Log:Endor at Sunset
Endor at Sunset
OOC Date: February 10, 2016
Location: A forested ridge on Endor
Participants: Ambrosia Greystorm, EM-1710, FZ-4792, Gaarurra, Gerrat DeLong, HM-8668, Hux, KT-3435, Nym Landala, Oriana, RK-8801, Thomas Mirdan
By the time the call was received, Generals choosing their commanding officers and troops, and troops briefed, transports arranged with fuel and escort and sent to Endor, it was approaching sunset in this remote corner of Endor. The LAMSEL gleams dully in the shadow cast by the ridge above it, and the brilliant colors of the setting sun reduce the landing shuttle of the First Order to just another bright ray of light. Using this natural occurance, it slips down to land among the trees that crown the top of the ridge without incident or discovery.
Also using the setting sun for cover, the Resistance shuttle comes around the nearby mountain, low to the treetops to glide silently into a field near the foot of the gray outcropping that stopped the science vessel's headlong descent rather abruptly.
While the vessel is banged up, hull ruptured in a couple of places, there doesn't appear to have been any explosion on impact. The surrounding forest, for the most part, seems to have returned to it's normal activity as the crash has already been accepted as a new part of the landscape. There's movement in the underbrush as animals scurry about their evening activities, last meal, or running home to not be the last meal... or just waking up. A line of flitbuzzards have perched along the top of the ship, their ugly, featherless, heads tilting back and forth as they seek anything from the wreckage, while a small pack of jackals nibble at the carcass of something big that was pinned underneath.
"This is it," Major Greystorm emerges from the cockpit after performing a final systems check on her vid feed link-up. From her moderately comfortable seat, she got a wonderfully defined view up Delong's nose, at Gaaruura's belly hair, and ... somebody's boots. Seemed the cams were working just fine.
"Hope everybody enjoyed their nap on the ride here, because we're in for a long night." Suited up as though she plans on joining her foot soldiers for an evening hike, Ambrosia props her boot up on a hull-mounted seat and adjusts a thigh strap. "You've all seen the map, the probable layout of the ship. From here I will direct your approach with a little help from my many 'eyes' in the pit. Captain Rhesk has so graciously loaned me his chair - Ain't that right, Captain!?" She calls loudly over her shoulder with a wry smirk. "Any last questions before you leave the safety of this vessel, Daggers?"
The First Order shuttle is a relatively high tech affair. Just behind the cockpit is a panel of screens displaying the video feed from each Stormtroopers armor. As the vessel makes its graceful arc down into the safety of the tree line, a severe looking General Hux rises from the plush black leather observation chair. He walks the short distance to the ramp that carries him into the hold where the loading ramp is even now opening, lines of white armored troops standing uniformly on each side of the aisle way.
General Hux walks the length of the aisle before turning to stare hard at his troops. "Remember your orders. Remember your entry points." His tone and his visage reveals that this is not an open floor for comment or question. "We are the elite soldiers of the galaxy. You dive into that ship and complete your mission, and if anyone gets in your way, you eliminate them without mercy!" His tone builds to a steady and frenzied crescendo as he finally yells, spittle flying from his lips and a frenzied look in his eyes, "GO! FOR THE FIRST ORDER!"
After having checked out the soldiers under him, master sergeant Delong had settled in to fall asleep. Wrapped in his Dragon Diaper poncho, the man had awakened at the 5 minutes squawk.
Removing a tin of menthol smelling petroleum jelly stuff, Gerratt placed a dab of it in each nostril to mask the scent of dragon estrous, then passed the tin around to the other soldiers. "Clears the sinuses...and doesn't smell of Dragon Piss."
Hux's speech, as brief as it is, is effective enough at rousing Maze. Hopefully its as effective on the rest of the troops because they'd need it. As soon as the dropship is in place to disgorge its payload of stormtroopers, the Master Sergeant takes the lead. Rapelling down to the top of the ship, she lands with a thud and begins setting up an anchor for her team to continue on to their objectives with further repelling. "Move! Anchor is secured." She then checks her surroundings again before moving to find a way into the observation dome which may end up being breaking it open.
Boom-girl had been trying to find a lick of sleep on this ride over. In and out of it she came, sometimes finding a few minutes other times wide awake. Not that she isn't ready for this, because the training and time taken to for a mission like this takes time and effort, all in which she put in. Chances are, the smell didn't help any. Not that it would make you gag but everyone being stuck in a bottle, it's enough to keep your senses awake when you want to sleep. Still she got enough to be at full energy. Flickering a gaze to the Major she shakes her head. The briefing was pretty clear. Before the need to get up Oriana looks to Gerratt as he offers out his little jar of make-this-smell-go-away. Taking some and adding it to her nose the soldier nods in thanks. "See, this is why we have you around. To help the rest of us smell better, Sir." There is a touch of humour before she falls silent, making sure all is ready to go on her person, to be ready for whatever may come.
