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You are Allen Starwind, a starship captain and veteran of the Great Interstellar War. Your starship is old, yet (mostly) reliable, and you must take on jobs in order to bring in enough cash to keep it flying. Last time, you arrived on Ganymede and began your mission to rescue Sally. Good luck, and fair skies.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZapQM
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Starcaller
>>
“Set us down at the cargo dock and engage the stealth drive,” you instruct your crew. The ship lurches toward the platform, rain buffeting its metal skin as you pick up speed and lose altitude. You pick up the two-way radio and try Claudia again. “Claudia come in,” you start. “We’re landing at a cargo dock. Looks like the Imperials know we’re here.”

However, you again get only static. However, you do get a call from Engineering on the shipwide radio. “Allen,” Cynthia speaks up. “I’ve got the stealth drive on standby. We’ll be able to activate it as soon as we set down.”

“Good,” you reply.

“There’s a problem…” Cynthia cuts you off. “If any doors on the outside of the ship open, like the cargo ramp for example, the stealth field will be broken.”

“So we can’t leave the ship while the field’s engaged,” you nod.

“And we can’t pick anyone up with it active either,” she continues. “Unless we want to give our position away, that is.”

You grimace as the ship maneuvers closer to the landing platform. “Duly noted. Looks like we’ll be hunkering down until Claudia arrives.”

“And then we’ll have to bug out as soon as we get the targets on board,” Tom adds. “I don’t feel like getting into a dogfight with the Imperial Navy.”

“Me either,” you agree. There is a shudder as the ship touches down, engines whirring to an idle.

“Engaging the stealth drive…” Cynthia sounds worried as you hear her flip a large switch. The lights flicker and come back on dimmer than usual, and you feel the engines cut out completely. There are almost ten seconds of silence before Corrigan turns to you.

“It appears to have worked, sir. I am not getting any readings from our own ship.” You all breathe a sigh of relief.

“Looks like it’ll only hide us from sensors though,” Tom adds. “We’re still visible to the naked eye.”

Cynthia’s voice crackles over the radio. “Well the optical camouflage only works in a vacuum.” There’s a sigh on her end. “If we engaged it in-atmosphere, the magnetic field would react with the air and essentially create a welding arc around the entire hull.”

Your eyes go wide. “That would be bad.”

“Very,” she replies. “So I took the liberty of disabling the optical camo for now.”
>>
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You are about to say something else when the two-way radio crackles to life. “Captain?” Claudia’s worried voice comes in weakly. “Captain, can you hear me?”

“I read you,” you reply. “What’s your status?”

There is a pause, and when she replies, you can hear gunfire over the radio. “I ran into a bit of trouble… I have the asset, but we keep getting cut off by these mercenaries.” There is a pause as more gunfire is exchanged. “I might have to send the asset your way alone while I distract them…” You hear the clicking of her exchanging magazines. “As soon as Sally arrives, you leave, whether I’m aboard or not.”

>”Negative, I’ll head to your position and help you escape.”
>”Understood.”
>”Tom, what should our next course of action be?” (consult Tom)
>Write-in.
>>
>>1591185
>”Tom, what should our next course of action be?” (consult Tom)
>>
>>1591185
>>”Tom, what should our next course of action be?” (consult Tom)
>>
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You sit the radio down, looking over at Tom. “What do you think we should do?”

He crosses his arms, swiveling to face you. “I don’t believe in leaving people behind, sir.” He frowns, lighting a cigarette before continuing. “Still… We’re here to rescue Sally, that's our only objective…” He takes a drag of his cigarette. “It’d be risky, but I think we should try to save them both if we can.”

Corrigan frowns. “That means you would be leaving the ship, yes?”

“That’d probably be how it would go,” Tom nods. “I don’t see how we could rescue them without heading into the facility.”

“Captain,” Corrigan looks at you. “That would mean disabling the stealth field… The Imperial ship could detect us…”

Tom frowns. “So if we decided to help, we’d have a short window to do it…” He looks back to you. “Like I said, sir. I don’t believe in leaving people behind, but it’s up to you.”

>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
>”It’s too dangerous. We’ll stay here and hope for the best.”
>Write-in.
>>
>>1591272
>>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
>>
>>1591272
>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
Tom break out the party supplies.

