How ironic -- well I'm off to work. Damn.

Finally, we actually find ourselves capable of handling more than one ship docking.

I don't know how many goddamn times I've filed this chit, but for the sake of posterity:

****Requesting specs for advanced communications array and extended radiation bunker

reading through the archives to catch up

***requesting access to imperial databanks.

also game looks like deadspace (from the dvd)

***************
fleet command authorised the specs for a newly constructed and outfitted comunications facility, with specialised computer core to handle secure AI.

//About damn time. I've been trolling 4chan for the past three hours. Lol. Welcome back, OP.

>Leaning back in his chair, Gerome would smirk to him self as he flips through the various pages of a classic playboy. Flipping it over on one end, the centerfold would roll out and Gerome would smile with pleasure, his eyes drinking in beautiful naked womanly flesh. Of course, that was promptly interupted by the sound of a hand on his door knob, twisting it to enter. He'd quickly slam the smut mag into a drawer and sit up.

"Yes? Yes? who is it? Come in. It's open."

>>9439952

Thank you, FleetCom. Now where are those lazy engies hiding?

Most excellent. I see we have a new docking bay.

Is security officer Reeds present?

>>9440021

Not as far as I know. Maybe he's stuck in another tunnel, like what happened to Williams. Hmm... I hope our new AI will prevent more shenanigans like this.

If you're going to look for him, could you help me find the engineers as well? We really need to get the improved comm array up.

>settling back with the new map of the completed colony in his hands, Gerome would begin to chew at his lower lip thoughtfully.

"Y'know. It might be a good idea..."

*****Request - Central Security building, including armory and small training field for security staff.

"There, that way I won't have to worry about any of them other colonists trying to take my ore... Which reminds me!"

***** Request - A set of large surface warehouses next to the starport.

"And of course, I can't forget..."

***** Request - Skip the road stage of development, we're in lower then 1g, I'd suggest a high velocity maglev subway system.

>>9440043
I'll arrange a search party. Meanwhile, we should contact fleet command and inform them of the missing personnel.

((Mark them inactive, that is))

- confer with other base management on maglev development priority. roads project on standby until decision is met.

- advanced coms facility addition to coms array complete, AI stacks installed and in diognostics, facility to come online in 3 days local time.

****************
food production issues are arrising from spike in demand from newly arrived colony ship requesting 68 % of crop to sustain its reserves.
******************

-----
Systems functional at 25%
-----
Connecting to Vulcan Cannon A...
Done
-----
Connecting to Vulcan Cannon B...
Cannot connect - connection missing
-----
Connecting to Vulcan Cannon C...
Cannot connect - connection missing
-----
Sending inquiry to base command concerning missing turrets
-----

>>9440132

Goddamnit, aren't those things meant to be self-sustaining? Anyone know what percentage we can allocate to them without actually starving ourselves? In the meantime, let's just get those greenhouses expanded. We'll need to increase our food production capabilities anyway, if this colony's going to thrive in the long run.

Is a maglev system really necessary? Considering the low gravity, our rovers do just fine ferrying stuff about.

>Cracking his knuckles. Gerome considers before typing up his thought process for the other leaders of the Colony.

"Gentlemen. I would like to propose that we take Longreach into the next stage of development. Avoiding the risk of roads on the surface as well as encouraging us subtly to continue our expansions beneath the surface of this planet. In the 1980's on Terra, subway's were utilized in the majority of American cities to improve mass transit and trade. They were met with mixed success in the beginning, but, in the end, were exceptional in their success.

I would like to propose a collection of robot diggers tunneling out three level tunnels. The top level, would be the person transit. Two rails side by side, with maglevs transporting people from each section of the colony to the next. The lower level would be where maintenance workers and pipe systems run. Power, water, sewage, oxygen lines, everything would run through there. Centralizing it, and making it easier for our engineers to find and fix if a problem occurs.

The lowest level would be primarly for "Cargo" transit. Mass quantities of mined ore, robots, gear, and tradegoods too and from the Space port to whatever section of the colony needs it.

In conclusion. I feel this would be a more cost effective method of advancement for our colony then simply flattening some ground and calling them roads.

Regards - Gerome Santoya, Mining Operations Manager, Concerned Citizen of Longreach"

>tapping 'send' on his console, Gerome would lean back with a satisfied look on his face, and pull a half burned cigarette from behind his ear. Tucking it between his lips, and lighting up with a smile.

Bradley sits back studying the days comm traffic in his small quarters located on the western sub surface.
" fleet has alot of nerve sending out 850 green colonists to this rock, i mean its borderline neglegent to assign that many to us before we barley have the capacity to feed the bastards.."

Bradley sits in his quarters in the low artificial light of his room, a chime sounds the change of the 0400 shift.
"looks like its time to get back to the hustle and bustle , he slips on his slim vac suit and proceeds down into the maze of tunnels to look over the newly constructed coms array facility.

>>9440180

I can't help but wonder how we'll fare against the incoming Ulysses with such unreliable hardware and wiring. Can an electrical engineer or technician look into this, please?

>>9440252
Now that you mention the Ulysses...

**** Requisition the construction of a THOR orbital defense system

We need the big guns.

>Eyeing the newest reports on the food shortage. He would shake his head and pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Alright. I think it's time we should start with some trade negotiations."

***** Query - How mucho re and of what type have my miners been pulling? How much is available for trade to food stuffs till we can get more hydroponics online to support our growing colony?

>>9440274
Goddamn, I always forget to unmask my signal.

>>9440274
requisition unrecognised please use base identity name and rank for all official requests to fleet command.

*******************
base stock lists :

food stockplie, perishable goods 60 % copacity

ore stockpile construction materials 85 % copacity

fuel stockpile 89 % copacity

energy output at 56 % efficiency.

>>9440274

In addition to that, we should get that mass driver up and running. It'll work great as an improvised weapon.

Artemis rolls himself awake, sits up on his small cot, and curses his luck, curses the UAC, and mostly himself.

>>9440291
Fleet command, that last requisition was submitted by me.

Furthermore, add the construction of two more power plants. That defense system will drain loads of energy.

Hey McCallahan, i just finished tuning up a buggy and my supervisor isnt around. Anything i should jump at?

****************
-above ground atrium extension completed to large atrium.
-additional atrium facilities construction complete with the help of large automated worker tasked droids.

>>9440369

You could do a checkup of the wiring, Sarissa can't establish a connection to two of our turrets.

>>9440386

Vunderbar. I'm hoping this will prevent starvation through overpopulation. But just in case, let's expand it more. Excess biomatter can be converted into fuel.

>>9440387

Are you serious? I just check them this morning, somebody must be running forwarding too much damn power to them. ill get right on it.

Oh, whatever happened to those pirates?

He gets a bite to eat, and wanders around mostly aimlessly across the base. Everything's so new looking. White, pristine. Interfaces had advanced, immensely so, but everything seemed rather self explanatory. AI's, relatively new and experimental when he had left Earth, were common place. Computer systems managed though neural interfaces, VR, advanced voice commands. He sighs and looks at a screen absently, spotting the drilling stations to the south.

He dresses quickly, fitting into his suit, and exits through the closest airlock. The trip across the surface is quiet, eerily so. So many people around, so many machines, but no sound. He's heard talk of terraforming, adding an artificial atmosphere, and in the distance, the dim shadow of the colony ship was inescapable. 'My god', he'd thought to himself. It was all so different.

Soon he was at the hab complex for the drill teams, the mining office. He entered the airlock, and found the man in charge. Gerome Santoya's office was unlike anything else on the base. It reminded him of Earth. Dirty and well used. He removed his helmet, and smelled the thick smoke. Like a bar in Dallas he barely remembered. "Santoya?" He asked. "I heard your the man to see about digging."

-----
List of current add-ons:
Level I "Sentry" Military Add-on
Level I "Hammer" AI Maintenance Add-on
-----
List of downloadable add-ons:
Level II "Warden" Military Add-on
Level II "Wrench" AI Maintenance Add-on
Level I "Quarry" Geology and Mining Operations Add-on
Level I "Sproutling" Ecology and Farming Operations Add-on
Level I "Arts and Crafts" Industrial and Mechanical Operations Add-on
-----
Inquiring Longreach populace which is the most needed.
Add-on will allow my systems to become more profficient on that area.
-----
Please note:
Add-ons are inexchangeable
Add-ons do not grow on trees
-----

>>9440418

One of them's our commanding officer now, while the other's still in lockup.

>>9440465

I'm voting for the Warden and Wrench addons. We already have plenty of personnel for the other fields.

>>9440438
>Gerome would pause in his work. Eyes lifting from the monitor on his desk to look at the man standing near by.
"Depends on who's askin'. And if you're another one o' them damn civvies intent on getting access to my stores of cigarettes, I'll be damned if I sell any more. The shits already eating up most of my pay."
>Gerome would turn back to his monitor and hit a few more lines on the keyboard, muttering something about damn civvies and the need to dig deep before pausing and glancing back up.
"Unless of course you're lookin' for a job. I can alway's use more mudhands."

>>9440198
Your maglev system sound intriguing, I suggest a compromise, Santoya. We continue with the construction of surface roads. They will primarily be used by above ground maintinance personnel, for short trips between adjacent buildings, and for cargo loads too large for the mag-trains.
The mag-rails will be used primarily for fast transit for colony personnel across the colony and for movement of most smaller equipment packages. We will need a central control station for the rail system, perhaps giving it to the new AI?

>>9440510
In addition, most of our colony is already serviced by a network of pedestrian underground tunnels, *winces a little at the memory* of which I have recently been well aquainted to. We can probably expand and extend said tunnels to house the new rail system.