HM-8668 listens to the General's orders and briefing impassively. Holding his face neutral until the end. He then shouts out, "First Order! Delta Squad! No quarter!" He walks up the line of troopers, making a last minute equipment check. "Troops, the General will be guiding us. Master Sergeant Maze is in charge on the ground. I am acting squad leader. Do your duty. When in doubt, shoot first. Remember the objectives..." And with that, he makes ready to depart the shuttle as it prepares to drop them atop the ship. "Absolutely, positively bad asses!"
The wookie would look at the can Gerratt hands over, consider the hair under his own nostrils, then pass it along. When the ramp lowers, he moves out first, taking point as planned. One adjustment of that wonderfully odiferous poncho, wookiee-sized, bless the Major's black heart, and he makes his way into the forest. He moves quietly, alert for animals or enemies, and finds a path to skirt around the jackals without disturbing them. Gaarurra approaches the starboard side of the tail where it rests... or rather, has been smashed into the ground, with the tree that it hit fallen over it. With a motion of his hand to the others, he indicates what looks like a possible breach into the interior where the engine cracked out sideways.
Rika awaits, at parade rest as the General speaks. Within the whie shell of her Armour, she is perfectly still, perfectly disciplined. Her posture is flawless. At the crescendo of his speech, she shouts, her voice a husky roar through the Voder. "Sir, Yes Sir!. For the Order!!!!!" The Hammer address them, at his final comment she grin, the flash of white hidden by her helmet. "Understood! Move out, NO QUarter!" With that she turns and follows Maze down the lines to the Ship, moving with grace, despite the armour and gear. She lands next to the Sargeant, soundlessly, like some great cat, then follows n her wake, helmeted head scanning, the muzzle of her blaster following, like a deadly third eye. She crouches near the Dome, covering their exposed flank alertly.
Thomas Mirdan moves along to the starboard side. The tall human is stooped to conceal some of his torso, and holds his rifle in front of him pointed at the floor while following the rest of his unit. The visor of his blast helmet conceals his eyes as he scans the information available to him from command.
Another Delta, EM-1710 looks like any other trooper, her face concealed by her mask and her weapon a stock-standard but extremely well maintained F-11 rifle. No words from the soldier, just a nod of her helmeted head and then she moves to take her position for infiltration, making for the drop onto the ship readily. Time to go to work.
Should've become a flight technician - those are the thoughts of Private Grae(Redshirt) as she brings up the rear of the small Resistance contingent moving on the fallen LAMSEL. The scent of dragon piss, while allegedly a mild dilution, is burned mercilessly into her brain. Evidently, the 'Ice Queen' legends are true. On the plus side, they didn't encounter a damn single bit of wildlife on their way here. Taking her place behind Mirdan, she awaits instruction and scans the foliage with wary eyes. White knuckles beneath the black of her gloves tighten their grip on her rifle. The sounds of the carrion beasts seem suddenly less threatening. Either they're too preoccupied with scavenging to notice the arrival of fresh meat, or they've picked up the scent of a bigger, badder predator's bladder. /She/ certainly has. And secretly hopes she never meets one in the flesh.
Whipped into a frenzy by the speech from General Hux, PK-3167 and AP9887 rush out after their brothers and sisters in arms. They methodically attach utility clips to the rappel ropes and then swing off into empty air to slam pristine white boots into the roof of LAMSEL. They rush along with the rest, following orders as a good soldier should.
As the troopers land at the top of the ship, the slam of some of their boots disturbs the flitbuzzards who are'nt looking for a fight. The small flock takes off ungainly, a few swooping close to one hapless trooper.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the vessel, no sound is heard from the relative gloom of the possible entrance looming before the Resistance.
Gerratt DeLong tests his Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (7). Oriana tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (66). Gaarurra tests his Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (42). Thomas Mirdan tests his Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (7). Jax Greystorm tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (19). Jax Greystorm tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (30).
The interior is mostly quiet, with an eerie light coming from the tanks that hold their specimens in a slightly phosphorent embalming liquid. Just above the entry, if one fans to the Starboard, the wide open maw of a rancor is smushed against the glass where it's fallen against the glass. There also seems to be a turbo lift just inside the cargo hold, on the other side of what was an enclosed rain forest habitat, some vegetation and dirt spilled across the the floor. A rivulet of phosphorescent liquid trickles through the dirt and pools at the back of the hold.
Breathing in a final lungful of lush, earthy air, Greystorm sealed up the transport after the last boot hit the ground. Thirty-three years since her last touch-down here. Or was there a brief stint a few years after? Hell if she can remember. Her own tromping resonated with a lonely tune, stalking back into the cockpit and making the Captain grimace with her manhandling of the seat adjusters and other 'finely tuned' equipment. "What?" the old rebel challenged, but before the poor captain had time to brave a response, she hunched over her display and fiddled with her mic.
"That's some beautiful scenery I'm seeing there, Daggers," clips the Major's voice into their helmet coms as they approach the damaged engine. "Delong - you watch their asses. Remember what I said about the not-so-warm fuzzies. Gaarurra, be careful, but see if you can fit inside. If so, get in there, boarding party. I'm thinkin' the conventional mode of entry is out of order..." She trails off, getting a better look at what her team's visors are picking up as they mill around/climb inside.
