Dr. Kri'lik casually listens to Bartja speaking to Desiraye. The Vrusk seems more interested in the mechanical features the yazirian now has. It was good to see the yarzirian again even if the doctor had only known him for a short time back on Volturnous. For a short while they had fought together in the final battle that freed the planet from the Sathar.

"Bartja, I'm most curious about your implants. If I had a medical scanner on me I would most certainly be asking to scan them. DO you know the full nature of your reconstruction?"

Bartja turned to address the doctor.

"Not really.  I know they are Eorna technology, but so are the Mechanons.  I suspect that where we would have used processors, they have used the Mechanon crystalline matrix or something like it.  I was examined by the ships doctor on the way over and he tells me that he'd never seen anything like it.  It was alien to him.

Did you by chance study the Mechanon technology?  I could sure use someone around that can repair this stuff if something goes haywire."  There is a note of desperation in Bartja's tone.  Being repaired is great - but only as long as the repairs will last.

"You know that's not my cup of tea Bartja.

Yeah, that does sound like a lot of TOP SECRET workspace to be having.  WE're going to have to start watching our backs a little bit better.  You all, are going to have to work on your weapons skills now that Kuurn isn't with us anymore.  I'm the only one with any military training left and I can't watch everyone's back.  Unless you geniuses figure out how to get us some robots to help?  I'll leave that up to you 'thinkers'."

A woman pokes her head in.  She is striking in that, although she appears human, her skin has an off-color hue and she has similar metallic attachments to Bartja, though Bartja's are more crystalline in nature and hers are more metallic.

"Sorry to bother you," she says, "but my name is Lieutenant Shinsa.  I've been asked to give you a tour of the ship."

She lets you get ready and then begins leading you out the door.

"The Pegasus has been refitted for scientific studies, with most of its weaponry removed.  It fought in the Sathar wars 30 years ago and most recently assisted in the battle at Volturnus, but it is primarily stationed at Aurora."

You all step into a lift and feel the disorientation of its movement in the artificial gravity.  "The Pegasus is a rotating cylinder," she says, seeing your discomfort, "inside a heavily armored outside hull.  The centripetal forces create the feeling of gravity, but it can certainly be disconcerting and cause nausea.  You should adjust soon."  Her voice seems very mechanical, as though she is reciting from a cue card.

The lift stops, and you step out on the science level.  Shinsa follows.

"The Pegasus acts as an overflow to Aurora, so the same type of projects can be found there, though on a larger scale.  These are mostly laboratories."

You see there are 10 total doors before you loop around the spinning barreled floor.  On the doors are written the following:  Genetic Science, Nanosciences, Neuroscience and Cyberology, Robotics, Memory Science, Computer and Engineering Sciences, Psiotic Sciences, Animal Projects, Astrophysical and Dimensional Physics, and Classified Projects.

"Each of these areas has its own types of research.  I can't show you the classified projects, but you can probably guess that your data portable drive is being preserved there.  If you're interested in what goes on in any of the other labs, I can have someone introduce you to their projects.  They are always looking for guinea pigs."  Her mouth turns into a strange smirk, and then you realize she is trying to smile.  "That was a joke," she clarifies.  "Though I myself was the subject of cybernetic experimentation due to a bad wound I suffered in the war on Volturnus."

OOC: Let Shinsa know if you are interested in a further tour of any of the areas.  Although she was joking about the guinea pig thing, if your character is really interested in some radical change like I mentioned, they could volunteer for something.  (There is no cost for these things. Bartja's adjustments make him ineligible.)

OOC2: Next you will be led to a medical facility for 24 hours of treatment to fully heal radiation wounds and all other damage received during your recent ordeals.

OOC3: This is just the fun little calm before the storm.  Kuurn's player is making a new character and I'm getting your final input on any character changes you might want, as well as traveling all week.

Some ideas of things you may be interested in are: mutations, cybernetics, symbiote technology, etc.  Note that for each adjustment, there will also be a weakness to balance it out.  The net result should be that those who do not choose anything will not feel like they are suddenly in the presence of superheroes or at any disadvantage.

Not really being a huge fan of the science/mutation field, Desiraye finds herself curious about the memory science and the animal projects.  Certainly not commiting, just curious.

