>Trust the Orz
>Why.jpg D:

Disturbingly enough, also found in Temple Prime was research data for a prototype NOD Chronosphere, and the prototype itself! More foreboding was recovered security footage showing a man believed to be Kane executing the scientists working on the device and using it to vanish off the face of this earth.

Journeying to Mars, the teams recovered a damaged Transpace Guard probe amidst a debris field that was once part of a Chaos battlecruiser. With as much as they could find in tow, the Oncoming Storm performed a transpace jump back to base, offloading the probe to a proper containment unit, and giving a full report to Sector Manager Garret Holtz.

Holtz was rather unnerved at the appearance of the Orz, but agreed that the TG team had done a job well enough so far to warrant extra funding.

As they wait in the dock for word from the team of analysts working on the data they had recovered and the probe, they must make a final decision on what to do with the funding they have received.

YOU HAVE:
1 TGS Cruiser, The Oncoming Storm.
1 squad of SCP troopers
1 squad of UNIT troopers
1 squad of 3 Mobile Infantry Marauders
3 Orz Nemesis and their crew as allies, following you.
Spike Spiegal and his Swordfish.
Ibram Gaunt.

You have assembled and equipped a Nuclear ICBM to your ship as secondary armament.

You may currently select one additional troop choice, one additional hero, one ship upgrade, 1-2 escort ships, and may make requests for additional equipment.

A large number of votes have been tallied for the Terran Spectre Gabriel Tosh as the hero so far. He is in the lead.

Manager Holtz agrees to supply your ship with a crate of Small Soldiers as part of the equipment transfer.

>>16561408
Okay, I know you said that the escort ships have to be smaller than the 4km Oncoming Storm, but what relative power do they have to be?

I mean, can we get Gladiator-class Star Destroyers?
Any of the Federation ships, like the Defiant or the Prometheus?

Also, is stuff from literature available to us, such as the Laundry Files? Or is it mostly still out of our budget range?

>>16561446
Something like a Victory-class Star Destroyer or smaller would be within your means.

I could see the Defiant, but don't expect it to have Worf aboard, heroes would cost extra.

>>16561471
That's okay about Worf.
Now, can we get a trans-phasic cloaking field with that Defiant, or would it cost extra?

The Victory II-class Star Destroyer is a winner in the No. 2 escort slot in my eyes. It's got space-to-space firepower, orbital bombardment capability, 2 squadrons of TIE fighters (maybe use our equipment requisition to upgrade to TIE Defenders, or at least Interceptors), and a full ground force with dropships, AT-AT's and AT-ST's to provide support for the Mobile Infantry.

>>16561514
The Victory does not come with its usual complement of ground forces and fighters, but it DOES have the facilities to support them if you lay hands on them.

Sorry to say, I don't know the difference between a trans-phasic cloak and a normal cloaking field. You'll have to inform me.

>>16561548
The normal cloak just makes you invisible to scanners.
The Trans-Phase Cloak not only makes you invisible, it also allows you to move through normal matter unimpeded.

Too bad about not having the ground troops and fighters, but I still think the Victory II is a good choice.

>>16561548
So the Victory II fills in one escort slot; what should we get for the other?
A Battlestar?

>>16561408
Repeating
HERO: Tosh
TROOP: Delta Green Investigation Squad
ESCORTS: 2 Venator-Class Star Destroyers
UPGRADE: Enhanced Sensor/Scanner Array
EQUIPMENT: Mass-Effect Kinetic Barrier generators for the Delta Green Squad.

>>16561574
I'll be generous and give it to you. Yeah, you can have it with the Trans-Phase cloak.

>>16561772
>>16561807
Given that we can get Trans-Phasic cloaks, how about:
HERO: Tosh
TROOP: Delta Green Investigation Squad
ESCORTS: 1 Victory II-Class Star Destroyer, 1 Defiant-class Escort Vessel with trans-phasic cloaking
UPGRADE: Enhanced Sensor/Scanner Array
EQUIPMENT: Mass-Effect Kinetic Barrier generators for the Delta Green Squad, Commando Set from Small Soldiers

>>16561880
I change my vote to reflect Anon. Good stuff, good work. This is why the best stuff gets done in space committee.

>>16561880
I'd concur with you, except that leaves our UNIT and SCP guys without Mass Effect Barriers. While the MI Marauders are tough enough to handle punishment, they aren't.

>>16561915
Valid point...
A.N.O.N, will we be able to get Kinetic Barriers for the SCP and UNIT guys as well? If so, let's do that. If not, just hand 'em out to the Delta Greens.

>>16561915
Would you prefer personal shield for all of our troops, then?
We can always ask OP if we can.
Might as well, since we're here at HQ and we're waiting on the upgrades to the Oncoming Storm to finish.

>>16561944
Kinetic Barriers -are- personal shields. Light-weight, too. I'm just wondering if we have the budget to give each of our guys a second health-bar, is all. A.N.O.N is our ship-board computer (IC OP question slot), if you didn't know. I was considering asking for an YMIR Mech from ME, but the Barriers'll make up for it.

>>16561968
If possible, we should consider either requisitioning or finding a good mix of slug throwers and energy weapons of various types.

As shown by the Vis last thread, there are situations where one will be better than the other.

>>16562009
We've already got las-rifles for the SCP, the UNIT guys have their standard 'British Cawadoody Rifle' that proves effective if Torchwood is to be believed, and the MI have flamers and such. The Delta Greens should hopefully have a tiny bit of Cthulhu-Tech on them along side with standard FBI 'big' weaponry.

HERO: Tosh
TROOP: Delta Green Investigation Squad
ESCORTS: 1 Victory II-Class Star Destroyer, 1 Defiant-class Escort Vessel with trans-phasic cloaking
UPGRADE: Enhanced Sensor/Scanner Array
EQUIPMENT: Mass-Effect Kinetic Barrier generators for the Delta Green Squad, Commando Set from Small Soldiers

This will take up all your funding, and it seems to be what's been agreed on.

The two escorts are on their way here to meet you and the equipment is being loaded aboard.

Gabriel Tosh is being recruited and briefed on the situation, and will arrive with the ships.

The Storm's sensors are being upgraded with the best the base has to offer. This will enable faster, more accurate scans in all spectra available to the TG. It will also allow you to defeat most cloaking and ECM.

