Log:Voss Galactic Sabotage, Part 2
The counter-terrorism team from VGC tries to defuse the bombs before they detonate a luxury liner...
OOC Date: April 12, 2023
Location: Euphoria
Participants: Kael Greystorm, Guri, Zena Tane, Aryn Cortess, Hadrix Kora, Terek Rosol, Aria Voss as GM
SCENARIO:
In a galaxy torn by conflict, 54 years after the Battle of Yavin, the Sith Empire has risen from the ashes of Exegol, seizing control and casting its dark shadow over the remnants of the New Republic, now known simply as "the Rebellion." Amidst the chaos and turmoil, the corporate world continues its ruthless pursuit of profit and power.
You find yourselves in the employ of Lady Aria Voss, the enigmatic Vice President of Voss Galactic Corporation, a company known for its flawless reputation in the shipping and transportation sector and major contributions to the Sith Empire. Having recently expanded to the Outer Rim and established a presence on Nar Shaddaa, Lady Voss has convinced her father, Lord Ronan Voss, to begin offering luxury travel between the towering peaks of New Vertica and the Sith Empire's capital world of Coruscant on the company's Kalevala Spaceworks Nau'ur-class liners. However, Lady Voss has learned that the ship slated to make the maiden voyage, "Euphoria," has become the target of sabotage from the Black Nova Corporation, a rival known for its ruthless tactics.
Having originally been given warning only that Black Nova was intending to sabotage one of the ships of the Voss fleet, Lady Aria Voss hired a team to discover the company's true intentions. A datastick was recovered from the underground levels of Ko Hentota that contained a black market list explosives that had been recently sold and to whom. Narsha, a courtesan in the company's employ, was tasked with escorting Lorn Vossk, a high-level Black Nova executive, for an evening and pumping him for information. The next day, he was found dead in his hotel room.
After that, Lady Voss had the name of the ship they were going to target and the name of the saboteur, Zax Raxus, an assassin known for his talent working remotely, slicing computer networks and getting droids to do his dirty work. What's worse: his name appeared on that datastick. It wasn't a simple computer system sabotage. There were easily enough explosives to destroy the whole ship. Four different explosives packages had been purchased, complete with wiring harnesses and data uplinks, any two of which would be enough to reduce the craft and all of its 500 passengers and crew to scrap.
The Euphoria, a lavish starliner filled with approximately 500 wealthy passengers and priceless cargo -- artwork, artifacts, and gems -- has already departed for its destination: Coruscant. However, as the ship sails through the stars, it is locked in a mysterious and unresponsive autopilot, leaving the crew unable to evacuate or alter course. Time is of the essence.
You and your team have been entrusted with the task of boarding the Euphoria, discovering the nature of the sabotage, and preventing disaster before it reaches the Sith Capital World. To accomplish this, you'll be traveling aboard the Darkfire, a custom YT-2400 piloted by the skilled Mara Syl. As you approach the Euphoria, you know that every second counts, and the fate of the ship and its passengers rests in your hands.
Some occupants of the Luxury Liner /Euphoria/ are greeted with a fantastic view of the underbelly of a YT-2400 as it cruises around the top, observation deck, and then disappears from view, settling onto the luxury liner's single landing pad.
As the Darkfire's starboard docking port connects seamlessly to the Euphoria's airlock, you can't help but marvel at the advanced technology and luxurious design of the ship. The airlock door opens with a soft hiss, and you step onto the Euphoria, immediately enveloped in a subtle yet captivating scent of exotic flowers and spices that fills the air.
You find yourselves in a sumptuously decorated vestibule, a small antechamber before the main areas of the ship. The walls are adorned with intricate, flowing patterns etched into the polished metal, and the floor is a plush, deep red carpet that seems to swallow your footsteps as you move.
A couple of highly polish protocol droids stand nearby, their gleaming golden chassis reflecting the soft, warm lighting that permeates the room. Their optical sensors track your movements, and one of them steps forward with a courteous bow, ready to offer assistance or information.
"Greetings, representatives of Voss Galactic Corporation. The captain has instructed us provide you with whatever information you require," one of the protocol droids says.
Beyond the vestibule, you can catch a glimpse of the ship's opulent interior through a set of massive, sliding double doors. A faint murmur of laughter, music, and clinking glasses reaches your ears from the other side, hinting at the vibrant life within the ship's elegant entertainment areas.
As you take in your surroundings, you can't help but feel a sense of urgency, remembering that the Euphoria's clock is ticking. You know that somewhere within this lavish vessel, a deadly threat lies hidden, and it's up to you to uncover it before it's too late.