"Mother of all Mortensen wasn't playing around. Gaar, wait! Is that what did I-you- just see in the dirt - there! Fan out. I want eyes on all corners - let's get a better visual, people. I see ladders and lifts. Forget the lifts. Find a higher view in there, see if you can't locate a data terminal or… man. Hope he wasn't eaten by one of his pets." The Major screws her expression into genuine awe/horror at the sight of all the tanks, leaning in so far that her own face is illuminated by the feed.
As the troops rush down the ramp and rappel down to the roof of LAMSEL, General Hux sweeps along the aisle of the shuttle, the ramp closing behind him. His long black leather coat flaps at his lower legs as he moves to the observation screens and eases himself into the chair. He slips a comms headset over his head as his eyes begin to scan the live video feed transported to him from his troops below. As one of his troops turns, the General leans forward, his eyes narrowing at one of the screens. "Be advised HM-8668 and EM-1710, your assignment has changed. It would appear that the Bridge screen has been cracked in the crash landing of LAMSEL and that will be a preferable entrance than the airlock. Adjust accordingly and rappel down to break through to the Bridge."
General Hux leans back, lifting a hand to tap his index finger on his chin as he watches RK-8801 and KT-3435 approach the observation dome. "Observation team, that glass looks to be cracked as well. Blaster fire to that area should carve an entrance out for you. Make it so."
KT-3435 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (29). KT-3435 tests her Ranged:blaster rifles skill at a 75 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (90).
Moving with the Team, Gerratt double taps his coms mic in a 'roger roger' fashion in response to the major. Sweeping starboard, the Master sergeant's Rifles snaps to his shoulder as he sees the Rancor smooshed to the glass. Stopping himself before he actually peels off a shot, Gerratt keys his mic as he speaks in a comms whisper. "I think I'm glad for the Dragon piss now. you can't tell if I just shit myself. Eyes open Dagger. weird stuff in here."
Nym Landala tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-43). Delphine Ownnagda tests his Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-80).
Having finished the anchoring procedures for the second fireteam, KT-3435 moves around to the damaged glass panel she had spotted and fires a shot through it, shattering it enough that she can enter. She drops to the ground and rolls to break the fall, bringing her rifle up and doing quick checks of the room before moving to the recroom and peeking in to ensure their target is not within.
"Down the hall. Wedge formation." She moves to take point with the trooper and Rika moving with her until the reach the end of the hallway.
Maze is somewhat surprised to see a badly mauled woman lying dead near the turbolift, which is conveniently propped open. "Hmm..." She activates her comms. "Team: This is KT-3435, be advised of potential hostile wildlife. Presume extremely dangerous. Terminate on sight." She then turns to Rika. "Check the lift and make sure its safe for operation. We'll clear the cabins."
RK-8801 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (11). Oriana tests her Climb skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (49).
They've been removed from their ship, but it doesn't help the smell surrounding them. But, if it means the wildlife of the planet doesn't take them as a mate or anything she'll take it. With the group Oriana would move, blaster rifle in hand steps light and with a touch of grace, as that echo of it has never left. Moving about - the camera on her helmet showing what she is seeing, her hand comes up to touch a part by her ear while listening to the Major with a relay through the video of the ground going up and down quickly as she nods.
With orders given a hand would come up through that video to motion to the ladder, showing that she is going to climb up. Tucking the rifle aside, because she'll need both hands the soldier goes to make her way up for a better view. While doing so, and having to climb over other objects such as tables and debris the Master Sgt's comment would get a bit of a chuckle, the smartass in her wanting to say so many things but they are bit back with a bite of her lower lip, plus with their orders for as much com silence as possible later will be a better time to strike up a smartass comment war.
HM-8668 tests his Climb skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (47).
"Change of orders, Beta Team. We enter through the nose. I will enter first and secure the area. We make our way to the turbo lift. If that is not working, we check for emergency access panels." And with smooth motions, he is bounding down the nose. He lands on the bridge glass, shattered as it is. And kicks out, smashing through the remains and trusting in his armor. The man lands in dark ship's bridge. There are smashed consoles damange all about. "Hammer in. No sign of life. Animals around. Bravo team, follow." Unhooking from the rope, he readies his blaster and makes his way to the turbolift.
Rika's helmet is on a swivel, never still. As Maze takes out the dome, she is watchful, blaster draws attenton. Her helmeted head is on swivel as is the muzzle of her rifle. Satisfied they are safe, for now, she lets Maze and the other drop through then leaps after them. Once again she lands with a silent grace, crouching low and swing round, covering their Six. Once again things look clear, she falls into formation as they proceed. She waits, covering Maze as she checks on the casualty. "Roger that, Maze." The significance of the blood trail does not escape the Valyrie. She steps out into the Hall, Rifle leveled at the open lift.
The something catches her eye, a bloody handprint. On the door opposite. She keys her Com, Rifle still covering the open lift, keeping a wary eye on both. Heaon a swivel. "Maze. Be warned, got sign, on one of the doors, like she was trying to get in."
