin to approach NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "They're certainly keeping a higher guard now. It might be more difficult than last time." Rianni@crystyl:"We'll have to be extra careful not to raise suspicion. Not only will it risk drawing their attention to our sabotage, but it may impede my idea for the final phase" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "The final phase?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Mhmm!" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Is that an additional sabotage you plan to do, or something after the sabotage is done?" Rianni@crystyl:"A little of both I suppose. I've been working on a way to ensure that only our sabotaged warheads go into use from here" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Interesting. I look forward to seeing it." Rianni@crystyl:"I just hope I can get it sanctioned..." NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "Let's get the sabotage done first. The first replicator does not seem to be far from the factory we were at least time." Rianni@crystyl nods, "Right behind you" NPC@annpc#557 | The group makes it to the site of the first replicator without incident, passing through the walls of the factory structure into the factory within. There, they see a line of huge replicators, - NPC@annpc#557 - methodically churning out torpedo casings which waiting thralls carry onto an assembly line. Aside from the labourer thralls, there are also a number pacing around manning consoles Rianni@crystyl:"This will be... interesting" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita performs a scan before looking to the others, "The replicator controls appear to be accessed from behind the replicators. Fortunately, a thrall doesn't stand there permanently, but we - NPC@annpc#557 - will still have to be very careful, as we will need to deactivate the phasing to interact with the controls. I suggest two of us keep watch in phase while one works on the console." Rianni@crystyl:"Sounds good to me" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini looks to Rianni, "You are the smallest of us. You'll be the hardest to spot interacting with the console, even if a thrall happens to glance over." Rianni@crystyl:"Well I suppose it had to become an advantage sooner or later..." she answers with a dry smile NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "We'll keep an eye out for you. Be ready to activate your phase discriminator as soon as we warn you." Rianni@crystyl nods, "I'll be ready" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Let's get into positions first. Deactivate your phase cloak as soon as you see it's clear." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini and Avita both take positions that give them different but good vantage points near the replicators... Rianni@crystyl makes her way over, checking all directions once she gets there, "Phasing back... now" Rianni@crystyl has another cursory glance to make sure she hasn't been seen and then quickly gets to work NPC@annpc#557 | The coast is clear and Rianni works quickly. By the time she changes the schematics for the altered one, it appears no thrall has come by the area... Rianni@crystyl finishes her work, making sure to leave the panel exactly as she found it before rephasing, "One down" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Excellent. Just two more to go, then." Rianni@crystyl proceeds onto the next unit NPC@annpc#557 | It takes them a few minutes to reach the next replicator area. It seems to be more or less the same as the first one they were at, a huge area filled with thrall labourers carrying the torpedo - NPC@annpc#557 - casings to assembly lines and a number of smaller engineer thralls moving from console to console, operating them or simply checking the status of the machinery NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Same plan as last time?" Rianni@crystyl:"I see no reason to deviate" she nods, already moving into position NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini and Avita move into position as well, once again keeping watch for her Rianni@crystyl:"Stand by", she phases back and goes through the same routine NPC@annpc#557 | This time, though working at the same speed, Riannis interrupted halfway through as Avita's voice comes through her ear, "A thrall is moving behind the replicators. Phase quickly!" Rianni@crystyl doesn't even waste time acknowledging first, quickly tapping her device to dephase before even looking to see the thrall and move out of the way NPC@annpc#557 | The thrall, a simple Engineer variant, moves behind the replicator. It does not approach the interface Rianni was using fortunately, tapping on a different console for a few seconds before - NPC@annpc#557 - it strides back off NPC@annpc#557 | Avita: "All clear." Rianni@crystyl:"Acknowledged, and thank you for the heads up on that last one. I'll be as quick as I can now" she quickly rephases and hurriedly returns to her work NPC@annpc#557 | Rianni manages to wrap up her work before any further close calls with thralls Rianni@crystyl dephases once more, "So far so good" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Just one more to go. Should be somewhere this way..." NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini steps out of the walls of their present building, making for the third replicator location Rianni@crystyl follows closely NPC@annpc#557 | As they enter the next one, they notice that this particular area is larger than the other two, though similar in layout. There are more replicators connected together, all using the same - NPC@annpc#557:- console fortunately, but most striking are the thralls. Among the labouring thralls is one of the extremely rare behemoths, almost twice the size of the rest and easily lifting the torpedo - NPC@annpc#557:- casings on its own... NPC@annpc#557 FX | https://i.imgur.com/dKg47U7.jpg Rianni@crystyl:"Let's make extra sure not to piss off the thralls in this area. I feel conscious of my height enough as it is just around you two without having dance with something like that" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita nods, "I would prefer to avoid that thrall as well. It may not look much like it anymore, but according to these sensor readings, this one has some degree of Klingon genetics..." Rianni@crystyl:"Let's avoid the family reunion this time and get in & out fast" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "We'll make sure you don't get spotted." They move off into their positions to keep watch again Rianni@crystyl waits for them to get in position and with a deep breath, phases back once more and gets to work NPC@annpc#557 | She can feel the huge behemoth's footsteps slightly rumbling the ground as it carries torpedoes back and forth from the replicator to the assembly lines... Rianni@crystyl shudders, trying to put thought of it to the back of her mind as she concentrates NPC@annpc#557 | Despite the terrifying rumbling, Rianni manages to get the altered replicator pattern in without incident again this third time Rianni@crystyl promptly dephases again and rejoins the others, "That's it. Let's get out of here" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Time to beam back, or do you still need to enact your final phase?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "That will have to be an entirely separate operation, so let's get back to the ship so I can try and convince everyone to go for it" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini nods, checking her tricorder, "It might be safer to make our way out of the factory entirely before transporting, given the flying patrols. It's a long walk, but better than being - NPC@annpc#557:- spotted and letting the Horde know that we might've sabotaged their production." Rianni@crystyl:"Agreed" NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini leads the long way out of the factory, though they are able to take handy shortcuts thanks to the phasing. After a while of walking, they are safely out of visual range of anything from - NPC@annpc#557:- the massive city-factory Rianni@crystyl:"Looks to be a good spot. Time to phase back and get out of here" NPC@annpc#557 | Avita and Lumini tap their devices, returning to normal phase again NPC@annpc#557 | Lumini: "Ready for transport when you are." Rianni@crystyl joins them and taps her combadge, calling for beam out --- Rianni@crystyl back on VF, the senior staff gather in the conference room to review the mission and hear Rianni's proposal Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "First things first; congratulations to the sabotage team. An impressive bit of work you all pulled off there" NPC@annpc#557 | Kelly: "I'm glad the devices worked well, and none of you were spotted." Rianni@crystyl:"It was a real team effort!" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "And I understand there is more to do still?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Our mission has set them up so that all ordnance produced from now on will be weakened and backfire on them. However that does not address the issue of the massive stockpiles already there" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht nods, "There is still a large number of functional torpedoes that can be used against the Coalition." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "This is back to ya idea from before t'steal 'em then?" