Print Page - MRS Morey

General => Play-By-Forum => Graveyard => Topic started by: Xander Morhaime on September 21, 2009, 16:00

Title: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 21, 2009, 16:00

Prologue: Hard Landings

Passenger carriers. For all the advancements humanity has made, comfortable and efficient passenger travel for the masses seemed to constantly elude it. With the onset of interstellar travel, the problem only got worse. The jump drives were large and expensive - too much so to be mounted on large numbers of craft. The space bus had to make do with something else. And so, the passenger carriers were made - massive haulers with barely a skeleton crew, carrying orbital shuttles between planets of destination. For lack of supplies, passengers were put in cold sleep for the duration of the trips, and only woken up when their respective shuttle was landing at its destination. It was neither fast, nor comfortable... but it was cheap, and for most it was the only option available.

So it was that you had booked passage on board Carrier Line 42 to the same destination. Work reassignment, contract hunting or simply going to check up on the refurbishment of your ship, there was little reason to share your reasons with your shuttle-mates. You'd be in cold sleep for the trip, which doesn't lend itself to conversation. You dressed down for the procedure, stowed your luggage into the overhead compartments, climbed into the sleeping pod, and let darkness take you.

Time passed...

Waking up from cold sleep is rarely a pleasant experience, but nothing like this. A constant rumbling, travelling through the structure of the shuttle and the sleeping pods would have jarred you awake, had the automated systems not done it themselves. And that feeling in your gut that tells you you're going much faster than you should be, and in the wrong direction. The shuttle is tumbling - whatever you're near has a gravity pull strong enough to overrride that of the shuttle, and you feel every twist and turn it makes. A few times you can feel a shockwave striking the hull and adding even more vibration to the whole structure. There's no sound, save the constant rumbling and the desperate whine of the engines. Then, for a moment, everything goes silent... thankfully the moment is too short for the realisation to sink in that there's no more sound from the engines.

The shuttle hits something - the rumbling and vibration ends, with a resounding crash and a powerful impact, felt even in the relative safety of the sleeping pods. For a moment there's the screech of metal grinding against something, and another crash, fading to silence.

The sleeping pods open with a soft hiss. You climb out, unsteady and bruised, but otherwise unharmed. The interior of the shuttle was bathed in a red light from the emergency power. Structurally, the shuttle seems sound - none of the sleeping pods have been damaged, though a quick glance would show that aside from your four, the others are empty. The only noticeable damage is the wall separating the pilot's compartment from the passengers' compartment bending rather ominously inwards, as if it had suffered some massive impact.

The drowsiness brought on by cold sleep has passed from your mind, and you can think clearly again...

Title: Re: MRS Moray - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 21, 2009, 16:27

Second after marine mind cleared of cold sleep, instincts kicked in. Shioban quickly dived into her slumber pod, and emerged second later, armed with big and antique looking pistol in her hand. For a moment, she inspected her surroundings, but noticed no apparent threat... unless her travel mates were one.
Slowly, she turned towards them, lowering her weapon, though still having it prepared, and asked most obvious and most common question.
"What the hell is going out here?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 22, 2009, 08:35

Another soldier leaves his sleeping pod, still shuddering, not yet fully conscious and slightly shocked after the impact. He crawls to a wall, sits under it and hastily reloads his shotgun, frantically looking around. Hearing Shioban's (very accurate) question, Van Silharrius raises his head and looks at her, then answers with deep, low and husky voice : "I don't know !... Pilot should hope he'll be dead before I'll take care of him ! Everyone's ok ?" - he adds after a few seconds, sweeping the shuttleboard for survivors.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 08:48

Shioban pointed towards bulkhead that separated their compartment from cockpit.
"It looks like that pilot do not need to hope for becoming dead, actually.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 22, 2009, 09:00

"Oh shit. Seems like wherever we are, we aren't leaving too quickly...", he said, looking towards the bulkhead. Shotgun, loaded and cocked, was waiting patiently. Vince reached for his backpack in the overhead locker and checked if everything's alright. Loss of such a load of medical equipment would be hard to take. Then he wore his flak jacket, a backpack, and cleaned the old-fashioned googles.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 22, 2009, 09:07

The luggage compartments seem undamaged - or at least they still open and their contents aren't smashed to itty bitty bits. Comes down to the same thing, really.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 10:02

Following old man example, Shioban opened her locker, and quickly changed into outfit way more appropriate than cold-sleep undergarments- marine uniform. Then, at last, she holstered her pistol, muttering "Much better." Minute later, she spoke again, this time louder.
"Gentleman, maybe you would introduce yourself?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 22, 2009, 10:58

"Ah, Miss, I'm so sorry for my awful manners. It's just the stress coming with that unusual situation. Corporal Professor Vincent Matthew Van Silharrius, US Marines Field Medic, at your service.", replied Vince, fastening the last belt and concealing a blade in the right bootleg. "Who am I pleased to meet ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 11:38

'Lance Corporal Shioban Sully of Commonwealth Marine Corps' she responded. 'US Marines?' she added after a while. 'That's hell of a coincidence.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 22, 2009, 15:00

- Damn, I'm getting too old for space travel... - this words were all that announced wake-up of the last passenger. A man, looking as old or even a bit older than Vincent exited the sleeping quite lively despite the declaration and started to methodically pull his equipment out of storage locker and dress himself: camo-pattern clothes with military insignia, heavy looking boots, flak jacket, helmet, backpack, rifle... wait, flack jacket and rifle? Who takes such things on a journey? Well apparently this man did. It wasn't untill he was fully dressed and equipped did he speak again - Just call me Hagazi.

He paused and took a look around the shuttle - So are we going to sit here and wait or will we go out and see where we are?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 15:06

Noticing Hagezi's arms, Shioban grinned. 'Lot of weapons here, it appears. I hope that you guys know to handle them... And, yes, we should get out of this morgue, faster is better. There should be door somewhere...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 22, 2009, 15:10

There is an exit ramp in the rear of the shuttle, where you are now in fact. The control panel by the door does not appear to be powered, but there's always the brightly labelled emergency release buttons by the very sides of the hatch.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 22, 2009, 15:14

Hagazi nods - Let's take a walk then - he takes a few steps and slams the emergency release button.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 22, 2009, 15:22

The explosive bolts go off without fail and, after a moment's hesitation, the ramp drops with a screech and the rush of air pressure equalizing. Fortunately, the atmosphere is breathable - thin, but breathable. The air is rather cold, cold enough to feel even after only just waking up from cold sleep. It seemed to be daytime outside, or at least there was an ample amount of sunlight... letting you see the rocky ground outside, covered with sand and loose gravel.

There didn't seem to be much sound outside, other than the rush of the wind.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 15:27

'So...' Shioban gazed toward Hagezi 'what now? We are going outside, I presume, to get lost and die of dehydration. For it really does not look like there are any humans here. '
Afters second of thought, she added.
'Anyway, I would prefer to die of dehydration, than to slowly rot in this iron coffin.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 22, 2009, 15:31

"Twisted fate, indeed.", admitted the medic, shaking his head in disbelief. He stepped towards the ramp. "Worry not about my fighting skills. I've spent roughly a decade in those boots, and the other one also ripping guts. I am confident that Mr Hagezi had even more fun of this kind in his lifetime. Am I right, sir ?", he said and smiled in some mad way, walking slowly outside.
"Water can be found everywhere, if there's also an atmosphere. The only thing I am afraid is our chance to return home. Hell, where can I make a call to a city ?", added the corporal after a while, noticing no civilisation.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 22, 2009, 15:35

- That's the spirit... - Hagazi grinned at Siobhan's comment and started to walk down the ramp - I don't suppose any of you have binoculars of any type?

- Been fighting since I can remember... tried to settle recently but apparently old warriors don't get much of a rest... - he responded to Vincent's question, his voice trailing off as if remembering something

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 22, 2009, 15:38

Stepping outside, you find that the shuttle had half-buried itself in a hillside. A large rock jutting out in front of it was probably to blame for the likely condition of the pilot's cabin. Facing downhill, you can see little beyond rocks, hills, sand, gravel, more rocks, more hills, and so on. Of course, as soon as you look in the other direction and up the hillside, you can see a massive plume of black smoke rising over the ridge.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 22, 2009, 15:40

- Talk about smoke signals... Maby that's another shuttle? - mercenary wondered aloud.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 15:46

'Or thing that brought us down' Shioban replied. Go, and scope on it, okay?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 22, 2009, 16:06

Coming to the top of the ridge, the source of the smoke is the first thing to draw your attention.

The smoke is coming from countless fires along a massive wrecked superstructure, spread out over a relatively flat area of terrain. Smaller wreckages are scattered around it, adding their own smoke to the already massive pillar. Though the main hulk is twisted and barely recognisable, it bears a striking resemblance to the shuttle hauler that was ferrying you to your destination. Except with the propulsion section missing. And the cargo of shuttles scattered all around it in various stages of "destroyed". As for the propulsion section... well, that's probably to blame for the quickly cooling cloud of plasma hiiigh overhead.

Then your attention is drawn to something else... a colony, of all things. Six round towers of varying sizes and heights, each narrowing slightly closer to the top, clustered together on a plateau, linked together by bridges and surrounded by what appears to be a low wall. The wall seems to have developed a breach, however, likely due to another shuttle managing to come down in one piece only to carve out a rut in the ground and finally smash into the wall, knocking a fair-sized chunk out of it. Further off, behind the towers, you see what appears to be a large pipeline, running off into the distance, though it's hard to make out clearly from this distance. The colony itself seems quiet, only the occasional winking of red positional lights gives it any sign of life.

You estimate the colony perimeter to be about half an hour's march away. The wreckage, should you want to investigate the blaze, is about an hour away.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 22, 2009, 16:10

- Damn... Seems you were right about not beeing able to leave soon 'doc. You think anyone else could've surived the crash? - Hagazi asks inspecting the surroundings.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 16:13

'I don't like it.' Shioban stated. 'This colony is surrounded by sea of wreckage for a reason. And I am certain, that this reason lies within it.'

She spat on the ground, angrily.

'Sadly, it seems that this colony, or whatever it is, might be the only way out. But before going in, I strongly advise checking other wreck- who knows, what we may find there? A survivor? Or, better yet, a logbook, to explain what is going out here.'

She turned to Hagazi.

'You don't happen to have spare rifle, do you?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 22, 2009, 16:22

- No, no spare rifles. I like to be prepared for anything, but two rifles is overdoing it, even by my standards - Hagazi shook his head - And I think checking the wreckage might be a good idea, as long as we be carefull - even if we don't find survivors or log-books there might be some undamaged supplies left... maby even some rifle for you, who knows.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 22, 2009, 16:29

'Be careful...' Shioban repeated after Hagezi, chuckling slightly. 'We're all from military. If we were not careful for entire life, we would be somewhere else now... like six feet under soil. Let's go, then.'

Placing all her gear in khaki backpack, she spoke again.

'By the way, you can call me Toy. Like my unit did.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 23, 2009, 00:31

Vincent took a look at a wreckage and a colony and pondered for a while.
"Small chances for survivors, to be honest, with all that fire and smoke around. Burnt or choked to death. And that colony... God, if anyone was there, they should've sent some rescue team already... Or at least try to contact with us, if they aren't responsible for that mess around. Even if they are, they'd send a patrol upon us. Looks bad.", he said, following the rest. "Let's just keep the pace."

"Our Shuttle. What kind of damage except impact did it recieve ? Were we shot or did engines cease to work ?", Vince looked towards the wreckage and examined it.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 23, 2009, 13:05

The first problem, most readily apparent, was the fact that the shuttle was buried half-way into a hillside. On closer inspection, there are signs of laser scoring along the sides, though none apparently touching the vital systems. Those, upon further investigation, look to have been ripped apart on the inside by shrapnel - or debris from a blast. A look inside and past the door to the cockpit (it's a wonder the door still works, really) shows that most of said cockpit, including the pilot and the flight instruments, has been compressed into a layer of debris a few dozen centimetres thick by force of impact.

Long story short - the engines are shredded and there's no way to actually control the craft. This shuttle won't be flying again any time soon.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 23, 2009, 16:24

- These laser marks worry me... I wonder if other parts of the wreck bary the same marks. Shall we go and check?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 23, 2009, 16:37

'Definitely. And maybe do it... now?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 23, 2009, 16:58

The climb down the hillside towards the flatlands was relatively easy and didn't slow you down much. Going lower, without the plume of smoke in the way, you could see the sun, its light a pale shade of yellow. The march to the crash site was rather uneventful - there was little else to do but watch the pillar of smoke still rising from the blaze, and perhaps keep track of the sun slowly moving lower on the sky.

You approached the wreck from its aft, so even from a distance you could examine where the spine of the ship had been severed. In fact, at a distance was the only way to carry out the examination - the fires throughout the crash site continued to burn strong, and the heat they shed meant the wreck was like an open-air plasma furnace. In fact, if you looked closer, you could see some less-durable metal elements melting off the ship's skeleton. Still, even from this distance you could see that what was left of the ship's spine was severed cleanly - likely the fault of high-powered energy weapons, which would also account for the ignited fuel.

The shuttles were in just as sorry a state. Those closer to the main wreck that had retained any structure were already collapsing in on themselves as the heat from the blaze melted away their weaker components. Others were crumpled heaps or little bonfires of their own. One even detonated, creating a tiny, brief sun giving way to a glassy crater when its powerplant finally suffered a critical failure. On the whole it looks like the shuttles that kept fixed to the main hauler were the ones that fared best through the landing, but they were now also in the heart of the raging fuel fire.

But at least if you stand at a certain distance from the wreck, the warmth from the fire is quite pleasant. That is, if you don't mind the chocking smell of reactor fuel, melting metal and... other things.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 24, 2009, 10:19

Van Silharrius coughed, breathing gasoline and molten steel.
"No survivors at all. And, I guess, we wouldn't risk coming inside. Much too hot for me. And, eh, see that lazer marks ? Seems like we've got shot, and those there as well - but nobody came to take prisoners... Or eradicate any lucky ones who didn't die on impact. I think we should check it - in fact..." - Vince looked at smoking shuttles' remnants. -"...it can be our only way back. I think it should be a hangar over there."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 24, 2009, 12:40

'Hangar?' Shioban snorted. 'I assume that you know how to operate space vessel. No? Too bad. Then I would rather hope for a distress beacon.'

She paused for a while and turned towards colony, observing it for any signs of danger.

'Anyway, we need to get there first. The breach seems to be most obvious entrance, so I would rather avoid it at all costs. There is bound to be some sort of alternative way in, after all.'

With faint smile, she added 'You guys know how to watch one back, right? For this is a skill that will be called for a lot, I fear.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 24, 2009, 12:59

"I wouldn't survive a year in US Corps without it.", said Vincent, smiling and quite suprised. "Soo... Let's keep the pace maybe ? The faster we'll get inside, the sooner somebody sends for us.", he advised, still coughing from time to time. His lungs weren't at top condition already.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 24, 2009, 16:14

- Let's get going then *cough* I don't like that smoke either - Hagazi coughed once more and started marching towards the colony - As for searching for alternative netry point - it won't hurt, but let's not overdo it - if we don't find anything else near we should use what we can, who knows how long that wall is going. Also taking a glance on that shuttle that broke the wall shouldn't hurt, regardless of which way we end up coming in - at least that one isn't on fire... yet.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 24, 2009, 16:17

'-Lead the way... sir.' Once again, smile appeared on Shioban face, as she chuckled. 'It was hard not to notice all those distinctions on your jacket, lieutenant'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 24, 2009, 16:24

- Bah, don't "sir" me, these are for show mostly - makes impression on lesser officials, but the truth is that it was good sixteen years since I quit... not that I were slacking off in the meantime mind you, but still... - Hagazi coughed one more time as they left the smoke - Besides, that rank of mine ain't with the marines...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 24, 2009, 16:31

Shioban chuckled again '-Indeed, you can't be marine. Marines at your age are either quit, captains and above or corpses.' She smiled one more time, and quickly became much more serious. '-Anyway, it about time to get going. You will lead, doc will take rearguard, 'kay? You guys have proper weapons, after all.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 24, 2009, 16:41

Because of the detour to the crash site, the march towards the colony took a bit under an hour itself - enough for the sun to begin to set, lengthening what few shadows were around. Situated on a flat plain as it was, most of said shadows were from the colony itself, and the occasional small hill, rock or shallow hole in the ground. Actually, the shallow holes only began a few hundred metres off from the colony wall, and were rather worryingly evenly spaced. The trench carved out by the shuttle on approach started a short distance to your right.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 24, 2009, 16:53

- HOLD IT! - Hagazi suddenly stopped in his tracks and gestured the others to stop - See these spots of shadow, there near the wall? I think they're bad news... watch it... - he took a quick glance around the ground, picked up a medium-sized rock and threw it with all his might into one of the shadow-spots.

