The U.H.F. Ankylosaur has successfully held its own after a surprise attack on the Resempian homeworld. The Orbital Platform has been damaged, and with damage to numerous ships that were waiting there, the crew of the Ankylosaur has opted instead to continue to the edge of the Solar System. Escorted by two other Cruisers on their way to hunt the ship that attacked their world, all sensors are at full while the people are allowed to move around inside the UHF Ankylosaur.
A supply ship that is carrying additional crew and supplies has entered orbit around a nearby gas giant. The Ankylosaur will rendezvous and resupply there before heading out, then the Resempians will take the ship into their service.
Inside the UHF Ankylosaur, the crew is rushing around trying to make repairs and get everything ready for the new arrivals. The stars and planets rush past, as even without entering the Fold, the Ankylosaur is a quick ship.
Previous Thread - https://mlpg.co/arc/q/raw/knight/macrossquest/649403.html >Frank Congrats, you broke your mech. You did it to save a Resempian and that's awesome, but it's no good to anyone right now. Better get to work and clean off the blood. >Voldra Drone After Dusky has finished giving you a tour of his new "place", the water system of the UHF Ankylosaur, he's called over a Crew Chief. The shuttle for them is coming over right now! >Wán Huǒ Your ship has been parked over the Gas Giant for a while now, but it has been anything but steady. Everyone is moving supplies and cargo around, getting ready for the meeting with the Ankylosaur. The mechs are being powered on and are helping with moving goods around, and yours is being unloaded soon. The Cargo Chief is waiting and has messaged you, he wants to make sure you follow all safety procedures after that "incident".
>>25060 Well, the cleaning will be pretty much just a wipe down, since I can't hose it off until I figure out just how much of the internals are exposed. Last thing I need to is to ruin perfectly functional circuits that I can re-use. After that, it's going to be a full diagnostic to see the extent of how much I fucked this thing up.
>>25061 It's crowded even up there. People checking their messages or just taking a break have filled almost all the seats. A few digital overlays track the UHF Ankylosaur, with additional information flashing by.
Despite having a few alien crewmates waiting for you, it's hard to forget that this ship was designed with larger people in mind. The Glass, and even just the roof and cabinets, are exceedingly high up.
>>25064 A shuttle resembling an anti-gravity boat approaches carrying a Human on top. They're dressed in a bright yellow uniform. Dusky waves her down.
"Hey Saanen, this is the guy I messaged you about. Seems kind of eager to join up." Dusky says with a smile, but the Human can't stop staring at you throughout the whole conversation.
"Oh, uhm, yeah, yeah." She finally gets out. "I was actually told to expect you, just wished they had sent me a picture." She stops to take a breath. "Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm one of the Crew Officers, Saanen Johansen. I was actually informed that you would be arriving Mister, Misses, sorry, I don't have a name written down for you."
>>25066 A couple of power cycles and some skipped start up checks finally get the bench running. It's running through its procedures and finally lets you connect to the Mech.
It doesn't look good.
Whatever isn't flashing a yellow caution light is solid red. You can already see the need to replace the armor, but lots of motors and servos are going to need to be replaced. Worst of all, the engine is already flashing some warnings. If you can salvage that, you can use it to repair or rebuild your mech.
>>25067 "Greetings, Saanen-officer! We are pleased to meet you." The Drone's head tilts to the side at her confusion over our title. "We are Voldra. Was this not shared with you? It seems a strange omission of knowledge."
>>25068 Sigh heavily. Gonna have to just take it all apart and start over, really. So, first things first, I've got to disconnect the engine completely. Last thing I need is for it to jump when I'm taking off a leg or something. But, since it's not really a combat model, it's going to be low-priority until we get everything else back into shape. "Probably just be cheaper to scrap it and start over…" I'll mark it in the system as "heavily damaged" and set its priority low on the repair docket. It'll be something I'll be messing with in my spare time, once it's properly locked into a repair harness. After that, I'll get on to what I'm being paid for, and help out with the rest of the mechanics.
>>25069 "Not really. I just got your file not too long ago. Looks like the higher-ups who wrote it kept it short, most people have more to add, but I'll write that off as a special case." Saanen replies back to you.
"Really? What did they give you." Dusky asks. Saanen just turns the both of you and shows you two a picture of another Voldra, taken by someone's regular use camera.
"The notes section just says to expect you. But that's it. I mean, if they want you aboard, I'm not going to say no. Is there anything special about your diet and room needs? I don't know, so I have to ask."
>>25070 "Hurry up, we don't know when we'll need them!" One of the head mechanics yell to their human crews. There are two mechs in various states of disassembly that they are working on, trying to at least get one working out of all this mess you've been through.
"You there, I need you to guide these guys with the arm replacement. Plug in and see what's salvageable when they remove it!" No sooner does he finish yelling than the arm makes a loud creaking noise and nearly falls to the groung, stopped only by the support chains holding. The mechanic turns red, but just walks off.
Two human mechanics, a male and a female, pull the thing over to you. "Sorry, sorry." They both apologize sheepishly.
>>25072 Sigh a bit and rub my chin. "Well, let's take a look at it, I guess." Good thing I brought the scanning bench with me. Plug her in and let's see what we've got. '1d10+1' tech
>>25071 Our mandibles flare a bit as the drone sits up a bit straighter. "We know your knowledge-sharing is less efficient than Sharing, but is it truly so sparse?!" "This drone is conditioned for harsh enviroments; it can be nested wherever you have space not needed. It's dietary system is suited for consumption of standard foodstocks, though occasional rations of metallic sulfates are beneficial, especially if the drone has been recently damaged."
>>25073 Fortunately, most of the damage on the arm is cosmetic or within reach. The armor has been dented and scratched, but you can reuse it if you need it. The main issue is that some of the electrical cables have shorted out. It'll be annoying to reach, but not that difficult.
"How long have you been a mechanic?" The girl asks, waiting for the full readout from the diagnostics.
>>25074 "I won't disagree with you. I mean, for comparison, I can tell you where Dusky here has been in the last three years. I've got almost every Human's life story on top of that." She finishes writing down what you told her. "How are you with noise? We ran into some issues and I think we can spare one of the 'warehouses' for now."
>>25075 I'll mark it as such. Going to have to plug into the body, too, see how bad that is. "You know, I haven't really thought about it. Started out as a hobby, then went to a trade school. Always a market for people who can patch up these heaps, after all." Scratch my cheek. "Something like 14 years or so? How about you two?" Tech roll to start scans of the main body. '1d10+1'
>>25076 "Ah. So it is a matter of knowledge not being available, not unshared. That is understandable; we are here in part to learn more of your race, as we currently know little." The drone winces a bit as memories of the enemy with the painful ringing are Shared and re-Shared. "So long as the frequency is a high-Fold pitch, that should be acceptable."
>>25077 "Wow. To start from there and wind up on a ship headed to some new part of the galaxy. You've done a lot for yourself. Here, I'll take the arm." The woman says. "Cotentin, help him with the next part."
The older man walks up and gets his Com-Link paired up with the bench. "Hard to believe we need these things, isn't it? I mean it's cool and all, but did you think our ancestors ever realized how big the galaxy is?"
The diagnostic system spits out lots of electrical faults in the system. The gears are fine, but you have to replace a lot of the wiring.
>>25078 "It'll be a bit closer to the engine, would that be fine?" She flicks her display through a few listings. "Do you need a couch, or a projector? Sorry, I don't even know what type of furniture you'd use." >"She seems to be looking at you oddly." >"Yeah, I noticed that." >"I don't think it's aggressive, just stranger than most." The other Voldra chime in as Saanen goes through her options.
>>25081 Tch. Wiring's fiddly business. "Probably not, but then again they did put down all the groundwork for this stuff. We'd have a hell of a lot harder time being taken seriously if we didn't have it." Scratch the back of my neck. "Looks like it's mostly electrical problems on this one. Nothing big but it's going to be a pain feeding the wires where they're supposed to go." Tap my fingers on the hull for a second. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting pirates on the first day."
>>25079 Not unless you get an alien or a mech to stack some boxes for you, but there's a small shuttle port not too far from you. Just input where you want and it'll take you there.
Roll Tech to use it.
A few of the people stop what they're doing to see one of the large aliens hauling supplies around.
>>25083 "Don't think the Resempians did either. At least our new home can defend itself or fly off. Personally, I'd rather wait, but the space port being damaged like that only gives us one way to go. Heck, if you squint, you can see their ship over through the shielding there." He takes a look at this Com-Link and his face sours. "You think we plugged them straight into the engine grid with all this damage. I'll go through a whole bundle of the stuff before I'm done. So, what made you sign up for this gig?"
>>25082 "A projector may be nice; it is one of the closest imitations to Sharing we know of, though we hear you have a 'Web' that is even closer? We have no need for a couch or chairs; this drone is not built to properly use them." >"The humans all seem to react strangely to us. Should we query about the cause, or simply observe?"
>>25085 The shuttle is more fiddly, or so it seems. You feel every vibration as it floats along. Maybe because it's not going fast?
High up here, you can clearly see what's going in the spacious ship. Lots of the larger containers are being moved closer to the doors, with many of the mechs being powered on. A few of the Aliens are checking their own gear.
You aren't the only one here. A large, avian like alien is looking down, occasionally clicking on his Com-Link.
>>25086 Shrug. "Money, having a place that uses my skills, adventure… fill in the blank I guess. Though, I mean, yeah it's mostly the money, but I didn't really expect to be hired." Anything else I should be doing here? Diagnostics and report filing is probably just about wrapped up. "So how about you and the other one? What pulled you on this boat?"
>>25087 "Yeah, our web connection is good since we're still in the Solar System." She smiles as she stops. "Alright, if that's all, I can show you to your room." >"Would they find that rude?" >"I've had one alien get mad at me for asking so many questions." >"But she's asking questions too."
>"We'll leave it to your discretion." They agree to.
>>25090 The Gas Giant is blue and orange, gravity keeping two different gases from escaping. It swirls and mixes, but you can see the immense thing always staying separate, no matter what it tries to do.
Your Com-Link buzzes, it's the Cargo Chief. The giant Avian notices you and waves.
>>25091 A not unexpected result, but still important. After all, I am the voice of the Voldra for the Humans. The last human female had been inquisitive. Perhaps this one was of similar nature, and would not mind a query. "We have a query. You seem to be looking at us in a strange fashion; may we know the reason for this?"
>>25089 "This is our best chance for me and the wife to get an honest to goodness new home. Most of the ones I could afford have had several families pass through them, and don't get me started on the rest. Even with the small rooms we have here, way more comfortable than what we had."
The lights are turning yellow.
"Looks like it'll be time to welcome the new folks soon. Nice meeting you, drop by our rooms sometime."
An alien resembling an orange and white fish, 'swims' over to you as the gravity starts getting weakened.
"'Scuse me, are you…" She looks at her list. "Fraque Smizz?"
>>25094 Her shuttle, which had been hovering at eye level before, lands. She looks up at you, putting her data pad to the side.
"Well, you're huge! I thought the Resempians were big, and now here you are. I'm just amazed, is all." Her communication device vibrates. "I mean, I thought I was okay sized before, but you really take the cake. But enough about me, looks like the gravity is going to go off shortly. Can you handle the zero g?"
>>25095 "Wan, stop that! Wan, stop, I know you picked up. Get down here, the other girls have already gotten prepped for the transfer. I just need you and Eva and then we can be cleared. Try not to cause anymore issues like she did, I can only take so much more and then I'll be free of you."
>>25096 My mandibles vibrate a little at her praise. "We believe it is more a matter of you humans being tiny. There are several other species that agree with this concensus." The drone's head tilts again. "We have not taken any of these 'cakes' you speak of. Despite rumors, we Voldra usually ask permission before grabbing additional food. Though a food-thief so early in the voyage is a troubling development."
>>25097 "Ah, I was much closer this time! Looks like I've been assigned to you since my chief was injured. I'm Civet Fih, your newly assigned trainee!" She fumbles with her data pad, then stands up straight and salutes. With her height, she'd be more impressive if it didn't look like she was starting to float away.
>>25099 "No, no! I said to go get Eva! I don't know where she is but I need the both of you here now! We've got a schedule to keep!"
The lights dim and turn yellow as you start to feel yourself float. Looks like the gravity is being turned off.
"Oh yes, this is the best part of these transfers." A loud voice from behind says.
>>25100 "It's an expression, just a saying we have. But after seeing some of the other big people pass through the Resempian's port, I can agree with that." She makes her way shortly to her shuttle. "Come on, let's go before the gravity completely shuts off and they seal us in. I don't know about you, but I can't hold my breath that long."
>>25101 I'll blink. "Trainee? Wasn't aware I was getting one of those." Give a half-hearted salute. "At ease, I guess. Anyway, I hope you're ready to get to work immediately, since that surprise pirate attack put a good dent in most of our ships. A lot of it's mostly cosmetic, but there are a few that are just shy of scrap heaps." Now what the heck am I gonna do with a trainee? Babysitting isn't usually what a mechanic does.
"I don't mind if it takes away all the gravity. Just so I can float like this all the time." He floats 'upside down' relative to you, his wings spread out and the massive data pad floating above his head as the rest of the gravity is turned off." He rights himself, then looks at you. "Hey, can you do me a favor? Unless you have somewhere you need to be."
>>25104 "Just point me at a problem and I'll do my best." She smiles, with rows of clean white teeth on display. "I think lots of the crew we were going to have are being recalled. The attack caught everyone by surprise and I heard a few people already thinking of quitting." She seems saddened, at least to you, but then brightens up, her scales jumping in color too. "But not me!"
Your Com-Link buzzes as the gravity falls away. "The supplies are going to be pushed over soon. The info says you're a pilot, do you have a machine?"
>>25103 "This drone is capable of holding it's breath for approximately five days. However, there are some drones capable of lasting a matter of weeks." The drone pauses slightly. "Though if you cannot, then we shall hurry." Pick her and the shuttle up, as it seems slow and unwieldy, and start moving quickly. "A few. One of them looks similar to you humans, only with insectile wings. However, they also stand twice your height. Unfortunately, we Voldra do not know much about them; they are very reclusive, and for some reason regard us with great disgust. They have never explained why."
>>25107 "Well, it's good you're optimistic. For now, just help with diagnostics until we've got a solid picture of just how far behind that attack set us." Switching to comms. "Technically, but it was damaged severely. If you're sending me out, I'm gonna need to borrow one that works."
>>25108 "Huh, might like to meet them and ask one day. Well, you can't befriend them all. Big galaxy with plenty of room for big egos and all sorts of petty little grudges."
She directs you out of the water storage facility and through the halls. Lots of humans are floating by, most of them actually stopping, or at least trying, to see you move around.
"Did Dusky give you a tour of the ship?" She asks.
>>25109 "They had me dissasemble one, but it still works! No armor and it's all creepy looking, but I'm sure you can use it." She shivers as she looks over to a mech, it's innards visible to all. "I'll handle the diagnostic for this one, but can you pull out some of the cables? I can't reach them easily, but so many of them are messed up. We'll need to improve on that, if you agree."
>>25112 "Negative. We went from the hangars to the Water tanks, as he remembered he was required there. There was much to be done after the fight." Other races tend to stare when unused to us; it is nothing we do not expect for the humans to do the same.
>>25111 He stops just a short distance away, you could reach out and touch his beak. He quickly goes all around you, his huge eyes scanning you.
"Wow, you really are small! I've spent some time with you, but part of me kept telling itself you were some new robots. Hey, one last favor. Can I touch you?" He raises his feather finger.
>>25113 I'll nod. "Fair point." I'll unplug to give her some room to work. "Contentin there will bring you up to speed while I'm occupied." And with that, it's off to the "skinless" mech. Hopefully the guys working on it won't make too much of a fuss that I'm borrowing it.
>>25114 "Good, that'll give us a chance to clean up and give you the grand tour! Hopefully one that doesn't involve an attack. Turn left here, we'll be going through the hangar." She taps on her data pad and a large red arrow is projected ahead of you. "Once we can, we'll set you up with one of our Com-Links. It's tied in to the ship. Have you used one before?"
As you enter the hangar, you still see some signs of the previous troubles. Cleaning supplies trying to cover the blood marks and many human machines are being taken apart to repair their damage.
>>25116 It's an older unit, most likely something thrown into the pile when the UHF bought supplies. It's not even locked down. Roll Tech.
Powering it on, you can hear it creak and groan, but it stands up with little resistance. It's spacious inside, but the seat feels different from your other mech. Roll Tech again.
>>25117 Turn left as directed. "The Voldra have used Com-links before, though this drone has not been equipped with one." Glance at the human machines being taken apart as we pass by. We still know little of their technology, so even passing glances can be Shared and speculated upon. "Your machines are very useful. The rate of injury for your pilots appears uncharacteristically low."
>>25119 You plug yourself into the security system, only to find it's not set up properly at all. It's been put it, but they left it at that!
Two things bother you about the seat. One, it says John Deere on it. Two, there is no eject system. The mech is 'combat certified' but it doesn't even have that.
Worst of all, it's been added to your rotation! Welcome to your new Mech!
>>25120 "I'll be fair, most of the pilots are trained, but inexperienced. If you've got some experience with fighting in space, we could use it. I can even get you in contact with someone on the Defense team."
Passing the hangar, you come to the 'warehouses', repurposed equipment lockers and several requisition rooms. You can still see where the Resempians had mounted some of their anti-personnel weapons.
"Hope it's not too cramped."
>>25121 The Avian is startled, but does as you tell him. Slowly, he lifts up his wing hand as you instructed.
>>25122 Well, guess who's going to be used to rebuild my actual ride. That's right, it's you, my jerry-rigged piece of crap. "Right, so, I'm now piloting a glorified tractor. What'd you need me to step out for? Just ferrying supplies?"
>>25122 "Voldra are very experienced with fighting in space. This drone has already engaged in several altercations, including the recent attack. If this drone can be of use, we are happy to assist." Make my way along the warehouses until we reach the one she indicates. "We believe it shall be sufficient for rest and recuperation. We thank you."
The lights flash yellow, then a horn blows as the gravity is finally gone. the Cargo Doors of the Ankylosaur begin to open as the air shield powers up.
>>25123 "We'll be performing a Zero-G transfer. They wanted to do it in the Port, but, you know." Civet says over your Com-Link. "Does the propulsion system work? I was fiddlign with it, but I kept getting pulled away."
"All capable space walk units, please meet by the doors!" The P.A. system hollers.
>>25124 "Then I'll definitely have one of the Defense folks come visit you. The Resempians we hired just got pulled back into service, since we aren't the only ones in need of their skills." It's small, sparse, but there are plenty of electrical access points you could plug stuff into.
>>25125 It's strangely soft as you land on it. You can see the individual barbs of the feathers give way as step on them. His eyes are wide as he has you there. He tries to push up on you, but it's him who starts to sink a little.
"My little girl is not going to believe this." He smiles, or tries to. "Sorry, did I take up too much of your time? Your crew is getting ready to move out, you should to, at least so I get paid for delivering the cargo."
>>25126 "Well, I sure hope so, otherwise this is gonna be a short trip." Rolling tech to make sure this heap of scrap actually moves as intended. '1d10+1'
>>25126 "Very good! We are happy to assist!" We nod the drone's head in approval. "Yes, this will do nicely. Thank you, Saanen-Human." Is the announcement for space-walk units audible here?
>>25127 It operates very much like a machine lacking the newer piloting hardware. You have to push more than you did in any of the other mechs to get it to do things, but it never really fought against you. A little bit of practice and power steering software tweaks and it might even approach decent!
"So what do you think of my handiwork?" Civet asks.
>>25128 It's a ship wide Announcement, everyone aboard can hear it.
"At least I showed you to your room. If you can handle space, we'll be needing you back in the hangar to help. I'll hand you off to someone there."
You feel strange as she talks. Roll Will.
>>25129 It gives like a reed lawn chair. Warm too.
"I used to duck out a few times before I got promoted. Do you want me to take you down there? It's time for you to leave."
>>25131 You feel a pain through your entire being.
Trouble is coming, and it feels like the Raiders from before!
"Let me schedule you for a Com-Link fitting."
>>25132 "Sweet, she's going to love to hear about you!" He uses his other Wing hand to push you onto a good location, spreads his wings, and flies you towards the mechs.
>>25133 You line up with the others, a few of the aliens having put on space gear to help with the transfer. The alignment lasers fire up and the Cargo ship moves into place.
"Hey, you've ever done something like this?" A pilot from the next mech asks you.
>>25135 "I just got my license, and I knew they needed me, but it still feels weird to do this. Got any pointers?"
>>25136 He flips and weaves through the now floating cargo, landing you next to your mechs.
"Sorry, I overheard the conversation." He says before flying off.
"FINALLY!" The Chief yells. "Maybe I should have dragged you in myself! Hurry up and get in, the ship is going to need Alipor and I want to be finished." He points you to a dark skinned alien unpacking your mech. He turns and waves as the Chief opens the cockpit.
>>25139 "I'll stay here for now, the only exit is the hangar. If you can, go help, I'll warn the Crew!"
>>25140 "We haven't even left the Solar System, come on!" He yells.
Out of the corner of your eyes, you see one of the aliens and another mech receive some orders through their earpieces. They begin to distribute weapons.
"Hey, what do I do? They didn't tell me about this." Civet asks.
>>25141 The Chief throws his hands up in frustration. "I am asking for double, no, triple pay for dealing with all you girls! See the big alien holding your mech? Yes, you do, don't answer, now get over to him before you get sucked out into space and end my suffering!"
The dark skinned alien with some white marks reaches out with his clawed hand as the Chief powers on your vehicle.
>>25142 "Very well. Step back a bit please; we are going to take the shortest route." Teleport to the outside of the ship with weapons at the ready. '2d10+1'
>>25142 "Stay in the ship, we're probably going to have a hell of a lot more work after this is over. Try and have everyone not out here move as much crap out of the way as you can, since whoever's warping in out here is probably after our supplies and we'll need space to toss them." Ah, an idea. "Actually, hang on. You got one of those scrapped escape pods nearby? I'm gonna need to use one as a shield since this thing has no skin."