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "Ensign? I said I would consider viable options on that front. Is this correct?" Rianni@crystyl smiles and nods, "I think so, Captain" she turns and activates the display on the wall behind her to show the city layout Rianni@crystyl highlights the largest main stockpile, "The plan is to stage a pirate raid on the facility. Steal all that we can before it gets too hot, and then destroy what is left with surgical strikes" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "Ambitious, but I hope you have something more specific than that" NPC@annpc#557 | Vrolmacht: "We will also have to be careful about what we take and what we destroy. If too many of the torpedoes go off, it might destroy the entire factory and ruin the sabotage work." Rianni@crystyl:"Hence the surgical strikes. Commander, I would need your assistance in identifying optimal target points for that. This plan also requires vetting of a theory it is based on; but assuming that all - Rianni@crystyl:- lines up; the idea is to use the data we gathered from the sabotage missions to pinpoint highly specific coordinates within the stockpile warehouse. The Observer will use these to open a wormhole - Rianni@crystyl:- right into the facility where she will take her ship and hold a stationary position at the entry point. At the other end, the Valley Forge will remain and begin mass transports with the Observer's- Rianni@crystyl:- ship serving as signal relay. As soon as it gets too dangerous for her to remain, the QanwI' will decloak from a low orbit and carry out the surgical strikes which will cover the Observer's escape.- Rianni@crystyl:- I believe any memory of the incident held by the Horde will only see an unidentified small ship and the QanwI' acting in a violent raid more akin to pirate activity and so not associate it with - Rianni@crystyl:- our presence. But as I said, this requires on us being able to select suitable surgical strike targets, and use the Observer's ship in this manner" Rianni@crystyl pauses and looks around for feedback... Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "An ambitious plan, Ensign. It could just work, assuming the Observer's ship can pull it off." Rianni@crystyl nods, "That is a distinct caveat, yes. But from my memory- I mean, her memory... I think?" shakes her head, "The memories I have of her time living under my identity... from that, I recall the - Rianni@crystyl:- Azedi using wormholes as casually and precisely as we use transporters. To the extent that they could use one to appear at a seat in this conference room, for example" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I do recall hearing that they used the technology for personal transportation as well." Rianni@crystyl:"I know that doesn't directly transpose to the Observer's ship. But it stands to reason that as the originators of the technology, the Junayd are equally - if not more - capable with it" Rianni@crystyl returns to her seat as they discuss the proposal Keliaya@anncaris:"That makes sense. The Azedi stole the technology after all, and their original inventors would be more adept with it. I'll ask the Observer to see if it's possible." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah notes a distinctly unconvinced look from Lexi, "Captain Vix, care to weigh in?" Rianni@crystyl | Lexi: "It's a good plan and all, just for one small detail" Rianni@crystyl looks over worriedly Rianni@crystyl | Lexi: "Your precise targeting of the stockpiles and surgical strikes that all align perfectly will not make for a convincing pirate raid. It's too... clean" Rianni@crystyl hrms, "Good point..." Rianni@crystyl | Lexi grins, "We can soon fix that though. I say; send us in /first/ to create some mayhem elsewhere in the city. We can do a cloaked pass first and beam warheads down into random spots all over, - Rianni@crystyl:- then make an attack on the city and start triggering the planted warheads at random to sow more chaos. /Then/ bring your Observer sneak for the heist" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "As long as the warheads do not damage the sabotaged replicators, that /should/ work." Rianni@crystyl | Lexi waves a dismissive hand, "Relax big guy, we can predetermine spots at safe distances from stuff we don't want to damage" Keliaya@anncaris:"There is one other thing if you want to start a planetside raid..." Rianni@crystyl & Lexi both turn to Kelly Keliaya@anncaris:"You're going to need holoprojectors. From my understanding, what one thrall sees, the others will see as well. If you beam down to the surface and start attacking thralls, they'll know it's not - Keliaya@anncaris:- a pirate raid. Any Children species that comes into orbit of the planet would become thralls themselves, and the fact that they can't control you will give you off as Coalition forces." Keliaya@anncaris:"Unless you look like Lupan." Rianni@crystyl | Lexi shakes her head, "Only thing I plan on putting on the surface is