Thomas Mirdan tests his Climb skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (29). Nym Landala tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (85). PX-1221 tests his Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (51). FZ-4792 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (91).
Thomas Mirdan shoulders his rifle while he climbs. He whispers to himself, "This is why I like the woods... too many shadows and crevices here.". An eye is kept in the maw of that rancor.
Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (2). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (49). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (41). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (57). Oriana tests her Dodge Melee skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (21). Thomas Mirdan tests his Dodge Melee skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (40).
The trooper that repelled down to the bridge with Hammer and Emma begins to look around the bridge as he moves across. "Looks like the pilot smashed his head on the controls when the LAMSEL crashed... doesn't look like there are any other signs of life." Up outside the Captain's Quarters, the trooper hurries along and places his ear to the door. Stepping back he shakes his head and says, "Doesn't sound like anyone is in there."
Private Grae whistles silently in her head, lips pinched together as her wide eyes scan their eerie surroundings. She continuously pivots, keeping her back to the others while edging along the sloped floor, staring up at something nasty, looking back at her with dead eyes and a leaky tank. "Gross" she mouths. The comment is promptly follow by a wince from the Private as /someone/ barks in her ear to shut up, when not relaying pertinent intel. Her gaping around at the mess does cause her to take note of a busted terminal, collapsed on its side. Quick-stepping over, she bends to test its functionality. There's none. "This one's toast."
Private Gilly, on the other hand, is silent as the grave. Armor painted with a number on her shoulder - a joke from childhood, Gilly is thereby differentiated from her twin. Stepping perhaps a bit unnecessarily close to Grae, she elbows her sister in the arm and motions up to a ladder with her rifle, before turning to see what the more experienced folk are making of it all. She takes her place in the line, slinging her rifle over an arm and climbing wordlessly up the ladder after Oriana.
The catwalks all lead one way, to a hatch in the ceiling in the middle. As the two Resistance fighters make their way along the steeply sloping catwalk to that hatch, they pass another large tank of that water. The crack in the side is where the leak pooling in the back must be coming from, a crack that suddenly widens as the two walk past. The tentacle arm of the octoflang whips out, the underside that tries to grip covered with long, prehensile tendrils that seek prey to wrap around. Luckily, the glass slowed it enough for them to duck backwards, and the mini-tentacles wrap around the railing of the catwalk as it pulls itself up out of the water, another tentacle rising next to the sharp, conical head.
The First Order, has it a little quieter. The upper corridors are deserted, but the turbo lifts are not working. The one to the aft of the ship seems to have gone down two floors, while the one to the front is all the way at the bottom level.
"That's the spirit, Delong..." Ambrosia murmurs, keeping her eyes peeled on screen with the occasional glances to their simpler pixilated points bleeping about the grid. "Demo girl," she addresses when the wobbly image of the catwalk comes into 'her' vision and Oriana mounts it. "You leaving some 'bread crumbs' like we talked about?" Then, narrowing her eyes, she points a finger through the holographic display - and ignores the amused grunt of the Captain at her doing so. "There - what's..." The hollered oaths to follow as she 'ducks' the flailing tentacle in her own, safe quarter might put a member of the Hutt cartel to shame. "WHAT IN THE HELL IS THAT!?" She barks. "NOT A FUZZY. I repeat: NOT fuzzy! Team, get out of there, get UP and OUT. And make DAMN sure that ugly sonofabitch doesn't follow you." A pause, as she stiffly sits back down. "Specimen preservation, my ass..."
General Hux is watching the unfolding events of his team on below with a cool determination. He does not so much as flinch at the sight of the maimed woman sprawled in the floor of the hallway to the Captain's Quarters. "RK-8801, KT-3435, it would appear that your turbo lift has blocked your destination. Slide down on the cables to the next floor and check the cabins below to see if there is an access to the next floor. Also check the Turbolift itself and see if there is a hatch you can open to gain access to it." Turning his eyes to another screen, the General says, "It would appear your way is clear HM-8668. You and your team climb down that shaft to the next floor below. The doctor was not found in his quarters, he may be there. Keep your eyes peeled."
<Combat> Gerratt DeLong's attack hits Sesti Gath at a 100 difficulty! (9)
* Damage: 28 wound and 1 stun.
Red 2 is flying close to the planet in an arc that is meant to keep a close eye on the ground movement as well as protect them from anyone in the sky. As Nym looks down on the forest villages, she spots something strange, quickly relaying over the coms, "This is Red 2, Ground Team, I'm seeing the Storm Troopers attempting to repeal the bridge of Lamsel. Keep an eye out!" Banking right, she makes a bother pass as her wingman remains close at hand. "Alright, everyone, let's stay alert. The First Order's never let anything go easy."'
Then everything kicks off at once. On her scanner, a blip flies across at speed, and Fuze's voice kicks in sharply, "One hostile, X-Wing, bearing 041, range 10,000, speed point seven five. Engaging." Even as she was speaking, her TIE fighter breaks out of its bank and, engaging full thrust, darts towards the action. "Finalizer, Fuze. Tell the groundpounders they got company airside." She's hugging the trees, jinking up and down as she comes on an interception course towards the T-70. "Pox, with me. Alpha Two," which would be her own wingman, "Recon that village. If there's anything hostile there, suppress it." Which is quite the euphemism.'