The result was a loud explosion accompanied by rising of a cloud of dust - and shrapnels from the place.

- Ayup mines, bad news alright... don't know about you, but I'm taking the route that shuttle cleared... - he commented as small rocks thrown by the explosion showered their location

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 24, 2009, 16:59

'-Right behind you.' Shioban remained calm, though she cursed heavily. 'Should have noticed that... Damm.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 26, 2009, 05:10

"Whew, t'was close. You lead then, Hagazi.", he said with a sigh, aware and looking around, hoping not to spot any more "suprises". "God, I'm getting to hate this. I suppose it's not the only clockwork for unwelcome guests - and it doesn't seem we are welcome here at all..."

"So, boss, where did ya serve ?", Doc asked, while they were reaching for a hole and another wreck.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 06:35

The shallow trench carved out by the crashed shuttle seemed a convenient enough path to the perimeter wall. Judging by the occasional blast crater in the side of the trench, the shuttle had already taken out any mines along the way. Or so you hoped.

You didn't step on any approaching the shuttle, at least, so that part was a success. Approaching the shuttle, you could see that, at least from outside, it was mostly intact, not counting heavy damage to a wing - one maneuvering flap was entirely gone. By the look of things, its impact with the wall had crushed the pilot's cabin as well, but at least the wall was a bit worse for the wear as well. Instead of a steep, smooth surface, it was now missing a good-sized chunk and had quite a few cracks running up the damaged segment. It was still some 12 metres tall, but at least with all the damage, it should be possible to climb it.

As for the shuttle's rear hatch, it was still closed, though the panel on the side still seemed to have power.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 26, 2009, 07:00

Shioban raised her hand, giving Hagezi and doc universal 'Hold' sign.

'Let me handle it. I want to check what is inside that shuttle'' she whispered, and very slowly and carefully approached the hatch. Then, sticking close to bulkhead at the panel side, she upholstered pistol and pushed 'OPEN' button.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 07:09

There was the hiss of hydraulics as the hatch opened a bit, stalled, and then dropped the rest of the way with a clang as the internal machinery gave out, letting loose rocks and soil tumble out. The reason there was loose soil and rocks is because... well, most of the shuttle's underside was missing, and as it carved out its trench, it apparently scooped up quite a bit of earth along the way. Judging by the jagged edges of the hole in the floor, this at least wasn't the work of energy weapons. The lack of floor also meant that there was a noticeable lack of sleeping pods, just a few left-over cables and wires dangling sadly from the walls. Whatever took out the floor also seemed to jar open some of the overhead storage compartments, though deeper in you could make out a large container hanging from ceiling webbing. A few other such harnesses were present, but torn, their cargo apparently lost on the way down.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 26, 2009, 07:16

Vince crouched, sweeping the environment, while Shioban was investigating the crashed shuttle.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 26, 2009, 07:21

Shioban waited for several seconds before entering. After no danger showed up, she quickly crawled inside. First thing she did there was collecting some cables and other loose parts and putting them in backpack. Noticing sunrise on companion faces, she sighed and explained 'Spare parts. May come in handy.'

Then, she moved towards those of cargo compartments and tried to open them at random.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 26, 2009, 07:46

Hagazi started watching the opposite side to what Vincent was guarding then answered - The BPI... Bloody Poor Infantry, groundpounders that is. Ever heard of Agave? Funny little planet we got there - desert takes some 90% of the surface and we get wars all the time... sometimes it's enough for kid to laugh at some guy visiting in your village as he trips and falls and next week you'll get him, his family, his friends and whoever else armed to teeth and ready to go all 'jihad' on your ass - he spat and continues - Needless to say if you aren't a total wimp you can be almost certain to get drafted if you live there - me, I spent 8 bloody years in Army until I quit.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 07:52

What loose parts and wires were available had the look about them that said they weren't parted from their original system peacefully - frayed edges, ripped off plugs, various scrapes and the like.

As far as the storage pods went, their content was mainly personal effects - ID, wallets, toothbrushes, books, PDAs, a toolkit that fell out of its pod as soon as it was opened and opened as it hit the ground, spilling wrenches and pliers all over the ground. Whoever the passengers on this shuttle were, they apparently weren't military sorts.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 26, 2009, 08:19

Shioban put tool-kit in her backpack.

'Hey, I don't like this hang man' she said loudly, pointing at hanging container 'but I'll be dammed if I won't check it content. So, coul you come closer cover me?'

Then, she moved towards it, and tried to open.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 26, 2009, 08:22

"Much time indeed. You know, Lethaa, a little colony I hail from, is also mainly a desert world - and a constant warzone. We've got some industrial facilities out there - heavy machinery factories - for which roving nomad bands, US buddies and Chinese freaks really go mad at each other. You know, one day you have a walkabout by some settlement, the other day the settlement's gone because of suicide bombers, and two days later there's not even a road you were walking, but there are fucking slant-eyes finishing up poor ragheads. Madness, I tell ya. Before I joined the only normal around here... which was around a decade ago... I was a physican - working with those poor souls who somehow made their way to the firing line, having a walk like this a bit late. Irony, isn't it ?, he explained in response.

"Me, I was supporting the BPI. I went for holidays after an action screwed up, which only I managed to survive - psychic convalescence. Talk about luck...", he frowned and sighed. "Let's keep moving, our Lady needs a hand, it seems."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 08:31

The crate wasn't marked with any special symbols that might indicate dangerous or fragile contents - just the usual "This side up" sign and a stamp from the shipping company. It wasn't locked either, just the standard seals to keep it from opening from a bump in the road, easily opened.

Inside, though... well, it was packed quite neatly with MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) packs. Possibly meant as a supply delivery somewhere - it looked like there were enough ration packs in there to feed an infantry company for several weeks at least. Of course, whether they could be called "food" was a matter of personal taste.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 26, 2009, 08:45

Slightly embarrassed, Shioban smiled faintly
'Call me paranoid, but last time I saw something like that, my sergeant found 2 kilograms of ticket to heaven inside.'

Securing her gun, she exited crashed vessel.

'And now for the climbing...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 13:43

The climb wasn't terribly difficult, seeing as the wall wasn't vertical, but the irregular handholds didn't make the task any easier. Shioban, despite a certain lack of skill in the matter, quite deftly climbed up the wall to the edge. Vincent couldn't quite show off such grace, but he seemed far more competent in climbing, and with some effort made it up as well.

Hagazi, though... he didn't seem cut out for climbing. After the first attempt almost caused him to slip off onto an area where the mines were still present, he decided to try throwing a rope up to his companions. Unfortunately, he put a bit too much energy into the throw and the rope hit Shioban in the face - though she was able to catch it. However, trying to pull up Hagazi, even with the Doctor's help, almost pulled them off their perch on top of the wall. After several further attempts to get the rope back in the hands if the pair up top, they were finally able to catch it and pull the last member of the group up.

The climb down the other side was, thankfully, uneventful.

With daylight fading by the minute, you find yourselves standing within the colony perimeter, near one of the larger towers of the facility. As far as you can recall, this one had some serious-looking antennas and communication relays on top of it. Of course, the tower itself is still a distance away - a few hundred metres perhaps. The ground here is mostly rock covered with a fine dusting of sand, grit and gravel, but closer to the colony it gives way to regular, standard paving stones. There's no sign of activity out here at the moment, but you can make out vehicle tracks on the unpaved ground - a few days old, perhaps.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 26, 2009, 13:50

'Hurry, we need get inside. And, for the love of the God, be prepared for whatever we may find inside.'
After a second, Shioban added 'And, lieutenant, I hope that you shoot better than throw...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 26, 2009, 14:04

- Excuse this old man his lack of climbing... and throwing skill and let's get going - that there looks like some kind of communications tower, even if we won't find anyone inside we could call some help probably - Hagazi looked a bit annoyed at how his "climbing" went.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 26, 2009, 16:07

Saying nothing, Doc just went inside and carefully sweeped the room.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 16:13

The approach to the closest tower went uninterrupted - no sentry guns, no guards, no mines or spotlights. The whole place was rather eerily silent, save for the noise of the wind rushing past the structures and whistling between the towers.

Once you got to the tower, however, another problem presented itself.

It wasn't even the matter of finding a door - that was accomplished easily enough walking along the base of the tower until an accessway was found. A small door, more like a service entrance than a proper entry gate. The problem, however, lay with the door's control console. Or, more specifically, with the single message its simple screen displayed.

Power Failure
System Offline

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 26, 2009, 16:19

"Eh... guys ? Seems like the whole facility is unpowered. No cookies.", once again Vince sighed in disappointment. "At least the place looks silent. Much too silent."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 26, 2009, 16:20

- Power failure, eh? Well ain't that just dandy... Not like it can stop me from going in, but I think we might have a bit of a problem later if this power problem is colony-wide... which it might be, considering how *dead* this place looks. Now returning to the matter at hand... - Hagazi took off his pack and started to search for something inside - ...where did I put it - ah yes... This, my friends is our "universal key" - speaking that he rose in his hand a package bearing a label "Explosives - handle with care"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 26, 2009, 18:48

Hagazi carefully fitted the breaching charge to the door. Of course, few doors these days were so simple that to breach one all you needed was a tiny explosive to blow out the lock. But creators of destructive devices found a way around it. Modern breaching charges were intended to burn through the edges of the door, rendering any lock, power failure or such irrelevant.

With the charge in place, you all moved quickly off to the sides and looked away. It never did good to look straight at a breaching charge at work, or stand in front of one as it went off.

A press of the trigger and the material ignited, sending out a plume of near-plasma away from the door at the same time as it seared through the metal. It took all of one second, but it left quite a scorch mark three metres long on the ground. The door, however, was breached, and needed just a gentle nudge to fall inwards, opening the way and making a hellish racket as it hit the floor.

The inside didn't seem particularly welcoming, bathed as it was in the steady red glare of evenly spaced back-up lights. Still, what could be seen in the dim light suggested the structure was in good condition - no panels falling off, no loose wires hanging about, no trash littering the floor. Aside from the fading echo of the falling door, however, the place was worryingly silent. Of course, alarms from the door breach would probably be too much to expect, what with the power failure. A complex of this size, though, shouldn't be quite so quiet.

Stepping inside, you find yourself in what appears to be a maintenance locker room. Five lockers line the left-hand wall, along with a few containers, and the right-hand wall has a rack with five suits of cold-weather gear hanging on it. A bit further in are several shelves, stacked with boxes of various shapes and sizes. Directly across the room from your entry point is another door - this one with a handle, so hopefully not requiring power.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 27, 2009, 03:08

Doc got in and crouched next to the door, sweeping the room and covering the rest, just in case.
"Anyone willing to check those lockers and stuff ?", he asked silently.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 27, 2009, 11:32

'Nope' Shioban responded, finding her comfortable place to sit down. 'We won't fight anything useful there...'

For a while she cleaned her weapon, humming some silent, calm melody.

'I hope that you guys know that we are in neck-deep shit?'she said, after finishing. 'I would bet dollars against nuts that this place was raided by corporates. This place looks like mining colony, and it's not of Commonwealth or U.S.. So it is corporate. And we had corporates shooting each other in abundance lately. Some military unit, maybe of Ifigenia-Thetis must have come here, slaughtered or took the miners and left. And must have been unlucky enough to stumble upon some space mine.'

She put her hands over her head and close her eyes.

'What else could it be? Aliens? This place is more dead than my dear sergeant. Wake me up if something happens.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 28, 2009, 02:04

"For the Love of God, spit it out !", said Vince, sitting next to the nearby wall and checking medicine he had. "If those were corporates, it can be possible that their colleagues will come there soon. Lots of 'em, each one armed to teeth, checking what could happen. And if they'll find us here, well... And aliens ? Don't be silly...", he smiled at the absurdity.

"Please, be as careful as you can, before we'll be able to get into some medical corner. I'm afraid I have taken not too much supplies for a little war like this one coming. Some painkillers, yes, anti-rads, antitoxines and few combat drugs, yet we'll have to save those... Ack, goodnight. I'll take the first watch.", he said, unloading and cleaning his shotgun.
Then he stood up, loaded it once more, checked the lockers, and sat again.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 28, 2009, 15:15

- Wait, wait, wait... "Wake you up"? "First watch"? Don't you two tell me that you're already tired - we culdn't have been up for longer than two or three hours and you want to rest already? How about we look for a way to get this place back online instead?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 28, 2009, 15:19

As far as the lockers went, there wasn't much of interest to be found - mostly because the lockers were, as the name suggests, locked. Although there was one that didn't seem to lock proprely... unfortunately, all that one contained was a lunch bag that smelled a few days off.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 29, 2009, 07:06

"Yes, right, let's keep moving out there...", he said slowly, looking at a lunch bag. "There'd be much more places more adapted to getting some sleep. And the clock is ticking, corporate bastards can get in there anytime. Get up, Toy, Hagazi's right."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 29, 2009, 14:58

Shioban stood up, yawning ostentatiously.

'You really have nothing to do, don't you? Start up the reactor? Good God, I would be surprised if any fragment of fusion reactor remains here after corporate raid. All we can do is to find distress beacon and activate it.'

She then nodded towards Hagezi

'Anyway, you're in charge here, lieutenant. And your words are my orders, even if unnecessary ones.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 29, 2009, 15:14

Hagazi rolled eyes at Shioban's tyrade - First of all - don't assume: while the way this place looks might suggest corporate raid, we have no solid prof - and until I see one I'm not going to assume what happened, lest I get caught unprepared by something else. Second of all - if there is some sort of generator here still we can activate it and then see if anything in this tower can help us bring a 'taxi' that will get us out of here - and I'd rather get out then starve or bore myself to death.

As for where to go now... - Hagazi pondered for a moment - I say we check out this place first - even if it doesn't have a main generator there might be some local backup power system... if we don't find anything here, then we'll start checking the rest of the colony - at very worst it'll give us something to do.

Code: [Select]

OOC: As light probably going to be a problem, if needed Hagazi will fire up a flare.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 29, 2009, 15:26

"Rock on. No time to waste. This place makes me feel sick." - once again, Vince glanced at an old lunchbag smelling badly. Then he stepped towards the door and pulled the handle, holding the gun tightly - "just in case".

"I hope you can operate electronics properly...", he muttered.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 29, 2009, 16:06

The door had apparently not been closed completely - there was a small crack that meant it hadn't locked. Good thing for you, as this means it slides open to the side with just a gentle tug of the handle.

And stepping out into the corridor, you practically trip over someone... or rather, the remains of someone. A man, lying crumpled and curled up in a heap at the door. Given that he doesn't smell too terrible, he must have died quite recently. He is dressed in overalls, torn and darkened with blood in several places. He seems to be clutching something against his chest in one hand as well.

As for the corridor, it looks rather unremarkable - a long, gently curving tunnel, probably meant for maintenance workers judging by the simple metal floor grills and the pipes and cables running along the ceiling, likely running around the edge of the tower judging by the curve. It isn't completely dark, but the red emergency lamps only illuminate small patches of wall and floor, leaving between them frequent patches of blackness. The shape of the corridor limits visibility as well. You can make out a few coloured stripes running along the length of the interior wall under the lamp across from your door. Of course, given the emergency lighting, they're all just different shades of red at the moment, but they were probably intended as guidance marks. There's no writing on them that you can see with the current light, however, so no telling where any of them lead.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 29, 2009, 16:13

- Well crap... not a dull moment since the landing apparently. Fancy giving us a specialist's opinion on what got the poor sap, doc?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 29, 2009, 16:16

Shioban did not spoke a word. Instead, she crouched by the dead man and tried to open his hand and check what is he holding.

When she finally spoke, her voice has changed. Suddenly it became calm and cold.
'Doc, tell me, what killed him? It does not look like gun wounds.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 29, 2009, 16:18

The man had quite the death-grip, so trying to pull his hand open might take a bit of work. The item he's holding, however, looks like a PDA, or some other similar electronic assistant tool.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 30, 2009, 11:26

"Let me take a closer look at this poor soul...", said Doc, crouching next to the body and examining it.

"Around thirty years old, more or less, male, probably blue-collar guy. Engineer maybe ? These wounds... one on the back, one on the right forearm and both legs...", he demonstrated, "They are probably the result of cutting... Maybe tearing...", Vince bolted a spit, "...by, say, claws or fangs ? See ? They are grouped in four or two... Rather flesh ones. Not much blood, grazes itself aren't accurate enough to result in death. Seems like he died of blood poisoning. Whatever it was, its saliva contained some dangerous toxic shit. You be careful and maintain a safe distance. God save us..."

It seems like Doc felt uneasy noticing the reason of victim's death.

