ST:TTV708 | "Uprising"

Stardate 98380.2

Mischa sets out with a team on the Lander One to liberate a pre-warp species from their Corporate overlords as part of T'Lana's plan to access the Hyrokee homeworld and root out the Architect's influence on the Corporations...

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T'Lana@anncaris FX | Mischa and T'Lana beam over to one of the Lander One's transporter bays, where Commander Kayan awaits them T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Welcome to the Lander One. Guess detecting you at Zihil impressed you enough that you're involving us in your operations now." Mischa@crystyl:"It certainly refined our understanding of your stealth capabilities, which are crucial to our plan here" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "T'Lana's filled me in on the general plan when she contacted me. Sounds well within our capabilities, but cutting off the Corporate representatives' path of escape is going to be the - T'Lana@anncaris - difficult part. We can't launch an assault against their ships. You'll have to figure something out once we see just what forces they have in play." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "A few variables just makes for a more interesting outing" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan smiles back, "As long as you're prepared for everything that might come your way. Speaking of which, we've been making preparations ever since you contacted us. The other member of your - T'Lana@anncaris - team is already here and Vector's been showing her what we have. Follow me." Mischa@crystyl steps off the pad and follows T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan leads them through the halls of the Lander One, "So, finally decided to come out of the shadows now?" Mischa@crystyl:"Circumstances prevailed" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "I see. Does breaking secrecy break any rules for you?" Mischa@crystyl:"Not at all. Starfleet Intelligence openly works alongside Command. I myself have served in public joint-op offices before, even sat with the command structure of SFC starships" Mischa@crystyl:"It is however... an inconvenience" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods as they step into a lift, "I take it you work best unseen?" Mischa@crystyl:"Suffice to say we would not have been able to achieve all we have so far on this mission had we shared the Valley Forge's spotlight" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "I'll make sure you stay under sensors as best as you can through this mission, then." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Wouldn't be much of a covert operation if we didn't stay under sensors" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan leads the two into a small room lined with consoles and a large replicator. In the centre of the room is a table with several tools and a number of weapons. Vector and Avita are standing - T'Lana@anncaris - by the table, both looking over as the door slides open T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "Commanders. I was just showing the other member of your team what we have prepared for you." Mischa@crystyl:"What is this now? Treats?" she smiles, perking up like a kid in a candy store as she joins them T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "For a warrior, they may as well be." T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "We've prepared a large number of EMP grenades for your use, but these weapons have significant downsides as they affect a certain radius, and if you are caught within, your weapons - T'Lana@anncaris - and equipment will also be disabled. That is why I created this," he picks up a weapon-like rifle Mischa@crystyl studies it curiously T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "This is a non-lethal EM rifle specifically tuned to disable technology. The technology is quite mundane, but I have calibrated it to be particularly effective against Corporate - T'Lana@anncaris - equipment and cybernetics. There are two firing modes- a single beam and a wide conical arc that disables technology in a large area in front of the rifle. Like regular EM weapons, it can be - T'Lana@anncaris:- turned up to stun a target, though they are of course less effective than more state-of-the-art weaponry for such purposes." Mischa@crystyl:"These should prove most useful in our coming mission. Even if they aren't as fun as bladed weapons" she adds with a smile to Avita T'Lana@anncaris | Avita nods, "But unfortunately, bladed weapons are not the most effective against entirely mechanical enemies." T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "One shot from this rifle should disable any of the basic Corporate synthetics caught by the EM beam. As this is not standard Tel'darash technology, I have not yet had time to further - T'Lana@anncaris:- refine the weapon. While you operate on the surface, I should be able to design pistol variants or even concealable ones for use on the Corporations' homeworld, where you will no doubt encounter - T'Lana@anncaris:- a greater number of synthetics and cybernetically enhanced individuals." Mischa@crystyl:"Concealed weapons? Now you're talking my language" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "They'll take some designing, as they're not equipment we use on a regular basis, but Vector's adept at these things. Speaking of pistols..." she steps over, picking up one of several - T'Lana@anncaris:- small pistols on the table, handing it to Mischa, "Not sure if these will come into use on the Corporate colonies, but if you start dealing with cybernetically augmented Hyrokee, you'll definitely - T'Lana@anncaris:- want them." Mischa@crystyl takes it in hand with interest, "Why Hyrokee specifically?" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "The more elite Hyrokee often incorporate a personal energy shield as part of their defensive cybernetics suite. Of course, you can overload the shields with conventional directed energy - T'Lana@anncaris:- fire, but that's either going to take a few shots on lower settings or if you use too high a setting, the shot that collapses the shield might continue through and kill its target, which isn't - T'Lana@anncaris:- something you probably want to do on an infiltration mission all the time. We're not going to war with the Corporations, after all." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Thank you then, these should prove most useful" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "These are tachyon pistols, or 'shield strippers' as we mostly call them in the Tel'darash. We don't usually keep many of them in our armouries since most dangers you run into outside a - T'Lana@anncaris:- full-blown war won't be shielded, and we're explorers, not the Andarash. It does have its uses though, and it's essentially a smaller scale variant of the tachyon weapons on our ships. The beams - T'Lana@anncaris:- they fire will drain a personal shield in the blink of an eye. They can also deal with the shields of smaller vehicles and weaker force fields, but that'll take longer, of course. The beam is - T'Lana@anncaris:- capable of shocking or stunning a target, just like the EM rifle." T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "Hyrokee personal shields will protect against the disabling effects of the EM rifle, so carrying these pistols is highly recommended." Mischa@crystyl:"Understood" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "The last thing we have are those," he picks up a pair of what seem to be gloves with technological components integrated into them, connected with light metallic bracers Mischa@crystyl:"Ooh, what do we have here then?" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "EM gloves. They have the same effect as the EM rifle, but upon contact. The Hyrokee are very dangerous at close quarters due to their modifications, but if you are able to grab onto - T'Lana@anncaris:- them with those gloves on, you will be able to neutralize their advantages." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "For the more personal touch" T'Lana@anncaris | Vector nods, "Indeed. Sometimes, close quarters combat is unavoidable." Mischa@crystyl:"Good thing we have a specialist with us" she looks to Avita T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "My extensive cybernetics should allow me to match these Hyrokee in close quarters." Mischa@crystyl:"They also make you particularly vulnerable to this little arsenal, do they not?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Indeed, but it will be beneficial to have someone with heavy cybernetic modifications for blending in among the Hyrokee." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita nods, "I will endeavour to stay out of the way of your EM weaponry." Mischa@crystyl:"We'll do our best not aim at you" she offers with a smile T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "I appreciate it." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Anyways, we're ready to proceed whenever the Observer is to open the wormhole." Mischa@crystyl:"I believe she is all set to depart on our signal" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Let's head to the Operations Room, then." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan leads them through the ship once more until they reach the Operations Room, which seems to be their equivalent of a bridge, though it may be more accurately described as a cockpit. There - T'Lana@anncaris - are a few seats and consoles along the side, a forward seat under a viewscreen and a central console where Kayan stands. The layout is smaller than even the bridges of Starfleet escorts or - T'Lana@anncaris - Klingon Birds of Prey T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan taps on her central console before looking to Mischa, "The Lander One is ready to proceed. Do you wish to send the signal now?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "Let's get underway" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods to one of her officers, who announces that the signal is sent. On the screen, the Observer's ship can be seen flying ahead before generating the wormhole, and the Lander One slowly - T'Lana@anncaris:- cruises through it T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Amazing technology they have, isn't it? Almost makes our Mothership's singularity core look like a child's toy." Mischa@crystyl:"They are one of only a few races to ever master the technology. It is understandable why they keep it such a closely guarded secret" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "Like the Regulators. Well, it's nice that they're making wormholes for us to travel though, even if they keep the exact workings to themselves." Mischa@crystyl:"We definitely would have struggled keeping the Architect at bay without them now" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We wouldn't have made it to the Sphere so quickly without their ships bringing us to the Guardian station in the first place, but your Observer's ship is much smaller than the ones - T'Lana@anncaris:- that opened those wormholes. It's impressive how such a small ship can do all this." T'Lana@anncaris FX | As they pass through the wormhole, the Spherescape disappears and they find themselves once again in deep space T'Lana@anncaris | The Observer's ship moves behind the Lander One and the viewscreen shifts to a rear view, showing the ship as it begins to dock into the cargo bay Mischa@crystyl:"You know, I do believe this is the first time I've seen the Observer since that nasty business back when we first encountered her..." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "We encountered her briefly when freeing the crew of the Valley Forge, but did not exactly have the time to converse much during that situation." T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "The Observer's ship has docked successfully." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "There goes all the space in our cargo bay. Activate the cloak and take us towards the system." Mischa@crystyl:"Over to you guys then" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris | The viewscreen switches to the front view as the Lander One ripples into cloak and proceeds forward. A few seconds later, an An officer leads the Observer into the room as well T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "So you are the one from whose memories Rianni learned much of her combat and infiltration skills." Mischa@crystyl | The Observer looks around, and behind her, then to Avita at the brash greeting, "That is me, yes" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "I look forward to seeing what you are capable of." Mischa@crystyl | Observer tilts her head a little, "And I of you... Klingon person..." Mischa@crystyl chuckles, "Still the same old Observer I see" Mischa@crystyl | Observer gives Mischa a look before her eyes widen, "Intelligence lady?" T'Lana@anncaris raises a brow, "That is what she knows you as?" Mischa@crystyl smiles, "Yes... that was me" looking to TL, "She was technically my prisoner at the time, so formal introductions did not come into it" back to Observer, "I regret how you were treated by the - Mischa@crystyl:- Admiralty during that incident. They unfortunately acted outside of my knowledge, so I was unable to act on your behalf" Mischa@crystyl | Observer shakes her head and smiles back, "I know it was them, don't worry-" she squints at the collar, "-Commander!" Mischa@crystyl smiles faintly T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "You sound like you have an interesting history..." Mischa@crystyl:"That is one way of putting it" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Seems like you're all on the same side now though. I'll take that as a good sign." Mischa@crystyl:"It was a shaky start to relations between our respective peoples, but yes. We are all friends here" Mischa@crystyl | The Observer watches Mischa as she speaks, giving a firm nod a moment later T'Lana@anncaris | Kalan Pilot: "We're entering the system now." T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "I am reading eleven ships in orbit. One cruiser and three transports appear to be of Hyrokee design and bear Sakyto Corporation IFFs. The configuration of the remaining seven vessels - T'Lana@anncaris - suggest Harcseen origin." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Mercenaries, hired to help the Corporation put down the rebellions." Mischa@crystyl:"Could be worse" T'Lana@anncaris:"It will make cutting off their retreat difficult, unless we can manage to find some way to turn the mercenaries against their employers. Then, the Corporation's forces in orbit will be outnumbered." Mischa@crystyl:"Mercenaries by their very nature can be bought. They all have their price, we just have to find it" T'Lana@anncaris steps over to one of the consoles, "If I may?" T'Lana@anncaris | The An officer nods and she begins tapping on it, "I am seeing a significant concentration of Harcseen lifesigns in a facility armed with anti-air defenses. It is most likely the forward base - T'Lana@anncaris:- of these mercenaries. According to our intelligence, the Iztual rebels have their bases in the mountains, where the cover of natural minerals shields them from sensors and transporters, though - T'Lana@anncaris:- they have a number of operatives in the cities. I have identified one such mountain range where we would likely find them." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We can set you down near either of the locations," she looks to Mischa Mischa@crystyl:"I wouldn't mind setting down in one of the cities and finding their operatives there. Would give us a chance to get a better lay of the land while we're at it" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "I'll set you down on the outskirts of one of the cities. Do you want disguises as the locals, or just to proceed as you are?" Mischa@crystyl hrms, looking to the rest of the team, "Preferences?" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "You may be able to go under notice as you are, but I will probably draw notice if I am seen. But my specialty is not being spotted, so I will manage without a disguise." T'Lana@anncaris:"The Iztual may be pre-warp, but they have been under the control of Sakyto Corporation for decades and are very familiar with the idea of other species. However, they may believe us to be - T'Lana@anncaris:- mercenaries or agents of the Corporation if we interact with them as we are." Mischa@crystyl:"Disguises sound favourable for now. So be it then" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "I'll have Nakos on it. Head to the medical bay. In the meantime, we'll find a good place to set down under cloak." --- T'Lana@anncaris:| After getting their disguise makeup, the team exits the still-cloaked Lander One, which has landed in a park on the outskirts of one of the Iztual cities... T'Lana@anncaris:FX | https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/startrek/images/4/47/GoldenGatePark.