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File: Dyson_Sphere1.jpg (237 KB, 1500x1220)
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For House & Dominion: Eye of the Storm (6)

http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/House_%26_Dominion_Complete_Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dominion+quest

https://twitter.com/ThatSlowTypingG


You are Sonia Reynard, Viscount of Rioja and a member of House Jerik-Dremine!

With the end of the Dominion Civil War your planet and House are once again safe. With that done you turned your eye towards unfinished business: Planning an expedition to the Dyson Sphere.

After assembling a team of specialists, scientists and your personal guard you set out for the construct. There you made contact with the Sphere's Caretakers from whom you learned of their attempts to resist the Neeran Empire without causing the destruction of the sphere. That doesn't seem to be easy and you've taken steps to aid them.

After having visited the sphere some questions have been answered but others remain, as does the threat. The Neeran Empire's local commander, who Alliance Intel refers to as Girisha, has risked their career for the chance to secure the sphere and its technology. A new Alliance taskforce has been formed to stop them.

You've now returned to the sphere with an Alliance ambassador and plans to find a more permanent means to its defense. Encoded letters from Baldr and Svidur have pointed towards a possible solution.

"There may be a way to ensure the sphere is protected from the Empire's fleet outside. That it hasn't yet been used means the Caretakers consider the cost of it to be too high.
I'm not entirely sure what it will do myself but the system can be manually activated and is supposed to protect the sphere from damage of any kind.

I wished to see it for myself but that is no longer possible. The choice and the danger is yours."

-Svidur
>>
Expedition Dramatis Personae

Sonia Reynard [Human Female] Viscount

Command Crew - Hidden Dagger [Nocturn Cloaked Attack Cruiser]
Arron Westrate [Human Male] CO
Linda Travers [Human Female] Chief Navigator
Maybourne [Dro'all] Operations

Reynard Personal Guard
Ella Rufaro [Human Female] (Bodyguard & body double)
Valeri Fusaro [Human Male] (Bodyguard)
Dave Kárpáti [Human Male] (Bodyguard)
Emor Kozan [Dro'all] (Bodyguard)

Knight Ilya [Human Male] Senior Knight - Thule's Prism contingent
(4 other Knights from Thule's Prism)
Lt Arif Sayadov [Human Male] -Former Kharbos special forces

Jarato Eldal [Krath infiltrator]
Estavan Risto [Krath infiltrator] (Protectorate) RTS intel

Dr Seays [Rovinar] Krath bio weapon program (Suit)

"Dave" -Light Neeran- Detection & Engineering
"Sam" -Light Neeran- Combat & Detection

Dyson Exploration Sciences Foundation
Jennifer Alam [Human Female] Chief Science officer
Esibe (Akyarres) [Rovinar Male] Assistant
Darweg Attir [Shallan Male] Shallan science institute
Rhistel Taraman [Hune Male] Republic Research oversight committee


The Sphere
Einridi [Neeran] Caretaker, local leader
Tiur [Neeran] Caretaker, interrogator
Svidur [Neeran]
Uller [Neeran] Caretaker, warrior
Rán [Neeran] Novice Caretaker

Alliance Taskforce
Cpt Gaben Wilson - [Human Male] (Adelaide Colony)
Liljana Brantha - [Hune Female] (Diplomatic corps)

Enemy Personnel
"Girisha" [Neeran] Neeran Empire - Fleet Commander, Dyson sphere occupation fleet
>>
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!
>>
>>2327929
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION
>>
Fighting surveymoney atm as they updated it again with NEW and WONDERFUL UNTESTED FEATURES. Because I always need more untested features that break things.
>>
With the help of a Novice Caretaker known as Rán and the encoded map sent by Svidur you and your people have ventured into the depths of the Sphere. Following the underlying power grid of the sphere your team was able to use repulsor bikes to reach a secondary rapid transit system. This has been able to transport you to the walls of the northern polar installation.

Protected by powerful energy shields the Neeran Empire has not yet been able to breach, you've spent some days looking for a way through. Ran has found what should be a way across but it isn't easy to reach. Limited fuel supplies mean only a small team will be able to get to it in a reasonable period of time. Because of this you've had to pick and choose who will be joining the final team.

Polar Team

Rán [Neeran]
Sonia Reynard
Valeri Fusaro
Knight Illya
Troy Harmen
Ella Rufaro
Lt Arif Sayadov
Darweg Attir [Shallan Male]

Both of your Krath team mates were nominated but with the lack of space an alternative has been suggested.

Eldal and Risto could make good time on foot, though it would still take them more than a week to get there. Alternatively they could try taking on a more compact form for transport, but Troy Harmen is worried about excess weight reducing the Bike's fuel range. Or they could stay with the rest of the team.

[ ] On foot
[ ] Compact form
[ ] Stay with the rest of the team
>>
>>2327995
>[ ] Stay with the rest of the team
>>
>>2327995
>[ ] Stay with the rest of the team
after long time reading the archives (and a over a year long break in homefront 1: ballroom edition) I have finally caught up a few hours ago
>>
>>2327995
>[x] Compact form
>>
>>2327995
Can they turn into kites we can then attach to the bike? No idea if the loss in weigt would be worth the additional drag.
>>
>>2328051
Congrats.

You tell Eldal and Risto that you want them to stick with the rest of the team. Your team should have the bases covered with their skill sets.

"Help keep everyone else alive. Second team is our reserve and we may need them to bail us out later if things go sideways."

After previously working with Ran, Dave now knows how to operate the transit system. That should give them some options. There are enough supplies for them to reach the tram on foot, though it will take weeks.

[ ] Proceed on foot to shield entry
[ ] Head back to LST
[ ] Hold position until they need to turn back

We didn't have a clear winner for this in the survey unfortunately.
>>
>>2328126
Have them head back
>[ ] Head back to LST
>>
>>2328126
>[ ] Head back to LST
>>
>>2328121
>Can they turn into kites we can then attach to the bike? No idea if the loss in weigt would be worth the additional drag.
That would create quite a bit of drag outside the airstream I'd think. I suppose they could probably form wings on either side of the vehicle too, which would be great if it wasn't a repulsor craft. I'm not sure if the lift-induced drag would be worse in combination with their added weight.

Good idea, but I'm not sure it will improve things much.
>>
>not bringing a krath
That's one of these super smart Sonia moments, right?
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>>2328146
It is a bit odd.

Any more votes?
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>>2328180
I think we should bring one. Only take them part of the way on the bike if Troy's worried about fuel.
>>
>>2328209
Unfortunately your vote would only bring things to a tie from earlier.

>>2328039
>>2328051
>>2328079
Unless any other anons change their mind?
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>>2328212
I'd be willing to support: >>2328209
>>
>>2328209
>>2328215
Eldal or Risto?
>>
Suitcase Krath Contortionist.
>>
>>2328226
>Eldal
>>
>>2328226
>Eldal
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>>2328226
Let them decide who's better for this mission. We don't know their exact capabilities.
>>
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At the last minute you change your mind about Krath assistance.

"Troy, on the last run I want you to bring Eldal along as well. He can take on a more compact form. You should be able to make a call by then if there's enough fuel or not."

Reluctantly Troy agrees. "I'll try to find ways to shorten the fuel usage during the trip."

Next you advise the team remaining behind that it might be best to head back to the LST. They'll be able to assist the caretakers elsewhere or search for another way in should the worst happen.
"If you're really lucky the Hidden Dagger might not have left the system yet."

As everyone from second team begins to pack up their gear you take the first jetbike trip to meet up with Ran. Even by bike it takes time to get there, and it's necessary to switch drivers mid trip. That's a bit complicated with Troy refusing to actually stop the vehicle, but you get it done.

Coming up to the drop off point you're told to detach some of the cargo early. With the built up speed it takes awhile for some of the cargo bins to slide to a stop. The bike itself is only stopped for ten seconds before heading back.

After gathering the gear you and Valeri haul it towards the slow burn signal flare Ran and the other driver has set. The structure ahead looks more like a shipyard or siege array than a tram station. Squared off rib like frames are stepped back at regular intervals from the polar wall, narrowing to a point more than half a klick away. A beam of energy looking identical to the shield runs down the middle.

Still not seeing Ran once the noise of the jetbike engine has faded, you call out. Eventually you get a response and spot the Caretaker at the far end of the structure, along with the tram car. The "car" itself looks to be larger than the fusion drive on a corvette. Not exactly small.

Meeting up with Ran he explains what he's found while waiting for you. Mostly figuring out the controls and safety systems. He's confident that it can get your team through the shield without harm.

Ran has also found more of the pictogram like markers left by the AHCR. You still have no idea who Anomalous Hazards Countermeasure Research are but they seem to have made quite a bit of progress in getting here. They've left markers throughout the outer structure of this area that look a bit like matching puzzle pieces. Others have been left in the outer sections of the tram.

"I still don't know what they mean but because of them I've been looking into the areas they're found near. Parts of this facility structure shift when activated. It could be a warning about that."
>>
>>2328283
>We don't know their exact capabilities.
Eldal is primarily an overspecialized Neeran killer/infiltrator. Or he was when you first met, he's branched out somewhat since then.

Risto despite being less mature is more experienced across a wider range.
>>
>>2328371
Were there any markers near the body our team found?
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>>2328400
>Were there any markers near the body our team found?
There was horizontal crossed out stick figure with a line above it.
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>>2328371
"Maybe the first denotes an area that's acts as a docking area when things are activated? And the second maybe says avoid this particular area?"
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>>2328413
Thanks. I would have guessed the circle represents a person but then they wouldn't have drawn the stick figure for the corpse. Maybe it indicates a safe or unsafe location?
>>
"Maybe the first denotes an area that's acts as a docking area when things are activated? And the second maybe says avoid this particular area?"

Ran agress it's a possibility. "We should stay away from the outer walls of the tram when passing through the shield."

Over the next few days the bike returns with it's second set of passengers then finally the last ones. The bike is out of fuel completely now, running on whatever power reserves it has built up while the reactor was running. Troy estimates that the bike has 50 minutes of power left. With Valeri's help he begins to drag it towards the tram.

"Is that thing really worth the trouble of dragging it aboard?" Sayadov asks.

Troy defends putting the effort into it. "It still has guns and those will take more than 50 minutes to strip off of it. But it we find another power grid on the other side I can have it running minutes."

Leave the bike or take it?
>>
>>2328445
>take it
>>
>>2328445
>take it
>>
"Get it aboard quickly and let's get across. Ran are you ready?"

"Mostly? I may need to borrow your converter to be more certain."

Handing over the artifact you make the Caretaker promise you'll get it back. The Neeran immediately sets to work going through a checklist of systems as they're brought online.

"Capacitors. Drive. Power. Routing. Protection... shield? Shield! Is everyone ready?"

Everyone sounds off and then are ordered to the innermost section of the vehicle as a safety precaution. This makes it much easier to be scared out of your wits when electricity momentarily arcs off of the center most portion of the interface. Within a second Valeri and Rufaro interpose themselves between you and the energy discharge, shields deployed.
Ran quickly gets it back under control and the tram car has already started to move forward before the last of arcs have faded out.

Parts of the surrounding structure rotate to unblock the passage to the wall. What seems to be a faraday cage locks into place around the exterior of the car. Doors facing the shield retract allowing you to better see that the tram is following a beam of energy from the shield itself. When the tram reaches the shield there isn't impact as you'd expected but instead streamers of energy arc around the outside of the vehicle, never touching it directly until it connects with a point at the aft of it.

"You're sure we can't charge the bike off that?" you ask Troy.

"I'm sure." the cavalryman answers.

The trip takes at least twenty minutes before you emerge through the other side of the energy field. Silver white metal of the polar walls greet you, but soon enough the outline of a door can be seen. It seems like you're on the verge of crashing into them before the portal opens, doors retracting much like on the other side.

The tram rides an identical beam of energy to a halt inside another docking berth, the doors soon closing behind you. You all wait until Ran is certain it's safe and has opened the protective outer cage before moving out.

[ ] Secure the immediate area, make sure it's safe first.
[ ] Get scouting with the bike quick before its power runs out.
>>
>>2328536
>[x] Secure the immediate area, make sure it's safe first.
>>
>>2328536
>[ ] Secure the immediate area, make sure it's safe first.
>>
All of you split off by pairs and spread out, weapons at the ready. This area isn't quite like the one on the other side. It's not nearly as open. Walls and a much more clearly defined ceiling are present, separating this tram station of sorts from whatever else is in the polar region.

When everyone regroups you learn that 3 doors have been found around the perimeter two of which are locked. Ran could probably open these given time but it's not 100% guaranteed. The one off to the right side can be opened and leads to a room filled with pillars that seem to be giving off low levels of energy.

Ran and Attir have spotted what may be an entrance or portal in one area of the ceiling.

Troy wishes to get the bike into the energy pillar room as soon as possible in the hopes that it will be able to recharge its power cells.

Ran is completely unfamiliar with this tech and can't offer much advice on how dangerous it might be. So far there don't appear to be any markers left behind by the AHCR.