She will happily follow whoever she needs to back to medical to have the radiation damage fixed she got from the robot (regaining her [2] lost STA points correct?)!

Shins takes you down the halls.  "The memory projects are a form of attempting immortality.  They are working on methods to download your complete memories and psyche into a digital wristband, which simultaneously uploads to a mainframe.  Then if anything happens to your physical body, your body can be cloned and your memories downloaded into your new body.  It still has some bugs, but certainly a fascinating area with some very promising success recently."

As you walk down the corridor, you can see through windows where test subjects are connected to computers, wires running from their heads.

Then she takes you to animal research.  You can see various animals in cages here, monkeys, birds, rats, and a variety of others, some of them obviously not from earth.

"The animal sciences were originally designed to couple animals with the disabled.  For example, they can see through the eyes of a bird or control the movements of a cat.  Again, it is still under development but has been very successful.  The military has found it to be very useful for operations, particularly reconnaissance missions and for delivery of ordnance.  Unfortunately, the latter has demostrated that there is a cerebral connection to the animals that injures the soldiers when the animal passes.  That's another bug they are working on."

She leads you back to the main corridor.  "Are you interested in anything else?"

"Can you tell me a little more about Genetic Science, Nanosciences, Neuroscience  please?

And what kind of 'bugs' are theyhaving with the memory sciences?  That sounds like it could be very dangerous doing that if in the wrong hands!  A criminal could keep coming back and doing more crime for example.  Just sayin'."

She says, "Genetic science is, quite frankly, exploring mutation and species migration and integration.  Nanosciences deal with implants of nanobots -- or more appropriately stated -- nano-membranes with nano-bot technology imbedded.  They have been working on repair and healing of the human body and technology, with some success.  Neurosciences are developing uses for heightened senses and response, creating high reactions and sensitive understandings.  They have also dealt into matters relating to psychic control, such as telekinesis."

She brings you back around to the main entrance to the labs.

"One thing is very important to point out.  The computer systems here are integrated with backup upon backup upon redundancy so that they can bring no harm to humans.  They only perform experiments that are harmless.  Some of our animal friends aren't quite so lucky, but we have had absolutely zero accidents as applied to humans."  She smiles broadly at this announcement, obviously very proud of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Tue 15 Mar 2011.

In reply to GM Heath (msg #24):

Desi shakes her head with approval and then turns to Shinsa, "I'm very impressed with your set up here, looks likes it's very well run.  But, not exactly my cup of tea if you know what I mean.  I'm more of the hands on type.  You guys got any weapons on board?

By the way, if I could be so bold, what kind of 'modifications' have you had?  I don't mean to be intrusive, just curious.  I mean, I was just looking to have an Anti-Shock Implant put on but you guys got a virtual candy store of mods here!"

"What kind of modifications are you referring to?" Shinsa asks.  "That's like asking a rich man what kind of investments he has.  We have many, not all perfected, mind you."  She is quick to add, "You should realize, this is only the Pegasus, an ancillary ship.  The designs we make are only one branch of the types being done.  Aurora is where all this research is really coming to the forefront."

She says, "As to weapons, other than military standard issue, we don't have any.  The Aurora would have more variety in that area."

In reply to Shinsa (msg #26):

"Like I said, I'm not trying to be offensive but, I think I may have just done that.  I apologize ma'am, it wasn't intentional.  Just really curious is all.  They got some kind of online catalog about what they got on Aurora?"

She does not seem offended, merely marveling at the research.

"Nothing like catalogues.  Everything is being researched and all are in various stages.  Once research is complete, the project is shipped off and no more research is conducted here.  Also, once it's complete, it becomes a commodity that becomes very expensive.  What we do here for free is merely experimentation."

She thinks a moment and says, "It's more like, if you have a question about something in particular, then you ask and I can see if we've got something like that under development.  Master lists of projects are trade secrets and highly guarded."

She pulls out a thin, rubbery mat and unrolls it.  You see it is a flexipad, a type of portable computer.  She sets it against the wall, and it hangs suspended there.

