Expedition Dramatis Personae

Sonia Reynard [Human Female] Viscount

Command Crew - Hidden Dagger
Arron Westrate [Human Male] CO
Linda Travers [Human Female] Chief Navigator
Maybourne [Dro'all] Operations

Reynard Personal Guard
Ella Rufaro [Human Female] (Bodyguard & body double)
Valeri Fusaro [Human Male] (Bodyguard)
Dave Kárpáti [Human Male] (Bodyguard)
Emor Kozan [Dro'all] (Bodyguard)

Knight Ilya [Human Male] Senior Knight - Thule's Prism contingent
(4 other Knights from Thule's Prism)

Jarato Eldal [Krath infiltrator]
Estavan Risto [Krath infiltrator] (Protectorate) RTS intel

Dr Seays [Rovinar] Krath bio weapon program (Suit)

"Dave" -Light Neeran- Detection & Engineering
"Sam" -Light Neeran- Combat & Detection

Dyson Exploration Sciences Foundation
Jennifer Alam [Human Female] Chief Science officer
Esibe (Akyarres) [Rovinar Male] Assistant
Darweg Attir [Shallan Male] Shallan science institute
Rhistel Taraman [Hune Male] Republic Research oversight committee


Last minute optional addition: Lieutenant Arif Sayadov
A special forces officer that fought on the losing side of the recent Che'len Coup attempt. You have his family sword which he hopes to earn back. Do you plant to bring him along?

>>2104901
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

>>2104951
>Lieutenant Arif Sayadov
Sure.

>Scientists
We have Alliance, Shallan, Republic, and Rovinar scientists. Why not invite an interested Dominion scientist?

>>2104951
>Do you plant to bring him along?
Does House Kharbos have something like those loyalty assessments J-D has?

>>2105030
There are more scientists than those named but I distracted myself, delaying game start just with those.

>>2105035
Yes but they're considered somewhat suspect. There was record falsification going on leading up to overthrow of their capital.

As part of terms he agreed to Sayadov has a slave chip preventing him from directly attacking friendly forces.

>>2105070
>Yes but they're considered somewhat suspect
In that case, we should ask the rest of the guys who will have to fight by his side. If they don't want him, we won't bring him.

>>2105202
A majority feel that the LT's motivated self interest in combination with the chip should be enough to keep him on the straight and narrow. They'd trust him even less if left on Rioja.

>>2105242
Let's bring him. See if we can get Kharbos to offer him something like his former holdings back in addition to what he already gets.

Looks like you're taking him.

"Any last minute snags that have come up?" you ask when entering the bridge.

Maybourne shakes her head. "Nothing so far. We managed to find enough people among the personal guard that have experience handling animals that we didn't need to bring on anyone else."

Good. The last thing you need is to be dealing with untrained personnel in the field.

Arron reports that the station has given permission to depart at your convenience.
"Signal the station to open bay doors."

"Sir there's a priority message incoming. It's being relayed through the House diplomatic channel."

Oh great.
"What do they want?" you ask.

"It's a secure channel sir. Your eyes only."

Stepping into the captain's ready room you have the call directed there. Surprisingly you find Mr London on the other end.
"I'm sorry for doing this through House channels but it was the only way I thought I could reach you in time."

"What is it?"

"Some of the RSS financial records were hacked. They're secure now and no money was lost but whoever got in has leaked data on our profits."

"Not great but it could be worse right?"

"A few dissenters have seen the data and are trying to form a union to increase wages. Some of our people on Surakeh are not happy how much company money has gone to the development of Rioja and you personally."

Thoughts of your political enemies moving against you in your absence spring to mind.
"Are these Aries or House J-D old guard?"

"No, I've talked to the Earl and our own intel have confirmed they're not. It's just a group of disgruntled workers."

You've tried to pay RSS workers fairly well but that has largely been in the form of bonuses for large salvage hauls. The Logistics arm of the company based out of Surakeh doesn't tend to have the same access to bonuses and they've gone through the largest expansion through the war helping to build stations. Even RSS itself had reduced hauls through the civil war due to how dangerous the fighting could be to recovery operations.

A pay raise could substantially cut into your profit margin.

"What options do we have?"

"We could agree to their demands, or refuse but then the workers might threaten to strike. Due to it being wartime the Barons could threaten to classify a strike as treason or mutiny. That might force them back to work.
Your PR people could a piece explaining the company profits have been used to help the war effort."
London seems a little uneasy about the next option but speaks his mind.
"I wouldn't have risked saying this on an open channel, but we have resources if you wanted the union broken. We've had enough applicants for RTS rejected due to their checkered history."

Your orders?

>>2105352
I'd be okay with giving a cut of the profits their part of the company brings in to the workers. Something depending on how well the company is doing instead of a regular raise.

>other
If that part of the company is located on Winifred's planet, perhaps we can work something out with her? Pay out the increase in salary as a voucher that can only be used on that planet and have the local government funnel some of the increased income back to Sonia?

>>2105352
>The Logistics arm of the company based out of Surakeh doesn't tend to have the same access to bonuses
Why not make a new set of bonuses available to them? Things like a bonus for finishing a station ahead of schedule, a % cut of the amount of the station constructed. Anything to mollify the bonus situation.

To further address their concerns, set a minimum annual target for RSS reinvestment that has to be met.

Something we can do personally is offer workers housing, employment, and education on Rioja. If they're concerned with how much we've been skimming to build up Rioja, then maybe we can make the location available to them?

>>2105352

I know it's to late to go talk to these people. But ask London what he thinks about having the PR people inform the people that our profits have been to improve Rioja, a word that only a few years ago was almost uninhabitable. Giving thousands if not millions of refugees a place to call home due to the Neeran invasion. As well as going towards the war effort to help the house in the war against Nassidum and Co.

I wouldn't resort to having them being labeled as mutinous just yet. Maybe see if there is a way to spin it that there has just been paper work holding up a pay increase for the workers? Not a significant pay increase, but enough to make it believable. And if they still want to complain and threaten to strike after that, inform them of the legal repercussions of hacking into secure databases and that with the house still considered to be in war time, they run the risk of being labeled as mutineers or traitors.

>>2105352
Additionally, I don't like the message this could send. If we do acquiesce to their demands, it could encourage future acts just to attract our attention. If possible find out who performed the hack, who paid for it, and who ordered it.

>>2104901
Wooot! Been reading and enjoying through the suptg forums. Freaking awesome what you got going here! Keep it up man! Welp... time to start the Neeran War, gotta catch up!

>>2105500
>giving a cut of the profits their part of the company brings in to the workers.
Regional bonuses? Could work.

>(Surakeh) Pay out the increase in salary as a voucher that can only be used on that planet and have the local government funnel some of the increased income back to Sonia?
Interesting idea. There are certain to be people who dislike it, but you'd get support from other businesses on Surakeh with it.

>>2105518
>make a new set of bonuses available to them? Things like a bonus for finishing a station ahead of schedule, a % cut of the amount of the station constructed.
I've heard of this being done in some places.

>Something we can do personally is offer workers housing, employment, and education on Rioja. If they're concerned with how much we've been skimming to build up Rioja, then maybe we can make the location available to them?
The PR team could certainly spin this.


>>2105524
>But ask London what he thinks about having the PR people inform the people that our profits have been to improve Rioja, a word that only a few years ago was almost uninhabitable.
>As well as going towards the war effort
"I think it would help a bit. But there will always be the problem of a group of people wondering why they're not given the choice."

>>2105530
>If possible find out who performed the hack, who paid for it, and who ordered it.
"We're working on it, but for all we know it could be a refugee black hat passing through the system. If that's the case we'll never find them."

Select any that you feel should apply.
1)
[ ] Surakeh regional bonus voucher
[ ] Regional / division bonuses
[ ] Completion bonuses
[ ] Offer housing, employment, and education on Rioja
[ ] PR campaign: Building better worlds
[ ] PR campaign: Helping the War Effort

2) RSS Union
Do you want to make any new system of bonuses conditional upon there not being a Union? No conditions? Or asking that the company be allowed to have a say?

>>2105767

1)
>[ ] Regional / division bonuses
>[ ] Offer housing, employment, and education on Rioja

2)
Personally I'd rather not give or agree to a union. We treat our workers well enough. We're not the early 20th century corporations that think solely on profit and not the people they employ.

>>2105866
Going with this for the time being.

Apologising to station command for setting out so late you give the signal to open the bay doors. Arron has already cloaked the ship before they begin to open and once the way is clear powers up the repulsors. You're nearly a million kilometers from the station before he bothers to throttle up the fusion drives.

In a few days you arrive near the Navigator station responsible for directing traffic towards Shallan space. You've been provided codes to transmit to an Alliance marker buoy and are soon contacted by Admiral Shareh, a Rovinar officer with Alliance Intel.

"Viscount Reynard we've been expecting you. You're still engaging in special operations? Hasn't your career been lively enough?"

"...have we met?"
"Yes. We broke out of the ballroom on Yineput."

"You do seem a bit familiar. Glad you're doing well for yourself."

The Admiral sends you navigation data needed to shadow a group of Kavarian attack cruisers into Shallan space. From there you'll follow a small scouting mission into enemy territory. They'll provide cover to mask your ship's FTL signature.

"After that you're on your own. The last ship the Alliance sent into the area was chased the whole way out after they lost their cloak."
"How did that happen?"
"They diverted to recover downed personnel from the interior and the Neeran spotted their shuttles. Your ship is faster and more maneuverable but don't let them spot you."

You look to Arron who nods in agreement.

The Admiral asks you to decloak so a tender can supply you with SP Torpedoes for the deployment. A Krath Frigate jumps into the area shortly after but it doesn't look like it can track you until the cloaking shield is deactivated. That's promising.
After loading up with enough modern warheads to kill a battleship squadron you jump out and tail a Kavaian squadron headed to the front.

Any particular training you want to focus on during your flight?

Will resume tomorrow.

>>2106019

Just to ask and make sure. The Alliance is loaning those SP's for the mission. When we finish, if we have any of their's left I assume they'll want them back right?

As for training, make sure everyone is up to date on basic and advance combat tactics, and is able to work with everyone present. As well as basic to advanced survival as well, in case anyone gets separated from the group during the mission on the ground.

>>2106033
>Just to ask and make sure. The Alliance is loaning those SP's for the mission. When we finish, if we have any of their's left I assume they'll want them back right?
Yes. Standard Alliance deployment scheme.