Go big or go home!
>>
>>1591272
>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
>>
>>1591272
>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
Lile evertime we leave this ship we get shot at
The ship is safe naver leave it
>>
My Internet has spent the last two hours trying to load the page. Hate to say it, but this evening's run might have to end earlier than expected.
>>
>>1591690
damn, talk to your isp about it?
>>
>>1591707
I think I know what's causing it. My computer is pretty far from my router and modem, so I just need to pick up an extra-long Ethernet cord.
>>
>>1591272
>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
As far as the short window thing is concerned couldn't the ship destealth to let us off and bugger off, then re stealth and come back in awhile? It would mean tom driving though so it'd probably be us and virgil. Which virgil with his powers is a close quarters catastrophe for the enemy, and we have the best solution for anything he can't crack (setting one this time! hah). That just leaves us being somewhat vulnerable to small arms as the big thing, still not too shabby though.
>>
>>1591787
Try a booster? Just go to staples or any other tech/office place.
>>
>>1591272
> write in
Tell her to get on the roof or some other own space and we will pick her up on the way out.

Shitty stealth field. Would it disrupt it if we did a stealth roll out of the ship?
Also we should get Paul to upgrade it, he hasn't really been pulling his weight since we took him on.
>>
>>1592431
*open space
Fuck you phone.
>>
>>1591272
>Write-in.

Is there anything we can leave to help her? We have to break stealth to get her onto the ship anyways.

At the least we should co-ordinate with her to break stealth and help her at the best time.
>>
>>1591272
>”We’re going in.” (rescue Claudia and Sally)
Claudia did a lot for us once upon a time, we can't leave her.
>Try to do this: >>1592431
>If that doesn't work, we'll breach and attack the mercs from the rear then exfiltrate pronto.
>Since we have to bug off really quickly, I propose to leave Tom on the ship ready to take off. Take everyone else who can fight; Virgo, Solfrid, whoever.
>>
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I tried using Steam to check my connection just now since 4chan has been refreshing for the last four hours...
>This kills the Zap.
>>
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>>1592938
AND IT'S UPSIDE DOWN. FUCK.
>>
>>1592938
reboot modem?
>>
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"I'm going in," you say simply, standing up from your chair.

"Okay, sir." Tom nods. "Let me get some weaponry from the armory." He then looks over at Corrigan. "I'll need you in the pilot's seat in case we have to bug out. Can you fly this thing?"

"I can," she replies politely. "These controls seem straightforward."

He chuckles. "Alright then. Captain, let's go." The two of you exit the bridge, heading down to the armory. As he opens the door, you notice that some changes have been made since you last saw it. He has set up a full workbench with a small mill and lathe, as well as a set of gunsmithing tools. "Welcome to my magical realm..."

You enter the room and walk over to the rack of rifles, picking up one of the weapons you pulled from the Wales. However, Tom stops you.

"Those will probably be too unwieldy for fighting indoors. Besides, .308 is more of a long-range round. I doubt we'll be engaging beyond distances of 50 yards." He pulls a stubby rifle from the workbench. "Looks like my fetish for short-barrel rifles is a good thing today."

You take the rifle and weigh it in your hands. It looks like it is almost small enough to hide beneath your jacket. You rack the charging handle and aim down the sights at a poster on the wall. "Old school. I like it."

"Thought you might," he replies. "This baby is patterned after the Colt Commando. They first used them in the 20th Century, but they really gained prominence during the initial colonization of Mars. In fact, the CFP still uses rifles with this internal mechanism today."

You attach a sling to the rifle, hanging it over your shoulder. "Well how about that... I assume you've got extra magazines?"

"Of course," Tom nods as he hands you five more 30-rounders. He then produces his copy of the MSOF special. "I think I'll go with this."

"Don't you think you should stay with the ship?" You raise an eyebrow at him.

Tom crosses his arms, frowning. "I was a Marine, remember? If anyone among us would be qualified to accompany you, it'd be me." He puts on a baseball cap with an old Marine unit insignia on it. "Besides, it wouldn't take me more than a minute to get from the cargo hold to the pilot's chair if we needed to get gone fast." He affixes a throat-mic to himself, linking it to a radio and handing you an identical setup. "These are directly connected to the bridge, that way we'll have a constant line of communication with the ship." The two of you exit the armory and head downstairs, donning raincoats as you reach the cargo bay. As you approach the door control for the cargo ramp, Tom looks at you. "Anything else before we head out?"

>"I'd really rather have you aboard the ship for this." (select another crew member as your partner)
>"Who do you think these goons are? Any theories?"
>"Let's go."
>Write-in.
>>
>>1594348
>>"Who do you think these goons are? Any theories?"
>>
>>1594348
>"Let's go."

I mean we can say the goon talk as we are walking out.

Also dont forget thr handbeams we can do
>>
>>1594348
>>"Who do you think these goons are? Any theories?"
>>
>>1594348
> let's go
As we taking our crystal pistol?

