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Act One: The Wanderer and His Shadow
(Ricor Messman)
Your thought process is gently distrupted by the beeping of your Comm-unit. It's a narrowband-transmission from comm-Liason Cathy o' Hara. You can't help but smile at the futility of this, since she is sitting only meters away and speaks with a raised, strained voice that suggests she has been on duty for too long already. ,,Sir, I've received a memo from the various department heads. They're preparing for a large-scale evacuation as best they can, but want to know if you have any specific orders.'' She pauses, then adds: ,,Oh, and Navigator Johnson..'' - ,,Senior Navigator!'', someone shouts from the other side of the Bridge. ,,..uhm.. yes, SENIOR Navigator Johnson asked me to inform you that we'll enter the Kamonyo-system in 25 hours. We'll arrive at the Outpost 23 minutes later. According to the Research Department, the system will be in scanner range within the hour'', she says. |
Ricor Messman
"Got no specifics here," the captain responded, stretching his broad arms. "Tell them to buzz back when the scouts or scanners tell us something useful."
Watching space drift past, he wondered what the "various department heads" thought he knew. He'd no idea if there were a hundred refugees or a million - relieved or angry, if the moon'd be blown apart in three days or had already done so, if the non-standard distress call was genuine or five cruisers were waiting to capture the destroyer. But in the vastness of space, patience was still a virtue, and he was a believer. |
Act One: The Wanderer and his Shadow
(Scott Avery)
In most ways, the room you just entered looks much like any other. A simple bed in one corner and a desk in the other. On a shelf above a desk are various memorabilia from his research. Cells in a tube, purportedly belonging to an alien, a plant found on an an otherwise deserted planet and several, different coloured rocks. Papers and pencils are scattered in quite some disorder on the desk, figures and texts concerning his research on them. Much to your surprise, there are also a number of books in the room. One is lying on the table and several others are standing on shelves all around the room. You only notice a single datapad, which is lying next to the notes on the desk. |
Act One: The Wanderer and his Shadow
(Ricor Messman)
,,Sir, most of the Kamonyo-system is now within sensor-range'', reports Science-Liason Aubron Hermsly. ,,It'll take some time to sort out the details, but the passive sensors picked up something that looks like a major gravitional anomaly, close to the Kamonyo-sun.'' He frowns. ,,I can't give you any specifics yet, but this sure as hell doesn't like anything I've seen before.'' |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Ricor Messman)
,,Sir, I'm picking up the transponder from one of our scouts. It appears to be heading for the Arioch at maximum speed. No sign of any of the other Ares'', Navigator Jack Johnson reports. ,,If the pilot maintains his current velocity, we will rendez-vous five hours before we reach Kamonyo.'' |
Ricor Messman
Of course, patience was best reserved for inevitable long waits. In other matters the engineer couldn't always claim great virtue. Leaving the crossword for what it was, he turned to the navigator.
"How long was he at the moon before turning back then?" There was little enough to be done about any disasters, but who could pass up a bit of speculation? |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
The navigator frowned. ,,Sir, even if he maintained his maximum speed throughout the journey, the pilot couldn't have made it any further than the edge of the system.''
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Ricor Messman
Ricor laughed. It was not a happy laugh.
"That means he pulled the ship around, what, an hour ago? No more than three. Last time I'll be sending out scouts." He muttered something more about making contact, but the words were lost as he shifted and drew himself upright in his chair. "Well then... We'd best start scanning for Federation debris. Tell the boys at Engineering to hook the main Gölz to our Sec P-grid and I want the turrets manned. Slow us down to half speed, and get an escort ready for that Ares. When the pilot's home, send him straight up here. "I expect a right good reason for breaking orders." |
Scott Avery
"<font color=steelblue> Roger, Security.... out. Sir, if I may examine the data pad</font color=steelblue> "? While moving towards the data pad he examines the book as well.
