Author Topic: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow  (Read 177019 times)

Offline oslecamo

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High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« on: April 27, 2013, 07:54:09 PM »
Inside the Battleship Protectora XVI

The room you've been assigned to has a massive curved window that lets you see the stars around, and the planet you're headed to-Ragol, a sphere of green and blue in the distance, slowly aproaching towards you. The remaining walls are metal and plastic, riddled with glowing and humming circuitry. Besides some pratical but basic furniture, there's not much on the way of confort or luxury. But then, you do have a good amount of free space to move around and stretch your limbs, which is much more than the majority of the current inhabitants of this ship can brag about.

Soon enough, a door slides open and inside enters a small group of humans and orcs in green military uniforms, escorting a female-looking android with silver skin and eyes, black hair, dressed in regal blue. She's the one that adresses you in a calm but firm voice:

My identity is Maia 279. I thank you in the name of Parum's Administration for answering our commission.

We'll be reaching Ragol's orbit in one hour, three minutes and twenty-three seconds. As you may know, my colleagues worked very hard to ensure its colonization rights for our planet's population. Ever since the end of the Devastation War, the organic's population has been growing faster than what we can restore the natural ecosystem, and is thus imperious we secure a new place for the expanding population to settle in. The first colonization wave had already been sent seven years ago to prepare the terrain.

However-and what I'm about to tell you is highly classified-When the second colonization wave was being prepared, we lost all contact with the our forces already in Ragol. Observations and scannings from orbit don't reveal anything in particular-the structures that had already been built are still there, but otherwise there's no sign of any sentient life, ours or native. We tried sending in scouts and probes. They all disapeared whitout trace as well.

We did however learn that a mysterious disruption field seems to have formed around the planet. The forces we sent into the planet were quickly cut off from any and every communication channel once they entered the atmosphere.

Your job would be to drop into the first colonizer's landing zone and seek out for any clues you can find about the mass disapearances, then return to protectora XVI to report your findings. Everything indicates this will be an extremely dangerous job, but all of you have high recomendations from the Hunter's Guilder itself or other important organizations. We expect you'll be able to produce results where others failed.

Again, I'll reiterate that Ragol is extremely important for Parum's future. Its fauna and flora are extremely rich and will provide invaluable resources for the colonizers once this problems have been sorted out. You can use lethal force against any possible threats you find, but please refrain yourselves from using orbital bombardments, biological weapons, scorched earth tactics, or any other course of action that would result in colateral damage.

Do you have any queries?
« Last Edit: May 04, 2013, 01:49:39 PM by oslecamo »

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2013, 08:13:05 PM »
"Yeah, I do. What sort of stuff was built down there before you lost contact? Anything that might, I don't know, explode and bury us under a hundred tons of rock?" Amaterasu asked, turning from the panoramic view and stretching a bit. With a dull blade on her back and no notably inhuman features, the only overt indication that she was more than some novice recruit was the way the inside of her cape seemed to scroll through a false map of the heavens. Well, and her presence in this room.

Offline Concerned Ninja Citizen

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2013, 09:10:44 PM »
The tall and gaunt blue skinned being in the sumptuous robes quirks an eyebrow as the android finishes speaking. "Like my colleague, I would appreciate some additional background information. For instance, when did you most recently send forces to the planet and have any returned? If not, has any orbital  or surface debris or similar sign been detected that might give some hint as to their fate? Additionally, assuming we reach the planet and some members of your forces remain, might we have some kind of contact information or official writ that would allow us to prove who we are and who we represent?"

Offline Anomander

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2013, 11:14:46 PM »
She stared blankly in front of her as her kin described the situation to everyone present. Her expression contracted slightly, seeming somewhat dour.
Despite her grief there was a brightness to her calm demeanor. Strong resolve carried out by gentle hands.

A few images cycled before her eyes from within her visor, giving her the recent numbers on the latest results on Ragol available to her clearance level.
It might be important to get as much information as possible while she could still get Online.
She downloaded a few tunes that might lighten her mood or stimulate her in battle and minimized all her interface's windows and her visor became transparent again, revealing two eyes that gleamed with blue luminescence. Although they emitted light, they clearly lacked the light of a soul behind them.