Having found himself a nice perch, Master Sergeant Delong raises an eyebrow and mutters "What the Keck?" Sighting on the flailing Tentacle, Gerratt takes a deep breath, holds it for a moment, touches the trigger and relaxes as the Tentacle is severed and drops back into the vat. "Door's open...Got your back Sergeant." Releasing the mic, he mutters. "Kackin' 3 ring bitch of a freakshow in here."
HM-8668 tests his Dodge Melee skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (64). EM-1710 tests her Dodge Melee skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (35). KT-3435 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (72). HM-8668 tests his Melee:unarmed skill at a 120 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (76). EM-1710 tests her Dodge Melee skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (35). KT-3435 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (72). HM-8668 tests his Melee:unarmed skill at a 120 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (76). Oriana tests her Climb skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-3).
While the trooper checks the room with the handprint on the door, KT-3435 moves to the lift and examines it before she locates the access hatch. "Alright. Down to mee the rest of the team." She harnesses her weapon and begins a descent to the third floor. When she steps out, she finds a set of bloody footprints leading away, which leads towards the back of the ship. "Hmmmm... Check these rooms and we'll move to meet up with the others."
Progress has been made through this maze of stuff. Oriana has had a bit of work here and there, but she is doing it. While moving eyes move to that pool of water and the creature inside right before it reaches out for something, anything. Quick enough to move back and catch her breath eyes narrow a touch with jump as the Major suddenly loudly orders into their ear. "Placing a breadcrumb now." Is the reply.
Making sure she is well out of the way of that not fuzzy thing the boom-girl reaches under her smelly clothing and pulls out a bomb, going to place it against a wall, sticking it there and setting it to go off with her detonation. When that's done hurried movements would go to bring her to the finish of her climb, but what she didn't expect was that her foot would slip and given the incline that her face would smack against the wall. "Fuc ---" Words begin as a curse as her face skids a bit, then it's followed by a slur of quiet works in another unknown language. To the video, it may look amusing but she doesn't sound amused as she grabs a hold to the ladder and goes to steady herself, get her grip back and find her footing once more.
Oriana tests her Demolitions skill at a 103 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (46). RK-8801 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (22). RK-8801 tests her Listen skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (88).
HM-8668 opens the door to the turbolift, forcing it apart. He starts climbing downwards and then.. A flock of small creatures.. sharp beaked bats of some sort.. brown and leathery fly up and attack him. He swings about on the emergency ladder, dodging and twisting away from the creatures. Taking a risk, he swings outwards with his feet and nails one, driving it down the shaft to land with a meaty thunk. He pants, holding onto the ladder, "Local fauna. Dangerous. Hammer moving on." And continues to climb down to reach the level blow and work at the doors.
<Combat> Gaarurra's attack misses Sesti Gath at a 100 difficulty! (-68)
<Combat> Gaarurra's attack hits Sesti Gath at a 100 difficulty! (19)
* Damage: 56 wound and 2 stun.
Climbing alongside Hammer, Emma too is battered by the sudden rush of flying animals, but she manages to hold on. As one gets close she too kicks out, but the creatures are easily dispursed from around her and she keeps climbing, taking a deep breath. "We're clear, continuing on path."
Gaarurra takes a different tactic at solving the octoflang problem. The bowcaster shoots a hole in the tank, which, with it's previous cracks, gives way completely. As the water and glass comes showering down towards the stern, he takes aim at the flailing monster and fires again. It lands with a splash between the two resistance fighters left there at the bottom, and then floats as the sudden rush of water comes up to the wookiee's waist before it starts to drain out where they entered.
Rika follows the others, slinging her rifle and slipping through the hatch. Once out on the new level she nootes the same footprints, helet risingas she tracks them away. Then she freezes, head cocked. "Finalizer, Rika; we have blaster fire...and screams. Sounds like the Hold below us. We have company!" She draws her carbine in a smooth movement, muzzle tracking with her gaze.
Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 40 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (27). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (70). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (23).
Thomas manages to keep a hold and not slip as the water goes rushing past him. He continues on towards the hatch.
Private Grae is ON it. Still at the base of the ladder, she whips around to send a volley from her rifle at the monstrous cephalopod...except the Master Sergeant has already severed the tentacle, the Wookiee has ruptured the holding tank, and she's now clinging for life to the ladder as chaos washes by. Not sticking around to see if the octo's actually dead, she scrambles up the slippery ladder fast as she can to regroup with the others on the catwalk above.
Private Gilly staggers aside, behind the slipping Oriana, and positions herself as a sort of spotter until the Sgt regains her footing on the ladder. "Comin up behind ya, Sarge," she whispers into the com.
The way to the hatch is now clear for the small Resistance group. The catwalk goes back towards the middle of the cargo hold, and the hatch is there, with a stairway leading up to it, which may, or may not, make it easier to get in, considering the angle of the ship.