Kael had decided to actually step out of his faux retirement and tag along with this job. He's been off to the side as the Darkfire caught up with the Euphoria checking his kit before he lets out a bit of a yawn. As they dock he climbs to his feet looking around a bit before he steps through the docking port to the luxury liner, "So where do we want to start folks?"
"Alright, well I say first we need to get the sensitive parts of the ship secure from sabotage, engineering, the bridge, that sort of thing." Says Bar'duur, wearing his armor, he's decided not to wear the jetpack today.
Amongst the party hired by Voss Galactic Corporations is a rather gaunt looking blonde woman carrying a slicer bracer on one arm. She's got a pair of digital glaces over her cybernetic eyes and her dirty blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. Walking with her head down, licking her lips, and trying not to make eye contact. She clears her throat periodically into her elbow.
How the hell did Zena get here? They needed an extra body, that's how. She'd been minding her business in the Hutt District on Nar Shaddaa, doing a little window shopping when she was approached.
Granted, she was in full Mandalorian armor at the time. This might have had something to do with it.
Now, she sits in the freighter as it docks, running the final check on her gear. Which is her armor and her far too large rifle. It probably won't be too useful in here, but then again, you never leave home without it. She makes her way into the luxury liner and whistles beneath her helmet, the vocoder distorting it into something not quite human. <<"Well damn,">> she says looking around. <<"Too fancy for my blood.">>
She hefts the rifle slung over her shoulder and suddenly has a thought. ... Who is in charge of this little op? She looks at the two that have spoken, not knowing them from anywhere. <<"I'm a pilot, I guess I'll look at the bridge. See what I can do there to get this monstrosity back under control.">> She looks at one of the droids. <<"Take me to the bridge.">>
"My word, your Grace, why all the black. With such a pretty face and bright blue eyes, you ought pursue more colorful arrangements. I know just the place on Coruscant," Explains Lady Eithel, a noble from the upper tier of Coruscant. The thick core accent gave it away and provided the only opportunity for one to notice the disparity of Aryn's highlands core to the central Coruscanti core. Needless to say, the gaggle of nobility seem intent on dressing the blonde, Aryn, in their fashions from home.
"A cape? Ugh, your grace surely Alderaan has some use of dresses still?"
Aryn sighs, raising her glass of amber colored wine. "Must all topics revolve around clothing, my ladies? Surely there are those whose ensemble would benefit from your expertise."
"We are trying to benefit you, your grace."
"Yes, I noticed. To be frank, it is a touch annoying. I wear black because I am in mourning."
"Oh, graces above, we did not know. May I ask--"
"T'was my lord Father. In his sleep if reports are to be trusted. His absence in this life is certainly felt; a day I had not wished would dawn." Aryn claims, the melancholy heavy in her vicinity. The Ladies with her grow quiet, taking a moment to share in her grief and look out upon the view from the observation deck.
"Could have worn-" <"my suit."> you and my blending but the both of them are in perfect unison on the last word. Hadrix and Gripper walking slowly from the ramp. Visor falling on the various figures around him and offering faint nods to others in beskar'gam.
<"Fuel pods?"> "Would you?" <"I'd do the coaxium tanks."> the pair meeting eye to eye as they walk, a claw from the ID-10 lifted towards the big man, "You -would- use that." <"It's effective."> "Overkill." <"Measure twice, explode once.">
Turning as he walks, to face towards the others on the go, looking to see if any others have a similar idea - or others to forward. Hands move in rote, unconscious, motion to check over his gear webbing, his bracers, his belt. Securing his equipment or making sure he didn't manage to forget something despite fastidious, borderline obsessive, preparedness.
Terek had been called on by Hadrix for another mission with Voss, and had arrived in due time, showing up behind Hadrix at the location. When they joined the others, he had been mostly listening in, though once Hadrix had finished his conversation, the cathar offered his suggestion, <"I'd rather keep all my fur on, so as long as it doesn't burn through the armor."> He taps his chestplate for a moment, <"Then I'm in.">
Kalevala Spaceworks Nau'ur-class luxury liners were /not/ fast vessels. This was not the most efficient way to travel from New Vertica to Coruscant -- it was the most luxurious. From onboard swimming pools, state rooms, bars, restaurants, spas, gambling, and more, the trips were intended to take from two to five days, depending on the schedule of the specific vessel. Some even made other stops along the way, coasting by particularly beautiful nebulae and other astronomic phenomena, much to the delight of anyone fortunate enough to be sitting in the largest single room of the ship... the Observation Lounge.
Once the luxury liner had left atmosphere and entered cruise mode, the durasteel protection that normally covered the top dome of the ship was withdrawn, and the very top-most deck was allowed a semi-sphere view of the infinite expanse of space beyond. This deck /happens/ also to be just one deck above the ship's singular point of entry mid-flight... the landing pad and airlock. It's no surprise, then, that anyone on the observation deck got an up-close look of that YT-2400 as it was setting down, drifting slowly out of view.