SP Torpedo production has been greatly increased but they still try to ration them so supplies don't run low at a bad moment. Also so it's harder for people to just sell them on the black market.
Major operations require substantial stockpiles. The Alliance it trying to build up the stocks estimated to be needed for an offensive into Neeran space.

>>2106019
>Any particular training you want to focus on during your flight?
Shot grouping and accuracy. The constraints are higher for gunpowder weapons, need to make every shot count.

>>2105767
>1)
>[ ] Surakeh regional bonus voucher
>[ ] Regional / division bonuses
>[ ] Completion bonuses
>[ ] Offer housing, employment, and education on Rioja

>2
Break up the Unions.

>>2106019
>>2105866
It seems reasonable to me.

Also let's root out terran agitators.

Add in a condition that the people who did the hacking had better start running now. We can't let that kind of security breach slide, people have attacked our Family before even.

>>2106058
It's late I'm drunk and changing my mind

[ ] PR campaign: Helping the War Effort
[ ] Completion bonuses
[ ] Offer housing, employment, and education on Rioja

As for training

> low tech first aid refresher course

> gunpowder marksmanship

> low tech communication signals, flags and whistles

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>>2106019
>Any particular training you want to focus on during your flight?
Low tech first aid and general medicine for the various species involved in ground operations should prove useful if something bad happens. Food preparation and cooking?

>>2105767
>1)
>[x] Regional / division bonuses
>[x] Completion bonuses
>[x] PR campaign: Helping the War Effort

>2) RSS Union
I'm not entirely opposed. An employee who takes pride in their company and is invested in its success seems desirable for a company like RSS that often operates in dangerous environments and relies on highly trained workers.

While most of the reasons why people usually need to form unions shouldn't apply to any company owned by Sonia or run by Mr London, as the company continues to grow there's a real chance that somebody in management will be a complete asshat to the employees and manage to hide the fact from Mr London. It might make sense to allow the workers to organize in some form to resist unfair treatment and quickly escalate issues up the corporate ladder or have some way to approach the top levels of the House leadership directly for help if things go really wrong.

Unfortunately, there's the problem that sooner or later unions tend to become vehicles for ambitious individuals who use them to gain power and influence for mostly personal reasons instead of their intended purpose.

I would suggest London investigates how DHI and other sensible megacorps like Exodus handle these things. We don't need to reinvent the wheel, I'm sure somebody had a decent enough idea we could modify to fit our company. Or just hire Versa to handle employee complaints and internal compliance. She'd actually be able to listen to each person individually. All the time.

>>2105767
>[ ] Offer housing, employment, and education on Rioja
>[ ] PR campaign: Building better worlds

Sure they can have unions but we are already paying them very well. I mean that's one of the main draws of RSS. That we treat our employees well and pay them well and in return we except the best of them. If they keep bitching after this they can look for another job in my opinion.

Some bonuses will be implemented for RSS and its subsidiaries. Possibility of a PR campaign is being looked at.

A slim majority is against a union it looks like.


>marksmanship
Everyone is busy familiarising themselves with the new firearms. They take some getting used to as it's a bit different from most weapons you've trained on. 12.7mm is more commonly used by the Terrans than the Dominion. They seem like they'll have enough stopping power to put Neeran troops down.

Both Neeran accompanying the expedition have brought along their own weapons. A large caliber Bullpup configuration weapon.

>low tech first aid refresher course
>general medicine for the various species involved in ground operations
A quick refresher is enough for Human and Dro'all physiology, Rovinar and Kavarian take considerably longer to pickup. Hune and Shallan are similar enough to Human that no additional training is needed with them.

>Food preparation and cooking?
Surprisingly informative. Most food processors included in survival kits won't be of use so knowing what you can eat and how to prepare it in an emergency is a plus. It should also cut down on the use of valuable long term supplies.
The same goes for water filtration.

>low tech communication signals, flags and whistles
The scientists hold several classes showing how to use the retroreflectors to signal for pickup. A few have been modified with shutters to act as signal lamps.

>>2107049
>It should also cut down on the use of valuable long term supplies.
Would it make sense to bring fishing rods? With the materials available they should be incredibly light, durable, and require very little space.

>>2107049
Maybe make the union thing a part of a future survey?

Valeri is taking a slow and steady approach to training with his new suit, not wanting to overdo it can potentially cause it harm. Together with Dr Seays they're experimenting with adding pieces of the hard plate armor to the exterior to increase protection.

"Getting used to it?" you ask.
"It's still strange to work with. I can definitely feel when it doesn't like something. We're slowly increasing endurance so we should be ready in time for our arrival."

Eldal and your RTS employee Estavan Risto have started conducting training of their own in a sealed compartment. Eldal has been teaching more about infiltration techniques against Neeran while Risto has been helping with older direct combat forms.
Neither of them seems to have been seriously hurt through this training but you're keeping a close eye on them regardless.

On arrival in Shallan space there are signs that some smaller fleet groups from the Dominion are already returning to the front. It looks to mostly be older ships, attack corvettes and upgraded Frigates. It's doubtful the Shallans are complaining.

Following the designated nav markers Arron brings to ship to the planned rendezvous point. A squadron of assault corvettes and an escort cruiser kitted out with cargo pods is waiting. Refueling is quietly carried out without dropping the cloak and soon you're ready to move out again.

The squadron moves out under minimal power to conserve fuel and soon jumps towards the target galaxy.

"Burst transmission from the escort sir."
"Put it through." orders Arron before you can respond.

"We're sending you our flight plan navigation data and estimated jump lengths. If we need to deviate from the planned course to avoid enemies we intend to keep the jump lengths the same. That should make it easier for you to keep up. After we reach your destination the hot shots in the corvette squadron will probably attack nearby enemies to create a distraction. We won't be able to change their mind about that so hopefully it wont be an issue for you.
Barring an emergency this will be our only transmission to you. We can't risk any transmissions to you once we enter enemy territory. Escort out."

Linda looks over the data. "This should be child's play provided we don't have to double back."

Have we tried uniting the converter and sword yet?

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>>2107203
Yes, Ilya figured it out with their artifacts. The neeran aboard are teaching him and the other Knights how to use it.
"Like the staff weapon you saw this sword may act as a sort of capacitor bank. Combined with the converter a user should be able to absorb larger amounts of incoming energy, convert it to another form and re-transmit it... or that is the theory. At the very least it should keep you from being instantly killed if you were to block an energy beam with it."

Arriving in galaxy it takes more than 20 jumps and course corrections before the group closes in on your objective. A few enemy Frigates look to be following a few jumps in but they break off soon after. Probably deciding that they didn't have the firepower to take on a larger force.

"Only one unplanned for course correction so far." Linda informs you. "We'll be there in a few hours."

You elect to get some rest and are called to the bridge before the final approach.

Watching the displays Linda brings you out of FTL right on time. Arron has the cloak up before you revert to real space and rolls away from the corvette squadron before they throttle up.

"What do we have in system?"

Arron straightens out your course then looks over the sensors. At this distance you can just make out the metallic looking form of the sphere against the backdrop of stars.

"I'm seeing two super carriers and support ships in system covering this side. There could be more on the far side."

Signals intelligence confirms a moment later. "I have what may be a Neeran Command ship on the other side and two other supers based on communications traffic. There could be more if they're keeping com traffic to a minimum."

Checking the sensor readouts you confirm what intel reports you've seen. The enemy supers are too large to enter the sphere. Heavy Cruisers are just barely small enough.

[ ] Try to find an entrance they're not watching
[ ] Try to shadow a ship entering the sphere
[ ] Other

>>2107254
>[x] Try to find an entrance they're not watching

>>2107254

We have time. Let's try and find an entrance they aren't exactly hovering over. Failing that, then lets tail a ship into the sphere.

>>2107254
>[x] Other
Let's watch them for a day or two,

>>2107269
>>2107272
>>2107277
So take time to survey the sphere exterior, see what entrances the Neeran use, and if possible locate one they wont notice you using.
If that's not possible tail one in.

Sound good?

>>2107298
That works for me.

>>2107298
Yeah, sounds good.

>>2107298
I wholeheartedly agree.

We might even get lucky and find some kind of maintenance access.

Arron adjusts the main display. "Enemy patrol moving to intercept the corvette squadron."

The Assault corvettes launch a covering barrage of missiles allowing them to get in close where they begin to tear through the smaller enemy ships. Sensors are unable to follow the intense fighting until it thins out a bit. Three squadrons of enemy ships are soon destroyed and four new model battleships crippled. One of the Alliance ships have been destroyed and three crippled, their fellows dragging the damaged craft back towards the escort for recovery.

All of them make a hasty retreat from the system as multiple wings of corvettes are dispatched from the nearest super carrier in pursuit.

"Keep us away from the site of the battle. We don't want salvage crews accidentally finding us."

"Got it." Arron adjusts course to stay clear and bring you more quickly towards the sphere.

"Is there any way we could salvage the torpedoes off the destroyed assault corvette or prevent the Neeran from doing the same?"
"The Alliance has been testing fitting SP torpedo magazines with a teleport capsule system." Linda informs you. "They want to make it easier for escort ships to swap out spare magazines in the field."

"If it didn't work they'll have set the magazine to self destruct the warheads to keep them out of enemy hands." Arron adds.

That's expensive. It would suck if pilots are being billed for torpedoes they had to destroy.

You spend more than a day surveying the exterior of the sphere. The structure and its gravity well prove to be an easy target for the repulsor systems. Because of this Arron is only rarely forced to use the Fusion drives.

Using passive scans you're not able to fully confirm the presence of a Neeran Empire Command Ship until it clears the horizon of there sphere during your search. It looks just as menacing as the others you've encountered, though it looks like crews are conducting repair work.

"What are they doing?"
"It looks like they're refitting it with more powerful weapon emplacements. Maybe trying to counter the heavy plasma cannons we're fielding now?"

Sam and Dave take turns making sure your ship can't be detected by other more esoteric means while in system.
Your bodyguard Dave Kárpáti is only slightly amused by the potential issues that could arise if he and the similarly named Neeran are deployed at the same time.

It takes more than two days to confirm it but it doesn't take overly long to locate the gate the Neeran are not making use of and should be shielded from sight.

"Between their patrol patterns and satellite coverage there's is a regular blind spot that appears."
The Republic oversight officer, Rhistel Taraman informs you.
"Well, there are actually two but the other one only lasts a minute. We should have a fifteen minute window using a secondary gate in the northern hemisphere. The gate itself is obscured from view so there shouldn't be enough reflection off the sides to give away its opening."