After the fleeing beaky bats sweep up and out, Hammer can make his way to the doors and pry them open to be confronted by a pristine white corridor, the opposite end of the one that Rika is entering. There are doors along either side, and some windows, looking into lab rooms of all kinds. There's a jumble of tools and chairs at the 'bottom' of each room, and in the middle runs a long case, floor to ceiling, that holds specimans of all species that are human sized and under. Mostly in different stages of dissection.
HM-8668 tests his Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (9). KT-3435 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (46). EM-1710 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (9). RK-8801 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (28).
"Dammit," Major Greystorm hisses and throws her head back against the cushioned rest. "Good eye, Red 2. Everyone copy, Daggers? Expect some 'First' rate company, entering from the upper levels. I want you all together, NOW. Move as one. Delong, keep on our rear, Gaaruurra - you get up that ladder-Sarlaac's sac, demo-girl! Watch your footing! Get up that hatch before anything else wants to shake hands. Find a functioning terminal that'll let you plug in, locate the Doctor and his data, and move your ass back to this ship!" Turning away from the console for a moment, Ambrosia bows her chin into her chest and touches a fingertip to her temple. The vein is madly pulsing away.
"You don't enjoy this side of the job, do you?" The Captain murmurs, reclining best he can in the CO pilot seat. "No," Ambrosia grumps. "You wanna be out there?" The Major flashes an artificial smile before swiveling back to focus on her new station in life. "What d'you think?" "I think you're getting old...Ice Queen" The salt'n'pepper captain sighs, shakes his head, and adjusts some shield focuses on the ship.
Left eye twitching, Ambrosia enlargers her schematic of the ship. "Once you get up there, team, start filing aft-ward. Should be some crew cabins, unless he modified to the extreme. Maybe our target's hiding in there."
As word cuts across his coms from one of his TIE pilots, General Hux growls and says, "Alpha Squadron, affirmative. Engage and terminate. Show the Resistance scum no mercy." His eyes scan the screens before him, watching as HM-8668 and EM-1710 and their third move downward on schedule. "Copy that, RK-8801, Troops, be advised we have Resistance fighters engaging with Alpha Squadron. Watch your backs, no doubt the Resistance must have heard the signal as well. Be advised and proceed with caution, be ready for a fight, but move quickly. Find the doctor and extract!" He seems to be getting angrier as he speaks, clearly upset that the Resistance has shown up. He leans back into his chair, hands grasping the arms of his chair tightly.
Gerratt DeLong tests his Willpower skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (39). KT-3435 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (42). Gerratt DeLong tests his Climb skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-20). HM-8668 tests his Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (32).
One moment, Gerratt is watching through his scope. the next he is awash in a sea of Glowing fluid and Octoflang shit. Rifle held above his head as the stuff washes over him, he keeps the weapon dry at least. as the tide Ebbs, the Master sergeant stands stock still. His face neutral as he opens his eyes slowly. Staring straight ahead, the middle aged soldier says not. one. word. Finally he spits out a mouthful of the nasty fluid and keys his mic, his voice dead calm and professional as he replies to the major. "On my way ma'am." Up and moving once more, Gerratt heads for the ladder. jumping to it, he misjudges the viscosity of Octoflang crap and realizes his mistake as his hands slip on the ladder, and his boots fail to find purchase. Landing on his back in the nasty stuff once more, Rifle still held up out of the muck.
There are rooms to check. Quite a few. KT-3435 gestures to her team. "Move ahead into the corridor. I'll check these rooms. I'll call if I need help." She then moves into a room, only to find a body of an unnecessary person. Not the doctor. On to the next one.
RK-8801 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (33). Oriana tests her Computer Use skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (18). RK-8801 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (61).
After a second her footing is found, hands grab the ladder and she'd make her way up with the group, so they are all together. Once to a stable spot, one where she wouldn't smack her face or do any other mildly embarrassing damage - well, there is always time she nods to the response from the Major in conformation. Looking for a terminal Oriana moves to it, rifle in one hand just to be sure. Working the panel to her delight it works! The doors slide up and, a hand comes up to her ear piece as she talks into the mic. "Got it open, Major. Going to poke my head inside." She pauses briefly. "Master Sgt, if you're okay hurry on up." And then there is a shuffle forward, as much cover as she could manage is taken and she'd peek in just enough to see what's going on.
EM-1710 tests her Spot skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-22). Gaarurra tests his Climb skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (35).
HM-8668 steps into the corridor, weapon leveled as he looks down the sights. And jumps sideways as something seems to leap out at him from the tank. He spins and starts to fire while scrambling away. No.. No.. nothing. Just a shadow or an illusion of flickering light. Struggling to maintain com discipline, he swears inside his helmet but not over the channels. "Batha poodo!" He shakes his head and then moves down the port side of the corridor. And pauses. "Something strange about halfway down on the port side. It looks like the room is flooded."
Gaarurra tests his Listen skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-3).
