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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 22, 2014 11:24:10 GMT -6
Artacus answered "Copy that. Though I'd advise you to not pull the plug just yet…. this "Keeper" is trying to tell us something. It means no harm. Keep following our friend."
Eric put on the environment suit’s helmet, still uneasy from the lack of protection it afforded compared to his own. “Our 'friend' has a funny way of showing it,” he said. “All right, so we’ll let ‘em finish. But the instant Mal redlines I’m yankin’ ‘im, got it?”
The VI Emily chimed in next with "Data burst scheduled in ten seconds..." Eric used the interval to verify all the seals in his suit and walked up to the bay door by the enigmatic Keeper.
"Mark... no significant changes to report."
Hang in there, Mal… probably gonna hate us all after what you’re goin’ through; I wouldn’t blame ya. Get you your nice, custom biotic implant to make up for it…
The marine regarded the Keeper for a second and then pushed the wall console to seal off and depressurize the shuttle bay. The cycle completed, the doorway hissed open and the loading ramp extended.
“Follow,” the Keeper’s voice crackled over Eric’s suit radio.
Eric threw a hand outward. “Lead.”
The Keeper proceeded as before, moving ahead several feet in intervals and then waiting for Eric to catch up. It was heading in a direction west of the dig site where the rest of the mercenary team was based. Eric looked about at the remains of the Collectors strewn about the ground. He had believed that the battle to retake the site would be the most difficult part of the mission; that and nearly losing River Havens. But Esteban Bridges’ quest for profit dredged up the technology of a long forgotten race that took possession of one mercenary – one who had fought in the past to remain free of anyone’s direct control – and was leading on another to impart some kind of message that lay dormant within its programming.
At one point Eric saw Murdach heading towards the Valiant with someone slumped over his shoulder. It did not look like anyone else on the team. One of the Valiant’s crew overcome by another ancient booby-trap? If so, what was he or she doing outside? Eric wanted to com the Scotsman for details but Maelstrom had to be freed from the bugs’ control. Accommodating the giant bug out in front was agreed upon as the least invasive course of action to take.
The Keeper finally stopped about two hundred meters due west of the dig site. Eric trod up to it and waited for its next move.
“Well… I played your little game, followed you out here. Now let Maelstrom go!”
The Keeper scuttled backwards a foot or so and then used one of its limbs to draw a very ornate symbol into the dirt before it. Upon finishing it looked up to Eric and began to shimmer.
“Reveal,” was its final word before dissolving and fading away like a hologram that lost power.
Eric got down on one knee and examined the symbol, using his omnitool to take a holopic. “Guys, the damn thing just disappeared. Drew this picture on the ground before it did. Gonna run a scan; relay you the results as I get them. Did those bugs let go-a Mal yet?”
Remembering the Keeper’s last message, he brought up the geoscanner routine on his omnitool and set it to do a layered survey of the ground beneath the symbol.
So… “X” marks the spot, eh?
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Apr 22, 2014 11:50:16 GMT -6
Shala watched in amazement as the Keeper disappeared. She began working on trying to figure out the technology behind it for a moment before remembering Maelstrom was in danger.
She stepped up out of cover and jogged up to Eric Lysander. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 22, 2014 11:53:53 GMT -6
The others had not responded yet. He again pulled the aim of his SMG and unloaded a quick burst of rounds at the wall, just over Meldom's shoulder. It caused a small portion of the shifting pattern of the wall to go on the fritz. Again, he re-centered the gun on his hostage.
"Get back!" he demanded more harshly than before. If the turian and batarian did not move away this time, he would have to be prepared to use biotics on them.
An analysis of Reaper kinetic barrier strength came up on the screen. Rather than the metal of the hull itself, the display showed a slightly less defined three dimensional representation, with color coding to emphasize barrier strength. From what he could gather, the joints tended to be the weakest points of the vessels, with the greatest shielding being around the central column of the body. For the smaller vessels, the image shifted, as a pair of panels covering the fore of the vessel opened and closed. When open, they revealed an area with the weakest barrier strength among any of the ship classes. Another grouping of formulas popped up next to each class, seeming to represent how barrier strength was affected by exposure to atmosphere, gravity, and land-based locomotion, each of those factors lessening it significantly.
He needed to learn everything there was to know about these creatures. Every part of him recognized this. It did not stop him from struggling against the pressure of thought controlling him, though. Sadly, his need for freedom just did not matter.