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Ricor Messman)
,,Alert-level Beta, aye sir'', one of the crewmen at the tactical substation confirms. You stretch your mind, but fail to recall his name. Seconds later, the Bridge is cloaked in dark shades of crimson. a visual indication of the hightend state of readiness. ,,We are now at alert-level Beta. Repeat, we are now at alert-level Beta'', echoes the computer. The crew responds immediately, and you notice that several officers enter the bridge and take up positions at the tactical substation. ,,Still too far out to scan for debris, sir'', shouts Navigator Johnson. ,,Besides, there is too much junk floating around.'' Despite the fact that he has raised his voice, you have to strain your ears to make out anything he says. The computer, which is now warning that the ship is about to slow down, and the noise associated with the flurry of activity on the Bridge, make verbal communication almost impossible. Fortunately, most of your orders are confirmed through text-messages. The intercept-fighters were launched sixteen seconds after you gave the order and engineering is preparing to connect the Gölzman-drive to the secondary powergrid. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Scott Avery)
Wolf hands you the data pad. You examine it briefly and conclude that the contents are written in anglo-latin. Looks like you might need to have them translated. (Ricor Messman) Engineering informs you that the Gölzman-drive needs to be shut down before they can connect it to the secondary powergrid. They estimate the ship will be 'dead in the water' for at least an hour. You've also received a short message from Tactical, indicating that all turrets are manned and ready. |
Ricor Messman
He nodded at the message from engineering. The news hardly came as a surprise, and if it had then it was just as well he no longer acted as chief engineer.
As he gave the orders to drop the speed further down, Ricor only hoped the time between then and the Ares' return would be enough to complete the labour. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
" <font color=steelblue>Thank you Professor, I'll take this for the time being to ensure there are no further complications... I will take my leave now </font color=steelblue>." with a salute and 180 turn Scott headed for the door and to carry out his orders from security.
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Ricor Messman)
,,Sir, our intercept-fighters report that the Ares is now within comm range. According to the pilot, he was ordered to fall back in order to deliver his sensor-data. He's uploading it to them now, and they're forwarding it to us'', the Comm-Liason says. Seconds after the download is complete, you are hailed by the head of the Science Department. ,,It appears our pilot has transmitted information regarding a number of gravitional anomalies in the Kamonyo-system. Some of which we had already detected'', he explains. ,,The Ares' sensors are relatively crude, but there may be something useful in there. I'll get back to you on that, sir.'' |
Scott Avery
" Corporal Avery reporting for munitions pickup, what’s the good word Gunny"? With a slight smile, Scott handed the Sergeant his requisition form, the request was for 1 TFX-004 Chameleon, 2 bricks of TFA-314, 1 TFA-012 Jaguar, 1 TFA-198 Eel and 1 TFA-199 Cobra.
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
,,You going Commando on me, Avery?'', the sergeant inquires. ,,You know I can't authorise the use of explosives on the ship.'' He files your form and hands you most of the equipment you requested. ,,Don't sweat it. You'll probably just be babysitting a bunch of techs. According to the Tac-Liason, there is no immediate threat to the ship. Cap'n is just being cautious.''
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
"<font color=steelblue> Better to have and not need, then to need and not have, thank you Gunny. </font color=steelblue>" Scott smiled and started assembling his gear. When finished he saluted, and made his way to his post.
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Ricor Messman)
,,Sir, sensors have picked up the transponder from another one of the scouts. It has just left the Kamonyo-system and appears to be in the company of a number of slow-moving objects. Could be shuttles or freighters. If they maintain their current speed, it'll take them at least 48 hours to get to our position. If we accelerate to G4, we can intercept them in four hours.'', Navigator Johnson says. He examines one of the monitors, then adds: ,,No sign of the third Ares, sir.'' |
Ricor Messman
"Looks like that squad leader's taking liberties with his orders. We'll make speed once the engine tweaks are done."