>>25143 Alipor pulls you towards you mech as you hang on to his finger.
"Seal the cockpit first, then I'll walk you through the rest." His booming voice coming from ahead of you and in your earpiece. Roll Tech.
>>25144 You disappear and appear in front of the hangar crew, the alignment lasers pointing towards a Cargo ship.
As you look around, you can see where the ship will emerge from!
>>25145 "Oh, that's right!" Civet excitedly yells as she swims towards an escape pod. She does her best to push it towards, then there's a flash of light.
There's a huge insect that appeared, right out in space!
All crews, we have hostiles inbound! All non-combat personnel, head towards your rooms! This is not a drill! I repeat, not a drill!"
Regarding Combat, please format actions in the following manner:
Attacks should be posted as follows to streamline the process for your GM. >Attack [Diceroll, like 1d10] >Weapon Modifiers [Weapon Modification or Quality, the effect] >Relevant skills and perks [Such as Iron Fists, No Unarmed Damage Penalty]
Any character can use a single weapon of any size, and if you are disarmed, your fists count as Unarmed. Unarmed: Hits on 3+, -2 damage Normal: Hits on 3+
>>25147 Shit, the people on the station don't know about the big bug, do they? I'll have to broadcast his IFF status. "So, yeah, that large insectoid alien that just popped in? It's on our side. So nobody shoot it."
>>25147 >>25214 >>25216 Contact the ship's defenders on the same frequency as last time. "We have located the exit point! Please focus defenses in the direction we have indicated!" Point at the where it will emerge from just to be sure, while arming missiles and preparing to fire when they come through.
>>25215 A couple of buttons, actually. It won't seal until life support and a few other systems are turned on.
"Alright, just grab on and let the system take over. It's an extension of you." His loud voice reverberates through the mech, like it was talking to you. Alipor takes over most of your most of your cockpit view as he does some last second checks.
Roll Will.
>>25216 "Yeah, I knew that." The rookie says as he starts aiming elsewhere.
"Uhm, should space look like that?" One of the alien asks over the radio.
>>25217 There's a moment where the ships are vulnerable after exiting Fold space, now is your chance!
The guns of the ship start aiming towards the pointed out location!
>>25218 "Just thought I'd inform the station. Since we sorta picked up the passenger after takeoff." Is that pod shoved out of the airlock yet? I kinda need the material between their gun and my exposed wires and tubes.
>>25218 We may not be able to single out a specific target, but a carpet-blasting of the exit area should produce acceptable results. >Missile rack, '5d10'
"Alright, it's time for us to start jamming our sick nasty beats and demands!" The radio starts blaring to everyone. "Here's our demands if you want to live! Give us everything!" The enemy pilots start laughing and hollering on the open frequency. "Get 'em!"
A jalopie of a space ship starts materializing through the Fold. It's got exposed parts and bits of other ships that might as well be glued on. A few fighters are already out!
>>25219 "Some of the other girls inverted themselves, you'd be surprised." He booms through the machine, even with an 'inside' voice. "You're good so far. Duana has your Bandolier, fly over to her before you start anything else!"
Roll 1d10 for your movement and once again for Tech.
>>25220 It floats over to you and the Rookie helps set it up for you. Here they come!
>>25221 The radio goes silent for a moment as the explosions glow brighter than the Fold Exit does. A few hit the ship but a couple of enemies are already headed towards you! They're burnging fuel to get in Close!
>>25222 Move away from them and from the human ship, trying to draw them away so the ship does not get caught in the crossfire. >movement '1d10+1' Single out one of our pursuers, and hit them with some weaponized beams of Fold to punish their recklessness. >Bolt, '2d10+1' '2d10+1' >Foldborne: roll 2 dice for abilities, and choose one of the results
Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2 / Roll #2 9, 2 + 1 = 12 / Roll #3 4, 8 + 1 = 13
>>25229 Considering the PD weapons won't kick in until the fighters are practically on top of the ship, I should focus on the ones that are flying in close. Keep the improv shield towards the main mass of ships, and take a potshot at one of the nearby Ankylosaur-bound fighters. '1d10'
>>25231 Tech '1d10+1' And I figured they'd get to me eventually. I'll just try and keep that shield between me and the bullets and get to firing. I'm assuming the mech is manned so my Robotics bonus won't apply. So let's take out that fighter. '1d10' gunshot.
>>25231 The drone visibly winces as one of them scores a direct hit, taking the hint and attempting to move to cover of some sort. >'1d10' for cover We cover our retreat by emptying the last of our first reserve of missiles at the two enemies attacking the drone. >Missile Rack '5d10+1'
>>25233 The Mech has an angry, Insect like Alien in it, but it's thinner than the Voldra.
However, the Fighter IS a robot. It's slaved to the alien. There weren't any blood or bits floating out of the wreck earlier. Plus, with some quick computer work, you manage to regain 3 Shield points while putting some rounds into the fighter!
The bug Alien goes further out and let's his Fighter take a few shots as he regains his bearings. Enemy attack '1d10'
"Hmm, these foolz are truzting AI?" The Bug asks you over the radio, rhetorically on his end. "Wnnder how much I'll get for the zcrap?"
>>25234 You quickly dart over to a massive rock that orbited the Gas Giant, making shooting even the impressively sized you harder.
The impressive light show manages to knock out two more fighters! But two more remain, and they aren't going to stop shooting!
Enemy attacks '2d10-3'
>>25235 The Mech charges up from you, but then starts acting erratically.
"You're shorting out! Ahh!" Duana yells as you get fired upon. Enemy Attacks '2d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 10, 7 - 3 = 14 / Roll #3 1, 5 = 6
>>25236 These foes are crack shots, we will acknowledge that. Even this rock does not seem to deter them. However, There are only two remaining. Let us see if either of them can dodge as well as they can shoot. >Bolt, '2d10+1' '2d10+1' >Roll twice for abilities, and choose one result.
"Sheesh, they didn't tell us about all this. Let's bogie on out!" The raider leader shouts into the radio.
>>25237 "I takez it back, I takez it back!" The Bug shouts as he loses control of his mech suit and the Fighter. He starts floating around in space, like on out of control fire extinguisher.
The fighter, now without a master, is having trouble of it's own. Enemy Fighter Attack (1d10)
>>25238 "What are you doing!?" Eva asks as she flies up to you. "Maintain a defensive perimeter!"
Roll Will to control yourself!
>>25240 The last two enemy fighters rush you, but they are met with Fold beams and explode, crashing against your rock!
You've cleared out almost all of the enemy, there's just two left harrasing some mechs near the Cargo Ship!
>>25241 They'll probably pick him up later to arrest him. Doubt they'll be in any real hurry, though. Now to take out that fighter and see what else is going down around here. '1d10+' guns, applying robotics perk to make it easier to hit the malfunctioning fighter. Doubt this thing is equipped with the right tools to rip control of the drone, so I can't take it cleanly.
>>25244 >>25243 "Don't leavez me out here!" The alien cries into the Radio.
WIthout a master, the Fighter moves in an eccentric, almost panicked, like way. You can't aim at properly and pepper it with shots. Whatever will be left will only be as good as scrap.
Attacks '1d10'
>>25242 "Just, focus on not dying then! Try to avoid their shots and we'll use that data!" She grabs you with her mech, which looks like yours but with way more parts and pieces attached to it.
>>25241 >>25244 The human seems to have finished off one of them. Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to replenish my missile reserves. Fortunately, this does not leave us without options. Reach through the Fold and pull one of the enemies into Melee range of the drone, then dig our pincers in and tear it apart. >teleport, '2d10+1' >free melee attack, '1d10'
>>25245 Ain't my job to pick up pirates. As for the fighter, I was going to use it for parts anyway, if they'd let me. Now they might let it go for cheaper. I'll just hope the thing doesn't hit anything vital while I'm trying to shoot it. '1d10' guns.
>>25247 >>25246 The two fighters hounding the Cargo Ship are incinerated in a spectacular explosion.
"Shieet!" Comes from all sides of the radio as the light glows through the Solar System.
>>25248 The fighter loses control of itself and manages to splat itself against an asteroid. At least it didn't explode all those cables and computers into the void, right?
The Raider ship makes a run for it, but the Ankylosaur and the escorts stay their ground. There's some tense moments, but the Raiders Fold out elsewhere and the alarms finally silence themselves.
>>25249 Well, there's that, at least. At least some good came out of that first terrorist attack. Gonna have to tow that guy I shot, though. Otherwise they might just "forget" him in the cleanup. '1d10+1' tech to tow the disabled mech. By the leg, if necessary.
>>25250 "Judging how the two of you were flying, I'd probably think my odds are pretty good too. Come on, let's head to the Cargo Ship and help with the rest, or am I going to have to carry the two of you?" Eva plainly states over the Radio.
You can hear Duana whimper a bit at the bluntness and follows behind her. '1d10'
"But I have to ask Wan, how did you get it in you to pull off two Explosions?"
>>25251 "Thankz you machine. Much nizer that living bozzez." It states over the radio, still being pulled in random locations as you haul your extra loot with you.
Civet is signalling you on the Ankylosaur. She's already got a cart ready to take your winnings and some rope.
>>25252 The Raiders have pulled out from this engagement, but you can still sense them in other parts of this solar system.
You can see some of the large aliens and humans stare at you after the impressive display.
>>25253 Hopefully they are not staring out of fear; that would run counter to our intention of helping! Perhaps being cheerful will help alleviate any concerns? "We are pleased to have provided assistance!"
>>25253 Thank god. "Civet, I hope you've got a few security personnel with you, I'm hauling in a live one. He might try and book it if he doesn't see any guards." Once he's towed in, I'll set the busted, and now bullet-holed, pod, to the side.
The alignment lasers fire up again. The Cargo ship starts ejecting some of the cargo towards the Ankylosaur.
>>25255 They start hollering and raising their weapons in their arms. >"Is this…" >"They're celebrating, don't worry."
An alignment laser appears just below you. Time to dock with the Ankylosaur again. There's a mech signaling you.
>>25256 "I was certain I saw two Explosions at once. Maybe someone from the other ship?" Evas asks.
"Good work on saving the ship." The Chief chimes in over the radio, surprisingly calm for once. "Now get to work! Help make sure the cargo floats to the Ankylosaur safely!"
>>25258 After a brief pause, we also raise our arms in the air above our head and give them a pump up and down, before following the mech's signals and boarding the ship once more. "Greetings! May we be of further assistance?"
>>25257 "Got it boss. There's plenty of guns here, he won't have anywhere to go." She says, snapping the rope and letting the noise carry through the radio.
As you get into the zero-G hangar of the Ankylosaur, Civet pounces on the bug. She strips off the Mech suit and ties him up real tight.
You brought the rest of the scraps in the pod with you and put it down as the rest of the cargo comes in. A few aliens help out while the other mechs stand guard.
>>25261 "This should help with the repairs of everything else, or at least any of it that's still working. The suit itself, I think, is still mostly intact. See what still works once we're off alert and get started on disassembly. We'll need the parts, I'm sure." Once I get this thing parked in its space, it's just back to work for me.
Now that you aren't getting shot at, you float effortlessly in space and go wherever you want. However, the cargo gives you some difficulty. The container moves around a bit, as if it has some loose content inside. You can see the inside of the Ankylosaur.
>>25260 "Woah. I mean, yeah. I'm Kamori." The human says in the woefully under-equipped mech. Another human female appears on her mech's shoulder. "This is Malvi. We're your new crew."
"Look out, here comes the cargo stuff now. Help us guide it in."
>>25262 "I'll get this guy to an out of the way corner. The supplies will be coming in now, so we'll help move it in. I think some of the warehouses are free, so you can move things into them."
>>25263 Is my suit equipped for EVA if I wanted to go inside the container to make sure it's all strapped down? Is the container pressurized (e.g.: opening it might cause everything inside to spray out into space)?
>>25263 "New…? Oh! You mean that you are new crew to the ship! We are new as well!" Grab hold of some of the cargo and gently maneuver it into the ship. Just like back home! "Your mech seems to be lacking components. Is your Molder lacking materials?"
>>25268 "Right." I meant back in my robot. This one is probably depressurized and unsafe to fly. So I'll mount up, back in the suit I know works, and get to maneuvering cargo.
>>25267 "No, we are your crew." She emphasizes. "Since so many people got recalled after the battle, we were left without a pilot to support. Until now." The other human on the Mech just looks you over for now, then points to a cargo container coming into the hangar. "Looks like the both of us are in for a learning experience."
Roll Agility for maneuvering the container.
>>25269 "I'm not a little kid anymore!" She yells, with Eva giggling in the background. "Hey, wait, who or what are those?" Duana says as she points to two large insects. One handling cargo and another tied up.
>>25270 Civet swims up besides your mech. "What a first day, huh? I thought it was going to be an easy, quiet ride the whole way. Ow." She looks at her hand.
>>25271 "Oh. …We are not a pilot. We are a drone. Will this create difficulties?" >but… but WE are supposed to be assisting THEM! What manner of madness is this? Gently now… '1d10+1'
>>25275 "I chipped a scale." Civet says. "Well, at least we made it out here already. Maybe once we leave Resempian space it'll all be clear. Okay put it down Boss." Roll Tech. "Hey, what are you doing after work? I could use some help."
>>25276 You set it down quietly and efficiently. Malvi leaps off the mech and starts typing in some numbers onto her Com-Link.
"They told us that, but it's actually regulations. Technically, you're a pilot, so you need a crew, which means us. Even the boss said to think of it as a learning experience for everyone involved."
>>25277 "I even had a science project about them! They barely let us out, I thought you would remember!" Duana shouts. "Eva, what about you? You remember them, right?"
Eva is too busy looking over the container. She comes out of her mech just long enough to mark the container with some chalk.
"Huh, no." Eva responds.
"No way. Then, Wan, come with me. I want to meet it!"
>>25278 '1d10+1' "Chipped scales are going to be the least of your worries by the time work really starts. And what do you want help with? Can't imagine you've got too many side projects lined up on the first day of work."
>>25280 "Well, you're goo with machines. I hate to ask, but I can't work on the Vibro skates I brought. The cables and stuff are too small for me. And my roommate isn't good at it either."
The Container lands with a dull thud.
>>25281 >>25282 "Looks like this is off to a good start. We'll help finish here. I saw your shield fritz out a bit from the deck. You sure you don't need to take a break?"
As you talk, a pair of unusual mechs appear. A girl smaller than the two new crew members opens up her Mech canopy.
>>25283 "Vibro skates? I mean, if we've got the parts. What are you trying to do with them?" Pretty rough landing for low G… Hopefully nothing fragile was in there.
>>25283 "Our shell has not been cracked, and so there is no lasting damage. We are still able to assist; the shields can wait." Turn and wave an arm at the new human. "Greetings! We are Voldra; may we be of assistance?" >>25286 "We are providing assistance. There is much to be done, and few to assist in the doing."
"Attention all staff, due to unforeseen damage, the gravitic generator will be shut down. Please secure any liquid or containers as soon as possible."
"Also, all personnel within the hangar with the new supplies will remain inside the hangar until decontamination procedures are put in place. We apologize for any inconveniences."
The overhead PA system continues to repeat the message, and groans can be heard throughout the ship.
>>25291 Correct. Just need to make sure you turn them on.
"Well that sucks." Civet says as she shits down. "I can clean up a bit, but there's only so much we can do with all this in the way. Hey, what did you do with all that stuff you brought in?"
>>25292 "As long as you don't end up spinning like you did in the mech. I don't think anyone would appreciate you throwing up on them like last time." Eva remarks at you.
>>25289 Tilt our head at the request, then reach down to put one of arms within her reach. "Certainly. We have entertained stranger requests from Humans."
>>25293 "Should be in the loading bay still." I'll be sure to flip them on when the 0G hits. "We didn't really get the chance to strip it down before they took us off to stock the new stuff."
>>25294 Her eyes go wide as she floats around you. She tries to touch the back of your shell, but she has gotten herself stuck floating in mid-air.
"Looks like someone forgot her Zero-G lessons." Malvi says as Duana struggles.
>>25295 "I think I saw someone with a mechanic mech and a giant fish person head that way. And I'm referring to that time you threw up on me! How many suits have I gone through because of you!" Eva yells as she points.
>>25296 "They looked like old ones through my viewer, but I've seen people do crazy things with older tech. If they were all connected to that Wasp, I'd actually be amazed." Civet tells you as she swims along.
>>25297 Gently grab her and set her down on the drone's shoulder, near one of the plate edges so she can get a grip. "May we ask the source of your curiosity? Several humans have expressed interest in us since this drone's arrival; is there a common source of this interest?"
>>25299 "Hey, you know, I bet we could salvage some of these parts." Civet points to a few tubes that are still whole. "That's a weird engine, have you seen it before? And those, what kind of loader is it?"
>>25300 "You're smooth, but it tingles when I touch you." She giggles. "You remind me of something from when I was kid, just, not as big. I'm Duana!" She cheerfully yells out.
"If you need me to remove her, just let he know." Eva sighs as she talks Malvi.
>>25305 "Did you file a report? There's probably going to be a pretty long wait on minor repairs until we get back to where we were supposed to be before the pirate attack." Scratch the back of my neck. "Though, if you're a combat pilot, then they'll probably bump it up the queue."
>>25308 "No, no, they were way smaller, like this." Duana tries to give you the dimensions using her small fingers. "They didn't talk or do anything you did, but they were interesting. I'd find so many near my school. Hey Eva, come touch him!"
"She sounds like she really liked those beetles." Kamori says. "Actually, are you familiar with Earth insects?"
>>25309 Sigh. "I guess I'll come back later. That's no good!"
>>25303 I should fly back to the hanger and find somewhere to park my mech. Since repairs aren't happening anytime soon, I should go take care of my personal stuff. Specifically, a checkup. I should swing by the others, too,
>>25308 >>25303 "No luck with repairs. I haven't had a physical in a long time though, so I'm going to see what the wait looks like at the medical pavilion. Do either of you want to come?"
>>25310 "Earth insects? There are several races whose worlds contain 'insects.' Yet, how do they survive on your world if they are so small, even compared to you? Are they not crushed by the gravity?" >>25311 "Is that wise? The announcement was to stay within the hangar until decontamination procedures are in place."
"For someone so small, you have a hard time with small talk." Civet smiles. "I got a tool cart and started separating any loose parts."
>>25313 "There are countless species of them, even smaller than that and they're perfectly fine. Even got my degree studying them." The darker skinned Kamori says. "It seems everything is bigger, but even that little girl could knock you down if she got a running start with how 'denser' we seem to be."
>>25315 "They probably don't want any surprises. Last thing we need is to find some of those raiders snuck something inside the containers, right?" Malvi says. "Tell me, how was your trip inside the cargo ship? It had to be quieter than ours."
>>25316 '1d20' I'll shrug. "Never was much for idle chatter with pilots who think mechanics work at light speed. She wants her diagnostics run, she can wait in line with the rest of the combat pilots who we've got to run through." Float back on over to the table. "So what are we looking at so far? Anything interesting?"
>>25317 "Maybe…" She says in a playful voice. "What was it like inside one? I came here in a cryotube, so this is my real first time in a space ship. What were the aliens like?"
>>25316 "A running start and catching us unawares, yes. However, we believe it would be difficult to knock us down if we were able to brace this drone first." Idly scratch at an itch between our plates as we consider and Share this new information. "Your planet is strange indeed. That creatures as small as you exist is fascinating. We did not anticipate that your wildlife would be even smaller still. Though you believe they are similar to us Voldra?" >>25315 "We do not even require doors, yet we have not left. The rest of the ship's crew must be considered; we would not want to spread some disease around the ship."
>>25318 "Most of the computer system is shot. You'll get more out of it as scrap and the brands aren't all that hot. All the wiring should be smelted to be honest. I think our best chance at getting anything out of it is weapon system. It looks like they made it and I'm sure it violates each and every single safety regulation."
>>25320 "That's part of the reason we've been assigned to you. As a Biologist, I'll be looking into how you operate and making sure you keep doing so. Just like you were sent here to learn about us, we want to learn about you." She points at you.
The human on your shell keeps waving at the grumpy one to approach. You see her reach out her gloved hand towards your shell.
>>25322 She starts to float up a bit as the last parts of Gravity are lost.
"I don't know. The Ankylosaur is the only one I can honestly say I've been in. I'm sure it's different from a dedicated cargo ship." She takes out a notebook and pen from her pocket. "What do you mean by "normal"? Did you get to know any of them?"
Alipor floats above you with one of the other girls inside her mech. Looks like yours wasn't the only one damaged.
>>25324 "Hmm, I guess the aliens there weren't so curious? Maybe they had more experience with humans, but so far every alien I've met here seemed to not know much about microns…"
>>25323 "Ah, so a Biologist is like a Shaper then. To clarify, Shapers are the ones responsible for preparing drones for their roles by shaping their features to suit their task; for instance, adding the additonal missile capacity this drone is equipped with. Some drones are given features inspired by the weaponry of other races to guard the hives, some are fitted with thicker shells to work better in hazardous enviroments."
WE see no reason not to let her touch us. Is the grumpy one currently working on a task? we would hate to interrupt, but her friend has tried to get her attention for some time now.
>>25325 "Can you blame them? With so many different kinds of aliens out there, and almost as many guilds, organizations, bureaucracies, and planets, we're probably only a paragraph in their knowledge bases. This is our first big push into the stars, and all we could get was a decommissioned Cruiser." She shrugs her shoulders, then starts burning with excitement. "But that's why we're here! To learn about them, about us, and to find a new home for humanity! Aren't you excited in the least!?"
>>25326 "So you come in different shapes? Wow, I'm seeing you here but it's still hard to accept, but I'm going to try my best. Hmm, Shaper Kamori, I like the sound of that…" She laughs before returning to work and securing a cargo container that is starting to float. "So, based on what just happened, what should I do if your shell gets cracked? We might get attacked again, and I'll need to know."
You sense a small tingle where the grumpy, red haired human touched you. Her gloves change color in some spots to brown and she removed it in a hurry. Duana just laughs a bit.