explosives. No troops" Keliaya@anncaris:"Oh, you mean an orbital attack with the QanwI', not a physical attack to sow chaos. It would still help to make the QanwI' look Lupan somehow, though. It'd make the raid more convincing, as the - Keliaya@anncaris:- Lupan would be the only pirates capable of carrying something like that out..." Rianni@crystyl | Lexi nods, "Holoprojection from the QanwI' would be good. I'm thinking /extremely/ low orbit. Like skimming rooftops low, so if they see it is a random raider ship, all the better. We can easily - Rianni@crystyl:- give out a fake warp signature to match" Keliaya@anncaris:"Perfect. We'll work on a holoprojection for you, then." Rianni@crystyl:"And I'm confident that we can paint suitable target points for low yield warheads to detonate any remaining stockpiles that we can't extract given the distance of the storage warehouses from the - Rianni@crystyl:- manufacturing areas" she adds, looking to Vrolmacht for affirmation Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "The torpedoes themselves are not primed, so the detonations should not be too devastating as long as we are careful." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah looks around, "It looks like we are suitably confident in this idea to proceed. There is one thing I wish to know though that you have not yet covered" Rianni@crystyl looks back, "Captain?" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "The Horde's response to this raid. Regardless of who they believe to be responsible, what of the impact to this region from their response?" Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I am glad you mentioned that, Captain. I am indeed expecting - rather, hoping - that they will expedite their reinforcement to the area in response to this" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah perks a brow, "You are... hoping for this?" Keliaya@anncaris looks to Rianni curiously as well Rianni@crystyl nods, "I am! Because in expediting their reinforcements to the area, they would have to rush support vessels out before they are ready. And since ordnance is almost unilaterally the last thing you - Rianni@crystyl:- load when preparing a vessel to ship out, it will increase the likelihood that they send reinforcements with minimal - even zero - ordnance, knowing they can restock from the still functional - Rianni@crystyl:- facility. This will put the sabotaged warheads into operation much sooner and ultimately save more allied lives in any remote skirmishes" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah thinks a moment before smiling a little, "You really have thought this through. Good" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "We can always count on you to have a well-considered plan, Ensign!" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "I'se got a question" Rianni@crystyl looks across Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "How're we gonna get all this stolen ordnance into Coalition hands? We'se gonna backtrack on our course t'deliver it?" Rianni@crystyl hrms, "That is a good point..." Keliaya@anncaris:"Could the Observer open a portal back to Vue-En, and we just...toss them through?" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "Maybe. But ya'd probably gotta do th'same as when ya stealin' em. Tha' means a linked transporter relay on th'other side" Rianni@crystyl | Lexi: "We could ferry them if it's a few. But a heist this size is likely to be too much to squeeze into QanwI'. Even if I fill the crew bunks with them!" Keliaya@anncaris looks to Lennie, "The drones found a way to narrow down our search for the sphere, didn't they?" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie nods, "Yes, Mia an' Sayu really came through!" Keliaya@anncaris:"How close do you think we are from locating it? We might be able to carry it and offload the torpedoes on the Sphere." Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "Well it ain't an exact area, but th'nearest edge's only a few days travel from 'ere" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Then that is what we shall do. Whatever this 'heist' yields, we will store on board for the moment and aim to restock allied forces at the Heart of War. If it ends up not being as close - Rianni@crystyl:- as we hope, I am sure we can call on the Regulators to make a prompt resupply run" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "The Regulators' capabilities should make that viable if we really need, and we do have a representative here to contact them if we need." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Alright then. I'll allow this operation to proceed as long as everyone here is on board with it. And of course, that you hit no technicalities along the way which prevent it" Rianni@crystyl raises a finger in adding a point, "And as long as Horde reinforcements don't arrive before we complete it" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll go speak with the Observer, make sure that it is doable." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Excellent, keep me posted on your progress. If there is nothing further then?" she looks around the table Keliaya@anncaris shakes her head, "I think we have a plan, Captain." Rianni@crystyl | Everyone else seems equally satisfied Rianni@crystyl | Keelah stands, "Then let us get to work" --- Keliaya@anncaris | Not long after Rianni's proposal, Kelly rings the doorbell to the Observer's quarters... Rianni@crystyl calls out, "Come in" Keliaya@anncaris steps inside, "Hello Observer. You're not wearing the holo-armour this time." Rianni@crystyl looks over, "Hello Commander" smiling with a glance down herself, "I don't live it that you know! I still find it nice to unwind out of uniform!" Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "As do I. I'm just not used to seeing you out of uniform. I suppose it makes me think you're the other Rianni." Rianni@crystyl:"That is one reason I always wear it when not in my own space" Rianni@crystyl:"Please, sit down. It is not often I have company" Keliaya@anncaris takes a seat, "Speaking of which, it's actually about another one of the other you's plans that I'm here." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "I assume she wants me to steal torpedoes from the Horde factory down there?" Keliaya@anncaris:"You are truly two of a kind!" she smiles back. "Yes, that's right. Do you think it can be done?" Rianni@crystyl:"Well if she's thinking what I think she's thinking, then no. I can only create a wormhole tight enough to take the ship to a building interior if I have predesignated spacial coordinates" Keliaya@anncaris:"Do you have an alternate proposal, then?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head, "Regrettably not..." Keliaya@anncaris:"But you can obtain coordinates from scans of the building interiors, I assume?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Well naturally. But since i have not been to the surface, I do not have that data to work with" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "Well, the other you has..." Rianni@crystyl blinkblinks, "Oh!" and smiles, "In that case, it is certainly possible!" Rianni@crystyl:"How exactly does she intend for me to do this? My ship is not too large after all so it will take considerable time if I am to extract all of the stockpiled ordnance" Keliaya@anncaris:"We were thinking you could hold the wormhole. The Valley Forge will wait on the other side and link our transporter relay to your ship and beam them up through the wormhole." Rianni@crystyl thinks and nods as she listens, "Yes, that could work! A stationary portal is not a problem so I can hold position at the other side and maintain the passageway. If your transporters are relayed - Rianni@crystyl:- through my sensors, you can beam out whatever you want. Quite ingenious, even for a me!" she giggles Keliaya@anncaris chuckles, "You always have the best plans! So it all sounds good, then?" Rianni@crystyl:"I see no reason for it not to work. We would be wise still to perform a dry run test to ensure sufficient sensor resolution and account for any transporter irregularities" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "We could do a test on one of the other planets in the system. The Horde might notice if we perform it here, but they don't have a presence in the rest of the system." Rianni@crystyl:"Makes sense. Distance is irrelevant with the wormhole, so I can take the ship out and test the transporter relay wherever you like!" Keliaya@anncaris:"Great. We'll tie the transporter to your ship and provide you the scan data that the other you obtained from the surface so you can find a suitable set of coordinates. We should be able to start - Keliaya@anncaris:- testing as soon as the transporters are tied in." Rianni@crystyl:"Sounds good! I can be ready whenever you need me for setting up the transporter link" Keliaya@anncaris stands, "Come on, let's get it set up now. Best to do the test as soon as we can so we can figure out if we need to make any adjustments." Rianni@crystyl nods, "I just need a moment to change, then I will join you in the hangar then!" Keliaya@anncaris:"I'll meet you there!" --- Keliaya@anncaris FX | Following a test run as suggested by the Observer, the VF, QanwI' and the Observer's ship sits in orbit as they prepare to conduct the mission... Rianni@crystyl:"All teams report ready, Captain" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Any activity on long range sensors?" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "All clear out there Cap'n!" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods over to Rianni, "Proceed" Rianni@crystyl taps away at her console, "Phase 1 is a go. Eva, please release QanwI'" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva nods, "Signalling the QanwI' now." Rianni@crystyl | QanwI' breaks formation and soon disappears from sensors as it cloaks Rianni@crystyl:"This may take a little time..." Keliaya@anncaris:"Better to do it slowly than have something go wrong." Rianni@crystyl | It does indeed take considerable time but soon they receive Lexi's 'signal'... Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "There it is! She's started th'attack!" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "Shall I inform the Observer to open the wormhole?" Rianni@crystyl | The viewscreen shifts to an aerial view of the city with several smoke plumes rising and what appears to be a raider ship darting around Rianni@crystyl nods," Yes please, Phase 2 can now commence" Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "Now /that/ looks like a pirate attack." Keliaya@anncaris | Eva nods and taps her console, "Sending the signal now." Rianni@crystyl sideglances to the Klingon, still a little hurt that her plan needed improving on Rianni@crystyl | Lennie overlays the image with plots of the key areas - surgical strike points, munitions stockpiles and the sabotaged replicators Rianni@crystyl | The Observer acknowledges and opens a wormhole just off the VF's bow Keliaya@anncaris:"Boosting power to our transporter and sensor systems." Rianni@crystyl:"I have the Observers signal. Commence transport" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "All transporters are commencing at full capacity." Rianni@crystyl:"Cargo bay 1 is filling now. 35%... 50%... 80%... 95%! Cargo bay 3 now..." Keliaya@anncaris | Lennie's sensors begin registering a flurry of activity down in the city-factory as thralls scramble to the sites of the explosions. Avian thralls fly into the air and starts chasing after and - Keliaya@anncaris:- firing at QanwI', but their handheld weapons are no good against a ship, even a small one like a raptor. In the chaos, the thralls don't seem to be noticing their torpedo stock getting drained... Rianni@crystyl:"Cargo bay 3 at 75% capacity..." Keliaya@anncaris | The transportation continues without incident for the time being as the thralls seem to focus on damage control. Lennie's sensors meanwhile begins to detect a spike of activity coming from one - Keliaya@anncaris:- of the factories whose purpose is still uncertain... Rianni@crystyl:"Cargo bay 3 full! 4 is at 40%, 7 is starting to fill as well" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "I'm-a seein' some sorta energy energy buildup in one of th'other factories. Tha' one we never figured th'purpose for" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Take us red alert, but keep shields down and maintain transport for the moment. Eva, inform all ships that we have unknown activity" Rianni@crystyl:"Bay 4 is at 80%. Bay 7 now at 25%" Keliaya@anncaris | A transporter signal appears on sensors from the unknown factory to the outside of the munition factory city, then another and a third.. Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "They're transportin'... somethin' to th'munitions factory" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Lifesigns?" Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "Tryin'a get a read, but some git's makin' a real mess o'tha' place an' it's makin' it hard t'get accurate scans... But it looks like 4 lifesigns at a time, an' wha' looks like a vehicle" Rianni@crystyl:"Could be APV's. Make sure the Observer is ready to pull out" Keliaya@anncaris:"It's not a transport. Not with that weapon. Its carrying a single main cannon, antiproton-based, with the power of starship beam bank. It's about the size of a runabout, but I don't think it can - Keliaya@anncaris:- fly. Looks like it's actually digging in...some form of mobile anti-air turret, perhaps." Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht: "I believe a 'siege tank' is a more apt description. They must be intended for the QanwI'." Rianni@crystyl:"Relaying data the QanwI' now. They might be able to take them out before they are setup" Keliaya@anncaris | Three more such vehicles are beamed in, and the factory continues to show signs of energy buildup Rianni@crystyl:rolls 14 (1-100) Rianni@crystyl | Lennie: "Tha' energy's still buildin' up, there may be more comin' yet" Rianni@crystyl:"Bays 4 and 7 both full. 9 now at 50%" Keliaya@anncaris | The siege tanks appear to be shielded, though their shields don't last long against the QanwI's fire. However, the Horde places them strategically apart around the outside of the factory, - Keliaya@anncaris:- allowing QanwI' to only get to two before one of them is fully deployed and begins firing, forcing the QanwI' to