Manager Holtz reports he managed to get a little extra surprise for you shipped in with the Victory.

Both ships can be named if you wish.

>>16562872
I.S.D Relentless and the U.S.S. Indefatigable.

A few hours later, Sector Manager Holtz contacts your ship, looking somehow more haggard.

"OK..." he says, quietly. "We're done analyzing the probe and the data... Well, the first thing you should know is that the probe is the same one that sent that transmission to SE-13. You know, the one with the VE and Chaos ships fighting. The second thing you should know is that we checked the records and that probe was deployed around the core of our patrol zone, NOT in the same world as SE-13, meaning that something, probably the Event, moved it. This also means that those ships you saw fighting were also in that area."

"In addition, the probe has an extremely anomalous time-space energy permeating it. We're not quite sure what to make of it yet, but it's sitting in a containment unit all the same. That's what we've got so far."

>>16562978
"Probably tainted by Chaos.
"Fuck, I hate those fuckers. Can never get any rest when they're around."

Let's pull up the records and see where the probe was originally deployed. We'll probably need to do scouting of the area and call for a cleaner team to contain the area and clean it out if it's still contaminated.

>>16563021
The probe was originally deployed...

...right smack in the center of what is now that calm zone in the center of the map.

>>16563074
>right in the middle of the Eye
Well fuck...We could try going there, but I don't like my chances.

Maybe we'll have better luck with reestablishing communications with one of our branch HQ's that went offline.

>>16563126
>>16563074
Alright, well, since no one else has suggested something, when the Relentless and the Indefatigable arrive, let's head towards one of the branch offices that stopped responding and see if we can rescue anyone.

someone explain who Tosh is to me?

>>16562978
humble suggestion from an elegan/tg/entleman is that we requisition SCP-294 or SCP-914 for our next equipment upgrade. They will be capable of generously upgrading our equipment and/or granting us extra resources to use against the anti-reality S.U.E. threat.

>>16563719
http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/Tosh

He's a specter, a telepathic super-soldier with a personal cloaking field. I suppose he could also put down targeting beacons to help coordinate orbital bombardments.

>>16563074
Heading straight for the Eye sounds a bit hazardous. We should head for one of our other branch HQ's. Preferably one NOT in those WH40K black-smears.

When the escorts arrive, you may be pleasantly surprised to find a lone Gunstar secured in the Relentless' hangar bay.

In addition, Holtz clears you to be supplied with thirteen Reality Emitters.

ANON: "Reality Emitters are made with the most advanced technologies we can field. Though only the size of a belt buckle, these devices stabilize the laws of reality in a twenty foot sphere, rendering the wearer safe from reality distortions. In addition, they dampen the effects of certain magic, and dampen the effects of most S.U.E. abilities. The further divorced a Supernatural Unbalanced Entity's abilities from the laws of reality, the less effect it will have on the wearer. Be warned that this is NOT immunity, and caution is still advised."

A.N.O.N. then gives you a set of coordinates.

"These should lead you to our southwestern branch base. It's located on planet, in a bunker complex deep in the Appalachians. It was the largest of our bases, so if anyone can help it should be them."

>>16564203
"Sounds good to me. Load everyone up, we're off to..
Uh what canon is this?" (or maybe more likely, what canon WAS this?)

>>16564203
Thank Holtz for the Gunstar (I hope we actually have people who can fly it), and let's set course for that base.
Tell the Orz there might be *campers* they can *dance* with, if they stick with us. In fact, the longer we stay out, the more assured it becomes.

>>16564265
"The base was keeping watch on a Shadowrun universe."

>>16564270
"Yes! *Relatives* go to *dances* together!"

>>16564340

We're gonna have to double Tosh's fee.... He's gonna get a lot of work.

Issue him, Gaunt and Spike a belt buckle each (Tell Gaunt it once belonged to a saint or something), and ask ANON and UNIT's techs if they can improve on the Gunstar's power supply issues - one Death Blossom and all you have is life support? I think not!

>>16564434
"I have access to schematics that can be drawn upon for relatively basic improvements to the Gunstar design, but modifying the vessel will take some time and it will be unable to be fielded during this time. Estimated time to modify: Two days," ANON reports.

>>16564543
We're going to a Shadowrun universe, so the Gunstar may not be needed.
And again, do we even have the crew needed to operate it?

Have ANON begin the modifications.

>>16564630
Yes, it came with crew.

"Technical crews are being prepared now."

A few more hours pass as ship upgrades are completed and tested. When that time is up, no matter where you are, you get a comm-call from the bridge.

"Sir, we're about ready to head out," the helmsman reports. "Confirm destination, or do you still have business at base?"

>>16564691
I think that's it.

Confirm destination as the the southwestern branch base (we should get an actual name for it).
Take us out and transition.

>>16564691
"Confirm destination and alert the Orz that we're about to leave."

Random thought, but based upon the size and capabilities of the Chaos ship from the video feed is there any chance that it was Abbadon's Planet Killer?

Chaos doesn't have a very large armada, and the majority of their fleet is made up of older, Horus-era craft. If the ship that was destroyed in the engagement was as powerful as our records indicate, then the field of possible identities for the Chaos ship is pretty small.

>>16564720
>>16564736

"It's Grant Transpace Base, but everyone nicknamed it, 'The Vault," ANON informs you. "It had a sister facility in high orbit to aid space operations, Launch Base Four."

----

Your ships activate their transpace drives and rip through space and time, arriving a few minutes away from scanning range. From out here, the blue sphere looks serene and beautiful, with no obvious problems.

>>16564900
"The Planet Killer has a very distinctive profile. If it was that infamous ship, it would've been noted," ANON reports.

>>16564927
A.N.O.N., is there any we could identify the class of the Chaos warship from the salvaged video feed?

>>16564927

Yeah, with our luck, it'd be KILLFRENZYKILLFRENZYKILLFRENZY- Sorry... I'll get myself checked into psych before we can jump.

>Darkness manizy

Well, At least the CAPTCHA is working properly.

>>16564912
Begin scanning the local area for any damage to the fabric of reality and for any anomalies. Have the Indefatigable activate their cloak and go to yellow alert. Since they're our only cloak-capable ship, have them move towards the Earth and look for Launch Base 4.
The Relentless is to charge their weapon banks in case we meet resistance.