"Sorry," Gaarurra says to Gerrat as the older soldier is almost drowned in.. crap. Now he's really going to need a shower, dragon piss and octoflang shit make a pungeant combination. He gives a nod, "On my way Major," he says in his native language, and goes for the ladder opposite Gerratt, swinging his way up to the catwalks.
Rika follows along, checking doors. She leapfrogs Maze as she finds another body. Halfway up, on the left, she pauses at just before one door, looking into the window intently then down at the floor and the trickle of fluid coming from beneath it. "Maze, we have flooding in this room..." Then the floor moves, literally. A hatch opens from the smooth surface, rising levelly. She drops to one knee, blaster bearing on it. "Finlizer, Rika, team we have something or someone coming up, lock and load!" Her voice hisses over the Coms. Trying to keep and element of surprise here....
Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 45 at a difficulty of 100. The result is unsuccessful (-8). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 40 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (8). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 73 at a difficulty of 100. The result is unsuccessful (-22). Oriana tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (46).
EM saw something... or did she? She's not quite sure. Spotting something out of the corner of her eye she turns around to glance back at Hammer's reaction. "Something in the water?" she repeats and grips her weapon tightly with a grim frown under her helmet. "Eyes sharp then. Your call Hammer. I'll follow your lead."
Still with Oriana, Thomas waits on the stairs next to her while she takes a little peek over the edge.
Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (22). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is unsuccessful (-9). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (72). Sesti Gath tests an NPC's skill of 75 at a difficulty of 100. The result is successful (40).
Privates Gilly and Grae move in-step with the rest of Dagger team, hearts racing. While they wait, they keep eyes and ears alert, peering up at the ceiling overhead and back down to the swampy cargo hold.
"Hey!" Private Grae hisses lowly into her com. "Think I heard a shot fired up there. Watch yourself, Sgt..."
The trooper that had been with RK-8801 and KT-3435 kicks in a door as he moves along toward the center of the floor. Glancing inside he says, "I think I found something. Stooping, he picks up a few crumpled papers and a broken data stick." He hurries back to KT-3435 and says, "May have found something, sir. Turning over to you before pressing onward."
On the other side of the hold, Hammer and Emma's third is glancing around as the trio make their way through the hold. He pauses, gazing at a window. "Check, check! Movement over there in the floor. Looks like some form of hatch, but I can't tell what is there!"
The sounds of battle can be heard outside the ship as the fighters engage, and the crack of a huge tree falling.
As the opposing sides meet inside the ship, the water drains from the hold below, but the stench now wafting up in that corridor presages the entrance of the Resistance more than visual confirmation. Condor dragon piss is most prevalent, and now it's wet, which intensifies any odor. Then, there's wet fur, soaked with dead octoflang liquids. The First Order are at top and bottom of the corridor, while two First Order are searching rooms for any signs of the doctor.
"Hey good save!" Greystorm whistles through her teeth as Gerratt's cam catches a fraction of his rifle-preserving efforts in view. Pressing a finger to her throat, she watches the cavernous room slowly steady through his eyes and silences her mic with a mutter of "Maybe I'm not so envious" then cues her mic back on, attention shifting to the progress those breaching into level 'C' are making.
General Hux listens to the sounds of battle coming across his coms from the fighters battling outside the ship and the reports coming in to him from his soldiers on the ship. "Troops, our TIE pilots are engaged. There are Resistance here. Be advised and ready for combat. Find that doctor!"
Gerratt DeLong tests his Climb skill at a 100 difficulty.
-Failed- (-15). KT-3435 tests her Perception skill at a 100 difficulty. +SUCCESS+ (9). KT-3435 tests her Ranged:blaster rifle skill at a 100 difficulty. -Failed- (-25).
And once again, Gerratt is slipping in the Octoflang slime. managing to at least hold onto the ladder this time, he snarls "Vat with a big monster in it. let's shoot the Kacking vat! Brilliant kacking idea. Let's flood the cargo hold with Monster Shit and effluence...love it. What the hell is this stuff made of anyways? Hutt sperm?" there's a brief moment of silence before he mutters. "What's this light on fo...the kacking mic?" and then the line goes dead.
"Thank you, trooper." KT-3435 states as the trooper delivers the data chips to her. She then continues on with her mission of searching the rooms, only to be startled by one of the flying taloned bat things. She takes a shot at it, but it misses. At least it scares it off. "Hmmm. Another room cleared...."
<Combat> Oriana's attack misses HM-8668 at a 120 difficulty! (-84)
Oriana, from where she is hears the shot that was fired. Well, that confirms her suspicions that they aren't alone in here. Ducking down she whispers, nay near hisses into her mic. "Confirmed, shots fired! Assuming it's them." Her tone is steady through this, like her grip on the rife. Eyes flicker to the others; it's a gaze that's harder than what her normal warm spiced-brown gaze betrays. "Guess the only thing we can do, is go in and give them a good what for! And someone check on the Master Sgt, make sure he didn't drown in hutt sperm!" That's the conclusion she makes as it's announced over their mic. It's either let them find that doctor and scoot out or make it as hard on them as she can! Clutching her rifle she moves to the door that she had opened. Poking up a notch with rifle in hand, making sure she is situated right to cover herself if need be, the first Stormtrooper her eyes fall on is where she shoots. And that fails, terribly. Horribly. Badly! A freaky thing happens, her blaster just.. explodes. Suddenly a blast happens clear as day and blows out the top. Talking about distraction, right?! This being a very unexpected turn of events she finds herself propelled back, hitting the catwalk with a terrible thud and groans a bit. "Well fuck you too!" Mutters the woman in her daze.