break off its attack on that tank. The energy that emits from it is a continuous - Keliaya@anncaris:- red beam, appearing almost like a weaker Nuhar beam Keliaya@anncaris | Meanwhile, energy begins building up on the other unidentified factory as well as a large number of the lifesigns within seem to concentrate in certain spots Rianni@crystyl:"Captain Vix is requesting permission to focus her fire on the building energy sources" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "I think it is time to cut our losses and get out of there" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Understood Captain. Recalling the Observer first" Keliaya@anncaris | Transporter signals begin appearing from the second unidentified factory to the munitions factory by the dozens, this time each beam containing a single lifesign. From these beams, a - Keliaya@anncaris:- combination of Horde crawlers and flyers stream out, crawling across the huge factory city or taking to the air above it Rianni@crystyl | The Observer pulls back through the wormhole, it's portal closing just before the more eager crawling thralls jump for it and leaving them to faceplant the wall instead Rianni@crystyl:"The Observer is out! Phase 3: surgical strikes! Updating QanwI' now" Keliaya@anncaris | More siege tanks begin to deploy around the munitions factory, opening fire as the QanwI' goes in for its surgical strikes... Rianni@crystyl | Lexi would have it no other way as the QanwI' spirals in towards it's target and launches its precise hit Keliaya@anncaris | QanwI' spirals and dodges through the red beams shooting across the sky as it launches its precision strikes, obliterating the remaining torpedo stocks! Rianni@crystyl watches in awe as the visual of the city looks like a chaotic warzone... Rianni@crystyl | Lennie checks the status of the suspicious factories Keliaya@anncaris | The transports from the factory beaming individual thralls into the munitions factory continues, but the siege tanks stop transporting as the ones around the munition factory are all set up, - Keliaya@anncaris - and the QanwI' did not take out any more of them in its surgical strikes. However, the top of that factory opens and a wave of small, shuttlepod-sized craft launches in the direction of the - Keliaya@anncaris:- munitions factory Keliaya@anncaris:"These craft are unarmed. I think they're the Horde's take on work bees." Keliaya@anncaris:"That factory might be producing various forms of support craft, seeing what's been coming from it so far." Rianni@crystyl:"We have achieved our objectives, it may be best to pull the QanwI' out now rather than risking any more. Commander?" she looks again Vrolmacht for judgement Keliaya@anncaris | Vrolmacht nods, "I agree. Attacking their support craft productions will further slow their preparation, but it is not something a raiding party is likely to do, especially as we have not - Keliaya@anncaris:- taken anything from that particular factory. It may reveal our true intentions to the Horde if we begin targeting the other locations." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Then get them out of there" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "Signalling them now." Rianni@crystyl:"QanwI' is heading out. We can warp out to the rendezvous" Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods, "Take us out" Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher nods and taps his console, and the VF warps to the rendezvous Keliaya@anncaris FX | Before long, they arrive at the rendezvous point Rianni@crystyl | QanwI' soon decloaks beside them and Eva gets the distinct impression that Lexi had other ideas about what was best to do at the end there Keliaya@anncaris looks to Rianni, "How many did we get in the end?" Rianni@crystyl:"Inventory reads at... 894!" Keliaya@anncaris smiles, "That's an impressive haul! Good work, Ensign." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah smiles, "A job well done. That will go a long way to expediting the Coalitions recovery" Rianni@crystyl:"Please, I hardly did anything!" she flushes. "Everyone else made it happen!" Keliaya@anncaris:"It was your plan, you should take some credit for it!" Keliaya@anncaris | Eva: "We've recovered a considerable amount of assets, and we have a search area now. I think this mission was a major success." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah nods: "Absolutely it was. We'll hold position here at the system's edge for now just to monitor the situation on the planet. Once satisfied with the situation, we'll resume course" Keliaya@anncaris nods, "I'll keep the sensors powered at maximum as we monitor the situation." Keliaya@anncaris | Fisher: "In the meantime, we'll work out an optimal search grid for the area we need to search." Rianni@crystyl | Keelah: "Very good"