>>25328 "Did you try it? What was it like? Did you have to heat it or anything? What did the nutrition label say? Could you read the nutrition label?" Malvi floats up to you, upside down, ready to write down whatever you say.
>>25330 "They had giant apples, which I thought was strange. And then they had giant rats, too. Are apples and rats a constant across the universe regardless of size?"
>>25331 "Oh, that's good." She scribbles furiously. "I think whatever it was, was 'like' an apple and 'like' a rat, but there have been some differences we've found when we dig deeper." She stops at a moment and looks at your belly. "You didn't eat the whole thing, right?"
>>25329 "In case of a shell crack, it is best to seal the crack before it spreads and grows worse. Most repair sealants used for patching damage to ships and mechs will suffice, though it… itches, until the shell grows back beneath the seal. If the damage is too severe, this drone would be forced to spend a week or so confined to it's resting area while a replacement shell grows back. This would require a greatly heightened intake of nourishment, particularly of calcium and metallic alloys or calcates." Tilt our head as her glove touches us. "That tingles. What exactly are you doing?"
>>25333 "Darn it. I'd have taken you to the medical ward to get some of that apple out." She says that with no change in her tone. "Describe the rat then. How'd you even encounter it? What was it doing?"
>>25334 "Looks like your shell shorted out Eva's glove. She uses it to channel Fold abilities, like me, but I can do it without them." Duana says. "Wanna see?"
Eva, the grumpy human, stuffs the glove into her pocket and floats off.
"I think I can keep some of that stuff on hand." Kamori says as she looks into her data-pad. "I have to ask a question. What do you know about 'fashion'?"
>>25336 She groans at your last statement. "Dang, I was hoping for something new. I know you said they were 'normal', but we don't know much about most of the species in the galaxy. The Resempians government has been good to us because we've bought some of their stuff, but that's about it."
>>25338 "My Fold gauntlet shorted out. Alipor is supposed to hand us off to the next scientist in charge of our research, and hopefully, repair. He's over there, probably contacting them on his Com-Link. Wanna come?"
>>25339 "Hmm, Calta had a bunch of dolls but they had strange clothing. Do you think my com link can take pictures? I keep tapping the icon with the circle but it takes me to settings - technology is the worst!"
>>25339 "Oh, I guess so. Yeah, okay, this isn't important anyway."
>>25337 "Yes!" we say immediately, leaning in to see her more clearly. "We would very much like to see! There are not many who can hold the Fold as we do."
"Fashion? Is that not the trend of changing the coverings you wear to fit approved patterns? We know… of it, yet understanding it eludes us."
>>25342 "Indeed! Our homeworld is partly within the Fold, and we have been able to hold it since our most distant memories. It is how the Voldra Share with each other, and how we travel to the worlds beyond our own."
>>25340 "You've been pressing the wrong button altogether. Here, let me show you. Who is Calta? One of the aliens?" Her eyes light up again, only to dim at your last statement. "If you remember anything, let me know, okay? I want any detail!"
Above, Alipor seems to be messing with his device.
>>25341 "Okay, let's go to the edge of the hangar! I'll have to shoot into space." She gleefully exclaims.
>>25342 "Come on, let's show him what we can do!" Duana yells at you.
>>25345 "Eva is so picky about her gear, so she'll probably keep bothering poor Alipor until it gets fixed." Duana says. "Come on, you can even show off your Explosion you're so proud of!" Duana hasn't been this excited since you were children.
>>25344 "Very well then. Hold on tight please, we do not wish for you to fall." Gently carry her over to the edge of the hangar. The desire to show off and Fold over to impress her is tempting, but as she is not in a space-suit, such a precise jump towards empty vacuum would be needlessly risky. >>25345 "It is both, in a way; like an undercurrent beneath reality. When connected to it, you can pull it up like a bucket, but you can also immerse yourself and let the currents carry you to elsewhere." "We will be glad to assist you in finding Eva afterwards, Human-Wan!"
>>25347 >>25348 There's a simple energy field keeping the air inside the hangar despite the doors being open. Any human inside the hangar gets a small oxygen tank, and the two girls are still in their piloting suits.
>>25349 >>25348 >>25347 She produces a laser like beam out of her hands, but it's not that thick and doesn't travel far. She gets dizzy and starts breathing hard.
>>25349 >>25351 "Ah, we see! It is the same principle as our own attacks! Though you seem to invest all of the energy into a single attack, rather than dividing it for efficiency. Perhaps we can assist with that, if you are interested."
"This is more for large groups. Because of the nature of this Fold attack, it's many times more effective if the enemy is grouped up. Multiple groups can still be hit though…"
We'll just aim for two groups of asteroids. "From the darkest pits of the Fold, the reckless power to render supreme judgment. Once engaged, there's no stopping its raw power. Entire armies fall before the twisting power of the soul itself. EEEEXXXXPLLOOOOOSHHHUNN!"
>>25353 The effects of the blast cause a flash of light to enter the Hangar, getting everyone's attention. Many of the smaller rocks have been vaporized, while the large ones are heavily damaged.
You should be proud as you start floating up, finding it hard to control your body after using up your stamina.
>>25355 >>25353 The Voldra's beams resemble those of the ship's in size, blowing through the remaining asteroid, tracking it and piercing it before continuing into space.
Part of the Voldra glows after using its Fold manipulation abilities.
>>25356 Chitter to ourself at the results, clearly pleased with our work. "Thank you both for demonstrating. We are impressed at your grasp of the Fold; few races outside the Voldra can hold it without the use of technology." >>25357 Reach out and gently grab hold of the floating human, towing her through the air over to Duana. "Shall we take the two of you to the human doctors? You both appear tired."
>>25359 >>25357 Grab the two humans and gently carry them over to the line, taking care not to step on anyone. "You see, Human-Wan? There was no need to sneak out of the hangar; now you can see the doctors without breaking the rules."
>>25360 >>25361 The gravity starts coming back and the line begins to move showers are started. The few humans ahead are quickly moved through, but the guards are at a loss as to what to do with the three of you. They eventually just signal for you to come through the shower system and into the ship proper.
>>25361 >>25360 There are long hallways running throughout the ship, filled with humans directing cargo vehicles around. It's loud and busy with lights going off everywhere and a few aliens walking around. One of them, wearing a white lab coat, is waving at the two of you as you pass through the showers.
>>25321 "Well, we're gonna have to take it all apart anyway to make sure they didn't jam a failsafe or something in there." Idly tap my arm. "Why'd they assign you to me, anyway? You seem to have your head on straight enough to not need a babysitter."
>>25487 "Oh, they seem to be the ones she was looking for." The human in the coat responds as he starts floating up. >"Attention, the Gravity system, is on the fritz. Please be careful while we try to remedy the situation."
"I'm just a Medical Assistant, you can leave them here with me while I wait for Doctor Zorani. She's been assigned to them."
Kamori floats up beside you. "Hey, it says here you haven't been given a full tour of the ship. If you have time, I can show you around."
>>25488 "Hours, experience, not good under pressure." She drops her head at that last one. "I can fix things, but now when I'm being pushed, you know. That, and since I think you're one of the few combat capable pilots we have left after the Resempians were recalled."
>>25489 Very well then, set the two humans down with the Assistant. "We enjoyed the demonstration, you two. We look forward to Sharing more when next we meet."
"Yes, Kamori-human, a tour would be most welcome. Where shall we go first?"
>>25490 "Well, pressure's not going to be in short supply, if the first couple days are anything to say of the rest of the mission. Though maybe we used up all the bad luck on the way out and the rest is smooth sailing." Hmm. Maybe I can swap some of the intact plating from my scrapped mech over to the skeleton of the one I was in. Should cut down on costs… "As for combat-capable, that's just because I know how to shoot a gun, more or less. And I know that standing still in a firefight is dumb." Shrug. "I'd really prefer just doing the job I signed on for and making sure this tub doesn't fall apart."
>>25491 "Well, remember that fashion thing I mentioned? I think it'll be good to get you some bags, or at least look at them. Part of your job will be to go planet side for us. This way you can carry things around. What do you think?"
>>25492 "Isn't that what everyone wants? But still, I think this was the best opportunity for me. I get to go far away, meet new people, and I'll have enough saved to stop over in some nearby system. Isn't that your reason for being here? Besides finding your species a new home, I guess." She looks at some of the parts. "Do you think we can weld those together? They seem pretty sturdy."
>>25493 Your uniforms stand out from the rest of the crews and you get a few stares from the people floating by. The plain looking Medical Assistant clicks away on his Com-Link before turning towards you.
"You two are with that, uhm, Fold Research Institute or something right? Mind if I ask a few questions?"
>>25494 "True. Not many mechanics, regardless of species, get a job on a ship bound for the far reaches of space. The money's nice enough, and the main reason I signed on.' I'll look over the scrap. "Which parts were you thinking?"
>>25494 "That would indeed be quite practical, as we lack much in the way of storage." We pause as more feedback comes in from the rest of the hive. "…However, is this truly related to 'fashion?' To our understanding, fashion is directly opposed to functionality."
>>25496 "Those two tubes there. I think they used to be part of the firing tube. Weld them together after cutting off the broken bits and I'm sure it can handle the stronger bullets. Or at least something with more velocity to pierce things."
>>25497 "Oh, really, thanks. Like, what did they do there? The place was close to me, but rushing to get cleared for this job made it hard to look it up. And the security around there! Even the local drunks stayed away."
>>25498 "It can be, but that's why I'm here. If Malvi was here, she'd probably try and set you up like some strange model. I don't even want to think where she got her sense of taste from. Me, I'm just going to help you pick out some basic things. A few bags with the Ankylosaur's insignia should do fine. I think having something that shows you work for us might help in this weird galaxy we're travelling through."
>>25499 "Hmm." I'll look them over. "You might be on to something, but if we put them together they'd only be as strong as the seam is. If the seam's too weak, it'd snap right in half while firing, and that's no good. Though, if we made it a sort of double-barreled affair, with a munitions-feed for both barrels…" Drum my fingers for a second. "Of course, then the problem is where you store the ammo, assuming it's physical ordnance. Don't think we have the parts, or are technically allowed, to homebrew laser weaponry."
>>25500 "No, I meant…" The Medical Assistant stops his questioning as a big shadow appears over the both of you.
"Woah, you humans are way more efficient than I thought! You're already giving them an evaluation. I shouldn't let myself slack off!"
A new Alien reaches out for you as the Assistant looks up. She puts her hands around you an Duana, covering your head with her soft thumb, then pushing against your head gently.
"Hmm, it seems the two of you already used your Fold powers. All the other girls resisted way more."
>>25502 "Some places I know have laws against those." Cevit says.
"Plus, a lot of them make good grenades if you cook them right." Cotentin says as he shows up behind you. "With bullets, you can specify how many someone can carry. Even out here, the laws can be harsh, boss man."
>>25503 "Well, I know you work with us. And some of the people who saw you from the Hangar too. But what about the others? You probably heard the alarms that told non-combat personnel to take shelter." She puts her hand to her chin and thinks a little. "Actually, out in space, are there really that few or many governments? I'm sure they've had you put them on too, right? Or are we the first ones to employ you like this?"
"Ah, that's a little hard to breathe, doctor! You're more constricting than a D-cup bra!"
Wiggle my chest to emphasize the point. "I can't move at all, so I can't resist how you choose to hold me. It was worth it though… I think I got some ideas for our research!"
>>25505 "Well, where we're going the only laws are the ones we bring with us. So it's good the both of you are on the same page." Look over the rest of the materials. Maybe I can make some sort of wrist-based housing for a wide mid-range weapon.
>>25506 "There are several different governments, though their level of involvement in intergalactic affairs varies; most races are self-governed, after all. We have cooperated with other governments, but always as Voldra. Wearing another insignia is generally reserved to the drones licensed for advertising- which this drone is not," we are quick to point out. "We… suppose there is good reason for it though. It is easy to forget that knowledge is not so easily Shared among the other races."
>>25507 You feel a sharp stare coming from Eva, even though she's still in the hangar.
"Oh, so forward!" She says, her ears perking up. "I'll make sure to note it when we're all in our bunk! Come on, let's go Alipor!" Bring the other girls along. We have much to prepare." She starts hopping along, avoiding any person or supply in the way while Alipor struggles to float through. She smiles at you, almost passing as Human but with a more visible snout when you get close. "I got some of your files. I know Duana, but I haven't had a chance to review your file before I was called to pick you up."
>>25508 "Yeah, in space, anything goes." Cotentin says. "If you build it, you can fire it. Things get dicey when you get closer to populated planets."
"Yeah, it's really embarrasing how thorough some of them are. And X-Ray and an MRI scan would have been less invasive than some of the worlds I've been to." Cevit adds.
Cevit is carrying some parts of the Wasp-person's mech. Might be able to use the wrist from it, or some other part.
>>25509 "Well, you're working for us, so it's fine. Most of the other Aliens are hitching a ride with us, but the boss folks say it's a security thing. Let's people know that someone out there wants to know where you are and wants to make sure you come back safely. Look, over there, there's a few left. Hmm, I wonder, what color do you like?" She asks.
>>25512 "Thanks to your Research Institute, the answer is yes!" You could tell she wanted to point to emphasize, but she holds herself at the end and just rubs your back. "They got us all together. You girls will be sharing a room with me and one of the Techs assigned to your machine suits. They wanted strict monitoring of everything, and what better way than letting you live with us!?"
"But, I think they were better than some other worlds. Some were real lax, and I was afraid I'd be whisked away at night. At least I could sleep soundly in the port hotels on the lawful planets." Cevit says as Cotentin's wife walks up. "Please don't tell me we're going to have to pick up this mess?" She says.
>>25516 '1d10+1' tech, applying robotics bonus. "If we want to make any use of the debris, we're going to have to, and catalog it besides. Anything that's too broken or just plain useless, we melt for scrap and repurpose."
>>25515 "A dark enough purple is black, which is a good choice for 'blending' in, despite how hard it might be for you or me. At least if we have to sneak around, it won't give us away. Hold on." She floats over the bags, then dives into the pile. You see some movement, and then she appears with more regular- but still darker Purple, bag that she holds above her thanks to the reduced gravity. "Hmm, you mentioned advertising? What would you even do for that?"
>>25517 "That makes sense." Verata says, bringing up some Com-Link data. "The smelters will be powered on as soon as the ships finish bringing in the water, but I think we'll be traveling to them on the next planet. If I was them, I wouldn't fly out either."
With just a few weldings and bolts, you could salvage the entire mech suit for your purposes. Plus, there's a bit more with this one, since the computer is still active. You could go into it and pull out all the suit data too.
>>25521 Might even be able to repurpose the slave drive for the fighters. Maybe make some small, automated point-defense drones to run interference at close ranges… Shake my head. That's a long term project. I'll just take what I can use currently. As for the computer, I'm gonna thoroughly scan that and, if necessary, reformat it completely. I'll log a requisition for the parts I'll need, but I won't be surprised if they get snapped up for other mechs. "I guess I should look into the diagnostics for that pilot before we get too invested in clean-up, though. Civet, you didn't happen to get her name, did you?"
>>25519 "Not necessarily like that." She says as she rubs your head with her soft, fuzzy fingers now. "We've got you some custom apartments in our room. The Ankylosaur was meant to house people our size, so adding a few like yours isn't hard. Did you pack your things? I can have Alipor bring them." She stops in front of a big door and opens it. "Welcome to your new home!"
Inside it looks like a normal bunk, just supersized. The things that stand out are your 'rooms', which look like a cross between normal apartments but packed like bird houses. An 'examination' room is on the desk next to the beds, and Calta can be seen on the other bed.
>>25518 "Yes, those bags will do nicely. Many thanks!" We tense up a little as she inquires about the advertising. "Our translators can be adjusted to increase the volume, which allows for broadcasting over a more extended period of time than most races would be capable of. Drones licensed to Advertisers use this to announce goods for sale and oncoming events- this drone does not, because this drone is not licensed to any advertisers. Insignias and symbols can also be taped or painted onto the shells of drones licensed to advertisers, similar to putting logos on racing vehicles. This is often used to with our spacefaring ability to advertise outside of spacestations- with drones licensed by advertisers. Which this drone is not."
>>25523 And, since I can't move my body much, I'll use the chance to get a good look at everything! Especially the houses, but what's Calta up to? How are the giantess beds, they must be enormous! The lights must be so big in here, and far up above! Are there ways to get into the walls like in the other rooms, through human-holes?
>>25524 "Makes sense. No need to frustrate people with you unnecessarily."
A Resempian comes by and grabs a few of the bags. "Sorry, they're being recalled for duty." He says before he leaves."
"Hopefully this thing calms down soon for them. They were real nice when I was planet side. So I get advertising, but what about personal markings?" She says with a smile.
>>25526 Sigh deeply. "I'm probably going to lose sleep on this…" Gather up my tools, diagnostic and otherwise. "Civet, this'll probably be a good learning experience. Clear examples of what not to do are often more useful than warnings."
>>25528 "Indeed. Resempians are flighty, but kind-hearted. It is good that they are so capable of defending themselves." We rub our forelegs together as we mull over her question. "A drone's individual markings are usually analogous to what humans call 'scars;' areas of the shell that have been damaged, and grew back discolored. There are some drones that do this intentionally, by creating superficial scars right before greatly changing their diet, so as to make the regrown shell carry a different color or hue. However, most drones are content with their color."
>>25525 Most of them are versy sparsely equipped but still resemble the other apartments you've passed. The only thing is that instead of a front door, they have a see-through plastic front wall.
>>25527 Despite the seeming normality, it's hard to appreciate the size of their stuff until you get put down on Doctor Zorani's bed. Its got very thick and fluffy blankets on it.
"I was brought along because I've had some work done with the Fold, but I'll admit I also wanted to meet Humans. When they told me about such a small species, I thought they were playing with me!" She says as she runs her finger across your body. "It's not like they said you'd be. They said you'd be a bit more firm." Doctor Zorani presses down on your chest a bit. "Okay, I need you to tell me how firm is to firm, so I can establish a baseline."
>>25532 "Probably more than we're paid to care about, honestly. And as long as they don't come and bite us in the ass, I'm fine leaving it that way." Once we get to the mech, I'll plug in and get it fired up. "Going to start with a basic diagnostic, see what comes back in the red." '1d10+1' tech, and since it's currently unmanned I'm assuming the robotics bonus applies.
>>25530 "So your shell regrows. It's obvious, but it puts a damper on my ideas." She lies back on a bag before the Resempian comes back for more and she gets out. "Let's head to the food court. Most of it's going to be nutri-paste stuff, but at least you'll know where it is. Here, reach out to me so I can hold on. Now, have you tried the food of other aliens?"
>>25531 Since I'm all worn out, I'll just relax as she pokes and prods. "Ah~! That's a particularly soft area, though… Please, keep going. I didn't even think that an alien wouldn't expect breasts to be soft!"
Completely oblivious to the fact that she obviously has some of her own.
>>25531 Oh right, what's Calta up to? Is she going to help out with the other girls, or is she just coincidentally a roommate? She seems like the type to volunteer.
>>25534 "Ideas? What exactly were you planning for this drone?" Reach out and wrap one of the drone's hands around her, as requested. "We are familiar with the food of other races. However, we are not the ones taking the cakes."
>>25536 Rub the bridge of my nose. "You said you had recordings of it during the fight. Did it do anything weird before, well, floating around like some gradeschooler's science fair project?"
>>25535 You can hear Duana call it quits quickly after Doctor Zorani's fur starts tickling her. "Well, seems I should wear some gloves for next time." She lifts up a Data Pad and and inputs some data before using both fingers to press on your side. "Alright, let me know when, okay?"
>>25538 "Cakes? What, no, it doesn't matter. What I was thinking was putting on a few "Shoot Down" marks on you. The crew does that to their mechs, and I know other aliens would at least paint some other marks on them." She points out a few communal rooms as you pass, with tables and lifts meant to let the aliens and humans work together. "Alright, the food court. You'll see the normal Nutri-Paste dispensers over there and a few flavor packets. They're mostly Resempian tastes, but we managed to get some flavor packets of ours made. Have you had them?"
>>25540 Visibly pat the top of her furry fingers with my tiny hands by waving my arms as I can, a little mobility returning. "Don't be so gentle, Doctor! I'm a space pilot, I can take it, alright?"
>>25539 "Let me review. I'm looking at it, and it seems fine. Here, you can track it bringing in supplies. Outside of combat, it seems to react just fine."
Cotentin let it run a deeper scan, but there's still plenty of warnings.
"But once it gets into a fight, it's like someone messed with the sights, like it was some game."
>>25541 "Hmn… Perhaps that could be made to work. It would have to be painted on, but it should not be too obtrusive if done correctly. However, we are concerned that the marks would eventually cover this drone entirely."
"We have not sampled human food yet, no. Is it good?"
>>25537 Calta is lost in thought, wrapped around an even fuzzier blanket than she is and watching a Data Pad with some network notes appear.
>>25542 "I was actually told about something like this. Hold still." Doctor Zorani starts trying to press harder around you, but you find it is her fingers that give around you more. "Guess it was true."
Alipor finally walks in, carrying some of the girls and loaded with so many girlish bags on him. He heads towards the rooms to put them down, but Calta leans back to observe the girls. She smiles like she did when she was with you, then sits down properly. "Looks like we'll be room mates now." The other girls wave and say hello as they jump towards their rooms.
>>25544 It takes off well enough, but you can see it starts having difficulty even before it gets armed. Once the fight begins proper, and the mech starts getting ready to fire, its aim goes bonkers, as if the sensitivy was turned up. Now the two mechs start over tracking targets, and it doesn't stop until a third one shows up to basically aim for them.
>>25545 "I'll get the paint ready then." Kamori giggles with glee. "If you haven't tried any of our food, we can try the two we've brought the most of. The Vanilla packet has gone better with the more Herbivorous aliens, but lots have liked the Jalapeno one for some reason. Give them a try, just mix it into the paste." The Vanilla packet is white, while the Jalapeno is green.
>>25548 "This pilot is a menace…" Keep watching the recording. There's got to be a point beyond that where it just goes haywire. This can't all be caused by human error. No one's that stupid. They can't be. These things practically fly themselves!