One of the two protocol droids waddles over closer to Zena when she gives her order and provides a quick bow. "I would be happy to. On our way, please feel free to scan the control panel..." There's a quick, jerky arm motion back to a panel on the wall. "...which will provide any of your devices with a convenient deck layout for your use in navigating the vessel. The Captain has asked me to inform you that the ship remains on autopilot and the crew is working diligently to correct the problem, but to no avail. No announcement has yet been made to the passengers. However, a test of the onboard life pod systems failed. It appears that we are unable to evacuate any members of the crew or passengers at this time."
A pause, then, and the droid looks back to Zena. "Please follow me."
Swivel, turn, waddle waddle waddle.
The inner doors hiss open, visible from the lounge above -- because when the ship was designed, it was designed so that arriving VIP guests would be presented with the most breathtaking view possible. Not to conceal the arrival of a special team of elite anti-terrorists.
The remaining protocol droid remains standing there, looking among them as if ready to answer questions.
"You may ask me any questions you desire. Or, you are free to roam about the ship. Security has been informed of your arrival, and your unique signatures will be added to the 'do not harm' database as you pass through these doors."
Deck 1 - Observatory: A massive, transparently shielded dome providing panoramic views of the stars and a serene space for reflection or relaxation.
Deck 2 - Docking Port Access: Just one level below the Observatory with stairs and a lift up, the docking port allows VIP guests to arrive late or leave early.
Deck 5 - Luxury Suites: Exclusive accommodations for the wealthiest and most influential passengers, each suite featuring state-of-the-art amenities.
Deck 10 - Entertainment Deck: Home to a variety of upscale restaurants, bars, and casinos, where passengers can wine, dine, and socialize.
Deck 15 - Holo-theater and Spa: A deck dedicated to relaxation and entertainment, with a high-end holo-theater and an extravagant spa facility.
Deck 20 - Medical Bay: A fully-equipped medical center with advanced medical droids and equipment for treating injuries and illnesses.
Deck 25 - Bridge: The ship's command center, where the crew navigates and controls the Euphoria's various systems.
Deck 30 - Security and Communications: This deck houses the ship's security office and communications hub, as well as any security or surveillance equipment.
Deck 35 - Computer Maintenance Room: A vital area containing the Euphoria's central computer systems and the technicians who maintain them.
Deck 40 - Crew Quarters: The living and recreation areas for the Euphoria's crew, including bunkrooms, mess hall, and common areas.
Deck 45 - Galley: The ship's main kitchen, where meals are prepared for passengers and crew alike.
Deck 50 - Engineering and Maintenance: This deck is dedicated to the upkeep of the ship's systems and houses engineering workshops and storage areas.
Deck 55 - Engine Room: The heart of the Euphoria's propulsion system, where the ship's power generators and hyperdrive motivator are located.
Deck 60 - Cargo Storage: The lowest deck of the ship, containing secured cargo bays for storing valuable items, luggage, and supplies.
Kael listens to the others for a moment and nods towards Hadrix, "If I was going to plant explosives to ensure a ship this size was no more I'd want to get the fuel area possibly the life support and the escape pods. Don't want any survivors." He hrmmms for a moment, "I'd also want to keep an eye on everything so a connection to the computer system to monitor security." He looks to the Protocol droid, "Is there access to the security system from here or is it only down on the security deck?" When the droid responds he nods a bit, "Mind if I go take a look?" After fiddling with the system for a bit he shrugs, "Looks clean. Perhaps I should stick to the physical work."
<<"Comms check?">> The slicer asks with cybernetic eyes peer up over the digital glass of her blue glasses at the hulking figure of Hadrix heading off coaxium tanks, she nods sheepishly and runs her hand slowly up the back of her arm. With a few blinks, she glances around steadily and stares at the one saying she's a pilot, "I'll go with her. I need access to the ships camera systems, it'll be easier from the cockpit." Her tone is quiet, her accent is very street urchin, with heavy Corellian twang.
She peels off after Zena, keeping a few steps behind her as they approach the cockpit. Peering side to side... she slips side ways out of people's way, "Sorry.." She throws her hands up apologetically at a server moving towards the guests with offerings of more drinks and appetizers and hits the corner of that tray, which knocks out of his hand, creating quite the commotion... likely drawing a great deal of attention from above.. She blinks apologetically, kneels down and tries to help clean the mess, but she's peering up at the Observation deck... directly at Aryn. One way mirror or not. Her head cant's, then she looks to the server, putting a few broken glasses on his tray, "So sorry! Oh my..." Awkwardly, hands trembling, she turns and rushes off
Wiping her fingers on her legs as she jogs a step forward to catch up with Zena.. "Hello, I'm She'ree..." Offering her hand with a small smile that looks like she's trying to be friendly and doesn't really know how that's suppose to look.