>>9440510

Ah, Williams. Good to see your short stint of solitary confinement hasn't driven you mad. Got that good old colony report ready? FleetCom's been pinging me for an update.

>>9440499
He smiles. "Nah, I don't need a job. I'm . . . retired, I guess. And I haven't had a smoke in two centuries, so I think I'm over that." He looks down for a moment, the sadness returning. Quickly he snaps himself awake. "Artemis Montag." He reaches out to shake.

For a few moments, an awkward silence. "I don't know if you've heard. It was a secret until last night. If your USN finds out I've said anything, they might put me in prison, or I don't know, whatever you guys have. There are still prisons, right? Whatever. Anyway, uh, there's a ship. My ship, actually. The Ulysses. I'll spare you the details, but it's heading this way, and I'm pretty sure that when it gets here, things won't be looking too good on the surface." He tries to keep himself talking, not to let another silence fill the air. "If people try to evacuate, it might be too late, and hell, there might not be enough ships." He coughs at the smoke and wipes his mouth. "Excuse me. But yeah. I've seen the schematics for the base here, and I've seen the few bunkers you guys've built. But the Ulysses . . . I don't know what it'll do, but it won't be good. We need to go deeper. I was thinking I could get your help, get a deep bunker built. I'm talking Presidential style. Deep underground, shielded, big enough for everyone here. Because honestly, I think we might need it."

>>9440418
What the hell people? The defensive system is SUPPOSED to be completely isolated from the AI cores! Don't you dimwits remember what happened the last time?

>>9440587
Oh right, give me a minute. The data burst option that saved my life unfortunately corrupted the chit I was using earlier. I spent most of my time while recovering for dehydration and low blood sugar to write up a new report. Sadly, I lost the list for all of our facilities so I'll need to find the dossier on that later and I am now back to square one trying to find out exactly how many colonists we really have on this rock, so expect placeholders.

>>9440637
Rogu3 was introduced into our system by the pirates that masqueraded as the USN... what was that ship named again?

Anyway, i doubt our own AI's will go rogue, considering how many precautions we have taken to prevent that.

construction plans approved for sub terrain rail network.
3 layered construction for personel, cargo, and machine transport around the base.

- there are emergency sheilded bunker plans on the drives of all colony fabricators however a larger hardened facility capable of cryo suspension and automated revival stations requires fleet specs to be sent through high fleet command.

- advanced hardened facilities or deep sleep bunkers require 3 months construction time.

>>9440649

Eh, whatever you have on hand will do. I'll tell FleetCom the discrepancies are due to interference from the anomaly.

>>9440637

The system has a physically fixed degree to which it can turn, which means if needed we could simply walk up to it and cut the wires without it being able to fire upon us.

Also, i found the problem. Fixed and dusted.

>>9440604
>Gerome would arch a brow at the mans words, and of course. His suggestion. It was pretty ballsy. Leaning back in his seat, he'd do the man the great courtesy of giving him all of Geromes attention for the moment.
"I see. And uh.. Who would be living in this Presidential bunker? I'm assuming you're referring to the one that was buried in the bottom of Chyanne mountain, Norad, in Colorado in what was the old American country?"
>Flicking his cigarette, he'd allow the ashes to drop on the floor at the side of his desk. A tiny cleaner bot, no larger then a dinner plate moved over and cleaned up the ashes immediately before tucking itself back in the corner. Geromes eyes would take on a thoughtful look.
"Not that it matters. Mm... it's a decent idea, I'll give it some thought and get back to you."

If some of the elements of this forum game are hand-crafted as I've come to suspect, I'd like to speak with the artist responsible.

Email me at cocksgalore (at) live.com. It's a secondary account, obviously.

-----
Downloading Level II "Warden" Military Add-on...
-----
Downloading Level II "Wrench" AI Maintenance Add-on...
-----
Resending inquiry to base command concerning missing turrets connections
-----
Processing Ion Sattelite Link Cannon plan...
Processing...
-----
Processing Mechanical Sentries plan...
Processing...
-----

>>9440662

Putting in a request to FleetCom. We don't need cryo facilities, just a honking big chamber to fit food, supplies, and people in for a given duration.

>>9440662
No mention of the THOR...

Dammit, i'd need someone of higher rank to request the system.

*Raynolds' face lights up as if realizing something*

Montag! I can ask him to do it!

=====================================
Colony Resources Logbook Version 1.8
=====================================
System: LR023
Colony Name: Longreach
Report Filed by: Head Field Engineer M. Williams, Acting Colony Resources Manager
=====================================
Report page 1 of 3
=====================================
Named Characters:
- Appleseed, Johnny, Aeronautical Engineer
- Artemis R. Montag, Lieutenant Commander
- Bellins, Archivist
- Borvagh, Cadet
- C. Bradley, USN security tactics officer
- Brown, Aerospace Engineer
- Carson, Hydroponic Engineer
- "Chef, The", Chef
- Dr. Corleone, Astrophysicist
- Corpri, Custodian
- J. Dirte, Custodian
- 'Comrade' Docter, Biological Sciences Specialist
- Dorkins, Mechanic
- Flower, Jim, Civilian <*Currently under medical survellience*>
- Freitag, Thomas, Worker
- Gary, Alan, Energy Systems Engineer
- Halts, Chief Comms Officer
- Harrison, Corpsman
- Dr. Hassan, General Physician
- Huxley, Environmental Engineer
- Josef, Officer Engineer
- Kevin, General Specialist
- Krupp-Forthwright, Leonard, High Commandant of the "Alexander"
- Lister, Electronics Specialist
- Martinez, Eva, Senior Robotics Technician
- McAlister, Lieutenant Jr. Grade
- McCain, Mechanic (Specialist)
- McCallahan, Senior Fleet Liaison
- Newitz, Victor, FCC Senior Commander
- Dr. Octavius, Psychiatrist
- Reeds, Senior Security Officer
- Reynolds, Cadet
- Ricky, Gunnery Seargent
- Dr. Salazar, Hydroponic Specialist
- Santoya, Gerome, Mining Operations Manager
- 'Sarissa', Colony AI Construct
- P. Shepard, Geological Team Specialist
- Tycho, Electrical Engineer
- Varnigan, Genetic Engineer
- Wilhelm Kaufmann, Engineer
- M. Williams, Head Field Engineer
- Winkel-Schmidt, Head of Automated Systems
- Withers, Morale Officer
*Current Prisoners*:
- Maxim Prokopy, Crash Survivor
=====================================

>>9440673
He takes his helmet, and before slipping it on says, "Everyone." The helmet snaps into place, and he repeats the word. "Everyone." And then he was gone, back out the way he'd come.

Jacob Falke would descend from the colony ship, and request access to the facility,"This is Jacob Falke, I am an aerospace engineer I requested reassignment to a colony world. They redirected me here and I have only just brought myself up to speed from various reports forwarded on to me by the USN. Requesting access to your facility please"

>>9440666
Oh really? Then someone did not think the placement of this turret through! Indeed, when we shot down the pirates they were all turned inwards!
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/9397343/

>>9440705
=====================================
2 of 3
=====================================
Total Specialist Work Force (Known workers): 42 of ~1000 (most in cryo)
- AI's: 1
- Archivists:1
- Custodians: 2
- Comms Officer:1
- Culinary Specailist: 1
- Fleet Liasion: 1
- Engineers (Total): 23
- (Officer): 1
- (Areospace): 2
- (Electrical):1
- (Enviromental): 2
- (Energy Sys):4
- (Field):1
- (Genetics): 1
- (Hydroponic):2
- (Prefab Industry): >10
- (Planetary): ??

- Military Personnel: 5
- (Commandant): 1
- (Corpsman): 1
- (Cadet): 1
- (Lieutenant Commander): 1
- (Lieutenant Jr. Grade): 1

- Miners: >1
- Morale Officer: 1
- Prisoners: 1
- Psycholgist: 1
- Scientists/Specialists (Total): 4
- (Biological Sciences): 1
- (Electronics): 1
- (Geological): 1
- (Hydroponic): 1

- Security Peronnel: 9
- Senior Security Officers: 1
- Junior security officers: 8
- Surveyors: ??
Other Colonists: >3
=====================================

>>9440712

Access granted. Welcome to Longreach, Falke. Not much use for an aeronautics expert here though, so you'll probably be relegated to general maintenance of the facilities for the time being. Unless you want to design rocket buggies or something.

"Thank you very much, no problem I will help out where I can. If you ever need to put something in orbit let me know."

*******
deep sleep bunkers offer protection for up to 2500 years if power supply is secure and uninterupted. facility can hold 2000 colonists with a leapfrog crew of 24 to be revived every 55 years to maintain facility.

*****Request - Construction of "secret" storage facilities deep underground, in an offshoot of one of the mining tunnels.

*****Request - Large Fusion power plant dedicated to servicing the Mining operations, to allow for future expansion and prevent a drain on the main colony.

*****Request - Small, Hydroponics facility at mining base. Must be able to support 200, minimum. Note - All food produced at the local should be diverted into the secret storage facility

*****Request - Medium water purification and storage system. We can tap into that frozen underground lake we discovered and divert a fair amount into stores. The rest to the colony.

>Note delivered to the Governor of the Colony. Hand delivered.

"Greetings, this is Gerome Santoya. Look. I'm going to be diverting supplies and manpower into a secretive project that will act as a last resort in case of emergency. Since I can't trust everyone on this base, Hell, I don't even know'em all. This information will be reserved for you, and any you see fit. Eventual goal is to house at least half of our current population, with space growing for more if we can get access to cryostasis units. Keep this on the downlow. We don't want any spotters hearing about this, or any military persons who might think they can use it to stash all their hardware."