The acting captain wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. Fly to the planet, scout out the situation and make contact, then come back. It had somehow become Split up and start evacuations. Necessity or wilful disobedience, he wondered. The good news was that there didn't seem to be a threat, except perhaps from the minigravs in the area. When it came, the laugh was harsh. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
The Corporal did not seem to have found anything incriminating against Wolf, the datapad was the one he used for work, so after some time Wolf managed to convince himself that he should call security and request his clearance level to be restored. "This is Wolf," he said into his comm-unit. "When shall my security clearance be restored?" |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
It takes security longer then usual to reply. ,,Security here'', says a familiar voice after about half a minute. ,,I'm sorry sir. But the CMO claims he has some additional evidence to present. This is not how we usually do things, and I do apologise for the inconvenience. We'll get back to you when the alert-level is lowered. Security out.'' Ricor Messman After about half an hour, engineering reports that engine is succesfully linked to the secondary powergrid. This upgrade should result in additional speed. The downside is that the engine now drains power from 'secondary' systems, including weaponry. Overheating the engines might have much greater consequences than before. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
This is not how we usually do things? Now that was puzzling. Why not? Philbert decided to ask. "Wolf to security. Might I ask why my case is getting special treatment? I hope it has nothing to do with the illustrious lineage of our dear CMO..." |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Again, it takes Security nearly half a minute to reply. ,,Mister Wolf, perhaps you are aware that we are currently at alert-level Beta. I regret to say that we currently do not have the time to respond in detail to your repeated requests.'' The officer pauses for a few seconds, then adds: ,,But I assure you that your case is being reviewed like any other. Without outside influence. Now please, no non-essential messages until 'Beta' has been lifted.''
----------------------------------------- (Ricor Messman) After the interconnection is completed, the Arioch resumes it course. Several hours later, the small convoy (led by one of the Ares) enters scanner range. ,,The convoy consists of half a dozen ships, including our Ares, which appears to belong to Commando Uytio Aldara'', Navigator Johnson reports. ,,The ships appear to be orbital shuttles, unsuitable for stellar travel. Both the shuttles and our Fighter appear to be heavily damaged. None of them are responding to our hails. I think their co..'', he suddenly pauses and glares at one of his monitors.,,Well I'll be damned. The Ares is using its navigation lights to signal us. I'll have to run the message through the system. A moment, please.'' It takes Johnson a long minute to come up with a translation. In the meanwhile, you watch the convoy approach on the main viewscreen. ,,Got it'', he finally concludes. ,,It's rather difficult to send detailed messages this way, but I believe Aldara is requesting the presence of a medical team on the flight deck. She also wishes to parley with you, sir. Immediately, I believe.'' |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
Wolf replied almost immediately. "I would however like to point out that in the case of a medical emergency occuring, which can especially occur during alert level beta, you'd be better off with a doctor who is not high on illicit substances. Then again, if I don't have my security clearance back, I will unfortunately have to refuse all medical help, since I could be court martialled for doing something I don't have the clearance for...I'd hate to have to place the blame for a trained medical officer not being able to help onto someone else's shoulders..." |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Philbert Sigismund Wolf)
The officer sounds weary. ,,We're doing this by the book sir. Now, if you don't get off the emergency channel, I'll be forced to block the signal from your comm unit for the time being.'' |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
For Wolf it was as though he was on a quest to regain his honour. He had been unjustly accused, and he could not let the blot on his flawless character stand. If he couldn't get what he wanted through Security, he'd go directly to the captain. The guard at the bridge did not stop him and Philbert soon found himself on the bridge. He glanced at the captain and decided to wait until the Commanding Officer had a minute of free time. |
Ricor Messman
"Why don't I get into my spacesuit and visit her highness then," muttered the captain. Ricor wasn't sure what was going on but he knew he didn't approve. Had there been fighting? Whatever the case, the pilot wasn't the only one wanting to chat.
"Doctor Wolf," he spoke aloud upon spying the man, the edge of surprise to his voice ground down by irritation. "Fetch some hands and get down to Launchbay. There're wounded coming." To the bridge in general: "Send some security down with him to keep an eye on the new arrivals. And make sure that pilot gets here straight away. I want to hear this." |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
"There is a small detail I wanted to talk to you about, Sir. The CMO accused me of theft and I was relieved of my duties. Even though no evidence was found Security refused to put me back on duty. Therefore I would be committing a grave infraction if I want down to Launchbay. I'd love to serve you Sir, but I fear the consequences..." |
Ricor Messman
"Didn't we talk about this before? You know surgery and first aid, go heal people. If there's a problem I didn't hear of it, and until I do I expect you to work. Frankly, you're both getting on my nerves with your quibbling and bickering and'll boot you and the CMO down to Medic if it doesn't end."