"Toy, are you a prophet or something ? It doesn't look like a cat's clawwork...", he whispered, drawing the blade. Then he slashed the victim's upper palms - flexor muscles, which should result in releasing the PDA.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on September 30, 2009, 13:07

Shioban cursed profoundly, while trying to pry out PDA from dead man's hand, using few tools from her salavaged toolbox. After a while, she managed to get this device out. Only then she turned toward Doc, and responded calmly

'It does not look like cat's paw job, for sure... I wonder what the hell is going out there. Anyway, better keep wary. And have weapons preprepared. '

For a minute, she toyed with PDA.

'Now, that's interesting... she said, showing Hagezi and Doc the screen.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on September 30, 2009, 13:14

In fact, whatever the last option that Shioban selected was, it caused the screen to go blank - only for a small projector on the back of the device to activate, projecting an image onto the floor. Of course, pointing the thing at some relatively flat piece of wall was simple enough, and the image it was showing could be made out.

A map. A very general map, but still better than none.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on September 30, 2009, 13:26

"Large complex. Research Station ? God, the labs are near the hospital and security. This could mean there's something with genetics and weaponry going on. The thing that killed this poor fellow... maybe some >>experiment<<, how do you think ?...", Doc pondered loudly. "What are we going to do now ? Me, I'd try to contact with other towers. Small chance for survivors, but..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on September 30, 2009, 17:40

Hagazi cursed - I'd prefer if it were corporates, really... at least I know where to shoot them. - he sighed then continued - Still, regardless of what's lurking in this place our best chance of getting out alive is fireing up generator and trying to call an rescue party... or at least broadcast some informations about this place before we die. The good thing is that now we have a vauge information on where we should go. I say we go storage tower first - maby they have armory of some kind so that Toy could get someting better than that pea-shooter of hers - and then hit engineering. Oh and one more thing...

Hagazi digged in his pack again then gave each of his companions a small coin-shaped object - F-o-F transponders: put them on a piece of string around the neck, hide them in a pocket, just don't loose them. If we end up breaking line of sight to each other for whatever reason I'd rather have clear image if something appears in front of me in the shadows - is it you or is it something that needs to be filled with lead. Not taking chances with whatever that is, especially if Doc is right about experiments

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 01, 2009, 12:03

Doc picked the transponder. "Thank you. It's going to be useful.", he responded, hiding the contraption inside his chest pocket. "Well, eh, you are right. Toy's not going to do any good without anything solid. And I'm afraid that we'll be lacking ammo very often... Yes, this way seems to be optimal. I just hope that nothing interrupts our plans."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 01, 2009, 13:00

Toy attached transponder to her dog-tags, muttering silent 'Thanks'

For a while, she observed the map, and then shut down the PDA and hid it inside her flakjacket pocket.

'Have you noticed that dig site there?' she asked. 'I am somehow afraid that there something going on here that is way more fucking scary than any experiments can ever be. Maybe they dug have dug something... dormant? I prefer not to know.'

She paused, and reached for her trusty colt.

'Hit storage first, you say. Wrong. It will be locked down, and I doubt that any weapon can be found in warehouses. I'd rather go for generators now, and then tried to reach security. And for God's sake, I'd away from Main Tower. Red blinking dot... Whatever it is, I would mind nuking it from orbit.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 01, 2009, 16:26

There was a loud *slap* sound as Hagazi's hand connected with his faced followed by a long tired sigh from the ex-lieutenant

- You know Siobhan, we just entered a tower with fairly visible communications equipment. And the description on the map of main tower is "Administration and Comms". Which in short means that the *frigging* red dot is *us* - are you really sure you want to nuke yourself? - having said this he shook his head and continued more calmly - Good point on the security tower thing though - we need to pass that tower anyway on route to either Storage or Engineering so if there is an armory there we're likely to see it along the way. Looking at the map it looks like going the corridor south is a shorter route, so I say we go that way.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 02, 2009, 04:18

Shioban shurged.
'It must have been this cold sleep effect' she said. 'It always keep me drowsy for a while. Anyway, it looks like we should go.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 02, 2009, 08:12

Doc chuckled for a while, hearing them arguing. "It certainly is, milady.", he added, grinning.

"Uh... let's move on, then.", he said after a while. "The clock's still ticking. And I'm certain that we can find firearms anywhere, spread in security lockers all around the base. Keep your eyes open.", he advised, reminding himself the chinese fortress invasion he participated in, a looong time ago. They've lost many men because their leader thought that invading civilian facilities will be easy. As a result, only Vince survived the mess.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 02, 2009, 08:14

Chapter 1: Morey Mining and Research Station

With only two directions to go, and with Hagazi on point, you turned left and headed along the main maintenance corridor. The walk was rather uneventful, as the gradually curving passageway did not let you see too far ahead - and all that came into view were more of the same red emergency lamps and the occasional powered-down machine. Possibly the only interesting thing along the way was finding there were labels on the different-coloured stripes running along the "inner" side of the corridor. Different stripes were marked "Civ Access," "Sec Access," "Med Access," and "Main Access." Seeing as you hadn't passed any corridors branching off to the sides yet, there wasn't much difference which one you followed. Other than the echo of your footsteps, there was very little sound to be heard - just the faint chugging of life-support systems and the occasional crackle from one of the lamps.

Then, just as you were getting used to the monotony, you saw something just around the bend - a shape, outlined against the red glow of the emergency lamp. It stood on four legs, and seemed about the size and shape of a large dog, sans tail. Rather than do the decent thing and let you get a good look (or line of fire,) the shape suddenly lowered its head, looking briefly in your direction, then bounded off at speed down a side corridor, the ringing of its steps quickly fading into the distance.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 02, 2009, 08:21

"Oh f...", whispered Van Silharrius, clenching his teeth and tightening the grip on his shotgun. "Have you seen THIS thing ?"
He pulled out the rosary from his pocket, kissed it and tied it on the weapon's barrel.
"He's gonna bring his mommy here. Or older brothers. Do you know, what does it mean ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 02, 2009, 08:25

Shioban smiled faintly and surprisingly calmly whispered 'Hard to miss it. Whatever it was, I am somehow sure that it is the reason of this place being as it is. Anyway, we should move on.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 02, 2009, 08:29

"If we somehow were passing across the Medical Tower, I'd be happy to give a cut to one of those. It's better to know where to aim, is it not ? And, this would enlighten the xenobiology all over the galaxy...", Doc pondered. "Unless, you know, they'll cut us up first."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 02, 2009, 18:36

With Hagazi still on point, you advanced further - carefully, rather than trying to run down whatever the creature was. With the echo of its steps long gone, the corridor had once again returned to the steady humm of life-support and nothing more. Reaching the intersection the creature had used to make its escape, you find it leading straight away from the tower's outer wall and ending some 30 metres further with a door much like the one you'd used to leave the maintenance locker room. It was open, but the area beyond it was as poorly lit as the corridor itself. Half-way down the corridor, marked out clearly by the emergency lights, you can see two ladder wells on opposite sides of the passage.

A quick glance at the stripes on the wall shows that the "Main Access" and "Sec Access" stripes turn down this corridor, with the "Main" continuing on towards the door, while the "Sec" stops at the ladder wells.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 03, 2009, 14:31

- Damn it - Hagazi cursed glancing up - Well, unless someone has a better idea I'm going up. Cover me in cease that thing went this way before us

Obviously he wasn't too happy about the idea.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 03, 2009, 14:42

"Right. Fear not, they don't seem to bite too hard - and we've got antitoxines. I shall cover you."
Saying this, he prepared an injector. Just in case. He attached it to his belt, to be drawn quickly.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 04, 2009, 10:15

Putting her hand on Hagezi shoulder, Shioban stopped him
'Wait, I'll go!' she said. 'You are better armed after all...'

Despite taking this bold action, she was still very calm.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 04, 2009, 10:47

Hagazi moved off the ladder without a word, making room for Shioban. The climb itself was some 9 metres, to the next floor. Reaching it, Shioban found a hatch that should've been covering the ladder well had been left open. The hatch itself was light and didn't have any lock, most likely it was just meant to keep people from falling down the whole length of the tower. Climbing out, she found the 1st floor maintenance corridors were pretty much the same as those below - red emergency lights, the quiet background noise of life support systems, coloured stripes on the walls pointing the way. The ones you already knew as marked as "Sec Access" led further up the ladder well. The door leading to the tower corridors proper on this level was closed - at least in this particular passage.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 04, 2009, 10:55

'Come on no danger here!' Shoban said.

After Hagezi and Doc reached her, without a word she started to climb higher.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 04, 2009, 11:17

Hagazi said nothing but climbed after Siobhan. After getting to where she was he first started to cover Vincent, then after he got up also shifted his attention to the maintenance tunnels while Toy climbed upwards again.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 04, 2009, 11:44

Hastily, Vince climbed up the ladder, then crouched and sweeped the corridor, careful of what he hears. He hoped those beasts aren't that much stealthy and at least a faint sound of slithering may be heard in the right time.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 04, 2009, 13:48

Aside from the steady droninig sound of life-support machinery, there really wasn't anything else to be heard on the 1st floor. If the creature you saw had come up here, it had kept going, or was being exceptionally quiet.

Climbing further, Shioban ran into another hatch, this one closed, but all it took was a light push to get it open. The 2nd floor maintenance tunnel was likewise quiet and rather empty - the only difference being that the stripes leading to Security Access turned off here, leading to the nearby door, though the door itself was closed. It looked rather simple, not a big bulkhead, but a simple sliding door with a handle.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 04, 2009, 13:53

'Clear!'

After Hagezi and Doc reached her, Shioban secured her gun and approached the door and tried to open them.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 04, 2009, 14:18

The door was fitted with an electronic lock, but with main power down, it appeared to be inactive. At any rate, all it took was a light tug on the handle to get the door to slide smoothly out of the way.

The corridor beyond it was quite wide - maybe some 6 metres - and as a result of its width, most of it was shrouded in darkness, only the walls could be made out thanks to the emergency lighting. Directly to the left of the maintenance door the corridor leads off to a rather massive bulkhead door - thankfully, this one is open, and leading further on into what looks like an enclosed bridge. To the right, the corridor leads off, before splitting up in two some few hundred metres further. Here and there, closed doors can be seen, marked out by the red emergency lighting. Granted, most of the floor can't be seen for lack of light, but from what you can see, it looks quite litter-, corpse-, and shadowy shape-free.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 04, 2009, 14:32

"Hell. Flashlight, anyone ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 04, 2009, 14:46

There was a sound of something igniting - Lacking flashlight, a flare will have to do...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 04, 2009, 15:09

The flare cast its bright red light in a circle about 1.5 metres in radius, illuminating the floor and just a fraction of the wall. The floor was rather unremarkable - solid plates, bolted down, without much of... anything really cluttering up the floor. No left-behind belongings, no blood, body parts or whole bodies, no shell cases, bullet marks or scorches. Just a clean, empty and near-silent corridor.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 05, 2009, 14:01

Vince carefully and slowly strolled forward, holding the weapon tightly and glancing around. The rosary was chiming silently, tied on a shotgun's barrel, accompanied by sounds of heavy boots stepping. Doc examined the ceiling, aiming a gun there.
"It's so silent. Much too silent", he drawled.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 05, 2009, 14:27

- I'm starting to get used to that, really... Toy, could you carry that flare while I take the point and doc covers the rear?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 07, 2009, 12:55

Shioban put up the flare from the ground and raised it over her head.

'Well, I'll be on point then... What now, lieutenant?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 07, 2009, 13:49

- Just follow the yellow brick road. Follow the, follow the, follow the yellow brick road... - Hagazi chuckled then became serious then - The stripe brought us to the bridge, so I say we cross it. With any luck on the other side we'll be greeted by another helpfull stripe or just big neon sign labeled "security".

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 07, 2009, 15:49

The flare Shioban was holding sputtered for a moment, dimmed, then flared up, illuminating an area three times as big as before. Maybe the mixture had been poorly made in that one.

The bridge itself was a rather simple affair - metal gratings replacing the smooth panels as far as floor went, no frills, no decorations, just two fluorescent stripes set into the floor roughly in the middle of the corridor: one a navy blue, patterned in arrows pointing in the direction you were going, the other cyan, the arrows on it pointing in the opposite directions. The air definitely seemed colder in here, and a closer investigation of the walls would show they were, for the most part, closed off shutters. You could even hear the wind whistling where the insulation was faulty.

At a cautious pace, it took 5, maybe 10 minutes to reach the other side. Luckily, the bulkhead to the security tower was open as well. The interior of it was far less inviting than that of the main tower, however - aside from the foyer just past the bulkhead, the corridors were more narrow, lower too, and provided with plenty of nooks where a defending security force could take cover. The troubling fact might be that, at least here, there was no sign of a security presence. No bullet marks, laser scoring, scorch marks, corpses... nothing. Maybe it was the peculiar scent hanging in the air, but there seemed something... wrong with the place.

There were stripes on the wall here, more guidance marks. One, marked "Main Access," ended at the bulkhead. Others led away from the bridge and into the poorly-lit corridors of the security tower. They were marked:
-Civ Access
-Engie Access
-Supply Access
-Rail Access
-Elevators

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 08, 2009, 08:30

Doc sniffed, then shuddered, coughing.
"Did you smell it ? Like rotten meat. Dead flesh unburied for too long. God damn it, those things must have been there. Be careful now...", he whispered. "They still can dwell here."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 08, 2009, 11:27

Hagazi sniffed also - Roses it ain't, that's for sure... be on guard, watch out for armory and let's continue - engineering acess strip this time. We'll explore this place later if needed

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 10, 2009, 11:57

'There was something rotten in the state of Denmark, wasn't it?' Shioban giggled. 'Engineer strip indeed, lieutenant. I have no idea of what dwells here, but it definitely seems to avoid light. So, well, we need to make this place as bright as Sun, or even more. Let's get going.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 10, 2009, 12:56

You follow the guide stripe through the tower's corridors. The place isn't exactly a maze, but you still might have trouble without a proper floor plan. For now, however, the guide stripe suffices. Curiously, they all ran in the same direction. The deeper you went into the tower, the more pronounced the smell of rot became - apparently the life support running on back-up power couldn't filter it out well enough.

The strips split up upon reaching a stairwell. The "Elevator" kept going, "Rail" pointed down, the remaining three pointed up. There was something more on and around the stairs, however...

Bodies, and quite a few of them. Here and there, a lightly armoured human, mutilated and already decaying, empty casings, spent magazines and the weapons of the fallen left lying around. Most of the corpses, however, were decidedly not human. The light and conditions weren't exactly favourable for an in-depth examination, but you could at least get some basic observation done.

The creatures seemed about the size of large dogs, though they were a bit more bulky in build once you got a close look at one. Four legs, with broad paws ending in short, though claws. A pronounced muscular tail. A long head. The lot covered in something hard and slightly shiny, perhaps chitin. An overwhelming majority of the creatures fell facing upstairs, and they were thoroughly riddled with bullet wounds - by the look of those, mostly assault rifles, though there were also a few that could've been made by a sidearm, some that seemed blown apart, perhaps from explosive ammunition... and something that was definitely a high-calibre machinegun. The floor along the stairs and around them seems to have been partially... digested by something, or at least the metal plates and faux-stone slabs have lost their smooth surface. It doesn't seem to have affected the structural integrity of the place much, but it's made a mess of the aesthetics. Or at least finished off what aesthetics the gun battle marks and corpses had left behind.

At any rate, the trail for corpses - mostly the odd creatures, with the occasional human... bits... mixed in - seems to come from the lower levels and run further upstairs. As luck would have it, that's where the "Engineering" stripe went as well...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 11, 2009, 12:59

Shioban gave the battlefield a quick look.

'Quite a mess' she ascertained. 'And...' she crouched next to one of the corpses and picked up something...

*ka-click*'...yes, finally, a rifle. I would not feel complete without it. Haikatsu mark II, I'd say, by the look of it.

Shioban unloaded her new weapon and cheked how many bullets are left in magazine. Then, with a sigh, she begun to dig among the corpses, looking for any ammo left behind. After a while, she emerged, holding a single clip and swearing heavily.

'What the heck they were dipped in? Burns like acid.' she mumbled, reaching for canteen and pouring water on her hands.

'Okay, it's fine now. Lieutanent, as far as I remember, your assault rifle uses same ammo as this junk. Could you lend me a spare clip?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 11, 2009, 15:20

Hagazi looked as if he eaten something sour for a moment, but pulled out two magazines - one featuring a red stripe at the bottom, the other white.

- Magazines. They're magazines not clips. Anyway these will have to do - the red-striped one holds AP rounds, white has regular ones. Hopefully trat will suffice until we find proper armory. Doc, you want to check out the corpses, or do we move along?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 12, 2009, 09:11

"Yup. Give me a while.", he said, already crouching between the man's body and an alien's dead flesh. He pulled out environmental gloves and strapped them on, then, holding tightly his shotgun with right hand, he carefully examined both victims.