"Oh, excuse me... I need to..." She points at a lift and starts down to level 30, where the security acces is. <<"Should have cameras in my hands shortly, stand by.">>
Zena follows the droid, using the scanning doohickey to pull the deck plan from the ship and into her HUD in her helmet. <<"Deck 25 it is,">> she says to herself as she follows the droid to the lift. The helmet swivels up towards the observation deck, T-visor staring unblinking. Anyone could be under that helmet.
No one would expect a lovely young woman who is staring up there because she wants to -be- up there partying with rich people. So much so that she doesn't even notice the commotion behind her until She'ree catches up with her.
She's so hard to read with the helmet on. Her body language, despite the sigh she just made, is businesslike and martial. Almost cold. Still, she takes the woman's hand in her gloved one and gives the textbook definition of a handshake. <<"Zena. Nice to work with you,">> she says through the vocal distortion as the lift's doors close.
<"Getting lit on fire builds character, Terek."> a rough chuckle through the big man's core-worlds lilt, visor turning towards Kael when he comments on his choice of travel, <"I'll comm if we explode while down there."> the droid floating at his shoulder tilting as if to roll her optical sensors at the poor humor.
<<"Comms, reading. How me?">>
Looking up again when Gripper 'tinks' his helmet and motions towards the observation area, "Small galaxy."
<"Indeed. Send a signal, let her know that I'd have a word?"> "We're on a job." <"Details."> "We're -on- a job." <"Just do it."> head shaking, stalking towards the turbolifts with Terek, holding to wait on Gripper's return as the droid sets off at speed to reach Queen Cortess, dipping on her hovers as if to curtsey.
"Your Majesty, Al'Verde Kora of Ealor requests audience and asked me to bring you to him." almost annoyed sounding at having to do such tasks now.
Aryn had a keen sense of surroundings and perception, so keen in fact, that she could detect the presence of life, and specifically who that presence belonged to! That, however, did not allow for her to detect the presence of Hadrix Kora, or Guri (whom she does not know) but comes under the heavy stare from. Sharing the stare for all the time it takes Guri to move on, Aryn is suddenly acutely aware that something is amiss; given the presence of the Mandalorian Hadrix, that is.
"My Ladies, if you would excuse me.." Aryn slips free of the gaggle and is enroute to intercept when she's stopped by the droid that often hooks itself to Hadrix's back. "Ironic, I felt compelled to see the Commander. Lead on, Ms. Gripper. I will follow."
Following along, Terek comes back over comms in response, <"Loud and clear. What're you seeing?"> He asks, watching as Gripper zips off, visor drifting to where the droid sails to, <"Huh."> The dark armored cathar glances back at Hadrix for a moment, <"I'll be at the turbolift. Try not to take too long."> He says, though the tone in his voice through the comms is clear he's joking.
He turns on a heel and steps off, finishing the trek down to the turbolift and setting himself up in front of the control panel, to await the commander once he finishes whatever he needs to with the Queen.
The group was splitting up!! Kael was checking on the computer terminal next to the airlock, and the two protocol droids were leading the way to the lifts, one guiding Zena and.. erm.. "She'ree" to the bridge, the other leading Hadrix and Terek to Deck 58, Engineering Sub-Level: Primary Fuel Tank Access.
Deck 25, The Bridge, is bathed in a soft, ambient blue light that emanates from recessed fixtures in the ceiling and walls, casting a calming glow over the area. The front of the bridge features a wide, curved viewport that provides a panoramic view of the space ahead, allowing the crew to monitor the ship's trajectory and detect any obstacles or approaching vessels. The holographic projectors in front of it can also display important navigational data, star maps, or real-time video feeds from other areas of the ship.
The captain of the Euphoria, easily identified by his ornate uniform, is standing at one of the consoles, looking over the shoulders of one of his crew members. He's a Twi'lek with green skin, and when doors open and the protocol droid steps out, his smile seems to warm.
"You must be the task force we were told to expect. I'm Captain Ralen Daryn. We're grateful you're here, and I'm happy to provide any assistance I can. We don't seem to have /any/ control over any of our navigation systems."
On Deck 58, Engineering Sub-Level: Primary Fuel Tank Access you find yourself in a large, open chamber with a high ceiling. The space is filled with an intricate network of catwalks, suspended above the floor and connecting various maintenance platforms that surround the colossal fuel tanks. The catwalks are made of a sturdy, grid-like metal, providing both stability and visibility for the crew members who need to navigate this area.
