In reply to Game Master (msg # 227):

Hugh braces against the door and glides the body into the security office. He takes a quick moment to check for a badge or access card and eyeballs if he can fit the body into the weapons locker.


If the body will fit, he'll wrangle it in. Are there any monitors or anythign like that in the room? Any indication what the other two doors in the room are?

Nodding shortly, and feeling that her directive had been appropriately received, Nat reluctantly broke eye contact with Petra and turned slightly to watch from the corner of her eye as Hugh and Quirell moved to join Yom and Lev outside the Security Office, then the sound of Hugh handling something, the soft rustle of fabric on fabric, and the quiet click of the door latch falling back into place.

She risked a look to see if any of the others had followed Hugh in, acting on his suggetion to check for monitors, cameras, anything that might help them get a lead on other lifeforms on the station.  <<HAS anyone else gone into the Security Office?  I've not been able to place where people are exactly, other than Hugh, Petra, and to a degree Quirell, who'd just addressed me....>>

At thought struck her, and she quickly turned to Petra. "Do you..." she began, then snorted as Petra's eyes drifted up from where they'd been resting.  Her high cheeks flushed, and she dimpled..  In silent laughter, she pointed at her face in the universal "Eyes up here!" gesture and continued.  "Do you have enough electronics or operating systems expertise that it might benefit them in their assessment of the Security Office?  Lev had a good point  -  making absolutely sure that a room is clean and secure before moving one will help us stay safe, and alive."

At Natakkoa's prompting about having any facility with electronics, Petra shrugged slightly and then nodded, "I have more than a passing familiarity with various computer systems.  Starships aren't constructed with baling wire and duct tape..."  Even if some of it could be repaired using those things.

She sidled up to the (now unblocked, and at least partially) closed door to the security room and knocked lightly, before trying to push in.  "Hugh?" the dark-haired pilot ventured, knowing that the man had gone inside along with the body, "Everything clear in there?"

Hugh finished tucking the unfortunate security officer into the tiny restroom then pushed off to take over holding the door, swinging his struptor gun up to cover down the hall towards where Yom and Quirell heard the voices.

"All clear, just stay out of the restroom. I'll cover this way while you do whatever you can do."

The body is shoved into the restroom.  Yom and Lev stand in the corridor just ahead of the security office as Natakkoa and Petra follow Hugh into the now clear office.  The operator's console is a standard affair, something that might be seen on any starship.  Access requires credentials and very likely pass-codes of some kind.  It is noticeably cooler now than when you all woke up, breath is starting to fog.

As she passed Hugh, Nat gently, if somewhat awkwardly, lay fingertips on one of his shoulders.  "Thank you.  I..um....I understand that 'babysitting' a head-case wasn't on your to-do list for today  -  and that I, ahh....complicate an already difficult situation.  I get it. Really. It wouldn't have been my choice either, but we're here, and I...well, thank you."

Turning her attention to the console, Nat attempts to make heads-or-tails of the device, hoping to recognize any of the communication elements, in an effort to enact the suggestion of evesdropping on, or locating, the sounds - perhaps voices? - that Yom and Quirell had heard from the far end of the corridor, or to re-open any kind of communication with Ilione.  (msg #200, for reference)

---

11:28, Today: Natakkoa Tukumpeh rolled 25 using 1d100-11 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5)((36)).  Attempting to identify Com System components and access.

Nat stared for a minute at the featureless console and realized she hadn't the slightest idea where to start.

Touch ID activated perhaps?  She reached out and tapped the surface.  Nothing.  Well...must be coded or carded access I guess?

Her eyes drifted back toward the restroom, then slammed shut in revulsion, but the train of thought kept going...I.D cards...badges...

Retrieving her pcomm, she verified her memory, then shot a group text, targeting Yom:  [Yom -  do you still have that passkey/badge you said you'd found?  I think we might be able to use it to access this console.]  (msg #149)

Petra floated into the security room, pushing up next to Natakkoa.  Anchoring herself with a foot near one of the main consoles, the lithe pilot expected if any emergency power was present, it would be routed through secure and security systems.  And those systems would be the last to go down, even potentially over life support.