>>2107397

What is this entrances position compared to the abandoned Alliance research/ observation station inside the sphere?

>>2107397
Do we have scans on what's inside on the other side of the 15 minute gate?

The Neeran know the Alliance has cloaked ships, and leaving a 15 minute gap just smells like a trap. I suspect there's a very powerful sensor grid on the inside of the gate waiting to detect cloaked ships.

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"Good work. Arron be ready with an escape route in case anyone inside notices the gate opening."
"Don't worry I have a few surprises ready."

The bridge is getting a little crowded by the time you're ready to approach the game. Doctor Alam and several other scientists are present to make sure the gate is triggered properly.

"We're in the blind spot now." Taraman reports.
"Sending the activation signal." says Alam.

The big doors begin to retract into their housings, seeming to take an eternity to open fully. Really they're opening incredibly fast given their size. Arron cranks repulsor power to maximum propelling the ship down the more than thousand kilometer long passage into the interior.

"Trigger the doors to begin closing." you tell the scientist.

"They'll close automatically once we're clear."
Before you're clear into the interior it seems the gate behind you is beginning to close, albeit very slowly.

"Uh, will it close in time?"
"Yes, just barely I think. The door sensors were briefly double checking to see if there was a ship present."

The ship clear the passage and the interior of the sphere stretches out before you. Land and sky in every direction for hundreds, thousands, millions of kilometers. Patches of land water, what could be mountains. It doesn't take long for it to all blur together the farther away it is.

>Cont.

"Signs of sensor arrays or ships watching this gate?"
"Nothing here that I can see. There are heavy cruisers parked in orbit above two of the main gates at the equator, and in a few other locations. Wait. I see a shuttle incoming."

"Will it get here before the gate closes?"
"Maybe."

[ ] Jam it, shoot it down with e-beams.
[ ] Send an LST to capture it. Have Eldal help.
[ ] Ignore it

>>2107429
>I see a shuttle incoming
Where is it coming from?

>>2107429
>[x] Jam it, shoot the engines with e-beams
>[x] Send an LST to capture it. Have Eldal help.

>>2107429

Capture it, Jam it and all that jazz. Then send an LST and a team to capture it. And then have our people do their best to question them and get info from the shuttles database. Any new info about the inside of this place will help us out greatly.

>>2107432
>Where is it coming from?
Up from the direction of the south pole a few thousand kilometers above the interior surface. It's probably running on repulsors.

>>2107425
>>2107454
>[x] Jam it, shoot the engines with e-beams
>[x] Send an LST to capture it. Have Eldal help

Whats the make/model of it?

>>2107454
That's pretty strange. I'll go with
>[ ] Ignore it

>>2107459
>shoot the engines with e-beams
Your starship grade e-beams fire a beam the size of the shuttle. They would cause it to cease to exist.

>Whats the make/model of it?
Looks like a lengthened Neeran shuttle pod with room for more passengers or cargo. Minimal weapons.

An LST would be able to overpower and capture it while maintaining their camo.

>>2107478
That's a lot of fire power. I was thinking we would just disable them. But if hitting their engines would cause critical existence failure, then I'd rather not shoot them.

I am still all for capturing them.

Roll 4d100 for crew capture.

I have to step out for a bit as I've been offered food.

Rolled 73, 19, 67, 17 = 176 (4d100)

>>2107500

What exactly DO Empire Neeran eat? The answers might surprise you!

Rolled 41, 42, 86, 38 = 207 (4d100)

>>2107500
Kill 'em all Sonia!

Rolled 55, 96, 81, 88 = 320 (4d100)

>>2107500

73, 96, 86, 88

I hope it's enough.

You order Arron to bring the ship back towards the incoming shuttle while teams get ready aboard the LST.

"Stand by to begin jamming their communications."

The top side LST detaches and the moment it leaves the range of the cloaking shield you activate jamming. It only takes a few seconds for the LST to snag the smaller craft with tractor beams meant to hold it to the side of wildly maneuvering starships.

Actually capturing the crew is the hard part. The shuttle is dragged back within the cloak and Marines set to work. You don't have a spare bay large enough to immediately bring the shuttle into so they crack the doors and vent the atmosphere. Three of the crew are stunned and put in stasis with time to spare while they're forced to kill the fourth.

The prisoners are brought aboard via the topside cargo port for the LST, while crews get to work on clearing space in a launch bay to bring the Neeran craft into. With all of the carefully stowed gear it wouldn't have been advisable to engage in a firefight in one of the bays.

Eldal contacts the bridge.
"We have the prisoners secured. The medics are certain they'll survive with minimal injury as their vacuume exposure was brief."

There is some debate between your specialists about getting information out of the prisoners. The shuttle crew will need to report in soon. Neither of your Neeran personnel can fake that. Eldal can but it would probably mean killing one of the prisoners.

Risto interrupts with another option.
"It's possible to tap in and extract the needed information without killing them. I can teach Eldal how to do it."

"Can't you do it?" you ask.

"No, I'm not familiar enough with their anatomy. Eldal is."

Eldal isn't entirely confident he'll be able to do it and still get all the information needed.

[ ] Let Eldal kill a prisoner to get the codes you need immediately
[ ] Risk extracting info non lethal way

>>2107710
There's also the option of just getting out of the area and letting the Neeran wonder what happened to their shuttle.

>>2107711
What about simply letting the shuttle crash into an uninhabited part of the sphere? Like the doors, for example?

>>2107711

I am with >>2107733 lets get the information we need and make it look like they either crashed in a region that's uninhabited.

>>2107733
>>2107743
Certainly doable. Some of the shuttles systems could be salvaged to tap into enemy communications and the dead one placed in the wreck.

Do so?

>>2107756

I am for it.

>>2107756
It seems preferable to extracting the information, unless somebody on the ship has a better suggestion.

>>2107756
They expect one of them in the wreckage, brother.

Also mash the dead one up really badly so they can't do something like 'Scan his neurons with Neeran magic to retrieve the last thing he saw'.

>>2107756
>the dead one placed in the wreck
If the ram the shuttle fast enough into a solid object, that shouldn't be necessary. I'd throw him in the freezer and hope our neeran can do something productive with the body once we come back.

>>2107810
Really they'd expect 4 of them but as >>2107817
points out it shouldn't really be necessary.

"Finish salvaging what useful equipment you can find then we're crashing that shuttle into the gate. Eldal, you're familiar enough with neeran controls to program its auto pilot to do that aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Good. When their shuttle doesn't respond they'll send a ship to look for it. I want them to find nothing but debris."

Taraman seems disappointed you're not keeping the shuttle and follows when you leave the bridge.

"Viscount please reconsider, we could use that shuttle to help infiltrate a Neeran ship and recover intelligence for the war effort. Isn't that what Krath Infiltrators do?"

>What say?

>>2107871
If you have an idea that lets us keep the shuttle, doesn't endanger our prisoners, and doesn't make the Neeran suspicious I'm more than willing to consider it.

>>2107871

If we had more intel. Then it would be something worth considering. But right now, the Neeran believe they have the interior of the sphere secure from their fleet inside and outside. If we kept the shuttle they would wonder what happened to it anyways and raise security. If we do this, someone might buy that this shuttle experienced some technical difficulty or had something go wrong. It will be a long stretch to believe they'll buy any excuse. But so long as they don't actively think someone else is in here with them. They wont search for us.

If later we need to infiltrate a neeran ship. Then we'll jack another shuttle. This likely wont be the first time we come across one inside this place.

"If you have an idea that lets us keep the shuttle, doesn't endanger our prisoners, and doesn't make the Neeran suspicious I'm more than willing to consider it.
But right now, the Neeran believe they have the interior of the sphere secure from their fleet inside and outside. So long as they don't actively think someone else is in here with them, they wont search for us.
If later we need to infiltrate a neeran ship. Then we'll jack another shuttle. This likely wont be the first time we come across one inside this place."

Taraman seems to consider your words.
"I suppose you're right. I was only a member of the oversight committee for a short time before the start of the war and have been stuck fighting the Neeran ever since. I suppose I see much of this mission as a fools errand when we could be hitting the Neeran themselves. Especially with these wonderful resources you have at your disposal! I'm quite envious."

[ ] This mission is a shot in the dark
[ ] We don't know what the future will hold
[ ] This is not a fools errand

>>2108090
>[x] This mission is a shot in the dark

It's a fair point but our overall goal here is a little unclear. Maybe we lay down some objectives?
1) Survive
2) Disrupt Neeran operations on the Sphere.
3) Svidur or info on Svidur.
4) Salvage artifacts

>>2108090

It may seem like a fools errand to some. But we do have purpose here. One that could server a greater goal in the long run for the alliance. Finding Svidur could solve a question we have had for several years now. And if we are really lucky, so lucky that the dice gods smile upon us to grant us a chance to knock off the Empire Neeran's head general/ admiral in this sector. Then we could give the alliance an edge against the empire neeran.

But that is such a slim possibility at this point. It would be safer to stick to our main goal exploring and seeking out more info about the sphere and the fate of Svidur and escaping alive.

Also, artifact hunting. For the Alliance to be used to help in the fight against the Neeran with new weapons development. Maybe something to surpass in universe Metal Gear equivalent.

Also, I don't know if anyone on the ship is keep track of the time window for that door we just used. Can we keep it saved for when we need to make our way out? So we don't have to take one of the main entrances.

I have to be up for work early so I'll be stopping for the night soon.

>>2108110
>>2108120
Good discussion points but we could use a tiebreaker.

>>2108153

I mean, I am okay with setting out goal points for this mission. I'm aware how much of a fools mission this seems to most and it is a shot in the dark. But I don't feel like it's a fools errand. There are things we can do in here. So if it'll break the tie. I'll go with
>[ ] This mission is a shot in the dark

>>2108173
>>2108153
I wouldn't even say it's a shot in the dark. We know the Neeran are up to bad shit here and we need to stop them. So it's more like a shotgun blast into a smoke filled room we know has targets in.

We've told the research teams we have the map, yes? I don't know how possible it will be but maybe we aim high and try to capture a control room and activate Sphere defenses to shred all the Neeran ships?

>>2108232

If that were possible. I think the Empire Neeran would have done so by now. Of course as I say that. If it were possible. I'd love to be able to do that and give the Empire Neeran a very powerful distraction to deal with.