Regardless of which deck they've gone to, along the way, they've encountered several friendly crew members, though it seems there are almost as many droids. Most serve some utility, like the R4 droids that roll around on their own particular missions, or the DT-3X Guardian Droids (entirely made up) which are basically big metal humanoids with built in blaster rifles. They patrol the corridors, there are several in the bridge, and there are several on Deck 58, making sure no one is up to any mischief -- which is weird, because there has /definitely/ been mischief, if the intel is any good -- but when they scan the groups, they let them pass.
All except Aryn. Because she didn't walk through the airlock scanner with the 'specialized anti-terrorist team'.
"Halt," it says, stopping in front of her. "Please return to the passenger levels."
"Oh, dear," says the protocol droid. "My apologies. Please add this individual to your list of authorized personnel."
The DT-3X's head swivels to the protocol droid. Stops. Turns back to Aryn. Stops.
"Please return to the passenger levels."
As Kael finishes with the terminal he sighs, <<"Hope you've got better luck accessing the security system than I did. Heading to the Engine Room.">> Heading towards the turbolift he pauses for just a moment before his pistol comes up into his hand that belies his age and in a smooth motion he shoots and destroys a droid that had been following him behind a stealth field, <<"We've got stealth droids watching us. Any chance we can trace the signal back to the assassin?">> Looks like the old bounty hunter understands the technical concepts but has no clue how to make 'em happen on his own. After a moment assessing the area for threats he does return his pistol to it's holster it's job done for the moment.
Zena nods to the captain with a smile under her helmet. That he can't see. Oops. It doesn't even come out in her vocoder, either. <<"Thanks. Gonna borrow your seat for a minute.">> She's at least a very polite Mando with a sniper rifle. In a cruise ship. Doesn't she own a pistol or carbine?
No. That shit costs credits.
She fiddles with things for a minute, reading through the information the computer feeds her. <<"Oh -slag-.">> She looks at the captain. <<"This thing is hitting hyper in FIVE MINUTES. One of--hold on,">> she says, wrenching her helmet off and shaking her short hair a bit. "One of the engines is pulling way too much power. I need to....gah! Sorry!"
Zena hits a few things on the Captain's chair and activates the public address system. Her pleasant, but panicked voice rings out. Through the whole ship. "So, uh, I need someone good at ships to get to Engineering -now-. Preferrably one of the Special Team, if you catch my drift. One of the engines is drawing way too much power and we have ... Five minutes to stop it."
There's some feedback as she keeps the line open for another second.
"Okay, get it done and I'll keep working up here. Byeeeeeeee!"
Accosted by the security droid and commanded to return to the passenger areas, Aryn spares a glance up with a glare and raises a gloved hand. Speaking one word that's suddenly conveyed over the neural net of the droid, she suspends it in 'sleep mode' and watches it fall.
"Sleep."
Is all she says. CLUNK, the DT-3X becomes a non-issue. Gloved hands clasp at her back as she looks to the other pair of Mandalorians, then dips her chin slightly. "Gentlemen." Greeting. "Might I inquire as to what this is about?"
It didn't take long at all, the path to Al'Verde Kora leading to further walking towards the lift with the big man walking in a sort of flank escort posture at Queen Cortess's right arm,
<"I fell asleep."> The man could do it anywhere. Old habits and tricks from his barracks and marching days, <"I apologize. Gripper informed me you had made an inquiry. But I am available for contract if Alderaan is looking to hire me or mine."> nodding to Terek as they all pile into the lift. Brought up short by the security droid, the glare from beneath his helmet like a heatwave pouring off of him. Only for the growing ball of rage to be suddenly without target or focus when it... just drops to the ground.
In the fuel rooms, beckoning Aryn come with, Hadrix's attention divides - with the majority looking for potential day ruiners in the ship section, <"I don't suppose you've ever done bomb disposal?"> asking like one asks if someone else enjoyed such exciting, relaxing, past times as needlepoint or embroidery.
<"Since if we don't do well, wanting to hire Kora for a work will need to be done by Lord Ban - since we'll be atoms, or very frozen, charred, remains."> his tone much more guttural when he stops, grumbling to himself at the sight of one of the explosives - pinging a floating droid on his HUD and sending information to Gripper to begin marking position for.
<<"Terek, sit-rep? I have a rig on starboard fuel pod...">> switching the encrypted clan channels... and Mando'a for additional security.
If there's one thing Terek has learned galivanting around the galaxy is that it pays to know when to ask questions.
As he watches the droid slump down, he knows this very well is not one of those times.
His hand moves away from his hip and the W-35 there after the droid is down, and he turns his head to look between Aryn and Hadrix, <"That's a pretty decent idea of what we're dealing with. He thinks it's on the fuel tanks, and I'm inclined to agree, so we came down here to look."> Comes Terek's response.