>>25547 "I should lay off the snacks…" She sighs a bit before picking the two of you up again. "Well, it's been some time already. I know using Fold Energy tires you out, but can you try moving now before we move on? Try throwing a punch." Roll Melee.
Alipor silently leaves the room as Calta offers a paw and picks up a few girls helping some to their rooms and picking up a few more on her bed.
>>25550 Going back even further, to the Cargo Ship's footage, you can see that there were some learning troubles, but the pilots quickly become proficient enough. They fly around the cargo containers with little difficulty, even performing the minute maneuvers they failed to do later.
Reviewing the footage again, disabling the safeties and preparing to sortie seems to be the moment it all goes wrong. Something that was off originally throws it off in combat.
>>25551 Probably the pilot. I'll just sigh and shake my head again. "Alright, I'm going to see how much of this garbage I can put back together into something useful, and try to set up some blocks to keep it from going off the handle again. That'll be a stop-gap measure until I can talk to that pilot again and convince that she's really got to learn how to fly." And this is probably going to take a while, especially since I might not have clearance for some sections of the bot's operations if we haven't gotten a full scan yet. '1d10+1' tech, with robotics bonus.
>>25552 You're punch is still on the weak side. Doctor Zorani balances you on her fingertips and puts her snout close as you start to spin with the little locomotion you acquired. Duana seems to have trouble lifting her arms, even without gravity to hold her down.
She closes her hands on both of you and holds you over head and she sits down. "This isn't good. Wan, you said you found something right? What was it?"
>>25553 Her shocked expression goes away after a moment. "Normally, humans don't like it, but you seem to enjoy it. How'd you describe the flavor?" She says with great curiosity.
>>25554 "Let's check the aiming system first then. If it's overtracking, maybe something there?" Verata asks as everyone starts opening up the machine.
Many of the parts are sealed, with only room for parts to move or wiring to flow through. There are lots of small screws everywhere instead of the generic ones you use on your mechs. Cotentin comes over with a plunger, using it to remove some protective covering guarding other black boxes.
>>25555 "It's not useful for this! Hnng." Grunt as my momentum is suddenly shorted by the grab.
"There's a big bug that seems to spread his fold power over his whole shell when firing a shot, like how my mech does it! I think because it's not so focused, it doesn't make him go all fuzzy."
>>25555 We pause to think for a moment. "It was… interesting. There was a subtle burn that built over time, but was almost buried under a wave of… bland sweetness? The two almost seemed at war, until they settled into a simmering sludge." Idly clean away any that got on the drone's face, then suck the appendage clean. "Were we not supposed to mix them? You seemed quite distressed."
>>25556 "This thing's a mess… What do these even do?" I'll try getting a read on these black boxes. Maybe not all of them are restricted access. '1d10+1' tech
>>25557 "A Voldra? Aboard the ship? That is a good opportunity to research how they use the Fold. I might have to meet it. Tell me, how was it? Personality-wise?"
She brings you back down and starts rubbing the legs of both of you. "Tell me if this makes them feel better." You can feel her fingers pressing over you.
>>25558 "Sorry, I'm used to some people throwing up after a dare to mix them. Guess I shouldn't have thought it would fit you the same. Here, there's a few more we can try out. As a Biologist, I'll be recording your reaction to each of them."
Roll Will 3 times if you want to try out the mixed flavors.
>>25559 With lots of difficulty, the group manages to find all the individual screws holding down just one box.
But that was just removing it, Opening it was harder. Roll Tech Again.
"Attention, due to erratic Fold activity in our vicinity, we have been advised to raise our security level. All combat capable personnel, please report to the Hangar in preparation. All others, please complete your tasks and try to remain inside your rooms."
>>25561 There's a clicking noise that happens the moment you start messing around with it. Shortly afterwards, the device starts smoldering.
>>25562 The odd combinations of Sciracha, Jalapeno, Vanilla, Ginger, and Coffee all combine to be perfectly delicious for you.
"I'm, impressed. If that had been me or any other human, they couldn't get the stomach pump going fast enough."
The ComLinks go off shortly after the announcement is made, but you get the message that your 'Office' supplies have been brought over.
>>25563 "We've got some information on the Voldra and other Fold capable races, but if you can befriend it, it'll help all our research." She continues to rub during the announcement.
"Regarding the announcement," Calta finally speaks up, "those two are the only ones with viable Mechs. The rest are giving me remote warnings, so the rest of the girls will stay here with me." She sits on the bed, her legs blocking the room of the two of the girls as she flips over her data pad to show all of you the warnings. "Oh, and if you see Eva, let her know the deal is still on." She smiles at you.
"Do you want me to take you, or Alipor? He knows a bit more about your machines than I do." Doctor Zorani asks.
>>25672 At this point, the only way it can get worse is if it bursts into open flame. Lowtech solutions for hi-tech problems, here we go. '1d10+1' tech roll
>>25670 Excellent! We shall have to attend to those supplies afterwards in preparation for our duties. For now though… "It appears you humans have garnered quite a bit of attention. Puzzling, though, how so many have counted you as enemies." Good thing I ate so much, now this drone is replenished enough for combat to not be a daunting prospect.
>>25675 I'll rub the bridge of my nose. "I was trying. I think that may have been a security feature." Turn the box on its side, get a wedge in the crack, and take a hammer to it. It's already busted so there's no real call for finesse here. Going around the line, the top should pop off eventually. "Next time I'm just going to use one of the torches to get into these things. Probably save myself a load of grief."
>>25674 "His dossier seems fine, but I should arrange for a get to together for all of us then. After this business here is settled," she puts you in her coat pockets, "we should all sit down together. I feel like a real doctor!" She starts hopping down the hall towards the hangar. "Alipor has been helping you with the mechs, right?"
>>25676 "Some of the government types have told me it's because we're new. Hold our ground and hopefully the big kids of the Galaxy won't try anything later. I just hope they don't escalate instead. How was it for you guys, when you first ran into other species?" She asks as she starts going through some ComLink data coming in.
>>25677 A few hammer swings and you are in. The box contains a lot of burnt padding and a corner of it held some magnesium powder, judging by the smell.
"Hey, those lenses. It's an Aiming System module…"
>>25679 The Doctor is cutting your travel time way shorter as she hops and lands between all the moving people.
"Maybe we should talk to him! I know lots of people who'll open up after you take the first step! But in your cases, it might take a couple… Here, think of a few questions, we're almost at the hangar. What would you ask him about?"
>>25678 "It was… awkward," we rub the back of our head. "We had been making new colonies when we encountered our first alien ships- which we at first believed to be spacefaring beasts of some sort. We attempted to hunt the 'beasts' for food, and instead discovered aliens inside, we attempted a greeting, they shot at us… Things became significantly calmer once we managed to establish rudimentary communication, and eventually we managed to convince some of the aliens to build our first translators. Many drones were lost in that pursuit, but the end result was worth it."
>>25680 "Not like any that are standard. Otherwise they probably wouldn't have put the self-terminating feature in there. So what was it meant for?" Start gutting the box. That padding's all gotta come out, along with the bits and pieces of the aiming system. "It didn't fire any conventional weaponry during the fight, right? I don't recall seeing any during the footage… just the aiming and maneuvering system going haywire before the other two showed up."
>>25682 "Yeaouch. Our wasn't that bad. A few of our probes got caught in the middle of some territorial dispute. We managed to pull through fine, more or less, but we know that lots of people got recruited to lots of groups out there. Some people see that as a good thing, but I don't know. Seems risky, I'd rather we get indebted with a hundred Ankylosaur colony ships instead."
>>25683 "We'll ask! What else do you want to know about him?"
She hops at top speed, the Hangar doors closing in.
>>25684 "It had grenades! Obviously, it's going to have a different aiming system, right?" Civet says.
"And it's a Fold unit. Maybe something with that?" Cotentin adds.
"Hold on." Your female mechanic interrupts. "The diagnostic system is spitting something out. The aiming system, which is still connected, was connected to this thing."
>>25686 "A fold unit? They just give fold-capable units to pilots who can't even fly unassisted in combat?" Then, to the female mechanic. "Which thing? There are several things, now."
>>25685 "We are not surprised that your transition was easier. Your Sharing is verbal, much like most other races. You are also… used to be unjoined, to not Sharing between minds. We Voldra have always been joined, for as long as we can remember, our minds Sharing freely, with new tribes being Joined when they met. We did not understand the others, how the Shared with sounds instead of thoughts; more than that, we did not understand that all were not one, that one could act against all without the all knowing." We look away. "We did not understand, and there was a time when that caused things to become… ugly."
"…But your situation is much more stable! And think of it this way; by recruiting into different groups, others see that humans are strong, and may think twice about hostilities. As a bonus, those humans may bring back new knowledge on the others in the galaxy."
>>25687 "Don't you remember those group dates some of the other girls set up?" Duana shouts out from the other pocket. "Or tried to. But, they had to pick everything carefully. They went through SO MANY magazines, and they still messed it up." She drops her head on the coat pocket, and even you can hear her sigh from so far.
>>25688 "If I'm reading this right, we might have a case of an aiming system being connected to another aiming system. If they aren't calibrated, and I don't even think you're supposed to have two of them like this, they'd overcompensate for each other."
>>25690 Groan. "Who built this piece of garbage?" So this aiming system, which by rights and reasons shouldn't be working, is still working and connected to the other one, right? If so, I'll disable this one.
>>25689 "Yeah, but there's also a problem. We don't know where a lot of them went. Maybe they're fine, but it worries plenty of folks. You said you were joined, so how do you react when someone suddenly gets cut off?"
>>25691 "I need to get clearance before I can even think of walking into the hangar for a while." She takes the two of you out by the door to the hangar, but rubs your legs just a bit more before putting you down. "Let me know if you start locking up again. It's important for you and the other girls, okay?"
>>25692 "We'll really need to do a full teardown on this thing." Cotentin states. "Especially if we have to trust it to defend us."
>>25693 "Well, first we've got to see if they put any more security surprises in there. Once we're sure we can actually pilot it without it burning itself down because fold-tech isn't something you'd want just anyone to have, then we'll see if removing any redundant systems fixes the problems it has."
>>25694 "Worrying about security on this thing is pretty much moot. Push comes to shove, I'll be honest, I'd vent this thing and use it as a bomb." Cotentin says. The other two nod in agreement.
"Should we try for another system?" You're asked.
>>25695 "We've got the Resempian's cruisers here. I'm sure they'd rather you not sortie in front of them either." The Doctor tries to reassure you.
"Come on, no sense worrying. We should talk to the mechanics over by our mechs while we have time."
>>25696 "We don't have the parts to build another one." Shrug. "Let's check the gyros and the maneuvering gears. That seemed to give the pilot trouble too. Here's hoping there aren't three of the damn things." Hunt them down and take'em out. '1d10+1' tech
>>25693 We grow quiet at that, simply continuing our walk for a minute. >should we confide in her? It may help build trust, but is also a risk. "Usually, for a drone to be cut off means that the drone is dead. In this case, their queen catalogues all the memories they Shared with us, so that they may be referenced at a later time. If the drone is within the hive's influence, it is given proper funeral procedures."
>>25699 "Of course they are. I know I said redundancy doesn't hurt, but that's only if they aren't all running at the same time!" I'll sigh again. "Well, at least I was right in that this was, in fact, a good example of what not to do, Civet." Sure, why not. Let's open up the mail.
>>25698 >Trust we can build down the line, but this is just her curiosity. We can withhold for now. >A need to know basis for now would be safe.
"Back on Earth, some of the places got so crowded that they could only recycle bodies. Other places had elaborate, all I can think of is parties or parades, big things when someone passed away. Maybe we can share them later, once we're back in the Hangar. We can probably get to your 'Office' since it's right there too. Have you used a keyboard before, or do you prefer hologram ones? Or even a typist?"
>>25700 "Hi and hello! Oh, you all have such nice uniforms! Oops, sorry. This is supposed to be a business message!" It reads. This person uses less emoticons than your Resempian friend, but there are still plenty around. "Anyways, I'm Calta the interim Chief of Technology for these units!" There is a winky face here. "Sorry I'm not down there, but they're having issues with my permits, so I'm stuck in my room with the girls until I get that resolved. For now, save my ComNumber and send me questions. I'll get you what I can, but I can't give more than I'm authorized. ((´д`)) Humans have lots of classified systems and lots of contracts, sorry."
>>25702 Squint a little. "Well, it looks like now we have someone to grill for these ridiculous decisions." I'll fire off a quick question about why there are so many redundant systems, and wonder who thought it was a good idea to have them all run at the same time.
>>25701 >then We are in concensus. "We will be glad to share such stories. Though you are free to have us cease if you become uncomfortable." "A typist would be best," we say, waving a few grippers and snipping our claws for her. "Our method of keyboard usage- "hunt and peck," we remember it being called- is apparently very inefficient."
>>25703 "Hm? Oh, it's you. Yeah, apparently, all your guidance and aiming systems were running along with their backups. So it was throwing everything off. That's the first problem we've found, anyway."
>>25703 Numerous panels from your machine have been removed, with one Alien and three Humans around your machine.
>>25704 "I know what you mean. ╥﹏╥ Even the notes are impossible!" She responds back. "I'm digging through the system info and asking the girls. All I can really tell you is that these are new machines, so I'm sure every piece has some recording material in there. I'm filling up my drives as I type! (*꒦ິ⌓꒦ີ) "
>>25705 "For now, Malvi or I will be doing it, but we'll work on getting someone brought over. Any preferences when it comes to typist? The Office is just going to be the room next to yours."
>>25709 "You literally asked us to look at it less than five hours ago." >>25710 the hell is even that last emote Turn back to Wan. "At any rate, once we get the redundant systems set aside, we're going to give it a few test runs to see how it handles. It's actually a big help you're here, since we don't know if it has any more security features tucked away in there that might make something catch on fire."
"At least we can have her around so she can turn it on." Cotentin yells from near the entrance to the mech. "I can't make heads or tails or whatever else someone would have of all these controls."
>>25710 >do it >No. >Do-eeeeeet >Is this truly worth risking compromising our task here? >Come on, we know we want to >…very well. "If we must choose, we would prefer for the cute one to be our typist." >risking diplomatic ties in order to tease a human. Truly, our ancestors are proud of us. >You know as well as we they would do the same.
>>25712 I'll just raise an eyebrow at that. "At any rate, you're just going to have to give us a bit to get things in order before you hop in there. Whoever put these modules in there was a nutjob who hated mechanics and the idea of simple repairs."
>>25716 As she walks off, I'll turn back towards the mech and just rub my eyes for a minute. >>25713 '1d10-1' "Right, well, let's get back to work, I guess."
>>25719 The lights on the Ankylosaur flash yellow as people move equipment and ammunition around. Outside of the Hanger, you can see a proper Resempian battle cruiser flying around with your ship, providing protection. At this distance, you can look directly at the much further sun. You're almost near the end of their solar system.
>>25720 I'll type out another quick message. "Lady, there are something like five of them and they're all running at the same time. It's filling the system with so many errors the suit can't even fly straight. And if they'd stop self-destructing whenever they're lightly jostled, we'd actually be able to do something about it."
>>25718 >Worth it. "Almost all races we have met have reached a consensus that 'small, energetic, and easily-flustered' fits the definition of 'cute.'" Gently boop her on the head. "In short, all humans are cute. Like hatchlings, only smaller and more daring."
>>25721 >>25725 There's a few mechanics nearby and you approach them.
"Wan, shouldn't you be at your mech?" A deep and booming voice from above asks as you feel a hand reach around you and pick you up. "Did you get lost?" Alipor asks, his scales lightly pressing into you despite their size.
>>25723 "Yeah, it's giving me a headache just looking at the readouts! (ʃ⌣,⌣ƪ) Hmm, do you have a sight system nearby? I think I figured something out."
>>25724 "Being called 'cute' isn't what many of us were expecting when we got into space, but I'll take the rest. Come on, we should get you back to the Hangar before I get yelled at." The trip back is quieter this time. The halls are mostly empty as the staff heads to their rooms. Only a few stragglers remain.
The Human guards salute when you approach the doors.
>>25727 It's one of the pieces of Mech Equipment you can buy.
"It's what they use on some of the Mechs here, right?" Cotentin asks.
"Do we even have a spare left? Maybe if we use some of the parts we salvaged?" Civet offers.
>>25729 "There's at least one, I'm sure." Rummage around that captured mech. We haven't disassembled it yet, so it's probably still installed, if it has one.
>>25729 "It is not the worst label to have. Many of the labels given to Voldra are less endearing." Nod to the guards as we enter the hangar to prepare for the worst.
>>25728 Alipor gives a hearty chuckle as he looks at your flustered response. "They just want to be ready. The folks in charge are just worried, is all. Weren't you a bit frightened when you first came into space?" He puts one hand under your feet and opens the one that he was holding you with.
>>25730 Roll Tech, as going through the captured suit gives a few ways to get one off of it. It's just getting it off this crudely built thing that'll be trouble.
>>25731 The Hanger is full of activity. Mechanics checking the machine and a few aliens and suits moving containers around to make artificial barricades. Only one door seems to accepting goods from the containers for now.
"Come on, your Office will be next to your room. Looks like they're finishing moving in the equipment now." Kamori says.
"So, how did the tour go?" Malvi asks as she tries her best to keep up while looking like she is walking.
>>25734 "It was very educational," we preen, "Human-Kamori introduced us to human flavoring, which makes the most interesting and delightful combinations!"
>>25733 While most of his hand is covered in hard scales, his fingertips are soft as he presses on your head.
"For you, of course! And everyone else. They're trying their best to make it look like they aren't going to let the ship unprotected. Even if we don't know when, or even if, we'll be attacked, they want everyone to feel like they can handle it. He turns towards the big hangar windows. "Don't you feel safer knowing your mech is being prepared, just in case?"
>>25735 It takes a lot more than light cajoling, even Civet has to jump and kick it to get it to part, but there's a crude but functional Scope/Sight system attached from the helmet to where the gun was. A little cable splicing and you could probably get it into Wan's mech.
>>25736 "Really!" Malvi gets really active. "Tell me ALL about it!" She brings out a notebook and waits for your responses.
>Latasha All your stuff is lying on the shuttle seats next to you, though a few have found their way into your bag. Ever since the attack, all the personnel on the transport shuttle have been running around like crazy. They've checked your bag several times over and you've seen them take a few other aliens for 'random' inspections in this packed ship. You're new job is near, but it might take you a while to get to it.
"So, what did you bring?" A small voice beside you asked.
>>25738 If you can move some of cables around the black boxes, you might be able to fit it in with only a few modifications.
Go ahead and roll Tech while Civet hands you the cord.
>>25737 "The first two flavors presented were Jalapeno and Vanilla; the combination was a fascinating and delicious new experience, and easily our favorite. Though the other flavors- Sciracha, Ginger, and Coffee to be exact- also had pleasing results when mixed with each other or the first two. Sciracha and Jalapeno were pleasantly spicy together, while Ginger and Coffee had a rather invigorating result."
"We have reached concensus: Human food is delicious!"
>>25737 How comfy! Rub into his finger with my head.
"I guess so! I mean, I just like to have it clear whether we are friends or foes. So much uncertainty is confusing! I'm not very good with subtle distinctions sometimes."
>>25892 Not many. It seems the boxes themselves are the surprises, but as long as they remain screwed on and you run the cable around it, it doesn't react by bursting into flames. >"Oh, it seems to be picking up well 。(*^▽^*)ゞ Want to give it a try?" The ComLink asks.
>>25894 "Woah, you can eat that?" Another human asks, running up to the two of you. "Wait, it didn't hurt your stomach or anything." Duana, the human who had asked to touch your shell earlier, asks. "And did I hear right, you need a typist?"
>>25897 "Our digestive tract is fully functional. Why, are some of your flavors poisonous to yourselves? That would seem ill-informed, if your species consumes poison on a regular basis." Wave a pincer cheerily as we recognize Duana. "Greetings, Friend-Duana! You are correct, we require a typist, as our limbs are ill-suited for standard keyboards."
>>25895 "Hmm. Your size reflects your experience then." He puts his chunky hand behind his head before coming to a realization. "Unless you're getting attacked, it'll be good for us all to think of people as good. But right now, I'm not gonna admonish you for being unsure." He looks around, then sits down and puts you on his knee. The scales here give more, and it feels a lot more rubbery. "While we're waiting for the next load, tell me about where you grew up. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you and the other humans in the cargo ship."
>>25896 "Oh, are you coming onboard the Ankylosaur too?" The Human ask, this one female with a small black shirt and thin blue pants, as she looks up to you from a nearby chair. "I didn't expect to meet defense contractors here. Are you headed for the Resempian planet…" She says, offering up a smile before turning her head, "or the Ankylosaur?"
"Mom, where'd you go?!" A voice behind a bunch of normal sized bags and cases asks.
>>25900 "Earth born, I guess. A lot of Fold-capable humans were taken into special programs and trained alongside each other. Maybe because we don't have the advantages of some bigger kinds of aliens, humans hope the Fold will make us equal partners?"
>>25898 The inside of the mech is warm, with almost every part of it that isn't metal wrapped in a strange, soft plastic that is smooth to the touch.
Reaching for the power button, you feel a warm sensation.
Roll Will.
>>25899 "I think if I mixed up those flavors, even Wan would throw up." She starts to hop up and down with a raised hand. "But, hire me, I can do it! I've run a site before, and I'm always filling out reports when we take the mechs out!"
Kamori just looks at you curiously. "You're call, at least until we get the situation all sorted."
>>25901 "No, I've just gotten the brochure when my documents came in. Looks like it'll be the first time for both of us." She adds.
The packages finally reach the chairs and come to an abrupt stop. Out emerges a rather colorful Reptilian alien. He's got a long body, but not as long as yours, and colorful scales. "Ugh, please don't leave me with all the stuff like that." The child asks.
>>25903 "We see no reason to decline such a fortuitous turn of events, as it would also lighten the workload on Friend-Kamori and Friend-Malvi. So long as Friend-Duana is not embellishing about her skills, of course."