>>1594411
Handbeams?
>>
>>1594471
The crystal pistol shoots beams
So handbeams
>>
>>1594471
>As we taking our crystal pistol?
You're carrying the crystal gun as well as your service pistol, in addition to the Commando.
>>
"Let's go," you say as you hit the door control. The cargo ramp lowers with a groan, revealing the rain-soaked landing platform in front of you. Tom is the first to step out, raising his weapon cautiously as you follow him. You are thankful for the raincoat as the rain pelts you from all sides. The ramp closes behind you as you both walk toward the platform's cargo loading door.

"Captain," Corrigan's voice crackles in your ear. "It does not appear that we were detected when the stealth field was broken. I still would not recommend spending too long down there."

"Duly noted," you reply as the both of you reach the door itself. Pulling out your walkie-talkie, you call Claudia. "Claudia, do you read?"

There is a pause. "Loud and clear," she finally replies.

"We're coming to rescue you," you say simply. "What's your location?"

"What?" She stutters a bit before continuing. "Captain, it's too dangerous. You should return to your ship."

"Not happening," you reply as the cargo door opens, allowing you and Tom to enter the facility. "Now we need to know your location."

"Fine. Me and Sally are in the Climate Control Department. It's in the lower decks. There should be an elevator leading here from that cargo receiving area."

"Duly noted," you reply. "Tom. You see our elevator anywhere?"

He nods, pointing to a cargo elevator that looks far older than the rest of the station. "This looks like our ride." The two of you walk up to it, opening the doors and stepping inside.

"And Captain?" Claudia's voice comes over the walkie again, barely a whisper.

"Yeah?" You raise an eyebrow as the two of you enter the elevator and it starts moving.

"Something's... Wrong with Sally." She speaks even more quietly than before.

"How so? Is she injured?" You frown, a feeling of dread washing over you. If Lowe's sister comes back injured, he might not be very charitable with you.

"Negative," Claudia says. "Physically she's fine, but something's... Something's just off about her. I can't describe it."

"Could be shock," Tom says to you simply. "People act strange in stressful situations."

"Could you elaborate?" You frown, speaking into the walkie again. "I mean, couldn't she just be shellshocked?"

"That's what's strange..." Claudia replies after almost thirty seconds of silence. "She doesn't seem shellshocked at all. I know Sally, she doesn't act like this..." She trails off. "I'm just thinking we should keep a close eye on her until we get back to Mars, that's all."

"I'll keep that in mind," you reply. As the elevator comes to a stop, you grimace. Through the small windows on the cargo doors, you see four men in combat gear down the hall. They look toward you as the doors open, raising their rifles.

"Looks like we're going loud," Tom says with a grunt, racking the charging handle on his rifle.

>Roll a 2d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 62, 12 = 74 (2d100)

>>1594646
>>
Rolled 46, 91 = 137 (2d100)

>>1594646
>>
Rolled 96, 49 = 145 (2d100)

>>1594646
Better not be nanomachines.
>>
>>1594700
>>1594738
>96, 91

gonna be ok
>>
You flip the selector switch to automatic and shoulder your Commando, sending a burst downrange as Tom does the same. The first few rounds hit low, knocking one of the soldiers off of his feet. The next guy gets hit several times in the chest, crumpling to the floor like a bag of potatoes. Tom takes the other two, hitting both in the chest with frightening precision. As you lower your weapon, you hear a groan from the soldier you shot in the leg.

Walking up to him, you see that all of the goons are wearing old-school stuff. It appears to be a mix of Imperial and Federal gear, with uniforms you've never seen before. All of them wear masks beneath their helmets to conceal their faces. Their rifles are the same kind that have become ubiquitous in the Frontier systems.

Tom walks up and kneels next to one of the bodies. "Strange mix of stuff... Mercenaries probably. I'm not familiar with their insignia though..." He looks over at the survivor and grimaces. "What should we do with him?"

You walk over to the survivor as he weakly attempts to remove his mask. There's a lot of blood, you figure that bullet probably hit his femoral artery. He gives up on trying to remove his mask as you approach, instead opting to reach for the holster on his thigh. He grasps at the holster cover for a few seconds before going limp, his head falling back and smacking the floor hard.

"Shit..." You sigh.

"Well, we may as well keep going," Tom begins walking further down the hallway and you follow him. As you walk, you remove your magazine and make sure you have enough bullets in it for another firefight.

"Looks like we aren't far from our destination," Tom points to the signs, written in both English and the Imperial language. As you round the corner, you stop, ducking back behind cover. There is another mercenary standing guard outside of a doorway. Tom peeks around the corner, then looks at you. "Appears he's guarding something... How should we do this?" You peek around the corner again, the merc seems bored, distracted even. You hear the occasional chatter from a walkie on his belt. Fighting off a grin, you realize how useful that radio could be.