Soon after, slipping down through the pipes and inner workings of the deck on the port side, Terek comes upon something, a frown crossing his face under the helmet. Sure enough, a moment later Hadrix comes over the comms in Mando'a. Terek switches over as well, <"Same. Looks like it's rigged into the ship's computer system. Going to warn the others.">
Terek's voice soon breaks back over the team comms, in Basic, <"If any of you are messing with the ship's computer, be careful. The bombs are wired to it. We located them on them on both fuel tanks.">
Sha'ree does a double click of her comms in answer to Hadrix's comms check, extending wires from her wrist mounted keypad into the acess port of the security terminal main port. <<"Thirty seconds and we should have access to all the camera feed. Hold.">> She murmurs, peering down at her screen, her hand moves over the keys rapidly. Cybernetic eyes ticking back and forth as the lines of code run across her screen.
rootaccess:newloggin=registryset *Sharee11=true setaccess:admin=registrylist=sharee11 directaccess=terminal@leveladminaccess=redirect set=mobile
<<"Alright.. I've got access..">> Her fingers fly over the keys, expression unchanged, even though her voice suddenly sounds a little distress as she speaks over comms. <<"Uhh... belay that. Someone is accessing... guys, something's wrong! Someone else is in the system... I'm... shivat.. I'm trying to block them out.">> She stares at her screen, peering up at the terminals with a flick of her eyes. The very picture of calm.
All across the ship, access doors seal. <<"They're blocking me out of the ships system, door controls are locking..">> Including her own, which snaps shut, sealing her in. She calmly steps over and bangs on the inside of the port-hatch into the security, "Hey! I'm trapped in here! Someone help."
Digital eyes flick up to the hovering droid. It bobs and dips, whirls around her, and then she glances back down at her screen. "I see you, you little shivat... lower life-forms." Said under her breath, scoffing, as she brings her wrist up and continues working the keys.
<<"Whoever this is, they're ... guys.. he's better than me. Hostiles incoming!">> Her voice might sound stressed, but "Sha'ree" doesn't look stressed...
/So, uh, I need someone good at ships to get to Engineering -now-. Preferrably one of the Special Team, if you catch my drift. One of the engines is drawing way too much power and we have ... Five minutes to stop it./
"What did she say?" "Was that the captain?" "Did she say five minutes?" "What happens in five minutes?" "Is someone pulling a prank?" "What kind of ship is that?" "Voss had better refund the cost of this." "Frank, this isn't funny. I'm scared." "Uhmm.. You! Protocol Droid! What's going on?!" "I thought we weren't supposed to be in hyperspace for six more hours.."
Well /THAT/ caused a stir. The previously sedate passengers all over the upper levels were now just beginning to allow mob mentality to take over, panic starting to take hold like a ripple spreading out across an otherwise still pond.
Unseen to anyone except Guri and Zena, who have relatively easy access to security feeds from around the ship, protocol droids are shifting into full gear, trying to calm the masses and answer questions.
Zena did, however, convey one /very/ important piece of information to Kael: One of the engines is pulling way too much power.
That's important, because as soon as Kael steps off of the lift, it goes dark and non-functional. Its doors don't even close. Same for the lifts on Deck 58, though they were way back behind the group at the fuel tanks. Even if they tried to go back, they'd find their lift access completely shut down.
Also, all of the security doors on the ship begin to close and lock. This is mostly important for all of the crew levels, trapping passengers in any number of uncomfortable situations -- inside the spa, inside the restaurants, inside the casino, inside the bathrooms.
It's also important to Kael because the door securing Engineering was sliding closed. The good news? He was going to have one chance to get into engineering if he wanted to run for the door. The bad news? There was a DT-3X security droid in there, and it was already turning to face him.
It's bad news for Haddy, Terek, and Aryn, too, because two of those droids come marching from around the sides of the fuel tank, heading towards them with blaster-rifle-arms raised.
Kael blinks a bit as he steps off the turbolift and everything starts going dark. Then the doors start closing... And then, <<"Wait... I'll have to fix an engine. Don't we have better engine fixing folks? If I can't make the engine not engine I'll have to shoot it folks!">> And then he takes off at a run to try and make it through the door his pistols sliding up into his hands with practiced ease the pearl handled X-8's silent shots slamming into the now not so friendly acting security droid before the Sentinel IV barks one loud shot leaving pieces of the droid in the old hunter's wake, <<"Droids seem to not be happy to see me down here. Watch the security droids I think they've gone feral.">>
Is someone really trying to lock her out of the system?
Guri tilts her head as the screen starts to send endless packages to her wrist mounted computer. A little grin playing across her face, she sends a counter package dump, and establishes a trace.. the sheer amount of information exchange is enough to set down the entire Banking Guilds servers for several seconds. Trillions of credits worth of time... but ultimately ends with his location remaining secure.