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20070707050358 T'Lana@anncaris:| In the distance, the team sees the skyscrapers and lights of the city centre T'Lana@anncaris:"Shall we head towards the busiest area of the city?" Mischa@crystyl:nods, "Let's start working our way in and see what we see" T'Lana@anncaris:nods and they begin making their way out of the park. Soon, they reach the residential suburbs of the city, where the pre-warp nature of the planet they are on begin to show T'Lana@anncaris:FX | http://lamushcast.wdfiles.com/local--files/los-angeles%3Agd-maps/downtown.jpg T'Lana@anncaris:| In addition to buildings clearly built with pre-warp materials and technologies, only expected for their surroundings, they notice that absolutely no one is on the streets... T'Lana@anncaris:"This is unusually empty. While residential regions tend to be quieter during sleeping hours of native species, there are often still some individuals out and about." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "The houses are occupied and the area is not abandoned. They are simply staying inside." Mischa@crystyl:"If not our presence, they must be reacting to something else here..." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "They should not be able to identify us. Even if they possess scanning technology, we have false lifesign generators." Mischa@crystyl:"Doesn't mean they aren't wary of strangers. But I agree it more likely they are hiding from someone else" T'Lana@anncaris:"There is a rebellion ongoing across the planet, though there has been no signs of battle here when we landed." Mischa@crystyl:"Perhaps it has more of a presence here than our intelligence detected..." T'Lana@anncaris:"That is certainly a possibility." T'Lana@anncaris:| They walk for several more minutes without seeing a single person. As they near the city centre, Avita announces, "Hovercraft, coming towards us. I read four lifesigns inside, all Iztual." Mischa@crystyl:"Time to act natural" T'Lana@anncaris:| The hovercraft comes into view from between the skyscrapers, stopping on the street in front of them. Four Iztual, uniformed and with phaser pistols, step out and approach the group T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 1: "What're the four of you doing out here?" Mischa@crystyl:points loosely down the road ahead, "Just heading into town" T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 1: "It's past sundown. That means curfew's in effect." T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 2: "You got a specific destination?" Mischa@crystyl:"Oh! Is it that time already? Well... damn. We were hoping to get to some accommodations before curfew!" T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 1: "You best get indoors. If the Cobots catch you, they won't be as nice as we are." Mischa@crystyl:"I appreciate that. Do you happen to know the next nearest place?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 3: "You live far from here?" Mischa@crystyl:nods, "That's why we wanted to come further into the city. It's not easy to find decent work these days, you know" T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 3: "Well, there's a hotel just down Tachiti Road there," he points the way. "Not the best ratings, but it's cheap and close to here." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds perfect. Thanks again" T'Lana@anncaris:| Iztual 1: "You better get going. And don't let us catch you out past curfew again." Mischa@crystyl:drops her head a little in subservience, "Of course. We won't. Thank you" T'Lana@anncaris:| The four uniformed Iztual climb back into the hovercar and take off, leaving them to proceed down the street T'Lana@anncaris:"A curfew. That would explain the absence of people on the streets." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Come on, let's make for this so called 'hotel' and get off the streets before we draw more attention" T'Lana@anncaris:| They soon arrive in the lobby of the hotel, which clearly reveals its pre-warp style and construction. The reception desk is empty as they enter, but an Iztual soon appears from behind a door T'Lana@anncaris:| Receptionist: "Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone in past curfew." Mischa@crystyl:smiles softly, "No, we apologize. We travelled a little too far on our way to town and got caught short. We... really need a room" T'Lana@anncaris:| Receptionist: "We have a few available. Travel hasn't been great with the uprising and all. Four beds, I assume?" Mischa@crystyl:counts the team finger; 1,2,3,4 and nods, "Yes thank you!" T'Lana@anncaris:| The Receptionist nods and taps on her computer, "That'll be one hundred and seventy-four Teeli, please." Mischa@crystyl:"174... right..." she looks to the others T'Lana@anncaris:"What about Corporate Points?" T'Lana@anncaris:| The Receptionist widens her eyes with visible surprise, "You pay in Corporate Points?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Yes, you accept them here, correct?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Receptionist: "Of course, it's just that our guests, well...they're usually not well-off enough to pay with Points. That'll be thirty-five Points then." Mischa@crystyl:"As I said, we just miscalculated our timing a little while heading into the city" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris:takes out a PADD, tapping on it. The Receptionist brings out her own device, which flashes and the Iztual nods with a smile, "Room 311. Take the lift to the third floor, you'll see it soon as you - T'Lana@anncaris:- turn left." T'Lana@anncaris:"Thank you." T'Lana@anncaris:steps into the lift and waits for the others before using the very old-fashioned columns of numbered buttons to select the third floor Mischa@crystyl joins her T'Lana@anncaris:| The lift takes them to the third floor, and T'Lana uses the keycard she totally got from the receptionist before that I didn't forget to mention at all to open the door T'Lana@anncaris:| Inside is a very modest room with four beds, a table and a corner with some couches and a very 80s looking TV screen Mischa@crystyl:busies herself securing the room initially Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer is drawn to the strange looking screen, "Hey, must be a console of some kind. Computer; on" she stares at it expectantly T'Lana@anncaris:FX | As expected, nothing happens... Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer's brow furrows, "Um... activate? Screen on!" T'Lana@anncaris:FX | Still nothing... Mischa@crystyl | The Observer shrugs, "Must be broken..." Mischa@crystyl:leans past her with a slight *ahem* to push the 'on' button T'Lana@anncaris:| The screen turns on to an Iztual reporter with alien text below: "...announces that Etalui was captured in a raid on the Paati Mountains earlier today. However, the rebels' figurehead Azcalxo - T'Lana@anncaris:- still remains at large. Just a few minutes ago, multiple media stations, including our own, received a message from the rebel leader, but will not broadcast it to comply with Media Order 71." Mischa@crystyl:"Interesting. So we have a rebel leader and a message to uncover" T'Lana@anncaris:| On the screen, the reporter continues: "Regarding the developing situation, Governor Ishyha had this to say." T'Lana@anncaris:| The image of the reporter is replaced by a female of a different species, though it is difficult to tell with the extensive cybernetics visible on this woman's face T'Lana@anncaris:| Governor Ishyha: "Today, we have won a victory in the battle for Tosukee IV. But the struggle continues on. Azcalxo and his followers are still among you, murdering innocents, destroying the - T'Lana@anncaris:- infrastructure we have built for your people. Unfortunately, the planet must continue to operate under martial law until every single rebel is rooted out and - T'Lana@anncaris:- eliminated. Citizens of Tosukee, you know I do not wish to do this. Martial law does not benefit Sakyto Corporation, it hurts our profits. And as I always emphasize, our profits are your profits." T'Lana@anncaris:| Governor Ishyha: "We are not your enemy. We come to elevate you from this meagre, planet-bound existence, to introduce you to the commerce and opportunities of the interstellar community. This - T'Lana@anncaris:- uprising's actions may cost us, but Sakyto Corporation has been profitable long before we invested in your world. It is you who Azcalxo is hurting, your livelihoods he is ruining. If you have any - T'Lana@anncaris:- information on the rebels, please, come forward to us. Let us end this conflict and move on to a brighter future for both our peoples." Mischa@crystyl:"A sad state of affairs" T'Lana@anncaris:| The Iztual reporter's face reappears on the screen, "In other news, studies by the University of Citlat indicate that three additional species have gone extinct in the Zolaca region as a result - T'Lana@anncaris:- of the industrial development..." and promptly goes on to reporting on other things T'Lana@anncaris:"These broadcasts are giving us some useful information on the situation on the planet." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed" Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer meanwhile sits cross legged on the floor in front of the screen, looking up at it with fascination T'Lana@anncaris:looks to the Observer, "I do not believe the news being currently presented is particularly relevant to us." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer nods absently, "Mhmm..." Mischa@crystyl:chuckles, "Well, at least she's found entertainment for the evening" T'Lana@anncaris:raises a brow at the Observer, "It would seem so." T'Lana@anncaris:"Shall we get some rest for the night and attempt to locate that message tomorrow then, Commander?" Mischa@crystyl:"I think that's a good idea" she glances to the Observer, "And she can continue her local recon" tapping her on the shoulder, "As long as she remembers to go to bed at a decent hour as well!" Mischa@crystyl | The Observer glances back absently, "Hmm? Mhmm!" Mischa@crystyl:chuckles, leaving her to it and going to claim a bunk for the night T'Lana@anncaris:nods, "Let us get some rest, then." --- T'Lana@anncaris:| After the team wakes up the next morning, T'Lana activates the screen again, this time tapping away at her tricorder as the news plays Mischa@crystyl:sits idly on the end of her bed while she tries wakes up, quietly watching the screen T'Lana@anncaris:| Reporter: "...contact has been lost with the city of Cuaht due to rebel sabotage. Corporate forces have been deployed in the region and the Governor vows that the situation will be brought under - T'Lana@anncaris:- control within the week. In other news..." T'Lana@anncaris:turns to Mischa, "I have the source of the broadcast's location." Mischa@crystyl:"How far?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Five kilometres out from the city centre, likely a broadcasting tower or station. If the message was broadcast to the stations, which I find most likely as it was sent to multiple stations, we may - T'Lana@anncaris:- find a record of it there." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like a plan to me" T'Lana@anncaris:"We should have plenty of time before sundown when the curfew comes back into effect. Do you wish to go directly for the broadcast's source, or explore the city centre and see what additional - T'Lana@anncaris:- information we may obtain?" Mischa@crystyl:"5Km is a decent round trip. I'm sure we'll have plenty to pick up along the way" T'Lana@anncaris:nods, "I will lead the way when you are ready then, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:looks around to see how the rest of the team is doing T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita appears to be up and about already like T'Lana, sitting quietly on the couch as she sharpens one of the cybernetic blades in her arms, which is currently extended Mischa@crystyl:turns to the Observer, who is still curled up with the blanket pulled over her head, "I warned her..." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "She stayed up too late watching that broadcast, didn't she?" Mischa@crystyl:"I believe so, yes" T'Lana@anncaris:looks to Mischa, "Do you want me to wake her?" Mischa@crystyl:hrms, "I wonder if Avita might make a more entertaining job of it..." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "I am not sure how exactly to awake a human. I may try..." Mischa@crystyl leans back, resting her palms on the bed behind her, "This should be interesting" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita stands and moves over to the bed before trying to pull the blanket down, but not too hard Mischa@crystyl:| She feels a surprisingly strong resistive tug back of it. Accompanied by some incomprehensible murmuring T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "She is stronger than I expected for such a little human." Mischa@crystyl:laughs, "Remember, unlike Rianni; this one was genetic engineered" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "They should have genetically engineered her to require less sleep." Mischa@crystyl:"I honestly thought they had until now..." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita pokes at the Observer, "It is time to get up. Or would you rather we leave you behind here?" Mischa@crystyl:| Observer shifts under the cover with more disgruntled and incomprehensible murmuring T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "How exactly does one wake a genetically engineered human..." She heads over to the TV, turning up the volume to see if it gets a response Mischa@crystyl:| No response Mischa@crystyl:"I would think of her less as any kind of Human at this point and more like a lazy targ" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "I've never had pet targs. I was raised by Letheans." She steps over to the bed again, "Fine, if you will not wake, we will take you with us. You may be strong, but you cannot be much - T'Lana@anncaris:- heavier than an ordinary human." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita promptly tries to roll the Observer up in the blanket and lift her Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer certainly can't sleep through that and immediately squeals in surprise, flailing in confusion Mischa@crystyl rolls back on her bed, laughing hard T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "Finally!" Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer still continues to flail, however all her skill can't help her out of such a tightly bundled ball that she is while stuck in the hoisted blanket T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita sets her back down on the bed and steps back to allow her to get free of the blanket ball Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer scrambles and stumbles out of the bed, slowly gauging the situation and she sees the others, "Who- what-... WHY?" she pouts T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita crosses her arms, "You were harder to wake than a hibernating Grizzela." Mischa@crystyl:"I warned you not stay up late watching those broadcasts" Mischa@crystyl:| Observer slumps quietly, not really having a comeback to that Mischa@crystyl:chuckles, "Just hurry up now and get yourself prepped, we're heading out shortly" Mischa@crystyl:| Observer nods, trudging around to get dressed and started for the day while waking up T'Lana@anncaris:raises a brow at Mischa, "You wanted that to happen when asking Avita to wake her." Mischa@crystyl:smiles back to TL, "Well, she won't make that mistake again now will she" T'Lana@anncaris:nods, "It is a good way to teach a lesson." Mischa@crystyl:grins, "I thought so!" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "A clever plan." Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer soon joins them, ready to head out. Yawning into the back of her hand, "Alright... let's do this" T'Lana@anncaris:leads the way out of the hotel and back into the city. Now that morning is here, people can be seen on the streets once more, though it is still very quiet for a city of its size, with many people - T'Lana@anncaris:- no doubt electing not to venture out with the volatile situation across the planet T'Lana@anncaris:| Cafes and restaurants through the city centre have some patrons, but are visibly far from capacity as they pass by. There are a number of hovercars and vehicles driving on the roads, though they - T'Lana@anncaris:- also look like they were built to accommodate more traffic than what is being seen Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer looks longingly towards the Cafes etc. as they pass by Mischa@crystyl:seems more interested in the vehicles T'Lana@anncaris:notices the Observer's gazes, "I think we should have time to spare to buy you a drink, if you wish." Mischa@crystyl:nods, "Go for it" Mischa@crystyl:| She gratefully heads over to a nearby cafe to get some breakfast T'Lana@anncaris:follows in to a rather ordinary-looking cafe where a few Iztual going about their business are grabbing their morning drinks T'Lana@anncaris:"Our intel did not include local cuisine. We should take note of what the others are ordering." Mischa@crystyl:watches quietly with a smile, nudging TL and nodding towards the Observer, "This is where our little sleepyhead comes into her own" Mischa@crystyl:| The Observer does indeed proceed timidly - but naturally - through the crowd, and by the time she reaches the counter she knows exactly what to ask for T'Lana@anncaris:| The server behind the counter presents her with her order, interacting very naturally with her Mischa@crystyl:| She returns to the group presenting the others with drinks and small wraps of food. Totally not feeling guilty for sleeping in... T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "Your infiltration skills are impressive indeed." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer sips her drink, "It is what I what I was created for after all" Mischa@crystyl:"Not simply infiltration, but mimicry. She was meant to seamlessly blend into a society by learning through observation and fitting in" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita nods, taking one of the wraps and biting into it, "I can see why we brought her along." T'Lana@anncaris:"I have heard much about these skills, but only witnessed it firsthand now. I can see how you were able to blend in with Starfleet for so long." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer: "It wasn't easy, but they were a very accepting people. Especially given the backstory I landed with" T'Lana@anncaris:"That is true. Starfleet is known for being accepting, after all." Mischa@crystyl:"Especially when it comes to one of their own laying it on thick with the sympathy vote" she smiles a little T'Lana@anncaris:"Being able to learn so quickly and blend in with the locals here is still a feat not many possess. Even trained Intelligence officers do not always manage it so naturally like you." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer smiles cheerily. Whether it's the complements or the breakfast, she's perking up now T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "I still look forward to seeing these skills of yours for myself." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer: "And which are those exactly? Observation, infiltration, or the combat skills you alluded to when we first met yesterday?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "The combat skills I spoke of. I have just seen your infiltration skill, though I am curious what exactly your observation skills entail." Mischa@crystyl:"I think it might be more accurate to say it's the observation you just witnessed. The infiltration would be more stealth orientated I suspect" Mischa@crystyl:| Observer nods T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "Observation as in observe and copy then. I suspect you will get a chance to show off the infiltration soon as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed" --- T'Lana@anncaris:| After grabbing breakfast in the cafe, the team continues on their way towards the broadcast's source T'Lana@anncaris:| As they begin to enter the suburbs of the city, they notice the distinctive sparkle of transporter beams appearing on a nearby side street... Mischa@crystyl:moves to discreetly investigate T'Lana@anncaris:follows, staying out of sight. A group of ten humanoid robots materialize from the beams, each of them an identical model, holding the exact same rifle in matching stances T'Lana@anncaris:| Most of the locals seem to steer clear of the street on the sight, though a few seem to be watching from within the safety of nearby windows T'Lana@anncaris:| The robots turn in unison towards one of the nearby low apartment blocks. The people inside that apartment quickly scurry away from their windows as the robots match towards them T'Lana@anncaris:| Two of the robots stand guard to the driveway leading into the apartment block while the rest proceed forwards. Two more break off, standing guard beneath a set of stairs, leaving six to proceed up T'Lana@anncaris:| They reach a specific room and one of them bashes open the door with a single arm. There is the sound of panicked cries and screams. Two robots stand outside the door as the other four step inside T'Lana@anncaris:| There is a single flash of weapons fire, then a few moments later, the four robots appear with a cuffed woman. They proceed down the stairs, but leave the two guarding the door behind. The ones - T'Lana@anncaris:- below the stairs and at the driveway join them however, and as they form into a group of eight, they beam up with the prisoner, with only the two standing by the door they had bashed down T'Lana@anncaris:looks to Mischa, "That must have been a raid on rebels or rebel informants." Mischa@crystyl:nods, "Indeed. Curious as I am to learn more, I can't imagine any of the locals willing to reveal anything about her, even if they do know" T'Lana@anncaris:nods, "And the robots still have the scene under guard. We should proceed towards the broadcast station." Mischa@crystyl:"Agreed. Good to see them in action though, and how mindless they are" T'Lana@anncaris:"They are not true artificial intelligence, after all. I expect they will not be very flexible in battle and more effective as tools of enforcement." Mischa@crystyl:"My thoughts exactly" T'Lana@anncaris:continues leading the way towards the broadcast station, "It is no surprise they must also rely on mercenaries." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer: "I wonder if the robots could be hacked..." T'Lana@anncaris:"I suspect so, especially if their movements are directed from afar. We may be able to intercept the signals and send them our own commands." Mischa@crystyl:"Might even be easier than buying the mercs" T'Lana@anncaris:| Soon, the team reaches the source of the broadcast, which as suspected was a tall radio tower in the suburbs. There seem to be a few technicians working about the facility and no guards, only a - T'Lana@anncaris:- few security cameras Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, so, what do we think?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "The cameras do not cover every part of the facility. It should not be difficult to sneak in through the blind spots." T'Lana@anncaris:nods, "And the personnel do not appear to be trained guards either. Going beneath their notice will be simple, though it may be more effective for one of us to sneak in than all four." Mischa@crystyl:"So one goes in, the rest on surveillance" T'Lana@anncaris:"Which one of us shall sneak inside?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "Perhaps this can be a demonstration of your infiltration skills?" she looks to the Observer Mischa@crystyl:| Observer looks up to Avita, then to Mischa Mischa@crystyl:"You know the objective? Or did you sleep through that part as well?" she teases Mischa@crystyl:| Observer flusters a little, "I- yes! Get the recording sent to them by the rebels" Mischa@crystyl:nods, "Off you go then" T'Lana@anncaris:| Sneaking by the cameras and the technicians focused on their work is like an easy training course for the Observer of course, and she manages to reach the heart of the facility without difficulty! T'Lana@anncaris:| Inside, she finds a number of screens and other unfamiliar technologies... Mischa@crystyl:| She gets to work exploring her way through the unfamiliar systems T'Lana@anncaris:| It takes her a bit to figure out how to work the low-tech systems... T'Lana@anncaris:| While the Observer works inside the facility, Mischa notices one of the technicians moving through the facility is behaving unusually, much like the Observer, as if he's trying to avoid being - T'Lana@anncaris:- seen by the cameras and the others... Mischa@crystyl:points him out to the others, "It appears we are not the only ones interested in things here" T'Lana@anncaris:nods, observing him, "He appears to be wearing the work clothes of the technicians here, but is clearly trying to avoid being seen. Should we try to intercept him, or warn the Observer?" Mischa@crystyl:"I think we should intercept and see what he's up to. Could be he's a potential ally after the same thing we are. And if he's not, we deal with him" T'Lana@anncaris:"Agreed. Best let the Observer do her work uninterrupted. Shall some of us remain on watch here, or approach him together?" Mischa@crystyl:"Avita, feel like grabbing him?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita nods, "He will be here in a moment." T'Lana@anncaris:| The cyborg Klingon climbs over the fence and moves fluidly through the facility T'Lana@anncaris:| Meanwhile, the Observer finally manages to figure out how to view previous transmissions. It seems the one sent by the rebel leader is little more than a recording attempting to gain sympathy for - T'Lana@anncaris:- his movement, and the source of the broadcast has been bounced around numerous times it's impossible to say where the origin was Mischa@crystyl:| Observer sees if she can take a copy of it for reference at least T'Lana@anncaris:| She is able to make a copy of it! Mischa@crystyl:| She takes the copy and does a cursory sweep for anything else of interest before making her exit T'Lana@anncaris:| She spots no other information of interest, as this appears to be a purely civilian station with no vital information of particular use that can't be accessed by watching the TVs T'Lana@anncaris:| Outside, Avita soon reappears with the gagged and bound technician over her shoulder, which she drops in front of Mischa and T'Lana T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "Mmmet...me...o!" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "He was making too much noise." Mischa@crystyl:smiles a little, "Subtle". Crouching beside him, "Now look, you were clearly up to something you shouldn't have been in there. So; are you going to play nice, or shall we just dump you with the - Mischa@crystyl:- Corporation robots?" T'Lana@anncaris:| The technician looks between the three and nods. Avita leans over and ungags him T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "Who on Tlatcue are you? You're not with the Corporation, otherwise you'd transport me to one of your interrogation rooms already." Mischa@crystyl:"We are friends of the people. So what were you after in there?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "You're friends of the people? So...you're from a different cell?" Mischa@crystyl:"Obviously" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "What brings you here? Are you from that cell that was wiped out in the mountains? One of the survivors of Etalui's people?" Mischa@crystyl:smiles after a moment, "Not as stupid as you look, are you. Now for my question, what were you doing in there?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "To spread the word. You recall back when we started, Azcalxo would send his messages to the media and they would broadcast it because it was good news. Then Media Order 71 came out, - T'Lana@anncaris:- and any platform broadcasting messages from the rebels would be treated as co-conspirators. The only way to get the word out now is by broadcasting it ourselves, because the media won't do it for - T'Lana@anncaris:- us anymore." T'Lana@anncaris:| As he speaks, the Observer emerges after making her way out of the facility! Mischa@crystyl:"So you were delivering a new message, or attempting to apprehend the systems here to broadcast yesterdays?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "To broadcast yesterday's. I don't have any new messages, I'm not in contact with Azcalxo himself." Mischa@crystyl:| Observer gives their new friend a curious look, holding up the copied message she recovered, "You mean this one?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "Yes...is she with you? Did you broadcast it already?" Mischa@crystyl:| Observer shakes her head, "No, my job was to inspect and recover" Mischa@crystyl:"As you can imagine, since that whole mess up in the mountains we've been out of the loop. So we wanted to lay hands on the latest recording and see it first to make sure it was legit" T'Lana@anncaris:| The technician nods, "Will you broadcast it once you've seen that it's real?" Mischa@crystyl:"Our young friend here has found her way in and out once already. She can accompany you back in so you can complete your mission" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "Excellent. Let's send the message and I can take you to one of our cell's hideouts. We'll get you back in the loop, and you can work with our cell if you like." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita unties his wrists and legs too, allowing him to stand back up, "Thank you." Mischa@crystyl:"This time try and get in without drawing suspicion to yourself" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris:| The technician nods, "You've got a good eye, I'm not exactly new at this myself, been doing it since the uprising started." Mischa@crystyl:"Good, then you won't have any trouble now" T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "Not with the people crewing this tower, at least," he looks to the Observer, "Come on, let's send the message." Mischa@crystyl:| She nods and leads him back in the way she went before T'Lana@anncaris:| The two manage to sneak in without much trouble, and the 'technician' sends the broadcast. Maybe he is a real technician, or just familiar with the technology of his homeworld, but he works the - T'Lana@anncaris:- machinery expertly. Before long, the two are back out again! T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "Message sent. Come with me, I'll take you somewhere safe." Mischa@crystyl:smiles, "Nicely done. Alright, lead on" T'Lana@anncaris:| The technician nods and begins leading the way T'Lana@anncaris:| Technician: "My name is Ixpall, by the way. And you?" Mischa@crystyl:"Mischa. Are you local to the town?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "Mischa...that's an unusual name. But I supposed you come from the Paati region. Yes, I'm a local here. My family's been here for as long as we can remember." Mischa@crystyl:"Then the woman we saw get taken earlier may be attached to your cell?" T'Lana@anncaris:| A look of concern crosses Ixpall's face, "The woman? Do you know her name? Where she lived?" T'Lana@anncaris:"She was taken from an apartment on Quezl Street if I recall correctly. We did not learn her name." Mischa@crystyl:nods T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "I'm not aware of any member of our cell on that street, but the Corporation's been taking sympathizers, or anyone heard talking favourably about our movement in public. Just to make an - T'Lana@anncaris:- example of what happens if people support us. Sometimes they're executed, sometimes interrogated or tortured then sent back. I've even heard rumours that they send some to the lizardmen for food, - T'Lana@anncaris:- but those might just be rumours. At least, I hope they are." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed..." T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "We haven't had lizardmen in these parts yet. We've all heard about them. but Sakyto sends the bots down to intimidate us. They only send in the lizards when there's a proper battle. Were - T'Lana@anncaris:- you there when Etalui was captured, or did you survive because you weren't present? I heard the lizardmen were involved in storming the mountains." Mischa@crystyl:"We were away on assignment when they hit" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall nods, "That explains it. You're lucky to survive and continue the fight here." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, quite fortunate. Though I can't help but wonder if things may turned out differently had we been there to help..." she sighs with resignation T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "I doubt it. I don't mean to question your skills, of course, but they say the leader of the mercenaries was present himself, the Miskt-Itkunli." Mischa@crystyl:"Wouldn't surprise me" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "The news does not speak of him often, but word has spread from the other rebels who have seen him. Few lay eyes upon him and survive, so we do not know much of him. But apparently he is - T'Lana@anncaris:- not one of the lizardmen himself, but a great beast with fur as dark as night. That is why we call him Miskt-Itkunli, the Hound of Hell." Mischa@crystyl:"Larger than life characters often end up being wrongly labelled with such fanciful names. I for one look forward to meeting him and getting a little payback" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall nods, "I hope he is not all he is made out to be." Mischa@crystyl:"How far out are we? I'm anxious to get off the streets - we're too exposed out here" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "Far enough. The safehouse is located in an inconspicuous part of the suburbs with some distance from the city centre. We are almost there." T'Lana@anncaris:| Indeed, before long, Ixpall leads the way into what looks like a store, though passing through the back room into a basement, it is clearly much more T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "We've obtained some Corporate technology that helps mask our presence down here from their sensors." T'Lana@anncaris:| As they step down into the safehouse, the others look at them curiously and a woman approaches the group, "Who are they, Ixpall?