>Stealthy, non-lethal.
>Stealthy, lethal.
>Loud, lethal.
>Write-in.
>>
>>1594935
>>Stealthy, lethal.
they cant bite us in the butt tif they are dead
>>
>>1594935
Stealthy, take them out, if they die oh well.
>>
>>1594935
>Stealthy, lethal.
We should inform on this mob prick. Now we are going to piss whoever these people are. REEE
>>
>>1594935
>Stealthy, lethal.
>>
"Make sure he won't be a problem anymore," you whisper. "And do it quietly."

Tom nods, producing a combat knife. "Shouldn't take long." With that, he sneaks into the hallway, tossing an empty shell casing in a different direction when the guard isn't looking. The sound of the shell hitting the floor catches the merc's attention, and it's all the distraction Tom needs. He slinks up behind the guy and plunges the knife into the side of his neck, pressing forward. You avert your eyes just before the messiest part, knowing what technique Tom is using. A few seconds later, Tom returns to you with the man's radio.

"Nice," you take the radio and turn the volume up.

"So I figure that guy must've been guarding that room for a reason," Tom says as he looks around the corner again. "Suppose we should check it out?"

You step out into the hallway. The guard is sprawled on the floor, a pool of blood beneath his neck growing. You see through his goggles a frozen look of surprise. Poor bastard didn't know what hit him. Looking over at the door in question, you see that it isn't labeled, but the heavy-looking keycard lock means that it must be something important.

You kneel down and rifle through the corpse's pockets, finding the keycard in question without much effort. Holding it up, you see a logo that seems familiar to you. It is a black circle with a silver star on it, and below the star are three dots in a triangle. You know you've seen it somewhere, but can't seem to recall the exact time when you saw it.

"Odd," Tom peers at the card as well. "Must be the logo for whatever company was renting out that room." He shrugs.

>"Let's open the door and see what's inside."
>"We came here to rescue Claudia and Sally, let's keep moving."
>Write-in.
>>
>>1595384
>>"We came here to rescue Claudia and Sally, let's keep moving."


Is it Maria Sofia's shell company logo?
>>
>>1595384
>>"Let's open the door and see what's inside."
take a pic of it?
>>
>>1595384
>"Let's open the door and see what's inside."
Eh, if we can get something out of this... yay?
>>
Rolled 93 (1d100)

Alright. Looks like curiosity wins. Roll some 1d100s, best of three. Ignore this roll for now.
>>
Also, taking a dinner break. Be back in an hour.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>1595627
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>1595627
>>
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Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>1595627
>>
>>1595738
NICE
>>
>>1595738
saved
>>
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>>1595738
Very nice. Writing now.
>>
You step toward the door. "May as well see what's on the other side." Carefully, you swipe the card, hearing the telltale beep of the lock disengaging. You ready your weapon, opening the door.

Inside appears to be some sort of laboratory. There are files strewn about on every table, likely containing wealths of information. It seems quite odd to you that a place as high-tech as this would still use paper files though. Walking further into the lab, you notice a good amount of scientific instruments. However, as you reach the other end of the room, you see exactly what this place is: a surveillance center.

There are dozens of monitors set up in an array. One screen near the bottom shows the hall outside of the room you currently occupy, and it doesn't take you long to find Claudia and Sally, who appear to have barricaded themselves in a room nearby. You also see several areas that have been occupied by the mercenaries. On the centermost screen appears to be their command center. You see that one of the mercenaries wears a tan trench coat over his uniform. He is older, with gray hair and a beard. Standing next to him is a man in a labcoat who has his arms crossed. They appear to be discussing something. You notice movement in another monitor and divert your attention to it.

The camera shows a view of the main landing platform, where a small, unmarked gunship has landed. About a dozen men get out of it, clearly wearing the same uniforms as the mercenaries.

"Corrigan, do you read?" You try to contact the Bad Habit via radio.

"Loud and clear." Corrigan replies quickly.

"Did you detect anything flying near the platform recently?" You frown.

"Negative," Corrigan says with confusion. "Why?"

"Looks like those mercenaries landed a gunship on the main landing pad. Getting out of here might prove more dicey than we bargained for." You grimace, either it has a stealth system, or the Bad Habit's sensors are being weakened by its own stealth drive.

"Understood," with that Corrigan kills the transmission.

You look back to see Tom rifling through filing cabinets. "This appears to be a paper backup of all the research going on here..." He looks at you. "We should snag some of this, could be worth money." He then points to a bag he has slung over his shoulder. "I also found a bag of bombs. Must've belonged to the mercenaries."