>>25905 You put your hand on the "On" switch, but all you feel is an electric shock.
"Here, let me try." Cotentin says as he quickly jams the power switch, only to reel back from the shock.
"No way, maybe I can do it?" Civet puts her huge finger into the mech, only to recoil from the shock. "Ow, ow, ow. I'm never doing that again." She puts her finger in her mouth.
>>25906 Either a trick of the light or his scales and hair start turning red before he hides himself with a large briefcase. "I'm not old enough for a girlfriend yet!"
The Human starts to laugh. "He's so cute when he gets flustered. I'm Avanyu, and this is my son Seiz." She reaches out her small arm and hand to shake yours.
"Nice, nice to meet you." Comes out from behind the briefcase.
>>25908 "Maybe it's keyed to the pilot. Hang on a sec." Plug my own pad into the console, and start running a few things, trying to circumvent the pilot recognition protocols. '1d10+1' tech.
>>25902 "Hmm, I saw some of you practicing in your spare time, but was so busy I didn't get a chance to ask." He lowers his head closer to you before he attempts to 'whisper'. "So, it wasn't just my imagination. You can use Fold energy, like those Bu, uhm, I, uhh, Insect folk. Yeah, that'll do. At least I didn't expect it till you said it."
>>25907 "Nope! I'm always the first one to finish!" She says eagerly, her jumps getting higher as the gravity starts acting up again. "Here, give me your ComNumber so you can reach me anytime you need me! This is so great, Eva and the other girls are going to be envious! Oh, but what name should I put in as yours?" Both girls now look up to you.
>>25912 Go ahead and give her my ComNumber/translator, since they are technically the same thing. "Voldra," we reply, tilting our head in confusion. "We are Voldra."
>>25909 All red. Everytime you pass one barrier, three more rise to take its place. >"I'm trying to give you access, but the system won't let me Σ(‘◉⌓◉’)" Your ComLink replies, a few more times as the person on the other side connects to the mech to try and give you Admin access.
There's a girl in the same uniform as Wan walking along the giant Voldra. Might be a good idea to ask them.
>>25910 "Oh right, is it supposed to be a secret? Well… I mean, people can see me blowing stuff up, so it can't be that much of a secret. But still, you seem pretty trustworthy!"
>>25914 Well, there's always one last thing any mechanic tries before turning to outside help. Whack the console. '1d10+1' low tech solution for hi-tech problems.
>>25911 After the shake, Avanyu sits on the very edge of the chair. You're sure you'd fall down if you tried to occupy just the small space she is.
"I'm one of the Communication specialist they hired." She says as the child picks her up and then takes up the rest of the seat with her. "So if you'll need any help getting through security like the one they have here, just let me know. I can get you the papers you need. Do you know who you're supposed to report to?" She asks.
Now that the child is closer, you feel like you've seen him before, but older…
>>25913 Both girls look at you before turning back to their individual devices and writing it down.
"It's fine since it's just you now, but if another you shows up, you're getting a name!" Duana shouts.
"She's right, you know." Kamori adds. "And I'm sure we aren't the only ones who've ever asked or put one on a Voldra. If this kid is anything like I think she might be, I'd say you should probably come up with one yourself before she does. Do you know if the other Voldra is ready to start sending messages from the embassy?"
>>25916 >" ヽ(゜Q。)ノ? What's going on!? The system just sent me a bunch of errors!" The other person protests.
"Guess this one just doesn't like us or something." Cotentin adds.
>>25915 "Yeah, I saw you show off with the big Bug earlier. Bright flash, but I think you could do bigger." He offers you a big, toothy smile. "I guess it'll be fine if I tell you then, but outside of people using some Fold Gear, I've never seen another alien use Fold except the Insects. I mean, it's not like you can hide on you." He runs his scaly along your side, as if checking for Fold Catalysts.
>>25919 >"Just trying one last thing before pulling in outside help, is all. I swear, whoever designed this thing was a sadist." Grumble a bit. "Yeah, I knew it was going to be a pain, but this is shaping up to be worse than expected." I'll look over towards the bug and his companions, considering for a moment. Ping a message at the other person. >"how loudly would the higher ups complain if I took this thing apart completely and put it back together properly"
>>25918 A little digging shows you your contact info. Alpin, an Equestrian like Alien with large ears, is the one who'll be your boss. Looks like the Humans are a lot more willing to hire outsiders than most species.
"Oh, him." Avanyu seems to turn a bit pale before returning to her regular mood. "I've heard a lot of good things about him from our network. That's probably why they brought him aboard."
Out of the corner of your eye, you spot a pair of aliens, one a grungy canid and another an angry looking Wasp-like one, looking around. Their dress style seems out of place for here.
"Mom, do you know everyone or something?" Seiz asks.
>>25919 "It is true that other races regularly give nicknames to individual drones, but it is a process we have found best left up to the the discretion of the races interacting with the drones. What is considered a 'good nickname' tends to vary from race to race." >Okay, we ready to start Sharing? The other races need their paperwork.
>>25920 "Yeah, I thought the material felt familiar when I was helping you with them. Now, make sure you take care of them." He puts his hands on his side and looks at you seriously. "The material isn't cheap. You be good to it, ya hear?"
>>25921 >"Please ﴾๏๏﴿ no! I just got the job, I don't want to lose it while I can still be let go!"
>>25922 I make a pleased hiss sound. "Communications means she has to talk to everyone, so of course she does." Then look a little concerned. "Are a lot of new people coming to the ship?"
>>25924 >"so you'd be fine with it after they can't get rid of you? I'll keep that in mind." Grimace a bit at the pilot's console, then sigh. "Well, there's no helping it. You lot get to work on the things that aren't plugged into this piece of junk. I'm going to have to bring in one of that pilot's coworkers to get this damn thing working."
>>25923 >The Humans have set me up with a bunch of them here in the Embassy. Word of warning, they're still not letting me know where Earth is >Make sense, they just came into the galaxy at large >The nearby races did the same to me
"Okay, I've already got a bunch ready for you!" Duana hollers. "Maybe Titanus, or Hercules! They'll fit, or maybe Scydo, to be ironic…" She lists off a bunch of names.
>>25928 Ah hell. Now I've got to hurry. Are there any carts or something I can drive over there with, since the mech's kind of excessive for walking across a room?
>>25925 "They are very complex things. Even my old thing still sparks occasionally." He reaches around his neck and removes a necklace he had on under his clothes. He puts the item on the thick chain on his finger and brings it up to you on his finger. "Even non-functional Fold catalysts are valuable. Here touch it and maybe you'll feel what I mean."
Roll Will if you touch it.
>>25926 She opens up her data pad and starts going through it. "It's actually just us and a bunch of cargo. Looks like I managed to get my son aboard with me on the last flight to it. Why?" Avanyu asks, confused at your question.
The two aliens walk towards a door. The Canid goes in while the Wasp looks on and guards the door.
>>25932 You feel a bit drawn to it as you reach for it, but when you finally touch it, the both of you start sparking!
It's like you touched a Tesla coil as some electricity circled around the catalyst, but you feel as weak as if you had just used Explosion!
Alipor puts his hand around your body, pressing in on chest as he does it quickly.
When you finally look up, you see the Doctor holding you…
"Oi, are you okay little one?" But she sounds like Alipor…
>>25933 "I'll let you know later, come on, it's time to work!" Duana yells as she jumps into the warehouse area.
Kamori leads you towards the warehouse next to your room, this one equipped with human sized computer equipment. There's desks and monitors, but looks like someone brought a bean bag suitable for someone your size. "Like I said, there's still some work to do to get it fully operational. Just start letting us know when you get a message and we'll start putting it down."
Roll Street Wise as you start getting messages from the other Drone.
>>25934 "The Extranet is bursting with news of the attack. I can already see my job getting harder once others start figuring out we were here at the same time and start getting bad thoughts." Avanyu complains.
"Mom, please don't worry about that right now." Seiz says as he picks up Avanyu.
"My, what a positive child I have!" Avanyu says as Seiz starts turning red again.
The Canid alien emerges, this time dressed in the Uniform of the local guards. It doesn't fit him as he now walks toward one of the offices…
>>25936 Go ahead and carefully seat ourselves in the bean-bag, propping our front up by our middle appendages. "Very well, we shall begin Sharing. Let us know if we need to repeat or slow down." >All right, keep the chatter to a minimum, we'll have time for the interesting stuff later. '1d10-1' Street Smarts
>>25935 >"They said I can go in once we leave the system. Is it sometime soon ( ⚈ ◡ ⚈ ๑)…ン?I'm in my room with the other girls now. Oh, can you check if Alipor is there? ʕ•ૅૄ•ʔ He might be able to help! Big guy, hard to miss, dark scales and heavyset!"
>>25938 >>25941 "My great granny did say this thing protected her… Sorry, looks like it took a bit out of you. Aye, it's me, your good friend Alipor. You feeling alright? Want me to take you to the Doc?"
He stands up properly, which makes the Doc's legs seem like they're on tippy toes, leaning you back as he holds you in his warm hands. The small scales feel smooth on your back.
Roll Will for limb movement.
>>25939 You slide off the bean bag a few times, not reacting well with your shell. >They said this one is important: 0214. Tell them that one out loud is what the humans told me.
>>25940 Rub the bridge of my nose. I despise everything about working on this suit. Are those two in the hangar still, or did they disappear entirely while I was occupied?
>>25942 "Okay, just don't miss the departure!" Avanyu shouts to you, which sounds rather normal to you.
Keeping some distance, you see the Canid go into an Office while the Wasp looks around the opposite hallway, near an elevator. Shortly after, the Canid emerges and puts a keycard into a door. They struggle with getting it open,
then the Wasp's talons glow and it shoves it through the lock!
>>25943 "There is an important message: 'zero-two-one-four.' It was apparently important to say this out loud." We shift a bit on the beanbag in an attempt to get comfortable. "…Are all human communications so brief?"
>>25944 Looking around, there's not alien matching that description. Right now, the only one who is close to having scales is Civet, but you're sure that you saw one matching that description earlier. Otherwise, you see an Alien in a doctor's gown carrying Wan.
>>25945 You manage to get out of his grip but Alipor still holds onto your lower half tightly, his scales rubbing on your leg.
"Looks like you'll have to watch out for jewelry then. Lots of them have bits of Fold crystals to make them shiny. I know my sister always looks for ones with lots of Fold content. This ever happen to you before?"
The human computer equipment seems to come alive shortly after saying it, taking the two by surprise. >AUTHORIZED
Is all that flashes around you. Kamori's console flashes as Malvi comes inside.
"Uhm, here, respond with G8G9." She says, trying to get the computer to change but failing. "Looks like this is your big moment." She adds. >The Humans here just got real quiet and they're all looking at me.
>>25948 It leads to the stairs, one set leading up and another down. The walls are glass and you can see into the great void of space from here. There are a few battleships nearby.
*THUNK*
Below you, the two are messing with another door. This time the Wasp is trying, and failing to get through the door as the Canid heads lower. There's another guard lying on the floor.
>>25950 "Aye. Something like this would have saved granny's life many times over if I got my history right." He goes quiet for a bit, the illusion of the Doctor starting to fade in and out. "Looks like you're not that strong a battery." He says as his and the Doctor's smile swap in and out. He starts rubbing the back of your head.
>>25951 As the Doctor bends down from her unusual stance, a static effect starts to take hold and a scaled, large body alien starts taking her place.
"Hmm, I don't know, that's why I'm taking her to see the Doc. What's the matter?"
>>25952 "The other humans just got real quiet and are staring at the other drone." >we are to respond with G8G9- presumably to be said out loud as well. >The humans at this end seem to be having trouble with their computers- maybe this is normal for humans?
>>25953 The Baton comes down on his shell with considerable force, cracking his shell a bit at the point of impact. An insectile sound comes from his mandibles as he tries to use the door to stand up!
>>25955 "Correct, or at least it was. Seems like it can take your Fold energy for itself, if for a small amount of time." Alipor lowers you down to Frank's height. "Looks like you got a visitor."
>>25957 It does. He's got short but thick legs and arms but an equally large body to make up for it.
>>25958 "You're Alipor, correct? Having both of you come along would actually be a big help in getting her mech running again. Turns out that whenever we try to start the thing, it decides to electrocute us. I'm assuming that's a safety measure to ensure only the pilot can actually run the frame."
>>25956 >They are celebrating now >The talking has increased considerably and they've given me a holoprojector >I hope the humans are ready, there are many messages
Most of the first messages are orders to the Ankylosaur. Directions, instructions, numerous messages for the higher ups.
"I can barely keep up!" Duana says. "Is this normal for you?"
>>25958 Cheerfully add, "I bet if you had better connectors, you could use me for a lot longer! My mech has no time limit. Maybe we should try? Just think how useful I could be if you used me to power all the uncharged items laying around!"
>>25958 >>25959 "Oh, the mech again? Well, alright. Maybe I'll feel a little better by the time we get there!"
>>25960 "We assume there is simply a backlog that must be worked through in order to bring this vessel up to speed." And it's only going to get worse once they introduce the private communications… '1d10-1' Street Smarts to keep the communication coherent
>>25959 "Mhm, I was worried something like this might happen. Their Chief had me learn some of the systems, but I'm no mechanic. Too many tiny pieces inside of those things."
>>25961 "Seems like she's up to it, at least." Alipor cups his hand in a way that it looks to others that you are on a patio chair. "But I'll ask the Doc before I start treating you like a rechargeable battery, you know."
>>25964 "Too many extra pieces, to boot. The whole reason the thing isn't working right in the first place is because all the redundant systems are active at the same time. So it overcompensates and throws everything off. Which, by the way, makes their data records useless since they aren't getting accurate data."
"As long as you take good care of me, I don't mind how I earn my keep. The doctor is really nice though, she always massages my body to make sure I stay healthy when I feel weak!"
>>25963 >There is another Voldra near that location! He is advertising right now. >I am near another of those systems, should I wait here for them?
There's a few messages for the Medical Staff taking priority before more ship orders. Mostly about stock counts and what they will be getting shipped out to some of the destinations the Ankylosaur is headed to. >Wait, those messages. They are code…
>>25962 >>25966 "It worked fine when we tested them in the cargo ship. But that wasn't combat, I know some other systems become active then." The dark scaled Alipor says. "How bad is it?"
>>25967 "You'll have to wait until I hadn you off then. These scales aren't known for their delicate touch." He puts his hand up to the mech's pilot seat. "Try turning it on if you feel up to it."
>>25969 "We've taken out at least two targeting systems and have identified a third. The stabilizing systems are also in multiples, which is is why she ended up more or less immobilized before the fight was over. Of course, every system we take out and try to fix, the internal data recorder self destructs and I get a very worried message from her supervisor." I'll gesture towards Wan. "Don't know how they expect me to fix anything in this hellbox if they won't let me take it apart."
>>25968 >Good, we can have him Share any relevant information about what the humans can expect coming in. >Please do, or at least scout around for any unpleasant surprises. The initial stages of this voyage suggest that trouble will be unavoidable; that does not mean we cannot be prepared. >Code… it makes sense for the humans to be careful. However, we hold no ill-will for them, so there is no harm in deciphering their code so that we may understand it too.
>>25965 Your Fold Catalyst glows as you hold down the Wasp.
"There'z a treazure being put inzide one of the zhipz… Let me go and we'll split it? It's gonna be big and they zaid they wouldn't be able to stop uz…" Despite his injury, he doesn't scream out in pain thanks to the effects.
>>25969 I allow myself to go totally limp as he gingerly holds me in one hand and uses the other to thread my legs into my new chair. I can't help but smile as he pulls the constricting, tight straps around my ample chest – enough to keep me secure but not too much to cut off breathing.
>>25970 >>25969 Boot up the mech, let's see what she can do!
>>25970 "Their Chief would usually point out what to do on 'em, but it seems he wasn't set up to join us on the Ankylosaur. Seems like a huge oversight. But I have some codes to boot and reboot some systems. Don't know if they're still good, but you seem to need 'em more." He moves pretty quickly despite his tree trunk sized arms and sends you the codes through the ComLink.
>>25973 With your touch, the mech humms to life. It's much quieter than the other mechs walking around. The voice system turns on and gingerly asks you to identify yourself.
>>25971 >I will deciper it shortly and share it with you
"Ow, ow, I need a break." Duana says, shaking her hand.
"I was covering some of them and I'm burned out too." Kamori says. "I couldn't even remember everything you were saying. I'll need to bring a recorder or something. Let's head to the Hangar for a moment while I dig some things out. That sound okay to you?"
>>25974 "Lotz!" He tries to say before he coughs. The damage from the Baton and Trojan seems to be getting to him…
"Procer, you through the door yet?" You hear what is probably the Canid shout from below.
>>25976 >User Identified >AUTHORIZED The mech begins to unfold itself, standing up more like a proper mech. It's dials and screens start powering on, showing you all of its systems.
The controls unlock themselves, waiting your command.
>>25975 "Very well; if you are feeling tired, we are not opposed to a break. Do you wish to walk, or shall we take you there?" >Inform the humans at the other end that the humans at this end require a short break in order to sort through the transmitted messages.
>>25980 Harrumph. "As I thought, there's some kind of security protocol put in place to make things even more difficult for the repair crew." Bastards. "How's it feel? We took out a few of the redundant systems so you should be getting fewer feedback errors."
>>25977 Compared to the start up of your remaining mechs, it's positively a dream. Quiet compared to your usual machines, even when it moves it is nearly silent. It's movements are graceful rather than mechanical, closer to the aliens and you.
>>25979 "It's just my wrists. Wasn't expecting to type so much." Kamori says before being interrupted by Duana.
"Me! Oh me, I want a ride!" Duana shouts excitedly as she runs up to your side.
>>25981 He's got two pairs on his belt and a couple of zip ties on him.
"Hurry up, they're gonna notice." The voice below says.
The UHF Ankylosaur approaches the Outer Resempian System station, an orbital station at the edge of their Solar System. It's massive, built into a planetoid and serving as the main dispatch station for goods coming in from the rest of the galaxy.
>>25980 Your mech powers on and moves smoothly. There's no feeling of gears and transmissions spinning, just the motion. It almost feels like you're the one getting up.
The reduced gravity from the ships generator make it easy to move around.
>>25984 It takes a couple of the Zip ties to make sure he's tied up properly against the railing, having those extra limbs and all.
"Alright, just got the ComMessage that the other teams are ready. I'm heading up." The Wasp's comrade shouts and you can hear his steps as he comes.
>>25985 As if on cue, several of the standard mechs near yours start sputtering and making their own noise. One of them starts smoking and the pilot quickly turned it off.
"We're going to be here a long time, aren't we?" Civet asks.
>>26057 "The fun never ends. Let's just hope nothing else happens before we finish fixing these." Start gathering my tools so I can move on to the next one, even though this thing isn't fixed to my satisfaction yet. "And that that thing's diagnostician finally gets proper clearance." Once everything's gathered, it's on to the next pile of scrap in the making. >>26059 "You should have gotten a parking space, more or less. You just hook your mech up there and that's where it goes. If you didn't, well, just pick an empty alcove and park it."
>>26057 "Very well then, Friend-Kamori. We will see you when you arrive." We hold Duana a bit more tightly, just to be safe as our carapace starts to glow as we feel out the right Fold-currents. "Hold tightly, Friend-Duana!" And then we are gone in a flash of blue light, defolding into the Hangar a moment later.
>>26065 >>26063 Shrug with the mech. "Maybe I'll just go visit the Doctor. Since the halls are big enough, I don't even have to get out."
Anything to see on the way? If there are windows I'd like to glance out them for looming threats. Or if I see that Voldra on the way I'd like to talk to him, for example.
>>26061 While not nice to look at, the other personnel do quickly rush to use the fire extinguishers on the unit, with one problem.
"Oops, sorry." Looks like Alipor used one of the alien sized fire extinguishers. It quickly doused anything dangerous, but it put a lot of the foam out. Hope you weren't in the nice suit tonight.
"Oh man, I told them it was running hot. How long do you think it'll be out?" The soaked pilot comes over and asks.
>>26064 "Woah, stop everything from moving…" She asks. She's remarkably soft for how dense she her body is, but you notice some strange sparks coming off of her.
There's a bunch of the mechs she's been assigned to below you, but it looks like a lot of people are gathering around some units that have been coated with fire extinguisher fluid.
>>26068 "As long as it takes to fix it. Unless you want it to catch on fire or explode." Brush off some of the clinging foam. "And that'll depend entirely on how many spares of the parts we need we actually have." Head over to the burned out one. Time to find the source of that fire, I suppose.
>>26062 >>26065 "Honestly, you are all so active. They just want you in the Hangar while we're still in the same system with those Raiders."Alipor bundles up the fire extinguisher.
>>26068 "Very well, Friend-Duana." We stand perfectly still where we emerged, just as she requested. "Is it normal for humans to spark?" >>26067 "Friend-Wan? Friend-Duana is sparking; does she require repairs?"
>>26070 "Things happen fast, even in space. Probably especially in space, considering it's been one thing after the other so far." And I don't think I'll ever get used to people or bugs just folding in and out of existence like it's nothing.
>>26071 "No, not really." She tries to respond. "I feel tired, like I just used Lazah." She takes a few breath. "I'll be fine, just, if you can, can you carry me for a bit?"
>>26073 Just like with you and the Doctor, she doesn't put up too much of a resistance, but nothing about Duana seems out of place.
>>26075 It's a bit worse than you'd like. Looks like one of the leg motors started to leak and the oil caught fire. It's not too much damage, but you'll want to remove it to fix it.
"Tell it to me straight Doc, can it at least fight?"
>>26076 As your Ability starts up, you can feel it start to fail. Looks like something is wrong with it, you'll just have to give it time and fight off the Canid!
"Here, you'll need this!" A voice from above yells as a piece of combat equipment comes down at you.