>>2108251
I dunno man Svidur mentioned it in his letter and seemed to have faith in us, so I'd like to think it's possible. We've got a piece of the puzzle, we just need to get the rest.

>>2108263
I wont rule it out for a future trip. But not on this first trip. But hey, if it just so happens that we get all the keys to unlock a control center this visit. Then that would be amazing.

"This mission is a shot in the dark." you admit.

"Then why have you invested so much into it?"

"Because if we find even a tenth of what we're looking for it'll still pay for itself and maybe even help the Alliance."

You're called back to the bridge after the shuttle has been disposed of. The prisoners are locked away securely where they'll remain sedated or in stasis. There isn't room for many others. This ship wasn't meant to hold captured neeran aboard even before it was stocked full of supplies and gear for the expedition.

The ship is a safe distance away from the gate you entered through. So far the enemy haven't dispatched another ship to look for the shuttle but it won't be long.

"Will we be able to keep track of the patrol pattern outside to time our exit in the future?"

"Only if we leave in the next two or three days. After that they'll change their patrol route and we'll just have to tail someone or take our chances."

"And to think getting in was the easy part." you mutter. "Arron what's our position compared to the abandoned base?"

"It's currently 120 degrees around the star give or take. We'll have plenty of cover for our approach."

"The cloak won't have any trouble that close to the star?"
"No we've tested them closer. I can't say how much closer."

Jennifer Alam really wants to get hold of old computer backups from the former science station and they could prove useful.
Head there first?

Stopping here for tonight.

>>2108279

Let's get a closer look of the station. See if there are any patrols near it. Or if there has been any changes to it or around it. Such as minefields/ traps. Be cautious but lets take this opportunity to get more info. That is, if the whole thing hasn't been rigged to self destruct should some pesky snoopers (us) begin poking at it.

>>2108279
>Head there first?
Yes.

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>>2107049
>Hune and Shallan are similar enough to Human that no additional training is needed with them.

Similar enough, eh

>>2108684

You lost me.
>A near human species, Shallans are a blue skinned race that share a startling number of similarities with Humans and Hune.

Crossing the interior and staying near the shadow panels the ship makes good time approaching the station. Within a few hours Arron has the station on sensors.
"Looks like they've been doing some remodeling."

Parts of the original station look to be intact but neeran construction extends outwards from areas that had clearly been damaged when it was evacuated. It isn't very big, the total size being similar to a Medium cruiser. Two light cruiser sized vessels -probably cargo ships- are docked along with a pair of HLV's.

"Minimal shuttle traffic. We're tracking an HLV that must have left the station a few hours ago. It could be part of regular traffic."

"They haven't detected our approach?"
"No."
"Good. Part of the station still looks to be intact. Doctor is it the part we need?" you ask Alam.

"It should be there I think. Can you get me a view from the other side?"

Aron brings the ship around to give her a better view as she studies the readouts.

"It looks like they've tapped into the remaining sensor arrays. Look here, there are additional conduits added to the exterior connecting to the array junction."

"Maybe they're comparing their own readings with the older civilian arrays?" Esibe suggests.

"So the old arrays are still online. We may be able to recover even more data than we planned!"
The Doctor seems excited at least.

"Sam, Eldal, can we get a team aboard without them noticing?"

The Neeran team member believes they should be able to help hide the presence of an LST and boarding team, but a smaller team would be preferable. Eldal should also be harder for them to detect.

[ ] Eldal. sneaking mission
[ ] Eldal & Risto
[ ] Give Eldal recon armor
[ ] Sonia & Bodyguards in Recon suits
[ ] Sonia, Bodyguards, Eldal & Risto
[ ] Board with a large team. Take what you need destroy the rest

>>2109145
I'd prefer one of the first three options. Let the Krath decide which one they would prefer.

>>2109145

[ ] Give Eldal recon armor

Have him sneak aboard and get what we need. Have our LST and another team on stand by for emergency extraction. Should it be needed.

>>2109145
>[ ] Eldal & Risto
>[ ] Give Eldal recon armor

>>2109145
[ ] Eldal & Risto
[ ] Give Eldal recon armor

>>2109154
>>2109159
>>2109164

You give Eldal your suit of recon armor and wish him luck.

"We'll have a team ready to bust in and bail you out of there on a moments notice. Signal for help if you need it. Don't get caught."

"This isn't my first infiltration mission." Eldal reminds you.

"I know, just trying to be reassuring."

Arron brings the ship in as close as he dares, halting the ship between the nearby panel and the station. The LST detaches and every so slowly approaches the station from its blind side. Poor sensor coverage on that facing or not it won't take much to give away its position.

"LST signalling that they've reached the station. Recon one is going aboard."

It's several tense minutes waiting for a status report before you the next signal.

"I'm aboard and setting up a series of discrete lasercom relays where they shouldn't be noticed. Please do not send a return signal unless it is an emergency."

You follow his progress through the older parts of the station. Things are looking a bit worse for wear but still operational. He reports signs of Neeran technology being added in places but for the most part it's vacant.

"It looks like they've repaired the station primary computer cores with salvaged parts. They're directly linked to the main computers in the Neeran half of the station. Moving on to the database backups."

A minute later Eldal resumes coms. "The backup is large enough that I'm reluctant to move it. It might give away my position. Commencing download and data stream."

Arron seems worried at first but soon calms down.
"You alright?" you ask.
"Yeah. I was worried the cloak might start to act up and bounce the com signal off the shade behind us. We're good."

Alam confirms this is the right data.
"It's coming through clear, though the bandwidth is very low. It looks like the main core might still have old Alliance communications data if these registry stamps are correct."

"Can you access it?"

"No. He will have to directly access the main core to get the coms records."

Once the backup is secure did you want Eldal to risk going after the coms records or other data from the station main core? This will increase the odds of detection.

>>2109245
If he feels confident about his odds. Then have him search for more. Otherwise have him start pulling back out.

>>2109245
Coms records yes.

>>2109245
Make an attempt, but if it looks like it might be too hot then evac

Eldal signals that he's set the download of the backup to complete automatically then relocates to the core.

"My codes have allowed me to skim the available data in the main core. Once I begin to download it will only be a matter of time until the Neeran realise it is being tapped. Unless I were to sabotage the connection to the Neeran half of the station. That would alert them to a problem but not specifically that the records had been accessed. Stand by."

You watch the readout for the main download nearing completion.

"Old com records, personnel records, shipping manifests. I can try and download them and hope I can pull them in time, or sabotage the connection to but that will only buy a little time."


1) Select any / all you wish Eldal to acquire
[ ] Com records
[ ] personnel records
[ ] shipping manifests
[ ] None, get out of there

2)
a) Sabotage connection to guarantee time to get 2 of them.
b) Do no attempt sabotage

>>2109306

1)
>[ ] Com records
>[ ] shipping manifests

2)
>a) Sabotage connection to guarantee time to get 2 of them.

>>2109306
>"Old com records, personnel records, shipping manifests. I can try and download them and hope I can pull them in time, or sabotage the connection to [the Neeran core] but that will only buy a little time."

>>2109306
>1)
>[x] Com records

>2)
>Do not attempt sabotage

>>2109306
If the sensor arrays were turned to search for a cloaked ship, are they powerful enough to find us?

>>2109332
You ask Arron this.

"I'd like to think we'd be ok but those are big sensor arrays and we're very close. They might notice a drop in sensor resolution where our ship is."

>>2109309
>>2109327
Tie breaker please?

>>2109382
If we wipe the core will they know they were accessed? My thoughts are that not sabotaging it might have them continue thinking they're alone, whereas if they find the sabotage they'll definitely know someone has infiltrated the sphere.

>>2109382
I vote for stealthy option. Grab their shipping manifests. Maybe we can find a weapons or artifacts cache.

>>2109306
None of this data is going anywhere, we should grab it on the way out unless the scientists think any of thus stuff could help with our mission.

>>2109394
>If we wipe the core will they know they were accessed?
They'll know for certain that it was done intentionally.
Severing the connection can be made to look like an accident or failure though there is still a good possibility they'll deem it sabotage.

>>2109414
>I vote for stealthy option.

The stealthiest option would be
>1) None, get out of there
>2b) Do no attempt sabotage

>>2109415
So don't bother with any of the extra data now?

>>2109428
Than no sabotauge. Grab the shipping manifest and leave. Find out where that loot is. But since that wont resolve the stalemate. Grab the com records.

>>2109428
>don't bother with the extra data?
Yeah.

"Signal him to discreetly get what he can of the com records, then get out of there. We'll come back for the rest later."

Eldal manages to download approximately 77% of the communications before he's forced to break off his connection from the main core.

"Download of the backup is completed." Alam announces.

"Good. Let's get the hell out of here before anyone notices what's happening. Reynard to LST, signal once Eldal is aboard and you've detached. We'll pull you in with a tractor beam."

Arron and his tractor officer get ready to reel in the smaller craft. Five minutes later you still haven't been sent the signal.

"What's taking so long?" you wonder aloud. "He should be back by now."

Arron frowns. "Whatever is going on we shouldn't shoot any more com messages back and forth or we may really have a problem. I don't like being this close to their arrays."

Three minutes later you get the recovery signal and drag back the LST. The instant the top side docking points read green Arron brings the ship around and heads away from the station, moving fast to get around the horizon of this shadow panel.

The captain of the LST contacts the bridge.
"Sorry for the delay sirs. We had trouble closing the door behind us of all things. It nearly sent off an alert."

Arron gives you a thumbs up a few minutes later once you're clear of the station's sensor array coverage. By now the scientists have all left the bridge to look over the recovered data. Your intel officers are working on cracking the encrypted files from communications.

Roll 2d12 for decryption time

Rolled 4, 9 = 13 (2d12)

>>2109510
Rolling

Rolled 8, 6 = 14 (2d12)

>>2109510
rolling bones

Rolled 6, 11 = 17 (2d12)

>>2109510

rolling

It's going to take ten hours to finish decryption of all of the communications logs recovered. The scientists are going to be busy pouring over the data brought in from the backup for some time you imagine.

Did you want to wait until logs are done or the scientists have found something? Or do you want Arron to scout out areas the Neeran seem to be investigating?

>>2109560

Lets take a closer look at some of the places the Neeran aren't. That the Alliance hasn't looked at yet.

>>2109560
Let's get an idea what the Neeran are doing while our scientists are working.