"This thing can have some dangerous chemicals inside.", he explained and moved forward to an expertise.

"That beast doesn't remind me any animal I've seen before. Strong muscles concentrated on its legs - probably can run very fast and has a tight grip or a sharp blow. Its blood is alkaline or acidous, I'm not sure, at least it burns as hell. A light chitin armor, but our bullets are just enough to punch through. Aim for the head, it seems like a cephalid - this is where the brain's probably located - inside the skull. Doesn't bite too hard, but its claws... do you remember that poor worker ? Don't let them jab you or you'll get poisoned to death in no time...
That's all. I'd tell more if you let me make a section in some clean, equipped lab.", he said after a while of pondering and observation, then he stood up and put off his gloves, putting them behind his belt.
"Everything alright, Toy ? Need treatment maybe ?", Doc asked, glancing at her hands.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 12, 2009, 12:17

'Treatment?' she replied, grinning. 'You made me amused. Anyway, I am fine... Thanks for the intentions, though.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 12, 2009, 12:53

"And next time... Don't pour acid with water, unless you want it spilling around everywhere. Thank God that it didn't react... If it's an acid, of course."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 16, 2009, 16:29

- Well, if we're done here then let's press onwards - and let's hope we don't have to give Doc a chance for proper autopsy.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 17, 2009, 03:16

"Well said, man. Let's just keep moving."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 17, 2009, 17:41

Climbing up the stairs meant taking care not to step in any of the aliens sprawled out on the steps in various stages of dead. Reaching the top of this flight you find another bigger pile of alien bodies, brought low by more suppressing fire. There's even more corpses scattered around on the length of floor between your flight of stairs and the next, though this time, you can just make out five human bodies laying in tatters at the foot of the next stair. One of them stands out in particular, mostly due to the much heavier armour on him that seemed to keep him from having his bits strewn about the place - though apparently not from getting killed. There were quite a few more bullet casings all over as well, compared to the previous floor.

The trail of dead aliens continues up the stairs, as did the stripe indicating "Civ Access." Engineering and Storage, however, turned off at this level, heading in different directions from the stairwell.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 18, 2009, 14:07

Shioban shrugged. 'Quite an obvious indication that we should not follow 'Civ Access', don't you think? Let us restore the power to this very cosy place, and wait for SAR team. Or orbital bombardment... or whatever.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 18, 2009, 14:17

Hagazi takes a passing look at the heavy armor one of the corpses is wearing - Once we fire the reactor here and hit the armory on the way back I think I'll need to take a look for something like that - looks like it kept the man alive for a while. Anyway no time for idling, let's go on.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 18, 2009, 14:19

"Uh-huh. I have a bad feeling of this, too. There is a good shitload of them lying broken and quite a few survivors if beasts managed to kill every one of these men.", pointed out the Doc, looking at human flesh torn apart nearby.
"This means the plague is spreading very fast. We've got to hurry up or we'll drown under the bodies of those... things. Unless we somehow paralyze their growth, our chances for survival are scarce. And we would need at least few tons of ammo to do anything like that... No time to waste, keep moving. Engineering bay, aye ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 18, 2009, 14:24

'Paralyse growth? Stop plague? Doc, I thought you were reasonable... What we need to do, is to get the fuck out of here, faster is better. And when we are out, we can give this God-dammed place a nuclear bombardment. I know no plague it can't cure.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 21, 2009, 15:56

Heading away from the stairwells, the scenery once more became far less interesting, just the occasional closed office door among the narrow corridors. There wasn't any sign of fighting, but the floor plates seemed scarred with lots of tiny dents in them, perhaps claw marks or something of the sort. Whether they actually were claw marks or not, though, the march through the tower passed uneventfully, and soon you found yourself crossing over the skybridge to the Engineering tower. While otherwise structurally sound, the floor here bore many more of those claw marks you'd seen along the way.

Once inside the Engineering Tower, it was a simple matter to find more guide stripes, pointing the way to the Storage Tower, the Security Tower (from which you just came) and this tower's elevators. The tower itself seemed far less intended for human habitation - the corridors were cramped, with barely enough room to stand, and lined with cables and pipes. It was also very, very silent.

Moving on, you eventually find your way to the tower's stairwells, thankfully free of bodies. Climbing down, you eventually reach the lowest level of the tower, in itself actually set two levels below ground. There was little of interest here, in fact most of the level was a massive support network for the generators proper located above, but this was the most immediate accessway to the generators' inner workings. It was, therefore, a cause for some concern when you came upon the rather heavy door that should've sealed the way inside, and found it partially decayed, partially torn open, and most certainly not sealing anything any more.

On the bright side, there were no leaks, loose wires, pools of liquid or clouds of gas that might indicate the generators themselves were seriously damaged.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 23, 2009, 14:45

"Seems like we are at luck. Does anybody have any ideas how to make that thing move ?", asked Doc, sweeping the room carefully and looking for any terminal.

"Weird. It seems like nobody mantained it. No bodies around at all..."

Click. The shotgun is loaded.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 24, 2009, 09:12

The room was little more than a foyer - just the stairs and a few ceiling support struts. What little you can make out through the destroyed door and the poor lighting suggests that any items of interest, if any, are to be found further in. Of course, there is the door control console, but with main power off and the door being as it is...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 24, 2009, 14:44

- So, any volunteers or do I go in?.. Eh, scratch that, I'll go in anyway -cover me. - Hagazi readied his weapon and started to slowly cross the door.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 24, 2009, 15:01

Doc just sneaked after Hagezi, covering him with fire if a need arose.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 24, 2009, 15:16

Before Hagezi managed to enter the power plant, Shioban raised her hand, stopping him.
'Why so bold, lieutenant? she asked.'I don't think that you have any experience with such thing, do you? I, however, do know something about engineering. Anyway... I strongly advise making a plan before turning this lights on... for it will be like big neon sign 'food is here' for whatever lurks here.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 24, 2009, 15:19

- Alright, I'm listening - what are your suggestions for "after the lights go on" plan? - Hagazi stopped - Oh, and for the record I didn't intend to touch the generator myself - I was just going to see if it's safe through the door, and for that I'm still best equipped of us all - he grinned.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 24, 2009, 15:35

"You know, I wonder if there was any automatized defense system that would utilize the most of threat for us. But that's just a free thought. Stupid one, for something has taken us down, aye ? What is the plan you have ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 24, 2009, 16:05

The room beyond the smashed door seemed to be a monitoring and maintenance station for the generators. A number of monitors lined one wall, drawing off the emergency power grid to provide a status of the reactors above. The information was quite clear - offline, but structurally intact. There was just the one with a slightly redder message than the others, stating that several feeder and exhaust pipelines have suffered breaches or disconnections. If the readout was to be believed, the malfunctions all occured on this level and there should be no need to enter too deep into the reactor chamber.

Opposite to the door you entered through was a second door - quite frankly, its condition was as sorry as the one you just crossed, with several chunks of it littering the floor. And the floor itself was literally covered in small clawmarks.

Opposite to the monitors, meanwhile, was a rack of one-size-fits-all hazmat/radiation suits, with room for 15, though presently there were five missing. One was in fact lying in a corner, mostly, with a man inside. Judging by the faint smell of decay, this one had died some time after the battle in the security tower. The suit had apparently proved to be poor armour, as it and its wearer were quite severely mauled and ripped up. A handgun was still clutched in the man's hand.

The last feature was a clearly marked spare part and tool storage compartment, right next to the dead man.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 25, 2009, 13:27

Not proceeding any further, Shioban put down her sack and sat next to it. For a second, she searched for something inside.

Thing proved to be... simple, wooden pipe and a bag of tobacco.

'Okay' she said, lighting the tobacco. 'Now, it's the time for planning. To be honest, we are stuck here for good. Maybe, there is one of this high-tech distress beacons with jump drive here somewhere. Maybe there is some kind of ship, which can be used for escape. Maybe... But we need to know where to go before we will fire this thing up.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on October 25, 2009, 13:44

- Toy, reality check. We don't have the resources or the information to survive here without power. The doors are closed and I have two breaching charges left total. Also we have only the very basic information right now, and we won't get any better knowledge of the base and what we can do by staring at the basic holo-map in the darkness. Not to mention that with our luck these... things... whatever they are better at seeing at night then we are. Yes, turnign the power on is risky, but without it we're just extending the agony. And the only plan we can come up with what we know at the moment is "find the armory then proceed to find an information terminal or long-range device"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 25, 2009, 14:09

"God curse this all. Our hesitation will not change the damn thing. If we must die, let us die quickly, aye ? Are you afraid ?

And yes, Hagezi, these things have to mainly depend on smelling - their eyes are strongly reduced, like dogs' or moles'. The light is only an advantage for us. Unless, of course, you've got night vision googles, then okay, I'll shut up and be killed like a man.", said Doc shortly. He did not talk much, because he was more paying attention to examination of their surroundings than the discussion.

If anyone paid attention, it can be seen that Doc prays silently doing so.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on October 30, 2009, 14:21

Shioban finished smoking, and laid down on the floor.
'Doc... see if you can turn the lights on instead of being afraid, please she said, smiling. Then, she closed her eyes, apparently trying to take a nap. Before, however, she turned her head towards Hagezi.
'Lieutenant? Take first watch, please. Nothing is going to happen now, after all.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on October 31, 2009, 13:48

The doctor went to work, having been volunteered this time to fix the generator. The interior of the maintenance section was quite a mess - all the support pillars bore deep claw marks, and in places the marks had gone deep enough to actually damage vital systems. The four other hazmat suits were also there, still on their owners, or what was left of them, dead in the pattern seen recurring throughout the colony.

It took an hour to identify all the damaged components and retrieve replacements and necessary tools from the storage compartment in the control room - it would have gone quicker were one person not left to stand guard and the other sleeping blissfully. It took a further two hours to install the replacements. Still, though the task was complicated and outside the actual expertise of the person performing it, it was eventually successful. The monitors finally all showed systems in the green. All it took was the flick of a switch...

*click*

For a moment you thought the tower was going to shake itself to bits from the intense vibrations set off by the reactors overhead starting up. The whole room seemed to be rumbling, which precluded any sleep for the time being. After a few seconds the rumbling subsided, though a powerful vibration was still clearly felt through the structure of the tower, before finally the generators kicked off properly, settling into a nice, even humm that quickly settled into the background noise.

For a moment, you felt a sharp pain in your heads, as if brought about by a high-pitched scream, though you couldn't hear anything beyond the generators at work. Whatever it was, it left a persistant ringing in your ear before fading after a few seconds. Then all was calm again.

In the control room, in the maintenance areas beyond and the stairwells behind, lights began to flicker back to life, shedding their bright white light on the scene, the large patches of blood on the floor grating and the claw marks covering the place. But hey, at least you could finally see where you were. Even the door panels flickered back to life, immediately displaying their error messages as the doors next to them were little more than twisted chunks of metal now.

Chapter 2: Lights are on, but nobody's home.
Time since arrival: 7 hours

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on October 31, 2009, 15:29

When everything calmed down a bit, Doc left the main control room, staggering and coughing. He walked closer to the other two folks, removing the anti-radiation suit at the time. It fell to the ground with a soft and wet flapping sound.

"My ears... ! Blast, it is the last time I am fooling with this kind of stuff. Thank Merciful Lord for that >>Complete Idiot's Guide to Maintaining a Generator<< I picked years ago...", he whispered loudly to himself, crossing the door blown up, but the sound drowned it all. A shotgun was clutched in his right hand, a rosary on weapon's barrel chiming silently.

The old man seemed very tired and slightly stunned by roaring machinery. He looked towards Hagezi, then moved his tired, bloodshot eyes towards Shioban, smiling faintly.

"Task done, lights were hit, let the show begin... I must admit, I am quite suprised that you actually could sleep with that poor guy around, miss...", he stated, pointing at the technician's broken body in the corner somewhere near them.
"There were more of these poor souls torn apart inside the generator chamber. We must remain as cautious as we may... Eh. You know, walls and pillars also carried deep marks of claws. Seems like there was something bigger and meaner than those little freaks we were spotting occasionally... What is more, even those bigger ones are able to move freely around ventilation systems.", uttered Vince. After pondering for a while, he loaded his favourite weapon with solid slugs instead of regular shotgun shells. There was a pleasant click or a few.
"I would be happy if I could catch some breath, but don't let my weak flesh stop us."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 02, 2009, 14:15

'How could have I slept next to this poor fellow, you ask, Doc? You've never been holding an outpost that was constantly under a barrage so heavy that you simply could not bury you squad members when they got unlucky, I suppose ' replied Shioban yawning.

'Thanks for turning the lights on, by the way. Now, we will be able to see what killed us, at least. Anyway, for now, all that I want is a ration bar... I take that you don't have one, don't you?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 02, 2009, 15:20

"Your outpost was under heavy artillery fire, but you still had time to have some sleep... I suppose you've lost it, don't ya ?", grinned Doc. "Food. Ask him, for I have none.", he added, nodding at the technician. "I am pretty sure that the guy had some lunchbox around here before he became one himself. Must be enough before we get to find any food storage..."

He yawned and sat by the wall. He was not that tired to fall over yet, only around eight hours have passed since he left his cryo-pod.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 02, 2009, 15:29

Shioban shared the smile. 'I was exaggerating a bit... a lot, actually. Solider tales... Anyway, there was some outpost, some sleeping with the dead and some artillery fire, that's for sure. Anyway, you just grow accustomed to rotting corpses over a time...

'Lunchbox, you say? Let me see.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 03, 2009, 10:31

- Sorry, only one ration on me, and not even sure if it's stil eadible. - Hagazi replied - Shame nobody thought of taking the MREs from the broken shuttle - hopefully we'll find some other food here. As for taking a bit of rest - admittably it might be a good idea, though if none of you will object I myself wouldn't mind backtracking to security and finding an armory of some sort - that way we'll at least have additional resources at hand should one of that things find us while we rest.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 04, 2009, 15:28

As you stood and discussed the matter of finding food, another sound could be heard, just barely, over the constant humm of the generators. A faint clicking of something hard on metal, and quite a lot of these sounds, coming from the stairwells in the entrance area. All the clicking finally culminated in a loud clang as something resembling a big dog leapt from a stairwell and landed on the floor. It stood on four legs, keeping low to the ground, with a long, sinuous tail lashing about. The long head mounted on a short neck whipped suddenly in direction of the door, as three more of the creatures arrived down the stairs, and more could still be heard coming. They seemed tense, perhaps even a bit erratic in their movements as they milled around, turning in your direction...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Presently, Malek has initiative, having had (I assume) enough time to turn to the noise and see what was going on, and react accordingly. Further initiative will be determined afterwards.

This, such as it is, is the current engagement map. Hopefully the important bits are clear enough... where you are and where baddies are. For game purposes, one field = 1.5 metres.

Code: [Select]

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#..##>a..a>##..#
#..#..a...a.#..#
#..............#
#..#........#..#
#..............#
#######//#######
#..............#
#.......M......#
#..............#
#..............#
#....S.........#
#..G..........%#
#######//#######
#..............#
#....#....#....#

For reference, monitors are on < this wall.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 05, 2009, 12:15

- Hostiles! - A quick shout came from Hagazi followed shortly by sound of single round beeing fired from his rifle. The bullet hit the creature in the shoulder with enough force to make it fall to the ground, but it wasn't enough to kill it and the... thing... quickly started to get up. Hagazi wisely moved back from the door.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 05, 2009, 12:43

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current initiative order:
1. Malek (25)
2. Gargulec (22) (-8 temp for next round)
3. Silhar (19)
4. Aliens (9)

You have Silhar to thank for his tactics skill and such high initiative results. As M's already taken his turn, it's now G's turn. Also, as I cannot use colour in code tags... I think I'll switch to numbers for representing enemies, if only to more easily keep track of which was which. M hit #3. S, if you'd be so kind to somehow work the use of tactics into your post... :P

Code: [Select]

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#..##>1..2>##..#
#..#..3...4.#..#
#..............#
#..#........#..#
#..............#
#######//#######
#..............#
#..............#
#..............#
#..............#
#....S.........#
#..G....M.....%#
#######//#######
#..............#
#....#....#....#

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 05, 2009, 13:00

'Oh, really!?' shouted Shioban, pulling up her rifle and quickly shooting twice at the closest hostile head.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 05, 2009, 13:20

The first shot hit the creature, causing it to rear up on its hind legs, before a secound struck it full-on in the chest and sent it sprawling to the ground with a shriek so high-pitched it was only barely within your hearing range and made your ears ring painfully afterwards.

It did not try to get back up.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

G is using a custom type of attack, allowing for a second shot with greater accuracy, but considerably reducing initiative the following turn.