>Your orders?
>>
>>2328734
Get the bike set up first.

Use the smart-grapple to check out the ceiling area.
>>
Wanting to ensure everyone's safety Troy rigs up a cable to the back of the bike as an anchor then sends it floating through the doors using the last of its power.

"Aren't you worried about getting shocked by that cable?" you ask.

"Not really. It's non-conductive."

"You just happen to have some non-conductive cables packed?"

"When you drive bikes you can run into crazy stuff. Like power lines."
Well that is a good point.

Illya and Rufaro keep an eye on the door with Troy while the rest of you investigate the entrance way on the ceiling. Valeri makes use of a smart grapple in an attempt to get a grip on the ceiling nearby but it's too far for the cable to reach. Testing at a point where the ceiling is lower proves that it will work on the material, at least some of the time that is.

"If we had our recon suits I bet we could scale the walls and ceiling to that point." says Valeri after the better part of an hour spent testing smart grapple grips.

Troy has had better luck. When they reel in the bike the capture feeds previously used to draw power from the sphere's distribution grid seem to have worked. The power cells are partially recharged. Better news is that there seems to be minimal power drain here, though it may still be present.

"If there isn't a dedicated power drain in here it could be due to our proximity to the walls."

With power now available did you want to use the bike to access the ceiling, or risk going through the power room?
>>
>>2328873
[ ] Try to get one of the locked doors open
[ ] Use recharged bike to access portal in ceiling
[ ] Go through energy pillar room
>>
>>2328873

>[ ] Use recharged bike to access portal in ceiling
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>>2328978
>[ ] Use recharged bike to access portal in ceiling
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File: Post locations.jpg (119 KB, 1570x714)
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4chan acting strange for anyone else? Moving posts to interesting locations?
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>>2329070
not yet
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Troy, Attir and Sayadov get set up on the bike and make an initial survey of the ceiling. There are no immediate signs of security measures, though they cant be ruled out. Eventually they deem it safe enough for Ran to make an attempt at using it.

Ran spends two hours making sure not to break anything or activate them improperly. Once he's certain Troy radios to the rest of you that they're about to attempt to open it. When the portal irises open you can see light spilling through from the level above. It isn't the only thing coming through. Troy curses loudly as debris and objects fall past them.

"Is that a body?" asks Rufaro.

Whatever it is those of you at ground level make sure to get out of the way. When the body strikes the floor most of it explodes into a cloud of dust and bone from the impact. It takes awhile for the dust to settle but when it does you can clearly see the markings of an AHCR uniform. By now Ran has closed the door again and Troy brings the bike back down.

"We only looked through it briefly but it looked clear aside from, you know, the dead bodies."

"Alright, so what was it this time that killed one of them?" you ask.

Valeri and Rufaro carefully roll over the remains to look at the uniform. They quickly come to the same conclusion.
"Lightning gauntlet, or a similar artifact."

You turn to Ran. "Would automated defenses use the same artifacts?"

"I wouldn't think so. With minor exceptions the artifact weapons are supposed to require a person."
"What sort of exceptions?"
"The amplifier. That's it. All of the others are supposed to require conscious control. This wasn't an automated defense, someone killed them."

"I don't suppose there's any point in opening a betting pool on who did it?" asks Attir.

If you're still for heading up who will be in the initial team to head up and secure the other side of the entrance? Max of 3.

Rán (counts as 2)
Sonia Reynard
Valeri Fusaro
Knight Illya
Troy Harmen
Ella Rufaro
Lt Arif Sayadov
Darweg Attir
Eldal
>>
1a) Proceed upwards regardless of the new discovery
1b) Go through energy pillar room
1c) Try to get one of the locked doors open

2) In the event of 1A winning: who will be in the initial team to head up and secure the other side of the entrance? Max of 3.
Rán (counts as 2)
Sonia Reynard
Valeri Fusaro
Knight Illya
Troy Harmen
Ella Rufaro
Lt Arif Sayadov
Darweg Attir
Eldal
>>
Didn't realise how late it had gotten. I'm not sure if I'll be able to resume tomorrow as there are a lot of things going on. I may have to pick back up on Thursday evening. After that I'll try to continue through the weekend barring getting called in to cover others shifts.
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>>2329339
>1c) Try to get one of the locked doors open
I think we should at least thoroughly investigate the doors before going through that graveyard. Can they give us an estimate how many bodies they saw up there?

Also, if there is barely any energy drain in this area, maybe Sonia or Rufaro should switch to power armor?
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>>2329339
>1c) Try to get one of the locked doors open
>>
>>2328371
If the tram was on the other side of the shield when the Terrans arrived, the upper symbol cozld mean to stay away from the machinery and the lower one to stay off the tracks the tram arrives on.

>>2329182
Is there anything useful on the corpse? Maybe a data chip or a note. Make sure to search the area as well, in case something fell out of a uniform pocket.

>corpses in general
If they were killed by keeper tech, why did nobody clean up afterwards and instead simply left the corpses behind? It's a bit weird.

Also, were the Kavarians and Terrans already joined at the hip by that time? Is it possible they had Krath with them? Maybe one's hiding somewhere in extreme energy saving mode? Could Eldal extract any useful information from the remains of the Terrans?

Does Ran know when regular communications stopped between surface keepers and the ones running the control centers? Is it a recent thing?

>>2328379
Shouldn't Risto be significantly older? Eldal was manufactured for this conflict, and we ran into him pretty early. That should put him at an age of 7 to 10 years.
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>>2329339
>1c) Try to get one of the locked doors open
>>
>>2329339
>1c) Try to get one of the locked doors open
>>
Found a graph with the field markings posted earlier, pretty neat, but I don't know if I should post it because it would be pretty meta and maybe some people want to keep it a mystery.
>>
>>2330480
Thanks for not immediately posting it.
I'm a little surprised it took this long considering where I first found it.
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>>2331217
Well I don't want to cheat. That's not nice. Also the link does not work from the wiki
>>
Resuming in a couple hours. Just have to finish off a couple more errands.
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>>2329944
>Is there anything useful on the corpse? Maybe a data chip or a note. Make sure to search the area as well, in case something fell out of a uniform pocket.
Besides brittle bones and the burned uniform the others find a holdout pistol with 1 shot left inside one of the pockets. A torn scrap of paper partly burned around the edges has a number of marking on it that can still be made out. You recognise one of the AHCR symbols previously found.

"Ran, if they were killed by keeper tech, why did nobody clean up afterwards and instead simply left the corpses behind? It's a bit weird."
The Caretaker looks around then slowly begins to nod in agreement. "You're right. Active installations should have a... decontamination system you would call it. It would have removed any trace of organic material. Possibly even these weapons in time.

>Also, were the Kavarians and Terrans already joined at the hip by that time?
Attir checks over uniform jumpsuit. "The suits are probably mid to late Faction wars or post war surplus." The shallan shrugs. "I would assume these people arrived after the Faction wars since the TCS Sidewinder didn't encounter the Sphere until 3616."

Iratar had already been thrust into the position of running a puppet state government by then but it had barely been in power for more than a decade. Things were still unstable in those days and Union remnants, while dwindling in number, were still present in parts of South Reach.

>Is it possible they had Krath with them?
"It's not impossible but it seems unlikely. The Alliance would have included information about that in the briefings they provided you."
>Could Eldal extract any useful information from the remains of the Terrans?
With their bodies being little more than dust he wouldn't have a lot to work with. So no. Maybe if recently dead.

>Does Ran know when regular communications stopped between surface keepers and the ones running the control centers? Is it a recent thing?
"The older caretakers do communicate to some extent with those in the control centers. Just status reports and updates. Usually vital information only since it would be too much otherwise. Occasionally some are sent to the control center for advanced training. Those expected to carry out special missions beyond the sphere or across a wider area get special training.
We mostly call these people wanderers."

Svidur seemed to know quite a bit about the sphere. Almost certainly more than Ran.
"Would Svidur have had that special training?"

"Yes or that wouldn't be their name. It's the name of a wander who has seen much and gained wisdom."


>Shouldn't Risto be significantly older? Eldal was manufactured for this conflict, and we ran into him pretty early. That should put him at an age of 7 to 10 years.
Yes. Risto is near enough to Sonia's age but is still somewhat immature having grown up at a more natural rate. Their personality developed as a normal person's would instead of being produced to a template.
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>>2334087
And my a couple of hours I mean spinning my wheels ineffectually for a couple more after that.
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>>2334653
Forgot my image.
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>>2334653
Thanks.
>kavarians and terrans
I actually meant the Rovinar, not the Kavarians. Sorry.

>>2334663
That's helpful. Neat.
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>>2334694
>I actually meant the Rovinar, not the Kavarians. Sorry.
Then yes for the most part. The Terrans and Rovinar only fought each other a couple of times and those were limited wars or skirmishing.

>>2329780
>Also, if there is barely any energy drain in this area, maybe Sonia or Rufaro should switch to power armor?
The vote was to only bring the gear proven to work despite the power drain.
If you hadn't encountered that room with the power source it would not have been possible to start up the suit reactors. So you'd be lugging around a lot of very dense material.
>>
"Can you estimate how many bodies you saw up there?"

Troy shakes his head. "I think I saw one more? There could be many more, or all of them might have been near the door, in which case very few."

You decide that it might be best to try and get one of the locked doors open. At the very least you can see what's inside and if necessary turn back.

Troy takes the bike back to the right hand doorway and pushes the bike through it again to begin charging it again. Meanwhile Ran gets to work and soon opens the center most door. It leads to a long but still fairly wide hallway. Half of the team proceeds down it along with the Caretaker to investigate.

There are some markings along the walls which are quickly identified as builder script. Some of you have learned enough to partly make out what they mean. It certainly isn't light reading though. By the time you get to the end Ran thinks he's figured what it all means.

"I want to wait until we've checked the next door to be certain."

Of course you do have to ask. "How safe or dangerous should this be?"

"Probably safe, but we shouldn't enter the next room right away just to be certain."

When the doors at the end of the hall are opened you're greeted by another room with halls of pillars similar to the energy room. Ran confirms that there are energy readings from these as well. Judging by the walls he believes this chamber is shaped like a hexagon.

"I get it. These are an artificial environment maintained to allow particular life forms to survive here. They need this background energy and this was one of the few places on the sphere where these habitats could be safely built."

"Is it dangerous for us to pass through here? I don't know if we want to disturb the locals."

"Mostly safe? The life forms here should be incorporeal or very nearly so. Another door should be on the far side."

This room is separate from the other one the Bike is being recharged in. Different species or subtypes are present Ran believes. There are no signs the AHCR team came through here.

Did you want your team to go through here or look at the other ways?

[ ] Gather team, proceed through this room
[ ] Go through previously unlocked energy pillar room
[ ] Investigate bodies on the upper level
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>>2334929
>[ ] Investigate bodies on the upper level
>>
>>2334929
I'd like to check out the bodies on the upper level before we proceed. Only bring the more resistant team members like Eldal and Valeri.
>>
>>2334929
>[ ] Go through previously unlocked energy pillar room
"Ghosts? Are you saying this place was used to house ghosts?"
>>
Could the Terrns have been fried by one of these energy beings? Maybe they managed to upset them somehow or triggered some kind of self defence reflex? The Terrans seem to have some talent in that area.
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"Are you saying this place was used to house ghosts?"

"What? No they're energy based lifeforms. They can only survive in a particular environment."

"Right, right... Ghosts."

"They are not ghosts."

Returning to the tram and the temporary base camp everyone takes a short break while waiting for the bike to recharge. Once that's done you assign Troy, Eldal and Valeri to investigating the upper level. Two of the more resistant team members should help and Troy is the only one who could make the best use of the weapons on the bike.

As they head up you ask Ran another question.

"Could the Terrans have been fried by one of these energy beings? Maybe they managed to upset them somehow or triggered some kind of self defense reflex?"
Ran thinks it over.
"That seems unlikely. I don't think they'd be able to cause that much damage. I'm sure it is possible for us to... irritate the beings living in there?"

"Maybe it would be best if we don't do that?"

"We should stay to the outer walls then. Keep in mind it will add time to our journey."

When the bike team reaches the ceiling it doesn't take them long to open the door once again. No debris or bodies come flying down this time. The bike slowly passes through the entrance without any sign of gunfire.

"No sign of active defenses up here." Valeri reports over the hand radio. "Three more bodies. We're setting down and conducting a sweep."
The bike pulls off to the side, out of your view.

"Looks like they didn't go without a fight. Old Terran Navy Carbines, most of their ammo spent. Bullets everywhere. Scorch marks from explosive too."

Eldal borrows the radio. "Some of the bullets have stuck a solid object, others look undamaged. Like they just felll out of the air."

"It wouldn't be the first time we've seen that." you comment.

"You're right."