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "Survivors from Etalui's cell. They found me at the radio tower." T'Lana@anncaris:| Woman: "You are sure they can be trusted?" Mischa@crystyl:"No more sure than we are that any of you can be trusted" she offers with a smile T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "They didn't bring me in for interrogation, and helped broadcast the message. Yes, they could be doing all this to infiltrate us, but you can say the same about just any test we give." T'Lana@anncaris:| The woman sighs, "You're right. It's just not easy to trust these days, you know." Mischa@crystyl:"We've lost one cell already, so we're going out on a limb revealing ourselves to you as much as you are by letting us in here" T'Lana@anncaris:| Woman: "That's fair. I'm Caxin, leader of this cell. Welcome to Xiohue City." Mischa@crystyl:"Thanks. I'm Mischa, this is Lana, Avita and Rianni" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "It's good to have you here. What would you say your specialties are?" Mischa@crystyl:"We're an elite infiltration and combat unit" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "Elite infiltration and combat? Well, it seems fortune might finally be on our side." Mischa@crystyl:"Oh?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "We cannot liberate Tlatcue while the Corporation and their mercenary ships are still in orbit, and we cannot reach those ships. We're able to commandeer shuttles, but these are of little - T'Lana@anncaris:- use against their cruisers. One of the cells even obtained clearance codes and everything, but they never got far. We need to board them with their transportation technology. The problem is, the - T'Lana@anncaris:- only places with that technology are their representatives' buildings. Even the factories don't have it- they have cargo pads that allow their cargo ships to easily transport the goods up, but - T'Lana@anncaris:- they don't trust us to use the technology ourselves." Mischa@crystyl:"Obviously..." she thinks, "Still, those cargo pads could be our best way in" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin shakes her head, "The planet's under martial law. They're not transporting supplies up through the cargo pads, and like I said, there's no transportation function for us down here. We can't - T'Lana@anncaris:- use the pads even if we wanted to, it's only to help them...what do they say, get a better lock on supplies to transport from up on their own transports. The only way we can reach their ships are - T'Lana@anncaris:- through their representatives' towers. They'll be hard to get to, but we're working towards it." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, so we do it the hard way. Should keep things interesting at least” T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "Their towers have automated defenses and shielding, but those won't hold forever against the lizardmen. If we can get control of the one in this city though, we may be able to hold it for - T'Lana@anncaris:- long enough to transport several bombs up to their ships. Only after their ships are down can we truly start retaking our homeland for ourselves." T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "Even if we don't get all of them, we'll at least bring down a few ships and show the movement that it can be done. Once other cells across the planet follow our example, Tlatcue will be - T'Lana@anncaris:- free, even if we may not live to see it." Mischa@crystyl:"Personally, I plan on living to see it" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "I hope we do as well, but being a part of the movement means risking death. We don't seek to throw our lives away, but we would also be fools not to acknowledge that the Corporation has - T'Lana@anncaris:- more power than we do, and we're fighting against the odds." Mischa@crystyl:"Of course. But I've got a good feeling about this new arrangement of ours" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin smiles, "Me too. We have some infiltrators and good fighters here in Xiohue, but no one claiming to be an elite team. We have antimatter bombs prepared and knowledge of where on the ships - T'Lana@anncaris:- to transport them, and one of the receptionists in the Corporate Building is working with us, but she has limited access. We need to turn the defenses to our side or at least shut them down long - T'Lana@anncaris:- enough to take the building. We won't have a chance of storming it by force." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds simple enough. What's the catch?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "The catch is that we don't know how to tap into the defenses, even with someone on the inside. From what the receptionist told us, there's no keycards, no access terminals- it's all - T'Lana@anncaris:- controlled remotely by the Hyrokee using their implants. We've tried to hack their signals, but it's too complicated for our techs." Mischa@crystyl:"Can you show us your data on those hack attempts? Lana and Rianni here are particularly expert with such things, so maybe they can find a way" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin nods to Ixpall, who taps over on a computer, "Here it is." T'Lana@anncaris:steps over to view the data, "Their security is advanced, but the biggest problem seems to be that there's someone actively countering your hacking attempts." T'Lana@anncaris:"It appears all the Hyrokee in the building have direct control over the security grid, but one individual, identified by the system as 'Security Chief' is specifically protecting the network from - T'Lana@anncaris:- outside override attempts and is also the one with full administrative control over the grid. If the Security Chief is located and dealt with, then it should be more viable to hack in." T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "But the Security Chief will be bolstered by the defenses of the building. We must either lure them out, or find a way to disable the security for long enough to assassinate them." T'Lana@anncaris:"We will need a plan of action against this Security Chief." Mischa@crystyl:"And we won't be able to come up with anything until we get to see more of the setup there" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "We know the entire premises are lined with sensors. No one goes in or out without them knowing about it, which is why it was so important to have an authorized employee going in to gain - T'Lana@anncaris:- insight for us. She doesn't know the exact positions of all the defenses, but there are security turrets in practically all the halls and rooms of importance and force fields to reinforce the - T'Lana@anncaris:- rooms where Hyrokee live. There's a few less critical rooms without turrets, but anywhere you go on the premises will be detected by the sensors, and bots will be dispatched to capture you even - T'Lana@anncaris:- if you hide in one of those areas." Mischa@crystyl:"So we either need to become invisible to those sensors, or actually belong there" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "Actually belonging there will be difficult. In addition to an employee tag, ever since the movement started, they've registered the lifesigns of all their employees in a database. Anyone - T'Lana@anncaris:- who doesn't read properly will be flagged as an intruder." T'Lana@anncaris:"We have devices that can alter our lifesign readings. We will need employee cards, however." T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "You do? That's quite the impressive technology. Stole them from Corporates on one of your prior missions?" Mischa@crystyl:"Naturally" T'Lana@anncaris:| Ixpall: "Well, our insider can lend you one keycard and you can fake her readings, but that will only get one of you in." Mischa@crystyl:"It's a start" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "We might be able to get keycards and lifesign readings from other employees. We could steal them, or capture them while we sneak inside. Or would you prefer one of us take on this task - T'Lana@anncaris:- alone?" Mischa@crystyl:"I think it will need all of us on this one" T'Lana@anncaris:nods, "We will need to obtain credentials from the others, then. If we steal them, there is a chance they may report that the keycards are missing, but holding them prisoner may also tip off any - T'Lana@anncaris:- friends and families, who could report their disappearance and cause the Corporation to potentially revoke their access." T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "Unless you obtain them and proceed immediately with the plan, before there's time for any suspicions to be raised." Mischa@crystyl:"Intercept them on their way to start a shift" T'Lana@anncaris:"An excellent idea. Then, we can proceed inside the building and the lifesigns will seem normal if anyone is actively monitoring the data, as they should be in the building at that time." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds like we have a plan then" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "Our receptionist's shift should be beginning in four hours. We'll call her to hand over her card first and you can try tuning your devices to her lifesigns. Then you should be able to - T'Lana@anncaris:- intercept her coworkers before they reach the building." --- T'Lana@anncaris:| Three and a half hours later, they have the friendly receptionist's keycard and lifesigns and wait on an empty alley near a side street that employees of the Corporate Building often pass by on - T'Lana@anncaris:- the way to work, an optimal ambush point T'Lana@anncaris:"This door seems to lead to the back of a store that has gone out of business. It will be a suitable place to put the captured employees while we enter the building." Mischa@crystyl:nods, keeping an eye out for promising candidates T'Lana@anncaris:| A few minutes later, Mischa spots two men chatting as they walk down the side street, both of them wearing uniforms with the Sakyto Corp logo Mischa@crystyl:"These two look promising, but we'll still have to grab someone else if we get them" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "We should not rely on luck to provide a group of exactly the right size. I suggest we grab these two and continue waiting." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, you want the honours?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita nods and proceeds behind the two. She springs into action with a sudden burst of speed, and before they know it, both are knocked out and on the ground Mischa@crystyl:helps to quickly get them secured in the building T'Lana@anncaris:| The two are brought into the building, where T'Lana takes their keycards and gives them a thorough scan, while Avita gags and cuffs them to pillars in the abandoned shop T'Lana@anncaris:| Avita: "Now we just need one more." T'Lana@anncaris:"I will calibrate our lifesigns in the meantime." Mischa@crystyl:goes back to lookout duty T'Lana@anncaris:| Two more Iztual wearing Corporate uniforms walk by, but this time speaking with two others who are not uniformed Mischa@crystyl:watches idly T'Lana@anncaris:| The group of four don't seem to separate as they head through the side street towards the main street ahead T'Lana@anncaris:| Soon, the four reach the main street, where they do finally split up, with the two in Corporate uniforms heading to the Corporate building, but it is too conspicuous to intercept them out in the open T'Lana@anncaris:meanwhile finishes the calibration, handing the corresponding keycards to Avita and the Observer T'Lana@anncaris:"Unfortunately I do not think their uniforms will necessarily fit us, but we only need to fool the sensors. Most of the building should be automated with no organic guards." Mischa@crystyl:nods, "Just need one more now" T'Lana@anncaris:| A few minutes later after a few non-Corporate passerbys, they get lucky and a single woman in Corporate uniform walks by with no one else in the street behind her! Mischa@crystyl:smiles, "Perfect. Allow me" moves to slip into step behind the woman and seamlessly incapacitate her & slip back down the side street T'Lana@anncaris:"Flawless work as always, Commander.” T'Lana@anncaris:She takes a scan and grabs the keycard like before, then calibrates Mischa's lifesigns quickly before handing her the card, "We should be good to proceed into the building." Mischa@crystyl:proceeds with nothing more than a slight smile as she adds the woman to the collection. Sizing her up briefly to gauge the fit of her uniform" T'Lana@anncaris:| Her uniform is a little on the small side, but it could fit Mischa! T'Lana@anncaris:| It may be a slightly better fit for the Observer though... Mischa@crystyl:turns a knowing smirk to the Observer who doesn't need to be told any more before she starts swapping outfits Mischa@crystyl:smiles, "May come in handy" T'Lana@anncaris:"Good thinking. A visual disguise is always nice to have if possible." T'Lana@anncaris:| Before long, the Observer is changed and ready to go! Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, let's go to work!" T'Lana@anncaris | They step inside the lobby of the Corporate Building, which as expected is filled with robotic guards. However, there is a single organic receptionist behind a counter awaiting them T'Lana@anncaris | The receptionist is an Iztual female, dressed in the same uniform as the people they incapacitated T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Either they have multiple receptionists, or the one from the prior shift has not yet left. In either case, we will have to get past her without raising suspicion." Mischa@crystyl looks to the Observer, "You're up" Mischa@crystyl | Observer nods and makes her way over, "O- oh, wait... you must be coming off shift right? Sorry, I'm covering for someone. Please tell me I didn't get the wrong shift..." T'Lana@anncaris | The receptionist nods, "I'm waiting for Necatl." The Observer recognizes the name as the receptionist friendly to the rebels. "My shift's over technically, but if any of the Corporates see the - T'Lana@anncaris:- desk empty, well last time they took it out on me and said I should wait until the next receptionist comes in. Are you covering for Necatl?" Mischa@crystyl | She smiles, relaxing and moving to settle behind the desk, "Yes! Don't worry, I've got you this time. Anything going on I should know about?" T'Lana@anncaris:| The receptionist shakes her head, "Nothing of note today. It's been very quiet, even since the uprising started people are staying away from the Corporate Building unless they have urgent - T'Lana@anncaris:- business. The rebels tried to launch an attack on the one in Citlat a few weeks ago. I hope after they got repelled, something like that doesn't happen here." Mischa@crystyl | Observer feigns gossipy shock, "I /know/ right! I couldn't believe it when I heard about that attack. You don't think anything like that will happen here though, right...?" she sounds a little fearful T'Lana@anncaris | Receptionist: "I doubt it. Have you /seen/ the Security Chief? He's like a walking tank. I'm a little scared of him, to be honest, but with him looking over this place, no one's going to - T'Lana@anncaris:- attack it. And if they do, well, I'd be more worried for them than for us." Mischa@crystyl | She smiles, "A walking tank you say? Sounds kind of hot if you ask me..." T'Lana@anncaris:| Receptionist: "Maybe if he didn't have all those cybernetics, he would be, but these Hyrokee are obsessed with them. He's more of a living weapon than a man now, and I /still/ hear about him - T'Lana@anncaris:- wanting to buy even more upgrades!" Mischa@crystyl | She pulls a face, "Eww, I know right? What /is/ it with these guys and their tech! I just don't see the attraction..." T'Lana@anncaris | Receptionist: "It's not just the guys. Even their women are covered head-to-toe in cybernetics. I'd get it if soldiers were into those things, but administrators like the Governor? Not sure - T'Lana@anncaris:- I'll ever understand aliens..." Mischa@crystyl | Observer smiles, "You and me both! Anyway, you get yourself home if you want. I've got things covered here now" T'Lana@anncaris | Receptionist: "Thank you! I'll grab my stuff and head on out." T'Lana@anncaris:| The receptionist steps into a side room, leaving the desk open. A few moments later, she emerges with a small bag and heads out a side door Mischa@crystyl | She gives a cheery wave, "Catch you later!" T'Lana@anncaris:| The real receptionist waves back and steps out, leaving the team alone in the area with only the robot guards, who don't seem to mind their presence at all Mischa@crystyl join her at the desk, still making a cursory show of ID checking for the robots sensors, "Morning" Mischa@crystyl | Observer nods, "Good morning ma'am" Mischa@crystyl lowers her voice, "Best you keep up appearances and stay here for now. Contact us if anything comes up" Mischa@crystyl | Observer gives the ID a cursory check and nods, "Very good, have a good day now!" Mischa@crystyl