Code: [Select]

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#..##>1..2>##..#
#..#..3...%.#..#
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#..#........#..#
#..............#
#######//#######
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#..............#
#..............#
#..............#
#....S.........#
#..G....M.....%#
#######//#######
#..............#
#....#....#....#

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 05, 2009, 14:58

"Squad, stick together, fall back to the doorway and keep firing for God's sake ! Go for heads !", screamed the Doc standing up to the crouch, slowly leaning backwards and aiming his shotgun at a random beast in his line of sight. There was a silent beep of a security system reading the old man's fingerprint, a loud crack and a silent chime of rosary on a shotgun's barrel.

"Ooh, beware, those flumps are hard to bite...", the professor drawled, pulling the trigger and then pumping forcefully as beasts were closing in. An empty shell hit the ground with a silent toll. The first, the second, even more...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 06, 2009, 15:18

The alien was hit by the slug, hard enough in fact to make it slam against the wall behind it. Despite the large wound, however, it got back to its feet, as did the one wounded by Hagazi. As the two wounded aliens began creeping forward, the one that remained unscathed raised its head and shrieked. Or at least it opened its mouth - the sound it made was such a high frequency you could barely hear it, and it physically made your ears hurt, leaving a ringing in your ears. What's more, a few more such shrieks echoed up from up the stairwells. The alien leapt forward, clearing the entrance area and already bracing for another leap by the door, while behind it loud clanging noises signalled the arrival of more of the creatures.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current initiative:
1. Malek (25)
2. Silhar (19/17 temp)
3. Gargulec (22/14 temp)
4. Aliens (9)

Code: [Select]

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#..#56...8%9#..#
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#..#..3..2..#..#
#.....1........#
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#..G.S..M.....%#
#######//#######
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Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 07, 2009, 11:36

- To hell with this... - Hagazi muttered seeing more creatures coming in and moved his hand to grenade launcher trigger, taking a good aim...

- Frag out! - a small package of death flew out towards one of the wounded aliens and hit it squarely causing thundering explosion. When dust started to settle two creatures were no more - the rest remained, albeith thrown to ground and stunned.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 07, 2009, 11:38

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Map:

Code: [Select]

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#..##>4..7>##..#
#..#56...8%9#..#
#..............#
#..#..%..%..#..#
#.....1........#
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#..............#
#..............#
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#..G.S..M.....%#
#######//#######
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Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 09, 2009, 14:34

The Doc pumped another bullet and sidestepped, seeking another alien bastard. Seeing the one stunned by Hagezi's grenade, he aimed and fired without any hesitation.
"Back to the other room ! There are too many of them !", he shouted, but his voice was drowned by a loud crack.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 10, 2009, 11:50

The slug whistled past the alien, but unfortunately missed by hair's breadth and instead tore out a chunk of the floor by the creature's head.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Map:

Code: [Select]

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#..##>4..7>##..#
#..#56...8%9#..#
#..............#
#..#..%..%..#..#
#.....1........#
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#..............#
#..............#
#..............#
#..............#
#..G...SM.....%#
#######//#######
#..............#
#....#....#....#

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 12, 2009, 14:24

Shiban again squished the trigger twice, aiming at one of the aliens befallen by Hagezi grenade. Shots, however passed by the creature head and glanced harmlessly off the steel floor.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 12, 2009, 15:14

The creatures seem to recover from the confusion brought on by the grenade going off in their midst and get back upright, looking none too pleased, if the hissing and screeches that make your ears ring are to be any indication. Not wasting any time, the whole pack dashes forward, leaping over the wreckage of the door and bearing down on you. The lead creature pounces towards Hagazi, rearing up on its hind legs, aiming to pummel him with its claws to make up for the pain he'd inflicted on it and its kin just now...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current initiative:
1. Malek (25)
2. Silhar (19/17 temp)
3. Gargulec (22/14 temp)
4. Aliens (9)

No attacks yet, as the aliens used up all their actions for movement. Lucky you...
As a final note, Alien #1 is presently within personal range of Malek, i.e. is occupying the same space. Watch your fire.

Current map, extended to show reactor maintenance area

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Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 13, 2009, 13:53

- Bloody persistant... - Hagazi took four quick steps backwards while fireing a prolonged burst at the creature trying to claw his face off. Soon there was one less alien in the area.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 13, 2009, 15:43

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

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Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 14, 2009, 04:25

"...and this is the reward for your persistence, scum !", whispered Vince and fired again, not bothering with further aiming and stepping back.
Unfortunately, the recoil just made the Doc fly and bullet punched the ceiling instead.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 14, 2009, 05:34

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

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Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 14, 2009, 14:40

Seeing no hope for survival on her current position, Shioban dashed towards the doors and hid behind a wall. Then, she aimed at closes alien.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 16, 2009, 11:06

The area beyond the door is a sort of low artificial cavern, with metal grating set into the floors and support pillars spread out evenly throughout the chamber, each leading a tangle of pipes, cables, wires and the like from the floor to the ceiling. There were old claw marks all over the place, except on the plainly visible recently replaced elements.

Apparently emboldened by the show of poor aim, the creatures surge forward through the door. One peels of sharply to the right, leaping at Shioban and slashing at her with its claws, though she ducks out of the way of the blow with ease. Two more leap at Victor and Hagazi, rearing up to strike at them, while the remaining three head off to the left, circling around the large support pylon on your right. While two of them seem to circle around closely, coming up behind you, the last one keeps on heading inward, heading straight for one of the supports bearing the cables, wires, pipes etc.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Map:

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#8 is sharing a space with G, #6 with S, and #9 with M.

Current initiative:
1. Malek (25)
2. Gargulec (22/20 temp)
2. Silhar (19/17 temp)
4. Aliens (9)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 17, 2009, 14:09

- What the... - Hagazi ducked the alien close to him and watched as others tried to avoid him and Doc. Not thinking too much he let a long burst at them.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 17, 2009, 15:02

The alien was in mid-leap at the conduit-carrying support when the burst of automatic fire cut into it. The creature still hit the pillar, but with all the grace of a damp rag doll, and then slid down to the floor in a graceless heap. The second alien bolted back as the rest of the fire raked the floor in front of it.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Map:

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#8 is sharing a space with G, and #6 with S. And autofire sucks in just about every realistic setting if you're worried about your kill to bullet ratio.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 17, 2009, 15:28

Gracefully dodging an alien slash, Shioban pulled a trigger for second, firing a short burst at closest alien, lacerating him dead. Then, she aimed at the very same alien that was shot by Hagezi.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 18, 2009, 11:22

Doc almost fell over leaping backwards as creature charged towards him, its fangs clicking just before the medic's face.
"Get off !", he gnarled, pulling the trigger. There was a loud crack followed by a painful roar. Almost at the same time the soldier dashed, desperately trying to leave the alien scum behind.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 18, 2009, 13:17

The alien that had been attacking Victor lunged forward as he darted away, jerking back briefly as the shot rang out, then collapsing in a heap on the floor, in a quickly growing pool of its own blue-ish blood. The remaining creatures seemed a bit stunned and confused, but got over it quickly and darted off in three separate directions. One leapt at Shioban, though she once more managed to get out of the way of an alien's claws. A second one charged at Hagazi, and the lieutenant wasn't quite as nimble in getting out of the way, with the alien's claws scraping across his armour, leaving it scratched but mostly intact, though the claws caught Hagazi's arm on the end of the slash, leaving a shallow wound. And the third alien... well, that one leapt at the same support pillar the previous one shot down by Hagazi had been going for, latching onto it firmly and tearing into it with its claws, succeeding in ripping off a service panel.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current Map:

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M is sharing space with #4, G with #9. M also received 2 End damage from the attack.

Initiative
1. Malek (25/23 temp)
2. Gargulec (22/20 temp)
2. Silhar (19/16 temp)
4. Aliens (9)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 20, 2009, 12:26

Hagazi gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the alien attacking him as he yet again and concentrated other one - for whatever reason the creature started clawing at pillar rather then trying to chew their faces off probably was going to be bigger problem than a wound or two. Quick burst remedied the problem and left only two aliens in the room.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 20, 2009, 12:39

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

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G is sharing space with #9.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 21, 2009, 16:04

Shioban managed to dodge again, albeit much less gracefully than previously. She made step backwards, and fired short burst at the alien, but loosing balance after the alien tried to eviscerate her, she only managed to score few deep grazes on the creature.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 21, 2009, 16:45

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

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Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 22, 2009, 06:32

Hearing bullets ricocheting from the ceiling and walls behind the pillar, Doc quickly sidestepped it stepping over another dead freak and fired his last round at the alien trying to tear Shioban apart.
"Deliver us from evil !", he taunted, pulling the trigger. Blue-ish sanguis stained the wall as the slug, led by Lord's hand, pierced the abomination.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 22, 2009, 10:37

Vincent's shot definitively finished off the alien, but his shouting had apparently caught the attention of the last remaining creature. It lots interest in Hagazi and leapt towards the doctor instead, raking him with its claws as soon as it was in range. Vincen't flak jacket didn't prove to be much protection, and the attack left some deep wounds.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Current initiative:
1. Malek (25)
2. Gargulec (22/20 temp)
2. Silhar (19/16 temp)
4. Aliens (9)

Last alien is currently in Silhar's space.

Current Map:

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Silhar has received 6 End damage, bringing him down to... 1 Endurance.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on November 25, 2009, 11:10

Victor heard a cracking sound and felt a rush of air, as a bullet passed near his ear and hit the alien clawing at him, killing the creature.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 25, 2009, 11:59

The room fell into silence again, save for the steady background humm of the generators overhead. Some of the fallen aliens still twitched, but they looked to be in no shape to get back up again, ever. The panel one alien had torn off from the support pillar was just that, a panel, thankfully nothing vital seemed to be damaged.

The bit of exercise has helped you work up an appetite, however. You're starting to realise it's been some 8 hours since your arrival on the planet and you haven't had a thing to eat since then. Not to mention any skipped meals before cryosleep...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 25, 2009, 12:29

"Oh man, thank you", gasped the Doc, coughing and grasping his bleeding chest. "That thing would rip my guts away."
He pulled a medpack out of his bag and tried to treat this nasty wound of his, detoxicating and swathing it.
"Now, that's gonna leave a mark.", he coughed again.
"Is everyone ok ? These freakish bastards, as you can see, can wound very nastily. Anyone in need for a treatment ?", he asked, glancing at his fellow men.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

When all the treatments were finished, Vince took his shotgun and loaded it with regular shells. He also unattached a frag granade from his vest and loaded a grenade launcher.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 26, 2009, 14:51

Shiban halted Doc, when he tried to attend her. 'No need, Doc. I'm fine' she muttered, along with giving him pitiful look. Better take care of yourself, for those slashes of yours do not look like scratches for sure.

Then, she emptied the magazine of her rifle, cleaned it, and loaded with new, fresh magazine. Eight leftover rounds were put in piece of cloth and safely placed in her backpack.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on November 26, 2009, 17:40

The injury treatment went well enough, and all the wounds were dressed properly - that's all that can be said here, really.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 27, 2009, 09:15

"Luckily, no blood poisoning.", admitted Vince with a cough, putting on his torn jacket, now nastily stained with blood of both colors.
"So much meat in one place makes me feel hungry. How about... a snack ?", he asked, looking around with a faint smile.
Sick and unsettling enough, the Doc was completely calm in spite of latest possibility of painful death. At least he looked so on a first glance.
Breathe, Vic, breathe...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on November 27, 2009, 13:41

Kicking one of the alien carcasses, Shioban muttered. 'A snack? Well, why no. Maybe a rare alien steak?

For a second, she considered what she said and admired the deep burns in the floor.

'Okay, 'rare' is not good idea.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on November 27, 2009, 13:57

"You would never forget that taste, I suppose.", sneered Vince.
"If we returned to that shipwreck outside..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 01, 2009, 12:09

- Too far away. - Hagazi shook his head - This tower is adjacent to storage, there should be some food storage there. After that we should probably take some rest, as much as it is possible in this place - we can either arrange something in storage once we get there, or we could push on a bit longer and find ourselves armory in security as I suggested earlier and bunker there. If not, I say we should search for it after resting - while more armor might not be enough to ward us from these creatures completly, you two definetly need more protection...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 01, 2009, 12:47

Commonwealth Marine pointed at herself
'Sorry, sir, but I highly doubt that you will find any armour that will fit on somebody as big as me...'

She paused for a second, sighed and muttered 'Anyway, let's get going, sir. It's about time'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 01, 2009, 12:51

"Agreed. I am a medic, not a heavy support dude. My flak jacket works well enough, thanks. Yet, we may get in there just to have some ammo. I suppose we'll be lacking it regularily... Anyway. Keep moving and keep your eyes open."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on December 05, 2009, 12:33

As you left the reactor maintenance corridors and the control room behind, you couldn't help but feel uneasy about leaving the place so open, following the skirmish with the strange creatures. However, with no way at the moment to repair the destroyed doors, such concerns would have to be put off until later. The ascent to the ground level of the tower went without incident. Outside, save for the steady background noise of the generators, all was quiet. However, shortly afterwards, the Public Announcement system came to life with the universal jingle that preceded announcements...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 05, 2009, 13:25

A weak, terrified voice broadcast from the speakers. "He..e..ello. Um...m.... I noticed you guys on the cameras....Would you, would you, pleeeeease come and save me? Please help! I'm stuck in the monitor room. I'm not sure who you are, but whatever you want from this place, I think I can help. I know a bit about the place, since I work here... Talk to me, please...I can hear what you say to the microphones in the PA system"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 05, 2009, 13:28

Shioban nearly jumped hearing the voice from speakers.

'What the hell?

She looked towards Hagezi.

'It appears, that we have a survivor here, lieutenant' she said, after she calmed a bit.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 05, 2009, 13:54

Hagazi just stood there looking a the speakers, trying to wrap his mind around what just happened. Finally he moved up to the microphone

- First of all, calm down. Second - who are you. Lastly: where the bloody hell is the "monitor room" you speak of?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 06, 2009, 09:05

There was a pause...then the voice returned, a bit more calm.

"I'm Bob Johnson...I work as a research assistant here. Help out the science types here by doing their grunt work: y'know, carrying their stuff around, fixing little jams, and such. The monitor room I'm stuck in is in the Main Tower on the 5th floor. So...who are you guys, anyways? Should I be afraid of you? I don't even know why you're here!."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 06, 2009, 09:08

Shioban sighed with irritation.

'Great. A civilian. Not only he will be no help for us, but also we will have to risk our asses to help him if anything will try to scratch him or something.

She paused for a second, rolling her eyes.

'So, our new destination is Floor Five, right?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 06, 2009, 09:16

"Civilian or not, he is our only chance to get outta here safely. If we are lucky, he will be able to pilot some spacecraft...", Doc pointed out, sweeping the corridor.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 06, 2009, 09:22

- At least in the long run... we still need to go through Security tower regardless so restocking there is still an option. We could still go our original path - that is Storage for food, Security for ammunition and assorted stuff, but... wait a moment - Hagazi paused his reply to Shioban and turned back to microphone

- To answer your question we crashed here - not quite sure of details, we woke up after the crash. Could you describe your status in more detail please? Are you hurt? How secure is the are you're in? What can or cannot you can do from your monitoring room? We've been running blind so far, and to be honest your sudden appearance did make our previous ideas for route more complicated.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 06, 2009, 10:01

"Well I've locked myself in here and haven't seen any of those beasts since, so I think the place is well sealed, but you never know for sure until you're wrong. I wouldn't mind help quickly, in case there was really was a breach I don't know about. The monitoring room right now lets me look through the cameras and listen to the comm lines around the place, but only a few at a time. And speak through the PA system, but that's obvious.

If you guys really did crash here, I could probably help. My security clearance allows me to access some of the locked areas, assuming the thing still functions. I'm also pretty handy with a fusion cutter and a few other tools that I've got here with me. And although it probably doesn't compare to your skills, I can fire a pistol if you have any spares, so I won't be a totally helpless body. I'm not a licensed pilot though, but if there's no one else, I could try my best. Years ago my brother let me fly his ship a few times and I never crashed.

I hope you guys have some food with you when you arrive...I've been starving in this place for the past three days..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 06, 2009, 11:08

"Uh-oh. Any ideas for a fridge around here ?", asked Doc, following the others through the corridor.
"And a pistol... Well, visiting an armory seems necessary, now."