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Ricor Messman)
,,Sir, we'll intercept the convoy in five minutes. Would you like to issue any specific orders or should I instruct the department heads to clear the launchbay and send a medical team along with the marines?'', Navigator Johnson inquires. ,,Captain, I have the CMO on the line. He wishes to know what kind of emergency he should prepare for and what kind of medical support we'll need in the launchbay'', Comm-Liason o' Hara adds. ,,Also, Engineering has pointed out that letting badly damaged shuttles land could be hazardous to the flight crews. Although our scans don't show any immediate threats. We can also opt to have them dock, rather than land. But that will take considerably longer, and if the docking mechanism of one of the shuttles is damaged, it may be hard to undock.'' |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
"On my way, Sir!" he saluted. Wolf turned to leave from the bridge and was already on his comm unit as he left. "Calling Medics Wesson and Smith. Wesson, Smith this is Doctor Wolf speaking. We have wounded coming in. I know you are off duty, but you are needed. Meet me at Launchbay. Oh and I owe you one for ruining your afternoon off." Wolf turned a corner and reached an elevator which could take him to Launchbay and took it. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
As you enter deck four, you spot four armed marines waiting outside the Flightdeck. One of them appears to be a sergeant. ,,You're the medical team?'', he asks. It is clear he was at least expecting a stretcher. The marines check their gear, then nod at each other. ,,We're ready to move'', the marine informs you. ,,Stay near the wall until all of the ships have landed or the flightcrew indicates we can move in. I don't think the CMO can spare any doctors to patch you up, if you get run over by one of the shuttles'' |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Philbert Sigismund Wolf
Wolf looked around and spotted the backup stretchers strapped to the walls of launchbay. He spotted Smith and Wesson, just coming through the elevator doors. Neither of them had his uniform on, a clear indication that they weren't supposed to be on duty. "Get me two stretchers. We might need them." Wolf ordered. They complied without questioning. Good, they hadn't heard about his little incident with the CMO then. |
Ricor Messman
Messman rubbed his temples, feeling a strong desire to let others sort their own mess out for once.
"If they have a problem landing they should let us know. It's enough to clear the deck. Tell Abraham to stay in sickbay and keep to standard emergency preparations for now." He smiled a grim smile. What did he know about medicine anyway? Let the doctors sort that out - though lack of expertise in no way lessened his determination to make them all scream murder if they couldn't work together. Was he testy of late? Void syndrome creeping up to claim another captain? He began to suspect there was something fundamentally wrong in the way the destroyer was operated. |
Act One: The Wanderer and his Shadow
(Philbert Sigismund Wolf)
You watch in silence as Aldara's Ares enters the launchbay. Instead of landing, it continues to hover above the ground, as if waiting for something. Immediately behind it is the first shuttle, which touches down only meters away from you. ,,Wait'', one of the marines shouts over the roaring of the engines. On both sides of the flightdeck, tech-teams in hazmat suits are preparing a variety of tools, including fire extinguishers and laser-torches. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(Ricor Messman)
You feel the floor shake violently. The lights fail briefly, then turn back on. ,,Explosion in the launchbay, sir'' , the Tac-Liason shouts. ,,All accoustic and thermal sensors on deck 4 are off-line and the comm is unresponsive. No damage to the outer hull.'' |
Ricor Messman
"Send someone down there then," Ricor responded. "Make sure they don't cause an even bigger mess. If those refugees are going to cripple our ship and crew I'm changing my mind about letting them aboard."
With some effort he suppressed the urge to go there in person and check on his team. But there was something seriously wrong about this whole operation, and he was not a happy captain. |
Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
(OOC: Instead of doing all this through PM's, I'm now posting 'hidden' events with spoiler tags. I trust you'll all be good sports, and won't look unless your name is above the post. Yes, Dplax, that means you too. ;) )
(Scott Avery) Spoiler for post:
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
Scott Avery
Spoiler for post:
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Re: Dystopia: The Fallen Angels
((OOC: The Comm is unresponcive, Elif. ;) And could you stick to 'spoiler-tags' for the time being? :) Sorry, I should have explained better. The same rules that applied to PM's are adopted with spoiler-tags))
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