She sneers, lips peeling back from her perfectly white teeth.
"I will find you.. that was a huge laps in judgement." She sends the message, typing it out as she begins disconnecting herself from the terminal.
>> I know who you are. You are already dead... Run.
The spool on her wrist computer pulls the wires in after disconnecting. She points up at the hovering drone, "Stay." Then slaps the button on the controls, using her remote access to start unlocking hatches as she passes... locking them behind herself as she walks through. Resuming that mousy, terrified, slicer Sha'ree.. "Help!" Limping.. leg dragging, holding her thigh, whenever she passes sentient security. She points back at the security room! "They're in there!" Soon as they enter?
She locks them in.
"Sentients..." Limp... limp less. Walking.
Guri is headed for an escape pod.
Zena's console goes absolutely ballistic. Green eyes widen as she looks at the Captain and the crew. She's not a slicer. She's a pilot. She knows how to fly these things, not...deal with whacked out absolute maddened computer systems.
BUT, she's figured something out, and the PA is still working, so she slaps that bad boy again!
"Hey! Engineer-y types! The power fluxuations are coming from the starboard hypermatter reactor igniter assembly! Fix that and we should be golden! ... I think." There's another hit of feedback. "Is this still o--"
It goes dead.
"Worry not, Commander. I am used to the silence, but I am relieved you are willing to work with my kinsmen, still. Know that I would not ask of you anything that might dishonor you or yours." Aryn follows after them, walking casually and allowing the Mandalorians to stay ahead of her. Should harm come from the front, they were armored and able to better mitigate the danger, or so it seemed.
When Terek elaborates over what Hadrix shared, Aryn nodded and looked around, but they are further accosted by the presence of security droids. Remaining where she is, Aryn calls upon the Force to influence where the pair of droids stand. With raising both hands, both droids rise up, unable to move in the manner they were designed. Open hands become fists, and she uses the Force to crush their chassis inward, both simultaneously. By the time she 'releases' them (on top of sustaining other damage thanks to Terek), condensed blocks of scrap metal are all that remain. When they strike the deck, there is no bounce. They were heavy.
"Such a nuisance," She intones. "I do hope that does not break your concentration. Death by bomb is so.. instantaneous. Dull."
<"Work is work, Highness. You know my terms. No kids, no piracy.">
Setting to work, Hadrix turns to his particular explosive whilst his Old Mando-Muttering intensifies, one hand snapping out to one side for Gripper to put a pair of pliers into - vibro-blade extending from the vambrace of the other. The long dagger slipped across a hinge to allow a panel to be opened by pulling the bolt out of the latch and he is working intently,
<"Kriffing bombers. Trust them do so something elaborate."> "What the Corellian Hells would -you- do??" <"Thermal Detonator in a protein sheath in the main fuel tank."> "So that the fuel dissolves it, so by the time its in h-" <"Hyperspace the thermonuclear reaction creates a large scale mass"> "Ignition. Emperor's Bones, Hadrix." <"Do a job right, you won't have to be critiqued."> All the while he is casually moving slides and a pair of data-cards before a wire is cut, humming to himself before he remembers the earlier comments, <"As per usual, you have my contact to set up the briefing and I'll tap people who I think might do well for the task per mission parameters, Highness."> hearing blasterfire now and tilting his head to one side, swapping to comms once more,
<<"I have to come over there, don't I, Terek?">>
The sound of the droids stomping around the fuel tank makes Terek mutter under his breath, "Dank farrik." He was really hoping they wouldn't have more security droids this far back. A gunfight among a fuel tank sounds like a terrible plan. That never needs to play out, as the droids rise up off the ground.
His helmeted head turns to look over at Aryn, tilting faintly as she crushes the droids with the Force. He wanders over towards one of them that is still twitching and trying to raise it's blaster, and puts the W-35 to the side of its head, pulling the trigger to make sure it can't get off a shot.
<"Commander, while I could probably handle this under less time strained circumstances, I would much rather defer to you for this particular life or death situation.">
/Hey! Engineer-y types! The power fluxuations are coming from the starboard hypermatter reactor igniter assembly! Fix that and we should be golden! ... I think. *SCREEEE* Is this still o--/
"What's a hypermatter reactor igniter?" "That sounds explosive!" "Are we going to explode??" "Where are the escape pods?" "Why has no one told us to go the escape pods?" "Is this an emergency?" "Why won't anyone tell us anything?!"
These are not happy passengers.
On the bright side of things, Kael now knew /exactly/ where to look for whatever was causing those power fluctuations... presuming he knew where to find the starboard hypermatter reactor igniter assembly on a Kalevala Spaceworks Nau'ur-class luxury liner.