So, she looked over the room to see if anything was still operational and could be accessed.  "Let's see what we can see..." Petra murmured to no one in particular, rubbing her hands eager to flex (and warm) them.

---

[OOC:  Computer Technics?  Electronics Technics?  Sensor Analysis?  Not sure what is entirely appropriate here:

  10:28, Today: Petra Jelinek rolled 75 using 1d100+28 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5).  Computer Technics check: Security and Comms access? – 75
  10:28, Today: Petra Jelinek rolled 39 using 1d100+33 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5).  Electronics Technics check: Security and Comms access? – 39
  10:29, Today: Petra Jelinek rolled 98 using 1d100+35 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5).  Sensor Analysis check: Security and Comms access? – 98

Not great rolls anyways; looks like my one in three chance didn't make it in three chances...:D  So, likely we are waiting for a security card to turn things around maybe ...]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Wed 20 Dec 2023.

Yom hands Petra the security card and the pilot inserts it into the slot.  Unfortunately, the console does not seem to have access to emergency power (Electronics Technics) and so she is unable to even power it up and attempt a log in.  However, there is a rapid flicker of the main lights which then stops, settling back down to zero main power and emergency batteries only.  It is unlikely the power flicker was due to Petra's actions; more likely someone is tampering with the main power system...

---

Okay, so it would be Electronics Technics first to get power to the console.  Then Computer Technics to hack it using the security card.  Then Sensor Analysis to use the internal sensors as desired.

Petra pursed her burgundy lips slightly, before a petulant, "Damn it!" escaped when there seemed to be no power to even the security systems.  Her eyes darted furtively about the room as the lights flickered and she dared to hope that there might be some good luck happening.  But it was not to be.  She was at a loss to for anything else to try here with no power to any of the systems.

"Okay." the thin pilot groused as she bobbed lightly in the microgravity (even when her foot anchored near the base of the console), "It looks like securing the power plant is now the top priority.  It will get us both life support and station security and control up."  She left hanging the danger with two armed hostiles present that  turning on the power wasn't going to be as simple as flipping a switch in the station.  As they continued to explore, the chances of encountering the enemy grew as the amount of unexplored territory shrunk.

She tucked away the key card securely in one of her coveralls breast pockets for use later, even as she rotated to leave the room.

In reply to Petra Jelinek (msg # 237):

"The way the powers' behaving, it seems like the boarders may be directing it somewhere for their own use. One or more of them is around the corner, we can get the drop on them and take them out. If they've moved on, maybe we can see what they were doing."

Hugh shifted to a position where he could push off down the corridor while keeping his weapon in front of him at the ready.

"Agreed.  Our options have been pared for us." She cast around the room, catching the eye of each in turn.  "Yom and Quirell heard sounds from down the corridor, deeper in Engineering.  Yom, Hugh, and Lev seem the most comfortable with weapons  -  please correct me if I'm wrong.  I've a good eye, and an amazingly steady hand, but not a lot of training or practice  -  my laser pistol is more of a tool for me, than a defensive or offensive weapon, but it Is a laser pistol, and it will do what a laser pistol does. Yom, Petra, and Quirell seem to have a variety of engineering and/or technical skills, and would probably have the best chance of getting the power systems back online."

She took a breath, hardly believing what she was about to suggest. "What do you think about letting Hugh and Lev take point, then me with my shield and pistol, giving Yom some cover, and behind us, behind *that* cover, Petra and Quirell, with what weapons they have available to them?" 

She gently took Petra's cool hand and rubbed it briskly.  "I would really rather not freeze to death." A warm flush announced her prominent cheeks, and her voice softened as she squeezed that hand.  "Not when there's so much more *world* to discover..."

"Seems like as good a plan as any. Certainly beats waiting around to see how bad things get if we don't"

Hugh picked out a spot as far around the curve as he can see and prepares to push off and turn to put his feet against the wall there, aiming for a soft and, hopefully, quiet landing.

A light, wistful smile touched Petra's lips when Nat addressed her directly.  She accepted the hand rub and squeeze with a quiet nod of approval and gave the Professor's cold hands a return squeeze.