"What is the evacuation protocol?"

Offline oslecamo

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2013, 05:18:20 AM »
"Yeah, I do. What sort of stuff was built down there before you lost contact? Anything that might, I don't know, explode and bury us under a hundred tons of rock?"

Only basic civilian infrastructure. However the colony had already started mining operations, and whatever tunnels they made have most certainly been left whitout maintenance ever since the mass disapearance.


"Like my colleague, I would appreciate some additional background information. For instance, when did you most recently send forces to the planet and have any returned?
We've  been sending daily unsentient probes to check for any changes on the situation. None returned so far.

If not, has any orbital  or surface debris or similar sign been detected that might give some hint as to their fate?
Negative, no such vestiges have been observed. From orbit, no signs of conflict or acident can be observed.

Additionally, assuming we reach the planet and some members of your forces remain, might we have some kind of contact information or official writ that would allow us to prove who we are and who we represent?"

Once you've  formally confirmed you'll undertake this commission, you'll be granted photon crystals identifying your condition as our agents.


"What is the evacuation protocol?"

Your priority is to gather information on what hapened on Ragol.
It is imperative we find out what's causing the disapearances so we can start working on a solution.
If you find survivors, you are to first interrogate them on what they know about the events.
You are only to spend resources bringing them back to Protectora XVI once you've completed your priority.
...


Your host remains silent for a moment, her mechanical eyes looking at nothing in particular.

...
If you worry about rescuing survivors, then I'll have an extra request to make of you.
My sister-unit Maia 486 had been sent into the first colonization wave. She looks just like me.
Should you manage to find and evacuate her, you'll be awarded a significant extra reward for your efforts.
Even if you just find her remains... You'll receive the same reward just the same for bringing them back.

« Last Edit: April 28, 2013, 05:20:32 AM by oslecamo »

Offline ketaro

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2013, 06:18:14 AM »
For the most part, Katherine was seemingly fixated on the view of the planet below them on the other side of that window. A slight turn of her head towards the group that entered was the only reaction out of her before her gaze wandered back towards the view. Whether she was listening to the discussion behind her could have been put up for debate as the look of almost childish wonder sat plastered on her face at being able to look down upon a planet from space; a feeling she never could get tired of.

She suddenly perked up however at the android's mention of rescuing survivors, spinning on her heel to face the room and join the discussion. "Rescuing survivors is always a priority! It'd be terrible to just abandon them, and I would definitely promise to find your sister and bring her back to you."

Offline Harald

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2013, 06:20:54 AM »
Among the gathered pilots, a strange little thing was flying : a small dragon-like purple scaded lizard wearing a custom-made high-admiral uniform, his many medals and golden aiguilettes tinkling,  his ceremonial, too-large-for-him saber jingling at his side. He was bearing golden epaulettes on his shoulders and even on the arm of his wings.
His face was almost hidden by a gigantic white feathered, cocarded, gold embroidered black bicorn, but his eyes were visible.
He pulled out his monocle with his white gloved claws to clean it, and put it back in place.
What are the Götterdämmerungdeployment orders ? I suggest strongly I should follow them in low orbit. Whatever danger is lurking down there, the glorious sight of a Battleship deployed might prove a deterent enough against hostile actions. And offer heavy support for our recon group.
Besides, how many colonists were dropped down there, should we need to launch a rescue & evac mission ?"


He was interrupted by Katherine. He smiled.
"I strongly agree with her. Some must fight so that other may live free.  We ARE this fighter."
"-Lady-Captain, we detect 20 hostile vessels against us,  and Erasmus Haarlock's Spear of Destiny ! What are your orders ?
-RAMMING SPEED !

final result : 6 slaughts vessels, 4 imperial frigates, 2 imperial cruisers destroyed. Haarlock sent into the warp. 0 losses. Flawless Victory.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2013, 06:45:38 AM »
The conservatively dressed girl stretched, unfolding wings from her back and swinging off the dull sword, which promptly began to emit a faint hum... and grow, and grow, and grow. It was stopped in its tracks by conversion into what looked like the offspring of a cannon and brightly painted box. This 'cannon' fit snugly over the girl's arm, whereupon the end briefly flickered, before sprouting a hissing, blindingly bright blade.