After further searching Valeri finds a small book with a more intact copy of the AHCR field codes. There may have been more codes but it looks like they've been intentionally removed at an earlier time.
Troy returns to your level with it and the recovered weapons, handing them off.
>>
>>2335313
Does anybody know how large terran teams like this one usually are? Did our team find anything that would explain how the terrans managed to get up there?
>>
>>2335313
>Book
Good job, Valeri.

Interesting that symbols exist for some of these possibilities.
>>
>>2335313
>book
Anything else of interest in there?
>>
>>2335351
>Does anybody know how large terran teams like this one usually are?
You weren't able to contact the ship so none of your people are familiar with this sort of team. It does not seem to be consistent with a typical Terran Intel team of the period.

>Did our team find anything that would explain how the terrans managed to get up there?
Searching through the book there are notes that would give an indication to how many people they started off with. At least 8 in total. No mention is made of how they transported enough supplies or how they got into this part of the sphere.

There are a number of notes and entries the earliest being about having located another tram. It seems it may have already been damaged or disabled when it was found. Their attempts to force it to work only resulted in breaking it.

"Oh no." Says Ran on seeing one page containing rough sketches of the pillar rooms.

"What is it?"

"They irritated the beings living in there. They tried to shut down one of the pillars to charge their equipment or find a power source they could carry. That would have set off an alert in the control center."

One team member died as a result of damage to their nervous system. It seems that didn't stop them. Having to make a run for it they stumbled through several areas and may have gotten turned around a bit. The farthest they got was a type of nonlinear map room.

The last entries are made shortly after this. Hastily written they state that their group is being pursued.
>>
>>2335466
Is it possible to communicate with the beings living in the pillar room?
>>
>>2335466
In that case, maybe we should depart this area?
>>
"Is it possible to communicate with those energy beings?"

Ran believes he could do it but doesn't advise it.
"I should talk to whichever Caretakers normally interact with them before attempting to do so."

>>2335519
>In that case, maybe we should depart this area?
"We should still be able to pass through the pillar rooms, but it will be safer to follow the walls. Captain Harmen should also disabled the charging system on the bike while we're in the same room as a precaution."

[ ] Proceed though one of the pillar rooms
[ ] Relocate to the upper level
>>
>>2335580
>pillar room
I'm curious about the 3 remaining team membets we haven't discovered but I wouldn't be surprised if the caretakers captured them after the encounter upstairs. Let's take the route through the pillar room.
>>
>>2335580
>[ ] Proceed though one of the pillar rooms
>>
>>2335580
Disable the charging system on the bike and cross through carefully.
>>
>>2335598
>>2335620
>>2335657
You decide to stick to the center pillar room. Nobody has been though there to stir up the locals.

With Troy disabling the charging system you shouldn't disturb them. Sticking to the walls will add some travel time but is safer where as taking a shortcut straight through will cut down on how long you're in there.

Then again with the bike actually working now I guess Troy could just make some quick runs around the edge until everyone is across.

[ ] Slow and steady
[ ] Shortcut
[ ] Gottagofast
>>
>>2335723
>[x] Gottagofast
>>
>>2335723
>slow and steady
>>
>>2335730
>>2335727
I've written up as much as I can around this split vote. Rolling in 5 minutes.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>
>>2335856
s p e e d
>>
After recovering everything of value from above the team returns and Troy sets about making sure the Bike has enough charge to make multiple trips.

"Don't go into that room when the bike is charging." you warn him.

"You don't have to tell me that twice."

In the "morning" the team sets out, fully rested and ready for whatever you might encounter. Troy takes Ran across first so the Caretaker can get to work on the door. By the time you arrive on the second trip Ran has already opened the next door. You set up to wait for the others.

Attir uses the slight delay to take readings confirming suspicions that the hallways are getting narrower by barely noticeable amounts.

Once everyone is across Rufaro is quick to shut the door behind you. "Can we not go back that way?"
Eldal agrees. "I don't believe that environment is healthy for my species."

If it's necessary to go back you could try to find the route the dead team took to go up and over. Since you're not breaking things and have Ran to vouch for you that should prevent anyone from murdering you on the spot. You hope.

The team heads deeper, passing through several doors. Checking side doors you find more sprawling hexagonal shaped rooms, these ones empty. Ramps up to higher levels are found along the way, along with several of what seem to be lifts. Ran warns that the lifts lead to secure areas and will either be locked down, or set off alarms or countermeasures if he were to unlock them.

Consulting the map it seems you're reaching the edges of where it offers directions. So far it has generally pointed you towards the lowest levels of the sphere's infrastructure but it's nearing the limits of its use. Heading up the ramps might let your team find more sphere systems or access to a localised map.

It isn't clear if the Hazard team entered the map room they mentioned before or after getting to the higher level.

[ ] Stick to the lower levels
[ ] See if you have better luck higher up
[ ] Other
>>
>>2335949
Check the area for terran markings? Can svidur's map pieces help?
>>
>>2335949
>[ ] See if you have better luck higher up
>>
Sorry, page refresh.

>>2335976
>Check the area for terran markings?
You've gone a slightly different way unfortunately. There are no signs nearby.

>Can svidur's map pieces help?
It just gives a general direction from here on.
>>
Head is killing me. I'll finish the next post in the morning.
>>
>>2336223
Good luck.
Did those diet changes help at all?
>>
>>2336233
Yes for the most part. The weather can still give me migraines.
I think I'm getting a cold that's going around though.
>>
Oh hey, All Guardsmen Party is supposed to update tomorrow.
>>
"Let's see if we have better luck higher up. Don't touch anything." you stress, "We don't want to set off an alarm."

Heading up one of the ramps. It's a lengthy climb, with the slow slope making it better suited as a vehicle ramp. The previous 3 man team scouts ahead and returns to help shuttle you up to the higher level.

You don't see much difference from the areas below you'd been through. More empty storage bays. Eventually you do reach a new area though. This one is filled with pillars but much wider ones with far less in the way of gaps between them.

"Not again." Rufaro complains.

Ran steps up and investigates, soon reporting there are no serious energy emissions from these. After reading builder script near the entrance he comes to a conclusion.
"I believe these are material reserves. Many have been sorted into stable compounds based on their primary element."
The first few are Lithium storage which run several rows deep.

Troy warns that he'll need to detach much of the bike's cargo capacity to get through here. Ran believes these storage reserves may run down into the lower levels as well. If that's true you'll face the same problems with the bike there as well.

[ ] Proceed with stripped down bike
[ ] Leave the bike here
>>
>>2337413
[ ] Proceed with stripped down bike
>>
>>2337413
>continue with the bike
Ran needs to start lifting anyway.
>>
>>2337413
>[ ] Proceed with stripped down bike
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F47JQ0xMtIg [ TSFH - Aesir ]


Troy and Sayadov get to work on the bike, stripping it down to the bare essentials.

>>2337467
You're thinking of Dave and Sam.

When the group get moving again you notice that Ran is actually more physically fit than either of the Isolationist Neeran.
"Why is that exactly?" you ask.

"My mentor, Uller, was originally from the Empire and came here on pilgrimage when he was young. He warned the Caretakers of the political problems taking place in the Empire, though they obviously became much worse since he left. He is one of several working to find a middle ground between the two sides philosophies."

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Yes, but he does not believe a peaceful reunification is possible until the current leadership of the Empire is destroyed or removed."

That would tend to make things a little more complicated you admit.


Passing through the halls there is very little light to work with. Despite this Attir continues to take notes and readings when there is time. Many of these storage reserves have built in stasis fields, probably to slow the decay rate of the contents if they're expected to stay there for thousands of years.

Reaching elements 78 and 79 several of you notice that things don't seem quite right. No stasis fields are present around several of them.
"These have been opened." Ran warns.

Checking the surrounding area Eldal locates what appear to be track marks. A wheeled cart or vehicle just narrow enough to pass between the pillars has been through here. They lead off in another direction nearly perpendicular to your intended course.

Another thought occurs to you. Salvage. Probably best not to touch anything but... well they're already open.

1A) Investigate
1B) Stay on course

2A) Loot metals
2B) Don't touch anything
>>
>>2337538
1A) Investigate
2A) Loot metals
Salvage. Delicious tasty salvage
>>
>>2337538
>1a
We could talk salvage!
>2b
We don't really have to transport that stuff. It would also be awkward when we actually meet the local keepers and are loaded with stolen stuff.
>>
>>2337538
1A
2B
Not like we could carry any substantial quantity out. Although If it's some sort of unobtainium that could prove very useful for [Things] then we should definitely take some.
>>
>>2337605
Platinum and gold.
>>
>>2337607
Very tempting, but considering our current finances (And not wanting to look like thieves) I think we can pass.
>>
>>2337538
>1A) Investigate
>2A) Loot metals
Only interesting metals.

I would have thought that Gold/Platinum even in large amounts wouldn't be to valuable given how easy it is to snag an asteroid made of the pure stuff.
>>
>>2337538
>1A) Investigate
>2B) Don't touch anything
>>
"We have lots of supplies at the moment right? Let's investigate."

As the the metals you can find those anywhere. RSS and it's subsidiaries have plenty of mining assets.

Following the faint tracks Eldal confirms them to be trace amounts of iron left behind, not damage to the actual surface. Despite the poor lighting it's fairly easy to follow them. Along the way you find signs of groups having stopped to rest.

After more than a day on the move Ran believes you're approaching a sort of rest area that would have access to water. Sure enough there are steadily increasing signs of habitation. Markings on the walls, or even signs and fences made of different metals.
The team stops while Eldal scouts ahead, blending in with the surroundings as much as possible.

He returns within an hour. "There's a settlement ahead."

"A settlement? Really?"

"Kavarians. Too smart for their own good."

The good news is that your translators are able to make out their language easily enough. You should be able to talk to them.

Approach the settlement?
>>
>>2337773
Uhh, sure! What could go wrong. Attempt to look unthreatening, as much as an expedition into possibly hostile territory can anyway.
>>
>>2337773
Maybe have Ran stay behind for a bit? I'd imagine these guys will have to be careful of keepers considering how quickly the Terrans got grilled when they became a nuisance.
>>
>>2337773
Can we make a Kavarian flag? If these guys are faction-war holdouts they might not like anyone approaching given how things turned out for them.
>>
>>2337773
Well I am not going to say no to a mystery box! Let's go!
>>
>>2337773
>Approach the settlement?
Yes
>>
"Let's approach but keep it slow. We don't want to look threatening."

After a discussion it's agreed that you'll keep the shields out and deployed but weapons will remain sheathed. Rufaro knows how to speak a bit in Kavarian without a translator. You've picked up a few over the years but not nearly as much.

"Ran, maybe you should stay behind us. I don't want them thinking the Caretakers are here to clear them out."

Moving slowly you head into the territory surrounding the settlement. Music can be heard in the distance and light seen reflecting off the walls.

The first person you encounter is an older looking Kavarian wearing dark coloured clothing. A headdress made of gold with hanging beads makes it difficult to see their face clearly. Rufaro calls out a greeting, managing not to scare them.

"We are travelers, we mean you no harm."

"Where are you from?" asks the Kavarian. "Lands beyond the pillared halls?"

"From far beyond them. May we speak to your leaders before continuing on our journey?"

The Kavarian takes a moment to think it over. It gives Attir enough time to identify their dress as that of a scholar or record keeper. The old man eventually tells you to wait here and heads deeper into the settlement.

"Here we go." whispers Valeri.

The scholar returns with a number of guards armed with spears. They seem to be made out of silver or possibly platinum. What armor they wear you suspect is largely decorative, much of it bearing parts made of gold.

While clearly being cautious they do agree to lead you to their settlement. Living spaces have been built against the walls of a wider open area. Fountains have been constructed directing water from whatever source Ran had mentioned. Everything definitely seems pre-industrial.

Like the area the tram car first arrived at there are three sets of doors with guards standing at each. Your escort leads you towards the center most door and when it opens you see that these Kavarian have been hard at work. The ceiling of the hall is roofed with gold and floor paved with silver. Walls feature relief carvings, possibly telling some tale of how their people came to live here.

Sitting on a throne above an archway of stairs you see an old but still fit looking Kavarian male dressed in fantastically ornate clothing and armor. Once your party has stopped he addresses you.

"I am Het Kremes, King of these people. Who are you and what brings you to my land?"

>What say?
>>
>>2338213
"Good king, we are travelers from beyond this world. We seek the large, misshapen ones who control this place."
>>
>>2338355
Note: Ran is with your group, just towards the back.
>>
Oh god diplomacy.
"We are explorers looking for the people that take care of this place, the ones that look like my friend back here. I'd also like to know how you ended up settling in this place."
>>
"It is an honor to meet you, King Kremes. We are impressed by your extraordinary feat to have lead your kingdom to prosperity. We haven't met any prospering community in many weeks of travel.

I am Sonia Reynard, leader of this expedition to contact the keepers of the inner sphere. We have one of the caretakers of the outer sphere with us, to accompany and guide our journey."
>>
>>2338387
I'm not sure if we should metion ran. Any opinions?
>>
"I am Sonia Reynard, leader of this expedition. It is an honor to meet you, King Kremes. We are travelers and explorers from beyond this world. We seek to contact the keepers of the inner sphere, those who take care of this place."