"Maybe I'll skin you and turn you into a purse my ex!" He swings it down on you! '1d10'
>>26073 "Yes, that seems plausible. Perhaps we should have given her a chance to prepare before diving in." Look over to the collection of smoking mechs. "Has something happened to damage all of your suits?" >>26077 "Riding the currents for the first time tends to be a taxing experience. It should grow easier as you grow more attuned to the tides." We gently cradle her as we approach the commotion. "We are happy to assist, Friend-Duana!" Though it's too hard to resist giving her one last gentle squeeze. She's like one of those plushie-dolls they sell at gift shops!
>>26079 "If it's stationary, sure. The leg's shot until we fix the leak and make sure nothing else is wrong with it." I guess I'll call over the supports necessary to keep the mech steady while we take its leg off.
>>26082 '1d10+1' "Are you trying to play a game?" I ask him curiously, trying to hit him again and swirling my tail around so he has a harder target to hit.
"It was weird, but fun. When I can stand up, let's do it again…" She seems a little short of breath. "There's some water bottles over there, can you take me to one?"
>>26083 Civet is already bringing in the support frame for it while Cotentin and his wife bring over one of the diagnostic tables.
"Should we take it over to the Hangar doors, just in case?" Civet asks.
"The propulsion system seems fine, so we don't have to worry about it just floating in space if it comes down to it." Cotentin says as he gives the system a look over.
>>26084 Unfortunately, she looks like a children's toy being carried around right now, so she can't look up to see your nod.
"Since they said we had to be here, have you seen Eva? I know her gear got shorted out. And is Mr. Alipor around?"
>>26085 A swift baton strike to the leg joints brings him down to his knees. He's trying to balance himself on the handles, but he won't be swinging with his primary arm for a while.
"Very funny, you scaly-AH!" He tried to get up, but his leg is in no condition to move now.
>>26086 '1d10' "We would be happy to entertain you again; however, it is important to pace yourself. Otherwise, you risk aches that can last for a week." Carry her over to the waters and pull one close enough for her to reach. "Still, we are pleased to see you enjoyed it; many find it strange or disturbing the first time. You humans are very adaptable beings."
>>26086 "Shouldn't take too long to swap out the part. It'll save time if he can just walk it away himself when we're done." Let's get this going then. Plug up the diagnostics, and start taking apart that leg until we can get to and replace the broken bits. '1d10+1' tech
>>26092 Pull him into a helpless position, calmly applying the zip ties to him. "Shh, I won't hurt you, I had dinner already. Just relaaaax. Which ship are they taking?"
>>26090 Human density makes her a bit harder to hold at the moment. The other times, Humnans were able to shift their weight to remain balanced, but not Duana right now. You'll need practice before you can find out how soft she is.
"I always wanted to try new things. I didn't get much of a chance growing up." You can hear her laugh, then weakly reach over to it and open it. "Was it this way for you?"
>>26091 "I think so. They said they wanted anyone who could pilot. Can you send her a message through your ComLink? I, can't."
>>26093 The Diagnostic bench starts up, then promptly bluescreens.
"It's not supposed to do that, right?" The Pilot asks, worried about his mech.
>>26094 "They said they were going to pick it up, that's all I know."
His ComLink vibrates and he quickly tries to go for it out of habit, his constraints stopping him.
>>26095 "Similar, in a way, at least physically. One of the benefits of Sharing memories is that the caretakers know exactly how to ensure the youngling's first times are special, rather than traumatizing. There would be other caretakers at the other end, equipped and ready to step in and help any who were taking it badly."
>>26096 It takes a few reboots for it to work. Removing the batery also helped, and you found a Post-it note on it. It reads: "Defective, send it back."
"Yeah alright. Just let me know when it's ready." He walks off.
"I'm plugging in the top cables now." Civet says. "Just tell me if I have to move them."
>>26097 >"Behind schedule, get your mask on and power on your locator. It's going to be a wild ride (ノ´ヮ´)ノ*:・゚✧"
You feel the 'ground' start shaking. Roll Melee to hold on.
A bright flash over takes the Hangar and everyone quickly goes silent, staring out the bay doors to the explosion coming from the station!
>>26098 >"Type like a normal person." >"I'm with the Doc. She has to sign off on my Fold gear, but she's getting it for me right now. I'll be in the Hangar like they asked in a few."
>>26099 "I don't think you'll have to worry about that with me. I can't move, even though I'm excited. How often can you move like that?"
>>26101 The leg motor in this unit will be easy to reach, just heavy. Make sure the chains are properly set before you take off the last screw.
>>26102 It's a simple oxygen mask that he hid under his shirt. The Wasp and knocked out officer also had one. It's rated to handle a few hours in space, but it isn'tHOLD ON!
The door pulls itself away into space as the oxygen rushes out of the stairwell. You managed to hold on, but now you are technically in space! Red lights and warning are everywhere, with LED lights on the ground directing you towards one of the Oxygen ports!
>>26103 Well, we'd do that first, wouldn't we? And shit, that just happened didn't it? "God dammit, we can't go one day on this trip without something happening. Civet, you and the others get the functional mechs run through their preflights, make sure everything's loaded and ready. Also bring a gun in case our hangar's the next target."
>>26103 "It varies, depending on how far you flow. For instance-" Pause as the bright flash illuminates the Hangar, then quickly scuttle over to the collection of humans and deposit her down with them. "Apologies, Friend-Duana, but it appears our assistance is required yet again. Humans seem to be quite popular with the bad sections of the galaxy." >Perhaps this time we should make an example of the attackers, to dissuade further attempts.
The lights on the Ankylosaur turn red, sirens flashing. The overhead sound system tells non-combat personnel to head towards their rooms.
Another flash begins to appear before the bay doors as the Raider ship folds in, attempting to claim the cargo that is starting to float out of the station!
Your mecha flashes a familiar notice. >WEAPONS AUTHORIZED Set your system to combat mode and hope the mechanic did a good job. Try to pilot yourself to where the armed mechs are.
>>26105 "Boss, be safe. We can't lose you too quickly." Civet says as she puts on her Oxygen mask and swims towards the weapons as the gravity gets turned off.
>>26106 Hurry up and get to them! Just put it on and it'll deal with the rest!
*Thunk*
One of the ship personnel is holding on to where the door was! He's going to get sucked out into space!
>>26107 Two of the mechanics take her, one of them putting on her oxygen mask and head to safety with her. >This isn't normal Raider activity. They did not pursue your ship >But they are hunting for something near
>>26108 Mask on, then. And since the gravity's off, I'll line myself up with my beat up piece of shit mech, push off, and fire it up once I get inside. We need those supplies, after all.
>>26110 The space station you are in is being attacked. Someone blew out the walls, exposing your area to the vacuum of outer space. The door you were near just got sucked out.
"Thank you. Oh thank you, I thought I was a goner again. Pirates, Raiders, they're aboard the station!" The Maintenance Person you rescued yells through the little air that remains.
>>26109 >That is sensible. However, this is the third time they have placed the humans in danger. Perhaps the humans have whatever it is they are searching for. >Whatever the case, it has grown vexing and tiresome. This is the LAST time they jeopardize this mission, one way or another. We ahead and fly out into space, doing a quick spin to ensure the pirates are not already attacking the ship.
"Aw yeah, it's time to party like only Raiders can. I hope all you gentlebeings know to put your arms, paws, and whatever you call your limbs up where we can see them. The rest of you, make it fun!"
>>26114 >Do what must be done There are a bunch of light sources closing in on the Ankylosaur and its escort. Whatever the Raiders want, looks like they found it and want it real bad. >"That's the one!" >"It's the one that took our Sister!" A pair of voices comes in through the radio.
>>26115 He signals for you to turn on your emergency radio.
"They stole two of them, but there should be another two. They looked like normal people, then they went all crazy when I pointed out a cargo box to them." The feathered alien says trying to catch his breath because of the adrenaline.
>All Units are authorized to engange enemy personnel!
>>26117 The Mech grumpily powers on, requiring a fair amount more time than you'd like in this situation.
But it's responding at least. The limbs are moving and the transformation system is showing green.
>>26118 You're mechas imaging system zooms in, letting you check them out. There's a lot of enemy coming in from afar! Some of the aliens in their suits are flying in with plenty of drone support.
>>26120 Your Combat Pack comes with one, but most are usually off since most people don't assume they'll find themselves in vacuum.
"They took a few of the staff with them as hostages. You, you look like someone who can save them! You gotta do something! If you need a ship, I have the keys for it!"
>>26121 Right. So, sidearm is still locked in. Will probably need something heavier to deal with that cruiser, though. Not that I plan on getting close to it, of course, but lobbing a few highly explosive materials at it should make life a little easier. What do we have on-hand in the hangar?
>>26119 >Sister… We think back, and wince as we remember the one ship that emitted a noise that clawed at the inside of our head. >Oh dear. This is going to be unpleasant… Move to take cover on one of the pieces of wreckage in preparation for the coming fight, firing a volley of missiles towards the incoming pirates. '1d10+1' Take cover '5d10' Saturation Missile Fire
>>26123 There's a couple of Pump Shotguns still in their containers, though they'll have trouble reaching the enemy at this range. >"Yo', how much do you think those 'bots will catch in the market for!?" One of the Raiders is yelling over the open frequencies.
>>26124 "Of course. Yeah. If there's anyone else in the hangar, send them to me. I'll let them in, now hurry!"
He hands over the ships keycard with his feathery fingers, almost dropping it. You can see the cargo containers being sucked out into space, with one of the ships flying out of the station among them.
>>26127 I need something heavier. And I can't jam their comms because they're on our frequencies, the bastards. How did they even get that? Anyway, I'll take one of the shotguns and ammunition for it, and then engage the blast doors for the hangar's main exit to the outside. Last thing we need is a breach in here.
>>26127 In that case, disregard that attack, they're still beyond my effective range. Hold position behind the cover we've found and wait for them to get in range. >>26126 We call Wan up on the comms. >"Friend-Wan, be advised, these pirates may have weaponry that causes us great discomfort. We do not understand how it works, but since you also use the Fold, it may affect you as well. Be cautious."
>>26125 There's a few loose space rocks you can park yourself on and use for cover.
Firing off into the enemy groups you've closed in on, You see the two Wasps aliens separate as their Drones take the brunt of your attack. One of them blows up! The rest take shrapnel damage, but are still coming at you! >"Give her back!" You can already feel the headache from before returning.
>>26126 There's an Alien suit amongst the group that was pointed out, with three drones around it. They are sticking close together, the Alien using them as shields. >"Is that all you can think of? Me, I wouldn't mind keeping one of those little humans as a pet." Another voice butts in over the radio.
"Remember boys and girls and youths of all species, resistance makes this more entertaining!"
>>26128 You'll have to put Zero-G experience on your resume when you come back.
By now, the cargo containers have stopped moving so violently, but they are still floating around. You can hear the second ship start powering on, but you can stop them from leaving so easily. Roll Tech to power up the ship!
The distress signals are piling up on your ComLink!
>>26129 "When I'm finished with 'em, I'll only have scrap left to sell anyway."
Your radar lights up with numerous enemies coming in fast and getting dangerously closer.
>>26131 >"Return the Resempians she took first." We would have to move in closer to target the Wasps with our energy blasts, but charging them would be foolhardy. Clearing out some of the drones first might make that an easier task. '5d10-1' Macross Missile Massacre -1 for consecutive use of Bullet-spray
>>26133 Man, I'm a mechanic, not a combat pilot… Is the point defense system engaged? Do I even have access to that? Let's find out. '1d10+1' tech to check status of PD system and activate it if it's not already running.
>>26134 >"She shouldn't have used them all as living shields then." >"Now we'll be taking her back so she can learn from her mistake!"
A few good hits, but the Drones and the Wasps continue to come at you. You can make out their anger and hatred now, and their effect on the local Fold field is getting stronger.
>>26135 Success! The ship is well maintained and quickly starts up. The controls come up, the regular easy kind, but so does the radio. >"I haven't seen an Alien like this in a while. I'm sure the Markets are going to pay a good price for you." >"Shut it. We need to get this thing on first." Looks like their ship is having issues… You can see it just a short distance away, occasional flashes from the engines coming out.
Enemies are now at Medium Range unless you got in closer.
"Come to your non-gendered daddy-o!"
>>26136 You log in and you can see through the camera. The relatively short ranged lasers going out into space. But the camera on it is better than yours, and you can see something coming out of the drones.
MISSILES INCOMING >"Come on babies, take out those lights!"
>>26137 Your mecha is acting up as you charged the Fold system. Lights and warning are coming on all over you. >Fold System Down >Initiating Cooldown
They're in closer, you'll have to use your grenades while the Fold system comes back. >"Maybe these will last longer than my usual toys."
>>26138 Do they not realize that she is dead? It might not be wise to antagonize them any further; they're already angry enough. >"Mistakes like that are not so easily walked away from. This ship- these humans- are under Voldra protection. If you insist on repeating her mistake, we are perfectly willing to teach you as well." Pick one of the Wasps and fire both bolts at her, trying to focus at least one of them down. '2d10+1' bolt
>>26140 Shit. Is targeting automated? It usually is. I don't think you can control one from a hangar terminal, at any rate. I really hope those things can shoot down missiles. Were there any chaff grenades or decoys tucked into the supplies we already brought on? Something that can help deal with tracking systems.
>>26141 >"AHHH!" You can feel her hate over the Radio and through the Fold. The pain gets worse as the second Wasp comes in close, the Fold charging around her limbs! >"You'll pay!" '1d10'
>>26142 The enemy flight is coming in close, you can see the Alien in the space suit looks like as the Grenade throws them in disarray. >"Looks like this one has some bite. Hey, can you guess what your name will be when I get you?"
>>26144 Just some regular grenades are what teh ship came with. The Fold Mech carries some better ones, but they aren't in the 3D-Printer system yet. >"Get ready for a light show!"
>>26146 >>26147 We are not above punishing her for losing control like that. We take off from our cover and go straight for the overcharged Wasp, using our pincers to cut into her armor. '1d10+1' Movement '1d10' Melee attack with pincers Pincers ignore DR, cause limb damage on crits
>>26149 Because of course they are. Anyway, grab myself four of the regular grenades and one of the fold-mech's specials. Then get to cover before impact, because I get the feeling the PDS isn't going to shoot down all of those missiles.
>>26155 Well, the blast doors are down so that should lessen the impact at least a little. Take cover in one of the storage areas off the side of the hangar. '1d10' move to cover
>>26151 >"Get back in here!" >"We can't fly this thing!" The other two yell over the radio.
The Moron opens the door to your ship and promptly gets a bullet. You can see his shield react, but he can't have much since he doesn't seem to be wearing a thick combat suit. He nearly falls out, but he holds onto your ships door!
>>26152 You can see the missile trails now, so you better stop them or it's going to be bad! >"Come on, come on, come on…"
>>26153 >>26155 Keep up the pressure, squeezing tighter and tighter. These wasps aren't nearly as dense as the humans, and unlike with the humans, we fully intend to cause harm. >"We Voldra do not enjoy ending another's life. That does not mean we will hesitate to do so. Surrender, or we will make sure you never threaten them again." Match their rising Fold energy with our own. '2d10+1' Bolt
>>26154 >"Why YOU little!?" The Alien, who's visible head resembles some furry rodents, loses control of its suit as the grenade claims its Drones and sends it face first into debris. "I'm going to put you in my shoes for the rest of your days!"
It tries to take a shot, but 1-handing a rifle while your suit is leaking isn't smart. '1d10-3'
>>26156 >>26158 The Lasers will try, but the Blast Doors won't do well against dedicated anti-armor missiles! At this range, SHOOT THEM before they hit the ship!
>>26163 Dammit. Well, I'm going to have to get creative. Hurl one of the regular grenades out through the hatch, and then once the missiles are close enough, shoot the grenade and try to catch them all in the blast. …how many rolls am I gonna need to make for any of that to work?
>>26164 >>26165 >>26162 "This hand of mine glows with an awesome power – It's awesome grip tells me to save the day! Take this: my love, my anger, and all of my equipment malfunctions: TESLA GRENADE!"
Your Bolts burn her into the nearby asteroid. When they finally stop, she simply floats on in space, the Fold pain gone as you witness her continue to breathe. She's unconscious, and so is the other one who is flat against an asteroid.
There's still another group of Drones and missiles headed to the Ankylosaur!
>>26160 You lift him in and then slam him down. His shield generator, unable to handle it, fails and shorts out.
"I'll get you! No one makes a fool out of me!" The heavier, horned alien shouts.
>>26167 Make a mental note of their location before heading towards the incoming drones and missiles, working tersely to reload the missile rack expended at the combat's start. '1d10+1' Movement to get closer to the incoming Standard action spend reloading Missile Rack
>>26166 >>26168 The combined explosive power rocks the ship, the pink cloud spreads over the missiles, disabling and detonating them before they can reach the Ankylosaur. After the initial silence, sighs of relief come over the radio as the threat is ended. >"What, no way!" The enemy on the radio shouts as he starts running away, Drones in tow.
>>26169 One of the Aliens, speeding away from the ship, is coming at you with three Drones. Stop them!
>>26170 >"Sorry, but we have questions which you and your friends will be answering." No saturation-fire this time; all of these missiles are aimed straight at the alien, with the hope that the blasts deal with the drones. '5d10' Missile Barrage
>>26171 >Fold System Reactivated >"Do it, the Resempians will be pleased."
>>26172 It's still out there, but it seems more focused on the Station and the Cargo floating out of it. >"Stop that Raider!" Command shouts through your Radio.
>>26173 This Alien is adept at dodging your missiles, competently dodging the main damage from your attack.
But you're good too, putting him into a corner of sorts where he elects to sacrifice a Drone to save himself. But he's still hit, he's rattled!
>>26174 Well, I guess I should start flying towards the cruiser while it's distracted. Hop out of the hangar (through the airlock, of course), and mode shift for travel. Close in on that cruiser before it decides to run off.
>>26177 Ah. In that case, I'll pursue that runner and, once in Near range, help pin him down with some crossfire. Since there's not much cover in open space, I'll just be advancing as normal.
>>26174 "So Fold powers may not be natural… but they DO give me EXACTLY WHAT I NEED! I have the power to pull you into oblivion. I assume just my right arm will do."
Hurl it out dramatically, towards my targets, "You never should have insulted the Fold. You see, it loathes disrespect. Resisting it is not something I would do!"
'1d10+3' (9+, Expl)
Fire off a shot right at the middle, to blast apart the fleeing group!
>>26174 >>26175 Join in with the rest of our friends in ensuring this vagrant does not evade us by removing his two remaining drones from play. '2d10+1' Bolt
The Fold energy collapses near him, explosively hurling him further away from his ship, damaging his drones in the process.
>>26181 You cycle rounds into him, damaging the pipes and servos on his back. Just like the Wasp from before, he only floats crazily in space, having lost all control of his suit.
>>26182 A Bolt goes through one of the Drones, causing it to detonate and damage its ally. The remaining drone shuts off, having lost its connection to its Master. >All Ankylosaur Space Vehicles >Retrieve what you can and RTB >The Resempian Fleet is chasing away the Raider Cruiser
>>26183 "I hope they managed to recover anything that the pirates tried to take. We're short enough on supplies as is, what with all these repairs we've had to do since day one…" I'll float in and grab the downed pirate mech by its leg, then start towing it towards the hangar of the Ankylosaur.
>>26181 >>26180 >"We leave retrieving this one for questioning to you two. We must go retrieve our opponents for questioning as well." >>26183 Head back and grab the two wasps to drag them back to the ship, a pincer around each's neck in case they wake up and try to pull something. >their hate is too strong for them to be safe for the humans. We will need to get what information we can out of them, then remove them.
>>26186 "You shut up. You fly in here talking about killing us, keeping us as pets, or just selling us all off. You're lucky I don't space you right now. I have way too much shit to do today to deal with your crap too."
>>26186 Raise both arms in the celebratory gesture they used the last time. …which probably should have been preceded by letting go of the wasps, to avoid waving them around like trophies. Unless humans enjoy collecting trophies? It seems unlikely, since there aren't any skins or skulls on display, at least that we have seen.
>>26160 The ships's engine recoil a bit after the force you put him under. His head lands hard on the ground, but the now-gone shield and his horns keep the heavyset Equinoid conscious. He continues to struggle, but the impact left him drained.
"The heck did you do? Get off!" He yells, almost snarling.
>>26317 "Me? You're the one who parked in my spot." I hiss aggressively at him. "Now, tell your friends to give up or else." drag him closer to the com station so he can.
>>26318 "Hmph, the Catourze Raiders don't bow to no one, ya walking jacket!" He huffs out, struggling to escape. >"I have some of the cargo droids blocking them in, the other ship doesn't have a chance to escape, but that's about all I can do on my end." Avanyu says over your radio.
>>26320 >"I'm seeing 3 through the cameras, but that's just what I can see." Avanyu responds.
"No way." He responds at first with a little struggling. "But, hey, I can cut you in on the payout. Whattaya' say?" He follows up, stopping his struggling.
>>26321 "Listen up Loot-for-brains, you aren't getting out of here, you're trapped." To prove this point I'll restrain him with the zipties. "Your crew is gonna get hurt if they fight me, and no one is getting any cuts unless its with a knife." '1d10' be intimidating with it
>>26324 Your Prisoner did a number on the door on his way out, leaving a huge dent on it that prevents it from closing, despite the struggling of a thin, dull feathered Avian alien. You can see her struggle to seal the door as you 'swim' towards them with occasional bursts from your pack.
She's too busy trying to close the door to notice you, and Avanyu has one of the Droids blocking her line of sight to you.
>>26326 Hiding behind the Droid lets you yank her out by surprise. She struggles, but her feathers hid the fact that she isn't very muscly. Even in her panicked state, you can see she has an Oxygen mask on and a pistol by her side she's frantically clawing (feathering?) for.
>>26331 I frown at the bird. "I really doubt that I could get you hir-" Oh hey.. she seems pretty desperate.. "Actually, maybe there is something we could arrange, Do you know about feline aliens?"
>>26334 no.. the one that you mentioned on steam, maybe tell me there? Lean close to her struggling body. "I could help you, if you help me out. I work in security for the ship here, so I can decide your destination. I need to find a feline thief. Decide fast." '1d10' luck roll
>>26335 "Yeah, there's two among the group! Ones a hacker, got us this gig. The other, I don't know exactly, but he helped. Get me out of this and it's yours!"