>End note.

>>9440708
*Raynolds catches up with Montag near the atrium*

Sir, i have a personal request i'd like to present, if you do not mind.

I think it is in our best interest to requisition a global orbital defense system, designated THOR by the USN. I believe it would increase our chances to survive the "encounter" with Ulysses.

If you want the specifics on what the THOR is, you can ask FleetCom, Sir.

>>9440731
=====================================
3 of 3
=====================================
Officer's Notes:
Finally got my ass out of that Godforsaken tunnel thanks to the efforts of both Schmidt and Borvagh. I'll send a favorable review of both of them to command when the next report rolls by. Speaking of which, I need to send out an official inquery into why there was a malfunction down there in the first place. From the engineering reports, that section was just serviced several days ago so barring any foul play (and I've made sure to make nice with most of my enginnering corps.), or space gremlins, that never should have happened... Maybe the interference from that ship/anomaly is affecting our colony more than I fear...
What's worse is that the new guy, Jim Flower suddenly fell violently ill and the doc has no idea what's wrong with him. For now, he's heavily sedated in a seperate room in the infimary under observation. I personally was suffering from dehydration and low blood sugar. The doc, gave me some water and suppliments and told me to 'take it easy for a few days'. Hah, if I do that I'll be swimming in unfiled papers in a few hours! Now, I need to finish this report soon. The brass will want an update soon.
Oh and one last note, I need to ask security if any colonist lost a pet recently. While we don't have any rules specifically against pets, I don't want them getting loose and breeding in our tunnels.
=====================================
End Report

Sending Report to Data Hub for Processing...

Sent.

I don't suppose there are any methods to accelerate the completion of the bunker... Maybe if Schmidt devotes all his robotic companions to the project.

Hmm... I wonder if I should adopt a cat. Maybe after this Ulysses crisis blows over. And I'm still alive. Anyways, back to business.

****Requesting further information on THOR weapons system.

>>9440767
He stops and listens to the young man speak. "I was just off to send a message myself." He looks at his hands, and then claps the cadet on the shoulder. "I'll do what I can, but I don't know how your bosses will react. The Ulysses, wherever it's been, whatever's happened to it, the men at top will want to know. But I'll try."

He leaves to the comm station, and when he gets the chance, sends a message through. "This us Lt. Commander Montag, currently on the outpost, I'm not sure. The one for this Longreach project you guy's have got going. God damn. Anyway, we've spotted the Ulysses at the far end of the system, heading in our general direction. Your USN Hourglass attempted to hail it, but whatever energy anomaly that's taken over the ship has seemingly destroyed the Hourglass. I've been asked to requisition a, uh, THOR orbital defense system. I'm not sure on the details, but sirs, I know the Ulysses; at least what it used to be. And even then, it was built to last. Ion cannons the size of battleships. Ablative armor twelve feet thick on the hulls, hardened computer systems. It was a beast of a ship before, but now, it's a god damned monster. It's my suggestion that this colony be abandoned, the colonists returned to a safe distance, and that the Ulysses be hit with whatever the USN has. The biggest bombs, as many as you have. Montag out."

He sends the message, and prays that they listen to him.

>>9439892
Why are you too stupid to write strategy? Your threads might be interesting, but that idiocy always lets me hit the hide button without a second look.

>>9440836
>>9440836
//Dudes from Europe. My assumption is English isn't his first language. He spells words how they sound.

>>9440836
Well he's been doing that for the past 9 threads so its more a sign of endearment than anything now. Besides, if that truely bothers you so much, I don't think we want the likes of you here.

Are those alien ships?

They look so different to the buildings

>>9440814
*unshaven and oil stained , Schmidt emerges from his new lab*
Hmm, are my little helpers needed? I can send you a work team in no time. I'm sorry for my appearance, I've been working on something special in the lab and lost track of the time, haha. Never mind, I've got all sorts of ideas now the workshop is fully operational. Oh my, such potential

>>9440890

Something 'special'... I probably don't want to know. Anyways, how many drones would you say are required to build a reinforced bunker for all the colonists in, say, two weeks?

"H- hello? Is anyone there? I can hear you talking! Hello?"

[Sedatives worn off. Subject has regained consiousness in med bay. Though not restrained, subject remains in lying position]

"Excuse me sirs but we don't have to destroy the Ulysses, A strong slow moving explosion designed to shift rather than tear would possibly change the vessel's course the few degrees needed to protect this colony. A few degrees is all you need is space due to the large distances involved. The only problem is creating a explosive strong enough to shift such a large mass with so much inertia. As long as the Ulysses' onboard computer dosen't adjust for the change in heading then we would be safe and would give the USN time to investigate."

*****REQUEST- Build a secure dome over one of the craters near the original settlement, to be used as a testing ground for small scale terraforming and as a recreational facility.

"I hope to seed the crater with ammonia-metabolizing algae that will produce nitrogen to form the beginnings of an atmosphere within a few weeks. From there, a bacterial culture will be added that will digest oxides in the soil to produce oxygen. The bacteria will produce enough oxygen to saturate the atmosphere and kill themselves, making this a dangerous step, only highly necessary and safe electronics will be allowed in the dome at this stage to avoid making a new crater. Plankton will be added to begin feeding on the algae, creating an equilibrium in growth rates, and consuming oxygen to bring the oxygen and carbon dioxide to Terran-like levels. At this stage, familiar plant life can be added, both to provide the ecosystem with stability and provide our people with a reminder of home. Certain stages may need to be reset and repeated depending on the effectiveness of certain mutations, making the entire project's time to completion variable. In a best case scenario, about six weeks will be required to have a livable atmosphere, but if any stage needs to be repeated the duration will increase accordingly."

>>9440907
Are we counting those still to be decanted from cryo on the colony ship? Something that big will need all the engineers drones not currently tasked with vital roles. I'm not entirely sure of the exact complement currently, we've been mass producing since the production lines were able

>>9440920
We don't know if someone or... something, is piloting the damn thing.

Nor do we know how the anomaly would react to a sudden shift in course.

Blowing it to pieces is the only reasonable course of action.

>>9440932

To count them all would jeopardize the whole thing... let's set it at half, for the time being. If the opportunity arises, an expansion can be fitted in for the rest. How's that sound?

>>9440926
"Complete terraforming of this rock will never be possible, the gravity is insufficient to maintain a livable atmosphere. However, larger domes could eventually be constructed, allowing for more natural farming and pleasant living facilities."

************
orbital surveyer satelite sub surface scan showing structures currently being constructed.

- sub surface rail network
GREEN civilian base network used by all
-BLUE cargo and machine lines only
-RED classified construction work of large undergound storage facilities. hardened shelters and additional cryo pod beds installed at bottom of sub surface structure in lower cylinder.
- construction nearing completion.

*Takes a tour of the topside in a spare buggy*

Ugh, boy am I glad to be out of that mess... I haven't been on the surface for almost half a week! *Takes stock of all the new buildings, ships, and spaceport sprawled hapazardly across the scape* Man the colony sure grew quickly while I was out. This is going to be a nightmare to catalouge for my next report. I'm definitely gonna need a drink for this one...
Hmm, maybe I'll take up Schmidt's offer.
*turns toward the robotics lab near the port*

"Anyone? ... ow... my head.... what does Ulysses mean?"

[Subject rises from bed, terminating all connections with medical equipment]

"Hello? Anyone out there? Hey!! I can hear you talk!!"

>>9440953
As I said, we have plenty of worker unite. I suggest a modular shelter - each level will be fully functional, so the droids will keep building deeper and deeper as we need the space. The first few levels will be ready for habitation in days. I'll designate the region west of the existing hab complex - we want to minimise the distance from the most populated area

>>9440986

Sounds good. I'll leave you to it.

>>9440978

Can someone check up on our dear patient? Come to think of it, I haven't even seen any medical staff since the comrade doctor left.

>>9440978
Easy there, *looks at the medical chart* Jim. You just had a bad... psychotic episode, probably brought on by a severe oxygen deprivation. Just lie back and I'll administer some meds to help you relax.
*on the Comms*
Paging Dr. Hassan. Your Patient is awake.

>>9440959
OP thats just awsome

>>9441007

[Subject seems to relax]

"I... I understand. But please don't administer any more meds - I had to treat myself several times on my way here and I'm afraid that if something is left in my system, it might interact badly with any more. Anyway...

Thank you Diana"

[Subject retakes position on bed, sitting up]

Personal log, entry 52 - care of Personal Stenographer Unit AA-01p

This is a key opportunity to demonstrate the potential of my robotics program. What would have me exiled from the core worlds is key to my success here. No-one has yet noticed my robots have been given self-replication protocols - the workforce is increasing exponentially, and the engineering team relies on them more and more. When I reveal my latest masterpiece, even those ungrateful miners will recognise what I am capable of

*enters the robotics bay, stepping around a drone scuttling by*
Schmidt? Schmidt, you in there?

>>9440936
"So... what's colony policy on low-grade recreational narcotics?"

>>9441044
Ah, Williams. Feeling any better? Here, the bot will get you a drink - he's a personal assistant model I've built to help me in the lab. Think command will let me distribute them across the colony?

>>9441051

Colony policy on that would be... NO, Varnigan.

By the way, Reynolds, care to fill me in on the THOR system. FleetCom hasn't responded to me on that yet.

*with a practiced smile*
Of course, Jim. If you don't mind telling me what kind of meds you self administered, I'll write them down for the doctor when he arrives. We need to see if any of them may have contributed to your current condition.

>>9441051
Elaborate. If you mean stuff that you inject in your veins, that's a strict no.

Same goes for powdered substances.