At this point you make sure to bow.

"We are impressed by your extraordinary feat to have lead your kingdom to prosperity. We haven't met any prospering community in many weeks of travel. I'm curious how you ended up settling in this place?"


The King considers your words.
"If you are looking for the custodians you are in the wrong place. You must ascend to higher parts of the world. Also there is one standing right behind you."

Fair enough.

"As for how we settled here my great ancestor discovered this place and learned the secrets of the infinite mines. That knowledge has been passed down through the ages to me. As a result our wealth is beyond measure and our people continue to prosper."

You think the translator got all of that correctly.

Rufaro whispers to you. "One of the guards just told me it's traditional to bring a gift when seeing the King."
"He only told you now?"

What gift do you wish to provide the King? You're certainly not going to hand over any of the Sphere artifacts.
>>
>>2338706
The guns we found on the Terran corpses?
>>
>>2338706
They're pre-industrial so anything that's not basic resources? Maybe a radio? I was going to suggest a sword but they seem pretty well supplied in the arms and armor department, even if it isn't year 4000 quality.
>>
>>2338755
That's a great idea. Even if they havr access to rare matrls, they probably lack the tools to do much with them. Even a high quality survival knife that can't be damaged by their tools could be an impressive gift.
>>
>>2338737
>>2338755
-Guns
-Tools
-Radio x2

Any others?
>>
>>2338819
Do we still have some of the gems we brought for trade on the surface? They seem to have lots of precious metals but diamonds or similar stones don't appear to be among the stockpiles they're mining.
>>
>>2338844
>Do we still have some of the gems we brought for trade on the surface?
You do. Go with those or the tools?
>>
>>2338854
Let Attir decide? He's the professional when it comes to dealing with the locals.
>>
>>2338878
Attir panics slightly having been put on the spot.

"Uh, both! Do both and maybe they'll be inclined to help us more."

Go for it?
>>
>>2338925
Go for it.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>2338925
Ugh. What a headache. We might be supposed to bring one gift only and more could be an insult. Who knows.

1=tools
2=gems
3=both
>>
You present two gifts to the King. First gems gathered in distant lands. Then the tools, with which their artisans and craftsmen could continue to create new works.

"Thank you for your most thoughtful gifts Sonia Reynard. I'm sure our workers will do their best to record your generosity. If you wish it our people can show you paths to more quickly reach distant lands in your quest."

The Kavarians are aware of a lift similar to others you've encountered. This one supposedly is safe to use but warnings have been passed down that going too far with it will anger the custodians. The other route leads farther along this same level in the direction you were previously heading.

"Only one has ever returned from this other route and it was many years later."

[ ] Lift to a higher level
[ ] Same level /direction
[ ] Double back, follow previous path
>>
>>2339045
>[ ] Lift to a higher level

"Now you've got some tools, I'm sure you'll be building Supers by the thousands in a few years. Good luck!"
>>
>>2339045
>[ ] Lift to a higher level
>>
>>2339045
Can we additionally take a small blood sample from a few of them and see if we can figure out who their ancestors were when they arrived here?
>>
>>2339118
Sure, you can ask around.


>>>/tg/58159093
Well I'm probably not going to be typing too much the rest of tonight.
>>
>>2339045
The lift sounds preferable.
>>
Would it be possible to get a good meal and a good bed here? Even one decent stop should help a lot.
>>
>>2339312
Don't remember exactly but don't Kavarians and Humans have trouble sharing foods? I think we had to deal with an issue like that when we set down the first buildings/farms on Rioja.

Might be Rovinar and everyone else though.
>>
>>2339045
[ ] Lift to a higher level
>>
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New ships in Eve look interesting, especially the new weapons.
>>
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>>2342863
>eve
>>
Resuming Tuesday evening and running through the day Wednesday.
>>
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After the meeting with the King you discuss the possibility of acquiring food and a bed for the night. Or for whatever equivalent rest period the locals use.

The bedding is a lot like a hammock, or maybe more accurately netting, strung up above a room. Not much in the way of privacy but it beats the floor. Eldal even manages to find some local food you can eat which is surprising.
Predictably it doesn't taste great to you but it certainly has an interesting texture. Attir secures samples for possible sale to the Kavarian Faction research.

Ran gets an opportunity to see what the locals are living off of, using the two adjacent storage areas to grow a number of crops. Satisfied that they're not inadvertently harvesting sapient life forms he's content to leave them to their own devices for now.
"I will have to report all of this eventually. I hope a way can be found to help them, the sphere, and preserve their culture."

Before departing the settlement you ask around for blood samples. When asked what you need them for you explain that you'll use them to try and find distant family members. They may yet have distant kin who even now fight to survive somewhere beyond the heavens...

"Really?" Rufaro asks you after the volunteers are gone.

"I thought it sounded good."

At the lift Ran confirms that it is operational, though there are some odd readings when he does a quick diagnostic.
"This lift doesn't register properly."

"Will it work?"

"I believe so, yes. Something is causing it to register its location as being several levels up. To the control center it would look like it's jammed in place there. It can still be manually operated. I suspect if we were to move above that level the lift would begin to register again, and may even trigger a security alert."

Well it would certainly be one way to get the attention of those in the control center. However it might not make the best impression.

A few of the levels in between here and there are showing as locked down. As a result there aren't many to stop at. One seems to be a secondary systems level or storage for backup equipment. The level the lift is supposed to be jammed at may be a manufacturing block.

[ ] Go above the jammed level / Intentionally trigger security alert
[ ] Level where it is jammed / Manufacturing level
[ ] Secondary systems level / Backup storage
>>
>>2348180
>[ ] Level where it is jammed / Manufacturing level

Let's go poking around in more tech we don't understand! I smell salvage! And danger, but then again where would be the fun without some danger?
>>
>>2348180
>[ ] Level where it is jammed / Manufacturing level
>>
>>2348180
>[ ] Level where it is jammed / Manufacturing level
>>
>>2348180
[ ] Level where it is jammed / Manufacturing level
>>
"Takes us to the level where the lift is jammed."

With no objections Ran starts the lift. Hand rails pop-up around the edge of the lift, followed by a few mechanical sounding clanks. Soon the circular lift begins accelerating upwards, steadily picking up speed. It isn't long before the walls of the lift tunnel are flashing past at a terrifying speed.

"Is it safe to be going this fast?"

"It will take some time to reach the next level. I would rather not be on this lift for an extended period. Secure yourselves. Because of our speed it is going to get rather windy."

After what seems like forever Ran warns that you're about to reach the storage level. One side of the lift tunnel disappears, replaced by a void. As your eyes adjust you can make out pieces of machinery and sphere systems being stored here. Big spherical objects you assume to be generators are the largest, some attached to the floor or ceiling. You spot a honeycomb of smaller storage racks before the left passes beyond this level.

You're back in the tunnel for another ten or twenty minutes before Ran begins to slow the lift. All of you are jostled by occasional shaking that seems to increase the closer you get yo the planned stop. Ran reduces to minimum speed as a precaution.

"We will be there momentarily."

"Ready weapons!" is your response.

All of you have formed a ring, weapons outward when the lift arrives at its stop. The amount of shaking is seriously beginning to worry you and when the lift halts you're nearly thrown into the railing. No hostiles are present but you tell everyone to stay on guard regardless.

Looking around, the entire area is fairly dark, with minimal local light sources. There does seem to be some additional light coming from farther off, though you cant really tell from what. With the current visibility the manufacturing level seems to stretch on forever.

Ran examines a nearby control panel related to the lift. It seems to be damaged. When you step closer to see what's wrong you realise an object has been rammed through the center of it. Someone has rapped a retractable shield through it and partly opened it, acting as a wedge. A nearly indestructible one at that.

[ ] Remove the shield
[ ] Leave it
>>
>>2348851
Maybe ask Ran's input on this. Don't want to nilly willy remove things that may or may not do things that will explode us.
>>
>>2348851
>[ ] Leave it
There's probably a good reason why it's there or would have been removed long ago. We can always pick it up on the way back.

Also, am I'm the only one who's worried about how little the caretakers seem to actually care about this area? The area of the sphere heavily damaged by anti matter, the electricity eating cats, the damaged tram, the century old Terran corpses, the primitive Kavarian kingdom looting caretaker stockpiles, all these levels on lock-down, and now the damaged lift. It seems like something has gone wrong in this area a few centuries ago.
>>
>>2348852
Removing the shield should return the lift to normal operation. Ran believes that with it removed he should be able to issue a repair request. This should automatically call the lift to a higher level, without the same amount of security response as moving above this level without authorization. Removing it might also allow Ran to call up a better map on the terminal.

"We're on a manufacturing level, cant you just construct a new map?"

The Caretaker looks around at the nearby controls.
"I think I can use the manufacturing units here to produce sets of identical items, so a set of maps, or a set of shields. But each new set will increase the likelihood of triggering a security response."

1A) Remove the shield, try to call up a map
1B) Remove the shield, issue repair request
1C) Leave it

2) Did you want to try and have something manufactured with the sphere's tech, and if so what?
>>
>>2348867
>1A) Remove the shield, try to call up a map

>2 Manufacture Retractable Power Armor? Plz

Also I don't suppose we could sneak some scans on the manufacturing units? Before, during and after he produces stuff? Would be neat to build our own back home.
>>
>>2348867
>1C) Leave it

2)
Let's get one of the Human scale regenerators if possible? Then we can heal any wounds along the way.
Although I'd prefer something crazy like a Dark Matter Pistol or Indestructible Power Armor if Ran can look.spoiler]
>>
>>2348867
>1C) Leave it

>2) Did you want to try and have something manufactured with the sphere's tech, and if so what?
A nearly indestructible data tablet with all the records, blueprints, and other data in the sphere's data banks on it?
>>
>>2348877
>I don't suppose we could sneak some scans on the manufacturing units?
Attir still has a scanner, but he warns that it probably wont be able to penetrate the material the manufacturing blocks are made of. It should be possible to boost the scanners output by using the Bike's remaining power reserves. This will kill the bike.

>>2348887
>A nearly indestructible data tablet with all the records, blueprints, and other data in the sphere's data banks on it?
It isn't possible to copy all of the sphere's data, there's simply too much. An easier to read blueprint of the sphere should be possible.
You could also have it built containing other information but you'll have to specify.

>Power Armor
>Indestructible Power Armor
That... might actually be possible.
>>
>>2348899
>This will kill the bike.
Can it manufacture a generator that is not affected by the power drain?

>You could also have it built containing other information but you'll have to specify.
The manual given to caretakers?
>>
>>2348899
>You could also have it built containing other information but you'll have to specify.
SUPERWEAPONS
>>
>>2348899
Production information on the artifacts we know of so we can make our own with a little investment? Or relevant information on the material the Sphere is made of and how it works. There are so many things and so little time.

Also Indestructible Power Armor with our Gauntlet makes me drool. Then we integrate the Energy Convertor into it so that when people shoot at us we take all the energy of the attack and use it to charge our lightning fist. We will be THOR! GOD OF THUNDER!
>>
>>2348902
>Can it manufacture a generator that is not affected by the power drain?
Ran looks for ways to do this and comes to the conclusion that, while it can theoretically be done, it can't be done safely.
"There may be a way but it would take more work and a few resources that cant be produced here."

>The manual given to caretakers?
As Ran explains Caretakers get a lot of on the job training then some are sent to the polar regions to study in their respective fields. There are supposed to be archives but he's not 100% certain he can draw from them without triggering an alert.

>>2348924
>Production information on the artifacts we know of so we can make our own with a little investment?
Some of these are locked out but he can get a few.

>relevant information on the material the Sphere is made of and how it works.
This should be possible.

>>2348904
>SUPERWEAPONS
Ran is about to begin a search on this then stop and looks at you.
"Was this inquiry in jest?"

>What say?
>>
>>2348933
>What say?
".... Yes?"

TSTG. You have shown us a candyshop and I want everything in it. Damn you.
>>
>>2348933
>"Was this inquiry in jest?"
"...Partly. We do need ways to combat their wormhole weapons on the scorcher, and anything dangerous they might use to defend the city-ships."
>>
>>2348933
"Yes, we're not desperate enough to risk ruining another universe. Yet."

Could we get the blueprints for the weather control towers?
>>
>>2348964
>Could we get the blueprints for the weather control towers?
Doable.
>>
Also, should I put this to a survey just in case?
>>
>>2348933 (You)
"Yes? But we do need ways to combat their wormhole weapons on the scorcher, and anything dangerous they might use to defend the city-ships."

"I'll search for a way to jam wormholes. Other than that I'm not sure what else would be useful against them."
Ran spends the better part of an hour looking for a way to block wormholes and locates something that may work.
"A gravitational lensing system. I'm not sure if the Factions would be able to produce this though."

The group sits down to discuss what you should try to get the manufacturing system to produce. Ran now thinks you might be able to make 3 sets of items without setting off an alarm. Maybe 4 if you're lucky. More than that will alert the control center and they'll be quick to respond.