>>16565013
Also prepare the Swordfish for any possible launches for scouting or interception that we might need in case we meet some resistance.

(OOC: It is high time to pre-emptively archive this thread so we all know where to find it later.)

>>16565006
>MYMINDBEARSAGREATPAIN.jpg

Meanwhile

Have the Relentless and the Orz run a screen in between the Storm and the planet in case there are any ships lurking over the horizon

>>16564985
"The Chaos ship did not match any known profile of Chaos vessel," A.N.O.N. reports.

Spike begins readying the Swordfish as the Indefatigable advances with its stealth cloak. The Orz and the Relentless assume a defensive posture around the Storm.

It takes a few minutes for the Storm to reach scanning range, and when it does so, the results are not encouraging.

ANON: "Preliminary scans complete. Major distortions in time-space cover large portions of the globe. Analyzing these portions further reveals that the distortions are passive in nature, like knots tied into string. Whatever havoc they caused is passed, but they remain present, and dormant. Would you like me to follow up with a full spectra scan?"

The Indefatigable is nearing the area the Launch Base is supposed to be.

>>16565382
Yes, do a full scan.

Are we equipped to be able to handle reality distortions of this magnitude?

>>16565382
See if Tosh can read any thing on the ship telepathicly.

>>16565464
It depends on the cause.

"From long range scans, we see there is extensive damage to many of the cities on the North American Continent. Furthermore, there are strange, spidery structures built in many of the surviving cities, and in certain areas barren otherwise. We have located the Vault, and it seems to have power, but we cannot tell more without sending a team to investigate."

The Indefatigable has reached the Launch Base... or what's left of it. It's been completely demolished, wrecked in a large debris field.

>>16565601
Tosh shivers.

"There be something down on that planet, mon. Somethin' twisted and powerful. I don' like it one bit."

>>16565673
I do. Well, lets get into geo-sync over the Vault and have Spike do a visual/scan-pack recon sweep over it. If it checks out as suitable, drop in the MI and the Delta Greens. The power-armor and men-of-steel can handle anything that Shadowrun has to offer.

>>16565382
"Go ahead and begin a full spectra scan. Check all viable wavelengths for comm transmissions as well, but be careful. Also, be on the lookout for any signs of Warp-related energy."

>>16565662
Have the Storm's sensors do an intensive scan of the debris, and check for Chaos signatures, and those any other energy lifeforms in our database.

Have the Oncoming Storm check the debris for any lifepods and intact data cores.

All ground troops (SCP, UNIT, Delta Green, Mobile Infantry, Gaunt, and Tosh) transfer over to the Indefatigable, who will transport them down to the ground entrance of the Vault. Have the Inde do a subsurface scan of the Vault and see what's in there before we have our troops go in.

>>16565662
Run scans on the spidery structures, with an emphasis on biometrics and Canon.

"Indefatigable, is there any way to deduce what might have happened to the Launch Base? Are there any blast marks or unfamiliar bits of debris?"

"The spidery structures are consistent with drow architecture, but are technologically advanced," A.N.O.N. reports. "They are not native to this universe. I am running comparisons, but it may take a while."

The Indefatigable begins accepting troops transferred from the Storm.

Scans on the Launch Base indicate it was destroyed by sustained ship fire, but the debris field around it contains numerous chunks that look like they were once streamlined ships of alien make. There is no Chaos detected, but there is mana residue everywhere.

A.N.O.N. detects no data cores or lifepods... whoever destroyed the station was extremely thorough and possibly zealous.

>>16566049
...wait...Drow, technologically advanced, and have a mana residue.

"ANON, restrict the search to Spelljammer and DrowTales. I fucking hope it's the former and not the latter."

>>16566049
Inform the ground team that they might be going up against the drow. Make sure the landing area is somewhere on the daytime side of the planet, we're going to need every advantage we can get.

Do we want to board the Launch Base?

>>16566202
The Launch Base is GONE. It's nothing but a debris field.

>>16566208
THEN REBUILD IT AND BOARD THAT SHIT

Lol my bad

Oh ANON, while the Storm is checking to see if these are Spelljammer or Drow Tales Drow, can the Indefatigable interface with one of the satellites and get a connection to the Matrix? We want to know what the locals know about what's going on.

Also, have the Relentless begin scanning the local orbital space. The Zurich Orbital station should be somewhere, along with the Corporate Court.

>>16566358
They SHOULD be, but instead you get more debris fields.

A.N.O.N. confirms your worst fears. The structures are identical to Drowtales-class Drow... but the strange thing is that in addition to the technological Drow structures, there are several far more primitive Drow structures from the same universe present.

The Relentless manages to locate a few functional satellites, but before it can reach them, the Storm's sensors pick up a squadron of twelve ships at long range. Drow ships.

>>16566430
Order the Relentless to come about and enter a support fire position where we can support each other with overlapping fields of fire.
The Indefatigable is to maintain its cloak and prepare to use tactical transporter usage to transport photon torpedo warheads set to maximum yield straight into the heart of those ships.

>>16566430
Warm up the weapons on all three of our ships and get the crews to battle stations. Deploy electronic warfare countermeasures and get our crew started on hacking the unknown vessels systems if that's possible.

Instruct the Orz to get into firing range, and to hold there.

Ask Tosh to see if he can pick up any energies those ships might be producing.

Have both of our escorts return to formation and place themselves in between the Storm and the unknown vessels.

Lets attempt to contact these guys before we start shooting though

Scratch having the escorts return to formation, I like this idea >>16566537

Have the Orz set up a defensive screen in front of the Storm instead.

Inform Spike that he should be ready to protect the Storm from incoming fighters. Is the Gunstar good to go?

>>16566595
>Is the Gunstar ready
Of course not; it needed days and it's only been hours.

Tell the Orz that these *campers* will likely want to *dance* with us.

Don't forget: they are intruders, they do not belong in this timeline, in this setting. They must be eliminated to bring Order back to the Canon.

I know I'm coming into this a bit late, but I just have to say something up front. Why the flying fuck did Tosh's retarded ass get picked over Nova's magnificent posterior?

Back to the situation at hand though: In addition to the can of rape we're about to unleash on these Drow, might I propose we try and take some prisoners, or at least an intact ship from which we might be able to glean some information on what the fuck happened here from? Beam the cap troopers over to a smaller-ish ship that should be easy from them to take with order to disable it and possibly take prisoners. once the MI have established a beachhead, send over UNIT troops to support them.