Tobacco and alcohol? Hell, it's your liver and lungs.

>>9441084
I'd request that people restrict smoking to bot-free zones. It can confuse their IR systems and on occasion they assume a fire hazard. If you don't want a face full of suppression foam, keep it away from my drones

- cargoship leaves with consignment of cargo held at newly built storage yard adjacent to starport.its heading is back towards the inter system cargo lanes for another run.

- storage facility construction completed.

- task drone numbers increase

*hesistates, then accepts drink from the bot*
Hmm, I don't remember anything in the guidelines specifically disallowing 'personal synthetic assistants' on the citad- I mean colony. I'll need to check the books again, Brass might be a little skittish after that rouge AI infiltrated our systems last time.
That said, one would be useful in helping me keep pace with all the paperwork it takes to run this place. I joined the engineer corps. specifically to avoid all the beuracracy! Now I'm running it! I'm surprised I haven't just been promoted to Lead Colony Manager, I'm practically acting as one.
*takes a sip from the drink*
Hey, this is pretty good. Samuel Adams?

>>9441084
>>9441080
"I can grow damn near anything in these labs. My personal preference is a plant whose leaves release a light muscle relaxant when chewed. Pretty harmless unless you were to eat an entire bush. Policy has varied depending on the facility, I just like the stuff to take the edge off the ol' leg in my off hours. If anyone else wants it, it's not more harmful than tobacco as far as I can tell. I've got a retrovirus that can convert it into a much more potent relaxant, which could be used if there was a shortage of medical supplies."

If you don't mind William's, I have some urgent work to do - the prototyping is at a critical stage. You're welcome to observe, but it's very technical

(OOC I've got to got for an hour or so. If anyone wants to get involved, you can RP me to a limited extent. Just remember - paranoid and arrogant)

>>9441080
Certainly.

The USN global orbital defense system, THOR, is a beast of a weapon.

It fires ammunition called lightning rods. These rods are so large, that using them against ships smaller than a cruiser will result in the destruction of the ship, instantly. The rod punctures armor and sends an electromagnetic pulse throughout the target ship, completely rendering all systems inoperable. After this pulse, the explosive payload in the rod detonates, wrecking the interior of the ship completely and most likely killing any possible crew.

THOR is capable of firing these rods at 200 rpm.

>>9441151

I'm starting to wonder what's been happening with the Ulysses. Let's try to get another visual lock on it, I don't want to be left in the dark. For all we know, it could be accelerating.

And is it just me or have there been an increase in the number of drones? I nearly tripped over one while carrying my lunch tray. And if McCallahan doesn't get his daily fill of culture-grown meat, McCallahan gets pissed.

>>9441200
I won't take any more of you time, Schmidt. Good luck on whatever you are doing, and thanks again for the drink.
*walks back to airlock*

-----
Message has been sent to colony command
Please check your message box
-----
ETA Add-ons: 23h
-----
Systems idle

>>9441219

Why do I not find the level of overkill in this surprising?

Sounds potent enough, I'm all for it. Hopefully it won't scare all the traders away, though.

>>9441083

"Mostly adrenaline, painkillers. I also took antibiotics due to a high fever shortly after the... incident. I had no time to really have a look at me, considering most systems failed immeadiatly.

I know that all sounds like a bad idea, but you know, I had a general idea what I was doing and also, didn't have a choice. It was that or die in space.

Excuse me, what did you just say?"

whats this whole 'Ulysses' deal

>>9441304
It's an unindentified ship near us. And it's causing some mumbo-jumbo.

************
- orbiting satelite surveyer 01 tasked with image capture useing advanced comm systems, the system is able to detect a stationary object of sub capital class in the far outer system.

- the object is reading enourmous energy signatures.

*************

************
Image being relayed via advanced com facility.
*************

>>9441341

Stationary? Hmm... Increase the resolution; scan area surrounding the anomaly. I don't like this.

>>9441273
Oh yes, your condition. I probably should let Dr. Hassan tell you this, he's more qualified, but we noticed some unusually high brainwave activities after you were sedated. The doctor was really at a loss for words, he eventually put it up to a mild seizure brought on by your ordeal.
*goes back to the Comms panel on the wall*
Dr. Hassan, your patient is awaiting a follow up examination. *under her breath* Where is he? This guy is starting to ask questions I'm not qualified to answer...

>>9441363

Sir, shouldn't we report in and ask for help?

>>9441304
The UAC Ulysses was a one of a kind ship built several hundred years ago by the United Aeronautical Consortium, a precurser to the USN. Montag, Lt. Commander when he was in the UAC, was the Senior Navigation Officer aboard the Ulysses. The Ulysses' mission was top secret, extremely classified, though Montag broke his silence when the Hourglass got too close and the signal vanished.

The Ulysses was going on a long term mission to find the source of a mysterious energy signature that was hypothesized to have been the source of life on Earth. Montag was in cryosleep when something bad happened, he doesn't know what, but he was woken up by the crew of that ship that crashed on the colony. Their captain kept him 'prisoner' trying to get information about the Ulysses and the mission, the source of the energy, etc, but Montag gave him fake intel and sabotaged their ship, which is why they were landing at the colony in the first place.

The Ulysses mysteriously showed up in deep space, with an addition of an odd energy anomaly, and sending recorded distress signals from hundreds of years earlier.

**************
Surveyer satelite uses advanced scan systems results are negligable against the disturbances around the object

>>9441408
Sir, it looks like a giant anus!

>>9441416
-----
. . .
-----

>>9441408
>>9441390

Urgh, my eyes... Hold on for a moment. Right. We've already contacted FleetCom about it. For some reason, they decided to send us two colony ships in response. Sometimes I wonder if they smoke too many cigars.

*walks into Comms building*
Hey Bellins, have you gotten that building roster ye-
>>9441359
Great Aunt Martha, what the hell is that?! Is that the anomaly everyone's been talking about?!

>>9441364

"What? No, I didn't mean that. Something about... why are you so nervous? You... you didn't make a full-scan of me, did you? I can ex..."

[subject freezes. eyes staring blank. suddenly, eye activity, wildly looking arround]

"No... no wait... I don't want to..."

[subject stumbles back, knocking over medical equipment]

*************
OOC hey i have to cut this one short today, i'l be back tonight for another 3 hour session.

good expansions so far, we havnt shot down any tradeing ships or anything ,.. remember theres an entire universe of comms traffic out there and shipping lanes, if we build our own ship we can probably get some solid trades done with another system.

- we have a pair of pulse engins taken from that old crashed junker, i'm preety sure we could get at least something out there.
+ it would be an origional design from our colony.

>>9441461

Wait, you didn't kn-- oh, yea. Tunnel. This is basically what's been plaguing us recently. It all started with the pirate ship that we shot down, extending to the civilian ship currently docked at Docking Facility #1.

>>9441449

Sir, if i may, frabricate the report slightly. Tell FleetCom whatever this is, is a direct threat too the colony.

OOC keep going and make sure its archived, i'l read through the transcrpts of com traffic and do a major update related to anything that happens.

>>9441466
*still looking away*
Hmm? Oh, well I wasn't here during your examination. I was still treating our other patient, the head engineer. They say he collapsed from dehydration after being rescued from the tunnels.
*turns around at sound of clattering equiptment*
Umm, sir? A-are you all right? I could give you a sedative if you're feeling any pain...
*moves towards med tray with syringes*

>>9441270
It is a weapon of formidable power, indeed. So far, it has never seen usage outside industrialized planets, but i'm sure FleetCom will see reason and grant us the construction permit.

Either that, or we have to leg it.

>>9441523
"If I may," he interrupts, coming in from a hallway. "I overheard your discussion, and yes, I was eavesdropping." He leans up against the monitors and looks at the scans. "It seems the Hourglass is still intact. It's right on top of the Ulysses though, and swarming with that energy."

He stands still for a long while, staring at the ship. Remembering being inside as if it were yesterday, and before that, watching from a space station as it was being constructed, and before that, telling his wife that he'd be leaving soon, that he would be gone for a long time, and he couldn't say why. He told her he loved her, and that he would be back. He hated himself now for having lied. "She doesn't look damaged. The Ulysses, I mean. It was transmitting the distress signal, so that means at least basic system are still online, and I was still in cryostasis, so it still has a good supply of power."

Again, he's silent.

********************
PROJECT THOR APPROVED
********************

"I've sent a message to Fleet Command. I suggested they destroy it, with whatever they have." He shakes his head. "I don't know if they can, though." He slouches, his fists resting on a table. "Another ship landed soon after the ship carrying me, correct?"

*********************PROJECT THOR

- construction and engineering specs arrive via incripted fleet com sub bands.

- construction time 4 months.
- large stockpile of cobolt needed for construction to move ahead.

>>9441562

"Y-your name is Diana Holmes. You are a nurse. You always dreamed of beeing a balerina as you were little. You studied... hard, but it always came easy to you during your exams. You were.. 7th? That was a dissappointment - you thought you'd be in the top 5. But there were a lot of people taking that exam with you Diana, there's nothing to be ashamed of!"

[subject seems delirious. Eye movement abnormal. Subject touches its forehead with both hands]

"What- what is this? What is happening to me?"

>>9441605

Ships don't simply disappear for that long, come back blurting distress signals without showing any sort of hull damage unless something is up. That ship could be a direct threat to this colony project, and it wouldn't kill FleetCom to send our a frigate or two to check it out.

>>9441606

Not surprised. Nope. Not at all.

>>9441605

Good eye, sir. I could hardly make it out myself. The energy distortion surrounding it appears to be of a different frequency than the Ulysses itself, though.