The shield is still jammed in the lift's control panel at this level. With it there you should still be able to retreat downwards again without the control center knowing that you've done so.


Set of power armor
Set of Shields
Set of weapons
Data tablet - Easy to read Sphere map / blueprint
Data tablet - Gravitational lensing system
Data tablet - Artifact manufacture (Plasma, E-beam)
Data tablet - Sphere structural material
Data tablet - Weather control towers
Data tablet - Operations instructional Archive (counts as 2 for security alert)

Select which ones you want.
>>
>>2348964
Oooh, that's a great idea. They would probably be VERY useful for our Terraforming projects

>>2348991
Set of power armor
Data tablet - Weather control towers
Data tablet - Artifact manufacture (Plasma, E-beam)

Gimme gimme gimme
>>
>>2348991
>data - improved sphere map
>data - weather control towers
>data - gravitational lensing system
>>
>>2348991
Are there any data for Personal Energy Shields? That would be fun.
Is there an input slot to put something in to upgrade? Like that SCP, you put something in and get a better or worse output depending on the setting. Put out Mk7 Plasma Pistol through that.
>>
>>2348991
>Data tablet - Easy to read Sphere map / blueprint
>Data tablet - Gravitational lensing system
>Data tablet - Weather control towers
>>
I went and made up a survey just in case.

surveymonkey com/r/ 3PSGGN7

>>2349006
>Are there any data for Personal Energy Shields?
It doesn't seem like it.

>upgrade
This manufacturing center could probably copy your plasma pistol, or possibly create a modified design with sphere tech. I'm not sure it would be a true upgrade as there are drawbacks and would be fatiguing to use like your lightning gauntlet.
>>
>>2349009
Is there an energy shield that would fit on the dante or a starfighter? Maybe something that could make emergency teleporters less hazardous to use?
>>
>>2349009
>would be fatiguing to use like your lightning gauntlet.
Can we get a data tablet on 'Why do the sphere things have to always have some weird neural bullshit'?
>>
>>2349013
That would probably be in the Operations Instructional Archive.
>>
>>2349012
Not energy shields. Or at least Ran cant find them. There is more advanced Stasis tech.

>Maybe something that could make emergency teleporters less hazardous to use?
"I think there is one that might cover it but it may only be of use for short distances."

Added to the survey. I wont be able to add much else to it because people have already started using it.
>>
Going with whatever results we have in another half hour.
>>
>>2348991
Can we do a roll for Ran's Magical Mystery Box item? I have so many requests I think it's just best to take a random stab in the dark.
>>
>>2349050
>Can we do a roll for Ran's Magical Mystery Box item?
Sorry, what do you mean?
>>
>>2349056
Let Ran pick an item for us.
>>
>>2349058
Oh. I guess that could work, if others are okay with it?
>>
>>2349067
In b4 he picks a small shark shaped guardian drone.
>>
>>2349081
Best out come.
>>
>>2349081
>>2349082
So is that a yes or a no to letting Ran pick one?
>>
>>2349095
I would rather get the three items I voted for. Shark-bot is just fun fluff to have in my mind.
>>
>>2349095
Give him the 4th pick if he thinks the alarm won't trigger.
>>
>>2349095
Nah. I want specific stuff
>>
"Let's play it safe and only get three sets of items."
The others are seem fine with this.

"First, an easier to read map of the sphere. We need something a bit more interactive than the plates, as good as they are."
"I believe that will take me two hours. I'll get to work." Ran informs you.
Heading back to the control panel the Caretaker gets to work with Attir keeping an eye on how the control system works.

"After that we need the gravitational lensing system for the Alliance. Maybe they'll be able to better counter Scorcher attacks with it.
Last I'm thinking the weather control tower construction data. It will certainly help with the refugee problem."

A few of the others are a bit disappointed after your earlier idea for sphere tech power armor.

Settling in the team waits to see the outcome of Ran's work. Programming what exactly is wanted seems to take far longer than the actual fabrication. Once it's done it takes only a few moments for the devices to be produced. Nine spherical objects rise out of the nearest fabricator. Ran walks over one collects one before handing it to you.

The roughly palm sized device folds open projecting a small hologram. Scrolling through the maps it seems to have much better detail than the plates. Better yet, it gives a rough estimation of your current position. Most of the device is made of the same material as the sphere making it nearly indestructible.

"I hope this is a bit more handy than a simple data tablet." says Ran.

The data tablets for the other two are far more simple, intended mainly for simple storage. Some of the information can still be read through a basic interface though. Each team member packs away their own copies. Odds are good that even if a few are damaged or lost some of them will make it back.

"Where to now sir?" Valeri asks.

You were originally looking for a defense system Svidur mentioned. Making contact with the caretakers in the control center has also been suggested in order to make them aware of how vulnerable parts of the polar installations are.
You have valuable data now that the Alliance could really use. It might be a good idea to send someone back with their copies.

>What are your orders?
>>
>>2349154
Use our new map to find a different fabricator we can use to manufacture that power armor?
>>
>>2349154
I want to say, lets continue exploring for that defense system Svidur mentioned. But if we can make contact with the caretakers in the control center. Then all the better and I feel that getting in touch with them will help with finding the other. But getting this data back is also important and I dont want to split the party anymore.

Since I'm not sure how well our party will do so thinned out as it is now. I say press forward or head back are our best choices and I'm more for pressing forward.

So, press onwards and try to get in touch with the control center caretakers and then if we have the supplies find the defense system.
>>
>>2349159
"Ran, I don't suppose we could get to another fabricator and use that one to build power armor?"

Ran pages through their map. "Not without using the local rapid transit system. Using it inside the polar installation will be registered, and without it we would be spending a number of years on foot.
I believe there are transport lifts and trams inside this block that can help us move around more quickly as long as we're within it. They don't require much power and so shouldn't be detected."

The manufacturing block is rather large. Crossing it by tram would probably shave some time.

>>2349169
Ran's earlier idea to remove the shield and issue a repair request for the nearby lift would probably be the fastest way to get in contact with them.
>>
>>2349184
How long will it take for the three item limit on this manufacturing area to reset?
>>
>>2349192
>How long will it take for the three item limit on this manufacturing area to reset?
It might not, but give it a few decades.
>>
>>2349184

Then I would like to put my vote towards removing it and putting the repair request.
>>
>>2349201
I guess going for the other pole in the future is easier in that case.

>>2349154
How far away is the defense system?
>>
>>2349215
"How far away is the defense system?"

Ran checks the map, then double checks it when a few pieces of information don't seem to match up.
"I believe I am getting a map error. According to this it occupies a ring in some of the lower sections of the polar region. There are other anomalous pieces of data that dont seem to line up with this."

"But we can get to it?"

"Yes. We can cross the manufacturing block and descend to a nearby location, or we could head back down to the Kavarian settlement and proceed from there. Walking distance should be similar. We could be there in a week on foot. Faster if using the bike to assist."

"Didn't their King warn us that only one of their people came back when they went that way?" Valeri points out.

"Using a lift in another part of the block to descend might be detected." Rufaro counters. "We know this one wont get us detected."


[ ] Contact Caretakers, use lift repair request
[ ] Contact Caretakers by other means
[ ] Cross manufacturing block, use other lift to descend
[ ] Go back through Kavarian settlement
>>
>>2349253
>[ ] Contact Caretakers, use lift repair request
>>
>>2349253
>[x] Contact Caretakers by other means
I'd prefer to avoid bringing the damaged lift to the local caretakers' attention.
>>
>>2349253
>[ ] Contact Caretakers, use lift repair request
>>
You could look into the defense system yourself but at this point the Caretakers need to be warned how how vulnerable parts of the polar installations are. The fact that you were able to make it this far should be a bit of a wake up call at the very least.

Equipment is loaded up and everyone is ready to get onto the lift at a moments notice once Ran pulls the shield out. Just as ready to bail out if the lift should go plummeting downwards. After carefully evaluating how best to extract it Ran winds up and whacks it with his staff. The hit folds the shield back into its stored state causing it to fall out, dropping to the floor.
"One of you can have that."

Ran works away at repairing the terminal or checking that it hasn't been too badly damaged.

Attir takes a seat on the back of the repulsor bike.
"I've realised a potential flaw in your plan." he informs you.

"What's that?"

"What if they just arrest us?"

>What say?
>>
>>2349370
>>What say?
"If they're really bent on capturing or killing us, they'll do so at some point of this expedition no matter what we do. I just assumed our chances for friendly contact with the command center crew would be better if we did the polite thing and introduced ourselves before we get caught by one of the security systems."
>>
>>2349370
Honestly don't know what we'd do if they arrest us and stick us in Prison Cubes for 1000 years. I was going to vote for Cross to the Other lift but didn't get it in time.
>>
>>2349370

A valid concern, but what would stop them from murderizing us instead? Sure they likeky won't harm Ran. But a couple of outsiders this close? And knocking on their door? I know a few nobles in the Dominion would likely go ape shit and rather risk killing intruders then let slip someone got so close to them without their noticing.

But I'm betting my chances on Ran and other Caretakers to collaborate our story. That we should get out of this without to much blow back.
>>
"If they're really bent on capturing or killing us, they'll do so at some point of this expedition no matter what we do. I just assumed our chances for friendly contact with the command center crew would be better if we did the polite thing and introduced ourselves before we get caught by one of the security systems."
You shrug. "As long as they don't kill us things should work out eventually. We have diplomatic relations between the Alliance and the Caretakers now."

The diminutive scientist doesn't seem entirely relieved by this.
"As long as you're sure."

Valeri on the other hand says that if it looks like they're going to try and kill you all he's not going to hesitate.

Ran gets the console working properly and the lift doesn't immediately fall into the abyss. A good sign.
"I'm preparing to send the repair request. Everyone on the lift. If needed I can trigger an emergency stop if it looks like they're sending the lift somewhere we don't want to be."

Nothing immediately happens. It's been just over 30 minutes when a tone sounds. Ran warns everyone the lift is about to start up. The lift drops ten centimeters then begins to ascend, slowly accelerating. It isn't increasing to the same speeds as when Ran was controlling it earlier but it should be fast enough.

As the lift begins to approach the ceiling of the manufacturing level Troy slumps forward and rolls off the repulsor bike where he'd been sitting. Attir jumps forward from his seat on the back of the bike and jams the throttle on the handlebar. With a powerful blast the bike's drive kicks in, sending it over the railing.

[ ] "Emergency stop!"
[ ] [Improved reflexes] shoot Attir
[ ] [Improved reflexes] jump, smart grapple the bike
[ ] Other
>>
>>2349488
>[ ] [Improved reflexes] jump, smart grapple the bike
>>
>>2349488
>[ ] [Improved reflexes] jump, smart grapple the bike
>>
>>2349488
>[ ] [Improved reflexes] jump, smart grapple the bike

That little shit. There better be a good reason beyond cowardice. And if he's working for Empire Neeran, well he better hope that the Caretakers do place everyone under arrest and detain him.
>>
>>2349488
>[ ] [Improved reflexes] jump, smart grapple the bike
combined with
>[X] Other
"Eldal!" Use Flesh Whip!
>>
You're off like a shot, vaulting the railing with your improved reflexes. Attir is taking the bike almost straight down towards the floor of the manufacturing level. Because of the slight arc the bike started out with you're able to momentarily catch up thanks to gravity.

Firing your smart grapple it connects with the underside of the bike half a second after Valeri's hits the tail. Glancing over your shoulder you catch sight of Valeri and Eldal. That's all the time you have to check on them because Attir draws his sidearm and begins wildly firing and the three of you.

Hitting the release for the retractable shield, the plates of the circular device snap into place. With the shield and grapple on the same arm you're forced to grab the cable and pull it back enough to make use of the shield's cover. At least two rounds connect with it.
Maybe he's not firing at wildly as you thought?

Considering your options, you can reel yourself, though that might take a bit, or take out the Bike's main engine. The rest of its repulsors for lift will still function but its mobility would be gone.

[ ] Reel yourself in
[ ] Shoot the engine
[ ] Other
>>
>>2349640
>[ ] Shoot the engine
>>
>>2349640
>[ ] Reel yourself in
>>
>>2349640
>[X] Other
Continue to provide a target for Attir while Eldal closes in to subdue the Shallan? He should be the one most suited to take control of the bike without killing him.
>>
>>2349699
You'll probably have to reel yourself in a bit in order to do this.

Also it looks like Eldal is having trouble keeping up.
>>
>>2349730
>Also it looks like Eldal is having trouble keeping up.
Do we have a second grapple or a rope we could drop in Eldal's direction?
>>
>>2349759
Not on you no.

It looks like he's trying to fly. Which means that he'll be fine, but probably cant keep up with a jet bike.
>>
>>2349640
>[x] Other
Can we contact Attir on radio? Aside from that, getting closer to the bike seems to be the best course of action for now.
>>
Reeling yourself in you try to raise Attir on the bike's radio.