"If you are perhaps interested in any particular types of projects, I suggest you type them into my list.  We would never perform any projects without your complete consent and full disclosure of all risks," she says.  "But this would give us an idea of what you're interested in, just in case something comes along.  Believe it or not, with all these research projects going on, the one thing in short supply is research subjects.  This is your one chance for a free improvement."

OOC: The point here is for you to indicate (in a rather general manner, or more specific if you have something in mind) if your character is interested in a modification and, if so, what type.

OOC: Got it!

C'mon everyone, now is the time to speak up...

OOC: I gave you essentially a list of categories to get you thinking.  You can look at more specific things from the Star Frontiersman or any third party Science Fiction source.  You may not get exactly what you want, and keep it simple and limited to one "enhancement."  Note that, like I said, each enhancement will come with accompanying weaknesses to balance out those who don't want one.

I'll let you guys come up with ideas through this week.  Then we'll move on.

Desiraye will walk up to the computer pad and begin to type in:

'Neurosciences are developing uses for heightened senses and response, creating higher reactions and an anti-shock implant.'

"I'm not even sure about getting the first part done but, you've piqued my curiosity Shinsa.  A girl needs an edge whenever she can get it!  The weapons can wait until we get to Aurora unless you want me to list here also?  I'd kind of like to see them first I guess that's why I asked about a catalog or online.  I do understand the nature of the developement and they're top secret."

"Weapons lists are not available.  You will have to visit the military district for that. I doubt there will be much new there that you haven't seen.  This is primarily a biological and scientific research lab, not a military operation.  Military is there just for protection."

OOC: The crickets are chirping.  It seems like everyone is AWOL but Desi.

Bartja amuses himself reading and catching up on a couple years worth of news.  Much has transpired since he was abandoned on Vulturnous and he is adjusting well to him implants.  He was beginning to look forward to danger once again.  The drudgery of deep space travel had that affect on his psyche.

OOC:  Not AWOL, just holding on until his talents and new resources are called for.

S'Krllk will not be getting any "enhancements", though he'll likely look into the purchase of more firepower than he has been used to carrying. Most of his time will be spent sullenly following along and trying to note anything of interest in the facilities around them.

I think you mean, he won't be "volunteering" for any enhancements, right?  :)

What about Kri'lik or Yag?

Kuurn and Sergi died.  I am still waiting to see if Kuurn's player will introduce a new character, and I have someone else who will be joining the party.  (I.e., this is also part of the delay before starting into the action again.)

I can not think of anything I would need for Kri'lik as far as enhancments go... I do however have a list of goodies I would like to find/buy.

OOC: Heath, did you get my PM I sent you while you were on travel?  I had a couple of questions in there.

At least everyone that's left is still here, that's great!  Desi was a hard sell on the enhnacements from the start so, I guess if we're ready to go on.  I thought that someone else would've gotten some enhancements but, like me, we want the gear!!!

As the scenario unfolds, don't be surprised if an "enhancement" is forced upon you.  You will see why soon enough.

I still want to hear from Yag though.

Audio/visual enhancements might be useful...

There are some interesting one's in the Frontiersman

[OOPS. I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED THIS POST.]
<private to Heath:
Over Desiraye's machine:  ANTI-SHOCK IMPLANT SUCCESSFUL
Desiraye has an ADVANCED ANTI-SHOCK IMPLANT.  It has the following effects:

Advanced Anti-Shock Implant. Desiraye is immune to stun attacks, including stuns from electrostunner, sonic stuns, electric swords, etc.  Desi is immune to small levels of electricity and takes half damage from large doses (causing over 1d10 damage).

The implant has tendrils running down Desiraye's legs and arms, causing her to take only half damage from falls where she lands on her feet and adding 1/2 distance to jumps (rounded down) and to lifting capacity (not to encumbrance).  Any skill checks requiring the use of strength are performed as though she had +20 added to her strength.

Over Kri'lik's machine:  EMPATHY RECEPTOR PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL



Over Yag's machine:  HI-TECH OCULAR IMPLANT SUCCESSFUL

Over S'Krllk's machine:  HAND REPLACEMENT SUCCESSFUL

However, the obvious ones are S'Krllk's left hand, which is now robotic, and Yag's left eye, which is also cybernetic.>
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Tue 12 July 2011.