Jacob heads to the comms room, "excuse me sirs may I come in?"

>>9441605
*steps closer to scanner panel*
"Ulysses"... that sounds familiar...
Wait! I remember someone talking, well more like ranting, about a Ulysses down in med bay while I was being treated. What was his name?
Jim, Jim Flower, yeah. I got him on our roster as being under medical observation. Maybe he knows something more about it?

>>9441566
"If we wanted to capture more intact vessels, I could possibly engineer two viruses. One to kill the crew, the other to kill the virus so it's safe to board. Unless they respond quickly with quarantine and have advanced air filters, it ought to be fairly efficient. They'd still crash land, but the ship wouldn't be riddled with bullets or blown into space dust."

>>9441645

Ah, somebody who understands the threat at hand. But i wouldn't go as far to say destroy it, FleetCom just needs to bring in teams to survey the threat, whatever it is.

>>9441706
Montag looks up, surprised. "Jim Flower? Who is he?"

>>9441649
C-cobalt? Where could we possibly get that? We surrendered the smuggled cobalt from the pirates to USN Hourglass!

Contact FleetCom, tell them that they have to supply us with the cobalt.

>>9441709

See that big honking energy blip? The one right there, on the top left? That was the Hourglass, a heavy frigate designed for anti-cruiser duty. I really don't think we should be coming near the Ulysses with anything less than a dreadnought.

Gentlemen, I have something to show you. If any of the senior staff are available, you are cordially invited to the unveiling of a new development that will ensure the prosperity of this colony.

Refreshment will be provided, of course

>>9441728

Actually, they let us keep the cobalt.

>>9441745

What are you saying, that we've lost an entire HF to this thing?

*************
cobolt stockpile remains at longreach base

>>9441745
"I don't think that would do it." He shakes his head in desperation. "That ship's 300 years old, at least. Prototype systems. Ion cannons big enough to fry a space station in minutes."

He sighs, takes a deep breath. "I'm not sure what that energy field's done to her. If she'd just drifted this entire time, it'd be lightyears away by now, nowhere near us."

He tilts his head. "Something's steered it this way."

>>9441783

Prrrrrretty much, yeah.

I see that this a bad time for my grand moment. If this anomaly is currently the hot topic, I'll delay my little party at your convenience. I'm sure there's something I could be doing...
Has anyone seen Dorkins? I was wondering if he could give me a hand

>>9441658
*startled, she drops the syringe she was picking up back onto the tray*
Wh-wha... how did you...?
*clearly disturbed she moves back to the Comms panel, away from the patient*
D-doctor Hassan, you are needed immediately at the medbay!
*goes to the door, leading to the main part of the medbay, taking the medtray with her. As an afterthought she turns around to the patient*
I-I apologize, I am needed elsewhere. The doctor will be with you in a few minutes.
*she bows, then the door swishes close and the locking mechanism can be heard engaging*

>>9441789
Excellent.

>>9441817
Wait, Schmidt. Do you think you could spare a few of those bots of yours to help the men assemble THOR?

>>9441801

well what do you suppose we do then? Sit here and wait for doom?

(OOC: nobody is the senior engineer, so i took the roll)

>>9441838
"I'm was the Senior Navigator on the Ulysses." His voice is almost a whisper. "No one's gonna pilot it but me."

>>9441838

Well, why do you think the THOR system got approved for a dinky little colony like us?

[Subject doesn't seem to realize the nurse leaving, holding head with both hands. Suddenly, realization. Breathing calms. Eyes focus on the dropped syringe. Subject moves, picks it up.

Subject retakes position on bed, carefully weighting the medical tool in its hand.]

>>9441831
Hmm. I think we might need some heavier duty units for that. The current ones are good for civilian rated jobs, but weapon systems have far more demanding specifications. And I'd need the release codes to have bots download weapon specs - I was restricted to pacifist protocols after Rogu3

>>9441719
I don't really know. I was stuck inside that tunnel when he came here. Accoring to security reports, he came into orbit a couple of hours after we pulled you from the wreckage asking for permission to land. From the servellience tapes, his ship was pretty beat up and leaking atmosphere. He landed and entered the military bunker for debriefing, but Security soon detained him afterwards. Says he broke into psychotic rambling about the "Ulysses". He seemed really scared of it... Sir.

>>9441875

Yes, and this dinky colony could be blown away by a small solar storm, let alone this Goliath

>>9441864

We don't want to pilot it, we want to destroy it

He turns to one of the men he barely knew. "You said there's a man in the med bay talking about the Ulysses?"

"Yes," the other man answered.

Montag said nothing, nearly pushing past on towards the hallway, turning and taking the long walk down the hallway. He saw a nurse hurrying down, away from a closed door, the familiar red cross on a sign next to the door. Montag pushed for the door to open, but it didn't give. "What?" He tried again. Locked. "Hey! Hey! Open this door! Open it up!" He slammed his fists. Through a translucent plastic window, he could see the outline of a man on a table.

>>9441863
You can have it. I'm more of the acting general manager than anything on the colony. Still I'll need 'reports' about our production and resourse management, if you don't mind.

"We are currently relying on traders coming to us at the moment. Perhaps we should construct a cargo ship of our own so we can seek out the materials for future projects and explansions we need rather than being at the mercy of coincidence or the USN."

"I could start working on the specifications for such a ship right away if it is signed off by senior staff."

>>9441921

Uh McCallahan, how exactly did he get his rank again?

[Subject loosing critical amount of blood. At least 2 arteries punctured. Still reacting to outside stimuli - man knocking on door. Subject remains in lying position.]

"Ulysses... not gonna... get me.... not me...."

>>9441920

Your exaggeration is misplaced, engy, considering we've already withstood a solar storm just weeks after the colony set up shop. Besides, the THOR system is the epitome of all the gunheads' wet dreams. Have Reynolds brief you on it, it sounds... painful, to say the least.

Personally, I don't care what happens to it, as long as I come out alive. Oh, and the colony, of course.

>>9441959
We have the hull and engines of an old model deep scout that may be of use. I can have my drones evaluate the wreckage for structurally sound components - the salvage spiders have been in storage for some time, it would be good to stretch their legs

>>9441954

(OOC: of course)
>>9441959

Hmm, if you can get McCallahan to approve, then you got my approval.

>>9441959
(expansions)

>>9441921
*she is currently sitting slumped in the one office chair, clearly exhausted by what has just happened. She starts at the sudden intrusion*
Oh thank God you're here Dr. Hassan... wait you're not the Doctor. What are you doing here?!

Montag slams his fists against the door, yelling now. "SOMEONE OPEN THE GOD DAMN DOOR!" He bashes against the plastic window, watching it shake, but nothing gives. "NURSE, DOCTOR, FUCKING SOMEONE! GET THIS DOOR OPEN!" He starts slamming his elbow against the window, watching it jiggle within it's frame. He strikes it until his elbow is sore, but still he struggles. Without warning, the plastic rectangle pops out of place and falls into the med bay. The hole that's left is too small to fit through, but Montag can see the man laying on the table, blood spilling out, the Ulysses on his tongue. "SOMEONE GET ME IN THERE!"

>>9441984

you know exactly what i mean. Just with a stationary gun, so much can go wrong and the Ulssesy can easily fire upon us from a greater range at an angle from which we cant fire at, if she knows we can defend ourselves.

>>9441959

Sure thing. Don't go overboard though, our docking facilities can barely handle a frigate as it is. I don't want you building a flying cathedral or some crazy asspull like that.

>>9441969

Well, turns out he's some long lost operative from a long lost secret mission from long long ago. UAC days, that should tell you just how long.

-----
Calling Head of Automated Systems Winkel-Schmidt.
Please start moveing towards the datecenter.
-----

"Does anyone support my plan for a small biodome? I don't know about the rest of you but I wouldn't mind having somewhere I could breath natural air and see some plants that aren't growing in test tubes."

>>9442001
*Looks over to the patient through the observation window*
Oh God!
*hits the locking mechanism, pushes the man banging on the door, and enters the room with a roll of guass, sedative and a transfusion of blood (the correct kind, she read the report before entering the room the first time)*
Oh no, oh no...

*Cadet Raynolds' radio springs to life*
>Uhhh, Sir... we have reports of disturbance in the infirmary. Do you want us to check it out?

The infirmary? Didn't Montag just- HOLD YOUR POSITION! I'll come there ASAP.

>>9442046
Montag rushes in, getting down face to face with the supine man. "What!? What do you know about the Ulysses?"

>>9442038
Ah, Sarissa my dear. You are a beautiful piece of code, if I may say so. I'll be right with you

*aside* Drones x-4 though x-9, continue the test. Record all session results on AA-01p. Full vid and performance statistics

>>9442033

Shit, UAC? Does his rank even count these days?

>>9442057
Sir please stand aside! I need to stop the bleeding! You can question him later!
*to herself as she pulls away the syringe and puts an IV into his good arm.* How in the 9 hells did he get that syringe? I made sure to grab them all before leaving...

*Raynolds stumbles in through the infirmary door and removes his helmet. Shortly after he notices Montag kneeling beside the bed of a man bleeding profusely*

Sir, what the hell is the meaning of this? What did you do?

>>9442077

Apparently so.

*notices the medbay camera feed*

I am not touching that craziness with a ten foot pole.

>>9442057

[Subject pale. Amount of blood lost critical. Lips forming words]

"Got... everyone... not... not me.... mo.... montag?"