>"Agreed."
>"Only take what won't slow you down. We need to move ASAP."
>"Take the explosives, leave everything else."
>"No. We have a job to do, we need to get it done now."
>write-in.
>>
>>1596182
>>"Agreed."
but do it fast and leave a boomb or too to blow it up as well
>>
>>1596182
>"Agreed."
We could leave Claudia for the moment at set the gunship up the bomb then everyone make a run for the ship. Hopefully the specialists head toward the explosion giving Claudia an out. Sabotaging the survailance might be nice too.
>>
Gonna call it a night. We'll resume tomorrow afternoon.
>>
>>1596239
k
>>
>>1596239
Thanks for running!
>>
>>1596182
>>"Agreed."
>>
>>1596182
>write-in.
>"Agreed."
Don't take too many bombs.
>>
>>1596182
> Set some bombs to blow this room after we leave.

> grab the research
>>
>>1596182
>"Agreed."
>"Only take what won't slow you down. We need to move ASAP."
Take some bombs, arm the rest.
>>
"Only take whatever won't slow us down," you begin. "And leave some of those bombs behind, armed..." You grin ever so slightly. "Might make a good distraction."

"Yes sir," Tom replies with a grin of his own. He quickly gathers some folders and stuffs them in the bag, placing four or five bombs throughout the room. "I've got these babies set on a ten minute timer. Let's get gone." With that, the two of you exit the room, heading in the direction of Claudia and Sally.

It doesn't take long before you arrive at the corridor leading to your target. This whole part of the facility looks markedly older than the rest of the platform, having been built in a different style entirely. As you round a corner, you enter into a large, multi-level room with a security door on the far side. "I'm assuming they're in there," Tom says, pointing to the door in question.

"It would make sense," you reply. "Let's move." The two of you head down to the bottom level, making your way to the door. "Claudia," you say over the radio. "We're here. Go ahead and unlock the door."

"Okay, just a moment." You stand back as the door groans open, revealing Claudia and Sally on the other side. Claudia sighs with relief, lowering her weapon tiredly.

"You both alright?" You step forward, briefly checking out the room where they were hiding. It looks like little more than a supply closet at first, but then you see empty weapon racks. Must've been an unused armory.

"We're fine," Claudia nods. "Shall we get out of here?"

You nod, beginning to walk back into the main room. "Sounds good to me. We may need an alternate route though. Tom planted some bombs in that surveillance room as a distraction."

"There's a maintenance tunnel leading to the Sourcing Department. We should be able to get to the cargo receiving room from there..." She frowns worriedly. "But Sourcing will be crawling with mercs... That was the first route I tried to take."

>"It's our only option now. Let's go."
>"We should have enough time to slip by before the bombs go off."
>"Are there any other parts of the station that we could escape through? I could radio the Bad Habit and have them fly there."
>Write-in.
>>
>>1598526
>>"Are there any other parts of the station that we could escape through? I could radio the Bad Habit and have them fly there."
>>
>>1598526
>>"Are there any other parts of the station that we could escape through? I could radio the Bad Habit and have them fly there."
>>
>>1598526
>"Are there any other parts of the station that we could escape through? I could radio the Bad Habit and have them fly there."
>>
>>1598624
Could we put a brodcast though the station saying itl blow up in 10 mins?
Could help
>>
You grimace. "Are there any other parts of the station where we could escape through? If we can find another way out, I can have the Bad Habit fly around to us."

Claudia stops walking, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "There is one place we could go... It'll be difficult to get your ship there though."

"How so?" Tom raises an eyebrow.

Claudia nods, continuing. "There's a wastewater chute that dumps out of the bottom of the station. If you could position your ship below that, we could climb through the chute and onto the top of your ship."

You frown. "Do we even have any hatches on the top of our ship?"

Tom nods, lighting a cigarette. "Yeah, there's an emergency hatch just aft of the bridge. Right in front of where the turret would be on a normal Oberon." He takes a long drag before continuing. "It wouldn't be impossible to get aboard like that, but it'd certainly be dicey..." You are about to reply when an explosion shakes the whole station, causing the lights to flicker as an alarm sounds.

"Well it looks like our only option now..." You swear under your breath. "Let's get moving. Claudia, lead the way."

"Right," she nods. Your group begins walking down a service hallway, taking a few flights of stairs.

You switch on your radio link to the Bad Habit. "Corrigan, do you read?"

"Loud and clear, sir." Corrigan's voice crackles over the radio, cut off slightly by interference.