"Bob, listen up. We have no clue about what the hell happened here, so we'd be grateful if you told us your tale. Where are those freaks coming from ? What kind of facility is this ? We have seen a map... You've got labs in military and medical section, right ? What kind of research was done there ? Did you see any other survivors ?..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 06, 2009, 11:21

- Doc, I think his tale might wait until we get face-to-face. For the time beeing I say we concentrate on getting to that part - which means going throgh the storage to the main tower, with only a stop to scrounge something eadible on the way there. Once we get to mister Johnson and find a secure place we can rest, listen to his story and plan what to do next all at once.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 06, 2009, 11:27

'Hey, less talking and debating, more moving, okay? Shioban said. 'Longer we stay here, bigger the chance of being eaten by aliens gets. Lieutenant is right, we will have time to talk, when we reach this civilian. So? I'll take the point.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 06, 2009, 11:31

"Right, dammit, just keep moving.", sneered Doc, shaking his head.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 06, 2009, 11:34

'Oh, come on, Doc, it really wont hurt you fragile legs if you move them a bit more' Shioban smirked in response.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 06, 2009, 11:38

"With those fragile legs I was booting lazy morons down their trenches when you were a...

The Professor smiled.

"...say, lazy moron sleeping during the siege ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 06, 2009, 11:44

'You crushed my ego, Doc. But hey, since Chinese soldiers once scared the shit out of you when you saw their figurines on tactical map, while grunts like me was doing the shooting, I think that you could not kick anybody in vicinity of the front line, since you were too scared. So my ego remain intact.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 06, 2009, 12:04

"What ever ya say, sleepless one."
This time, Doc was grinning.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 06, 2009, 12:09

Shioban spat angrily, but spoke no more.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 06, 2009, 12:11

"Hey, where are you headed?" the disembodied voice once again came through the speakers. "I could look at the cameras along where you're going to give you some idea about what's ahead. But remember, they don't show everything."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on December 06, 2009, 12:20

You made your way back to the tower's main stairwell, opting for it over the elevators, and eventually made your way up to the floor where the connector bridge to Storage was. With some guidance from your new contact, you were able to avoid or wait out the occasional small pack of the alien creatures roaming erratically around the facility, as well as get around any locked down doors.

Of course, once you reached the storage tower, a slightly different problem arose. Namely, while the tower was essentially a huge warehouse, it didn't have a big glowing arrow saying "food here." Just letters and numbers marking out specific sections, but not giving any hints at the contents. And there was the problem of the section doors being locked down, with the PDA in your possession not having the necessary clearance to open them.

At least the tower seemed quiet and safe enough...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 06, 2009, 12:24

- Just splendid... Let's see if our disembodied voice can help us here - Hagazi looked around in hopes of finding PA terminal to consult Mr. Johnson.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 06, 2009, 13:12

"Hey, I'm not sure what you're looking for but the manager's room is three doors down, in the middle of this level. The manager kept a list of where most of the things are around this place and also had the relevant access keys; that might help you find what you need."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 07, 2009, 15:04

Shioban smiled ironically.
'That might help? Master of understatement.

She then adjusted the strap of her backpack, muttering 'Anyway, let's go.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on December 10, 2009, 12:59

Finding the manager's office was a simple enough task. In fact, with the corridor you were in heading directly to the center of the tower with no twists or turns, it was well in view in no time at all. It wasn't anything fancy, admittedly - a simple booth tucked in between the six elevator shafts on either side of it, with stairwells behind it leading up and down. The front of the office had a big, clear window with a small port for exchanging items at the bottom, as well as a mic/speaker at about face-level. The lights inside the office were off, but with the light from the central chamber filtering in, you could make out two desks, one with a computer terminal sitting on it, as well as a bunch of file lockers, a water cooler and a vending machine. To the right of the window was a simple sliding door with a panel next to it.

There was just the one catch. The door panel looked like a security card reader.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 11, 2009, 10:49

Shioban sighed, kicked the door, sighed again, and then crouched next to the panel, placing her toolkit on her side.
'I once had some experience with electronics, so maybe I will be able to open' she muttered. 'And, really, I was never very good at it, so please, watch my back and do not disturb.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 11, 2009, 13:18

"Oh yeah. This is why you took a nap while I was messing around with the generator, aye ?", sighed Vince, silently, barely to be heard.
Then, he raised his shotgun and took a look around, covering Shioban.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on December 12, 2009, 12:25

Although opening the door panel was a slightly difficult task if one wanted to do it without messing up the components inside, it went along smoothly and within a few minutes Shioban could get down to work. It took the better part of an hour in trial and error, but eventually she managed to find the right wires and sockets, convince the panel that it had received the appropriate clearance, and cause the door to open with a faint hiss.

The office was now open.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 12, 2009, 12:28

Shioban packed the toolkit, and put it on her back again. She looked very, that is very smug.
'Hah... Like in Belfast, seven years ago' she muttered.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 12, 2009, 13:14

- That's a handy ability... - Hagazi rises an eyebrow - Good thing you were able to open that door - I'd hate to waste another breaching charge on something like that. Let's get the access keys and the list... the sooner we're done here, the sooner we get to Mr. Johnson and take a break - even I'm starting to get drowsy.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 12, 2009, 14:55

"And what WAS in Belfast seven years ago, Toy ?", asked Vince, rising his brow and admiring. "Whatever. The clock is ticking..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 13, 2009, 08:30

'Indeed' said Shioban, raising her gun and going inside the booth.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on December 14, 2009, 14:17

Searching the manager's desks and lockers was a simple enough matter - soon enough you each had a universal access card for the storage tower, along with a spare one for your survivor friend. Finding the inventory lists was a slightly more complicated matter, though at least password protection on the manager's terminal was a non-issue. Be thankful for Windows 11 and its feature of remembering logins and passwords. Of course, it still took some searching (and a few cases of stumbling onto some rather... peculiar pictures) before you found the records and located the food storage sector. A little more time until you actually found the place in the tower itself and got there...

At least the keycards worked.

At present, you were faced with a floor's worth of non-perishable food supplies. After all, you figured with the power being off, the coolers would've gone offline and anything in them might well have spoiled in the meantime. All that remained was decide which of the... hundreds... of crates of ration packs, vacuum-sealed packets and tins would make for a suitable meal that day. How much to take. And, depending on the amount, how to take it with you.

And if you were wondering, the drinks storage section is right across the hall.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 14, 2009, 14:29

"Jackpot, buddies !", boomed Doc, opening one of the crates. Then he started filling his backpack with ration packs, tearing one with his bare teeth. He looked with an eye of skilled chemist, checking if thing is still eidible.
"You think these fellows got some cold beer over there ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 15, 2009, 08:02

Shioban shrugged, consuming an energy bar, and packing few field ration to her sack. 'Doc...' she sighed 'I thought that you were smarter? What, you want to get drunk here? Be reasonable, really.'[/

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 15, 2009, 09:39

"Who says about getting drunk ? Just soaking the throat, okay ? That taste o'blood is not much pleasant, really.", responded Doc, feeding.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 15, 2009, 09:50

Shioban sighed again, resigned. 'Fine, have it your way then. It is your ass that will get bitten off, not mine. Anyway, I hope that you remembered to disinfect those wound of yours? It is you that told us that the aliens are venomous, after all.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 15, 2009, 10:12

"Do not worry, I checked it properly. And there I've got some antitoxine in case something screwed up. Crunch, crunch."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 15, 2009, 13:28

- Can opener... - Hagazi mutters between bites looking at one of the tins - Of all the bloody things I forgot can opener... Oh well, monoblade will have to do - he packs the tin to his bag, and takes some more supplies - both for himself and Mr. Johnson - Doc's idea of *drinking* alcochol might not be the smartest, but it still might come handy - spirits can be used to sterilize wounds in a pinch, and we could use some bottles as makeshift firebombs and see how these aliens like fire

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 15, 2009, 14:39

"Sure thing, provided found alcohol shall be vodka or else... Don't you forget that inner sterilization of wounds is important, too !", smiled Vince, eating.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on December 15, 2009, 14:44

Shioban rolled her eyes. 'Good God, why is he so insanely stupid?' she whispered aloud.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 15, 2009, 15:00

Vince looked in Toy's eyes, when she stopped rolling.

"Oh. I didn't know that you've got a sufficent supply of painkillers with you... Because, you know, alcohol is pretty good at easing pain. But since you are so well-equipped, I can stop being stupid and get back to eating.", he sneered, softly smiling with scorn.

"And don't ask that stupid guy about fixing you when blood rushes on, alright ? He's so stupid, after all, that he can accidentally kill you. Thank you for you attention."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 16, 2009, 18:48

As the group was enjoying their food and bantering, the voice from the speakers once again spoke to them.

"Hey guys...it looks like you found the food, but you didn't forget about me, right? I hope you haven't changed your minds."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on December 18, 2009, 15:09

Interlude: Q&A Session

With the brief face-stuffing session over, after some prompts from the colony's lone survivor, you gathered up your gear, loaded up as much food and drink (alcoholic and otherwise) as you could carry, and began making your way towards the main tower. As a side note, there wasn't much in the way of vodka available in the storehouses, as opposed to mind-boggling amounts of scotch whisky.

At any rate, you moved through the storage tower, and then the security tower. If climbing the stairwells was unpleasant with just the emergency lighting, being able to clearly see all the bodies littering them as you moved from step to step only made it worse. Especially the bodies of the colony's security force, in their various states of dismemberment and uniform states of decay. The smell at least was somewhat lessened with the air filtration systems back up to full power. Still, you could make out the olive green body armour and the odd bright blue beret left lying around the place, sometimes even with a head still attached. You passed the heavier-armoured corpse once more, the peculiar suit coloured a plain black where it wasn't stained with blood, with a peculiar white cross-shape over one shoulder. You could also see a heavy machinegun by the dead man's side, badly bent, as though it'd been used as a bludgeon one time too many.

Eventually, after a few close calls narrowly avoided thanks to the guidance from the lone survivor, you made your way to the Main Tower, and once there, to the fifth floor. The level seemed to be given over to monitoring stations and, as the signs signified, the primary communications control room. After some more guidance from the helpful voice in the walls, you finally found yourselves standing outside one of many monitoring stations, the door electronically locked from inside, as the panel next to it proclaimed.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on December 18, 2009, 15:12

- Right, another closed door. Care to try if you open that one before we move to trying breaching charges? - Hagazi asked Siobhan

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 18, 2009, 15:22

Before any more discussion took place, the door slid open and a haggard-looking man staggered out. His clothes were heavily wrinkled, as if he had worn them for days, and he carried the stench of one who had not bathed for awhile.

"Hey, you guys, am I glad to see you." He babbled uncontrollably, "When those monsters appeared I thought I was a goner... Hey, can I have some of that food? I'm starving." He stumbled, his muscles weak without nutrition.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 19, 2009, 06:23

Saying none, Doc took his backpack and pulled out some ration pack, then tossed it directly into the man's hands. Then, he handed him a bottle of juice, made of some unidentified fruits.

"Should be appropriate. Guy, is everything alright with you ? With an exception of malnutrition, naturally.", he asked, carefully watching him stumbling and tearing the bag o' food.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Journey on December 20, 2009, 11:34

'Bob' desperately dug into the food, eating as quickly as he could, and chugged the juice. When he had finally consumed his fill, he looked up at the group. "Um, I don't think anything else is wrong with me, yet. I was lucky this room was well sealed against those...monsters!"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on December 20, 2009, 14:12

"Fair enough. If anything grazed you, don't bother yelling.", added Doc after a while.

"Now. Would you mind telling us several things to make other things clear ? You know, what the hell happened here and where did these things crawl from...
Also. I've seen your labs there. They are located at medical and military wing, alright ? Do you know what kind of research was done there ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on January 29, 2010, 16:06

(Taking over from our MIA Journey for the civvie survivor.)

Bob sat down heavily in one of the monitoring station chairs, shaking his head. "I swear I don't know. The day of the attack, we had this... small-scale alert, told non-essential personnel to return to their quarters. Short while after that... the general alert kicked in," the man pointed at the monitors behind him. "I've no idea where they came from, first time I saw them they were already... god... already in the security tower."

At the mention of the labs, the man seemed to tense up. "Ah... not so much. I used to help out some in the tech labs, they, uhh... This is all strictly confidential, I hope you realise... they were mucking about with some sort of new bullet, new gun..." the man ran a hand nervously through his hair. "Don't know about the biolabs. Heard about some implants, but... nothing... nothing like those things. You don't really think they could be from there, do you?" he asked, shaking his head, looking rather spooked by the possibility.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on January 29, 2010, 16:11

Quickly, Shioban pulled her colt from the holster, and aimed at Bob's head. 'For your information... I do not care if any info is classified. Fill us in with what you know, or get shot. Your choice.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on January 30, 2010, 08:57

- Put that down marine - you're the one that's supposed to keep civies alive, not shoot them, remember? And even if you don't I certainly won't allow for that... - Hagazi raised his own rifle - Now as for you Mr. Smith, you need to consider one thing - keeping secret information secret is probably important in your job, but right now we're all facing death - and what we don't know we can't defend against. Your choice...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on January 30, 2010, 14:37

The civilian practically jumped out of the chair at the sight of a gun pointed at him. "For fuck's sake! My job was to fetch a spanner, sweep the floor and watch fucking monitors! I - have - no - fucking - clue what those things are, where they're from and if we had anything to do with them!"

The man then slumped back down into the chair, panting. "Should've just let you jarheads blunder into a pack of those creatures on the way here. This is the thanks I get for getting you this far. Or helping you find food... bet you'd have had a fun time searching the storage tower without me to tell you where to find the manifest," he said with a sneer.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 02, 2010, 15:09

Shioban sighed, and secured her gun.
'Sorry for that' she muttered. 'It is just the streak of absurdly unlucky events that made me act stupidly. I beg you pardon.'

Shioban then holstered the pistol.

'Still, I don't like you, corporates. You are all too Commonweatlthish... By the way, I assume that you can tell us which corporation runs this place? Ifigenia Thethis? Schroeder&Haikatsu?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 05, 2010, 14:41

"Corporations?..." the man said, looking puzzled. "None of them own this place, it's a private venture. Bunch of Scottish expats set this place up as a one-fingered salute to the Commonwealth and started drilling the rock for minerals. Then they expanded to freelance research work for outside bidders," he explained.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 06, 2010, 14:50

- Do you happen to know who was the most recent bidder? - Hagazi asked, putting his rifle back down.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 06, 2010, 14:56

Doc said none, just pulled out a cigarette and lighted it, taking a look at the monitors.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 06, 2010, 15:39

"Not a clue," Bob replied, shaking his head. "Doubt they're all from the same source anyway. But I was never privy to that kind of information, just basing off what I hear around the break room," he added with a shrug.

The monitors did not really show anything interesting. From the angle the cameras presented, most corridors looked pretty much the same, and the only way you could tell them apart was the ID number in the top right corner. The view was generally variations on the topic of long corridors with room doors and the occasional side corridor branching off. Only one was currently showing one of the creatures aimlessly milling around a corridor intersection.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 06, 2010, 15:56

'Fun to watch' muttered Shioban, looking at the surveillance. 'Anyway, mister civilian, time for the billion pounds question. Is there any distress beacon in the facility? Or any mean to get out of here?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 07, 2010, 07:16

"Distress beacon?" Bob scratched his head in thought. "There should be one, but they tend to have a rather limited range... with this being the only colony in the system, a wide-area beacon would've been a wasted expense."

"As far as getting out of here is concerned, well... I imagine security has a few rovers in their motor pool, possibly an atmospheric flyer or a low-orbit shuttle as well. But there's not a lot else out there, you know? This really *is* the only colony around here. No, our best option would be to wait for the regular transit carrier and get them to give us a ride out. I might have lost track of time a little, but one should be due soon. Of course we'll need to disable the automated defences, or get into comms to clear them for the security grid, or they'll be turned into a falling fireball quicker than you can say "Guy Fawkes". But you three seem the resourceful types, I've no doubt you could pull it off," the civilian said with a big, reassuring smile.

The smile faded rather quickly when he realised something, looking at you. "Uhm... hold that thought. How did you say you came to be here, again?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 07, 2010, 07:54

'Guy Fawkes' said Shioban thoughtfully. 'Well that's pretty quick.'

Again, she looked down at the surveillance screens.

'So, to sum up. We are trapped in a remote base, with no mean of getting out on our own, with transport that may or may not arrive and security grid that shot down our ship, and a few more, as far as I can remember. And I am not a sclerotic. Well, that just... magnificent.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 07, 2010, 08:50

- You forgot the part where we get eaten by mutants, aliens or whatever they are - Hagazi reminded - As for how we came here - to put it simply we were on a ship that got shot down by the very same defense grid you mentioned. No other survivors.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 07, 2010, 08:57

The man suddenly looked like he was about to be sick. "Shot you down..." he muttered. "How long ago was this again? Just... just your shuttle, or did the whole carrier get wasted?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 07, 2010, 09:07

- Several hours ago, not sure how much - we didn't really have means of tracking time. And it was a whole carrier I'm afraid.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 07, 2010, 09:16

Shioban again reached for her pipe, filled it with tobacco and lit up.