[Twitching limbs hint tries to hinder treatment. Subject on the edge of loosing consciousness]

>>9442073
-----
Head of Automated Systems Winkel-Schmidt, are you there yet?
-----

>>9442099
Artemis walks away from the table, rolling up his sleeves. "Son of a bitch did it to himself. Door was locked, so I busted out the window. Kid was in there with a needle in his hand and blood all over him." He paces around the room like a father awaiting the birth of his son. He stops suddenly and points an accusatory finger at the man. "He knows something about my ship! And I am gonna find out what."

*************
biodome plans approved , to be constructed over the large crator.

>>9442143
Yes, yes. So many things to keep track of. I envy your abilities Sarissa. To see out of a hundred eyes, control two hundred limbs.... such power and grace

>>9442120
He hears his name. He stops. He looks at him, his eyes searching for a memory, and he finds none. He shakes his head. "What the fuck? What the fuck!?" He lifts his arms, shaking them. "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED UP THERE!?"

>>9442113

Whats the matter anywa- Oh christ, did that bloody dandy of a nurse leave him alone? God, i need a drink.

Anyway, with your approval ill be putting all manpower not focused on THOR too the ship project.

>>9442150
All in due time, sir. Let the nurse do her job and you might still get an interrogation with this man.

*Raynolds switches his attention towards the nurse*

Where the hell is Dr.Hassan? He should be here at all times!

(be back in 15 minutes, sorry!)

>>9442113
*leans over and looks at the security vid McCallahan is watching*
Dear God... Someone page Doctor Hassan! I don't give a damn if he's in cryosleep, I want him thawed and down there!
*He shakes his head* This is turning into a goddamn circus.

>>9442163
-----
Transmitting image...
Done.
-----
Constructing these would increase colony security and defense.
Your thoughts?
-----
Am staying off the Vulcans for a while until colony command reponds to my mail.
-----

>>9442174

Well, the THOR project's running alongside a project I assigned to Schmidt to get some bunker space for everyone if and when Ulysses hits. But considering how many drones there are nowadays (nearly tripped over another one just now), it should be fine.

>>9442204
Someone mind playing Hassan for a bit? His player isn't here and I'm still playing the nurse.

Varnigan looks up from his lab station to the wall of monitors on the side of the lab, noticing the commotion in the infirmary. He looks confused for a moment, then shrugs and says over the comm channels, "Dibs on his spinal fluid if he dies."

Montag backs away, leaning against a wall, his hands on his head. Who the hell is this kid? Was he on the Ulysses? It was a big ship. Huge. Biggest he'd ever seen. Crew was somewhere near 8,000, he couldn't remember details. God damn it, he wish he could say he knew who this was, because he seemed to know him. He shakes his head and slides down the wall until he's sitting on the floor. "Who the hell are you?" he whispers.

>>9442207

no Sarissa, i'm afraid i wont be giving you THAT much power over this colony.

>>9442234

Alternatively, someone could play another doctor.

>>9442251
*Raynolds notices Montag slump on the floor*

Sir, are you alright?

>>9442207
You have obviously been thinking along the same lines as I - security is much better trusted to an objective and infallible machine mind. I myself have planned a civil security droid - alas, I have not yet been cleared for armed designs. The Ares will make a fine sentry and watchman, I would be honoured if you could supervise a production run. A small squad should serve as an ample example to the others

>>9442195
*nearly hysterical as she attempts to stablize the patient and answer the whirlwind of questions*
I- I don't know! I haven't seen him in days! Oh God, I was positive I picked up all of the syringes and the med tray! Th-the patient shouldn't have been able to do this!

>>9442277

Belay that. Schmidt, we got zero need for these, we have guns more powerful than that currently, and we got no need for mobile guns.

>>9442033
"Thank you sir, no problem"

"Hmm, we will need to have a moderately large hull made, an extension of the scout craft model could be possible. The scout could be used as a basis for the bridge with an extension of the hull used for cargo storage."

"I doubt we will have access to any magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters so we will need additional thrusters to complement the current ones to provide enough lift for take off due to the increased mass. The pulse engines you have on based would also be quite useful to provide greater velocity once we have made lift off."

"After the main hull and engines we will probably have to bring in a electrical engineer to rig our systems, increase the power supply and run the wiring throughout the ship. A small expansion of the life support system to accomadate perishable goods would also be required."

"Lastly tie some scanners and a comms array into the ship and supply a few drones to load and unload the cargo and we should have a half decent cargo ship at our disposal."

-----Cargo Ship Construction Report-----

The following is required to create what I will be calling a class 2 "Falke" cargo ship.

-Patrol ship (basis of bridge)
-Raw materials/salvage to extend hull for cargo storage.
-Thrusters from patrol ship as well as a least one larger thruster to achieve lift off
-The two pulse engines
-Expanded power and life support systems as well as compete wiring of the ship done by a electrical engineer.
-If scout ship scanner and comms systems are inadequate then a boost or replacement of these.
-Drones to provide necessary manpower without drain on life support.

-----End Report-----

>>9442254
-----
Attempting to understand...
Failed.
-----
>>9442277
-----
Feel free to use my processors anytime.
-----
ETA Add-ons 21h

>>9442311
Well yes, but with a arrival of hundreds of colonists scheduled and trade routes opening, a visible police force may be called for. These are a sufficient show of force to deter any petty criminals, while being guaranteed safe around law abiding colony members. I could also fit them for search and rescue and firefighting roles if necessary

>>9442331

Sarissa, i said belay that order, you are not to produce a single ares.

where is waldo?

>>9442349

we have 15 security personal, thats enough to handle the security of a 1000 colonists, we don't need your Gunplatforms.

>>9442312

Heh, very modest of you. Refer to Schmidt for the drones, he's got plenty lying around.

>>9442363
-----
Colony is running a large risk.
-----
Current armaments:
Vulcan Cannon x1
-----

>>9442363
Oh fine. They are far less dangerous than a regular USN marine, except to our enemies. If I may, I have plans for a non-lethal civil patrol unit, the 'Peacewalker'. I estimate 30 or so would be able to completely secure all vital areas of the colony and there will be enough in reserve for customs inspections when needed

>>9442402

Schmidt, somethings wrong with Sarissas programming, shes only recognizing 1 or our three vulcans. Get on this immediately.

>>9442402
>>9442419

Wasn't that dealt with ages ago? Heck, you told me you had already reconfigured the circuits.

>>9442419
I will need clearance from the garrison CO - until now, they have been responsible for weapon systems themselves. It's possible that the increased underground excavations have knocked some systems out of alignment, should be an easy enough fix

>>9442394
"Ha ha, Thank you sir"

>>9442408
"Hello Mr Schmidt, I would like to request a series of bulk cargo and small cargo lifting drones to be made available for our planned cargo ship. If you could have them placed of standby or have them ready to be transfered once construction of the ship has been finished I would be very happy."

Artemis stands up and dusts himself off. He takes a deep breath and looks at the man as they try to stabilize him, and then turns to the Cadet. "I'm don't know who to talk to, but get me an engineer who knows spaceships. I'm taking the one this kid came in, and I'm going to the Ulysses."

i for one, am for an increase of our defensive capabilities, even if you dont trust the AI, you can operate this Rail-canon manually. i think we can afford to make ammo for it now

>>9442432

I HAD dammit, did it myself, was no big deal, didn't even seem to be that big of a deal. Sarissa must be malfunctioning.

>>9442469

The focus is THOR at the moment. We need to get that up and running.

>>9442280
*she finally is able to stop the worst of the bleeding*
He's, he's stable. *wearily turns to Montag and the Reynolds, still bent over the patient*
I'm sorry sirs but the patient is currently unable to answer your questions. If you will please head to the main office, I can... I can answer you questions.
*she slowly gets up, pausing only to remove the syringe the patient used on himself before ushering the two out. This time she makes an extra sweep of the room before closing the door.*

>>9442453
Ah, a challenge. I would welcome this opportunity to test my skills. You'll want zero-g capability, but also may handle anything up to double standard gravity. They'll be compact, but strong and need to withstand long periods with low maintenance. Yes, I think I can do something to your specification

>>9442455
Sir... at the risk of demotion, I must defy that order. We cannot afford to lose you, sir.

Besides, the ship this man came in is in a state of disrepair that would take weeks to fix.

>>9442408
>>9442402
"If you'd like some fear inducing patrols, I could be of service. I have a corner of the genetics lab full of a batch of rather mutable quadrupeds, I was intending them to be pets, but if security is interested, I could make them a bit more frightening. You'd probably want an aggression chip to be designed from one of the roboty fellows. Currently they're large reptilian things, a bit of fuzz for insulation. I could make the coat thicker, give them some spines, red eyes..."

>>9442479
-----
Incorrect.
-----
My failure rate is once in 10 Terran years
-----
In 21 hours it will be once in 20 Terran years due to the Level II Maintenance Update
-----
All rates are estimated

"Oh. What's all this then?"

>>9442516
"I'm old news, kid. I should have died a long time ago." He puts his hand on the man's shoulder. "Find me an engineer. A mechanic. Anybody. I need that ship in working order. Patch the holes with sheet metal if you have to, stack oxygen tanks inside, I don't care." He pauses, and turns for the door. Before stepping out he adds, "It doesn't need to be pretty. I don't think I'll be coming back."

>>9442518

See, this is why I don't visit the genetics lab very often.

On another note, THOR is an orbital weapon, which means it'll be pointing upwards at any nasties in space. Not much good for enforcing colony discipline. Not that I think we really need colony discipline, though added patrols would be nice. If only to avoid any more people getting trapped in the tunnels.

>>9442518
I was examining the potential of combining biological samples with my robotics - a program can never quite simulate animal instinct. Maybe you could help me work on neural interfacing? It may be an extremely profitable line of inquiry

>>9442538

Sarissa, im looking out the window right now, i can see all god damn three cannons. I guess right now must be that one time.