"Attir! Stop this before someone gets hurt!"

"I've already had enough of Neeran sifting through my brain before! I'm not going to repeat the experience, thanks!"

The Shallan Hauls back on the controls, changing course hard enough that you nearly lose the progress made in pulling in the cable. Valeri is having similar problems, but because of his position is having to fend off more small arms fire.

Attir brings the bike in towards the lift tunnel where it opens onto the level's floor. From the approach angle you'd guess he's hoping to skim the edge and lose any hangers-on. With the threat of an impending high speed collision you renew efforts to haul yourself in. Above you see that Eldal has changed course, gliding on a pair of wings extended from his arms and body. He's trying to stay directly above the rogue Shallan.

As the bike comes in close to the edge of the lift tunnel you make one hurried heave and manage to grab hold of the bike's body. The underside of the bike misses the edge but soon connects with the floor leaving a trail of sparks. Attir secures the accelerator, locking the engine to full, then bails out. He fires a smart grapple into a passing support column, his momentum spinning him around it as he bleeds off speed. Hey you've done that trick before.

The bike is hurtling out of control and it's only a matter of time until it hits something at this rate.

[ ] Cut your smart grapple line
[ ] Climb aboard and regain control
>>
>>2349885
If Valeri is closer to the bike, let him recover it. If Sonia is closer, we do it. The other two recover Attir.

>I've already had enough of Neeran sifting through my brain before!
Did that happen during his deployment with us?
>>
>>2349885
>[ ] Cut your smart grapple line
>>
>>2349901
You're hanging onto the port quarter side of the bike. You can't see Valeri at this time.

>Did that happen during his deployment with us?
No.
>>
>>2349885

>"I've already had enough of Neeran sifting through my brain before! I'm not going to repeat the experience, thanks!"

But we didn't have him brain fondled. Unless I somehow missed that thread. That was the guy from the other house who was assigned to us, not Attir.

In either case
>[ ] Cut your smart grapple line
and roll out like the autobots, tuck and roll or try and use grapple to grab the little focker.
>>
>>2349915
Okay, in that case
>[x] Climb aboard and regain control
Seems like we're the only ones hanging on to this thing, and the bike has been pretty handy so far.
>>
>>2349922
>But we didn't have him brain fondled. Unless I somehow missed that thread.
maybe there's some subterfuge occurring?
>>
>>2349931
If there has been, then it is likely we've sent all our allies back to their dooms at the gathering site. Or at least I assume he's under the influence of the Empire Neeran.
>>
>>2349956
Even if Attir has been compromised by the Imperials, any kind of tracking device won't have lasted more than a few days in the sphere. This could just be PTSD from some high security debriefing he had to go through. Maybe Baldr got overzealous when it came to making sure the researchers on our team are reliable.
>>
>>2349885
>With the threat of an impending high speed collision you renew efforts to haul yourself in.
Wouldn't it make sense for the bike to have a dead man switch that causes it to decelerate and sink to the ground in case the operator falls off?
>>
>>2350011
That's one possibility I hadn't thought of, that is probably likely. Which, if so we need to have some words with him.
>>
NEERAN CAN'T READ YOUR THOUGHTS IF YOU THINK IN SPOILERS
>>
>>2350065
>"Hey Sonia, you were right. It's really nice to head fuck Shallans :DDD"
>"Head pat, Baldr. You were supposed to head pat them."
>>
Drawing a knife you cut the smart grapple line and let go. The armor takes the brunt of any impact as you hit the surface of the manufacturing floor and skid along it. While your initial reaction is to tuck and roll it works out better to spread out to gain traction and slow yourself down.

In the distance the bike continues to increase speed until it careens off of one of the smaller structures. The sounds of it impacting structures echo across the cavernous level.

By the time you've slid to a stop and get back on your fleet you're close to a kilometer away from Attir. Valeri is nowhere in sight but Eldal can be seen gliding down at a measured pace. It's clear he's never tried anything like this before.
Rifle at the ready you sprint towards Attir's position. A quick check shows that he's already recovered and has made his way to a terminal controlling one of the construction blocks. It seems he's madly typing away at the controls.

"Oh shit, he was watching Ran use the controls earlier! Eldal, can you get to him?"

"If I come in any faster I'll shatter bones. That hurts even for me."

"I have a clear shot." says Valeri, sounding winded.

[ ] Tell Eldal to drop
[ ] Take the shot
[ ] Non-lethal
>>
>>2350126
>[ ] Non-lethal

Also what's the chances of us still having a working stun grenade that we can toss?
>>
>>2350126
Did we pack rubber bullets?
>>
>>2350136
Any stun grenades probably would have stayed with the rest of the main team when you split off.
>>
>>2350126
>[ ] Take the shot
>>
>>2350126
>[x] Non-lethal
If we still have radio contact try to distract him from typing.
"You know, if you're that worried about the caretakers, you could have simply stayed behind with the Kavarians until we made contact."
>>
>>2350137
>Did we pack rubber bullets?
I don't recall it even being suggested as some of the optional ammo types made up before the mission.

Suppressing fire is a non lethal option.
>>
http://mp3-red.cc/36450708/yugo-kanno-sanakan.html

"Non-lehal only!" you respond.

Hoping to distract Attir, you keep talking over the communicator as you run.
"You know, if you're that worried about the caretakers, you could have simply stayed behind with the Kavarians until we made contact."

You get the impression that he'd like to respond but is too busy. That's a shame.

Eldal begins to further steepen his descent, performing a corkscrew like some parachutists. It becomes clear why shortly after. A vehicle starts to take shape, rising out of the manufacturing stand in front of the control panel.

"Suppressing fire!" you order, putting several rounds into control structure.

Attir ducks for cover and you make sure to fire another burst when it looks like he's about to try and jump the console.

"You've got him pinned." Valeri confirms.

"He's got a grenade!" Eldal warns, only seconds away.

A cylinder shaped canister sails over the control panel then bursts open covering the area with smoke. In response you hold down the trigger, hoping it will keep him in place. It doesn't prove to be enough and shortly after you can make out the outline of the vehicle shuddering to life.

"Neeran power armor!" Eldal warns before sailing down and landing on it. From the metallic noises coming from the dissipating smoke cloud it sounds like he's started to hack away at the armor. Shortly after Eldal goes flying out of the cloud, accompanied by the sound of a hard impact. The Krath infiltrator rolls with the landing, coming back to his feet as though this were a choreographed fight scene.

Attir's Neeran sized mech suit strides forwards out of the cloud lowering one arm to point at Eldal, an aperture in the wrist opening. Eldal is already sprinting straight for him. At the last moment he dodges to the right, evading a plasma beam shot. Attir corrects and fires twice more but each time Eldal evades until he's within arms reach of the vehicle.

The Krath attacks the suit's joints and weak points, hitting it with enough force to stagger it but none of them seem to breach the outer layer.
"It's made out of sphere material!"

>Your orders?

And I'll see you guys Saturday it looks like!
>>
>>2350311
Gauntlet.
>>
>>2350311
Check if more than one was manufactured. Beside that, it's sphere tech that interacts continuously with the user's body. Shouldn't it tire him out rather quickly even when not firing?
>>
>>2350311
Gauntlet that fucking traitor followed by Swording him with our special sword. If anything we can hopefully disable his plasma cannon.
>>
>>2350311
We had 3 chances to take him down before things escalated with the power armor and it cost us the bike. So I'd prefer to take him alive if possibe or we just wasted a lot of time and a perfectly good repulsor bike.

Sonia has her improved reflexes, the experimental armor, and her super sword. Valeri has a caretaker shield and the krath bio armor, Eldal is Eldal.

It should be possible to take down a civilian even in advanced power armor without causing fatal damage. Cutting off the plasma weapon with Sonia's sword would probably be a good first step for that plan.
>>
>>2350311

I wouldn't want to assume we know where the power source is located in this Neeran styled mech? But if we do can we destroy the reactor and thereby disabling the mech as well?
>>
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>>2351604
Even if we can't find the power source of the armor, there has to be some point of entry for the wearer. Attir didn't have much time to put it on, so I'd guess there's some kind of hatch. Taking Attir's relatively small size compared to a Neeran's into account, this is probably less of a suit of power armor and more of a mini mech. So we can either pry the hatch off, or remove part of a leg and hopefully not cause damage to the pilot.
>>
>>2352040
>Mini-Dante
Rev up those salvage beams.
>>
>>2352040
We could also, jump on its back and dump the full charge of the lightning gauntlet in its back amd overcharge the suit and burn it out. But I have a feeling that power armor/ mechs are built to withstand such attacks that I'm thinking of.
>>
>>2352086
I'd prefer to avoid permanently damaging the suit and the user, if possible.

>>2349253
>"Didn't their King warn us that only one of their people came back when they went that way?"
Maybe another wildlife infestation?
>>
>>2351502
Sunk cost fallacy. We had 3 chances to end this before it escalated and cost us a bike.

>>2350311
Gauntlet the fucker
>>
>Have access to any sphere information
>Get a map
>A thing we can't build yet
>Weather control towers of dubious terraforming use

We could have had anything. Life extension tech, the secret to SP torpedoes, artifact power armor, artifact assault corvette.
I want to go back in time.
>>
>>2350688
>Check if more than one was manufactured.
It's large enough that it would be very difficult to miss another.

>Shouldn't it tire him out rather quickly even when not firing?
Potentially.

>>2351604
>I wouldn't want to assume we know where the power source is located in this Neeran styled mech? But if we do can we destroy the reactor and thereby disabling the mech as well?
Hard to be sure. Most suits have reactors on the back, you cant even tell if this has one. Presumably it does but it's not 100% certain.

>>2354537
>artifact assault corvette
That's a good one.
>>
>>2355421
Me
>>
>>2355421
Can our updated eye implants provide any useful infornation on the mech?
>>
>>2355447
It looks like there are a number of slots on the armor intended for artifacts. Some of them are empty. In one of them you spot a converter artifact, but to your knowledge Darweg Attir was never trained in their use.

Just trying to figure out where opinions stand. Things seem a bit split.
Use the gauntlet to try and disable the suit / force him out of it? Is this a good compromise?
>>
>>2355493
I'd be okay with that.
>>
>>2355493
Yeah use it to disable it and force him out is good for me.
>>
"Eldal! Keep him busy until I can get close enough to use my gauntlet!"

Sprinting full out you race to try and get within range. You could probably hit the suit from here but it would be so spread out that you doubt it would do much. Also Eldal would probably be hit as well.

Valeri keeps hitting it with rifle fire from wherever he is, trying to act as a further distraction. Despite this Attir manages to concentrate enough to deliver a kick to Eldal sending him flying again. The suit doubles over, one arm going limp. Despite this the other arm is soon raised taking shots at you and Valeri in turn.

You dodge one shot and deploy the shield again, all too aware that it's one of the weaker knockoffs. Despite this you're forced to take an incoming shot with it. Plasma washes over the left half of the shield, largely deflected away. The surrounding air still burns and the material of the shield begins to glow red hot, almost cherry at the point of impact. You cant take many hits like that and even with the boosted reflexes there is only so much you can dodge.

Explosions hammer the power armor as Valeri switches to explosive rounds. It buys you time to get within medium range but you're still not certain the gauntlet will have much effect from here.

Attir snaps off two more shots in your direction. You can dodge one for sure but two may be pushing it. Leaping to the side you have barely enough time for another action.

[ ] Attempt second dodge
[ ] Deflect with Shield
[ ] Deflect with Sword+Converter
>>
>>2355716
>[ ] Deflect with Sword+Converter

>Star Wars intensifies
>>
>>2355716
>[x] Attempt second dodge
Honestly I'd like to suggest the deflect with S+C option but realistically how much practice have we had with the convertor in actual combat? The Neeran one we can barely use, and we've never actually used it to stop a phase weapon shot, let alone a massive plasma blast.
>>
>>2355716
>[ ] Deflect with Sword+Converter
>>
>>2355716
>deflect w. shield
We can replace it with the proper shield from the lift once we reestablish contact with the party.
>>
You always wanted to try using the converter to absorb or redirect weapons fire, but had always been cautioned that it might be fatal without a capacitor. According to the caretakers these swords are supposed to be just that.

Continuing to dive out of the way you draw the artifact sword. You've been annoyed that this thing is too damn big for your usual fighting styles. For once that works to your advantage. Bringing the weapon into line, the flat of the blade catches the part of the beam in danger of striking you. Near instinctively you use the converter. Some of the plasma scatters, but far less than you would have expected.

When your vision clears you can see where the spray from the scattered plasma struck the floor. Some of it is still glowing, but just as much has already cooled.

You get the distinct impression that the sword is containing the energy leeched from the shot. More importantly that energy needs to be released, the sooner the better. It's not going to explode on you, but keeping it charged for longer than a few minutes might be bad.

>Capacitor=charged
>Select energy output for converter

Using the output isn't something you've practiced a lot but it should be simple. In theory it would be easy enough to convert all of that stored energy into kinetic energy, allowing you to cross the distance to Attir very quickly. Or you could continue to store it until you hit the bastard with it.