"Change of plans. There's a wastewater chute on the bottom of the station. Position the ship under it and wait for us. That's our exit now."

There is a pause as you hear her speaking to Engineering. "Understood. I will fly the ship down there now." There is another pause. "Be careful, sir."

You chuckle mirthlessly. "I always am."

As your group reaches the bottom of the stairs, you glance at Sally. She raises an eyebrow at you, making an expression that seems almost familiar. "Captain Starwind... A pleasant surprise, us crossing paths again..." For a moment, you almost see her smirk. "This facility seemed so secure until they attacked. Had I known about their lax security protocols, I probably would've stayed on Mars."

You don't reply, instead keeping an eye out for any mercenaries that might be laying in wait. You all turn a corner, entering a hallway that slopes down slightly. The lights are far dimmer in this part of the station. You can still hear the alarm, but it sounds distant. This part of the station must not have any speakers, you figure.

"The access hatch should be at the end of this hall..." Claudia points ahead.

>Remain silent.
>"So Sally, what sort of research was going on here?"
>"Do you think the mercenaries know about this waste chute?"
>Write-in.
>>
>>1598821
>"So Sally, what sort of research was going on here?"
>>
>>1598821
>>"So Sally, what sort of research was going on here?"
>>
>>1598821
>"Do you think the mercenaries know about this waste chute?"
>>
>>1598821
>"Not so pleasant for all of us Sally! Reeee. I just wanted to be a simple space trucker."
>>
"So Sally," you begin. "What sort of research was going on here?"

She hums to herself before replying. "Well it was all very compartmentalized. Our department was mostly working on structural microengineering. Essentially we were exploring the industrial applications of nanotechnology."

Tom looks over at her. "I thought nanotech was heavily limited after the Exxon Incident."

"It was," she replies. "In the Federation at least. Here we were free to do whatever research we wanted... Within safety limits, of course." She crosses her arms. "There were other departments working on various things though. The genetic engineering and AI research departments got the most funding. I was never able to get clearance to enter their labs though." She shrugs. "Perhaps that is what these mercenaries are after."

Tom leans in toward you, whispering. "AI and genetic engineering don't bode well. I've got a bad feeling about this place."

"Me too," you nod. "Let's just focus on the mission for now."

"Captain," Corrigan's voice buzzes in your ear. "I am holding position under the waste chute... Though I do not like hovering this close to the water."

"Copy," you reply. "Alright everyone, our ride is here. Let's get a move on." You all begin jogging toward the access port. Claudia takes the lead, walking up to the port and producing a small grinder. She makes short work of the bolts and steps back, letting the cover fall to the floor.

"Alright, let's go." She gestures for you to go first. You carefully climb into the chute, slinging your rifle over your shoulder and gripping the ladder on the inside of the chute. One by one, your group enters the chute, climbing down toward the exit.

When you get to the bottom, Claudia hands you the miniature grinder and you go to work on the grate. Within about five minutes you have a decent-sized hole cut in the grate. Looking down, you see the metal skin of the Bad Habit. You drop carefully onto the curved top of the ship, dropping onto all fours to keep your balance on the wet metal. The wind and rain whips past you as you knock on the hull three times.

Looking aft, you see the hatch open and Virgo stand up out of it. "Captain!" He shouts over the wind. "I'll use my powers to keep everyone from falling off! Let's get everyone aboard!" He climbs out onto the hull and looks up. Sally carefully lowers herself onto the hull, crawling over to the hatch and lowering herself inside. Tom and Claudia are next, climbing onto the hull more quickly.
>>
Claudia climbs in next, then Tom. Virgo then looks over to you. "Let's move, sir. The wind's picking up." The two of you enter the hatch, with Virgo heading back downstairs and you returning to the bridge. As you sit down, you see Corrigan returning to the weapon console and Tom sitting in the pilot's seat.

"Let's get out of here," you say. The ship lurches to the right, moving away from the station.

"Captain," Corrigan speaks up. "The mercenary gunship's engines are firing up." The Bad Habit emerges from beneath the station, climbing into the air. "Should we engage?"

>"Negative. Let's just get out of here."
>"Yeah, smoke 'em." (roll a 1d100, best of three)
>Will they be able to catch us?"
>Write-in.
>>
>>1599298
>>"Yeah, smoke 'em." (roll a 1d100, best of three)
>Will they be able to catch us?"

>have Sally put under lock and key she might have been infected or purposefully exposed to control nano tech like Maria sofia did to us.
>>
>>1599298
>"Negative. Let's just get out of here."
>Will they be able to catch us?"
Ummm. Feel free to change my mind because I am really not sure. I really don't want to get in a dog fight but presumably they are going to be looking for us since we set them up the bomb and stole a witness. If we can't avoid a fight I would rather be on the offensive from the start.