"Rear guard." Petra reiterated, readying herself to take up a position behind Nat and Yom and along side Quirell, "Got it."  She tapped both the stunner and blaster pistols she was carrying in their holsters to make sure they hadn't been lost.  But, the lithe pilot made no move to draw them yet, as she preferred to keep her hands free for maneuvering in such close quarters and while weightless.

Once in the corridor with slightly more room to maneuver, Petra drew her stunner.  Though their enemies had demonstrated their willingness to kill, the young woman seemed reluctant to initiate the use of deadly force.  There just was so much uncertainty in the situation and so many unknowns that Petra preferred to have someone to question (and hopefully have answers), if possible.  But she was well aware that one didn't always get what one wanted; the universe could be quite perverse in that way.

Lev nods, double-checks the charge on his rifle, and moves somewhat skillfully into position on the right side of the corridor.  Yom also has a laser rifle and pistol, and takes the former into his hands and hangs back to let Hugh and Lev take the lead.  "I'm not killer, I'm a doctor, but I will defend as necessary," Quirell says drawing a stun pistol and waiting for the others to proceed before moving.

The corridor curves along the perimeter of the hull, through the porthole windows you can see the blackness of space and stars.  When Hugh and Lev reach the end there is a door just on the left at the end of the corridor, locked; one facing them; and the corridor turns left to continue.  Lev braces against the outer wall to cover the way forward and nods to Hugh that the coast is clear.  If he peers around the corner he sees an open security door, propped by what looks like thick conduit cable coiled, and beyond is clearly the main engineering dominated by the mass reactor in the center.

---

Hugh can roll perception if he is looking around the corner.

21:12, Today: Lev Serdtse rolled 74 using 1d100 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5) ((74)). (Skill is -22 for 52 total)

In reply to Game Master (msg # 242):

Hugh lands just a little harder against the wall than he intended, managing to keep his struptor aimed towards the door further down the corridor. He takes in the open door and the length of conduit holding it open and pauses to see if he can pick up any movement.


13:14, Today: Hugh Shinjison Hoshikawa rolled 48 using 1d100+18 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5) ((30)).

In reply to Hugh Shinjison Hoshikawa (msg # 243):

Hugh signals that he doesn't see anyone ahead and lines up to push off and move forward with his gun still out in front of him.

"Signs are they've been active here, I'm going to try to get a better angle as quietly as I can" He whispers to Lev before gliding towards the wall beside the propped door.

Lev nods to Hugh and hefts his laser rifle for emphasis as the bounty hunter moves closer to the engineering door.  Hugh can see that several casings have been removed from the main reactor and the central room is dark, lit only by red glowing emergency lights.  Unfortunately he doesn't have the technical knowledge to know what they mean, though the usual protocol is "red=bad."

---

What are the rest of you doing?

Quirell followed Nat, keeping pace with Petra.  Unlikw her he alresdy had his stunner out.  He paid more attention to the rear.

”It is getting colder.  He whispered. ”If we can’t get the power working we will have to get to a ship shortly.”

Petra slowed with the others.  She sighed slightly, which caused her dark hair to bob lightly, and watched her breath exhale.  Even if it wasn't cold enough to see, the young pilot felt like it, especially after Quirell's remark.  She nodded, noted the presence of weapons drawn and felt the peer pressure.  Petra pulled her stunner from her holster and brandished it while looking up and down the hallway to keep alert.  Being rear guard with Tawny meant that it was their job to ensure nothing crept up on them.

---

[OOC:  Petra will draw her stunner pistol to have it at the ready, while anchored in the hallway.  She'll try to keep alert for anything appearing in front or behind them.]

Moving slowly and intentionally, staying as near to wall or floor as possible, Nat advanced, keeping eyes on both Lev and Hugh as they scouted the doors at the end of the hallway.  Watching Hugh turn the corner toward Engineering, Nat checked her shield's power level and then either swapped out batteries or powered it up, as needed.

She unholstered her laser pistol and glanced at Yom, directing him with her eyes to step behind her, to take advantage of her shield.