"If there's someone to rescue, what the hell are we waiting for?" Amaterasu said, eager to get started, and skipping out on mentioning that she could probably evacuate all the colonists in the Yatagarasu if it came to that. Forethought was not her strong suit.

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Offline oslecamo

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2013, 07:13:52 AM »
What are the Götterdämmerungdeployment orders ? I suggest strongly I should follow them in low orbit. Whatever danger is lurking down there, the glorious sight of a Battleship deployed might prove a deterent enough against hostile actions. And offer heavy support for our recon group.
That would be indeed the reason why you were selected as part of this group. Your battleship is to escort the remaining members into the planet's surface.

Besides, how many colonists were dropped down there, should we need to launch a rescue & evac mission ?"

In the last population report we received, there were 3785 registered colonists.

"Rescuing survivors is always a priority! It'd be terrible to just abandon them, and I would definitely promise to find your sister and bring her back to you."

...
Your enthusiasm is a positive characteristic. But please bear in mind millions of individuals are waiting in line to be sent with the second colonization wave. The faster we can solve this mystery, the faster they can be sent. You looking for and accounting for all 3785 colonists whereabouts would cost time we cannot afford to spend in the current situation.

Plus, once Ragol is deemed secure once more, we can work on deploying mass-scale rescue teams. Right now it has been deemed too dangerous to send them in. 


"If there's someone to rescue, what the hell are we waiting for?"

To aproach Ragol's orbit. Fifty-seven minutes, forty-one seconds remaining.
I advise to use the remaining time to perform final check-ups in your gear and discuss your group strategy.


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Offline Anomander

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2013, 07:21:09 AM »
She made a short nod. The evacuation was of import, of course, but she dared not make a promise of it. Swearing on the unknown and forces that could possibly be beyond one's abilities was unwise and could birth greater sorrow to all involved.
"We will attempt to proceed with maximum efficiency."

Everyone seemed in high spirits and motivate to initiate the mission. There were a few preparations to make but the presence of a vessel meant a gave her a good idea of the level of resources available for the task.
"Undoubtedly, we are aligned with the terms and in agreement with the request. We shall make preliminary calibrations and get ready for departure."
« Last Edit: May 02, 2013, 04:13:06 AM by Anomander »

Offline ketaro

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2013, 07:38:33 AM »
"Oh...well, the point still stands." she mumbles dejectedly. Not quite knowing what to do for the rest of the time until arrival though, she moved her hands behind her back and slowly started to rock back on her heels.

Having moved her attention to the room now though, Katherine takes in the others gathered here finally. The gaunt, blue guy probably stood out the most to her, but she couldn't remember what he was off the top of her head. The android and the other woman here who was now sporting a sort of cannon-like appendage seemed fairly normal to her, though that tiny purple creature had her eyes fixated on it now that she'd gotten around to noticing it. Oh! No. Yes? A dragon? Awfully small though...pet sized...like a house cat.

"An hour still, huh?" she remarked aloud, probably to herself, with a restless sigh as she turned to look back out at the approaching planet.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2013, 07:53:27 AM »
Amaterasu sighed, dismissing the cannon and her wings. An hour? Well, she could take a tour of this place... and get something to eat... and then go check on the Yatagarasu. It hadn't seen much use recently, and she needed to make sure it was properly armed for the task ahead, as well as check that there was enough space in the cockpit to store anything they might need to bring back with them.

"I'll meet everyone there, okay?" she asked, walking sedately to the door, waiting for it to open... and then running out at maximum speed, too impatient to just walk or stroll around. Anyone that made an attempt to get in her way was going to be in a lot of pain.

Offline Harald

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2013, 09:43:55 AM »
" I suggest strongly we pursue tactical discussions inside my own ship. At least because I can assure you the quality of my own wine. If you may pardon me, I need to ensure that your robots are properly transfered on board.
Without saying a words, a dozen soldiers in a similarly gaudy uniform -white, black & gold hussar liveries- marched right behind him in perfect order.
Immediately, they started playing on their gleaming instruments a fast march, the Admiral in front of them, walking briskly toward the bay where both starships were temporarly linked together.
"-Lady-Captain, we detect 20 hostile vessels against us,  and Erasmus Haarlock's Spear of Destiny ! What are your orders ?
-RAMMING SPEED !

final result : 6 slaughts vessels, 4 imperial frigates, 2 imperial cruisers destroyed. Haarlock sent into the warp. 0 losses. Flawless Victory.