>>16567184
I don't know, I too would have preferred Nova, but then my first choice was Bob Howard.

Anyway, I suppose that we could take prisoners and try to interrogate them, but it won't be easy. We only have 3 Mobile Infantry. And while the Reality Emitters might diminish the magic that the drow use, it won't completely negate it.

>>16567184
Bros before Hos. Always.

"A.N.O.N., run a series of scans on the Drow battle group so that we can get an idea as to what we're up against."

>>16567184
I don't know about that can of rape. Our ragtag flotilla is decently equipped but there are twelve Drow ships bearing down on us. We're fully capable of doing some shit slapping, but from the looks of things so are they.

>>16567264
This, also who says we cant add her later? Any how what is so threatening about these Drow in particular?

>>16567304
Fucking plot-armor and magic, for one.
Two is the fact that they destroyed one of our orbital stations and caused one of our main branch bases to go offline.
Also, this is a Shadowrun universe; the natives have magic, dragons, tac-nukes, cyborgs with super-fast reflexes and downloaded skills, drone fighters and tanks, man-portable laser rifles and troll-portable laser cannons and assault cannons. If they were able to beat down those kinds of forces, which seems fairly apparent, then this is not going to be a cakewalk.

Hmmmm, magic, didn't really think that though all the way. By Marauder, are we talking the Ape suits from the book or the mechs from the movie/TV show.?

Anyway, there is still a chance that the Drow won't attack us outright. They are SUEs after all, and probably have some sort of convoluted moral high ground they need to maintain, even if that only means demanding our surrender before attacking, it still gives us a chance to talk a little bit and maybe find out whats going on.

I still say we ready troops for a boarding action. Try to damage/disable one of their smaller ships, take it completely out of the fight, but don't slag it entirely, we can pick over it after the fight.

>>16567333
Are they SUEs?
I mean they're certainly pretty damn close, but I'm not sure if they technically meet the definition. Like is using the WoTC race known as the Drow enough for the mandatory derivativeness that marks each SUE? Or, much like Twilight, are even these twisted abominations marked as 'canon'?

So I'm a bit unsure, did we agree to investigate the TSAB's lack of communications or not?
Because... An Arc en Ciel would have come in handy right about now.

>>16567327
Hold up, if this is the SR universe, then why do we need to worry about magic while we're in space? Unless that's the whole threat of SUEs, they are able to bend reality to their will because they are special little snowflakes.

Fuck, my usual response of "hit it with a hammer until it stops being a problem" might not be as useful as it normally is.

What are the primary weapons on the Storm exactly? The Victory-class is packing a decent amount of firepower, and while not packing as much, the Defiant-class makes up for it with the aforementioned ability of beaming delicious candy/rape marines onto the enemy ships bridge, not to mention the cloak.

>>16567333
We have the Marauder suits from the book. So we have micro-tac-nukes in Y-racks if we need them.

Also, these aren't SUE's; they're Canon residents of another universe that shouldn't be here. From what I remember of their culture, they view humans as nothing but a lazy and thick-witted slave race, and they won't demand surrender first.
It's far more likely that we'll get better answers from the databanks in the Vault rather than from characters.

>>16567333
Drow are an evil race, what sort of moral high ground have they deluded themselves into? Or is Drowtails just that poorly written?

>>16567383
>why do we need to worry about magic while we're in space?
Because the Drow won't be operating under the rules of magic that the Shadowrun universe has, they'll be operating under their own rules of magic.
That's what makes crossovers so much of a headache.

And while I'm thinking about it, the next time we get a chance to get a new ship, we're taking the GTVA Colossus. I don't give a shit what anyone says.

>>16567384
Well as much as it pains me to say this, in their world, humans really are pretty much souless beasts because the author really is that lame.
Perhaps if they realize that this doesn't hold true for different worlds, they might be more willing to negotiate?

...Is there any way to open communications while still hiding our position?

>>16567381
We're not officially on that mission; right now we're concentrating on saving our own people trapped out here. Those prissy asshats at the TSAB can go and unfuck themselves from this whole mess without our assistance, if they're so high and mighty.

Though we might want to ask if we've heard anything from Hyper-Athens concerning this, or if they're still embroiled in their Timeline War, next time we're back at base.

>>16567396
Are you sure that's how it works?
I recall in the (canon) JLA/Avengers crossover or 2003, the Flash was rendered powerless upon entry to Earth 616, due to the Speed Force not being present in that dimension.
So there's at least a small chance their magic is useless here.

>>16567404
No. We don't have great of an ECM suite, nor does the Relentless. They don't know about the Indefatigable, probably, but who knows with their magic sensors.

>>16567426
That might be how it works in the Marvel collection of universes, but that doesn't necessarily hold with the rest of the Metaverse.

Consider that Launch Base 4 has been reduced to scrap metal with mana weaponry, which by Shadowrun rules shouldn't work at all in the void of space where there is no life, and I think the answer is pretty clear.

Their magic works, and we need to be ready for a rough tussle. At least we have the Orz here on our side.

What are the odds that the Star Destroyer's Ionic Weapons will affect the Drow ships?

>>16567443
Slim.
The Drow use crystal magitech; it's unlikely to be affected by ion cannons.
Of course, that's nothing a couple isotons of explosive force generated by antimatter explosions can't fix.

My lack of Drowtails knowledge here is both a good and bad thing. Exactly how big of a threat are these Drow? I was under the assumption that there were of average threat level for a space going race. How big and well armed are there ships?

>>16567440
Good point.
As much as it pains me to abandon diplomacy, this might be one of those times we should shoot first and only question the atomized remains.
I mean, they're an invasive species, they know this isn't their universe, and they should have had ample time to realize that the inhabitants of this world had thoughts/dreams/ambitions/souls like they did, but they conquered this place anyway.
It's very very unlikely that they will listen to reason and go "you're right, conquering this world and oppressing its populace was wrong, we see that now. Now we're going to return to our world peacefully."
Scan the planet for any planetary defenses. If none are detected, open fire.

In retrospect? We really should have gotten some magic on our side. Or at least Anti-Magic shields. Especially since given their mana-infused biology, cutting a drow off from magic might actually be fatal.
Maybe we should infiltrate the planet and scrounge up more resources?