Nat stole a look behind her, imprinting the images of the small, efficient pilot and the quiet, professional medic in her memory  -  and her heart began to pound in her chest.  Seeing their heads inclined together in preparation seemed so...natural.

Definitely so much more world to discover...don't fuck this up.

Turning back to the task, she crept up on Lev and Hugh's position, watching and listening attentively for their signals.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Thu 11 Jan.

In reply to Natakkoa Tukumpeh (msg # 248):

Hugh holds up a single finger to his lips, signalling for absolute quiet, then shifts across to the corridor past engineering. He listens for a moment to hear if there's any sound of movement there before moving towards Engineering proper.

I wish I had enough men to send a pair both ways, but we can't leave the non-combatants.

Beyond the door along the corridor, the hallway continues, bending with the outer hull, nothing immediately in sight.  Returning to engineering proper hugh catches some movement to his left (right on the map), something black is moving beyond the power core, largely concealed behind it, but occasionally passing through his viewing angle.  Before he can react any further it comes into full view:  it looks like a man standing two meters tall, either encased in some sort of armor or an android, all black hard skin, mimicking the suggestion of humanoid features, glossy with a pearlescence to its skin.  The face has only the suggestion of features, unmarked indentations for eyes, bumps for nose, no mouth, no ears.  Its feet are stuck to the floor, whether magnetically or some other fashion impossible to tell, and it was about to walk to the door where Hugh is standing.  It stops and faces him, expressionless, then raises a hand palm open, to point it at him...

---

We are moving into combat.

The combat sequence is thus:

1 - Psion Action Phase
2 - Psion Results Phase
3 - Psion Orientation Phase
4 - Fire Phase (A)
5 - Fire Result Phase (A)
6 - Movement/Maneuver Phase
7 - Fire Phase (B) •
8 - Fire Result Phase (B) •
9 - Melee Phase
1O - Melee Result Phase
11 - Final Orientation Phase

You cannot fire on phase B if you moved more than 50% during the movement phase, or already fired in phase A and then moved at all in the movement phase.  Basically, if you stand still you can fire in both phase A and B.  Weapons that are not self-reloading (bows, thrown weaponns) can only fire in one of the phases.  There is no Initiative.  Everyone declares actions and they occur intheir phase more or less simultaneously, with the exception of opportunity actions which is basically you held an action waiting for an opportunity.  Most commonly that is "I will shoot when he moves out".

The Hostile will shoot at Hugh in Phase A

In reply to Game Master (msg # 250):

Hugh's eyes opened a little wider and he quickly stabilized himself to return fire.

Hugh will shoot the Hostile.

21:50, Today: Hugh Shinjison Hoshikawa rolled 77 using 1d100+60 with the Role/Spacemaster system (fumble range of 1 to 5) ((17)).

(OB is 60 or 60 x.48 for Alien Environment Zero G) Struptorgun Mk III
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Sun 21 Jan.

In reply to Game Master (msg # 250):

(OOC  -  Unless I'm mistaken, Lev and Hugh had proceeded down the corridor ahead of the rest of us, and by my estimation are at least 20+ meters away.  I will proceed on that assumption, unless corrected  -  at which point I can edit my post if needed.)

Nat sees Hugh's "quiet" indication, and watches him move to the far side of what she assumes is the Engineering door, only to see him react in surprise and quickly drop into a combat ready position.

Oh shit oh shit oh shit.... She whisper-shouted to her companions "It's happening!  We have to move  -  stay close!"

Nat would attempt to close the distance, using a full move (as that's what I'm pretty sure I'd need to get to where Hugh and Lev are).  She would coordinate her movement with the others, so that no one is left without the cover of her shield, and she would allocate her Offensive Bonus (such as it is) to full Defense at this time.

She would only go as fast as she can while maintaining control.  If that means she moves at half-speed in this Zero-G environment, then so be it.

(BMR - 18meters/rnd,  AT-5,  DB,Shield: -60 vs energy attacks,-40 vs projectiles. -15 vs Missile. -5 vs Melee,  DB,Qu: 0)