Offline SorO_Lost

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #13 on: April 29, 2013, 02:45:59 AM »
A nine year old little girl with a black dress and pink hair comes bounding into the bay. Looking wide eyed, "ugh, you guys started without me!" she cries.

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« Last Edit: April 29, 2013, 02:26:01 PM by SorO_Lost »

Offline Kuroimaken

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #14 on: April 29, 2013, 02:24:04 PM »
Walking in from behind her, there was a man in a suit. He looked like a civillian in most regards, and considering the myriad folk in space suits and armor and uniform, he seemed underdressed. The only unusual thing about his suit was the blazer, which had a fairly large coattail, and the fact his tie was a dress tie instead of a business suit tie. His hands were also covered in fingerless black gloves. Perfectly round purple shades, a headset and a fedora completed the ensemble.

"I hope you weren't thinking of starting this operation without someone to coordinate the intelligence-gathering efforts."

There was a mix of lightness and seriousness in his words; officiality mixed with a more relaxed mood. And yet the general feeling he seemed to bring was discomfort, despite his best intentions.

The man entered the room announcing himself as an intelligence operative. These weren't commonly known for scruples or moral compasses.

"You fine folk may all call me Hugo."
Kami darou ga akuma darou ga, ore no michi ni tateru mono NASHI!!

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Offline SorO_Lost

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #15 on: April 29, 2013, 03:19:04 PM »
Looking awed "You collect smarties?" hopping over she looks around at Hugo's pockets. Unsatisfied she attempts to lift his shirt asking him, "Where do you keep them?"

Offline ketaro

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #16 on: April 29, 2013, 03:38:05 PM »
She cringed a bit at the sudden blaring of the tiny dragon's ensemble's music and was glad to see all of that promptly leave. Two more people entered the room now though and a thought came to mind at this point. All these people and no one seemed too keen on introductions, standing around here for the remaining hour seemed like it'd be awkward for her.

"I'm just gonna...my mech, too?" Simuntaneously pointing to the door as she started to walk out, Katherine excused herself.

Offline Concerned Ninja Citizen

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #17 on: April 29, 2013, 05:58:38 PM »
The blue alien turns toward Hugo "Intelligence, you say? Well it is gratifying to know that I shall have at least some company possessed of a degree of subtlety. The rest of our companions seem frightfully... military. You seem to have missed the briefing, are you up to speed on the situation? I am Aden, by the way; merchant, priest, and it seems, sometime planetary scout."

Offline Kuroimaken

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #18 on: April 29, 2013, 07:51:35 PM »
"At your leisure, miss Katherine." Hugo noted with a tip of his hat and that ever-present unnerving grin.

"Well... much as I dislike the joke, military intelligence is not as much of an oxymoron as you would be led to believe. Strictly speaking, I am in the military. But I'm sure you'll find me a fairly agreeable soldier, mister Ged."

The little one rummaging through his pockets eventually got his attention. For the first time in a while, his eyes opened in curiosity from their squint under those shades. He looked a bit unsure what to do - clearly unused to dealing with children.

Under his shirt she only finds a thin layer of muscle. For a spy, he apparently works out.

"I'm not sure what you mean exactly, 'Miss' Baha."

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Kami darou ga akuma darou ga, ore no michi ni tateru mono NASHI!!

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Offline SorO_Lost

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Re: High End IC Episode I- Towards a Better Tomorrow
« Reply #19 on: April 29, 2013, 08:44:54 PM »
Looking disappointed, "You said you collected smarties. I thought you had candy..." Almost instantly forgetting what she was saying, "You know me?" pausing for a moment she turns to Ged to introduce her and old friend to him.

She bows to Ged. "I'm Princess Bangelina Aontessa Helsiana Ancesca the Third, but you can call me Baha". She points to the man with the washboard abs and adds, "And this is rocky."

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