>>26341 She continues to resist, and it takes some effort to squeeze her into an available bin, but she goes in. >"Uhm…" Comes through your radio. Avanyu doesn't add anything else after that. >"There's one more in the ship, but it'll be up to you. With one, the security people will be able to shoot him through the glass, but they might appreciate not having to."
>>26345 The moment you pop in he starts shooting! One of the ricochets hit your pack and it starts venting everywhere! Get it under control before he gets back in control!
>>26349 Since this is a normal, cargo ship, it's got a second door. But the moment he senses it being opened, he starts shooting again! >"I said stay back!" You can hear the fear in his voice.
>>26355 The reduced gravity doesn't do much to stop your superior mass from holding him down! But he doesn't stop! Every piece of him is fighting back! His legs push and claw, he tries to shake out of your grab, even his tail is trying to hit you!
>>26357 He needs more than slightly to stop, but you apply more than enough to stop his much smaller body from movie. Only his head appears, but every part of him is tied down in you.
>>26361 >"Yes, all of the bad guys have been seized." Avanyu has a giggle. >"I'll get the remaining security officers to move in, just stay tight. And I got a place to put your package as soon as we get a chance, okay?"
Two patrol ships come over, unloading a crew of police all over the ship. More come in, doing their best to secure the rest of the cargo port.
>>26363 The actual Officer takes you aboard and flies you to the impromptu dock the other crew set up in the door. Another one through a flight of stairs and towards the civilian areas.
"You did it!" The colorful Seiz shouts as he rushes up to you, his 'mother' barely able to hang on. "Are you okay?"
>>26365 "It looks like Seiz warmed up to you much quicker than I thought. Don't worry, your 'package' is waiting for us on our escort ship. The Ankylosaur is waiting, so let's not hold them up." Avanyu says from Seiz's shoulder.
Seiz already gathered your bags, so you're ready to go and check out.
Under heavy fire from the Resempian fleet and screened by the UHF Ankylosaur, the Raider Ship takes in what cargo it can, powers on its Fold Engines, and vanishes to parts unknown. A gleeful silence takes over the airwaves as the Fleet holds its breathe in case any surprises were left behind, but they begin to celebrate once it's clear that the Raiders are now gone from their Solar System. It's going to take them some time to repair their damage and take stock of what was taken, but they can do that more easily now.
The Ankylosaur is cleared to take in the last of its cargo, once again lining up with another station, turning on its guidance lasers, and letting the equipment come in. The Hangar will become a much more crowded place as the containers for the journey are locked in. The lights return to normal and the crew is allowed to leave their rooms to conduct their own preparations for the Fold Jump.
Life on the Ankylosaur is running at full speed now. Civilian techs are making their last checks before they depart, mechanics are focusing on bolting everything down, and everyone is anxious. A couple of Aliens entering the bay do their best to watch their steps as the Humans rush supplies all over the vessel. >Voldra Duana takes your two Captured Wasps towards the brig in her mech, having recovered from your teleportation. She was as giddy as Kamori and Malva are, both of whom are waiting down their for you, but Duana is a professional who knows when she has to be serious.
"Great work out there!" Kamori shouts. "We watched you fight, it was exceptional. I don't think our machines could keep up with that." Malvi adds. >"Hope you didn't forget about me so soon! Looks like you haven't slowed down at all since coming aboard." It's Dusky, calling over your ComLink!
>Wan "You didn't spin out and held your own, good work." Eva radios from her mecha. "Here, go get that jalopie of yours checked out and I'll take the prize to its room." She points at the fuzzy rodent alien you're dragging behind you. Two other girls wearing a similar outfit to yours stand by their mechs, waving you down. Alipor is with them, a big toothy smile on his face as he towers over the girls, pumping his arms into the air in celebration. >Latasha "I was looking forward to some peace and quiet on the Ankylosaur, but I guess it wasn't to be." Avanyu sighs, looking out of the small ships window while sitting on Seiz's shoulder, who is eagerly taking in the sights. "Oh, and I've taken care of your, uhm, issue, so deal with it when you want. Did they assign you a room yet?" >*Incoming Message* Looks like someone sent you a message. >Frank You and the other combat Pilots get cheered on by the staff. Civet, Cotentin, and his wife Saanen applaud as you haul in the other Alien and park your mecha. Again, Civet is quick to pounce on him and tie him up, hauling him off. It's hard to even walk to the two mechanics as every passing person wants to either high-five you or shake your hand.
"What's it feel like to be a hero?" Saanen asks you with a smile.
>>26393 "It feels like I've still got my actual job that I'm getting paid for left to do. Hopefully that'll be the last surprise before we leave the system." I hope Civet has at least one security personnel helping manhandle that pirate. "Though, if it isn't, we're probably not in much shape to deal with it. It's blind luck, plain and simple, that we managed to do as well as we did with the crap they stuck us with. Though having that fold bug take care of the heavy lifting, so to speak, probably helped more than people expect."
>>26394 Saanen just puts her hands on her hips. "Boss, you should be happy. We won. Whatever will happen next will happen, but you have to take your time and celebrate where you can. Do you have any plans for the evening?"
>>26395 "First one's on the house. But if you find a good girlfriend for Seiz, I'll do whatever you need." He turns red in the reflection.
Regarding your room, looks like you scored a solo room. But it seems most of the other aliens also have one to themselves, with the only issue being that you'll be the closest to the Human apartments.
>>26396 "I only have myself to blame for being so nice." You hear through the radio before Eva takes off with the Alien. She's as rough with her as you were. "Just make sure you don't blow up anything valuable."
Alipor starts waving you towards an empty mecha parking spot. "Good work out there!" He shouts at you.
>>26393 "Thank you for your praise, though it may be unwarranted. Their anger caused them to overload themselves with Fold energy; had they been more focused, that fight may well have gone differently." The drone straightens up and frills happily at the familiar voice. "Friend-Dusky! It is good to hear from you again. There has been quite a bit of excitement in your absence!"
>>26397 "Well, Civet asked me to take a look at her boots. I figure that'll be relaxing in comparison to what we're going to have to deal with when it comes to maintaining those fold mechs." Grimace a bit at the thought. "Every last one of them's probably swarming with too many redundant systems and those oversensitive recording devices."
>>26398 Park it, a little confused. "Eh… I'm still not sure what she meant by prize. Oh well. Hello Mister Alipor. I guess I'm going to the doctor now!"
>>26399 "Yeah. I wanted to go out there, but they wanted me to stay on, just in case. My shift is ending, I'll meet you down there in a few."
"I've got a lot of questions about the Wasps, but firsts, let's have some fun. Not every day you kick out Raiders." Kamori gleefully shouts. "Have you tried the beers, or even the soft drinks we brought!?"
"You're more excited than the actual kid we got…" Malvi adds.
>>26400 Seiz crouches down, trying to hide despite being many times bigger than Avanyu. The ship draws ever closer to the Ankylosaur, which is buzzing with activity.
"Geeze, they sure are nit-picky. Check your ComLink, I'm getting a ton of new access codes. Did you ever have to deal with this at your old job?" Avanyu looks at her ComLink while asking.
Since the ship is starting to take in outside cargo, the Gravity generator is turned off.
>>26401 "I was in contact with the Technician, still no clearance. Don't know if a long distance rapair with them is worse than just trying our luck on them." Saanen adds.
"You know, I haven't checked out the Alien rooms. Are they just like ours, just bigger?" Cotentin adds.
"Hm? What's going on?" Civet asks as she swims back in.
>>26402 Alipor puts his thick hand by the seat, beckoning you to climb aboard. "Aye, Doctor wants you and Eva, she'll need some more readings from the both of you. Didn't take you for such a thorough one, though. Good to see you Humans at least like doing things all orderly like."
"Was it fun? What was it like out there?" A dark skinned girl asks from over Alipor's shoulder.
"Did it hurt? How do you feel?" Another, lighter one asks over Alipor's other shoulder.
>>26405 "Just talking about how things are awful for the repair crews, Civet. You get a security officer to help secure that pirate? Or did you end up turning him over to the station's crew?"
>>26403 "We look forward to introducing you to human flavoring. It is quite good." The drone perks up and leans in as she mentions 'beer' and 'soft drinks.' "We have questions for the wasps as well, but what are these 'soft drinks' of which you speak? More food?" "Wait, there is a youngling aboard? Is it old enough to be separated from it's peers yet?"
>>26404 You've got a message from Alpin, your new boss. He's waiting for you as soon you get off the ship. He's sent you his tracking code.
"Oh, I think you'll be close to me and Seiz then. Maybe we'll drop in. Did you bring anything to furnish your room with?" Avanyu says cheerily. "Here you go, I'm sending you over 'her' paperwork."
>>26406 "Batteries? Well, I'm sure she'd love to hear about it." He cups his hand around you, his 'small' scales pressing in on your sides. It's even a bit harder to move your arms, but not by much.
"Come on, come on, tell us! How was the mech?" "Gao, giver her some space. Can't you see she's injured." Chizu chides the tall but flat girl asking you all the questions.
>>26407 "There's two others guarding the warehouse we're using as a brig, and no one has escaped my ropes yet or ever!" She shines with determination.
Saanen looks up with some confusion, then back down at you. "Since that's been taken care of, maybe we should all get ready then."
>>26408 "Yup, but we only bust them out on special occasions, like this." Kamori quickly jumps to her ComLink, looking up things obviously related to that.
"Younglings? You mean children? I don't think we'll have any younger than their teens, and even then. A mission like this doesn't leave to much room for them. Why do you ask?" Malvi says, looking at you with intent.
>>26411 I'll give Civet a little thumbs up. "Ready for what? I mean, there's probably gonna be a small party for repelling the pirates, but we're the maintenance crew. We're not going to be able to take much advantage of it."
>>26410 "Maybe we'll share ebooks then." Avanyu asks as she, and you, start floating. "Looks like we're going to have a zero-g entrance." Your ship pulls into the Ankylosaur's hangar, opening its door and letting you witness all the Humans and Aliens floating around, moving supplies everywhere.
"Latasha?" A grey, long-eared Equinoid asks. He's wearing some serious security gear.
"For what you're going to wear when we all meet in Civet's room." Saanen smiles, but Cotentin is left in shock. "They'll be calling in the next shift soon too. They should already lining up by the doors."
>>26414 "Welcome aboard to the Ankylosaur." Alpin says as he gets distracted by his constantly vibrating ComLink. "Real good work on the station. As hectic as this all was, I'm glad it's ending with some praise. So, what do think about working with the Humans? Did you meet any on your way here?"
>>26411 "Why? Is there something special about 'beer?'" We tilt our head in confusion at Malvi's question. "But you were making comparisons to an 'actual kid' you aquired. Is this just a human saying?"
>>26415 "What do you mean, what am I going to wear? If it's off-shift I'll just be in my civvies." I'll raise an eyebrow. "How many different types of clothes did you think I brought on this ride? And when did we decide on crashing Civet's quarters? Did she get any say in that?"
>>26416 "It's a bit of a restricted beverage, but I'll leave it at that. Come on, combat crew like you get a break after all this." Kamori points towards the sanitation showers that lead into the ship and starts floating there.
"Correct, and I guess I should cut back down on those. We have a lot of colloquialisms…" Malvi sighs as she takes off over to Kamori. "I'll let that girl know where to join us. Tell your friend to head to Mess Hall B." She floats before turning back around. "Does your language have any sayings like ours?"
>>26417 "Tell me you brought some regular clothes, boss." Cotentin finally composes himself. "We're getting some time off on some of the planets, and you need to have something special."
"Let's see here, I brought…" Saanen goes through a very long list of clothing and accessories. Cotentin is downcast, and even Civet is surprised.
"I just brought, like, two pairs of pants, some shirts, and a jacket." Civet finally adds in. "If you all want to come into my room, it's not like you'll take up too much space."
A man in a Supervisor vest and Data pad floats to you. "You Frank?"
>>26420 "Like I said, I brought civilian clothes. I didn't board in-uniform, you know." I'll just shake my head at Saanen's wardrobe. This isn't a pleasure cruise… To the supervisor, I'll nod. "Yeah, that's me."
>>26418 He looks at you curiously before his furiously vibrating ComLink pulls him away. "As long as you don't step on them, do what you want. Since you've already had your share of excitement, go ahead and go drop your stuff off in your room."
Seiz starts floating past, attempting to swim through the zero gravity and push all the stuff they have.
"Maybe you should help them out. Call me if you need anything. I'll send you the meeting information when I get it."
>>26419 "Very well, we suppose we shall find out in time." Grab them both as we head for the sanitation showers; it is faster for them, after all, and we are happy to help. "Oh, we enjoy discovering new sayings; there is much information implied by how a species speaks. We only ask that you explain the saying when we ask. As for Voldra sayings… one that most other races do not get without explanation is 'true as a blue field.'"
>>26421 "Alright, here you go." He lifts up a card. "Let me put this up to your ComLink. You're excused for the rest of the shift. Hit the hay or the bar, but don't stay here." He says matter of factly.
"We're not combat, but we've only got an hour left on our shift, boss. Get yourself cleaned up and we'll meet at Civet's room." Cotentin says with a forced smile.
>>26425 I'll raise an eyebrow, and my comm. "Alright then, I guess. I could probably use the shower, if nothing else." Once that's done, and my tools are gathered back up, I'll head back to my quarters.
>>26423 You can tell Kamori and Malvi aren't used to it yet, as they fidget around a bit. Still, Kamori doesn't lose focus on her ComLink.
"So, what does that mean?" Malvi asks, turning on the voice recorder. "I'm assuming it's going to refer to a Fold field instead of a regular, grass covered one."
"Hey, wait for me!" Duana shouts as she really tries to 'swim' to catch up.
>>26424 You've got a lot more mass that Seiz, so it's going to be easier for you to handle the cargo.
"Thanks…" Seiz says.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll grow up big and strong and all the ladies will want you." Avanyu says from over his shoulder. "I mean, you'd date him if he was bigger, right Latasha?"
>>26427 I look a little surprised at her then laugh. "He's just a hatchling isn't he? Give him time to grow into his scales, you know the colorful patterns are rare for Vipers. "
>>26426 It's crowded everywhere you go. Lots of carts full of equipment, with a huge Alien floating overhead carrying even more stuff. At least the guidance lasers they've installed have made things safer…
Your apartment is the last ones to be installed, but they are just as crowded as the rest of the ship. Tervu stands watch by one of the floating guard stations that is passing by your apartment.
>>26427 "Both, actually. Our homeworld is one of the only places known of where the Fold physically manifests naturally- there are vast rivers and thin eddies of Fold in which we first swam before finding our way to the deeper streams, and thus the stars."
"The translation is a bit… indirect. The natural saying combines 'Chlzrccrirch'-" the drone's shoulders jerk forward on the 'cc' "-which is a statement on reality or stable ground and safety, and 'RrichzzzEEk!'-" accompanied by spastic twitching in the drone's legs "-which is used regarding falsehood, bad ideas and stupidity. In essence, the implication is one of believing an obvious trick, or taking something too good too be true at face value. As you may have guessed, a blue field is most often a sign often particularly strong Fold currents- you may take a few steps into the field and suddenly find yourself miles away."
>>26429 Well, I just hope don't we have a repeat of the first day under the cover of all this hubbub. Last thing we need is surprise bombs going off while we're folded in. As it is, I'll just focus on cleaning off the gunk and irritation of the day's work, and swap out into my civilian gear. Though I guess I'll wear the nicer shirt, the one that buttons up, instead of the short-sleeved one. What'd that supervisor's card end up doing, anyway? Was it just a clocking out thing?
>>26430 Both Kamori and Malvi look at you during your explanation, paying close attention and taking notes.
"Judging by some of your earlier statements, I guess it gets used often in the galaxy at large." Kamori says. "Ugh, why couldn't we have appeared in a nicer galaxy?"
"It's probably a question to put to someone more experienced than us." Malvi adds. "I think I need a drink now."
"What's this about drinks?" Duana asks, finally catching up and holding on to your shell.
"Yo'!" It's Dusky, swimming out of his mech in the mess hall!
>>26432 Yup, it's got an NFC chip that signs you out. They've got your hours in the machine thanks to it.
Your room is still sparse, with only the bare necessities. You should consider making it nicer. Civet sends you a message with her address information, which puts it far away from you. Better get going…
>>26433 "Jello? What's jello?" Seiz asks as Avanyu starts giggling.
"I'll get you some once we're all settled in, dear." She says.
"Oh, hey, you must be Latasha. All the security folks are talking about you." A Security officer asks, horns sticking out of his face covering helmet.
>>26435 "An imported dessert, but its quite cheap to produce so it gained popularity back home too." I tell him and try to explain. "Its bouncy and bitter."
Turn to the security officer. "Hello, I'm Latasha yes. Who are you?"
>>26434 "Oh, the galaxy is not so bad. It just requires patience and a willingness to share where the good parts are, then work to make them better." "Friend-Dusky!" We grab hold of Duana as well and speed over to meet Dusky… who is out of his mech? "Human-friends, this is Friend-Dusky. We met while battling pirates who were raiding a merchant-vessel!"
>>26436 There's a Cargo bot ferrying supplies around that has a spot you can use to get you most of the distance.
But it, and you, are quickly overshadowed. There's a big, dark furred Alien with thick antlers floating along above you. He hasn't broken his stare, fixated on you.
>>26437 Seiz acts just like a child as he keeps asking his 'mother' to get him some.
"I'm Uther, I'll be your coworker. Oh, Sorry." He flips up his face guard, revealing a long, star like snout beneath, then he salutes. "Everyone is impressed with what you did on the Station. You're the talk of the staff. Oh, if you're all headed to your rooms, I can guide you."
>>26438 Dusky is wearing a much thinner mecha-pak, this one just having a pair of arms over his clothing. With Zero-G, it works much easier for him.
"Hi and hello, glad to see you making friends so fast." His mechanical hands come up to his chin as he looks over the humans all over you. "I'm not even going to ask. So, why are we meeting up here in the mess for?"
"For that!" Kamori points excitedly to two containers waiting for you and Dusky. "After helping save the ship, I think the Voldra and his friend are entitled to some drinks!"
Malvi scolds her, and they all introduce each other.
"Except for water and mineral drinks, I've never really been in a place with any type of drinks, so count me in." Dusky adds as he heads over to it.
"Oh, I can explain this part!" Duana shouts. "Put your cups in the machine, then select what kind of drink you want! It'll even put a lid on it for you!"
She moves out of the way so you can see the screen. So, which one will you pick? Roll for taste.
>>26440 He stares for a bit before snapping out of his trance.
"Sorry, sorry. Sometimes I get so focused on following Humans I forget. Oh, uhm, name's Arctid, pleasure to meet you." He gives you a smile with long, sharp teeth.
>>26442 "Were things in the water systems disrupted by the attacks, Friend-Dusky?" "Is there a reason this 'beer' is separate from the 'soft drinks?'" [1d10]
>>26441 "Yeah, we aren't too far off anyway." Uther says as he points towards the general direction of your rooms. "Have you checked, the local 'Net is blowing up with stories of what you did. I'm sure most of them are exaggerations, but I hope you're proud of saving those folks. I've been training my whole life and I don't think I could do that."
He goes through a few stories before stopping in front of a set of metal doors marking your apartment.
"Sorry, looks like I went on too long. Here we are. Home sweet home."
>>26443 "Mine's Frank, and it's nice to meet you too. Afraid I'm on a bit of a schedule, otherwise I'd stay and chat." I'll turn slightly to continue my trek through the ship. I'll give him a few seconds to say if he's following me for a reason, though.
>>26445 I look quite concerned, but it probably looks like a scowl to anyone not familiar with vipers. "I haven't had time to go surfing yet, is there a machine in my room?" Try the door.
>>26444 "So what do you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii…"
The world around you seems to stop. The normally hyperactive humans seem to have frozen in place, looking at you but their expressions fail to change. Looking at Dusky, his mechanical arms seem to move independently of his frozen body. The ship seems to rock back and forth, as if it was on an ocean.
"Iiiiiiink?" The world slowly returns to its natural pace, though Duana seems a bit more concerned.
>>26446 He does continue to look in your direction, his attention only broken when his massive antlers bounce off a wall.
You pass through towards the area with more alien rooms, but it would still be hard to tell with how many humans share the space. Looks like anyplace there was room, they added more Human apartments. There's a couple of oversized bags floating around, but nothing you can't float around.
Civet's room is nearby, but it's still a ways away.
"Need a lift?" A human in a hover cart pulls up beside you.
>>26448 The door opens up, revealing a very plain room. There's a simple bed, that you might have some trouble with if you don't move some stuff around, and a plain desk with a simple Computer and non-viper appropriate chair. There are cabinets and drawers integrated into the walls. However, there is no restroom here, it's down the hall.
"Right now will be your best chance to surf. We're still tied into the Resempian's network. Communication basically stops once we enter Fold space, though it looks like we got one of the Bugs on board who can deliver a message for you."
>>26478 "That'd help, yeah. Are you head this way?" I'll point out an area near Civet's apartment, but still a good 500ft or so away. Last thing I need is rumors started by people I don't even know.
>>26478 "…We may have just traveled in time. Or frozen it. Or perhaps it was all of you who were frozen…" Is there more we can drink to test this theory, or did we drink it all on the first go?
>>26479 "Yeah, I got some last second cargo to deliver. Hop on the back, I think the first one is some clothes for one of the big folk. The rest is furniture and I wouldn't, trust me. So you're apartment's near here? I'd say watch out for loud music and being stepped on."
>>26480 "Down the hall, to the right. Take the elevator down to floors and follow the signs. They tried to keep this place just like they bought it, but they did change some of the layouts. Check your ComLink if you get lost and don't hesitate to ask. I have to keep asking the Humans." His face turns sheepishly red. "Oh, unless you have to, keep any weapons holstered. Any other questions?"
>>26481 "All that, from just one drink. I think your cup is still 2/3rds full…" Kamori says.