All seemed to be going well for the teams, really. One bomb was already disabled courtesy of Mister Kora hisself. Aryn and Terek were handily dealing with the security droids. Zena's console was flashing like absolute mad, but that just seemed to be what it did, now, because nothing on the ship was working right anymore. And Sha'shee or She'shaa or whatever Guri said her name was is well on her way to the /one/ functional escape pod that she /definitely/ didn't only activate for herself after locking everything down and setting security on her comrades.
And that's when the spiders start crawling out of the air handler vents in the bridge, engineering, and the fuel room. Spider assassin droids with bodies the size of dinner plates and spindly legs that go -clackclackclack- across the ceiling and the wall. It's Zax, the assassin's, last attempt to stop the team from their mission.
Kael looks over at the droids scurrying out then sighs as he ignores them for the moment the pistols returning to their holsters as he does his own scurrying over to the starboard side to try and fix whatever it is that's going on here... Fixing the problem was more difficult than fixing the /problem/ and seeing a way to make a bit of extra fun he takes it back feeding power through the transmitter attached to the problem causing some catastrophic failures along the spider droids, <<"You know... I'm starting to think that somebody doesn't want us to save this ship.">>
Guri makes her way through the interior of the Euphoria, casually. Pulling her ponytail out and tossing the band off to the side, rubbing her hands down her face to clear smudges from her cheeks. There's hysteria on the ship.. a panic of people rushing around as guest realize that something terrible has happened. Whether the ship explodes? Well that wasn't her job was it?
No, Guri had a very specific mission.
Contengencies within counter-counter terrorism.
She gets to the escape pod where several passangers are standing, staring, waiting to board... "Sorry, ladies." She says in her cool voice, shoving them away from her with such ease. A flick of her fingers sends one of the well dressed woman stumbling. "This escape pod is spoken for." A finger levels at them, "Run along..." Flicking her fingers in a little shooo wave. "Bye, go now."
Sometimes humans know? All sentients do. When they're staring at a higher life form that can destroy them. A predator. It doesn't matter what that predator looks like... what face it wears. They know... this creature?
She will kill them.
With her access clear and her escape secure, Guri slips into the pod and closes the door behind her. Peeling the contacts out of her eyes to flick across the pod. Her fingers flick around in her hair, waving out the blonde locks.... then lowers to work on her wrist computer. Humming a tune absently to herself.
Once Kael back-fed power through the transmitter he had found, not only did all of the spider droids (sorry, SD-11 Infiltrator Droids) just drop dead, but the flight control had been restored. Thankfully, Zena was already sitting in the Captain's chair, because Captain Ralen Daryn was too busy frantically looking over the shoulder of one of his crew members operating a security console to notice!
The hyperdrive engines, which were already beginning to spool up (easily heard throughout all of the Engineering level decks) immediately change pitch to a steadily deepening groan as they're taken completely offline. Soon enough, the entire ship is brought to a stand-still in space, hovering just seconds away from the calculated hyper-jump coordinates.
Once Hadrix had successfully disabled the second fuel tank explosive, that seemed to be it. Everything had been accounted for, and the hyperspace jump had been narrowly averted.
Even Guri had a happy ending, sitting alone in her escape pod as the door sealed close, trapping the clamoring women on the outside, fists pounding on the door. It was just a small example of the mass chaos that the ship had erupted into. There would be explosions, this time, but there would be injuries. Guests clamoring over each other. Pushing each other down. This would /not/ play will in the media.
While not as devastating as a full-scale explosion that would have killed 500 wealthy civilians right above the Capital world, the utter failure of Voss Galactic's tragic luxury liner launch in New Vertica would no go unnoticed.
And it all could have been avoided easily, had Guri just backfed the signal and done exactly what Kael did. She could have. She had every opportunity to stop it single-handedly. Instead, she locked the security doors, trapping people all over the ship, shut down the lifts, nearly kept Kael from being able to get to the last explosives at all, and took a one-way ticket off of the luxury liner.
Just wait until Aria finds out about /that/ . Sha'reee. Or Sheera. Or whatever her name was.
It takes a little while to get everyone freed from their individual holding cells, but eventually the engineering and security crews do get the security doors all open and the lifts operational again. Shuttles had already been dispatched to begin ferrying passengers back to New Vertica where the press were eagerly waiting to get first hand accounts of what had happened. The YT-2400 returns to pick up the counter-terrorist crew and deposit them back somewhere /else/ like Gearhead, keeping them out of the public eye.
"Hey, is that everyone? Where's that blonde girl with the glasses?" the pilot asks.
Yes, indeed. Where was that blonde girl with the glasses?