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Post by PaladinKOSP on Apr 22, 2014 12:29:30 GMT -6
The turian perks his head to the side at the gun shot, deactivating his omni-tool and looks to the human covered in the swarm. "If we wanted to stop you, we would've done it by now, so silence." He backs up away from the swarm, still keeping a comfortable distance between him and Maelstrom. He looks to the batarian for a brief moment, seeing if he would do the same.
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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 22, 2014 14:51:29 GMT -6
Shala’Bekk Vas Neema came up from behind. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
Eric kept his eyes on his omnitool. “Shala… yeah, I just picked up what looks like a very large door buried about eight feet below us. Almost finished hi-res imaging. Run a scan for any tech that might be active down there; I’m not in th’ mood for any more traps today. If we’re gonna bust open more forbidden doors, we do it carefully.”
The imaging complete, Eric forwarded the results to the others as promised. The door was actually two large panels situated side by side laid horizontally, much like modern day launch bay doors. No winching or mechanisms to retract the doors could be discerned. Eric made another pass at the soil covering it as well as the material of the doors.
“Pretty sturdy stuff,” he observed aloud. “This whole place was buried under blast-molten rock, right…? Well… when the rock cooled and hardened, it also expanded and tried to push into the doors. Doors wouldn’t give an inch, so the rock chipped and cracked back against itself instead. Throw in another few centuries of tidal forces from the other moons… you get a nice... fine, easy-to-dig-through topsoil…”
Eric called up the hi-res holo again. “… Ol’ Fearless is gonna be doin’ handsprings to the bank…”
[Eric's discovery approved by GM]
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Post by grandest on Apr 22, 2014 16:03:19 GMT -6
Cruendi'has ducked as the Merc in Black fired off a round from his SMG, narrowly missing Meldom. "Everyone, back," Maelstrom commanded. The Batarian complied and took a single step back. "See this?" The Turian coolly brought up his omnitool and projected a series of images. "This is data that I have retrieved from one of the ruins many rooms. A room that shows you the past like you are actually there." A large-scale war played out between spaceships Cruendi'has failed to recognize. But that wasn't entirely true. Some of them looked vaguely familiar. Then it dawned on him. The Geth ship that had attacked the Citadel a few years prior. Had the Geth Co-opted some old, unknown tech? Was this the reason Esteban Bridges brought them here? "They are real, this is what they look like. There are more of them out there, lying in wait for an oncoming storm." The Turian glanced over at Maelstrom. "The images I saw had the same ship structure. They are telling us something, even if it means they have to force us to do it." Turning back to Cruendi'has, Artacus said, "If we stop your human friend now, we won't get anymore of this priceless information. You either step back and let him do his thing, or I'll have to put someone down myself." Cruendi'has bristled at the threat. "I'd like to see you try, you uptight piece of shi--" Around round of shots ring out from Maelstrom's gun, cutting Cruendi'has' ire short. "Get back!" he demanded more harshly than before. "If we wanted to stop you, we would've done it by now, so silence." Artacus responded, glaring at Cruendi'has. The Batarian felt his blood begin to boil. “Guys," Eric Lysander's voice cut through the comms. "The damn thing just disappeared. Drew this picture on the ground before it did. Gonna run a scan; relay you the results as I get them. Did those bugs let go-a Mal yet?” Glancing at the still-covered Maelstrom, Cruendi'has replied. "That's a big hell no. Lysander, whatever's going on here, I think it has something to do with the Geth." Stepping back and facing Esteban, Cruendi'has said, "I think you have some explaining to do."
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Post by dargene on Apr 22, 2014 16:56:34 GMT -6
Though he could not make heads or tails of what Maelstrom was actually looking at his small cameras had been recording the whole thing, Meldom often recorded his missions to see if there was anything he missed, see if he missed a few shots or something of important.
As both of the shots rang out Meldom remained calm and unmoving, the kestrel Armour could take the force of a bullet but at this range in almost zero G he was not to sure.
He smoothly shifted his weight to a more relaxed pose that gave him greater balance "Titan" he whispered almost inaudible to even himself a small click and female voice could be heard "Titan protocol initiated" Though no one could see Meldoms boots locked firmly to the ground as his Armour solidified and locked him into the pose, his shield was boosted tenfold so that it could survive any number of things at the cost of not being able to move.
"Element zero stores at 90%, Titan Protocol will remain for 20 minutes" the suit told Meldom.
"Now we wait.." he mutters to himself
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 22, 2014 16:58:51 GMT -6
Data burst received...
Analysis: on-time and with correct security encryption... Identification: Maelstrom...
Processing audio-visual feed at 1,000x real time... Complete...
Processing vital signs readings... Complete...