>>2109560
Investigate the Neeran activity areas and any regular patterning on the surface. Things like dyson sphere buildings being placed in a golden spiral pattern.

>>2109569
>Lets take a closer look at some of the places the Neeran aren't. That the Alliance hasn't looked at yet.
Arron stares at you blankly while Linda tries to keep from giggling at this idea. Eventually Maybourne speaks up.
"Sir, the interior surface area of the sphere is equivalent to millions and millions of habitable worlds. Did you have some ideas to narrow down the search parameters?"

Oh right.
>Suggestions?

>>2109570
>>2109602
It looks like neeran heavy cruisers are acting as command ships for operations in regions. Smaller ships are deploying shuttles to and from the surface on a regular basis. Previous visits by Alliance ships confirmed that the neeran had forces on the ground. In some cases in large numbers. The current theory is that they're recruiting from local populations living on the sphere. Those from species they're familiar with.

"Anything like a golden spiral pattern present?" you ask.

"Actually now that you mention it there do seem to be a pattern of smaller structures scattered around the main gates, and to a lesser extent the secondary gates."
Looking at the readings there do seem to be some present but they tend to be shorter and smaller the farther they get from the gates. There are other structures scattered about the sphere, some of which the Neeran seem to be investigating, but its difficult to determine a pattern.

Suddenly Linda speaks up. "I have an idea! Wait,no, nevermind it's stupid."

"Linda I guarantee it's probably not stupid. I pay you the big bucks for a reason. What is it?"

"I had an idea for a high output scan boosted by our FTL system."

Arron immediately sees the problem. "A normal deep scan would stand a good chance of giving us away even with the cloak up. If you use the FTL system everyone in there sphere will know where we are."

Save that for a backup plan?

>>2109670

Save it.

>>2109670
"When they start using high output sensor arrays to search for us, we'll consider it then. For now, we'll remain silent."

Are there any Neeran ships near the poles?

Sorry guys my head has not been all there today.

>>2109702
>Are there any Neeran ships near the poles?
It takes some maneuvering and a few more hours flight time but the sensor soon pick up ships around the structure of the north pole.

"We don't have a clear line for passive scans of the South pole from here." Arron reports.

It seems the Neeran have deployed a number of ECM ships that have replaced their electronic warfare systems with more powerful sensor arrays. They're definitely interested in whatever is in there.

"Any signs they've gotten inside?"
"Doesn't look like it. Most of it is protected by a shield. Must still be looking for a way in."
That's promising at least.

>>2109793
Maybe we should just pick a random place and land?

One of the intel personnel aboard hands over a datapad with recovered coms data.
"We had to combine these files with fragments in a partitioned section of the backup. It took some work to decrypt them. It uses similar algorithms to those we believe Neeran infiltrator cells use."

Playing the message two voices jump out, one of them disguised with a voice modulator. The other is confirmed as belonging to the traitor who commanded the former science base.

Message 1
>[Nonstandard encryption protocol detected]
//Flagged Alliance Intel as possible Neeran infiltrator usage

>Hello Amoukar, or should I address you as Alliance regional reserve garrison commander?
"We'll if it isnt my new best friend. I hope you got that gift I sent you."
>Yes, I was quite pleased with it. You've proven you're as resourceful as you claimed.
"Did you need me to find any more toys for you? Guns? More warheads?"
>Rest assured I don't take people of your skill so lightly.
"Nice to hear."
>I have a big job for you coming up. Big enough to put down a deposit.
"I like the sound of this."
>It's not ready just yet. For now I need you to look after an... issue that has cropped up.
"Is this another test?"
>No. No test, just something that's come up and you're the right man in the right place to deal with it. It will be worth your while but be careful. Others may be watching.
"If it's a big deal to you I'll put a lid on it pronto."
>Good. I want you to find a teleport escape capsule. It will be larger than you're used to. Jam its emergency locator beacons or other communications. Don't let the Alliance or the Factions find it.
"Trouble in paradise? Ha! I'm kidding. I'll get it done. Nobody will know it was ever there."
>This is important Amoukar, make sure no one else knows about it. If someone should find out...
"If they find out I'll make sure they're not talking to anyone anymore. That's why you came to me."
>I'm glad we understand one another.

The second message is set some months later.

Message 2
>[Nonstandard encryption protocol detected]
//Flagged Alliance Intel as possible Neeran infiltrator usage

>Amoukar?
"Yeah it's me. The problem's dealt with I just need to take care of a couple of loose ends, should be done within the day."
>You're sure you've taken care of every eventuality? I wouldn't want anything unexpected to to cause issues later.
"I said it'll be fine and I'll take care of it."
>Now that this distraction has finally been removed we need you to do something else for us. The job I mentioned. Ensure that the local fleet Admiral is indisposed.
"What?"
>The Admiral, and any other senior staff from the main fleet if possible. I don't care how you do it.
"That wasn't part of the agreement."
>A person like you isn't hired just to move a few toys or turn off a sensor array. This will ensure that both of us get what we want. We'll be meeting soon, and provided you've held up your end you'll be rewarded.
"Fine, fine I'll do it but it's going to cost you extra. How soon are we talking?"
>Be ready as soon as you can. We'll inform you when necessary.
"These preparations take time, at least give me an estimate."
>You do have a point. Even one as capable as yourself needs some warning. I'll contact you in two or three weeks. You'll be given a days notice of our arrival. Don't have a change of heart now that you're so close.
"A'right. I'll get it done."

From the sensor records it's possible to trace the positions emergency beacons the station has detected over the years. A number have been picked up though they understandably don't last long. Using the time stamp of the communications plus your own records its possible to narrow down when and where the capsule from the Isolationist Neeran city ship would have been picked up.
"Uploading coordinates. What do we have there?"

"Checking." replies Arron "Southern hemisphere but closer to the equator. Give me an hour to bring the ship to a better position."

Sensors show a few small Neeran ships in the general area. They're not parked directly above it but are nearby. The capsule should provide a solid sensor contact but doesn't seem to be present.

"Maybe someone salvaged it?" Maybourne suggests.

Arron speaks up. "I have what may be a crashed HLV is on the surface only a few thousand kilometers away from the target location."

"Can we get a read on other ground forces?"

"Not until we're within a million kilometers."

How closely did you want to investigate?

>>2110000

How close can we get before the Empire Neeran can detect us? Or how well do our Neeran think they can protect us if we get closer?

>>2110012
Theoretically, as long as you stay outside of 1-2 million km Sam and Dave can stay in rest mode.
They wouldn't recommend getting within a thousand kilometers of their larger starships but can do so for short durations.

The ship's cloak should be good as long as you stay outside the atmosphere. It's the camo systems on the shuttles and LST's you'll have to worry about more. The crews are not entirely sure how well they'll evade Neeran sensors.

>>2110000
>>2110034

How about we take a look at local traffic around the site. Then plan an approach vector to get in to a safe, yet close distance, keeping a safer distance from the Empire Neeran as we do so.

I'll resume tomorrow, running until I need to leave for work at 4:30 PM. Hopefully I'll have my head in the game then.

>>2107120
I dunno if fishing in hostile territories is a good idea...

>>2110193
Weirs are more effective anyways.

To the point they were made illegal repeatedly throughout history after depleting local fish populations.

>>2110310
Just think of the exotic notasharks we could likely catch.

>>2110000
As close as possible for a decent scan.

Sorry guys I can't seem to get past this writers block.

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>>2110499
>Would you like to hire a space marine from another universe???
He comes with other niggas

>>2110499
>writer's block
>the wiki needs updates
>writer's block
>the wiki needs updates
dentalplan.rememberwhenthesimpsonsweregood.gif

>>2110499
Take your time gov

>>2104901
Oh boy , once im home from work ill start contributing. Your stories get me through the days tstg so thank uou very much for the amazing ride!

TSTG stranded on Dyson sphere with no power or transport

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Are the Shallans Finnish space elves?
>Regularly bullied by the huge empire next door for no reason
>Punch far above their weight
>Used to be fairly backwards until recently
>Usually forgotten about unless they're at war with their bigger grumpy neighbor
>They're blue so they might have adapted to life in cold environments
>Smol

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bully shallan

>>2116283
There are worse fates then spending the rest of ones life exploring the inside of a dyson sphere.

I hope TSTG is okay.

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Had writers block, then my ISP went down, then had a multi-day panic attack over my finances. (Which made it difficult to write.)

Going to try and post tomorrow. Please god let this happen.

"Analyze the local traffic around the site. Arron you and your people get started plotting routes that could let our shuttles enter the area while avoiding detection."

"On it." Arron is quick to reply.
Linda offers assist. She's learned a few things about Neeran sensors in her time with the Guild.

"What are the Scientists up to?" you ask Maybourne.
"They're still going through the collected data. It sounds like they're trying to compare it to your maps."

Who knows how long they could be at it. Will you leave them to it, ask for a status update, or request some of their number to assist with checking out the capsule site?

>>2121504

If they can spare a few to come help with getting us a clear in and out of the capsule site, then yeah.

>>2121504
>Who knows how long they could be at it.
I would assume not all of them are data analysts, so >>2121505 's plan sounds good.

Fire alarm.

Have to leave the building.

>>2121531
Maybe the world is telling you something?

>>2121504
Get some of them for the capsule site.

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>>2121548
>TSTG, this is God speaking.... For House and Dominion can never enddddd...

Heading down to the lab you check in with the scientists to see if you can drag one away long enough to help with the capsule site. They all appear to be hard at work except for those that are taking time to rest. Trying to get an update results in you being shushed by half of them.

Wisely they elect someone to get you up to speed before you can attempt to interrupt again. With a stun pistol.
Darweg Attir from the Shallan science institute gets the short straw and is sent over to see you.

"Viscount, we may have found some correlations between your maps and the locations the Neeran are searching. There are still enough uncertainties that we don't have a 100% match yet but we're getting closer."

"What's the holdup?"

"Lots of structures that appear on the maps seem to be missing. They don't show up on any of the scans. The Neeran do seem to be looking in places that the missing structures should be but it's a lot of area to cover."

If the scientists eliminate the areas the Neeran have searched in detail that should cut down on time and area you have to search through yourself.

You update the Shallan on your attempt to locate the capsule.
"We could use some help, both with scanning and field work."

Darweg makes an annoyed gesture at the others then follows you to the bridge.
"It would have to be me. I'm the only one aside from the Hune that had firearms training before your orientation."