So exactly how capable are the Orz in combat?

The Drow need to be eliminated one way or another. The combat prowess of the Orz will determine whether we start shooting or nope our way back home and come back with bigger guns

Before I forget again, you should know that the UNIT hacker is close to becoming a novice Hero after the shenanigans in the NOD base.

>>16567303
A.N.O.N.: "The Drow fleet has not noticed us yet, mainly thanks to the extreme range we can scan them thanks to the new sensors. They appear to have one flagship at about 1 km length, four frigates at 400m length, two transports that appear to be only lightly armed, one magiscience vessel, and four cruisers at 600m length. All weaponry appears to manatech in natural."

The Orz appear extremely excited at the prospect of combat with the Drow.

"Yes! We can *smell* their *juice*! It is so much! *Campers* really are the best! This will be a good *party*!"

>>16567383
The Oncoming Storm is only lightly armed, equipped with four long range precision laser batteries on each side. However, you did add a nuclear ICBM to the left hardpoint.

>>16567404
"Without stealth technology, there is no way for us to contact them without giving away our position."

>>16566557
"The Drow ships use a mana-based computer system that electronic-based systems cannot interface with. We cannot hack them and they cannot hack us."

ANON reports that there are some basic planetary defenses in place, but they are short range and few in number.

Apparently these Drow specifically come from the story
Drowtales Space Age.
For those (masochistically) wishing to know our newest enemy, grit your teeth and start reading from... http://www.drowtales.com/~daydream/liriel.php?location=20060219
Apparently, they are approximately 12,000 years ahead of the default setting, which seems like a long time even for elves.

>>16567571
Forgot my name for the last one. The Orz are extremely capable in combat, wearing combat exoskeletons that wield fusion torches and cannons capable of slicing through most military-grade starship hulls like butter. Their ships are decently armored, fast, and have a large rail-howitzer mounted on a turret. Their main drawback is that their ships are small and they only have the one cannon, even if it is a BFG.

>>16567618
...By the standards of us and the ships we requested, I don't think we stand a chance. However I have no idea what the Orz are truly capable of.
Anyone here have experience witnessing how powerful they are in the context of space battles?

>>16567618
This Crossover is no longer at a stage where we can peacefully mediate. Open hostilities have been in operation between the natives and the intruders.
Force is the only option.

Tell the Orz that they can *dance* with the *campers* and we will support, but to not destroy the science vessel; that's what we'll capture.
The Indefatigable is to transport a single photon torpedo set to maximum yield (which should be about 64.4 megatons, enough to level entire cities) to each of the enemy ships except the science vessel.

>>16567645
It's not a matter of whether we can outmatch them joule-for-joule, it's about how we apply it and how we can out-think them using our meta-knowledge.

Lets move the Storm, Relentless and Orz pull back and hide behind the planet or moon or something. Send the Indefatigable in under cloak for a closer look.

If things look like they are going to get messy, beam a nice little parting gift onto their flagships bridge and then GTFO. If it turns out they can't detect the Inde, then we can use it in hit and run attacks, slowly braking down the fleets power. If they can, then at least we'll have scored a nice hit on them.

If we can knock out their cap ship and aybe a cruiser or two, then we should stand a good chance of beating them in a straight up fight.

>>16567668
Yeah I suppose it can't be helped.
Not happy with it though. If we strike immediately without even attempting to talk things out, essentially just killing them out of expediency, what does that say about us?
I mean even if it's necessary and I have no love lost for these Drow, I still feel like this is the kind of thing that would make the Doctor and/or Optimus Prime shake their heads in disappointment at us.

>>16567696
ANON: "I should amend my earlier statement. While the ship itself cannot initiate communications and remained undetected, it may be possible to use a Lander shuttle to act as a relay. The Drow ships would believe the shuttle was the source of the transmission. However, this would place the crew of that shuttle in serious jeopardy."

>>16567636
I feel that we should tell Gaunt that we will be facing and killing and, Emperor willing ( and he's always willing, amiright) exterminating some Dark Eldar. Drow = Dark Eldar? Maybe not, but in Gaunt's mind, close enough.

This should really motivate him. I think he's a bit down after we allied with the Orz. Then we can let a hero unit be a hero. Oh yeah, don't forget to tell him the the objective is capturing the science vessel. We don't want him to blow it up in his zealousness.

>>16567618
Thanks OP.

Even with the Orz I don't think engaging the Drow flotilla is a good idea. Even if we do pull out a victory, it would come at a great cost.

It might be in our best interest to retreat to the far side of the planet and jump back to our HQ. From there we could re-organize and put together a more capable battle group.

If the Orz are so eager to fight then we should consider having them ambush the flagship and then retreat at their own discretion.

>>16567696
>what does that say about us?
It makes us people who won't let personal feelings get in the way of protecting the Canon.
The Doctor and Optimus Prime are characters, they cannot think outside the confines of their own Canon.
We do.
And it is our duty to use that ability, and the meta-knowledge at our disposal, to repair and preserve the Canon at any cost.

>>16567695
The Orz are irritated that they cannot *dance* yet, but do as requested.

The ships pull back behind the moon as the Indefatigable sets out under cloak. It finally reaches knife-fight range with no visible reaction from the Drow vessels.

((It's my understanding that use of sensors can't be done without dropping a Trek cloak. Is that accurate?))

>>16567711
...Hm. Now I'm wishing we brought robots, even if Gaunt would have been bitching about 'Iron Men' this and 'Heresy' that.
Can A.N.O.N. calculate the likelihood that these Drow believe in taking prisoners and accepting surrenders?

>>16567727
You realize that 'at any cost' brings you down a dark and terrible road in the real world as well don't you?

>>16567731
"Canon examples of accepting surrenders do exist, and the shuttles are not armed. It is unlikely they would believe it to be a threat."

>>16567729
No. Sensors can still be used while cloaked. Certain weapons can't because of the power drain. Depending on the model of cloak (if it's an old one) then the transporters can't be used either.
Torpedoes still work, though.

>>16567736
Tell you what. You can be ass-damaged and sit this one out if you want. We'll go do our job. When we get back from killing the Drow, Gaunt said he would sit down and listen to you talk about your feelings.

>>16567739
...It probably won't work, but I think we should still try.
Is it possible for us to give them data that can prove that their continued presence here is actually destabalizing this universe which will likely destroy them, in a way they will be able to understand?