proceeds inside T'Lana@anncaris and Avita follows in T'Lana@anncaris speaks quietly, "Now we have to locate the Security Chief." Mischa@crystyl nods, "I can't imagine a prominent figure and key location are too hard to find through a systematic sweep" T'Lana@anncaris:"Let us begin sweeping the area, then." T'Lana@anncaris | Past the reception area are a number of lifts, but no buttons to call them, instead having an access port to plug into. However, on the far side there seems to be a stairwell with a keycard - T'Lana@anncaris - detector in addition to an access port Mischa@crystyl heads for the stairwell T'Lana@anncaris:| The door to the stairwell opens upon tapping the keycard on the detector, allowing them to enter! Mischa@crystyl proceeds T'Lana@anncaris | As the three climb the stairs, Avita announces, "Lifesigns incoming. Likely a few floors above us." Mischa@crystyl nods and keeps going T'Lana@anncaris | They continue walking up the flight before Avita speaks again, "One of them is entering the stairwell." Mischa@crystyl continues like she belongs there T'Lana@anncaris | An Iztual in a jumpsuit with the Sakyto logo comes into view as he climbs down the stairs. He eyes them before coming to a stop, "You're not wearing company-issue clothes. Contractors or - T'Lana@anncaris - something?" Mischa@crystyl nods, "You got it. Always getting called in at no notice because someone's spilled a drink and shorted out a console or something" she laughs T'Lana@anncaris | The Iztual chuckles, "So here to fix something somewhere specific today?" Mischa@crystyl:"Yeah, the repair order said something about... monitoring equipment, security I think?" T'Lana@anncaris | Iztual: "Oh, probably something in the Security Room, then, unless it's one of the individual sensor nodes or whatever they call it that's broken." Mischa@crystyl:"Security room, that sounds promising! And... which way would that be? Damned corporate buildings all look the same after a while..." T'Lana@anncaris | Iztual: "Just two levels above you. They like to keep it lower so they can get to the lobby quickly. Most of the issues are usually down there." Mischa@crystyl:"Right, makes sense! Thanks" T'Lana@anncaris | Iztual: "Good luck. Hope you get it fixed in time to get home before the curfew kicks in." Mischa@crystyl groans, "We'd better..." T'Lana@anncaris | With that, the Iztual worker continues down the stairs, leaving the three alone T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "I would have stayed out of sight, but he had useful information to offer it seems." Mischa@crystyl:"Often the best way to blend in is to appear like you belong" she smiles, "Come on. We know where we're going now" T'Lana@anncaris | They proceed up to the right level and soon approach a sealed door T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "I see four of the bots inside and one lifesign. Hyrokee, male, heavily modified." T'Lana@anncaris:"Most likely the Security Chief we seek." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Any preference for how we play this now?" T'Lana@anncaris:"We have the tachyon pistols from the Lander One, which will allow us to deal with personal shielding if he uses any. We may wish to eliminate the robots quickly first, as I doubt we will be able - T'Lana@anncaris:- to take control of them while he is still standing." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright. Avita, you focus on the chief. Lana and I will take care of the robots first" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "I will attempt to take him out, or at least keep him occupied while you deal with the bots." Mischa@crystyl nods, "We'll aim to make short work of the bots and assist you" T'Lana@anncaris scans the door, "I do not think our keycards will be sufficient to access this room, but I can override the door easily enough. I shall open it on your mark." Mischa@crystyl gives a silent nod after getting in position T'Lana@anncaris opens the security door to reveal a room with a raised central platform and a number of consoles around it. The four robots stand around the room while on the central raised platform is a huge, - T'Lana@anncaris - over two metre tall armoured cyborg. It is unclear how modified his body is beneath the armour, but all his limbs are clearly no longer organic, but mechanical. He turns, observing the three - T'Lana@anncaris - through glowing red cybernetic eyes, "You do not look like you belong here." Mischa@crystyl strolls in, "Oh, really? Well, looks can be deceiving I suppose. Don't mind us!" she chirps, moving around the room and going about her business. In other words, strategically positioning herself T'Lana@anncaris and Avita follow suit T'Lana@anncaris | Security Chief: "You read as employees and have the keycards, but you do not have the correct uniforms...and your faces do not match their records." T'Lana@anncaris | The robots begin to raise their rifles, but Mischa and T'Lana are already in a strategic position to begin taking them down with nearby cover! Mischa@crystyl:"Yeah, didn't you get the memo? Damned rebels tried hacking into the database again and done screwed everything up. That's why we're here - to make things right" she says with unseen emphasize as an- Mischa@crystyl:- order to attack. Promptly following by firing on the nearest robot/s T'Lana@anncaris follows suit, the two taking out two robots before the enemy can respond. The Security Chief does not 'draw' weapons, but two emerges from both wrists as he opens fire with two beams cutting - T'Lana@anncaris - across the room, forcing them into cover before Avita fires the tachyon pistol. There is a flicker around the Security Chief and a look of surprise on his face as his shielding fails, but he - T'Lana@anncaris - promptly concentrates fire on Avita. The two remaining robots however have already begun firing at Mischa and T'Lana's covers, though with very predictable patterns Mischa@crystyl works to quickly duck in and out of cover to take hers out between it's firing patterns T'Lana@anncaris does the same and the two take down the remaining robots. Avita meanwhile is agile enough to evade the Security Chief's fire. She closes in, extending the cybernetic blades from her arm and - T'Lana@anncaris - slashing at the larger cyborg. He parries the blows with his own metallic arms. She sees an opening and goes for his face, but the Security Chief grabs Avita's cybernetic blade with one hand - T'Lana@anncaris - and with immense strength, tosses her back into a console, causing the screen to crack and fizzle at the impact with the Klingon T'Lana@anncaris | Security Chief: "Impressive cybernetics. You cannot be one of the local primitives. Let me guess...saboteurs from a rival Corporation?" Mischa@crystyl takes the opening to open fire on him and draw his attention T'Lana@anncaris | The Security Chief dodges the fire surprisingly effectively before a force field suddenly springs into position around the central area, blocking further shots. Avita retrieves the boomerang - T'Lana@anncaris - bat'leth from her back and attempts to take advantage of the moment to hurl it at the large cyborg, but the Security Chief catches it in one of his metal hands, "There. Let's even the odds." T'Lana@anncaris | The boomerang suddenly flies back towards Avita. She dodges out of the way at the last second, sending the Security Chief flying into the console instead. As he impacts, she takes the - T'Lana@anncaris - opportunity to leap in, but the fellow cyborg is as fast as she is and brings up an arm to parry the blow from her cybernetic blade T'Lana@anncaris meanwhile rushes over to a nearby console to try to lower the force field T'Lana@anncaris | The Security Chief lets go of the boomerang, which flies back to Avita. She catches it in mid-air and extends it to its bat'leth form before pressing the attack, forcing the Security Chief on - T'Lana@anncaris:- the defensive due to the longer reach of the weapon, but the advantage only lasts momentarily. He grabs the thinner blade of the collapsable weapon, forcing her to let go as it would yank her along T'Lana@anncaris | Avita takes the chance while her arms are free to draw the tachyon pistol and fire again. It catches the Chief in the chest, causing a black mark on the plating and sparks to erupt from it, - T'Lana@anncaris:- but the huge cyborg doesn't seem to stagger, kicking the pistol out of her hand before closing in with a punch that Avita only just manages to dodge T'Lana@anncaris:"He's countering my attempts to lower the force field, but it is not a high power one. We should be able to shut it down if we concentrate fire with our tachyon pistols." Mischa@crystyl nods to TL and aims to focus fire with her T'Lana@anncaris | The force field begins to flicker as they fire. Meanwhile, Avita continues dodging the Security Chief's punches. As she does, the fallen bat'leth collapses back into its boomerang form and - T'Lana@anncaris - flies back to her. She catches it and extends it between the two, forcing the Security Chief back momentarily T'Lana@anncaris | The Security Chief looks around, noticing the force field getting paler and paler. He raises his arms and fires his beams, forcing Avita to dodge, but soon the two beams drive her into a - T'Lana@anncaris - corner, though the beams also hit the force field, causing it to finally collapse! Mischa@crystyl takes the opportunity and turns her fire on the chief T'Lana@anncaris also fires on the Chief. This time, the combined shots cause him to stagger as sparks begin appearing across his armoured torso. His carefully positioned beams point too low for a moment, - T'Lana@anncaris - allowing Avita to nimbly leap over one and close the distance. The wounded cyborg raises his arms to defend, but it is too late as Avita runs her blade along his neck T'Lana@anncaris | The Security Chief flails wildly as he falls, forcing everyone into cover as the beams on his arms continue to fire around the room with the movements of his arms. As he stops moving, the - T'Lana@anncaris - beams finally shut down, leaving a number of consoles fried and black gashes of scorch marks all over the walls, ceiling and floor of the Security Room T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "That was messier than I hoped. I suppose this is why we need those EM weapons Vector is working on." Mischa@crystyl cautiously moves out of cover, "All those mechanical parts in there, you sure he's down for the count?" T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "My eyes read no lifesigns, and the mechanical systems are powered down or failing." Mischa@crystyl moves to join her, "Then let's get to work before he's missed. We're on the clock now" T'Lana@anncaris gets out of cover and moves to one of the still functioning consoles, "Now we should be able to bring the building's defenses on our side." Mischa@crystyl joins her at the console to help T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "This might be a problem. One of his implants just sent a final signal before shutting down." T'Lana@anncaris | Indeed, on the console, they see that a warning has been sent out through the building's comm relay... Mischa@crystyl:"Ok, definitely on the clock..." T'Lana@anncaris | Meanwhile down in the lobby, the Observer is sitting peacefully behind the reception desk when suddenly six transporter beams appear in the centre of the lobby! Mischa@crystyl | She looks up with a professional smile ready to greet the arrivals T'Lana@anncaris | The arrivals are six large Harcseen with rifles in hand. Two of them move to secure the entrance while the other four approach her, "We're told there's a security breach in this building. Has - T'Lana@anncaris:- anyone entered recently?" Mischa@crystyl | She gasps in shock, "What? No way! There's not been a soul since I got on shift. You sure you got the right place?" T'Lana@anncaris | Harcseen: "This is where the signal came from. Any unusual reports from Security?" Mischa@crystyl looks at her screen, then back up shaking her head absently T'Lana@anncaris | Harcseen: "Call your Security Room. We need to verify if this was a mistake or a malfunction, or if someone has managed to slip past the sensor grid." Mischa@crystyl | She nods, clipping on a headset and tapping. She smiles back innocently as she waits a moment for one of the team to answer where she's routed her comm signal T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa gets the comm signal back in the Security Room! Mischa@crystyl confirms it's a system glitch and nothing to worry about Mischa@crystyl | Observer relays this to the arrivals with a professional smile T'Lana@anncaris | The Harcseen nods and comms his ship. A few seconds later, they all beam back up T'Lana@anncaris | In the Security Room, T'Lana announces, "I have full control over the building security. All remaining Hyrokee should be locked out and sealed in their rooms." Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect. On with the next step then" T'Lana@anncaris:"The comm systems are also under our control, so they will not be sending any more signals. We can signal the rebels to move into the building with their bombs." Mischa@crystyl nods, and updates the Observer T'Lana@anncaris sends the signal, "There is one more potential point of concern. The building possesses shields, which should prevent enemies from beaming in when they are raised. However, they will have to be - T'Lana@anncaris:- lowered for us to beam the bombs onto their ships, and there are only two transporter pads. We can destroy two ships without them suspecting it, but the rest will be alerted that the security - T'Lana@anncaris:- warning was indeed real. They will likely raise their own shields and only lower them to send forces here. We may be able to trade transports by luring them in to board us, but I suspect that - T'Lana@anncaris:- not work for long either." Mischa@crystyl:"You have a suggestion I take it?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Not to destroy all eleven vessels, as the resources we have here are limited. However, I suggest we use the four bombs we are likely to be able to transport on the four Corporate ships. Then, if - T'Lana@anncaris:- we will simply need to convince the mercenaries that this is not a good venture and their departure should leave the remaining Hyrokee stranded here." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, let's do it" T'Lana@anncaris:"Forwarding the recommendation to the rebels. Caxin wishes to speak with us, Commander." Mischa@crystyl:"Let's have it" T'Lana@anncaris | An image of Caxin appears on the console, "You did it. You actually took the Corporate Building. I admit, I had my doubts, but it looks like you're as elite as you claim." Mischa@crystyl:"We can pat ourselves on the back when the job is done. You all set?" T'Lana@anncaris:| Caxin: "We're just moving the bombs to the pads now. We'll be ready in a minute. I like your thinking- go for the Corporate ships first. It will send a strong message. Do you really think you'll - T'Lana@anncaris:- be able to talk the lizardmen down?" Mischa@crystyl:"They're all business. Once they see their client can't sustain them, they'll probably talk themselves out of the job" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "Let's hope for the best. Looks like we're all set here." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, let's send the Corporation packing" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "Sending the first two bombs now." T'Lana@anncaris monitors the console and announces after a moment, "The Corporation cruiser and one of their transports is down. Remaining ships have raised shields. Raising our shields as well. I will lower - T'Lana@anncaris:- them when the next bombs are on the pad. We shall see if they take the bait." Mischa@crystyl nods T'Lana@anncaris | Half a minute later, Caxin announces that the next two bombs are ready and T'Lana lowers the shields T'Lana@anncaris:"They are indeed beaming forces over. The building security will aid us now, but we should be prepared for combat, as we have disabled the security in this room already." Mischa@crystyl:"We've got you, stay on point for the transport teams" she nods to Avita and moves to a defensive position T'Lana@anncaris continues tapping away at the console. Five Harcseen begin materializing near the entrance to the Security Room... Mischa@crystyl opens fire as soon she is able T'Lana@anncaris | Avita fires as well, the two taking out two of the Harcseen before they can hit back. The other three dart into cover T'Lana@anncaris | Avita throws her boomerang bat'leth and it circles around cover, cutting another Harcseen down before returning to her back. The other two begin laying down covering fire towards her, forcing - T'Lana@anncaris:- her to stay down for the moment Mischa@crystyl returns the favour, firing on them T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa takes out another Harcseen and the last one, visibly outnumbered, fires wildly, trying to keep them at bay with the spray of disruptor bolts Mischa@crystyl uses her cover, trying to fire strategically and draw his attention T'Lana@anncaris | Mischa gets his attention and he turns his rifle towards her, giving Avita the chance to finish him off! T'Lana@anncaris announces, "The two remaining Corporate ships are down. Our shields are raised once again and building security is dealing with enemies effectively." Mischa@crystyl:"Any activity from the remaining ships in orbit?" T'Lana@anncaris:"Their shields are raised, but they do not seem to be abandoning the planet yet. I'm seeing movement from the facility we identified as the mercenaries' forward base, though." Mischa@crystyl:"Reinforcements coming our way?" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "The base has launched shuttles towards this city." T'Lana@anncaris | Avita: "Time to see if you're as convincing as the Vulcan Captain." Mischa@crystyl:"No pressure then" she smiles, moving to the console, "Let's greet our mercenary friends" T'Lana@anncaris:"Hailing them now." T'Lana@anncaris | A black-furred Lupan appears on the console, with several Harcseen visible behind him Mischa@crystyl:"So you're the infamous hell hound, or whatever it is folks got to calling you" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "That is what your people have taken to calling me, yes. Come to gloat of your victory? I will admit, it is impressive from a band of underequipped rebels like you." Mischa@crystyl:"It is the power of free will. The people will only continue to rise until the corporation is driven from this land. You can see our resolve for yourself, but hopefully also that we understand you - Mischa@crystyl:- are not our enemy. How long do you think they will last at this rate - sending more of your people to die in pointless fights against us while they cower in orbit. And how long until that becomes - Mischa@crystyl:- unprofitable for them and they cast you aside?" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "We need only to hold the line until Corporate reinforcements arrive, and now that we know your tricks, our ships will not fall to them. But you are right about one thing- we are not - T'Lana@anncaris:- your enemy. Unlike these Corporations, we do not live for profit." Mischa@crystyl:"Seeing what we are capable of, it should be clear to you that this is far from the sum of our 'tricks'. But let us focus on the positive; we have no qualms with you, nor you with us. So why continue - Mischa@crystyl:- locking heads? I for one savour the taste of the coming hunt as we drive these Corporation fools from our homes. Doesn't a good and righteous fight sound more appetizing?" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "We do not share your people's sense of morality, but you are right- I never liked this job to begin with. There was no challenge to putting down poorly armed rebels like yourself. You - T'Lana@anncaris:- have finally made things interesting. That is why we continue to fight. Perhaps this will actually be a challenge." T'Lana@anncaris:"We are cornered in this building. This will hardly be a challenge any longer. We have done the damage we are able to already." T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "And what do you suggest we do? Leave and abandon our contract with Sakyto? We have a reputation to uphold as well." Mischa@crystyl:"A reputation as simple mindless mercs? You may as we be Corporation robots if that's the case, and it's all you'll be left with if you continue this fight. But if you turn on them and side with - Mischa@crystyl:- us... wow! You would become living legends in the galactic community I bet; the strongest of warriors who can crush the Corporation and are worthy only of the most prestigious contracts!" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "Sakyto Corporation is a dangerous enemy to have. I may seek for a challenge, but I do not wish for the complete destruction of the tribe I have built." Mischa@crystyl:"Sakyto is finished. They are nothing more than a fringe in the world of the corporations from what I've heard. Your tribe doesn't need to suffer at their hands, and neither does ours" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "I suppose Sakyto is far more of a challenge than your downtrodden world. Very well. But I expect your people to pay us something when this is finished, or at least - T'Lana@anncaris:- a discount on your goods. We may not operate on greed, but we still need to survive." Mischa@crystyl:"As do we all. Fear not, I am certain we can come to an agreeable arrangement to make sure your tribe remains well supplied. And on top of that, once the Corporation is driven from this world there - Mischa@crystyl:- no doubt be a lot of their tech left behind - plenty to go around I'm sure - and I bet some of this stuff is worth a small fortune out there on the open markets" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "A good point. Tell your people not to shoot at us. We will help you deal with the remaining Sakyto presence here and dissuade any reinforcements the Corporation may be sending." T'Lana@anncaris:"The shuttles are turning away." Mischa@crystyl:"Pleasure doing business with you... oh right, if we're going to be friends now we should probably call you something more fitting than Mr. Hellhound, right?" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "I am Maurak, leader of the Warrior Alliance." Mischa@crystyl:"Maurak then. We will welcome you at the building entrance" T'Lana@anncaris | Lupan: "I will meet you there." --- T'Lana@anncaris | After lowering the shields, Mischa, T'Lana and Avita return to the lobby to join the Observer. A single shuttle lands in the plaza outside and the black-furred Lupan steps out with several - T'Lana@anncaris - Harcseen marching behind him as they enter the building T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak stops before the group, sniffing the air before looking between the four of them, "Something is not right." Mischa@crystyl:"The scent of change is in the air" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "No...your scents are not that of the natives here, yet you look like them," he takes out a scanner, tapping on it, "And read as them." Mischa@crystyl:"I mean, it has been a pretty busy day..." she gives a 'discrete' sniff at her armpit. "Surely your tech wouldn't lie?" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "My scent has never failed me either. You do not have the numbers to take this building by force, so the only way you must have done it is by guile, and you would have had to mask - T'Lana@anncaris - yourself from the security grid. If the security grid cannot accurately detect you, then my scanner is just as untrustworthy." Mischa@crystyl:"Good point" she concedes without any effort to offer an explanation, content to let him figure it through and see where he goes with it T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "You are not Hyrokee either, I would recognize that scent as well, which means you must be a third party. Someone the Iztual called in to aid them, perhaps? Or mercenaries of another - T'Lana@anncaris - Corporation, here to sabotage Sakyto." Mischa@crystyl:"Suffice to say we have a vested interest" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "Fair enough. If the locals have aid from you, it is no wonder they are doing well. Are the Hyrokee in this building secure?" T'Lana@anncaris:"They are trapped throughout the building, and if they manage to break free, the defenses will turn on them." T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "Good. We just have to deal with the other Corporate Buildings across the planet, then." Mischa@crystyl:"This victory will send a message. They will seek quick retaliation and reassertion of their dogma, we must protect the people. If they get caught in the crossfire, we will never win" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak nods, "We will deploy our forces into the other Corporate Buildings and eliminate their presence from this world. They will not be expecting us to turn on them, and with their ships - T'Lana@anncaris:- destroyed, their only forces are us and what is left in their buildings. Better to take them out while we can rather than extend the war on the ground any longer. They will no doubt send other - T'Lana@anncaris:- ships they can rally here, but we will deal with them when they come. There are more ships I can rally as well." Mischa@crystyl:"Excellent, keeping them off balance will be the best way to prevent them targeting the civilian population" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "My thoughts precisely. Tell your rebel friends not to transport any more bombs. My ships will be lowering their shields to transport troops.” Mischa@crystyl nods over to the Observer who begins relaying comms. Somehow still in her fake receptionist role T'Lana@anncaris | The rebels acknowledge! T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak takes out a communicator and begins growling out orders. Caxin emerges from one of the lifts, walking out into the lobby Mischa@crystyl:"Perfect timing. Caxin, meet your new best friend - Maurak" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "And you actually talked Miskt-Itkunli on side...do the wonders never end?" Mischa@crystyl:"Plans are already in motion to mobilize a second push against the other Corporation strongholds across the planet. We need to coordinate the other cells - make sure they know who's friendly and not" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin nods, "I'll return to the safehouse and tell them not to attack the lizardmen," she looks to Maurak, "Thank you for deciding to help us." T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "The Corporation is a more interesting fight than your rebel cells." T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "Whatever your reasons, you have our gratitude. We do not have much to offer, but we will give you what we can once the planet is back under our control." Mischa@crystyl:"There should be plenty to go around both in supplies and salvage" Mischa@crystyl:"We already agreed that we will make every effort to ensure the Warrior Tribe are look after" Mischa@crystyl:"Who knows, we might even find an amenable balance for a long term friendship" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin nods, "I hope so. After all, they have ships, and we will not be able to defend ourselves from Sakyto without them if they send more forces here. But my people will likely take time to - T'Lana@anncaris - get used to being friendly with the lizardmen. For now, I will ensure we at least understand that we are on the same side." Mischa@crystyl:"These things don't happen overnight, but we have already taken the hardest step" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "I believe we have. Thank you- we could not have done this without you." Mischa@crystyl:"Just doing our part. So, you ready to drive the Corporation from this planet once and for all?" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin smiles, "We have been ready since we began the movement. I will be back at the safehouse to contact the other cells of the latest developments.” Mischa@crystyl:"We can probably hold this area as a central coordination point" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "A good idea. This is a defensible location." T'Lana@anncaris nods, "And there is a functioning comms relay you can access." Mischa@crystyl:"And it has the infrastructure needed for large scale communication" T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "We'll set up here, then," she heads off to gather the other rebels and a few moments later, calls back at the reception desk, notifying the Observer that the other cells have been - T'Lana@anncaris - informed that the mercenaries are now friendly Mischa@crystyl | Observer: "Everyone is up to speed" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak nods and barks some more orders through his communicator, "My forces are away." T'Lana@anncaris | A few seconds later, Mischa's combadge chirps for the first time upon arriving on the planet Mischa@crystyl:"Excuse me a moment" she steps away before tapping T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> This is Lander One. The Sakyto representatives have sent their distress call. I think it's time you prepare to return to the ship and we swoop in for our daring rescue. I assume the - T'Lana@anncaris:- mercenaries are on the locals' side now from what we're seeing? Mischa@crystyl:<C> Yes. We're not quite at hugs yet, but an accord has been reached T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> If it doesn't blow your cover too much, it might be best if you let them know not to shoot the Lander One down when we come to rescue the Governor. Or better yet, convince them to put - T'Lana@anncaris:- up a good show without actually putting us in danger Mischa@crystyl:"I think I have scope to work it into the plan" T'Lana@anncaris:<C - Kayan> Excellent. Let me know when you're ready to beam back and we'll start the rescue. Don't take too long though, the Governor's people can't hold out forever against these Harcseen. Mischa@crystyl:"Understood. We'll be in touch" Mischa@crystyl returns to the group, "Apologies for the interruption" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak gives a Lupan grin, "That the secret benefactors of this planet?" Mischa@crystyl:"You could say that. I told you before that we had a vested interest in driving the Corporation from this world" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "And it should not be long before their remaining presence here is crushed by my warriors." Mischa@crystyl:"So how do you feel about helping us drive home the message? And it may just happen to help our cause at the same time" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "What'd you have in mind?" Mischa@crystyl:"We're shooting higher than the Corporation here, so we're taking the fight to them. Our... benefactor is waiting nearby with a ship to 'rush to the fleeing Governer's aid'. This will be our ticket - Mischa@crystyl:- to the home of the Corporations where our fight really begins. To start with, it would be good if you could make sure your ships don't give them too hard a time during their 'rescue'. But at the - Mischa@crystyl:- same time, you could help sell the story by giving them a little kick in the rear still. Think your ships and their gunners are up to it?" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak grins again, "Ahh...clever. We can make it convincing for you. I'll let my ships know." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "I knew I liked you the moment we first spoke" T'Lana@anncaris | Maurak: "And I like you. Go give these Corporations the bite they need." Mischa@crystyl nods, "You can count on it. Just as I am counting on the two of you to make this work" she looks between Mauruk and Caxin T'Lana@anncaris | Caxin: "You can count on us." Mischa@crystyl looks to the others, "We should get underway" T'Lana@anncaris nods, "Let's contact the Lander One to beam us up." Mischa@crystyl nods and heads out T'Lana@anncaris and the rest of the team follow Mischa out --- T'Lana@anncaris | After the team beam back to the Lander One, they return to the Operations Room where Kayan and her crew are working away T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We drop you on a planet for a day and you've already won the conflict for the rebels. You do work effectively." Mischa@crystyl:"We are well motivated" she smiles, joining them. "It just goes to show how fragile the Corporation's hold here is really" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Let's get their Governor and her people out of here before they're completely overrun, then." T'Lana@anncaris | Vector: "We are transporting now." Mischa@crystyl:"The mercenary forces know you're on their side. But they agreed to make a good show of chasing us off" T'Lana@anncaris | Vesan Officer: "One Harcseen escort is breaking off towards us." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan nods, "It's as much on us as them to make a good show. Treat this as if we're actually being pursued, just avoid doing any serious damage. Drop cloak, keep transporting until they're too - T'Lana@anncaris - close and then raise shields." T'Lana@anncaris | A few seconds later, the Vesan announces, "They're in weapons range, Commander." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Shields, and get us out of here." T'Lana@anncaris | On the screen, the Lander One begins breaking orbit as the ship rocks slightly T'Lana@anncaris | Vesan: "Shields at 85%." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Return covering fire." T'Lana@anncaris | The rotating antiproton cannons turn towards the back of the ship, firing a stream of red bolts that pepper the pursuing Harcseen escort, forcing it to break off T'Lana@anncaris | Vesan: "Two cruisers are moving to cut off our escape. We can outrun one, but the other will be able to move in front of us." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "You know the maneuver. Take us right for the cruiser. And remember- pull our punches." T'Lana@anncaris | The Vesan smirks, "Yes Commander." T'Lana@anncaris | On the viewscreen, a Harcseen cruiser cuts off their path. The hull plating of the vessel consists of large plates of armour that are quite visible as different plates. However, the appearance - T'Lana@anncaris - is not rough but neatly patterned, with the edges of each plate stacked atop the next plate. Seen as a whole from a distance, the ship looks like it is scaled, giving it the same reptilian - T'Lana@anncaris:- feel as the Harcseen themselves T'Lana@anncaris:"An interesting aesthetic choice, no doubt inspired by their own biology." Mischa@crystyl:"Indeed. Not something you see often" T'Lana@anncaris | A number of the hull plates slide underneath the plates beside them to reveal weapon nodes beneath. They soon begin to open fire with streams of disruptor bolts T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "This is not your average Harcseen pirate vessel..." T'Lana@anncaris | The Lander One goes into evasive, though a few shots still catch the smaller ship and the room shakes around them. The Lander One presses on through the fire, dodging, weaving and spinning - T'Lana@anncaris:- until it reaches almost point-blank range. Then it opens fire with all three antiproton cannons and two tachyon arrays, with a torpedo in the mix T'Lana@anncaris | Despite the much larger size, the shields of the cruiser are obliterated by the Lander One's concentrated fire. The cannons stay on target as the ship skims down the bottom of the cruiser, - T'Lana@anncaris:- firing well-aimed shots that dramatically dislodge a few of the armour plates, but cause no damage to the systems beneath T'Lana@anncaris:"An impressive vessel. Its performance is not unlike the Defiant-class when compared with other ships of its era." Mischa@crystyl:"Quite formidable really. They could be useful" T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "We designed this vessel to fight against the Horde, when we began hearing about them. We're not normally soldiers, but encountering so many other cultures have given us good ideas, and - T'Lana@anncaris:- we ended up with something which I dare say even the Andarash would be proud of." T'Lana@anncaris | The ship shakes again as they come out on the other side of the cruiser and are far enough for them to target the Lander One to keep up appearances, though at this point the cruiser wouldn't - T'Lana@anncaris:- be able to catch them even if it wanted to. They continue evading the fire as the ship slowly trudges behind them T'Lana@anncaris | Vesan: "Shields at 35%, but we are clear of their weapons." T'Lana@anncaris | Kayan: "Take us to warp towards the Corporations' homeworld." She looks back at Mischa, "Using a wormhole with the Hyrokee on board would be too conspicuous, so I'm afraid we'll have to settle - T'Lana@anncaris:- for regular FTL travel. The Lander One can get us there at high speed in a little over a week." Mischa@crystyl nods, "A sensible approach given the circumstances" T'Lana@anncaris:"I suggest we remove our cosmetic disguises as the locals and interact with the Sakyto representatives while they are on board. We'll be going undercover as Hyrokee once we reach their - T'Lana@anncaris:- homeworld, and it will be beneficial to learn more of their culture and behaviour." Mischa@crystyl nods, "Good shout" --- T'Lana@anncaris | After removing the Iztual makeup, Mischa finds Governor Ishyha in the Lander One's very modest mess hall, staring out a window at the warp streaks beyond Mischa@crystyl makes her way over, "Never gets old does it" T'Lana@anncaris | Though her clothes seem pristine, she looks a lot worse than she did on the broadcast, clearly having put less effort into her appearance and makeup T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha glances over to Mischa curiously, "And who are you supposed to be? You don't have the common marker in lifesigns that all the An variants do." Mischa@crystyl smiles gently, "I'm Mischa, and you are quite right I am not An. Just with them" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "They swoop in to your rescue too, or are you someone they met on their travels and decided to stick around?" Mischa@crystyl:"The latter. We met a little while back and, well, though my people were not in any imminent danger - I could see the good hearts at work here. So here I am" Mischa@crystyl as always manages to technically say all truth but make it sound like a completely different context T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Yes, this is the second time they've helped out Sakyto. The Corporation will make sure they're rewarded once we arrive safely at Headquarters." Mischa@crystyl:"And what about you - how are you doing with all of this? Things got quite rough back there" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "What do you think? I'm ruined. Driven off a planet by a bunch of local savages? How can anyone trust me with any administrative position after a blunder like that?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I'll be lucky if I even get a job with another Corporation again." Mischa@crystyl:"I am sorry to hear that. But is there truly no hope? I'm afraid I do not know your Corporations so well. But I have to believe there is a way for someone to recover from this, and that doing so - Mischa@crystyl:- could prove them to be an even greater leader as a result" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "If I was the daughter of some executive, a blunder like this would be covered up and forgotten in no time. But with me- no chance of that happening. Even if Sakyto sends more forces - T'Lana@anncaris:- and retakes the colony, I'm done for. I'll never be reinstated as Colonial Manager after losing the colony to an uprising, and there goes my chances of making it any further up the Corporate - T'Lana@anncaris:- ladder." Mischa@crystyl:"My people have a saying; it is the darkest before the dawn" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Maybe, but sometimes it's just dark. You say you don't know the Corporations very well?" Mischa@crystyl:"That's right. Look, I know just a naive outsider here. But that's my existence these days, so I'm used to it! Regardless, we've got a few days to travel before getting you home. I'm sure in that time - Mischa@crystyl:- if we focus we can come up with a way to get you back on track. It's not like you're alone in this after all, you have all this wonderful crew at your disposal!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "This crew has nothing to gain from helping me any further than getting me home safely. Why would they?" Mischa@crystyl:"They've helped your Corporation twice now already, and you're still asking that?" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "The Corporation will give a reward for rescuing its people, but I'm not the Corporation. I have some Points, but not enough to give away to an entire crew like this." Mischa@crystyl:"Sounds to me like more incentive for the crew to help get you back on top. Then they'll have a friend in the right place when they need it, and it is often needed this far from home" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "It won't be easy. I suppose it's not /strictly/ impossible, but Corporate society is very much the world of the elite. If you make it to the top, you can do anything you want. If - T'Lana@anncaris:- you're valued by someone at the top, you get some of the benefits. The rest of us, well, we get once chance to make it to the top. And if we mess it up along the way, that's usually that." Mischa@crystyl:"Usually is not always. Come on, what do you say? If nothing else, thinking up grand plans to fix your situation will help pass the time on the journey!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I suppose it'll stop me from dwelling on things. But I don't know how to turn this around. I could blame others as much as I want, but ultimately I was the Colony Manager. Even - T'Lana@anncaris:- if I could fault it on the lower employees, I still should have seen these faults earlier and corrected them before things spiralled out of control. The Corporation is going to blame it on me, - T'Lana@anncaris:- and every other Corporation is going to hear of it." Mischa@crystyl:"Then let's grab a drink and start figuring this out" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "What's good to drink around here?" Mischa@crystyl:"Pretty much everything actually. One good thing about a ship that just exists perpetually travelling the galaxy is that you end up with the best bits of everything you come across!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "That is true. Let's see what there is to try, then." Mischa@crystyl crosses the room, "Since arriving here, I have grown somewhat fond of this tea. It is not in the same league as my favourite from home, but I have found it to be a reasonable substitute" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha follows over, "Well, you know the drinks better than I do, and I'm quite fond of teas from my own home. I'll have what you're having, then." Mischa@crystyl orders them two, "I take it you mean the world we're travelling to now, or do you hail from somewhere else?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "I was born there. Most of us are, there's a few who are born in the colonies, but most are taken to be raised back home. Not many places to get good cybernetics on the colony worlds." Mischa@crystyl smiles a little, "Then I look forward to sampling your tea of choice when we get there" she sips, "It's a shame we aren't back in my part of the galaxy actually. There's a species there who's tea - Mischa@crystyl:- would be perfect for you. It's cybernetic as well!. Well, sort of" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha looks at Mischa curiously, "How so? I've never heard of cybernetic tea..." Mischa@crystyl:"Like I said, it's not /quite/ there. But still techy enough that I think you'd approve. Not just tea either, but most of their food and drink! It's all nanites" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Interesting. Establishing trade with them could make for some very good business." Mischa@crystyl:"Unfortunately they reside in a distant part of the galaxy and have no presence out here yet" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Depending on how good their food and drink are, my people might be willing to pay enough to justify Carran Courier transportation." Mischa@crystyl:"Do the Corporations do a lot of import and export through the Carran's?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I don't have access to the statistics. Every Corporation guards their own information closely, but we all have favourable relations with the Carrans. It's not cost-effective to use - T'Lana@anncaris:- them to transport regular cargo, but some of the larger companies have regular dealings with the Couriers. The rest use them on occasion for the odd particularly valuable or time-sensitive - T'Lana@anncaris:- delivery. We also deal with Underworld brokers often." Mischa@crystyl:"I must say, I find this whole business sense of your people quite fascinating. We simply don't have your level of commerce back home" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Yes, we've found that of many people we encountered out here. Some simply prefer to take what they want by force, while others have developed societies based on their concepts of - T'Lana@anncaris:- sharing and fairness." Mischa@crystyl:"Yes, we've encountered all sorts out here. But the Corporations never make similar moves?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha takes a sip of her tea, "This is quite good tea. Well, the Corporations do use force when we must, but it is not usually our first resort. Violence is too uncivilized for our tastes, - T'Lana@anncaris:- especially the executives and the elite." Mischa@crystyl:"Alright, so what do you know about the current state of affairs back home? Might help us to formulate a strategy" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Being out in a colony, even as its Manager, I don't get all the latest gossip. What I did hear, well...it's quite unusual." Mischa@crystyl sips, "Oh? Unusual is useful" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Corporation after Corporation have been cutting ties with Vue-En and the Coalition. I...may not have done well at colonial management, but there wasn't much proper business dealing - T'Lana@anncaris:- going on at Tosukee. Business sense- now that's what I'm truly good at, and I don't see any reason to stop doing business with them. If anything, with the increase in demand from them I've been - T'Lana@anncaris:- hearing about lately, now is the time to be doing the exact opposite." Mischa@crystyl:"That does indeed sound quite odd. And you're right, it does not make good business sense at all. In fact, it sounds more like something those brutish forceful species would do" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "One or two Corporations, I can understand. They've been known to do that to push for a better deal, but almost all the large Corporations? They /never/ work together, you can't - T'Lana@anncaris:- get them to embargo a world even if you wanted them to. If one Corporation leaves a world and there's still profit to be made, another one tends to take over right away." Mischa@crystyl:"So what, one's become dominant and ruling over the rest?" she laughs at how silly it must sound, "That's like, the complete opposite of everything you've said about the Corporations!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "That's impossible. No single Corporation is strong enough to take over all the rest. Hostile takeovers and mergers do happen, as does corporate espionage and manipulation of course, - T'Lana@anncaris:- but no one has the power to influence /all/ the Corporations." Mischa@crystyl:"But how else then can they all be suddenly acting in unison?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I don't know. That's what makes it so unusual." Mischa@crystyl hrms, "Even if there's not something untoward going on... if we could prove that there was, that could reestablish your position of prowess right?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Maybe, but if someone really is behind all this, it must be one massive Corporate conspiracy. I'm a businesswoman, not an investigator. But..." Mischa@crystyl smiles, "But you have a team here on the ship who can be investigators! A team who would be ever so grateful to have the favour of such a prominent figure as their Corporation sweeps in to - Mischa@crystyl:- re-establish all of the broken ties pushed aside by the others in all of this" --- T'Lana@anncaris | The next day, the Observer does not find any of the Hyrokee present in the mess hall and proceeds to the barracks to interact with them Rianni@crystyl strolls in, looking around to see who's there and what they're up to T'Lana@anncaris | The barracks was clearly made from the frame of a small cargo bay, but have been converted to resemble a military barracks lined with bunk beds, currently almost all occupied by Hyrokee, - T'Lana@anncaris - most of them now awake and discussing among themselves or reading from PADDs and holo-displays. With the number of Hyrokee in the room, the Observer easily notes the vast array of cybernetic - T'Lana@anncaris - modifications, to the point that it's impossible to tell some of them are members of the same species visually. Some have visibly less modification than others, but every single Hyrokee in the - T'Lana@anncaris - room has at least one implant or replaced body part that is designed to visually stand out T'Lana@anncaris | Governor Ishyha is in the room, sitting on a bed and reading from a holographic screen projected from one of her cybernetic palms Rianni@crystyl approaches, "Governor Ishyha, how are you and your people doing?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha looks up, "It's just Ishyha now. The colony isn't exactly under my control anymore, is it? Besides, the official title is Colonial Manager. But I governed the planet, so the locals - T'Lana@anncaris - called me Governor." Rianni@crystyl:"I see, thank you for the clarification" she looks around, "I know it's not much, so wanted to make sure you were all doing ok in here" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "It's...certainly not what we're used to, but we understand it's what the situation is. Don't worry, I'm not about to complain like a spoiled Bofficer," she chuckles. "It's not - T'Lana@anncaris - exactly a luxury cruise, but it's only a week or two to HQ, and we'll bear with it." Rianni@crystyl tilts her head curiously, "Bofficer?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Oh right, I forget you don't know our language. It might be getting confused with our slang. Bofficer, or whatever you hear on your end, is slang for people who are born to the elite." T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Basically short for Born Officer, because they're practically guaranteed to have an executive position in their Corporation." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh I see now, that makes sense! Kind of like... corporate royalty then?