Working with the others you soon have a rough scan of the region surrounding the capsule site. According to archives the area is inhabited by a species that may be an ancestor or offshoot of the Gadaran. Referred to as "hunchbacks" by most Alliance personnel they tend to be among the most numerous ground troops fielded by the Neeran Empire.

Arron was able to get close enough to get a good scan of the surface before withdrawing. Two larger concentrations of Neeran were detected along with what may have been ground vehicles. Smaller groups are scattered around the nearby land masses.

"It looks like there may be a small neeran presence at the capsule site."
"How many?"
"Less than thirty." Arron confirms.

Mountains and valleys to the South East should make it possible for shuttles or LST's to come in at low altitude avoiding detection. With the right atmospheric entry it should be possible to minimise detection.

"Shuttles won't have much loiter time but they'll be harder to detect than LSTs." Darweg warns. "If we're planning to stay in the area long enough to investigate you might want to have the team dropped off and signal for pickup later."

[ ] LST, have them wait as long as they can
[ ] LST, drop off team, signal for pickup
[ ] Shuttle, have them wait as long as they can
[ ] Shuttle, drop off team, signal for pickup
[ ] Do not investigate site at this time

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>Fire alarms again
REALLY?!

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>>2121591
And I forgot to attach the picture.

>>2121591
>[x] Shuttle, drop off team, signal for pickup

>>2121604
The darker circle is the capsule site and the red ones neeran bases?

>>2121591
>[x] LST, drop off team, signal for pickup

>>2121610
>The darker circle is the capsule site and the red ones neeran bases?
Yes. Or concentrations of Neeran personnel at least.

>>2121591
>[ ] LST, drop off team, signal for pickup

>>2121610
>>2121635
>>2121680
LST it is.

"How large of a force do you intend to set out with?" asks Knight Ilya. "A smaller group could approach more easily and avoid detection, but a larger one might provide enough firepower to aid in an escape."

"A big group would also require more supplies and be harder to quickly evac." Rufaro points out.

"But it wouldn't be as hazardous to split up to cover more ground." counters Valeri.

1) How large of a force?
1a) Squad
1b) 2 squads
1c) Platoon / 3 squads
1d) Larger (Specify)

2) Mobility
2a) on foot
2b) Gas/RTG powered buggies (Max 2 squads)

3) A few horses were brought along. Use them for scouting?
Y/N?

>>2121710
>2 squads
>on foot
>depends on the terrain

>>2121710
I know it's kinda hard to muffle gas engines, but are these muffled enough so that they are not supper loud?

>>2121713
>depends on the terrain
Region looks like a mix of mostly plains with woodlands. It becomes rougher at higher altitudes with more trees.

>>2121721
Yes.

Alternatively they can be modded for higher speed but they'll be much louder. (The mechanics would be happy to do this.)

>>2121710

1) How large of a force?
>1b) 2 squads

2) Mobility
>2b) Gas/RTG powered buggies (Max 2 squads)

So long as their quiet I'm good with them using these.

>>2121710
>1b) 2 squads
>2b) RTG buggies

>>2121740
I'd be okay with bringing horses in that case.

>>2121713
>>2121767
>>2121770
2 squads for sure along with buggies. No horses.

Is Sonia deploying with the surface team? And if so was there anything you wanted to add to your loadout?

Current loadout= *

Hard Plate Heavy
Hard Plate Light*
Marine Armor
Alliance armored jumpsuit

Dominion Long Sword
Dominion Rapier
Guard Katar
Short blade (Unpowered. Styled after your HF-Blade)*
HF-Blade (10-12h battery life)

Boarding shield
Tritanium Kite Shield
Masterwork folding Shield*

Rocket launcher
MG or Heavy MG (12.7mm)
Sniper rifle (20mm)
Sniper rifle (12.7mm)*
Rifle (12.7mm)

SMG (6mm)
Forearm SMG (6mm)
Pistol (12.7mm)*

Plasma Pistol (Empty)

Grenades (flash bang)(Frag)(HE)*

Smart grapple + air canister
Lightning Gauntlet
Converter

>>2121882
It's been a while since we've deployed. And I doubt Sonia would miss a chance to go out on foot on the sphere. So yeah, lets go.

Load out:
Current load out plus this
>Smart grapple + air canister

>>2121882
Happy with current loadout in addition to Smart Grapple.

How long would the Mk7 Plasma Pistol last on the surface? iirc it has its own microfusion so it should be quite long lived?

>>2121959
>How long would the Mk7 Plasma Pistol last on the surface? iirc it has its own microfusion so it should be quite long lived?
I dont believe you went with the one with its own reactor? Yours had the recharge option if it had access to a power source. ( like a suit of power armor. ) iirc

It could last a few days but the fuel cells will be bleeding off heat the entire time they're down there. It can work but is generally not recommended. May void the warranty on your fuel cells.

>>2121983

Just a weird thought I had. Considering the sphere's surface has a power drain field. The Lasguns or beloved Flashlights that are used by the IG. Are supposed to be rechargeable and somewhere it was said you could recharge them by either using either a Chimera's generators, sunlight or even fire. Would that be useful in a place like the sphere? Or would the energy drain make those trusty flashlights useless before they could recharge fast enough to be of use?

>>2122092
We should look into Laser weapons as a simpler/less power intensive alternative for Phase weapons.

The buggies are readied aboard one of the LST's and secured so they can be released quickly after landing. Darweg and one of the other scientists load cases with gear to analyze samples and readings once on the surface.

"That had better not weigh us down."

"It won't. One small case per buggy." The shallan answers.

You double check your gear then get to a jump seat.

The pilot contacts you. "Team prepped sir! Ready for drop!"

Arron brings the ship around to a good entry angle and begins a countdown. Alarms blare warning that the hatches will be sealed shortly.
You com Sam and ask the Neeran asking how many combat drops he's been on.

"A few. We mostly accompany ships trying to avoid notice, but we have taken part in larger operations where we were caught in firefights. A colleague of ours developed these rifles for use in boarding Empire warships. I wasn't sure we would ever use them."

"You haven't used them in combat before?"

"Not yet but all of us have been practicing with them."

"Make sure it's well maintained." You warn. "You don't want it to jam because of dust or dirt."

"Is that a common problem with projectile weapons?" the Neeran asks.

"Detach!" announces Arron.

The LST engines briefly throttle up and you're pushed into your seat as it maneuvers. Even when the engines cut out and the g-forces ease, things seem a bit too loud.
"Is this normal?"
"Must be low power operations to minimize energy drain." surmises Rufaro. "We better stay off the coms."

The sound of atmospheric drag increases despite the thick hull of the LST as the descent continues. Several maneuvers feel like they're intended to pull you up out of the seat, something that makes nearly everyone uncomfortable.
As the roaring outside decreases the craft rights itself, entering into a more normal flight. It takes a few more hours but sonn the command crew announce that you're approaching the landing zone.

"All hands, no signs we've been detected. Returning cabin gravity to normal."

Everyone is quickly out of their restraints and readying the four buggies for deployment. The LST descends into a clearing surrounded on three sides by forest. Enough cover to screen you from view. The ramp hits the ground seconds after setting touch down and the buggies roll out.

You're currently 100km south of the capsule site. There are a few good routes that approach it. A Westerly route is mostly plains. You'll make good time but there is little cover from locals of Neeran.
Heading straight north there is a mix of plains and forests. There still could be locals there but you'll have some cover nearby if you need to hide.
Lastly the easterly route would provide the best cover, with little in the way of life form readings or signs of settlement. Numerous streams that way may further slow your progress.

Westerly
North
Easterly

>>2122265

I vote Easterly path, if we're not on to big a time constraint. Lets keep the element of surprise as long as we can.

>>2122265
Going for East as well. Unfamiliar terrain so going on the route with best cover would be wise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kkb88lIorA

The LST takes off, disappearing from view almost immediately. It takes a minute for the sound of its engines to fade into the distance.

Taking an easterly route you hope to avoid contact with both Neeran and locals. While there is no guarantee that everyone in the region is on the enemy's side, they've certainly had more time to attempt recruitment.

The winding course follows and crosses winding streams that cut into sections of the plains. Small forests and stands of trees fighting to overcome the prairie grasses provide ample cover. In some areas the streams prove to be far deeper than their appearances would indicate. Your first encounter with them brings the expedition to a halt as two of the buggies get stuck and have to be pulled out with the help of the others.

Rufaro is less than pleased by these developments.
"My parents are going to ask how my trip went and I'm going to have to tell them I flew millions of light years distance, and looked at incredible ancient constructs, only to nearly drown in a ditch."

Valeri frowns. "To be fair I never would have expected that stream to be deeper than it was wide."

"I'm glad this new armor doesnt weight too much or I would have died."

"Look, let's just figure out how to avoid that situation in the future." you tell both of them.

Increased caution results in more delays fording deep streams but keeps everyone and their vehicles from harm. The entire trip is certainly a learning experience for all involved. Off-roading is maybe more difficult than several generations of repulsor vehicle users might appreciate. Aside from you and your bodyguards there are only a few you can think of that might have experience with them.

"Who was that guy? The one who stole the 4x4 truck on that one planet in South Reach? We should have brought him along."

"Kemp Turner? I think he was killed in the civil war."

Damn.

Following hard copy maps a few of your people have printed, the group halts a few kilometers away from the capsule site. This is as close as you can risk going by vehicle without giving yourself away. It's on foot from here on in. Hiding the vehicles under camo netting every gets ready.

"It's going to be dark soon. Should we move in under cover of darkness?" asks Ilya.

"Neeran physical senses are little better than those of the Faction species. It could help." Sam points out.
A few of you still have night vision HUD's or implants that remain operational. On the other hand there could be advantages to waiting until daylight.

[ ] Move in at night
[ ] Wait until morning

>I'll see you tomorrow! Will be running until 4:30PM

>>2123155

Did everyone get enough sleep before hand? Then lets move ahead now and trek the distance tonight. Otherwise, set up watches and head out in the early morning.

>>2123155
Nighttime is the right time.
>Move in at night

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>>2123155
>"Kemp Turner? I think he was killed in the civil war."
I keep thinking Sonia should have managed the defensive campaign instead of chilling on the Ber'helum homeworld. Speaking of that place, did we get a medal for damaging the gunship during the assassination attempt?

>[x] Move in at night
Aren't Shallans supposed to have great low light vision compared to everybody else?

>>2123155
>[ ] Move in at night
Hope we brought some flash hiders.