Also I don't remember what kind of armament and shields our ship has.

Also I feel like I am completely guessing wether we are in a position to get away or not whereas the MC would presumably have a much better idea owing to doing this shit for a living in a past life.
>>
>>1599362
The Bad Habit has ship-to-ship missiles and not much else. Also its shields (and the shields of most ships smaller than a light cruiser) are really only used to protect against debris impacts in space. Allen doesn't really know how well the weapons and guidance systems will work, seeing as he's never actually used them.
>>
>>1599298
>>"Yeah, smoke 'em." (roll a 1d100, best of three)

When is the bomb going off?
>>
>>1599571
The bomb already went off a few posts back. That was the explosion that shook the station and made the alarm sound.

Anyway, roll some 1d100s. I'll be back in about half an hour.
>>
Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>1599653
*swallows nervously*
>>
Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>1599653
>>
>>1599707
Hah, eat missiles baddies!
>>
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You guys have no idea how happy I am that you decided to blow up that gunship.
>>
"Take 'em out," you say simply. The ship's nose wanders toward the direction of the gunship, which is now lazily hovering a few feet off of the landing pad. As it begins to ascend and turn, Corrigan nods.

"Beginning targeting algorithm..." You hear some beeps and whistles from the targeting computer. "Please keep us steady, Mr. McMurdo."

"Will do," Tom nods. Through the rain, you see the gunship change course, heading toward you. However, it shakily turns to starboard.

"Algorithm complete," Corrigan continues almost mechanically. "Solution plotted. Arming missile and opening door now." There is a loud klaxon as the red light on your own console lets you know about the open missile door. "Firing missile." With that, the ship shudders and the missile leaves its tube, spiraling toward the target.

"That's strange..." Tom frowns, leaning forward to see through the rain. "They should at least be deploying countermeasures..." You squint to see the gunship as well. It tries to turn away from the missile at the last second, but it isn't any use. The telephone pole-sized missile slams into the passenger compartment, lighting up the large fuel tanks on the outside and tearing the gunship in half. The remains of the craft fall into the sea, collapsing into a fiery mess before being swamped by a large wave.

"Captain, the Imperials must've detected the explosion," Tom turns to you. "They're en-route."

"Right," you nod. "Bug out now." The ship's nose angles up as the engines fire, propelling you rapidly through the stormy skies and out of Ganymede's atmosphere.

After a simple orbital course, Tom engages the FTL and sets a course for Mars. He tells you that it shouldn't take more than twelve hours. You and he make your way down to the wardroom, leaving Corrigan on-watch.

"Captain," Claudia greets you as you enter. She has put on a dry set of clothes, and she must've brought a set for Sally as well, because she's wearing something different. "Thank you for the rescue."

"Don't mention it," you reply casually. "Is Sally alright?"

Claudia's expression darkens as she merely nods. "She'll be fine. We got lucky though. They were moving all of their hostages to one location when I rescued her."

"I see," you nod. Looking over at Sally, you see that she still doesn't look the least bit shaken by it all.

>"Well, I need to get some rest. This has been an excessively long day."
>"Claudia, can I speak to you in private?" (address Sally's strange behavior)
>"Is there anything the two of you need?"
>Write-in.
>>
>>1599854
>>"Is there anything the two of you need?"
then
>"Claudia, can I speak to you in private?" (address Sally's strange behavior)
Keep em watched
>>
>>1599769
I just hope no-one IDs our ship or else we might have to make a habit out of it.
>>
>>1599854
Why did we shoot down that gunship? I wanted to ask, where were the other staff in the facility?

Odds are, they used the explosion to make an escape attempt, hijacked the gunship, and we shot them down. Goddam trigger happy noobs.

>"Claudia, can I speak to you in private?" (address Sally's strange behavior)
>Write-in.

Give them both full medical checkups, and take samples.
>>
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>>1599879
>or else we might have to make a habit out of it
That'd be a pretty Bad Habit.
>>
I think I'm gonna have to call it a night here since I have to be up somewhat early. Tomorrow I'll be busy un-fucking the main sewer line in my house. Depending on how that goes, I'll either have a session tomorrow, or Sunday afternoon when my work-week ends. I'll be sure to make it known both here and on my Twitter.
>>
>>1599979
night
>>
>>1599854
That Gunship was a rescue operation wasn't it.

Anyways.

>"Claudia, can I speak to you in private?" (address Sally's strange behavior)

NANOMACHINES, SON?