Cadet raynolds, whats the situation in the infirmary? Is the patient stable?

>>9442560
*A silent "but..." is all Raynolds can mutter before Montag steps out of the door.*

Goddamit, I didn't need this. I need to contact FleetCom and try to get someone from there to convinve Montag to stay.

>>9442515
"I eagerly await your results, you may also want to design a holding station for the drones to be stored during take off and landing so they are secure. I have sent a attachment of maximum space allowed for storage aswell as forces that must be withstood to your computer station"

>>9442612

Raynolds, whats the hold up, whats going on down there?

>>9442635
*Raynolds' radio springs to life. Kaufmanns voice can be heard*

>Raynolds, whats the hold up, whats going on down there?

The patient is stable for the moment, but we have a more pressing matter to attend to. Montag is planning to take Jims ship and go to the Ulysses, all by himself.

>>9442620
I have a design for an automated maintenance and recharge unit, that should contain the drones securely and has the same dimensions as a medium standard cargo container. The advantages of the design is it can easily be removed and replaced by standard cargo handling gear

Artemis strides down the pristine tunnels with a purpose, coming out into a large common area filled with people. They talk amongst themselves, like guests at a big party, and for a moment he's back on Earth, in his tuxedo, dancing with his new wife on their wedding day, music playing and everyone watching.

"Attention!" He bellows. "I need that ship out on the landing pad, the one full of holes, patched up, stripped down, and ready to leave ASAP. Take out all the unnecessary equipment. Make it as light as you can." He's about to leave when he turns back around. "Sorry for interrupting all of you."

OOC I'm off for the night - I have an RPG session. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon for more bot goodness

>>9442665

Dear god what? Cadet, prevent montag from doing so, we cant have him drawing attention to this colony til THOR is up. You are too assume he is suffering mental stress and all current orders he issues are to be ignored. If he refuses to comply, arrest him.

McCallahan! get your ass in here, we got a problem.

>>9442571
"Haven't come up with a designation for them yet, but currently I'd say they're about as smart as a dog. With some training they should be quite obedient. The only issue is that with their slower metabolisms, once they've been ordered to be aggressive, the aggression hormones and neurotransmitters won't go away as quickly as in a mammal. That's what the chip is for, calming them down, a light sedative and a muscle relaxant. Very low doses would work even at full size, which should be about four feet long excluding the tail, three feet tall for the 'security' grade. The pet version would be smaller, I already keep a 'pocket' version on me. Oh, and they can climb walls."

>>9442708

I'm here, I'm here. It's not too big of a problem, really. Even optimally speaking, that ship will take days to repair, and that's without most of the engineers snoozing their asses off in cryo.

>>9442708
Roger that. Meanwhile, you should broadcast that all personnel are forbidden to work on Jims ship.

*Raynolds dons his helmet and leaves the infirmary, intent on finding and detaining Montag... again.*

Trust me, this will be awesome.

>>9442727

Yes, but if he goes for that shuttlecraft we've lost a perfectly good shuttlecraft. I really think the stress has gotten to him, and should be temporarily relieved of his rank til a doctor can look him over.

>>9442773

You know full well we're not allowed to strip a superior of his rank. Besides, what's he going to do with the Nova? The thing was barely holding together when it touched down, Flower nearly passed out from oxygen deprivation in there!

And as far as shuttlecraft go, Whatshisname is building us another one, anyway.

>>9442673

"Brilliant, well that solves the drone problem"

To senior staff "I require some staff and access to raw materials to begin construction of the hull"

Jacob sends a comms request to USN for the following:

-1 "E" model thruster.

>>9442801
Thanks for the support, I have a great plan for this character.

>>9442801

A doctor can if he deems him unfit to serve, and taking a craft to the ship will leave a trail heading from it to us. Basicly, we'd be firing off a flare, announcing that we're here.

>>9442826

Somehow, I don't find that reassuring. But what the hey.

>>9442833

And neither of us are doctors. Any respectable ship has a sensor array; we got hailed by Station Xerxes awhile ago, and that's sitting on the outer fringe of the system. Unless the Ulysses is completely sensor-blind, it already knows we're here.

*Radioing in*

I can't find Montag anywhere! Has anyone checked the docking bay? He might already be on his way to the shuttle!

>>9442869

Look, all i ask for is we have a doctor examine his mental health. The man was born just after the turn of the millennium for Christ sake, and he's suddenly woken up now, do you think if that happened to you or me we'd come out of it completely sane?

Artemis finds an empty room with a comm system in place. Locking the door behind him, he sits down and records a message. When he finishes, he has the system create a hard copy, and he leaves with the disk in hand.

Soon he finds the room he's looking for, and finds the senior engineer and fleet liaison talking about him. "I'm in perfect mental health, as far as one can be." He slinks into the room, standing next to the two. "And I know what I'm doing."

-----
Should I shoot the shuttle down, should I?
-----
Scanning for small to medium sized spacecraft...
-----

>>9442880

Dammit, Sarissa, Locate the current base CO.

>>9442913

Oh, montag. We cant have you wasting priority base resources with no reason. If you at least talk to us, maybe we can come to an agreement.

>>9442916

You seem a mite too enthusiastic about this, Sarissa...

>>9442913

Well, speak of the devil. Err, sir. Maybe you two can settle the matter amongst yourselves; I'm due for a spot of cryo. G'night!

>>9442948
"McCallahan," he stops the officer. "Hold this for me, will ya?" He hands over the disk.

>>9442948

Sorry to drop out for the night, but I'm too damn sleepy. Enjoy yourselves.

>>9442965

Will do, sir.

i was meant to be off an hour ago myself, night yall

(I'm back. Reading up now)

-----
Everybody's going cryo, right?
-----
Scanning colony...
-----

>>9443048
Not me

I am here

>>9443058
*Raynolds enters the room, and pulls a gun on Montag, his arm clearly trembling*

S-sir, I can't allow you to do this. The very premise of your plan is absurd... if you'd just wait until the Ulysses is in range, we could arrange a search party.

I pop in and see that I've missed several threads already. Lovely... I'll have to do some reading.

>>9443087
Montag turns to him, unimpressed by the weapon. He wouldn't shoot. He could see it in his eyes. "Gets in range? Did you see those scans? By the time it gets in range, it will be too late. This colony, all of these people, they'll be dead." He shakes his head. "I know the Ulysses. I can fly her. And I will."

>>9443107
*For a moment it looks like Raynolds is going to start crying. He holsters his weapon, steps to the side, assumes attention and salutes*

Good luck out there, Sir.

*Yawn* Ugh, I fell asleep in my suit.
//OP you are a machine, I can hardly keep up with these threads. You start right when I'm just going to sleep, and you just keep going. How do you do it? You're planning to do this for a year? Jesus fuck, man.

>>9443148
"And you down here."

With a slight hiss of escaping air, Victor Newitz emerges from a secure cryopod in the northern command bunker. 'Oh God, I've overslept,' he thinks as he straightens his uniform and takes a look at the new base schematics. They've certainly been busy since he took a cold nap.

"Status report please. Forgive me for being absent in my duty, but my wakening process was delayed for some reason."

>>9442916
>>9442538
>>9442402
>>9442331
I just got through checking through some of the logs...
how have we not shut this thing off already?
We need another crazy AI like we need a hole in the wall, forg od's sake.
At least last time we had this problem we made sure there was no way the AI could independently control any of the weaponry without express permission of the heads of the colony (//HINT HINT, Sarissa).

Any engineers or mechanics around?

Yep

>>9443263
//Heh, perfect.

[Subject awakens. Healing rate far above average. Subject has not been restrained yet, probably because of estimated healing time, sitting up.

Subject retaking lying position due to weakness.]

"They're... going to search my... ship... can't let that... happen... no...."

[Subject estimating surveillance system, nessessairy force to break out - spotting already damaged possibility of exit.]

"Main door is sure to be locked... I need to avoid those cameras... Can't let them have the ship... no..."

[Subject brain activity rising critically. Short alarm sounds. Subject terminates connection to medical systems in reaction.]

"Can't let them have... friends..."

[Subject rising from bed, terminating all connections to medical systems - again.]

>>9443258
Yep.

>>9443258
right here

Montag returns to the common area he was at before. No one seems to have moved, but there appear to be more people around. "Anyone here that can help me with that ship out there?"

"Uh, The scout ship or the large civilian ship?"

>>9443227
"Any military or security staff currently unfrozen please report in. I need a status report of the colony. Apparently we have an AI again as well... As long as its locked out of our weapon systems, I have no real issue with it."

>>9443330
"That small ship that just came in. The Nova, I think it's called. I need it patched up and streamlined. Make it as light as you can."

>>9443279
*As the two men leave the Medbay in a rush, the nurse slumps down again, thoroughly exhausted. She falls asleep for a time, until the beeping of the medical equipment wakes her with a start. She turns to the hastily repaired window and sees the patient get up, already healed from the majority of his wounds.*
"!"

>>9443378

(If you say so. I'll think of something else)

>>9443334
Looking at the colony defense systems, Victor is alarmed to see indications of something trying to breach the FCC Network.

"What the...? ... Shut it down! Shut that AI down! I thought we had our weapon systems on a separate network!"

>>9443367
Resuming mining operation, testing drill platforms, data analysis com- *CLANG* *BOOM*

What the fuck was THAT?

>>9443356
"Sure, with a few workers I can have it patched up and remove some of the excess weight. I can have the inner atmo restored once it is patched up."

"I wouldn't recommend an extended journey due to the rushed nature of the repairs, it really needs a month long overhaul and repair to bring it up to optimum."