Resuming secure channel- recipients: Shala'Bekk Vas Neema and Eric Lysander...
"There was a spike in Maelstrom's heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenals beginning approximately forty-five seconds ago. This roughly corresponded to Maelstrom firing several rounds to within several centimeters of Meldom's position and demanding the rest of the group withdraw."
"Awaiting commands."
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Apr 22, 2014 21:48:21 GMT -6
Esteban backed away quickly the moment Maelstrom unloaded on the wall. He had trouble figuring out what to do. This was his dig site. More than that, this place represented a civilization that was probably lost for millions of years. He wanted to protect the site. But to save Maelstrom, he would need to do something...
"I think you have some explaining to do," Cruendi'has said to him. Esteban frowned to himself under his helmet, not completely happy with how everything was going. The Batarian had every right to be upset here. But that's for another time.
"You'll have all your answers once I find that mainframe, I promise," Esteban replied calmly, looking between the Batarian and Maelstrom. "It'll tell us exactly what this base is for. But right now, we need to save Maelstrom...."
Esteban took a deep breath, casting a brief glance at the Turian before back to Cruendi'has. He shifts his comm channel so he's only speaking with him. "If we do a simultaneous attack... I short out his gun and you launch a net at him.. that should be enough to take him down and keep him safe. As for the bugs..."
Esteban tapped a couple holographic buttons on his omnitool.
"I'm sure a powerful sonic disruption wave should be more than enough to scatter them. Think your net can stun Maelstrom long enough?"
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 22, 2014 21:56:34 GMT -6
He could sense that the others had backed off. He was relieved. They would not be getting in his way after all. He would not have to hurt them.
The Reapers disappeared from the screen and were replaced by another galaxy map. This one showed the spread of the Reapers through the galaxy's mass relay network. Another revelation; the relays were far older than anyone imagined. They attacked the Citadel first, then spread throughout the galaxy. If he understood the data popping up on the screen correctly, they attacked the major population centers first, encouraging the populace to scatter to outlying colonies, a reaction that reduced the race's overall ability to fight back. In only a few centuries, the galaxy appeared to be cleansed of sentient life.
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Apr 23, 2014 1:44:00 GMT -6
"Scanning now," Shala said as she tapped at her omnitool.
As the scan continued, her mind marveled at what she had seen. Attempts to create teleportation devices were second only to anti-geth technology that the Special Projects Fleet worked on. The most immediate application she could think of would be transporting daily food rations throughout the Fleet. The time and fuel that could be saved by simply teleporting the food directly to each ship, not to mention the time of those who served on the liveships...
"I wonder what's down there, what's so important that the Keeper wanted us to see," she said. "I hope it helps Maelstrom, whatever it is."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 23, 2014 8:46:17 GMT -6
Two communications between the time the ancient Keeper vanished and Shala scanning the underground door renewed Eric’s frustration:
"That's a big hell no, Lysander,” was Cruendi’has’ observation on the alien insects controlling Maelstrom. “Whatever's going on here, I think it has something to do with the geth."
Shortly afterwards Emily reported "There was a spike in Maelstrom's heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenals beginning approximately forty-five seconds ago. This roughly corresponded to Maelstrom firing several rounds to within several centimeters of Meldom's position and demanding the rest of the group withdraw."
The Mercenary in Black was still a prisoner within his body, the team surrounding him at odds whether to intervene or not. River was still unconscious in the med bay. Murdach brings aboard another unconscious crew member. And now the possibility of geth involvement, what with the previous expedition’s members converted to Husks.
That does it! Time to get the kids back in line!
Eric opened a channel to the entire team.
“Everybody stand down NOW…! What the hell is this – shots fired…?! No, I don’t wanna hear it…! Nobody. Does. Anything… without my say-so, is that clear? Yes, Maelstrom’s in jeopardy and we need to save him. Yes, Fearless Leader, you want your dig site intact so you can retire… we stumbled onta something big here. It hasta be or the Collectors wouldn’t have tried to stop us! We need to find out what we have, if it’s a benefit or a threat to everyone apart from us… I’ll take full responsibility for Maelstrom. Bridges, stand by with your stun gun. Aractus, Crue, be ready to grab Mal’s arms to keep him from throwing any biotic fireballs. Meldom, try to help pin him down or get clear. Again, only move in when and if I say… Iskra, the intruder’s off the ship but stay in lockdown for now. Murdach… round up some crew members with sidearms, search the rest of the Valiant from bow to stern. Make sure we don’t have any more uninvited guests. I’ll keep an eye on Mal’s condition… we almost lost one of ours today. I don’t wanna add to that list… and I sure as HELL don’t want the Collectors ta wipe us out or get their claws into this site again! So keep it together… or no one goes home…”
Eric switched channels. “Hey Lite Brite… if you’re still payin’ attention, keep sending me updates on Mal and keep your ears open. If I give word to the team to subdue your master, I want you to screen out the lights in his helmet. You have your dual authorization. Also, the Valiant's med bay is sealed off. If Mal needs emergency care, does his ship have medical utilities of any kind?”