Lets figure out a way to subtly EMP sally.
>>
>>1600027
>That Gunship was a rescue operation wasn't it.
Absolutely
>>
>>1600027
Either that or they fumbled their shit because of our good rolls. But yeah, we are the bad guy...

>>1599305
Oh, I meant to second
>have Sally put under lock and key
Because even if she isn't botnet I'm still sore about being forced into this.

>>1599979
Thanks for running!
>>
>>1600088
So we selling Sally to Blackthorn or what?
>>
>>1600027
>>1599979
I will also back a pre-emptive EMP.

Weren't we wonky controlled by that lab lady?
>>
>>1601032
Yer so it sounds like they wore working on the same sort of thing that happened to us there.
And of course we killed the non fighters
Dammit qm every time
>>
>>1600049
Wut? It was the same mercs as those that took over the station
>>
>>1601426
We dont know that
Only that they had a ship
And that there wasnt any counter meruise used argest the shot and things
So it could be people not tryinf to kill is
>>
So I'm covered in toilet water and exhausted. No session today. Sorry.
>>
>>1602016
no problem you sound like you need a rest anyways.
>>
>>1602016
Did you drop a bomb??
Thats ok
>>
>>1602227
Honestly it's probably not if anyone finds out about it.
>>
>>1602227
Nah, I had to use a motorized drain snake to fix the main sewer line in my house. Which meant that I had to remove the toilet to open the pipe itself. Even though it's stuff I used to do regularly at work, I kind of wish I would've just called a plumber.

Anyway, next session is on Sunday afternoon. Hopefully we'll wrap up the thread.
>>
>>1601686
They were very clearly in the same uniform and gear, did you even bother reading this thread?
>>
>>1604736
That could've been camouflage.
>>
>>1604736
They were the ones who left the ship, we dunno who was in it when it left.
>>
You frown, sparing Sally a glance before turning to Claudia. “Can I speak to you in private?”

She nods. “Of course, Captain.” She raises an eyebrow as the two of you walk back to the empty room that used to be the CIC. You close the door behind you.

“I see what you meant when you said that Sally was acting strange.” You cross your arms. “What do you think could be the reason for it?”

She looks away, grimacing. “I’m not sure… That’s the part that worries me the most. I’ve never seen such a drastic change in someone’s behavior.” She sighs. “I recommend keeping her confined to her room for the rest of the voyage. I can observe her from there.”

“I was thinking of the same thing,” you reply. “Don’t want someone potentially unstable running loose aboard my ship.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” you nod. “So besides all of that, are you okay?”

She chuckles slightly to herself, smiling. “I’ll live. Thank you for the concern though.” She rubs her shoulder, wincing. “It’s been a while since I did anything that tactical. Lowe better be giving me a bonus for this job.”

You chuckle mirthlessly. “I just hope he lets me go with my head still attached.”

Claudia raises an eyebrow. “Lowe may be pissed about your work with Blackheart, but he knows not to waste a valuable connection.” She points at you. “He may talk a big game, but you’re more valuable to him alive, especially if the rumors about your… connection with Blackheart are true.” She grins ever so slightly at you. “I think he’s aware of the potential retaliation if he does anything serious to you.”

>”What do you mean my ‘connection’ with Blackheart?”
>”So he’s just been tossing empty threats around?”
>”His only family was in danger. I can’t say I wouldn’t make rash decisions if I were in his position.”
>”For someone who works for Lowe, you certainly don’t seem all that loyal to him.”
>Write-in.
>>
>>1613951
>”What do you mean my ‘connection’ with Blackheart?”
>”His only family was in danger. I can’t say I wouldn’t make rash decisions if I were in his position.”
>>
>>1613951
>Call for tripe, gotta make sure the girl isn't infecting him with the botnet.
>Call Paul, see if he has any antivirus routines food for nanomachines.
>”What do you mean my ‘connection’ with Blackheart?”
I'm an independant contractor, how many times do I have to say it!

I can imagine even if offing us is an empty threat he can still cause us economic troubles like getting us banned from mars.
>>
>>1613951
>”What do you mean my ‘connection’ with Blackheart?”
>”For someone who works for Lowe, you certainly don’t seem all that loyal to him.”
>>
>>1613951
>”What do you mean my ‘connection’ with Blackheart?”

>”His only family was in danger. I can’t say I wouldn’t make rash decisions if I were in his position.”

>Write-in.
Maybe install a hidden camera/audio recording at Claudia's discretion, or give her a panic button and direct communication with our personal communications device.
>>
>>1613951
>>”His only family was in danger. I can’t say I wouldn’t make rash decisions if I were in his position.”
>I ran afoul of someone trying to perfect control nanites. This facility may be related.




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