The 12.7mm weapons are equipped with a combination muzzle break / flash suppressor. It's enough to keep the user from being blinded.

While the drive was certainly more taxing than planned everyone is well rested enough to continue through the night. Those of you with night vision break trail for the others. Moving in on the site the pace is slow enough that you won't stumble into an enemy encampment by accident.

You're nearly on top of the coordinates when you finally encounter an enemy patrol. Observation reveals that two sets of two Neeran are patrolling a perimeter, while the rest are in camp just to the south west. For now you've gone undetected.

Those on patrol look to be equipped with a pistol and melee weapon in addition to armor. Others in the camp may have longer ranged rifles.

Valeri and Darweg get a closer look at the camp and report back.
"The moment we open fire everyone in that camp is going to hear us."

"How many are on guard duty?"
"Only four but it won't take long for the rest to be on their feet."

A simple sneak attack with melee weapons won't be so easy without the assistance of power armor. Valeri could certainly take down one from a patrol quickly but the second could still be a problem if they got off a warning. Then again there are a lot of you plus Sam, it might be possible to overwhelm them.

"I could sneak into the site between patrols." Darweg offers.

[ ] Attack the camp
[ ] Ambush patrol
[ ] Ambush patrol (Melee)
[ ] Infiltrate site
[ ] Other / Suggestion?

>>2121710
>>2121882
Also I probably should have made a post asking who should be on the ground team between these posts.

>>2123825
Do we have any explosives?

I'd like to infiltrate a small team between the patrol and the camp, plant explosives on the route from the camp to the patrol, then open fire on the patrol.

When the main group are drawn towards the gunfire, we trigger the explosives and move up at the same time, aiming to catch the dazed group in a flank.

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>>2123846
>Do we have any explosives?
Yes. There are grenades plus some bricks of plastic explosives which can be fitted with timed fuses.
There are also 2 anti-tank launchers, though ammunition is limited.

There are fallen trees in the former capsule site where it must have landed which may hamper movement.

>>2123825
[ ] Infiltrate site

>>2123825
What are we trying to achieve here? Most of these options will sooner or later alert the Neeran that somebody is killing their dudes. Why not send the Krath in while everbody else lies in ambush to cover them if anything goes wrong?

Is the escape pod still there or was it moved to another location?

>>2123874
>Is the escape pod still there or was it moved to another location?
It looks to no longer present.

>>2110000
>The capsule should provide a solid sensor contact but doesn't seem to be present.
>"Maybe someone salvaged it?" Maybourne suggests.

>What are we trying to achieve here?
There should be clues about the capsule and/or about potential survivors. There were Alliance and J-D personnel aboard it.

>Why not send the Krath in while everbody else lies in ambush to cover them if anything goes wrong?
And this is why I should have asked who you wanted on the ground team in addition to just its size.
Are we retconning that one or more of the Krath were brought along?

>>2123884
It would make sense to bring at least one, unless the energy absorption field causes the trouble.

Current team composition (2 squads)
Sonia, Valeri, Rufaro, Sam, Eldal (3 Rifle, 2 Specialits)
4 SRGuard, Darweg (3 Rifle, 1 Heavy, 1 Sniper)
5 SRGuard (3 Rifle, 1 Heavy, 1 Sniper)
5 Knights (Close combat spec)

>>2123870
>>2123846
Looks like we can either 1) have Darweg and Eldal infiltrate the site and look for clues, then withdraw. Or 2) set up an ambush to draw the Neeran out from the camp site and into a minefield. Optionally letting the shallan look for clues while the enemy is distracted.

The former would be better for those who don't want to leave any sign you've been here.

>>2123914
Sounds good, just a general equipment question: do we have a mortar?

>>2123962
>do we have a mortar?
You do not. I'm sure the engineers back on the ship could rig one up.

Roll 2d100 for infiltration

or

6d20 for ambush

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Rolled 70, 80 = 150 (2d100)

>>2123987
>Roll 2d100 for infiltration
Eldal's Sneak & Freak
(Formerly Sonia's)

>>2123987

>>2124007
Dice go in the options field anon.

Rolled 75, 34 = 109 (2d100)

>>2123987
>>2124013
I know, I just forgot a word.

Rolled 75, 50 = 125 (2d100)

>>2123987

sneaky beaky

"Alright, Darweg you know what to look for?"

"Signs left behind by the capsule or those who abandoned it?"

"That's right. Take a scanner and charge it with any remaining power cells we have left. Eldal, you go in with him and provide cover. If anything goes wrong we'll take down the patrols and put fire on the camp to cover your retreat."

The pair wait until nearly the mid point of the gap between the patrols then quickly heads in. Staying low it doesn't take long for you to lose sight of them. Hopefully they'll be able to see well enough to find something useful.
Both snipers find more elevated positions and set up camo nets while the rest of you get ready to fill the Neeran camp with fire or provide cover. There is one close call when the patrol deviates from their previous route. Your people are on the verge of breaking from cover to shoot them, but it turns out to be just a normal minor change you hadn't seen before.

Closely watching the clock both of your people spend more than 2 hours examining the area. By the looks of things there are plenty of toppled trees that must have been crushed by the capsule's landing. That probably isn't making it any easier to find what they're looking for.

"It's going to be daylight soon." warns Ilya. "We should pull back so we're not discovered or signal our people to get out of there."

"They can tell time just as well as we can. Eldal will pull them out before it's too late."

Darweg and Eldal return with just over 30 minutes of darkness left.

"I've found what we need. Let's get out of here."

You signal everyone to pull back to the vehicles, waiting until you're a safe distance away before turning your backs on the Neeran.

>I'll post more tonight after I get back from work.

>>2124088
Eldal da bes

"So what did you find?" you ask Darweg and Eldal on the way back to the vehicles.

"Signs that the capsule had been there." Darweg replies.

Eldal runs through a basic list. "Lots of broken armored glass, shattered weapons, projectiles, fragments of power cell armor, data crystals."

"And somebody used a plasma anti-tank gun to shoot an arrow into the ground pointing east-southeast."Darweg finishes for him.

Holding up a sample container with what look like small data chips he rattles it around for emphasis.
"A few of these had been shot into the ground. Probably with a repulsor rifle. I only had time to dig out one."

Back at the vehicles the scientist and one of the marines access the recovered chips. At least one of them uses older House encryption and contains a message.

"This is Sergeant Thecla Shelby, House Jerik-Dremine Marines attached to the Third Attack Wing. It looks like we're stranded on this Dyson sphere. Our tech thinks the signal from our recovery beacon is being jammed and we'll soon be out of power. I'm sending a few people back to the capsule site to make sure a message is left behind.

There's no way we can take and hold it with those roided out Neeran fucks still lurking nearby. It looks like one of them went crazy and has run off into the hills. We're going to try and track it down and kill it before it can find friends or our power runs out. We'll leave markers to follow."

A set of symbols follow that you can't make sense of.

>Resuming tomorrow!

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You ask around among the team.
"Does anyone know what these symbols mean?"

Only one of them recognize it.
"It's an old code used by House special forces. Pathfinders usually. We stopped using it before the war. If we find matching markers it should help to locate any survivors."

"Why did we stop using them?"
"Unreliability. They're easy to screw up if they're not followed correctly."

The gas powered buggies helped get you to the capsule site quickly but their range is limited. You've already used up 1/4 of their fuel.

"So are we following these markers or pulling back to the ship?" asks Ilya. "Your scans were able to pick up concentrations of enemies, but there's no guarantee we wont run into small numbers or local settlements the longer we stay here."

Your bodyguards would like to find out what happened to the J-D soldiers but it has been many years since they were stranded here.

[ ] Follow as far as you can, call for fuel drop
[ ] Follow as far as you can, replace gas with RTG
[ ] Get to safe distance from the site, replace gas with RTG
[ ] Evac to the ship

>>2125953
>[x] Follow as far as you can, replace gas with RTG

>>2125953
Call for a fuel drop.

>>2125955
>>2125956
Tiebreaker anyone?

>>2125953
[ ] Follow as far as you can, replace gas with RTG

"Mount up, let's move. We'll signal to have the gas engines replaced with RTG's when we reach the edge of our fuel range."

The convoy heads east southeast. It's an easier drive than the previous, this time you're not forced to cross as many streams. Eventually you pass out of the area of more hilly terrain and down into a wide valley. All four vehicles make good time. You might be able to reach the other side of the valley before you run out of gas.

"The marker should be pointed to what looks like a small mountain on the other side of the valley. It's on the right bearing."
That's good news.

Your luck seems to dry up when one of the snipers spot smoke in the distance.
"Settlement ahead!"

Stopping for a moment Sam hoists up one of the snipers to get a better view.

"Village, wood construction, and what may be a bridge large enough that our vehicles could cross a larger stream."
"Gadaran?"
"That's affirm."

"If we detour that's going to cost a lot of gas." warns Eldal
"We're going to be calling for replacement engines anyways right? Shouldn't be a problem." Rufaro points out.

[ ] Detour
[ ] Scout or Investigate
[ ] Try to cross now / at night

>>2126066
>[x] Detour

>>2126066

>Scout/ Investigate
>Try to cross at night
I want to learn more about these people who live on this sphere. So I'll say Scout/ Investigate. Because then we can cross at night.

>>2126066
Ask the scientist for her opinion.

>>2126066
I'll swap from >>2126077
to support >>2126085

We do need to know more about our locale. Maybe we can trade some trinkets with them for a map?

>>2126159
Is directly contacting the locals really a good idea after we put so much effort into staying undetected? Could we at least send Eldal?

"Let's hear from the scientist what her opinion is."

Darweg clears his throat. "First of all I'm a male."
"Oh, uh, I meant to say his. Sorry." you quickly correct yourself.

"Right. The Gadaran on the sphere we've observed are largely agrarian but they're still known to be good hunters and archers. They have good eyesight but with a limited field of view."

"Other senses?"
"Hearing is below average but only just. I don't really know about the rest.
Unlike many primitive cultures the Gadaran on the sphere don't seem to have any sort of religious practices. They do seem to have an interest in chance or luck but that might only be true of the populations we studied."

"And the Neeran could be messing with their culture." you suggest.

"Yes."

"Do you think we can risk taking a look?" you ask. "We do have trade goods."

Darweg shakes his head.
"Not unless you want them telling the next Neeran patrol that strangers have been through the area. How many Humans and Dro'all do you know that work for the Empire?"