HM-8668 dodges the incoming shot after it already misses him. He sprints forward, firing his blaster at the open hatchway. Ozone reeks the air. Along with another horrible smell. "Contact. Hatch in Middle. Good call, rika. I am on it. EM, Move up and cover the hatch. The rest of you search for the doctor!"
Fire fight was speed rolled
General Hux had been sitting on the observation platform of the shuttle. He had been alternating his attention, between both the video feed from the TIE fighters outside the crashed vessel below to the raging war between the Resistance and First Order inside the long hallway. The battle was fevered and intense, and neither side seemed to be able to gain the upper hand over the other for a sustainable amount of time. The report had already came through earlier from KT-3435 that she had retrieved what appeared to be crumpled notes and a data stick. With the clear victory of his TIE fighters outside, the General leaned into his chair and barked into his com, "Troops! Fall back. We have what we came for. Forget the doctor, he's dead weight. Everyone back to the transport." No sooner does he say this than the transport's loading ramp begins to open behind him.
"Keep'em busy, Red" The Res troop transport Captain encourages through the squadron's frequency. Meanwhile, Greystorm is groaning through hers. "Got any syntherope in that arsenal of yours, Delong? Delong?" Arching a brow, she rubs at her nose and gets up from her seat to pace a couple steps around. "Anyone got eyes on De...Thank you, Private Grae. Please advise the Master Sgt that his audio feed is malfunctioning."
And then Oriana's vid feed explodes in a brilliant wash of white and blue. She tenses her jaw, nostrils flared. Furious. "We don't have time for mistakes," a low warning growl forms in her throat, "Let's toss some flashers up there and haul ass. Tick-Tock, Get That Doc!"
Seeing that the Master Sergeant is having one HELL of a time trying to keep up, Private Grae backs up a few steps out of formation to lend an assist. "Sir?" She moves a hand to her hip and starts pulling a length of line to toss down to him. And then 'demo girl' explodes. Sort of. Jumping around to look, Grae gawks.
Private Gilly had been right up Oriana's bum while waiting for the hatch to pop, so when the blaster overloads, it's all she can do to throw her arm up as a shield against the wave of heat and the human projectile. She loses her footing.
Finally getting to the top of the catwalk, Gerratt settles in for the firefight. Resting the big sniper rifle on a convenient surface, the Master Sergeant pauses as he hears something. Looking around for a moment, he whistles to his sergeant and motions to the roof behind him as he calls out "Sergeant! make me a door....there!"
HM-8668 takes a hit to his left shoulder, nasty. The trooper grunts in pain as the armor is penetrated and his flesh is charred. More scars for his collection. He continues firing down the hatchway, working with EM to maintain suppression fire while the rest search the rooms. Apparently, with success as the intercom blares with General Hux's commands. "Maze. Rika. Fall back to the turbolift at the front of the ship! Up the shaft and exit. Everyone else, maintain suppression fire. Fall back by pairs." A grunt of pain in his voice. "And then our fighters will blast this ship into ruin! Move!"
That fall knocked the wind out of her, made her head spin and the world seem like a mess. It also left her with a burnt out rifle that's no use. Doing her best to bring her head out of that cloud Oriana pushes herself up to sit and rubs her head cursing in some foreign language under her breath. From there she pushes to stand with a slight stumble. It's right in time for Gerratt to come up, finally, from his little bit of swimming with the fishes. Looking up to where he directs there is a nod with a bit of a smirk and hurriedly goes, with his cover, to blast open a door - this time on purpose. Seeing the doctor and a few others hiding within and making sure briefly that they are secure enough to bring them down this Resistance soldier would work as quick and smoothly as she could to get them over to Gaarurra who will hopefully help them down to safety. After that's done and with the cover she'd go to usher them down and out, back to their shuttle to safety.
The wound is fairly serious, but the large figure of the wookiee isn't paying it any mind while rushing back to the new “door”. Gaarurra seems to have one track mind in helping everyone get out safely if it can be helped. Helping them down as Oriana guides them over, he'll usher all to safety and only when they are so will he allow himself to be treated.
Rika covers Maze, and the precious data stick, with her own tall form, hurling a storm of suppressive fire as they meet up with Hammer's team. A flash and a scream tells her at least one shot struck home. (Private Grae will not be fighting another day) She grins ferally under her helmet. Shots crack past them as they run, white boots pounding on the deck plating, no time for stealth now! They make the front of the ship. Rika and the others form a cordon, shielding Maze as she climbs the shaft, firing all the while. She covers the wounded Hammer then, giving the Resistance fighters a middle finger as she does, she bolts up the shaft herself. "For the Order!!!" Echoes back to their foes.....