[ ] Store it
[ ] Convert - Kinetic
[ ] Convert - other (write in)
>>
>>2355907
>[ ] Convert - Kinetic

Do we go Sanic fast now? With our super enhancements and the converted energy?
>>
>>2355907
>[ ] Convert - Kinetic
>>
>>2355938
>Do we go Sanic fast now? With our super enhancements and the converted energy?
That actually hadn't occurred to me.
No, it would be more like a jump.
>>
>>2355907
>other
Super bullet time? Otherwise
>convert - kinetic
>>
>>2355965
>No, it would be more like a jump.

Sorry, but I just now imagined us using the sword as a super charged super rare pogo stick.
>>
>>2355985
>Commander Reynard in Goodbye Galaxy
I'm okay with this
>>
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>>2355985
>>2356053
>Current record for pogo stick jump height is +11ft
I forgot this was an actual sport. Now I'm wondering what pogo sticks would be like in the 41st century.

Looks like we're doing the kinetic thing. Roll for controlled landing.

1d20
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Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2356121
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Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2356121
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Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2356121
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You did get a bit of basic instruction on discharging the capacitor, just not a lot. Best to not have that much energy stored for long. Really it's not that different from dealing with incoming energy from a camouflage system.
Kinetic, kinetic... this isn't going to be like using a pogo stick is it? It is isn't it. Oh no.

Bracing as much as possible you turn your sprint into a flying leap as the energy in the blade is traded for kinetic force, hurling you towards Attir. Wait, landing. What was the plan for that?

"Incoming!" you warn the others to keep from taking friendly fire.

Slamming down to the factory floor a few meters from Attir, you manage to absorb some of the impact with the sword again. The rest you take on the shield, skidding towards the power armor. Sheathing the sword you leap onto the suit's back and slam the business end of your gauntlet into the less heavily armored neck section of the suit.

"CLEAR!" you shout before letting loose.

Lightning arcs through the power armor causing it to spasm. Attir swings the suit's still working arm at you but doesn't have a good angle. The few good hits he's able to get in strike your shield and drive it into a seam in the armor. Not only does that cause it to become lodged but one of the impacts bend the material, still hot from the plasma weapon hit. It's not going to be folding any time soon.
The gauntlet doesn't seem to be doing a great deal from here.

Valeri arrives, rushing Attir while he's distracted.

"Jump off!" Valeri yells at you.

Halting your attack you release the restraints keeping the shield strapped to your arm. Leaping free you see Eldal and Valeri each grab a leg of the big suit and yank, slamming it down onto its back.

"Now! The hatch!"

You press the gauntlet against the front abdomen of the suit and fire it again. This time it jerks violently, the attack clearly getting through to the pilot. Just as it seems progress is being made the three of you are thrown back by a powerful shockwave. You're back on your feet almost as fast as the other two.

Attir's suit gets back on its feet and staggers towards the lift tunnel, right arm held against the suit's abdomen as protection. He has got to be in bad shape.

[ ] Sword - Jam knee joint
[ ] Gauntlet - Eldal and Valeri get the arm out of the way
[ ] Other
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>>2356313
>[ ] Sword - Jam knee joint
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>>2356313
>[ ] Sword - Jam knee joint

Stop him!
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>>2356313
>[x] Sword - Jam knee joint
Have Eldal make sure nobody falls down the lift tunnel. He should be the strongest person present.
>>
"Stop him! Eldal make sure no one falls down the lift tunnel."

Pursuing the fleeting suit you target the more mobile of the legs intending to further slow the escape attempt. Waiting until Attir is at full extension you jam your sword into the back of the left leg's knee joint. For good measure you use up any remaining power left in the capacity to help drive it in.
When Attir attempts to take another step there is a loud crumpling noise.

Thrown off balance the Shallan tries but fails to keep their balance, instead slamming down face first, still a safe distance from the lift. Flailing attempts to crawl dont seem to produce much movement.

"We know you're wounded Attir. Open up or you're going to eat electricty again."

When he doesn't respond immediately you step in and deliver another jolt to the hatch. Once again you're thrown back by a kinetic blast, though Eldal and Valeri are left mostly untouched. By the time you get back on your feet the hatch is open and the other two are extracting Attir.

His right arm is burned and he has bullet wounds to the upper left arm and right abdomen.

"He's blacking out."

1) Life or Death?
1A) Patch him up, we need information
1B) He's a traitor let him die

2) Have Eldal take the information by force?
>Y/N?
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>>2356453
>1B) He's a traitor let him die
>2) Have Eldal take the information by force?
Y
>>
>>2356453
>1A) Patch him up, we need information
I really want to know what was up with that. And if we have to worry about Imperial Neeran on our heels.

>2) Have Eldal take the information by force?
Maybe later? I'd rather try to talk to him and maybe try some Neeran counselling first. Their methods seem to be a lot less invasive when it comes to extracting information.
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>>2356476
>I really want to know what was up with that.
To expand on that: I'm not comfortable killing the guy when Neeran mind shenanigans could be involved. At least not before we find out what actually happened. We can always kill him later if he wasn't compelled to do this for a really good reason, while unkilling him later if it turns out this wasn't really his fault is probably going to be slightly harder.
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>>2356453
>1B) He's a traitor let him die
>2) Have Eldal take the information by force?
Y
>>
>>2356453
>1A) Patch him up, we need information

As for two, restrain him and question him. Find out exactly WHY he freaked out at the thought of being mind probbed by Neeran. We need to know if someone on our side is abusing their powers *cough* Baldur *cough* or if he is under pressure from the Empire Neeran to cooperate.

If he doesn't cooperate, then we explain to him that his actions are highly likely going to lead to him being the recipient of a far less pleasant extraction of memories. And treatment as a possible spy/ infiltrator.
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>>2356453
>>2356494
And I picked the wrong option.
>1A)
>2
How dangerous is information extraction by Krath?
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>>2356508
>How dangerous is information extraction by Krath?
Eldal was trained to use a faster method that had the side effect of being rather fatal.
Estavan Risto has apparently been teaching him about safer methods but there is still a risk of causing brain damage. He's uncertain how much of a risk that currently is.
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>>2356525
Let's wait then. And make sure Attir doesn't have a suicide implant or something like that on him.
>>
You trade glances with Eldal.

"Should I?" he asks, gesturing to Attir.

You honestly consider it. He tried to kill you after all. Right now there are too many questions and some actions cant be taken back.

"Patch him up. We'll try to get information out of him when he wakes up."
If he wakes up.
"Check him for suicide pills, implants, whatever."

While the other two get to work you start looking for supplies. It seems one of the others tossed a couple of packs overboard before the lift reached the ceiling. A lot of what's inside is damaged a bit from the fall but most is still usable in some form.

Hauling the supplies back you hand off the medical kits to Eldal. He reports that he'll have to operate and immediately gets to work. You get to work salvaging the food supplies. Valeri heads off in the direction of the bike, estimating it's wrecked a little over 10 km away. He should be able to get it partially operational again.

It's easy to tell when your bodyguard has found the bike. His attempts to get the main engine running again can be easily heard from your position. Along with the sound of the main engine presumably eating itself.
"That can't be good."

Eldal eventually manages to patch up the Shallan well enough to keep him alive. He'll probably be unconscious for a day or two. The arm is badly burned enough that it might be necessary to simply amputate.
"I'll need to wait to see how he responds to the rest of the medical treatment first."

Valeri eventually returns with the bike, though the engine is only capable of very low thrust.
"I think even Harmen would have a hard time completely repairing it."

Did you want to try and call another lift? Or will you wait to see if your team sends a Caretaker to collect you?
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>>2356728
Let's try another lift.

Can we go to the Terminal Attir was using and see if we can do a 'recall last order' option?
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>>2356728

I think we should wait here for now. When separated from your group the last thing you should do is leave your last known position. So at least wait a day and see if someone comes and gets us. If not we head out for another lift.

Also, as >>2356736 suggested, try and call up previous order from the factory if it happens to save previous settings before we head out.
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>>2356728
Did we have an eta when the lift was supposed to arrive wherever it was going? Multiply that by 2.5 and wait at least that long.

"Hey Eldal, once we're out of here would you be interested in getting a degree in medicine?"
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>>2356760
>Did we have an eta when the lift was supposed to arrive wherever it was going?
No. Ran wasnt sure where the lift would be taken, only that there was a high chance of encountering other caretakers there.

Is captcha acting up for anyone else?
>Copy this code and paste it in the empty box below
The fuck is this shit? The other ones weren't invasive enough? I cant even get to the box, it's off the screen.
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>>2356822
Just the usual "pick all images with cars/traffic signs/bridges/insurgents/store fronts" for me so far.

>Ran wasnt sure where the lift would be taken
It's probably still best to wait for a couple of days. At least I think what most survival manuals tell you to do if you get separated from your group.

Maybe have a look at the armor while waiting.
>>
For now you decide it best to wait here. Wandering off will just make it more difficult for the others to find you.

Repair work on the bike progresses slowly. Together you and Valeri manage to take apart the pieces that are most badly broken. Hopefully this will speed things up for Troy when it comes to actually fixing it.

It's tempting to make use of the manufacturing systems to build a replacement. Either parts or a new vehicle would be handy. It cant be risked though. It's a minor miracle Attir didn't set off the security systems.
Or is it?

Eldal was able to confirm there were no implants or pills carried by the Shallan to commit suicide. While it's one less thing to worry about it doesn't really answer any of your questions. The three of you do make sure there are rudimentary restraints in place when the scientist finally regains consciousness.

"Don't move around. Your insides are being held together by whatever we could find in the medical kits." you advise him.

What did you want to ask?
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>>2356948
Dude, was that really necessary?
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>>2356948

"So, care to explain what happened. To make you freak out at the thought of being mind probed by a Neeran?"
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>>2356948
"You didn't kill Troy Harmen back on the lift, right?"
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>>2356948
"Who are you working for you bastard?! You better hope we're not being followed by the Empire."
>>
"Now, was all of that really necessary?"

Attir groans in pain then looks around as though trying to find someone.
"There aren't any Neeran here." he finally says.

"That's right, and if you want to keep it that way start talking." you point a thumb upwards in the direction the left went.
"You didn't kill Troy Harmen back on the lift, right?"

"Not unless he's allergic to tranquilizer."

That's a good starting point you guess.
"So, care to explain what happened?"

"Not really."

"Then let me rephrase that; who are you working for?! What's making you freak out at the thought of being mind probed by a Neeran?"

This causes him to flinch.
"I don't... I don't like them."

"You seemed fine with Dave and Sam, even Ran any of the times we were with them."

"They only do surface scans. I don't want to go through that again."

"Again, when was the first time?"

He closes his eyes as though trying to block something out.
"A long time ago. They said it didn't have to happen again."

"Who are they?"

He shakes his head, not responding.

"What did they say? What didn't have to happen again?"

"I just had to answer questions when someone asked. Say where I had been assigned and what I was doing. Then I didn't have to answer them for awhile. As long as I answered they said it didn't have to happen again."

Valeri steps up. "Was your unit captured?"
Attir nodds in response.
"And you were traded in a POW exchange or set free?"

"No we escaped. I- I think we escaped. But then they contacted me."

>Other questions?
>>
>>2357190
>Other questions?
"When did they contact you, exactly?"
"What did you hope to achieve with this?"
"How did you manage to use the fabricator without setting off an alarm?"
"Is there anything unusual about shallan biology we should know about? Eldal did what he could but I'm not sure he has received specialized training for shallan anatomy."
>>
>>2357190
tl;dr: Paranoia hits hard, he sounds like a sleeper agent

I am calling Bullshit on his story. There's no way anyone would be stupid enough to put someone who was a former PoW so close to the Neeran Frontlines again. Nevermind, putting them on a top secret mission, where they must interact closely with Neeran both friendly and enemy. To much chance for some thing to go wrong, like what just happened.

His story sounds like he is a sleeper agent. With mind wipe and fake personality and shit waiting for something to trigger his brain to get him to gtfo and return to Empire Neeran lines.
>"No we escaped. I- I think we escaped. But then they contacted me."

Does not help his case any at all. If we had a method to tranq him and keep him sedated until we get back to friendly lines. We should do so. Unless our way back is fucked because he told his handlers where we entered the sphere, before we came in this deep.
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>>2357190
Have you been having blackouts?
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>>2357190
>"I don't... I don't like them."
To be fair I don't like them either and if it were up to me once we've dealt with the Empire we'd kick out those Isolationist squatters too.
>>
>>2357190
Do you have a family waiting for you back home?
>>
"When did they contact you, exactly?"
"Months. Months apart."

"What did you hope to achieve with this?"
"I don't know. I just-"
Attir starts to have trouble catching is breath and Eldal rummages through the medkit until he finds something to give him. It takes a minute but he continues.
"I just... I can't be mind probed. I can't do that again."