'Well, we can scratch the transport not arriving from the possible mishaps list. It keeps getting better and better, does not it?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 07, 2010, 09:43

"Oh, you have no idea, girl..." the man groaned, leaning forward and hiding his face in his hands. "Those things come once per month at best, if they don't get waylaid somewhere. This... oh, damnit, we're pretty much fucked, aren't we."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 07, 2010, 15:44

"Nope, it's just... great !", responded Vince. "How can't you see it ?"
The grim smile of his was indeed unsettling to watch.
"Pretty much fucked... Pretty not enough said to describe it. We just got fucking raped by some twisted bitch of fate. And it was not nice and gentle, at all."

"This does mean, ladies and gentlemen, we are free to see our rooms and have a walkabout around the whole place. Witness the dining room, check the toilets, check if beds are comfortable and where is the nearest gym. Those are going to be the most freakish holidays we've ever had.", he finished with a sigh.
"Me, I am going to take down as much of 'em as I can. They will have it as much as it takes to make'em vomit. We are going to die, why don't we have some fun ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 07, 2010, 15:57

'Go rape yourself, instead of blathering about fate, Doc' growled Shioban, seemingly angered by his comments. 'And cut this we're all going to die crap, will you? For your personal information... I am planning to live through it, even if it would involve holding this fucking room for a year!' she nearly yelled.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 08, 2010, 00:47

"Yo, calm down, seems I am not the one in need for a rape in this spot.", without a sign of anger Doc responded, stepping back. "Just face it. Those critters are much too numerous."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 08, 2010, 17:23

- I got one question for you doctor: Are. You. Dead. Already? - Hagazi asked, and then continued not giving Vincent time to respond - 'Cause if you're not then shut up, straighten up and start preparing for a fight. You and you too... - his finger pointed at Doc and then moved to Shioban - ...you're both supposed to be marines, so start acting the part - if you'd get sent as a part of regular unit to fight, would you get to break down and cry if the enemy was stronger? Hell no! As long as we still breathe it means these sonuvabitches, whoatever they are didn't get us, as long as we can move our arms, we can defend ourselves, and as long as we *don't give up* there still might be a chance to get off of this forsaken planet.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 11, 2010, 14:23

Bob, who'd been sitting quietly for a little while now, spoke up, clearing his throat.

"Would this be a good time to point out that we might potentially have at our disposal a lab full of experimental weaponry, food to last a whole colony for several months, and at least a month to get the technical matters sorted out for the arrival of the next carrier?" he said. "I mean... You people are marines, aren't you? According to all the promo vids about you, this kind of stuff should be your daily bread and all. Come on, with my knowledge of the colony and your guns, I'm sure it won't be too bad..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 14, 2010, 09:32

'Quite a speech, lieutenant admitted Shioban. Then, she turned towards the civilian. 'So, where do we turn off the defence grid? Also, you mentioned 'experimental weaponry', right?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 14, 2010, 11:25

"Security tower control room, and... security tower labs, and maybe one of the workshops in engineering," Bob replied with a shrug.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 14, 2010, 14:34

Not responding to Hagezi's empassioned speech (the only reaction was a mocking smile on his lips and a cold stare, like he wanted to say "Not dead... YET."), Doc started whistling silently. It sounded kinda like "Smoke On The Water". Whistling, yet Doctor wouldn't admit it directly, really helped him in getting rid of distress.

After a while, he spoke.
"So, our next stop is... ?", he asked, hanging his voice, awaiting for a response.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 18, 2010, 14:47

- I say, security tower - we can gear up and turn off the defense grid in one go. - Hagazi suggested

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 18, 2010, 14:58

"Ah, there might be the small matter of security access..." Bob spoke up. "I doubt they left those areas unlocked, and unless you've got a lot of breaching charges, we might be better off finding a key or the access clearance of someone high up, like chief of security or the colony admin..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on February 18, 2010, 15:15

'Then we should try to find it, should not we?' asked Shioban, standing up. 'Then' she added 'after we have disabled the security grid and armed ourselves properly, we could return here, barricade ourselves in some safe room with lot's of supplies and just wait until the carrier arrives, right?'

'Hold it' she added suddenly. 'Something does not add up here... Tell me- those things appear to be little more than animals. They certainly would not be able to change IFF setting of military defence grid. A human must have done it. But who? For what? Something is terribly wrong here, even worse than I thought...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 19, 2010, 16:18

Bob sighed quietly. "Let me put it this way. Power outage. Comms offline. No means or staff to receive an IFF ID from an approaching ship. Automated grid on separate power supply. Stuff goes boom. Anyway, I'm pretty sure anyone that survived the massacre in the security and civilian towers would have better things on their minds than mucking about with their only way of getting off this rock..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 21, 2010, 03:25

Doc exhaled the smoke as the cigarette was shortening slowly. The acrid smell of burning 'backo spread all over the room. The fog was so dense that the only thing left visible of Vic's was the red, fiery point at the end of a cig.
"I suppose you, gentleman, are willing rather to stay here sitting on your... say, chair... than to have a little walk around that charming place, eh ?", he asked Bob, then looked towards Hagezi, as if waiting for the Lieutenant's decision.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 24, 2010, 16:57

"Stay here?" Bob asked, then quickly shook his head. "And be locked in the next time the power goes for God knows how long? No thanks. Besides, you've got all the food supplies. I figure I'm better off with you, and I might be able to help you out along the way."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 25, 2010, 03:13

"Are you armed or else ? Those things are up to rip you to shreds in a blink of an eye ! And taking care of our own asses causes enough problems right now, so it'd be difficult to be on a lookout for a harmless civilian. Got it ? No, that damned fusion cutter of yours wouldn't be appropriate.", drawled Doc. "You better stay here. We'll spare you some ration packs... And since you've got basic clearances, you could help us in gaining access to places we'll visit. Also, with those cameras over there you could warn us about those freakish things closing in. I suppose we shall return for ya if need arises. Am I right ?", he asked, exhaling the smoke. The cigarette was almost over, so Doc dropped it on the ground, then extinguished it with a stomp of his heavy boot.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 25, 2010, 13:09

"I am armed, yes, and I know my way around a gun, don't worry about that," Bob replied, standing up. "Besides, I think someone said something about going to get more weapons and supplies, I don't see why *I* should be left out on that. At any rate, I am *not* staying in here. You'll probably need my expertise out there more than in here anyway."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 25, 2010, 13:32

- Hmm, interesting problem we have here. On one hand I can understand why Mr. Smith would prefer to go with us. On the other hand Doc has a point that having someone controlling. That's probably a stupid question but I suppose there is no way of re-routing control of cameras to allow portable, or at least remote access, is there?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on February 25, 2010, 13:37

"Not to one of these, no," Bob said, holding up his PDA. "Although I'm pretty sure a few of the top staff, supervisors and the like, had portable terminals that probably could pull off something of the sort. If we could get a hold of one, it'd make a world of difference, I'd wager."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on February 25, 2010, 13:41

- Well I don't see how trying to hold Mr. Smith in this room against his will would do us any good, so it seems he's coming with us. Let's add getting one of these portable terminals to our "to do" list, preferably somwhere near top, figure out where we have best chances of obtaining security clearance cards and move out then.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on February 25, 2010, 14:11

"You're the boss.", sighed Vince, shaking his head slowly.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 01, 2010, 15:05

"Uhm... well, as I said, high clearance would probably be easiest to get from the colony admin, chief of security, or perhaps the lab supervisor. Portable terminals, well... they've probably got those in their offices or personal quarters," Bob explained, getting up and starting to gather up his possessions. "That means, erm... well, looking for the security chief among the corpses in the security tower, or, ah..." the man seemed to turn green a little at what he was about to suggest, "...or a visit to the civilian tower and the quarters there. The, ah, admin's suite should at least be easier to find..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on March 11, 2010, 12:51

- So anyone has anything more to add? If not then let's finish eating and move on... I'd say civilian tower will be better first choice

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on March 25, 2010, 07:47

Chapter 3: Charnel House

Time since arrival: 9 hours

Leaving behind the cramped monitoring station as soon as your new companion collected up all his gear, sharing out the collected food supplies between the whole group to ease carrying them, you began making your way to the civilian tower. Navigating the tower's corridors wasn't at all difficult - they were clearly marked, after all, and so finding the connecting bridge to the civilian tower was no challenge. It was far wider than any of the other bridges you'd come across before, definitely designed to handle a lot of traffic. It looked structurally sound and was quite clean, save the few personal items and carts left around, presumably during the alert.

The air, however... even with the air recyclers working at full power once again, you could still clearly pick up the smell of death and rot coming from the other end of the long span.

You didn't get much time to ponder it, however, as a high-pitched noise that made your ears ring suddenly could be heard from across the bridge. The other end of the connector was a bit far to make out clearly, but you could definitely see some sort of movement there...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on March 25, 2010, 07:57

Doc, being rather withdrawn and quiet the whole way through, doesn't say anything. He just prepares his shotgun and waits, looking at Hagezi with an unspoken question.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on March 29, 2010, 13:17

'Oh, bend over' muttered Shioban, reading her carbine 'here it comes again.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 01, 2010, 13:50

- It had to happen sometime... Just take a good aim and start killing the bastards once you do. - Hagazi lifted his own rifle.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 05, 2010, 20:19

Bob too readied his own weapon - a compact body pistol, as it turned out. He seemed a bit put off by the prospect of having to fight the creatures directly, though.

"Not that I would wish to tell you how to do your jobs, but... when are you going to start shooting?" he asked, looking mainly at Hagazi and Shioban, seeing how they had the longer-range weapons. "Not to sound selfish, but I'd rather they didn't get close enough that I'd be able to use this effectively," he added, holding up the pistol by way of explanation.

The creatures on the other end of the connecting corridor were still a long, long way away... though judging by the movement, they were working eagerly to make up for that distance. And there seemed to be a lot of them.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 06, 2010, 01:54

Doc smiles madly, straps on his biker googles, and then... waits.
Waits until foul creatures shall be in range, then he fires a grenade at the pack of creatures.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 06, 2010, 05:50

'That's why' answered Shioban, grinnig.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 06, 2010, 07:14

The grenade flew in an arc towards the quickly advancing creatures... too high an arc, as it hit the passageway's ceiling half-way and only blew out a light fixture. Its intended targets didn't seem the least bit bothered, and thanks to your waiting for grenade launcher range, they were now some 250 metres away and not slowing down in the least. They were close enough for a rough count - the constant movement made it hard, but it looked like there were about 30 of the creatures, give or take.

"NOW can you start shooting?" Bob shouted, starting to back away from the corridor's opening.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 06, 2010, 07:22

Shioban sighs, but indeed picks a target and starts shooting at it methodically, with several single shots in sucession.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 06, 2010, 07:29

Doc steps back a few metres, loading another grenade. Then fires.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 07, 2010, 12:15

Hagazi starts fireing precisely aimed shots at the aliens.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 09, 2010, 10:52

The doctor's launched grenade went over the heads of the creatures this time, exploding behind the rapidly advancing mob.

"You sure you should be using that thing? You'll blow up the bridge before you hit any of those things at this rate..." Bob muttered under his breath, standing safely behind the three soldiers.

Shioban and Hagazi at least demonstrated a bit more skill, their precise shots knocking down two of the creatures. It didn't exactly stop the mob, though - the corpses were simply trampled underneath as the beasts surged forward. They could certainly run fast if they wanted to...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 09, 2010, 11:10

Judging there's no time left to reload and fire the last grenade, Doc raises his shotgun to the eye and aims. When creatures will get into the weapon's range, he fires.
"Keep your mouth shut, mr know-it-all and give them some lead instead.", he drawled in response, pulling the trigger. The rosary rattled on trench gun's barrel.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 09, 2010, 12:26

'Could you please stop this idiot action hero chatter, Doc?' snarled Shioban, while taking aim at yet another creature, and then pulling the trigger repentantly.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 09, 2010, 14:03

"It's just that I do not like incompetent janitors advising me how to fight, please be understanding.", smirked Vince in response.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 09, 2010, 15:03

The "janitor" moved up to the firing line, training his handgun on the advancing mob, and opened fire with the others. It took perhaps a minute or so of sustained fire, but eventually the last of the creatures collapsed to the floor in a twitching heap. Of course, it was a bit hard to tell at this distance who scored how many kills. But at least the attack had been stopped, and with at least a good 150 metres left between you and the creatures.

"Well, that was refreshing..." Bob muttered under his breath, reloading his sidearm once again. It didn't seem like a working man's sidearm, though - non-metal frame, laser sight, sound baffle... the weapon was definitely a higher grade. The "janitor" didn't seem to make much of a big deal about it, though, and promptly holstered it again.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 09, 2010, 15:10

Hagazi scanned the idea for a moment longer before lowering his weapon and turning to Vincent.

- If you don't want opinions from - as you call it - "janitors", then at least listen to advice of an old merc and refrain from using that grenade launcher. You know how to handle your shotgun, but when it comes to fireing the launcher it's clear that you didn't even had a basic training with it. You lucked out both previous times, but if that luck runs off at some point it might mean death of all of us.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 10, 2010, 07:10

Shioban listened to the discussion, but did not participate, refilling her weapon magazine instead.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 10, 2010, 07:21

"Alright, alright. What now ?", said Doc, supplying his shotgun with fresh shells.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 11, 2010, 15:33

'You take the point, and we are marching on?' Shioban suggested.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 15, 2010, 09:31

- We move on as we planned. Just avoid the acid.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 15, 2010, 12:12

"Yup. Keep the pace."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 15, 2010, 18:43

Bob cleared his throat lightly. "I know you must be eager and all to walk the whole span of the bridge, but we kind of built these so we wouldn't *have* to walk the whole way," he spoke up. "There's moving walkways built into the floor. Just a matter of turning them on and we can get across that much quicker, you know?"

With that, Bob moved off to the side, quickly finding a small console by the bridge's wall. A few moments of work later, there was a faint click, then a humm as a section of the floor began moving.

"Mind your step," Bob added as he waited for the others to step onto the transmission belt.

***

The moving walkway wasn't terribly faster than plain walking, but given the length of the bridge, it did make a bit of a difference. The closer you got to the other end, though, the stronger that stench of decay became. By the time you stepped off the far end of the transmission belt, it was almost overpowering. There were two dead bodies lying just a few metres from the end of the bridge, a man and a woman, face down, their backs a bloody mess, and with quite a lot of their blood decorating the floor and walls. The smell was too strong to be coming from them alone, however.

Bob didn't seem to take to the smell well - he'd become pale, and was in fact now turning green at the sight of the corpses.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 16, 2010, 00:13

"Cover me if need arises.", sneered Doc, advancing towards the corpses lying on the ground.
He crouched and took a look at both, checking if his knowledge would give any interesting information on the reason of death, on the perp or on anything else.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 16, 2010, 15:02

Considering the amount of blood around the place, the deep wounds and a few missing chunks of flesh, the most likely cause would be either blood loss, or shock from the trauma. The wounds look like they were inflicted with something with claws and teeth. It's a bit hard to get anything more from a body that'd been lying unattended for 3 days in the open. The smell they give off isn't helping any either.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 16, 2010, 15:07

'What were you expecting to learn, Doc?' asked Shioban, poking the corpse with the barrel of her rifle.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 16, 2010, 15:10

Anyone fancy checking their pockets to see if they held anything of interest or do we move on?

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 16, 2010, 15:24

Bob, despite looking increasingly sick, managed to find the guts to speak. "They, uh... they might have some useful security clearance on their PDAs," he suggested, before turning away from the sight of the dead bodies.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 16, 2010, 15:41

'You're so manly' sighed Shioban, crouching by the corpses and checking if there was anything interesting on them.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 16, 2010, 16:08

"Well, excuse me for not living next to decomposing corpses all the time," Bob muttered under his breath.

The bodies didn't appear to have much in the way of interesting items on them - a couple of PDAs that were so soaked with blood it was doubtful if they'd even work, some loose change, a few personal effects...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 20, 2010, 15:19

Shioban threw it all away.

'Nothing interesting on them' she said.

'So, what now, lieutenant?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 22, 2010, 16:33

"What now, what now... GAH! Do they really train you people to stop showing any and all signs of personal initiative?" Bob suddenly shouted. "You want to know what now? Now we have to go into a confined space where about 90% of the colony population got ripped to fucking bloody chunks! That's what now! We get to walk knee-deep in rotting corpses, I'm sure you'll fucking love it! And then there's the chance there's more of those fucking beasts lurking around! What a beautiful day!"

Apparently spending so much time alone, in a tiny room, and in the dark had some... detrimental effects on your civilian companion's psyche. Rather than wait for a reply to his latest rant, he pushed past you and stomped off deeper into the corridors of the civilian tower, muttering something under his breath.