...Their presence is harmful to the dimensional structure, isn't it? So we should have methods of proving it.

>>16567736
Yes, but the alternative is to allow rents in reality to continue to grow, threatening the entire Meta.
You allow your egotistical ideals to color your decisions.

>>16567766
Ass-damaged? I believe your exposure to Gaunt has contaminated your philosophy.
We do not actually work for the Imperium of Man.

Actually that brings up a good point. What if it was the Imperium who was occupying a world? Would you be so eager to attack then?

>>16567762
The Indefatigable's sensors are not calibrated for magitek readings, but the accompanying electromagnetic and other such energy readings that go with magitek are enough to deduce that the ships do not have weapons or shields powered. A few are repairing damage to their hulls, as evidenced by workers and golems around large breaches.

They are currently in a loose formation only, in a holding orbit. It doesn't look like they are expecting anything.

>>16567768
"Unknown."

>>16567783
You mistake me for a pacifist.
If necessary, I am fully willing to approve these invaders be eradicated from this universe by force. And it is very likely that force will indeed be necessary.
I just don't think it's something to be proud of.

>>16567768
"Amendment. As stated, their presence here is not causing active harm to the time-space fabric. Their presence here may be symptomatic only. All the major distortions are planetside."

>>16567768
I think it's a waste of time, but if it'll get you to shut up so we can do our job, then I'm willing to allow it.

ANON, order the Indefatigable back and get them transporter locks on the crewmembers who'll be piloting the Lander. Also have them transport over a photon torpedo as well.
We'll put the torpedo in the Lander, and when the Drow reject our communications and try to take the shuttle, we'll have the crewmembers arm the torpedo and have the Inde beam them out.

If the Inde was able to get that close undetected, then hats off to us.

Have them shadow the fleet, mindful of any odd actions that might constitute veiled preparations to attack the cloaked ship. Just because they don't react to use doesn't necessarily mean they don't know something is out there.

Standby with photon torpedo (or maybe a quantum torpedo) on the transporter pad just in case.

>>16567805
What?
In that case, what's the probability of simply avoiding them and reaching the planet?
Because even with their ships already being damaged and with the Orz on our side, they still might be powerful enough to inflict heavy casualties on our side, which I find unacceptable, especially since even if we beat them, we'll still have to deal with their presence on the planet, and it is very likely our victory will make them aware of our presence and even more likely to treat us as hostile than before.

>>16567795
If the Orz were to target their flagship while our ships focused on the Cruisers I feel like we could do a fair amount of un-reciprocated damage to the Drow fleet. If we want to ambush the Drow, the time to do it is now. What do you guys think? Should we go for it?

>>16567806

That is a stupid plan.

Have the Inde keep shadowing the fleet. If shit gets hairy later on, they will be our trump card.

If the Drow really aren't a direct threat, then lets leave them the fuck alone for right now and start thinking about sending a team down to the surface to the Vault. Why should we waste time and resources, and possibly get entangled in messy diplomatic negotiations or a fight when we can just leave them alone and complete our mission?

>>16567622

>decide to read a little, thinking it can’t be that bad
>pinups of characters on each side of the comic
>notagoodsign.jpeg
>outright porn scattered throughout the comic
>still, first couple of pages not so bad, all things considering
>big bad enemy notsosubtly revealed to be humans
>no diplomacy whatsoever, drow are astonished humans live outside slums, humans astonished drow live, move to fix that
>Iwanttostopbutcan'tlookaway.jpeg

>>16567840
Then we should do what was originally planned, which was have the Inde under cloak move into orbit above the Vault, do a deep-level scan of the facility, and then transport down our troops to secure the base.

I wonder if the Orz are similar enough in nature to Demons/Daemons/however they spell it to trigger some ancestral fear in the Drow?
If our terrifying allies are really getting antsy, should we cut them loose?

>>16567832
"Even without cloak, it would be possibly to sneak around the drow ships were it done at range."

>>16567848
There was some diplomacy.
The humans initially demanded the Drow surrender, but the Drow were all 'my honor prevents me from being logical, I must attack you now'
Apparently while the Drow are willing to accept surrender, their pride often prevents them from surrendering themselves.
Another reason fighting them is to be avoided.

>>16567900
Might as well get to it then.
Seeing as we can't hack their systems, they're really of no use to us dead or alive, and killing them is a timesink.

As always though, if the Orz have whatever terrifying analogue they have for a heart set on *dancing* that is their prerogative and who are we to stand in their way?
...I really, really don't want them mad at us, especially since they know where we live.

>>16567893
Not until we've secured the Vault, any surviving TG operatives, and been able to scan through the Vault's sensor logs and command logs.

>>16567900
All of our troops should be on the Inde already. Let's get this show on the road and implement the plan from >>16567879

Right then, if we play our cards right, we can be down and in and up and out without the ever even knowing we were here, nice and clean.

I say we start organizing an away mission. UNIT and MI troops go down with Tosh and possibly Gaunt to the Vault. The Inde shadows the Drow fleet. If shit goes sour on the surface and he fleet comes to help/poke around, then the Inde puts itself on an escape vector, beams in the torp,and then warps out. Then we come in with the rest of our ships and hit them hard and quick while the Inde pulls a U-turn around Mars and comes back to the fight. Hopefully it wont come to that.

>>16567924
Before we Sic the Orz on them, we need to open up communications and find out what happened to them.
Did they get Shifted? Who did they fight?

However, I am still in favor of wiping them out, just after we put up a friendly face. They are in no condition to fight, and the Orz are practically salivating at the *smell* of their magic.

>>16567879
>>16567926

If that's the case, then so be it. I would still be ore comfortable with the Inde on station ready to make the first hit on the Drow fleet/keep and eye on the fleet for us. maybe it could do that after dropping our boys off, and then make a pickup run after the initial attack if it comes to that.

>>16567940
...That... sort of sounds like it makes sense maybe?
Is it possible to analyze what matter of weapon damaged the drow ships? Like what type of energy was used even?
The drow might not even be the worst intruders in this universe.

>>16567957

They still outnumber us and even damaged, probably have more than enough firepower to hold their own. It is tactically advisable to just leave them alone. Sure, we might win in a fight, but even with a good win we'll still take damage, probably lose some Orz, and alert the planet that we are here. Why fight if you really don't have to?