You glance over to Eldal and Sam. The former could disguise himself as a Gadaran easily enough, while Sam might be able to pass as an Empire Neeran despite his comparatively thin frame.
Darweg himself could also go in since you know plenty of Shallans work for the Empire.

1) Investigation
1a) Send Eldal
1b) Eldal & Sam
1c) Eldal & Darweg
1d) Send all 3
1e) Avoid contact

2) Everyone else
2a) Wait for them to report back
2b) Detour and meet on the other side
2c) See if you can drive through while the locals are distracted

>>2126235
>1c) Eldal & Darweg
They seem to work well together.

>2b) Detour and meet on the other side

>>2126235

1)
>1b

I am conflicted here. On one hand, I don't know how well Eldal knows how to mimic or act like these people. So I don't want to risk him being found out by these people just because he did something that isn't normal. But on the other, I want to learn more. So, I think having them both go would be an alright choice. So long as they don't take any unnecessary risks and just get us the information that we need. And if they have an opening, learn more about the settlement and their interaction with Empire Neeran.

2)
>2b) Detour and meet on the other side
This could play into Eldal and Sam's guise to meet up with their party on the other side of the settlement. So they are travelers who are just passing through. It shouldn't be that odd that they get travelers through their settlement if they got a bridge which forces people to come to them.

>>2126235
>1b) Eldal & Sam
>2b) Detour and meet on the other side

"Eldal, Sam, I want you to check out the village and see what you can lean. We'll meet up with you on the other side. Are you up for it?"

Neither are 100% certain but they have a better chance at it than almost anyone else.

"I have mimicked Gadaran before but they would be different from the locals. I'll just say I'm from one of the off world armies." Eldal informs you.

"I'll try to say as little as possible." Sam adds.

You wish both of them good luck before hopping back in one of the vehicles and tearing off to the south. If either of them are going to be interacting with locals in the future they'll have to get used to the idea and what to expect. Better they learn it at a remote village than when encountering a larger population center.

Roll 2d100

Rolled 94, 34 = 128 (2d100)

>>2126358
Wouldn't it make more sense for Eldal to go as a Neeran?

Rolled 23, 49 = 72 (2d100)

>>2126358

time for the Sam Eldal buddy cop duo to show their stuff!

>>2126371
>Wouldn't it make more sense for Eldal to go as a Neeran?
I guess so, but only Sam has Neeran scale weapons.

>>2126383
Oh okay. Let him go with whatever he thinks is better in that case.

Third roll anyone?

Rolled 67, 16, 32 = 115 (3d100)

>>2126358
Rolling bones

>>2126439
Please reroll just a 2d100

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>>2126464

>>2126472
94, 49 isn't exactly catastrophic.

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>>2126472

The gas tanks on your buggies are near empty by the time you reach the rendezvous point. Darweg goes on ahead with one of the buggies to signal for the engine replacements as that will take time.

After an hour wait Eldal and Sam arrive. They're not being pursued by natives with pitch forks and torches so things must have gone well enough. The villagers were clearly suspicious of Sam but Eldal was able to smooth things out.

"We were able to find out that Soldiers did pass through many years ago, probably ours. We're heading in the right direction. Later Neeran troops came looking for them and telling people they'd been liberated by their cousins from outer worlds and so on. There are no active recruiters in the region. It looks like they mainly confine their activities to larger population centers."

Sam is concerned by word of earlier sweeps. "They were trying to bribe people to give up information on the Sphere's caretakers. The same as the Alliance reports from other regions."

"Have they even seen any caretakers?" you ask.

"Possibly yes. Before the war there were giants -probably the Neeran caretakers- who would travel from place to place and assist with healing and curing disease. They disappeared once the Empire arrived."

More reports to fill out when they get back to the ship.

"Were you able to trade anything?"

"Not really. They were too busy trying to give us stuff. Grain, animals, things that would have been impractical to carry. I told them that if we returned this way we might be able to take a few things then."

Catching up to the other vehicles you wait for the LST to arrive. It's well into night before the craft arrives, setting down in another out of the way location. The buggies are loaded on board for the engineers to work on. The RTG powered motors wont provide the same top speed as the gas engines but you'll be good for an extended period.

The information you've collected is uploaded to the LST's computers for transfer back to the ship, and the codes checked to be sure you're headed in the right direction. It seems to check out.

A message from Arron informs you that some of the resupply drop pods have been modified with stealth coatings and an additional repulsor to cut down on their visibility when entering the atmosphere. They cant make many of these.

Any particular weapons or equipment you want ready and waiting in a few of these pods?

>>2126559
>Any particular weapons or equipment you want ready and waiting in a few of these pods?
If we stuff one of these full of stun grenades, could we create a non-leathal cluster bomb? Or would the grenades get drained too fast?

>>2126559
>>2126573

This, would this work?

>>2126573
I think it could work. Just be aware it takes awhile between sending a signal and the drop pod arriving. Could be 10 minutes if you want it to stay undetected.

>>2126559

Well no weapons or equipment I can think of needing right now. Unless we need something to contact these so called 'pathfinder' military personnel from JD.

>>2126559
>Any particular weapons or equipment you want ready and waiting in a few of these pods?
The biggest and baddest guns we have.

At some point we'll run into a Neeran commando and have to deal with them. For that, I think we should have a full armament ready.

I think I must have lost internet for a bit.

>>2126653
Plasma Anti-tank gun, Reynard Custom repulsor rifle, shard missile launcher?

>>2126681
If they can pack in some Reynard(tm)Brand 20mm Fusion Rounds too, sounds good to me.

>>2126684
Anyone else having trouble with captcha taking forever to load?

>>2126759
Nope.

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Everyone takes time to rest aboard the LST as the engineers work. They're on the last one by the time you wake up. While the last is being prepped you look up the records on Thecla Shelby.

15 year veteran before the war. Originally in the army, eventually went into special forces and was trained for reconnaissance. Briefly trained with Marine units then became an instructor for several years. Was transfered to the J-D expeditionary fleet after the fighting in Lat'tham space was over. Assisted in capturing a super heavy cruiser that 3rd wing and an Iratar fleet crippled.

Was offered a promotion to officer ranks pending completion of OCS. Officially listed as MIA before she could return to the Homeworlds for officer training.

"Looks like someone who might stand a chance out here." comments Valeri.

The LST departs at first light and not long after you get into rougher terrain. Two hours later you locate the next marker. It matches up with the appropriate symbols they wanted you to follow and points the way towards a mountain pass to the north east.

It isn't easy going for the vehicles but far from impossible. Halfway through the pass you find another marker pointing towards a very difficult section of the mountains. Passable on foot, but not by vehicle.

"Did they really go that way?"

The army veteran from your guard starts to laugh. "It's a false marker sir."

"You're sure?"

"I'd bet a months wages on it ma'am."

Continuing to follow the previous bearing you eventually spot a broken SRL repulsor rifle that's been driven into the rock at the top of a distant hill. The correct marker is located nearby. It looks like you'll have to cross the next large valley. Thanks to the hard copy maps the LST was able to print following their last flight over the region it will be easier to plan out routes to avoid deeper rivers and smaller settlements.

No Neeran presence has been detected in the next valley. Will you be taking every effort to avoid contact with the locals, restrict contact to Eldal and Sam, or try to make best possible speed through the region?

[ ] Avoid contact
[ ] Restrict contact
[ ] Best speed

>>2127187
>[x] Best speed

>>2127187
[ ] Best speed

Discussing the situation with the others you plan otu a route that will get you across the valley at best speed.
"We'll be going close to a few settlements located near the best places to ford rivers." Ilya warns. "They won't hear the motors on these vehicles but they could spot us."

"We're hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest Neeran position. Even if they do spot us it could take a week before they get a message to anyone."
As you've clearly made up your mind the others don't press the issue.

The team makes it nearly halfway across the valley without encountering anyone. After fording a small river in the region you realise that the lightly forested area you're passing through is an orchard. Glancing around you spot a handful of Gadaran that were tending one of the trees. Two of them point at you and shout to the others.

"Punch it!" you shout, then hand signal double time to the other vehicles.

All of you pick up speed using the small reserve of power normally kept for hill climbing. The orchard is left in the dust behind you but before long you can hear the sound of horns.

Eldal speaks up. "I'm still not that familiar with primitive cultures but I presume that's bad?"

"Probably." you admit.

30 minutes later the rear most vehicle alerts you to contacts that are following. You signal two of the other buggies to pass so you can get a clear look.
A pair of Gadaran are chasing you riding atop bulky hairy looking beasts.

"Are those... are those fucking warrels!?"

[ ] "We are so capturing one of those."
[ ] Try to lose them
[ ] Fire a warning shot
[ ] "Target the warrels. Open fire!"

>>2127585
[ ] Try to lose them
failing that
[ ] Fire a warning shot

>>2127585
>[x] Try to lose them
>[x] Fire a warning shot

Warrels were a dyson species all along?

>>2127670
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1952800/#p1986225
>According to reports they(Neeran Empire) may have released warrels in a few of these regions to win over locals by saving them from the beasts. They can then enlist the help of local populations to search for whatever they need.

>>2127602
>>2127670
Roll 2d100

>>2127705
I thought it was widely accepted that Empire Warrels were killmachines and the whole reason we were looking into Nai Genetic alterations for taming them?

Rolled 35, 88 = 123 (2d100)

>>2127717

Rolled 14, 96 = 110 (2d100)

>>2127705

Dice!

>>2127727
Come on dice this is not a competition!

"Try to lose them. If that doesn't work fire a few warning shots."
The lead driver changes course and cuts through a few fields to reach more level ground. It should be flat enough to out pace them.

Turning you shout to Sam. "I thought Warrels were killmachines?! I wouldn't have put money into genetic alterations if I thought they could be tamed!"

"They are! They should not be tameable by anything but Neeran."

The flat ground turns out to be a road and the convoy is forced to make a sharp turn to avoid a hidden fence line. Both warrel riders cut the corner across one of the fields making up most of the distance you'd gained.

"That isn't working." comments Rufaro, who readies her rifle.

One 12.7mm round kicks up rock and dust from the ground. When that fails to drive them off Rufaro chambers a high explosive round. The explosive blasts a small crater in the road and seems to scare off both the beasts and riders.
When the dust clears you can see one of the warrels circling the crater, snapping and gnashing their teeth in your general direction. It doesn't look like they'll follow.

Did you want to make it a priority to capture a "domesticated" warrel from these people at a later time?