You suspect it may be a good idea to not lose sight of him.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 23, 2010, 12:19

- Great job breaking the civ Toy! - Hagazi barked - After him before he goes too far away, but keep your eyes open. - he said and immediately did so.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 23, 2010, 12:59

'And you think that it is my fault, lieutenant?' mumbled Shioban, slightly embarrassed, going after Hagezi. 'This guy is clearly nuts!'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 23, 2010, 13:04

"Sigh. Told you to leave this little weirdo in his dark, crowded room. Such a bloody shame I forgot to bring any psychotropics with me... Or, at least, some sleep medicine.", murmured Doc, smiling lightly and unsincerely. "That one should get some rest."

"Yo, warrior-spirit, slower a little, would you kindly ?", he added, a little bit louder. "There are nasty thingies awaiting for ya in the darkness ! I know you enjoy kicking serious alien butt, but hey, leave some for us, aye ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 23, 2010, 13:06

'Shut up and run, moron...' gasped angered Shioban.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 23, 2010, 13:14

"Come on, pissed little furry animal, take things easier or you'll finish up like that there poor fellow.", grinned the doctor, keeping the pace and being on a lookout for the civilian.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 23, 2010, 16:22

Running after the civilian, you couldn't help but notice the stench of rotting flesh got increasingly stronger. It didn't take long to catch up to Bob, though - all you had to do was home in on the sounds of someone being violently ill.

You found Bob standing next to a door and half-way through losing his lunch. He had a good reason to, though... The corridor opened into a big public atrium, but the open space was presently littered with civilian corpses in various stages of dismemberment. Men, women, children... plenty of blood and unidentifiable pieces of flesh strewn around as well. You could see doors to living quarters lining the walls. Only a handful were closed. The smell of death was almost overwhelming.

The atrium itself was like a ring plaza surrounding the tower's central support pillar, plenty of benches, a few potted trees, big, open spaces and the like. The floor seemed to terminate a short way off from the pillar's walls, but there looked to be a glass wall or other similar barrier in the way to keep people from falling in... judging by some of the bloodstains. Spiral staircases could be seen in six spots around the plaza, going both up and down, and wider ramps were visible by the outer walls of the chamber.

There weren't any aliens here that you could see, just a lot of dead bodies.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 24, 2010, 04:01

"Oooh, even more meat.", commented Doc, coughing. "Are you happy now, Bob The Eager ?"

"And if you're taking a walk through the garden of... DEATH...", under his breath he misquoted a known song, proceeding a few steps and examining the corpses thrown around. He kept his weapon in state of emergency. "Lord Almighty, may you shine upon them...", he whispered a prayer.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 24, 2010, 05:41

Bob looked up from examining his old lunch, now lying in a puddle on the floor, and glared at the doc. If looks could kill...

The condition of the bodies makes proper examination somewhat difficult. There's not a clean wound anywhere from what you can see, though, all the bodies are quite a mess. No weapons either that you can see, but again, given the mess it's hard to be sure. There are no aliens, dead or otherwise, around however.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 24, 2010, 15:18

"Still those boring little puppies we've met before. These poor fellows were probably dragged around the place before they reached their current state... Such a painful way to die...
Eyes open. They might not be hungry now, but who knows ?", explained Vince, returning to his comrades. "Moving on upstairs, I reckon ?"

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on April 27, 2010, 11:59

"Do I look like I've got the floorplan of the entire colony memorised? I don't know where the boss lived because I never needed to," Bob muttered under his breath. "But... yeah, I guess the executive quarters would be somewhere up top."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 27, 2010, 13:03

"Not asking you, friend, but thanks for a tip. Try to retain your stomach instead of spitting at me.", responded Vince.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 28, 2010, 14:05

Shioban, having kept respectful silence so far finally spoke, after hearing Vince's and Bob's chatter.
'Keep those remarks to yourself, Doc' she said quietly. 'If you are really a catholic as you pretend to be, maybe you could start respecting dead?'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on April 28, 2010, 14:34

"I do respect them, but I suppose we have no time for making a proper funeral nor for mourning... Not mentioning absence of any church official able to lead both.
And I would be pretty grateful if you left a matter of my faith by itself, concentrating on finding our way out instead of offending me if only opportunity arises. Did I do something to you ?", he responded, trying to remain calm, but the woman's comments were making it harder and harder. "That's just immature...", he sighed heavily. "Leaving alone how is interrupting other men's talk in such way."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 28, 2010, 15:36

'Shut the fuck up finally, Doc' yelled Shioban unexpectedly. 'I don't give the damm whether you like the I act or not. And for now, you are the most useless of us all and all you managed to achieve is wasting the valuable grenades and acting like total moron!'

She paused, gasping. She really lost her temper this time.

'Listen to me' she added more or less calmly 'Next time you will make a comment like that, I promise, I'll make sure you regret.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on April 28, 2010, 15:45

- You know Doc, she has a point - keep such comments to yourself. - Hagazi finally stopped staring at the massacre and intervened - I know that such... such *things* happen, hell I saw my share of them... - there was a pause as if lieutenant was remembering something he rather wouldn't - ...but while this massacre isn't exactly unexpected considering beasts that are running around, this is *not* a laughing matter. And I don't think Mr Smith needs additional trauma added by your comments either Doc.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on April 28, 2010, 16:03

Shioban panted for a while, listening to Hagezi speaking and nodding.

'Let us linger no longer, then' she said, not giving Doc time to respond. 'Let's get what we are here for.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on May 01, 2010, 10:44

"Got it, boss. Not meant to piss anybody off.", the Doc smirked, then walked upstairs.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on May 02, 2010, 16:34

Taking the stairs was rather slow going, and it made sure you had the chance to become intimately acquainted with the smell of the place. The scenery on the upper levels didn't change much, really - the same carnage, blood and chunks of flesh strewn around, plenty of corpses. For a moment, you saw one of the creatures lurking around among the dead, but it fled before you could take action.

On the second level up from where you entered, Bob peeled off to the side from the stairs. "I just... going to get some stuff from my quarters, all right? Wait up a few moments," he requests.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on May 02, 2010, 16:41

'I'll make sure nothing bites of his head, ok?' said Shioban, following Bob.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on May 03, 2010, 02:38

"I just hope that this there creature won't bring his friends along.", sneered Doc. "Hurry up, just in case."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on May 10, 2010, 10:15

Bob had, however, closed the door right after himself, and was rather unresponsive to calls on the intercom by the door. Minutes passed...

...

...and some minutes later, the door opened. Bob had apparently spent that time changing into fresh clothes, washed up just a touch, and had picked up a sizeable backpack which was now hanging off one shoulder, looking considerably less than full.

"Right. Where to now?" he asked with a quiet sigh, looking at the soldiers.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on May 13, 2010, 08:57

'Well, we were supposed to find something here, were not we?' answered Shioban, shrugging.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on May 15, 2010, 09:46

Bob shook his head with a quiet sigh. "I told you, I don't know where the admin's suite is. There's some five hundred people were living here, you know? If you want to do a room-by-room sweep, it's going to take long, and it won't be pretty either by my bet," the man explained as you climbed higher and higher up the tower. It seemed that the structure got more narrow the higher you got, as the central plaza got progressively smaller with each floor. At the top floor, the plaza was more like a little square, with a large skylight above it. The sky you could see through it was inky black - apparently night had fallen outside.

"Well, if you want to search room by room, might as well start at the top," Bob said.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on May 18, 2010, 15:38

- Well that's just all ffff... antastic - Hagazi commented - Sadly, unless someone has a better idea we'll have to do that the hard way, and hope we find either admin's quarters or something that will allow us to narrow down the search area. We probably should have one or two persons on a look out in cease these critters come again, while the others search.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on May 19, 2010, 14:19

Shioban gave Hagezi an apathetic nod.
'I'll watch you while you search' she replied quietly.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on May 28, 2010, 15:20

"Better the known corpses out here than more new corpses in the quarters," Bob said with a shrug. "I'd rather keep watch out here, if it's all the same to you."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on May 29, 2010, 08:33

"Settled.", agreed Doc, joining Hagezi in the researching.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on May 30, 2010, 07:25

Seeing Hagezi and Doc starting the search, Shioban turned towards Bob. She looked very, very stressed and pale. In her hand, she tightly held some sort of PDA. Apparently, she picked it up from the corpses.

'So' she said, trying to sound relaxed. 'How did you get this gun of yours? It does not look like standard issue, as far as I can tell...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 03, 2010, 18:21

"And you'd know all about standard issue, being here for less than a day," Bob muttered, while trying hard not to look at any of the corpses too closely. "It's actually a family heirloom. Dad used to be in the industrial espionage business," he added by way of explanation.

Meanwhile, the search went rather slowly. It was a good thing the terminals by the doors listed the occupants' rank and station as well as their names. You passed the offices of the chief of security, chief medical officer, chief engineer, and quartermaster... all locked, too. Finally you found a suite whose occupants were listed:

Thomas Deneval
Colony Administrator
Marie Deneval
Data Processing L3

The door itself, however, was also locked.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on June 04, 2010, 14:33

Doc loads a shell into his shotgun, then fires at the lock from a point-blank distance. Not even a word. No facial expression. Nothing at all.
Meanwhile, under his googles, if a glare could hurl bolts of fire...

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 04, 2010, 14:48

The door remained regretfully unimpressed, both by the shotgun blast and the withering glare. The slug left a small dent in the structure of the door, but aside from that... no luck there.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on June 04, 2010, 14:58

'What the..." muttered Shioban upon hearing the gunfire. She quickly rushed towards the source of the sound, and was really relieved to find that it was only Doc.

'I guess you won't get through it that way...' she said, sighing, and pulling the toolbox from her backpack. She crouched next to the lock and tried to force it to open.

'Let's see if I can get it open as easily as last time...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 04, 2010, 15:25

Five hours later...

Whether it was due to the different grade of the systems in the door lock, or simple bad luck, it took far longer to bypass the lock on this door. While Shioban worked, the rest of you took turns on watch. Several times you felt your ears ringing in that bothersome way that so far seemed to announce an attack by the creatures, but those were simply false alarms. It was quite a relief when the door console finally pinged in its friendly manner to indicate the door was unlocked, and the door itself slid out of the way into the wall.

The area beyond was fairly large - a short hallway giving way to a larger lobby, which in turn appeared to split off to several side rooms. It was well-furnished, the owners of this one definitely had some decent money on hand. The light was on, but nobody came out to greet you, and despite the ventillation systems working, you could still smell something was awry here.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on June 04, 2010, 15:30

Visibly annoyed and tired, Shioban threw her tools aside, and sat on the floor, leaning against the wall.

'Excuse me, gentleman, but I do not feel like going inside' she mumbled. 'I'll just stay here and watch your back.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on June 05, 2010, 02:18

"Say, have it your own way.", sneered the physician, pumping the shell and carefully getting inside. He walked through the hallway, his back against the wall, his weapon held in attention, his eyes open widely.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on June 05, 2010, 14:04

Hagazi didn't comment, and simply moved inside, trying to cover opposite side to that Doc was watching.

- No "not a trap" sign? I am disappointed. - he muttered to himself.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 09, 2010, 14:40

The apartment was quite lavish, you found, and in remarkably good condition compared to most of what you've seen of the colony so far. Nothing smashed or overturned, no clawmarks, piles of gore, or large bloodstains anywhere. Along the way you came upon what looked like a bedroom, judging by what you could see in the light from the main hallway. At least there was a bed there, and you could just make out the shape of someone in the bed, motionless, as though asleep. A few steps further along another door led to a study area, with another figure slumped over a desk in a chair , its back facing the door.

For whatever reason, nothing saw fit to leap out at you from a shadowy corner to tear your face off or anything.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on June 10, 2010, 09:08

- And nothing jumping out of shadows at us either. - Hagazi muttered again then said aloud - Cover me Doc. Better safe than sorry - he then moved in to inspect the figures in the room.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on June 10, 2010, 09:18

"Affirmative.", responded the medic, raising his weapon.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 12, 2010, 15:48

Neither of the two shapes seemed much intent on moving, even when prodded. The first one, in the bedroom, was a woman. She seemed to be in her early thirties, and looked quite peaceful, almost asleep. The second shape, though... well, the 40-ish man fell out of the chair at the nudge and collapsed in a heap on the floor, leaving a sticky dark patch on the surface of the desk he'd been leaning against, something metallic falling from his hand when he dropped.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on June 14, 2010, 13:40

Hagazi cautiously crouched to pick up the thing that fell.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 15, 2010, 13:19

The item turned out to be a pistol, a small semi-automatic civilian model. Well-maintained, but nothing too far out of the ordinary as far as quality went.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on June 18, 2010, 10:23

Doc comes closer to a body, examining the poor fellow's flesh now lying on the floor. Afterwards, he places him on his back and crosses his arms on his chest, closing his eyes with a one move of a palm. Then, the doctor proceeds with digging through the desk's contents, desperate to find any items of usefulness...

"Whatcha have got here, boss ?", he asks Hagezi, raising his head from above the drawer.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on June 18, 2010, 13:10

- "A gun. Seems the guy shot himself. Wouldn't be surprised if it had to do with situation here" - Hagazi responds, thinks for a moment then walks to the door - "Hey Mr. Johnson, any chances you'd come in? The picture isn't pretty, but there doesn't seem to be anything willing to jump on us and rip our faces off, and you'll probably have a better idea what to look for than any of us."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 19, 2010, 18:44

Bob seemed hesitant, but after several hours standing in a lobby littered with corpses, the potential change of scenery seemed to invigorate him somewhat.

"Just so long as there's nothing in there that's going to try bite my head off," he muttered under his breath, entering the apartment. "Any trace of the portable terminal, then?" he asked, looking around and rubbing his hands together briefly. "Would be a smallish briefcase, but a thick one..."

After a few more moments glancing around, the civilian shook his head. "Well, no sense waiting for it to magically pop up, might as well get to searching. I'll start with the office, I guess, you go with wherever you feel like... I don't expect it to be just lying around out in the open, but it can't have been hidden away too deep either..."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 25, 2010, 17:44

With Shioban keeping watch, it took the three of you the better part of half an hour to search through the suite. In the end Bob, who'd spent that whole time searching the office, came out holding up the prize in his hand. "I've got it. We should get moving and get out of this place... can't be healthy to be around so many dead bodies," he said.

On your way out, though, you once again felt that ringing in your ears... except this time you could place the source - a very loud, high-frequency shriek resonating through the walls and corridors. There was something different to the sound and pitch, though.

And outside, Shioban saw something in one of the corridors leading off from the main plaza. Definitely not one of the creatures seen before - this one was considerably bigger, filling up almost the whole corridor with its shape. And, judging by how quickly it made itself scarce and disappeared down a side passage, it wasn't slow on its feet either.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on June 27, 2010, 07:52

'Hostiles!' yelled Shioban upon seeing the aliens. She quickly raised her weapon to her cheek, dropping the PDA she held in her hand to the floor, and begun firing, single shot at time.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on June 27, 2010, 10:12

"What the f-", shouted Doc, holding his gun tighter and looking at the direction Shioban fired - trying to spot any enemies mentioned before.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on June 27, 2010, 10:31

'Shit.' sneered Shioban wrathfully, lowering her weapon after seeing her target disappear in the darkness. 'There is something there, people...' she murmured. 'Stay alert.'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Silhar on June 27, 2010, 15:10

"Copy that.", the physician responded shortly, putting his googles on. "Better get outside quickly. I'd advise moving out."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on June 27, 2010, 15:20

- Easy there Toy - don't waste ammo on air, shoot the bugger when he reappears instead. Anyway Mr. Smith has his terminal, we got the clearance pass... - Hagazi waved the card and pocketed it - ...I propose that we get the hell out of here and go to our next target, that is Armory if I remember correctly. While keeping good watch should whatever Shioban saw return.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Xander Morhaime on June 27, 2010, 15:24

"Such a keen set of eyes would probably serve us best in the rear guard," Bob noted, holding onto the portable terminal case with both hands. "Armoury, then... hopefully the security forces left something behind for us to use."

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on June 27, 2010, 16:17

'I'll take the rear, then.' Shioban agreed, adjusting her helmet. 'Lieutenant?' she whispered after a second. 'I forgot to mention, but I found another PDA on the way here. When we find a place for rest, you may want to take a look...'

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Malek Deneith on June 27, 2010, 16:21

- Yeah. Sure. Whatever. - Hagazi shrugged - But firstlet's focus on surviving, doing what we need to do to keep surviving, and then finding a safe spot.

Title: Re: MRS Morey - PBF
Post by: Gargulec on June 27, 2010, 16:22

Toy smirked.

'Yep.'

Chaosforge Forum

General => Play-By-Forum => Graveyard => Topic started by: Xander Morhaime on September 21, 2009, 16:00