>>16567957
True they may indeed be easy pickings. But they also aren't part of our mission objectives, or even doing ambient damage to the dimensional structure at this point in time.
If we attack now, will we have reasons other than 'they are remarkably hateable' and 'we fear the wrath of the Orz'?

>>16567973
> probably have more than enough firepower to hold their own
Fun fact: in their source Canon, their mana shields were dead useless against the mass drivers of the human ships. The Orz Howitzers would make short work of them, combined with some suppressing fire from us and teleported torpedoes.

>>16567957
Any of their information is likely to be too muddled with their primitive view of the Metaverse to be immediately usable. Far better to get the data from the Vault, which uses OUR technology and sensors.

>>16567967
I'm willing to say that they were damaged when they destroyed Launch Base 4.

>>16567989
I know how their initial encounter with the space-humans went down, but I thought they were able to wise up in later chapters?
I've been slogging through this thing and only just finished the first arc or whatever.

So the main camps here are 'ignore them, they have no merit on the mission' and 'kill them, their very presence is a blight'. I'm in the later camp myself.

We should focus on our actual objectives rather than wanton bloodlust, but ignoring the Drow can potentially make problems for us should they discover and are offened by us (which I think they would). I propose we move forward with our inital objective, while opening a dialogue with the Drow and at least attempt to peacefully make contact.

>>16567926
The Vault appears to be shielded even from the Storm's scanning technology. No great surprise given it was made by the same technology.

The Indefatigable beams down the ground forces...

The topside component to the Vault is an immense hatch protected by an immense technomagic illusion that makes it appear as solid mountain-top. The top-hatch responds to your codes, and opens, a mechanical iris retracting to allow your away team access to the interior.

Underneath the iris is a set of carved rock stairs down to a large set of lifts designed to carry everything from starships to infantry. Beside each lift is a computerized control podium.

On entering the codes on the appropriate panel, an error message flashes across the podium's screen.

"Lifts temporarily offline. Emergency lockdown in progress."

>>16568008
wait, who did we send down?
Also, time to get hacking, if possible.
And wait, why doesn't A.N.O.N. have override codes?

>>16568001
...I hadn't considered that. Is it possible that their methods of data storage are so incompatible to ours that the only way to get information is to actually hear them say it?
>>16568006
True. An ally you hate and wouldn't mind dying horribly is still technically better than an enemy, as long as said ally is useful. But I don't think we brought along anyone good at negotiations did we?
...Maybe Spike?

>>16568008
What are the lockdown protocols and the provisions for securing the base when it's in lockdown?
There should override codes or alternative access paths in these kinds of situations.

We need to get inside, or at least, access the base communications system to try to contact any survivors.

Query reason for lockdown. Attempt to ascertain status of personnel and the vault as a whole.

Should all attempts fail/ht e terminal is unable to give us information, begin decent, leaving a small, but heavily armed contingent topside. They are the keep a lookout for hostiles, but retreat if things start to look really bad.

>>16568027
That's part of the problem. Their computer systems are incompatible with ours.
But the real root of the problem is how they perceive the Metaverse and its myriad trunks and branches of timelines. They're characters, they exist solely within the limits and constraints of their own canon fiction; we live and perceive outside of it.
They couldn't give us any useful intel even if they wanted to, because they don't have the context to understand what happened.

rolled 13 = 13

>>16568028
>>16568020
You deployed everyone, though they're close enough to recall swiftly if you decide to keep some in reserve now. The Orz have not deployed any of their Marines as you have not requested them.

A.N.O.N. gives you override codes to try on the podium.

"Code not accepted. Emergency Lockdown level Alpha. Lockdown can only be lifted by direct order of Base Commander Ferecilli."

>>16568027
> the only way to get information is to actually hear them say it?
This is correct.

>>16568043
>They couldn't give us any useful intel even if they wanted to, because they don't have the context to understand what happened.
Perhaps, perhaps not. Even a firsthand account of what 'appeared' to occur may help.

>>16568047
>Code not accepted. Emergency Lockdown level Alpha.
FFFFFF-
Ok, we probably have a contamination breach situation down below. Time to reconsider.
Unless they set it up to act as a Vault, in hopes of riding it out, but you know, hope for the best, expect the worst.

>>16568047
Do we have any overriding codes from the sector level or higher?

Also, what does an Alpha Level Lockdown entail? Will the automated internal defense systems be online and target us?

If we can't override it, try to have our UNIT hacker attempt to bypass the security, gain root access, and open the door.

Hm. For Drowtales Space Age, Chapters 2 and 3 apparently require money to view. Which sucks because it details their encounter with the human empire.
Here's the first 30 pages of Space Age Chapter 2 though. (Yes I'm aware of the dubious nature of the link, but it's the only one I can find)
http://g.e-hentai.org/g/347175/7ca182399b/

So... effectively we have potentially mission-critical information about the Drow rendered inaccessible because none of us are masochistic enough to actually pay money for this shit.

>>16568075
Dummy, it's on /rs/.

>>16568049
>Even a firsthand account of what 'appeared' to occur may help.
Maybe. But it would be akin to being a system administrator listen to a South American tribal try to explain what an ex-military infowar specialist did to use a laptop to punch through network security and commandeer a flight of UCAV's.

>>16568085
Well, yes, but at least we would know that it was person who did it, and maybe their description and where they went.
You forget, we're working completely in the dark here. every scrap helps.

rolled 21 = 21

>>16568028
>>16568033
An Alpha level lockdown is a complete cutoff from the outside world. No communications or even sensors are used by the base in case they could be traced, and no one can enter or leave. In the case of an Alpha level lockdown, generally you either force the base commander to notice you and reduce the lockdown to Beta level, which permits communications, or you assume they have their reasons and wait.
>>16568075
>Implying I would pay money for this.

Relax, I'm running off what's free too.

>>16568065
Holtz would have override codes, being the Sector Manager, but you'd have to leave to get them since you don't have a transpace comm.

Even in Alpha level lockdown, TG security does not target TG personnel unless there are severe extenuating circumstances.

The UNIT hacker attempts to hack through the podium...

>>16568078
...I can't believe I forgot to check there.
I really need some sleep, seeing as I live on the east coast.

rolled 7 = 7

>>16568095
Sadly, the UNIT hacker reports he can't manage to find a way to use the podium's link to get into the base's system.