You look to the others.
"If he'd been captured how did the Alliance clear him for a mission behind enemy lines again?"

"Yeah I'm calling Bullshit on his story." adds Valeri. "And if he is a sleeper he's been programmed to avoid mind scans."

Eldal doesn't seem convinced either. "None of the people chosen for this mission were listed as having been captured before. At worst a few of us have been listed as being out of contact behind enemy lines for lengthy periods, but always with others.
How many allied fleets or groups of survivors have you found on your raiding missions behind the lines?"

Not really satisfied with that you resume questioning to see anything else of value can be learned.

"How did you manage to use the fabricator without setting off an alarm?"
"I thought it would set it off, but Ran did say three or four. The armor was the fourth one."

"Is there anything unusual about shallan biology we should know about? Eldal did what he could but I'm not sure he has received specialized training for shallan anatomy."

He spends about twenty minutes after this going his over medical history with Eldal. This is easily double checked against his tags. The Krath had made sure to confiscate his dog tags earlier just in case they contained a hidden weapon or means of delivering a fatal toxin. It seems he's telling the truth about that.

"Have you been having blackouts? Gaps in your memory?"
"No. I remember more than I want."
That could be bad for you, him, or both.

"Do you have a family waiting for you back home?"
"No. The planet was destroyed. They didn't make the escape ships in time."

If your plan was to get him crying then mission accomplished.

>More questions or wait to see if another lift is sent?
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>>2357411
Give him some time to calm down. Does Eldal know if Neeran can mess with peoples' minds gradually? One of their infiltrators might be programming people over the course of several months.

"When was the last time you were in contact with them? Did you inform them about any the recent missions to the sphere?"
>>
>>2357411

Keep him bound and wait a day to see if the lift comes back. If not, we head out to the next elevator. Doing what we can to fix the mecha/ power armor to get it up and working again. So one of us can try and get it running.
>>
>>2357411
Aw, now I feel bad. Poor guy. Can we check if the map sphere comes with a function that shows the location of the other 8?
>>
>>2357411
Something about this guy's story doesn't add up and it isn't the tears and sympathy pleas.
>No record of PoW capture
>Complains of mind intrusion
>Unsure of when he was probed or how he escaped

So I'm thinking this guy had a run-in with an Infiltrator somewhere in Faction space. Einridi mentioned the powerful ones had the ability to obscure reality and drive you mad if I remember correctly. It sounds like he's had this done to him, for whatever reason, and I think it might be that he's been programmed like some kind of Psionic MKULTRA victim.
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>>2357611
>>2357411
Additionally I think we should press him more. This is all just so strange. Why not just ask to be left at the Kavarian village? Didn't he ASK to come down this far and take the risk with extra bike passengers? Why didn't he tell anyone about this before?
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>>2357443
"When was the last time you were in contact with them?"
"Just after I was contacted about my connection to the Foundation. I let them know they wouldn't be able to reach me for awhile."

"Did you inform them about any the recent missions to the sphere?"
"No. Communications on the ship and the base were isolated. I couldn't call out. without it being screened."

"What about on the sphere?"

Attir is conspicuously silent on this point so you keep asking.
"Did you leave anything for them? Any kind of signal?"

"I tried to use a laser signal from the drill site but I don't think it worked. Not enough power to get through the atmosphere. Had to try. They told me I had to try."

The Shallan is starting to zone out a bit. Eldal explains that it may be a result of the painkillers.
"I had to use a bit or he wouldn't be answering much of anything."

"Attir, why not just ask to be left at the Kavarian village?"
"Had to act normal. The team was supposed to be heading for a defense system for the sphere. I had to see it, and we even found this factory.
Then you changed your mind and decided to contact the Caretakers instead."
>>
>>2357735
I'd prefer to let him get some rest. Who knows what kind of fail safe they put in his brain.
>>
>>2357735
Paranoia:
Great so there is likely a Neeran Heavy and support ships over our entrance. Welp, we just sent every one of our friends back to their death. Only way out is forward now, no going back.
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>>2357782
Hidden Dagger or the ground crew stationed at the entrance would have left a warning in that case. They're highly experienced veterans.
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>>2357735
All this makes me think we should have got Mindshield helmets from the manufactory.
>>
It's been three days since fighting Attir in his power armor. Most of the spare power from the bike is being used to charge some of the medical instruments. Eldal is forced to amputate the Shallan's arm at the elbow. Still not taking any chance, he's put back in restraints afterwards. The rest of the injuries seem like they'll be fine.

"So what was your big plan assuming you got away with the armor?" you ask when he wakes up.

"Find the defense system and turn it on. From what everyone has been saying neither the Empire or Caretakers want it on right now. So fuck both of them. The assholes who messed with my head never said not to turn something like that on."

That might have been interesting to see. You know, if he hadn't been trying to kill you all in the process.
"Well he's moved on to anger now so he must be making progress." you tell the others.

Valeri hasn't been making too much progress with the power armor, aside from ensuring that it wont be started up remotely. The converters have been removed and power source disconnected.
Changes made to allow a Shallan to make use of it are much easier than doing the same thing for a human occupant.
"I wonder if it would be possible to put the suit back into the manufacturing system, either for recycle or modification?"

Ran would be the person to ask about that but it doesn't seem like he's going to be quick to make an appearance.

"We may need to face the possibility that it's going to take a lot longer than we thought for them to return." Eldal tells you.
"Maybe we should prioritize getting the bike operational, either to relocate or find ways to augment our supplies."

>>2357477
>Can we check if the map sphere comes with a function that shows the location of the other 8?
Actually it does show the locations of you four. It cant detect the others though. That may be a result of limited range or impenetrable barrier between you and them.

Resuming tomorrow until I need to leave for work.
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>>2358370
Thanks for running TSTG!
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>>2358370
>From what everyone has been saying neither the Empire or Caretakers want it on right now. So fuck both of them.
"You know, it might turn the entire interior surface of the sphere into an energy capacitor and fry the trillions living there. Or do something even worse. Going by our interactions with the caretakers, I'd say if they could keep people they don't like out with the press of a button, they would have done so millennia ago."
"Also, your programming might have kicked in when you arrive at the controls and resulted in something unpleasant."

>Actually it does show the locations of you four.
That's pretty useful. Does the map show any other interesting stuff nearby? Maybe a supply depot with foodstuff? If we're really bored have a look at what's going on in that area with the anti matter damage.

>"Maybe we should prioritize getting the bike operational, either to relocate or find ways to augment our supplies."
Probably not the worst idea. Can the suit's power source be used on the bike?
>>
You point out to Attir that eve if he did reach the controls to the defense systems, the programming the Neeran had done to him might have kicked in.
"Who knows what that might have caused you to do. For all we know it could have resulted in something unpleasant. Like killing everyone on interior surface of the sphere."

The Shallan doesn't have much to say in response to that.

>Does the map show any other interesting stuff nearby? Maybe a supply depot with foodstuff?
After hours of searching and zooming in you locate what seem to be rest areas posted at regular intervals through the complex. They could be reached on foot, by bike or tram, though the later might be detected.

"Can we use the suit's power source on the bike?"
"Maybe. I think I can have it hooked up within two days, but the ride will be much slower. It will probably top out before reaching 200 kph"

"That's a lot better than walking." you reply.
>>
>>2351150
>followed by Swording him with our special sword.
"How did you learn swording?"
"Swording?"
"Those things you do with the sword. Looks tricky, was it hard to learn?"
>>
>>2359224
"The first thing you need to learn is how to axe nicely."
>>
Two days work has the bike operational. Eldal will remain behind with Attir and signal you if the lift returns.

It takes the better part of a day to reach one of the rest areas. There you find water, different kinds of food dispensers and what may be a communications terminal. Some of the different foods are clearly meant for species with different genotypes. A few prove to be safe for humans, with one of them not even tasting that bad.

Between the map and communications terminal it's easy to locate a secondary lift nearby. It isn't the usual express lift like the last one you were on but it could take you a level down into storage.

Did you want to try the communications system? The lift? Or bring some of the newly acquired food supplies back to Eldal?
>>
>>2359446
I want to bring some food back to Eldal to be honest. Getting tossed around in that fight can't have been too good for him and he probably needs biomass to heal, or something like that anyway.
I'm also still a little worried about Attir. I know he said he tranq'd Troy, but I don't think we actually saw any kind of dart did we? Maybe has has some kind of psi-brain from Neeran tampering and is waiting to be alone to use it and escape.
>>
>>2359446
Fooooood.
>>
>>2359446
>Or bring some of the newly acquired food supplies back to Eldal?
This is what we should do first. Bring some of the stuff not made for humans as well, maybe he'll like the taste.

>The lift?
If we decide to go down a floor, it should probably be Eldal and Valeri, they're both better equipped than Sonia.

>>2359472
>but I don't think we actually saw any kind of dart did we?
Doesn't seem very probable. Sonia probably had only a couple of seconds before she was off the lift.

>Maybe has has some kind of psi-brain from Neeran tampering and is waiting to be alone to use it and escape.
Even if he somehow manages to get away, we still have the tracking function on the map.
>>
>>2359472
>>2359499
As Sonia was not looking directly at Troy until after he started to fall off the bike it's difficult to be certain. You didn't exactly stop and look around for a hypo injector.

Returning to Eldal's position you hand over a few of the different food supplies letting him check them. He's able to live off quite a few of them if necessary.

After trying one in particular he immediately turns away, taking a few steps away from you and breathing hard.

"Eldal, are you okay?" you ask, concern evident in your voice.

"Yeah! Wow, that's the good stuff. Don't lose any of it."
The Krath doesn't turn around for a few seconds and when he does his face appears flushed. It's a few minutes until he seems to have fully shaken off whatever effects the food in question had.


>Even if he somehow manages to get away, we still have the tracking function on the map.
Indeed, and without it there is a very good chance of getting lost.

While discussing what actions to take next and who if anyone should head down to the storage level, the lift console begins to light up. Valeri glances upwards but doesn't see the lift yet.
"Are they finally coming back? It's been a full week."

Sprinting to the bike he pulls out pair of micro binoculars and watches. Eventually the lift does come into view, descending.

"I don't see any of our team. There are three Neeran aboard."

Eldal heads over to Attir, making sure he doesn't act up and hurt himself.

"You're sure Ran isn't one of them?"
"No, I think they're wearing armor."

[ ] Act non threatening
[ ] Ready weapons
[ ] Don't seem threatening but have weapons nearby
>>
>>2359621
>[ ] Don't seem threatening but have weapons nearby
>>
>>2359621
>[ ] Don't seem threatening but have weapons nearby
You never know
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>>2359621
>[x] Don't seem threatening but have weapons nearby
>>
>>2359621
>[ ] Don't seem threatening but have weapons nearby
>>
>>2359621
>"Yeah! Wow, that's the good stuff. Don't lose any of it."
Krathnip?

>[ ] Don't seem threatening but have weapons nearby
Maybe get Attir and Eldal into cover? Also, were we smart enough to hide a copy of the schematics somewhere? You know, in case the caretakers are planning to take them from us.
>>
>>2359621
Did we just drug our krath?
Let's hope they're friendly and hide all the schematics inside the bike just in case.
>>
"Don't seem threatening but let's be ready just in case they're not as friendly at the other Caretakers we've met."

Valeri positions the bike so it's ready for use in a getaway or for cover. Eldal doesn't seem to be doing much aside from checking on Attir. Hiding him isn't going to be a real option. No more than hiding the suit of armor.

Things you can hide though are the maps. Valeri hides his inside a void in the hull of the bike. You place Attir's behind a piece of structure partly hidden by a console.

After a few minutes the lift begins to decelerate, finally coming to a stop at floor level. The three Caretakers aboard step forward. Sporting sturdy looking helmets and gauntlets, the three of them are still clad in robes, but may have additional armor beneath them. Their leader addresses you.

"I am Veur, protector and guard. You are trespassing. How do you answer to this charge?"

>What say?
>>
>>2359740
"Not entirely correct charges brought upon by lack of proper communication with the other Caretakers. I am Sonia, Viscount and Soldier, and I lead a small group in helping you fight back against the Empire. Would you kindly refrain from turning us into dust with your mind before we've had a proper talk?"
>>
>>2359740
"I am Sonia, explorer and Viscount. Your charges are correct, but we have good reason to be here. I have no wish to inflame the situation, and was about to contact those in charge of this section."
>>
>>2359740
"Greetings. I am Sonia, scout and commander. We might be trespassing. I will be able to give you a more accurate answer if you let me know about your laws."
>>
>>2359818
>let me know about your laws.
This would probably be a good start. Is there a Neeran 'anything you say can be used against you'?
>>
Okay I'm making a mess of the next post.

Have to head out to work. I'll finish this post later tonight or tomorrow.
>>
>>2360035
It would be hilarious if only the owner could press chargers, and with the Neeran merely being caretakers there's nobody around who can do that.

>>2360096
I doubt the thread will still be here. Thanks for running tstg.
>>
>>2360106
Okay then , see you guys Monday!




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