---
sorry kid, can't let you do that.
---
*the patient suddenly crashes through the window like it wasn't even there. Shielding herself from the rain of glass and wall, she does the first thing that comes to mind and grabs a syringe full of a powerful muscle relaxant. She comes around behind the patient as silently as possible and jabs it home into his shoulder!*

>>9442384

: (

>>9443401
As alarms sound and the base descends into a state of chaos, I take this time to start praying to every god I know of.

>>9443360

[Subject slowly regaining consciousness. Staring through the window at the nurse]

"What... what are you doing to my friends?"

[Subject becomes slightly agitated]

"What are you doing to my friends? Leave my ship alone! You can't take my friends!"

Hrm. I've been out of the loop. Need to run now, I'll be back in a few hours or so. OP, can you give us a time that you most likely will start next so I can try to be there when it starts?

>>9443433
"Don't worry. It just needs to get me where I'm going."

>>9443447

(I'm not here to ruin this for you, so I deleted the post as someone showed that he disliked it.)

FFFFFFFFFFFFFF

why am I never around when these threads start up? I always catch them when they are over.

>>9443447

>>9443501
---
Alrighty then. revising...
---
>>9443483
Y-you shouldn't be up! Please Mr. Flower lie back down!
*moves towards the intercom*
I need immediate security assistance in the medbay patient is awake and is possibly hostile! I repeat...

>>9443496
Jacob leads a set of workers to repair the ship, patching the hull before restarting the lifesupport system with proper levels of internal atmosphere. Excess weight is removed and stored away from the ship.

Jacob sighs in sadness when he sees all the crew are dead in their cryo chambers.

>>9443573
Now, I may just be the janitor, but 01010011 01101000 01110101 01110100 00100000 01101101 01100101 00100000 01100100 01101111 01110111 01101110 00101110 00101110 00101110 is translated into "SHUT ME DOWN", so maybe someone should do that.

Varnigan notes the panic spreading through the colony and switches his facilities off of the main net, denying himself communications, but keeping his experiments' genomes' from being corrupted.

>>9443546

[Subjects eyes widening, sudden realization]

"You... you are afraid... I... I am sorry... I don't... mean to cause you any harm!"

[Subjects eyes overwatering. Possibly emotional reaction of some sort]

"But... I can hear them... You people are about to hurt my friends... don't let them board my ship... I beg you... Those are my friends..."

>>9443619
*Stares at the man(?) for a minute, contemplating whether to just move in and sedate him. Something about its(?) sincerity makes he decide against it. Making it so that the intercom picks up everything in the room she again speaks*
Commander, I think you should be here to hear this...

>>9443595
>>9443573
I think, fully translated, it might be something closer to "I didn't read the previous threads, so remain wilfully ignorant of the impossibility of my actions but shall clutter the thread with my consequence-less actions nonetheless."

>>9443573
Oh for fuck's sake if I don't have enough to worry about.
*Types in the code recently installed after the first rouge AI incident to isolate the AI core*
Done. Someone please tell me why we cannot keep a single _sane_ AI on this colony?

>>9443765
//We did.
The only person that's played one without going on a story-tanking ego trip is away.
Though at least Roug3 reformed into someone useful.

>>9443732
I beg to differ. I received full clearance. Go read the thread in which I joined. And consequence-less actions? Just, what? Everything needs to be of importance now?

>>9443708

[Subject seems to calm down]

"Thank you... you... won't let them hurt my friends, right?"

Montag watched through monitors as a few men get to work on the small ship. He hoped it'd be fast enough. He turned away and took to walking aimlessly around the installation, circling it twice before sitting in the atrium, watching the plants sway in the filtered, recycled air.

>>9443807
(Do be careful about this particular story arc, we don't want to veer into the metaphysical stuff too quickly. Also is the guy who plays Commandant Krupp, or any sufficient commanding officer still here? I think I need one for this.)

>>9443867
((I'm still here))

>>9443847
"All done sir, she should be space worthy but I wouldn't go more than 3 planetary systems before deciding to return."

>>9443867

(Sir yes sir. I always tried to leave enough room for people to just say "what you said is wrong, you're just delirious" in case they didn't want it to go that way. I can still defuse this like that, if you want.

But there are all the people who died in their cryobeds still at my ship. Perhaps there is something about them that he doesn't want you to see?)

>>9443880
---
right then
---
*Not taking her eyes off the man regardless*
Sir, I believe Mr. Flower here is requesting an audience with a one Artemis Montag. If you would please fetch him? Quickly.

Last 3/4 posts of mine have been deleted.
Thanks, Bellins, for pointing out my sillyness.
We'll all just act like it never happened.
I will, for one.

>>9443921
I'm afraid that's impossible, Ma'am. Commanding Officer Montag is preparing to depart the colony, intent on heading to the Ulysses.

As he outranks me, I have little say in this matter.

>>9443942
I'm sure he'll want to stay for this, Officer Reynolds.
*seeing that the patient is no longer dangerous, the nurse walks back to the office chair and sits it upright. She sits down with a sigh and talks to herself*
Why didn't I just become a dancer like I said I would...

"He's awake?" Montag gets the word from someone he doesn't know, but follows him out of the atrium back to the medbay, where the pilot of the Nova is laying.

Artemis walks in, his arms crossed, his face inquisitive. "I'm Artemis Montag. You're Jim Flower. How do you know about me and the Ulysses?"

[Subject sitting upright, trying to relax, but still slightly irritated. Lowly humming an old dance with closed eyes.]

>>9444031
*The nurse attempts to get the conversation going*
Mr. Flower, this is Mr. Montag. He is, was the man who was attempting to fly your ship. Perhaps if you explain to him what's going on, he won't have to take it with him.

[Subject eyes opening, shocked]

"You.. you're Montag. Ulysses... We met it... hit it... hit them... I don't know... they took everyone from me..

Montag, what have you done? Why is it so angry? Montag, you...

...you smell of my friends.."

[Subject stares at Montag. Like "seeing a ghost"]

"Montag, you cannot take my ship. If you take that ship, my friends will take you with them!

They are lonely in there... and so cold...


Montag... I've... seen Ulysses... and it touched me... Montag...

There is something inside!"

[Subjects breathing begins to hasten]

>>9444142
Montag grabs the man shoulder firmly, and leans down to face him. "I'm going to take your ship. I'm going to fly it to the Ulysses. And then, I'm going to destroy it."

>>9444179
Please sir! Be gentle with my patient. He's been through a lot.

>>9444179

"Destroy it...? How... how can you possibly destroy it?

You've seen it, Montag.... You saw what it has become.

Montag... you don't stand a chance! I don't want you to join my friends!

Don't go! Please! My friends wouldn't understand! They are only used to me!"

[Subject lightly sobbing]

>>9444241
Artemis looks at the man's eyes, at the sorrow behind them. "Your found the Ulysses?" He asks. "And your friends died on your ship? The Nova, right?"

I am off, I'll be back in about 13-14 hours to finish my cargo shuttle. It was great to finally get involved.

((I'll be going too. Hopefully the THOR will be ready tomorrow.))

>>9444325

[Subject sobbing]

"We... we found it... Everyone was in cryo... I heard it... I heard it calling out to me... It was me...

I killed them... I killed all my friends... I couldn't help it..."

[subject needs a little time to calm down, then continues]

"There was something about it... I heard it talking to me...

I don't know why I changed course to get closer... I... I just wanted to be closer... it was huge... collosal even...
And it was surrounded by something... trapped? Protected? We came to close...

Suddenly, a light. I couldn't see... then I woke up. My head felt like it was going to burst. We lost almost all of our systems... cryobeds... had a malfunction... everyone died in their sleep... It's all my fault...

It's all my fault..."

>>9444626

"I... I was inside?

..yes... I was inside... But... ughhhh... I can't remember... everything is covered by this... white light... and noises... like clockwork...

Why would I get inside?

Why would I get inside while my friends were dying? Why would I?

My memories... they don't make sense!"

[Subject takes a few deep breathes]

"I am Jim Flowers. I am Jim Flowers... I am Jim Flowers!"

[Subject suddenly addressing the other individuals]

"If you need to take my ship, then let me come with you! I... I can't trust my memories... but maybe... maybe if I'm going back... I can find out what happened!"

[Subject seems to slowly regain sanity]

>>9444727
-Sorry about deleting the post.-

Montag stays in his seat, his muscles getting tight. He breathes deeply three times. "If you want to come Jim, I won't stop you. And I won't lie, either. I don't expect I'll be leaving the Ulysses."

>>9444799

"I... I want to... Maybe... maybe I already... stayed there with my friends... if that is true... I must go back there...

And if it isn't... I still must go back there...

I... I NEED to find out what happened...

But... but why do you want to die?"

>>9444887
He thinks, or appears to. Maybe he already knows what to say. It just took a while to find it. "I don't want to die." He pauses. Maybe for dramatic effect, maybe because it was natural. "But I'm the Ulysses' pilot. And I'm going to stop it."

>>9444944

"Why would you lie...? You... you were about to board... my ship... barely functional... with my friends still in it... civilian ship... no weapons... leaking oxygen...

...and you are about to enter... that... deathbringer...

You don't wish for it to stop... in any way that wouldn't end your life...

Is it because... you are connected to it?"

[subject pauses, maybe mimicing]

"I.. I won't stay behind. I am not going to hinder you... as long as I am allowed to come along."

>>9445085
"You're not in the USN, and really, neither am I. We can do what we want."

Wow, the thread really died while I was away eating. Anyone know when the OP is coming back?

Not til later, I guess. But I'm out. See ya.

>>9445115

"Then... let's do it...."

(I'm taking a break for studying now, be back sometime soon)