>>16568096
...Is it in one of the bulk files? Like I got no hits for Drowtales Space Age, and don't want to go through the pain of downloading a bunch of the archives I got for 'Drowtales' to find the right one.

>>16568105
Time to make him notice us, then.
Are there any functioning scanning devices watching the entrance? We could hardwire one of our communication gear into them and try to get their attentions that way.

>>16568105
Can he splice his way into the computer network, by physically splicing a link into the network wiring through a maintenance panel?

Otherwise, we'll need to try cutting through the door.

>>16568105
...Send in the Orz with their fancy melting guns? They seem to be able to easily cut through what seems to be all forms of conventional matter so...
And apologize for not having them *dance* with the drow, but tell them that there's good odds that they'll find even better *dance partners* sealed within.

>>16568116
Fuck it, I'll hook up my external hardrive and dig around for the .rar i know I have in there somewhere.
I may hate drowtales, but even they can't ruin a good sci-fi premise like this.
>space magic vs. space science!

>>16568148
No, we don't say anything to the Orz yet. I'm still all for them raping the Drow.
And these being Drowtales dorw, they're certain to NOT enjoy it.

>>16568153
Damn it's on my netbook. This will take a minute.

>>16568159
I still vaguely suspect the Drow might be of use to us, but I suppose that's the price we pay when we ally with a race that's merely bubbles/shadows of some vast extra-dimensional horror.

rolled 46 = 46

>>16568125
You know that there are, but they'd be hidden.

>>16568138
The Unit hacker starts looking for a suitable panel...

rolled 79 = 79

>>16568252
The UNIT hacker reports that every connection he could find running into the base is on a separate system that does not interface with the mainframe.

>>16568268
...I guess we'll have to do things the hard way.
Or the easy way.
Really it depends on what your perspective on 'use violence to open the doors' is.

...Is there any chance that that ship with the fancy cloaking/phasing device can just.... phase through the doors and drop people off?

>>16568268
Alright, but does it connect to the sensor or communication systems?
If we can't access the mainframe, maybe we can get whoever's in command to notice us.

If that doesn't work, get to work on the door, preferably a side door if we can find it.

>Is there any chance that that ship with the fancy cloaking/phasing device can just.... phase through the doors and drop people off?
No. That's just stupid.

If the two ideas from >>16568286 don't work, can the Inde do a site-to-site transport to get the troops inside the base?

>>16568281

>phase through the door and drop people off

I think if it could, we'd have done it already. But this gives me an idea, the Orz have fantastic cutters, get them to open the way.

>>16568313
> But this gives me an idea, the Orz have fantastic cutters, get them to open the way.
I'm concerened about anyone left in the base thinking we're the baddies. But if we must...

>>16568286
The UNIT hacker nods and sets to work. Hacking into the system, he believes he managed to endlessly loop the emergency lockdown message at a high volume on the other end of the lifts, within the base.

A few minutes later, the podiums by the lifts all blink orange, and a computerized voice announces, "Lockdown lowered to Beta. Lifts operational."

The UNIT hacker has distinguished itself from the rest of his squad.

"The lad's got talent!"
The UNIT hacker is now a novice Hero. You may choose a name and two abilities. His specialization is locked in as hacking, so these abilities must be related to that skill and be of suitable level for a novice hero.

Captcha: Experience store In.
Er, yes, Captcha, storing experience is how you level.

>>16568349

Very good lad!

I think we might give him specialities along the lines:
- Creative Hacking
- Data Miner

Name I will leave at the whims of /tg/.

>>16568349

A hacker huh? Mite b cool.

For some reason, I'm visualizing the Hacker from System Shock, so multipurpse badassery. Don't know where to start though, any ideas?

>>16568349
Maybe his abilities could be related to having him be able to hack like he's in a movie or something?
Like rapidly mashing his keyboard actually accomplished something?

>>16568349
Carl Bester
Specialization: Hacking
Ability 1: Non-linear Hacking
Gets around security using non-standard methodologies and alternative pathways.
Ability 2: Adaptive Technological Interface
Experience with different computers and technologies allows for fast adaption to new computer and network protocol paradigms.

>>16568349
I wonder how Heroes store Experience?
Name: Regenold Leopold Sampson.
Ability 1: Hardware jockey, has a fundamental understanding of applied theory for computer components, and can jury rig things together with great success.
Ability 2: All-Purpose Hacking, with logical thought and a clever mind he can generally 'hack' (by the original meaning of the term) anything to either sabotage, improve or improvise with anything, provided the item is mechanical or electrical in question, and not overly complex in function.

>>16568349

Name him Mouse.

>>16568397

Seconding Mouse as a name.

>>16568418
sounds good to me

Carl "Mouse" Sampson?

I put in a request for archival seeing as I have to sleep very very soon.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/16561350/

I guess we're calling this Meta Quest now, looking at the other archives. That works I suppose.

>>16568485
Although I hate to make demands/requests like this, would it be possible for these threads to move a bit faster?
I mean I live on the east coast, and yet I think this adventure is pretty fun, so you can see how this is a bit of a dilemma for me.

For now, I think we should go with >>16568390 's Abilities for Mouse. Perhaps the "Movie Hacking" could be his Critical Success (rolling a 100 for him to hack something) roll ability/Rule of Cool action. Y'know; as a sign of his new and hopefully growing ability to tap into plot power in this quest.

This guy should have hacker-useful goodies directed towards him ASAP. Nurture that talent!

>>16568528
Yeah, I can make that happen. I've been purposefully going a little slower because I didn't want to leave people in the dirt, but I can pick up the pace.

I feel your pain anyway. It's 6 AM here.

>>16568562
Ah, well in that case your dedication is to be admired.
Also is there a specific time/date schedule? I haven't figured out the pattern yet.

>>16568541
>>16568393
>>16568390

Support these!
- Name him mouse
- Abilities similar to the ones mentioned
- Request hacking supplies for him on next run.

>>16568574
Not really, should there be? I mainly just check the thread when I have time and make updates as needed.

>>16568584
It can help. It'll let people know when they need to be on in order to participate if you give a specific time and day.
If not, be prepared to continually bump your thread for a few hours until someone notices and starts helping to bump. It will take a while for a good number of players to arrive via this method, and requires that you check back often.