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Post by PaladinKOSP on Apr 23, 2014 9:15:49 GMT -6
The turian remained motionless as the human barked his orders. "Geth? Tch.. the batarian wasn't even listening, was he?" He thought, adjusting the grip on his weapon. "If they want to be ignorant, fine by me, but that just makes more problems." He looks back at Maelstrom, ready to pounce onto him to grab his arms. "Let's hope that this human gets all the data before we pounce at him.." He thought to himself.
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Post by grandest on Apr 23, 2014 12:10:02 GMT -6
"I'm sure a powerful sonic disruption wave should be more than enough to scatter them. Think your net can stun Maelstrom long enough?" Cruendi'has smirked. Finally, a call to action. "Absolutely." He quickly pulled up his omnitool and primed his net. Over the comms, he heard Eric giving a rousing speech about pulling together, letting these manipulative aliens do their thing and blah, blah, blah. "Sorry, Eric." Cruendi'has muttered to himself behind Maelstrom. "But you don't write my checks." He quickly aimed and fired his net.
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Post by Game Master on Apr 23, 2014 13:51:57 GMT -6
[GM Post]
I am going to need you guys to retro a bit.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to jump in front of the net when it is fired. That is going well over 100 MPH. It would be like someone jumping in front of a bullet after the shot is heard. Unless you are already in the way, it is impossible to do.
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Post by Game Master on Apr 23, 2014 13:53:20 GMT -6
[GM Post]
As a rule (please see combat rules), you only declare an action and then the GM decides if it works or not. It is also acceptable for PC versus PC action for things to be discussed AND agreed upon between PCs. Only in those two situations can battle actions be resolved.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2014 19:52:56 GMT -6
Iskra wondered what was going on as she listened to the open group comm, River's process into cryo a success. All the young doctor could do was sit in the medbay as the rest of the world was in chaos. It was removing to listen to things over the radio, like she was in the elevator on the Citadel...watching the cars fly by, carrying on with their lives.
She'd follow the command and stay there though, she had no experience working in a group and she was hardly one for breaking the rules.
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Apr 23, 2014 22:13:59 GMT -6
Lysander was in the middle of his speech when Shala's omnitool chirped, letting her know the scan was complete. She tapped a command to bring up the results, looking over at him to see if he had anything else to say.
After a few seconds, when it was clear he was done, she reported, "The door is made of some unknown material, and parts in the middle. It is not powered, but I can modify my omnitool to do that. No sign of any apparent traps or security measures."
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 23, 2014 22:17:26 GMT -6
The insects warned him of the incoming threat the instant it was launched. Maelstrom moved to dodge but barely managed a millimeter before the net hit him. His muscles went rigid, then convulsed, as wave after wave of pain racked his body. His concern for the data vanished in moments, as the agony of the weapon shot through every nerve of his body. He was not sure how long the eternity of torment lasted, but he was certain it could only have been a few seconds.
Thank you, Cruendi'has, he thought, as the shocks let up.
"Emily, apply all visual filters to visor! Hurry!" he called, as soon as he could draw a breath.
"Applying filters," his VI replied.
The visual feed from his visor flickered repeatedly, as program after program activated, severely muddying the visual feed. After several seconds, he was left in a brown monochrome world, with very little distinction in shade. After several seconds of adjusting to the new display, he became aware of outlines. They were not much, but they were enough for him to see his surroundings.
Only then did he truly become aware of the lingering strands of the net he was caught in.
"It's good to have you back, Maelstrom," Emily said in a warm, comforting voice.
"Thanks," he said.
Even in the dim light, he winced. Damn... this is going to be one hell of a headache.
(Events approved by the GM)
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 23, 2014 22:20:55 GMT -6
Conditions fulfilled for dissemination of information...
Standard anti-infiltration scan initiated... System security confirmed...
Re-checking conditions... Confirmed... Conditions fulfilled...
Resuming communications interface with organic unit: Shala'Bekk Vas Neema and Eric Lysander...
"Maelstrom is no longer under the influence of the unknown alien entities. Objectives fulfilled. Terminating contact."
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