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "More or less. They're not entirely guaranteed to have a high position- some of them fall out of favour, others don't want to work in their family's Corporation for one reason or - T'Lana@anncaris:- another, and there's a few families who require their children to prove themselves without any special favours before granting them positions of power. But I suppose it's the same with regular - T'Lana@anncaris:- royalty, too. Most of them still tend to have an easier time ascending the Corporate ladder than others." Rianni@crystyl:"From the way you talk about them, it sounds like you don't exactly approve" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Well, I'm not a Bofficer. I suppose if I was, I probably would approve. It's not exactly fair, but it could be worse. With the intense competition in Corporate society, the truly - T'Lana@anncaris:- incompentent Bofficers still get eliminated pretty quickly. The majority of executives care about their profits enough that they won't sabotage themselves by placing inept family in vital - T'Lana@anncaris:- positions. After all, their family suffers too if their profit suffers." Rianni@crystyl:"A pattern I've observed in many cultures, just not with the corporate branding attached. Yours is quite the unique society in my experience. I mean, there's the Ferengi and Carran's in the business- Rianni@crystyl:- sense. But overall... none are quite anything like you" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "We do plenty of business with the Carrans. We've heard of these Ferengi through them, though I have never met one myself. Why are we so different?" Rianni@crystyl:"Well I think those other cultures still operate more of a family driven society, with business simply being the important part of life. But with your people, it's almost like your corporations are - Rianni@crystyl:- the families. Then of course there's your cybernetics. That alone sets you apart from most, even the Orions!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I think the difference is...power. That probably doesn't sound like it makes much sense, but, well, I'm aware that most people outside our culture think we're obsessed with making - T'Lana@anncaris:- profit. I can see why, but that's not entirely correct." Rianni@crystyl:"I see that, it's why you have things like Bofficers. The Ferengi are far more single minded and obsessed with pure profit" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "Exactly. What our society ultimately revolves around is the struggle for power. The corporate model works so well for us because it promotes competition in all things. It weeds - T'Lana@anncaris:- out the weak, and provides opportunity for the strong to rise. Having Points from making profit increases our power, because we can buy many things with these Points. But influence, personal - T'Lana@anncaris:- safety and health- the ability to protect ourselves and extend our lives with cybernetics, they are all just as important to us as profit. That's why the Corporations have been so successful." T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "We are not focused on short-sighted gain. We invest in colony worlds that take generations to turn a profit, because we're willing to spend or sacrifice for other benefits, or for - T'Lana@anncaris:- success in the future. It is not money we are after, but the power that comes with the money. With it, we can grant boons to our friends and family, but if they start causing problems, then most - T'Lana@anncaris:- of us would rather sacrifice them, than risk losing our own power." Rianni@crystyl:"This granting of boons seems to fit with the principle behind Mischa's idea of getting the crew here to help you when we get there, right?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "That's what I'm looking into now. I'm trying to find hints about what's going on. I said the Corporations are willing to sacrifice profits for some long-term gain, but this move - T'Lana@anncaris:- to cut ties with the Coalition...it just doesn't make sense. There's nothing to gain there. Even if the Coalition collapses and turns on itself, maintaining ties to them is still in our best - T'Lana@anncaris:- interest. When the time comes, the existing trade relations will allow us to do business with the splinter groups." Rianni@crystyl:"Still no insights into what's behind all of this then?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Not from a business perspective. But if it's not related to business, then...I'm not sure who's behind it or more importantly, why..." Rianni@crystyl:"It sounds like we need to get more information, see from the inside what's going on" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "I'll do what I can, but...I don't know how much information I'll be able to get for you after getting back to HQ. I'll lose my position, for sure. Besides, if this is something - T'Lana@anncaris:- that's influencing all the Corporations, we may not get the full picture even if I had unrestricted access to Sakyto files. Maybe we'll know that Sakyto is being influenced or controlled by - T'Lana@anncaris:- /someone/, but I don't imagine it'll be easy to figure out who that someone is. We might need information from more Corporations for a full picture." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "Indeed. So rather than you getting information for us, what if /I/ help get information for you?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Well, it would certainly be useful to have someone who isn't tied to a Corporation. Though...outsiders like you aren't likely to get too far, at least not without attracting - T'Lana@anncaris:- significant attention." Rianni@crystyl:"I'm sure we can figure out a way, especially with your knowledge of how things work there. You might be surprised - Mischa certainly was" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Well I suppose you'll want to disguise yourselves as Hyrokee to begin with. Easier to go unnoticed that way, provided you have the capabilities. Some of my employees here aren't bad - T'Lana@anncaris:- at cybernetic design. They could help you look like one of us. Freelance contractors will probably be the best to go undercover as, though you'll still need to fabricate some records somehow..." Rianni@crystyl:"That's where I'd need your help - authenticity. But if you can help get me in, I am sure I can help get your information" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "With the uprising successful and those mercs switching sides, I doubt Sakyto'll manage to get back control of the colony. Which means I can list you as contractors that helped out - T'Lana@anncaris:- during the rebellion and no one will be the wiser. It's only one job on your resume, but it's better than nothing." T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I don't suppose you know much about contractors in Corporate society?" Rianni@crystyl shakes her head Rianni@crystyl:"But it is fair to say that I can be a quick study" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "We've got a week or two, you'll have plenty of time. Well the basics of it is, Corporations don't have permanent positions for everything. Some positions just aren't needed all - T'Lana@anncaris:- the time, some are better for the Corporation if they can cut ties or disavow a person when needed. That's where contractors come in. Plenty of aliens are contractors, like the mercenaries we - T'Lana@anncaris:- hired at Tosukee, but alien contractors never get sensitive jobs, which is why you won't get far investigating a conspiracy if you aren't disguised as one of us." Rianni@crystyl:"I get it. It is unfortunate that I was made to Observe another race really, but we can work it out!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha quirks her head, "You were made to observe a race?" Rianni@crystyl nods, "Yes, Mischa's. It is why I look like them - I was made to be one of them" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "So you're not...actually one of them? I thought you were, your readings are identical to theirs. You were made to blend in with them, weren't you?" Rianni@crystyl:"Yep!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Do they...know? That you're not one of them?" Rianni@crystyl chuckles, "Yes, that's actually how Mischa and I met. Still took them over a year, and even then it was really more my decision to reveal myself" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I suppose you were made for it, after all. But if you are that good, it shouldn't be too hard to apply your abilities to pretending to be one of us, either." Rianni@crystyl:"That's my theory!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Well, back to helping you blend into Corporate society- many of us like to join a Corporation. It's usually safer and more stable- Corporations protect and reward good employees, and - T'Lana@anncaris:- it provides a clear path of advancement. But there are also those aren't tied to Corporations. Some were born on the streets and begin work as a contractor- many of those do eventually earn - T'Lana@anncaris:- permanent positions in Corporations, but there are a few who choose to remain freelance, who prefer the freedom of not having to heed a single master." Rianni@crystyl:"Both present advantages of their own when it comes to a task like this. Though I suspect seeming to belong to one your rival corporations will be most advantageous" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "That'll be hard to set up, though. I suggested freelance contractors because it's the easiest to fake. The Corporations keep meticulous and well-guarded data on all their personnel, - T'Lana@anncaris:- but we abolished governments long ago. Which means there are no records of the Hyrokee population, only Corporate personnel and their families. You can easily pretend to be freelancers born on the - T'Lana@anncaris:- streets, and no one will be the wiser. Of course, the more jobs you have on your resume, the more likely you'll get work from the other Corporations, but I can at least fake one for you." T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "You might be able to hack into records and fake further contract jobs, but faking an entire employee profile is...very difficult." Rianni@crystyl:"Sounds like a worthy challenge. Ok, so we go in as newbie freelancers and use that initial cover to gain access and develop suitable resume's that get us higher level access. Then we can find your- Rianni@crystyl:- information" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "That's what I was thinking. If something odd's going on, you might start to see signs of it as you do smaller jobs. After all, the hardest part of unravelling a conspiracy is - T'Lana@anncaris:- learning that there is a conspiracy to begin with. Once you start to look out for them, the loose threads become more clear, and no matter how well things are covered up, there are /always/ loose - T'Lana@anncaris:- threads somewhere. No one is perfect." Rianni@crystyl:"We'll get to the bottom of this for sure!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Thank you. Mischa suggested that this could be a way for me to regain my position, but if there really is one Corporation that has influence over so many others...something like that - T'Lana@anncaris:- undermines the foundations of our entire society. We may like power, but no one is supposed to have absolute power, total monopoly. There has to be competition. Fortunes rise and fall, like I - T'Lana@anncaris:- said, the Streetborn don't always remain on the streets- many of them eventually earn positions in Corporations. Corporate executives are assassinated, overthrown or otherwise fall from power, - T'Lana@anncaris:- employees lose enough favour and are fired and blacklisted, their descendants becoming a new generation of Streetborn. There's a careful rhythm to our society, and if that's disrupted, everything - T'Lana@anncaris:- could come apart." Rianni@crystyl:"That's probably why Mischa believes as she does. Since the more you look at the situation, the more likely it seems that there is a 3rd party in play. By ridding your society of that 3rd party, not - Rianni@crystyl:- only do you restore order, but you are in a favourable position to take your corporation to the top by re-establishing the broken ties you said about" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha nods, "I hope so. I'll do what I can to help, but that could depend on what position I end up being demoted to after returning to HQ. Though...there is someone who may be able to aid you.” Rianni@crystyl:"Oh?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Takyro Mymasu, the famous freelance investigator. He was the heir to the Takyro legacy until his mother fell- hard. Takyro Naofi's reputation was torn down and she was removed from - T'Lana@anncaris:- her position before Takyro was old enough to benefit from his Bofficer status. Instead of working his way back into the good graces of a Corporation, Takyro went freelance and made a name for - T'Lana@anncaris:- himself in rooting out espionage by rival Corporations and unravelling elaborate schemes. He's still freelance, but with his reputation, he doesn't come cheap. Still, he can be bought, and he - T'Lana@anncaris:- knows the inner workings of Corporations. Some Corporations actually suspected that he was playing them all along, but if that's the case, maybe he could be the one behind this." T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Either way, he's probably someone you want to keep in mind." Rianni@crystyl:"Ooh yes, that will be very useful to start!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "He might be expensive to afford, but there are some who say he's more in it for the pleasure of solving mysteries than the profit. Perhaps something to do with how his mother was - T'Lana@anncaris:- taken down by Corporate scheming. Maybe something as big as this could get you his cooperation without needing to pay him, assuming what they say is true." Rianni@crystyl:"It would certainly make things easier. Have you ever dealt with him yourself?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "No, I haven't been caught in any schemes complicated enough for him to take an interest, and I don't hold high enough of a position to be hiring him to unravel espionage. This - T'Lana@anncaris:- Colonial Manager position is the highest I've achieved so far, but Takyro doesn't work colonies. The most complex conspiracies always happen on the homeworld, where the Headquarters are. The - T'Lana@anncaris:- colonies are rarely more than small pieces of a game that's best viewed in full from an HQ." Rianni@crystyl:"Well if our hunch is right, we might have a line on the biggest conspiracy in your people's history. If that doesn't draw him in, I don't know what will!" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I'm sure it will, if he is as interested in the conspiracy over the money, as they say." Rianni@crystyl:"If not, then we will just have to find the money" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "I'm sure Sakyto will pay you a good amount to get you started, and you'll probably want to make a name for yourself doing a few jobs anyways." Rianni@crystyl:"Besides rooting out espionage, what sort of jobs do contractors get drafted for normally?" T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "It depends on your specialty. Carrying out espionage, providing security, sabotaging rival Corporations or assassinating key personnel...a contractor can technically get a contract - T'Lana@anncaris:- for just about anything, but some are more common than others. If you do your job well, you may get blacklisted by certain Corporations and favoured by others, that's how freelancers earn - T'Lana@anncaris:- permanent positions." Rianni@crystyl:"Well, at least I'll have my options open then" she smiles T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "That you certainly do. There are a select few freelancers like Takyro who are good enough to stay freelance. They cross a number of Corporations through their work, but they're so - T'Lana@anncaris:- good at what they do that these Corporations don't hold grudges and still come to them when they need someone with their expertise. Another reason he could be useful to get on side- balancing - T'Lana@anncaris:- good work with Corporate politics is difficult and you might find doors closed to you in time, but someone with an established reputation like him doesn't have that problem." Rianni@crystyl:"We will seek him out as a priority" she nods T'Lana@anncaris | Ishyha: "Thank you for helping with all this. If I manage to regain my position, or work my way higher up the ladder, I'll make sure you're well-rewarded," she smiles. "In addition to the - T'Lana@anncaris:- reward Sakyto will give you for our safe return, of course." Rianni@crystyl smiles, "And that is our incentive for ensuring you a position of power equal to your Colonial Manager role, if not something more prestigious at HQ!"