"Let him try it." Dusky says as he and Duana float up to look at you in the eyes."
>>26483 "Heading out from my place, actually. One of my larger coworkers decided to host a party for the group I'm in since we've managed to come out of this last pirate attack without too much trouble." I'll give a half-hearted smile. "So I don't think I'll be able to avoid the loud music, unfortunately."
>>26484 "Hmm. Let me give you a tip then. Use cotton if you want to block out their music. I'm not judging their tastes, but it you want to sleep, the soft stuff works best." He starts up the cart towards your destination. "Now, if it was your wife, then I can't help you there!" He chuckles.
As you get closer to the apartment, you can still see how crowded, and yet how organized everything is. Everyone is working together to get this boat into the cosmos.
>>26483 "Very well… first, a test…" Drink another 1/3rd of the cup, then immediately start moving, attempting to reposition the human's arms to see if we can move or affect the world in this state.
>>26488 "I'll keep that in mind." Once we get to the dropoff point, I'll thank him and then continue on my way. And be sure to stick to the walls so I don't get stepped on.
>>26486 "The cafeteria is just a floor below us. During lunch time, it'll get crowded, so just follow the Humans and you'll find it." He checks his ComLink. "Wel,, thanks to Human regulations, you've got 10 hours of free time. Getting involved with those pirates means their rules kick in, which makes me glad I signed up with them. Had to put out a fire one time back home and I got reprimanded for showing up late. Hope this job is easier on you too." He waves to a passing human.
>>26487 "It's because she's a geek that they hired her." Gao plainly states.
"I think, they were trying to cut costs. Why get us a dedicated mechanic when they got someone who can follow instructions…" Chizu adds. "I haven't even spent too much time with her. I was on the simulator almost the whole trip over."
>>26489 "Hold my Holopad, I neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…"
Again, the world slows down. You can see the individual fibers of Malvi's clothing moving as she reaches for her ComLink. When you attempt to move the arms, it's you who starts rotating! No matter how hard you try and push, the only one spinning is you!
"eeeed my Recorder for this." It's still hard to move, and both Duana and Dusky have moved in close.
"You, okay in there?" Dusky says. "You're awfully silent.
>>26490 >"I'm getting ready to meet you guys. I'll send you my room key!" The message Civet sent you vibrates on your ComLink. Her room is near a crowded intersection, so there will be plenty of Aliens, Humans, and equipment passing by. It'll be harder to avoid being run over than stepped on here.
"Hey, over here!" Cotentin shouts as he approaches you. He's wearing a nice bright suit, and his wife is wearing an equally bright green outfit.
"Didn't get stepped on while coming over?" Saanen asks with a giggle.
>>26492 "This drone is spinning. Why are we spinning? The threads, they are so clear… did we not say time? It is frozen… you are frozen… were frozen…" Something is different… what is happening? Is this a Fold-Storm?
>>26494 I'll quietly thank my sense of fashion for having functional and muted colors for my civilian wear. "Nah, though I seem to attract an odd number of large observers for some reason. Must be my magnetic personality." I'll shrug after that.
>>26493 "Yeah, it's a common story among the crew. This is the first 'big';" He can't help but giggle, "voyage for the Humans, but I've spent years on these deep space voyages. If all goes well, I'm thinking of sending my cousin a resume for them. Here, I'll give you my ComLink number. If you need anything from me, don't hesitate to message me." He taps a few times on his ComLink, prompting you to accept his request on yours.
>>26495 Dusky snaps the fingers on his mechanical appendange while Duana is basically touching your face, trying to get you to focus on her. She opens her mouth, you can tell she's saying something to you, but nothing comes out as you continue to spin…
"H… e… l… l… o…?" Duana seems to say, but maybe it was Dusky?
>>26496 "I know that feeling, but Saanen here seems to adore it…" Cotentin says.
"Hey, if someone is going to look at me, I'm going to make sure they look at me!" Saanen says as she strikes a Zero-G pose. "Besides, it's not like they mean any harm."
"Speaking of harm, let's go in before we get hit by one of the carts." Cotentin raises up his ComLink and goes through the motions of opening up the door.
Inside of Civet's room, you find all manner of pink and red toys, covers, and general things that you'd assume a small child would have, though this one is closer to 20 feet tall.
"WAIT!" Civet appears around the corner, still wet from the shower.
>>26499 I'll just… look elsewhere around the room while she's making herself presentable. How do I keep winding up knowing all these odd people? Is the engineering section just a collection of oddballs? Suppose that'd make me one as well, wouldn't it. "Just give us a holler when you're decent."
>>26501 Uther has antlers, but the rest of his appearance is more mole-like. He's got the weird snout of theirs and two thumbs.
"I'm just showing her around, like a proper officer, you know?" Uther starts turning red under the fur and fidgeting around. "But I do have to go and finish my rounds. We'll be going into Fold Space shortly. It's usually a smooth experience, but get your things in a cabinet just in case.
>>26502 Take a MyStable quiz when you have the time to find out.
"I'm dressed, I'm dressed. Just, let me clean up first!"
Saanen just smiles and giggles as you hear Civet put her stuff away, while Cotentin just checks his ComLink.
"You think your children will grow up like that?" Saanen asks.
>>26503 I'll look at Contentin, and then back at Saanen. "What, you mean me?" I'll scratch the back of my neck. "Hadn't even started to think about anything like that, to be honest."
>>26499 Frill my mandibles in an attempt to speak, but finding the clicks and sounds elude me. Is this dead? Am I dying? How could this have happened? We need a replacement drone dispatched, since I am dead. Are WE dead? I hope not, because that would be sad. Those hornets were kinda hot though. Shame we had to kill them. Do you think their sisters are single?
>>26503 "Alright. I'll be busy with that then. Sounds like we have a long flight to do a full tour." I nod at him and the human waiting for them to leave as the 'socializing with humankind for dummies' book said.
>>26504 "This trip is going to take a year, at least. Plenty of time to think it over." Saanen states plainly. Cotentin just shrugs behind her.
"Okay, it's good to come in now." Civet says, opening the door. It looks almost the same as when you first opened the door, but some of the mess has been shoved into the corners and some of the toys placed into bins.
"Welcome to my home!" Civet says excitedly, breathing hard from rushing over.
>>26505 "H.. e.. y.. He.. llo…" Time seems to be aligning itself again. You can at least tell Dusky is the one talking this time. Duana coming up to your eye and practically looking into you doesn't seem to bother your senses.
"May.. be.. we.. shou.. ldn't give him any more of that beer thing." Duana says.
>>26506 "Come on, why'd you have to say that?" He asks as he walks away after waving goodbye.
"Because it's funny and I got the documents you asked for." The Human says as they both head out into the hall.
The rest of he hallway is packed with aliens and humans floating around, getting ready to leave. In the next room, you can hear Seiz doing his best to jump on a bed while the gravity is off, and there's a couple of human apartments next to you with them coming and going.
>>26509 Close the door and let's get settled in to this place, shove that chair to the corner, maybe lay my armor on it, test the pillow out, bring in my few belongings. Ect. Then check out the lastest news and media on the internet
>>26508 "I didn't expect you all to come like this, but I'm glad you all came in." She reaches under the bed and pulls out her skates she wanted you to check. You can tell their old, even with all the attempts to clean them over time.
"Oh, don't worry about that. It's fun to meet new people." Saanen tells you all.
"And we came prepared, too." Cotentin says as the door opens and an auto-cart comes in with some snacks. "We managed to snag a few, just don't ask from where we got them." The cart pulls up, with a large amount of fruit cakes and muffins, and even a few bigger ones for Civet.
>>26512 And me without my tools. Considering they're her-sized, I'll probably need to commandeer that cart when we're done with it so that I can carry it to my work area. "So, where'd you want us to set up, Civet? Your room, so it's your show."
>>26510 Duana, Kamori, and Malva look at each other, trading expressions.
"I think it has a different effect on them." Dusky interjects. "But I gotta say, you completely froze up when you drank the stuff. Okay, my turn!" His robo-arms on his suit brings the sippy cup to his mouth and he takes a good chug from it.
Moments later, Dusky seems to freeze, a dopey smile on his face as he too starts slowly spinning. Kamori floats over to try and stop him, but he still ends up at an odd angle.
"Maybe something easier like the sodas would be better…" Duana says as Malvi keeps recording the two of you.
>>26511 The room is the galactic standard dorm room, but there's an instruction sheet on the desk. You can requests extra materials to accommodate different body shapes and types.
The Resempian net is full of news about the attacks, but the fight on the planetoid is taking up most of the recent news posts. Looks like they attacked all over it, trying to find something and looting what they can. Since it's still fairly recent, they haven't released images of your rescue work, and many sites simply attribute it to being the work of the local Police. Only a few seem to describe someone like you, but those are also getting lots of replies.
>>26513 She looks over everywhere, seemingly unable to decide before settling on the desk.
"The gravity is off, and it's probably the safest spot right now." She's cleaned off a good chunk of the desk, but you still see lots of toy supplies nearby. "I'll put the snacks there, so they can send the cart back." She unloads the Alien sized pastries from it.
"It's so bright in here. If I wasn't a mechanic myself, I wouldn't believe it belonged to one." Saanen says loudly, getting Civet to turn even redder.
"Boss, you got any decorations in your room? Don't tell us it's just like you got the place." Cotentin asks.
>>26515 Avanyu set her up in one of the cargo containers for now. Even with the ship so active, it'll be easy enough to slip into it if you want to ask some questions.
She's in a bright, orange one. Avanyu even got a locator for you, so you'll know exactly which one it is.
>>26517 Some basic bread or fruit will probably do. The Humans packed stuff most of the Aliens can handle, or at least tried to.
There's still a lot of people and activity going on in the cafeteria. It's going to take a moment to get to them, but you'll be able to head to the container immediately after.
>>26514 "So that is how it appears from the outside. To our perception, time stopped moving, and then everything began to spin…" "Yes, sodas would probably be preferable. Perhaps smaller doses would be better." And we did intend to interrogate the hornets. Though the time for that may have passed, if the ship will soon depart…
>>26516 I'll think a minute. "Nah. My desk's a bit tidier than Civet's, but I tend to leave my tools there if I've got something to tinker with off-hours. And there's a basket that I keep laundry in until it's time to wash it." I'll make my way up the desk. "I'm sure I'll end up cluttering the place up by the end of the trip."
>>26518 I should honestly make a plan to release her.. I could use something to snack on anyway, so I'll wait in line. get myself anything that looks like meat and pick up a handful of bread and 'fruit' as well.
The Fold Engines start heating up. There's a small shake of the ship as they begin the Fold preparations.
>>26519 "The prisoners are being 'ported to the Resempians. They'll have a few questions for them first. I'd say try to get in contact with them and they might be able to interrogate them for you after." Malvi says, digging into her ComLink. "I'll queue up some soft drink once I get a connection. I've got regular cola, a malt flavored drink, and then the basic grape, orange, and ginger drinks."
Meanwhile, Kamori keeps trying to balance Dusky while Duana rubs him on the head, trying to get a reaction from him.
>>26520 "Hey, having stuff lying around means you did things. Don't clutter yourself out of your room, but there's nothing wrong with the occasional plant or knick-knack." Cotentin says.
Civet and the others start opening up the snacks. You can smell an apple like smell from hers. "So, I guess you can see what I do in my free time. What do Humans do for fun when you have to stay in your rooms?" She asks.
>>26521 Despite the area being sized for larger aliens, the cooking staff up front seems to be entirely human.
The meat snacks are in their own container. Mostly what humans call 'sand witches' for some reason, but they're cut in small, easy to grab sizes. There's also some prepared egg like food that lasts well over time. Maybe your prisoner will like it?
>>26522 Grab hold of Dusky and hold him close to try and put a stop to his spinning. "Many thanks, Friend-Malvi. Their ability to disrupt our focus in combat is troubling, and may be more dangerous for humans with the Fold. Plus, we do not understand their motivation; what exactly did they have to gain?"
>>26522 "Well, I either read, or work on something to keep my hands busy. So you needed your skates fixed actually saves me some trouble of what to do later."
>>26523 "They were after something specific and took a whole lot during the time. It'll be up to the Resempians to tell us after they survey the damage. I mean, it might be tempting to say it was us, but from what they told us, we needed less supplies than a standard ship anyway, so it probably wasn't about us." Malvi goes through some of the news articles that have popped up. "Whatever it was, it was valuable enough for them to risk three ships. I'm sure if we had it, we'd notice the security."
>>26524 The Location of your prisoner's container is marked on your ComLink. She's hidden in a pile of them, and Avanyu has given you the code to open it. The Hangar is packed, be careful not to draw too much attention to yourself…
>>26525 "Good, I was worried I was pulling you away from something important. They just stopped charging one day and won't float anymore. It's fine when the gravity goes down, but not when we get planet side. Besides, I'll have you know I got into tournaments with them!" Civet says proudly.
>>26526 "I can see you're attached to them. Should be able to get them back up and running in a day or so, assuming all I need to do is switch out a part or two."
>>26527 "I hope so. Got me out of a few jams with how fast they can move… But it might be harder than usual to fix them." She shows you some of her work on them. Roll Tech. "I did a lot of work on them growing up."
>>26526 "Perhaps it was your tech they were after? Your mechs are much more complex than those employed by other races. There are not many options for them to aquire it outside of paying for it, after all."
>>26529 "That's a possibility… But you've seen them to, and you should know these aren't exactly 'military grade' goods we have here. Maybe if they thought they were true AIs in there and not people, I could see it happening. But they have good enough VIs with them that don't crash. Maybe they thought they could bolster their forces with them, if that's what they were after." Malvi's attention is taken back to the drink machine. "Looks like the regular old soft drinks are ready. Go ahead and pick one, I'm ready to record."
Dusky has stopped spinning, but he still hasn't recovered. Duana is examining his blow hole while Kamori presses against his stomach.
>>26530 Your professionally trained eyes immediately notice all the errors she made. The improper welding, the cables not properly connected or shielded, even a few that have the polarities reversed and should have caused a meltdown long ago.
>>26532 "Well… In my professional opinion, it's a miracle they lasted as long as they did." I'll turn them over a bit. "I'll probably make a list of things I'll be fixing, but I'll have to congratulate you on making these work for so long with such… unconventional methods of repairs."
>>26534 "Think of it as a learning experience. And homework." I'll scratch the back of my neck. "If you two want to help, I'm not going to stop you. What's a brownie, though?"
>>26535 "It's a little helper. They'd come out at night and fix things. Maybe Civet already had one and we'll run into them when we fix the skates." Saanen says with a sincere smile. "Maybe that's what they'll think of us when we finally get out into the rest of the galaxy? 'Keep a Human and watch them fix all your things!' or something like that?"
>>26531 "We admit to some small trepidation about this…" But human food was delicious, so we press on. …not the "root beer," though. How about a nice cold pepis? '1d10'
>>26536 I'll shrug. "I mean, if they can pay, I'm sure there's a decent number of people who might enjoy being… kept? I guess kept is a good enough word for it."
>>26537 Once again, the world slows down slightly, but this time you have full control of yourself. The Humans seem to be moving slower, but you maintain your full speed…
>>26538 "That's kinda weird, and creepy." Civet says. "But all the Human contact I've had has been with professionals. As long as you don't do what they did, you should be fine."
"What do you think Boss?" Cotentin asks. "About what'll happen at the end of this journey, once we get that planet nice and set up and our grand kids start heading out."
>>26539 Oh dear, again? Can we at least move around this time? >perhaps the time-dilations caused by these beverages is the key to the humans Fold abilities?
>>26540 "What did they do?" I'll look at Cotentin for a second. "I can't begin to guess. I'll probably still be working. Maybe have my own shop by that point. Might end up shooing your grandkids out of it, depending on how curious they are."
>>26542 "Hmm, let me look it up, but it's something I remember from class. They tried to fight as soon as they got FTL, but they got put down. A bunch of species have done it, but you won't hear too much about them. Most terms make it hard for them to get out of their systems. I'll tell you as soon as I find it." Civet says, digging through a DataPad.
"That sounds like something that will happen all right." He laughs, but Saanen gives a disapproving look. "I'll make sure they don't cause you too much trouble."
>>26545 "That's probably for the best. They're barely getting the Ankylosaur's engines warmed up. We've got a couple of months left to go." Saanen adds.
"I'll drink to that." Cotentin says.
"And I'll get to come along for the ride!" Civet pipes in. "Let's do our best to get there!"
>>26549 "You spaced out and began spinning, Friend-Dusky. It appears that this 'beer' is quite the hallucinogenic. Their 'soft-drinks' are a much pleasanter dosage. They may be linked to the ability for humans to develop Fold abilities."
>>26551 "If they have to take this to get those abilities, count me out. And stop rotating, it's hurting my head." Dusky says.
"Actually, we're still figuring out what really affects our ability to integrate Fold technology. Most of us can barely get your small catalysts to work, and no amount of beer can change that." Malvi states plainly.
"Maybe the Ginger stuff will help the Dolphin get through this?" Kamori asks before Dusky turns her down.
"Water is fine. I'm too thirsty to experiment with anything else." Dusky states, his mechanical arms blocking him off from the humans.
"What about you?" Duana asks. "It's not bad. I like it."
>>26552 "I enjoy these 'soft-drinks. They provide a nice boost in speed and energy, though it wears off quickly. Though we should ask; can over - consumption cause side-effects? We do not wish to repeat the nausea induced by your 'beer.'"
>>26553 "I get the jitters if all I drink is soda." Duana says with a pensive tone. "If your tummy hurts, you should stop." She stops to think a bit. "But sometimes I take another drink anyway." She says with a smile to you.
>>26554 "We are familiar with the habit." Go ahead and keep drinking. "WWe are glad we are friends, Friend-Duana. And Friend-Malvi. And Friend-Kamori. It is good to have many friends."
>>26555 "It's good to be friends with you too!" Duana excitedly shouts. "I didn't make too many back at the institute, but that's why I joined up, so I could meet people like you and Dusky! When we get a chance, I'll introduce you to the other girls, so you can have even more friends, okay?"
>>26557 Having a long tail makes some of the humans have to stop for a bit, but most of them are already accustomed to aliens moving things around, especially at such a busy time as now.
It's a bright container, but it's in the middle of a massive mountain of shipping containers. You'd be hard press to spot anyone in such a dungeon, but the container your searching for calls out, a different color than the rest, giving off a tracking signal.
Inside the target container, there's sound proofing material all around it. There's an extra locked room inside that lets you see in, but she can't. Inside, she has the bare essentials to carry her over until next week. There's a button to talk to her nearby.
>>26563 "I figured as much. I actually have spent my time getting my memories in order. So, who do you want to know about first: the Techie Ragdoll or the idiot Selkirk?"
>>26565 "With him, get ready for a bit of a doozy. He is your typiical computer nerd. Lanky and pasty seems to be the best way to describe him, but he's a genius behind a ComLink. He's the one who ran to the boss about whatever we were after here. But what you want to know is, yeah, he did some work on a heist in, Dumari, was it? I remember because I won some of the credits off of him in a card match."
>>26567 "He only talked about it a few weeks ago when the money came in. I can't really say what he did, I'm sure he told me, but it's not one of my things, if you get my drift." She takes a bite out of the food. "Nice and small, what is it? Anyway, this job must have been a while back. Hmm, a goody no-shoes like you know how we get our money so far out?"
>>26569 "Try to be nice and this is what I get." She takes a sip of water. "Contrary to most stories we read, most of us want payments in goods. Weapons and equipment all the way down to a crate full of laundry detergent. Sounds silly, and it was to me, at least until I did it. Think about it, who is going to open a box full of soap? And if you sell enough, you can make a lot. Except it takes time to move stuff like that around and to find a buyer. He could've done the job a year ago and not have gotten paid until then."
>>26573 "Not like that. At least not exactly…" She sighs audibly. "He was definitely on Dumari. He talks about his 'conquests' a lot, and bandit drugs makes you believe them when you should be slapping him. He knows how to talk to people, and there's a good chance he talked to a lot of people, especially females, in his time there. He's talked about jobs, but he's smart enough to keep out the details."
>>26575 "Ha, I wish! Then I could have really given it to him. Think about it, it's not like Bandits have a lot to do during the slow times. We just did drugs and things happened." She sits forward on the chair, attempting to stare you in the eye through the one-way glass. "He was always gone in the morning. If we wasn't locked inside a ship, I'm sure he'd have flown the coop. But don't underestimate him. Whatever you're after him for, he's good enough to have a couple of others after him and still get away with it."
>>26576 "Ah, that type." I reply back somewhat cheerfully. "Exciting life, it sounds like." "You know, thanks to something that happened, I had a lot of suspicion on me. I was considered the same as a criminal by some Vipers. That's why.. I'm looking for them."
>>26577 "So you were burned by them. Thought as much." She sits down properly this time. "You aren't dumping me with the Resempians, so I still owe ya, but I gotta keep my secrets. Once you find a planet to dump me on, I'll toss you some coordinates I was given. I don't know where they lead exactly, but I'm going to keep them close until I get my ticket out, got it?"
>>26579 "One last thing before you go. I looked it up, this is supposed to be a civilian vessel." She looks around. "So why do y'all have a room like this?"
>>26585 You lock the door behind you and head out into the Hangar. Watch your head and tail for floating supplies and get ready for tomorrow. You got an early shift.
>>26587 "Yes. The Doc wants frequent check ups." Chizu says.
"Why though? It's not like they didn't check us out that often back home. Are you feeling different or something, Wan?" Gao asks. "Is Alipor holding you too firmly? Jeez, it looks like your breasts are even bigger now."
>>26588 Giggle. "I don't think so! I'd feel it! Anyway, besides getting checked out, I wanted to talk to them about what we learned about the bug people and also those Fold objects."
>>26590 Scramble to make sure I stay on top as all of us are smooshed together in a big pile of little women. Settling in a comfortable position, I cheerfully remark, "We were in good hands, literally!"
>>26591 She heads to her bed, carrying the three of you, with Gao squirming the most.
"The mechs are more than able to handle some raiders." Gao shouts. "Of course, they were no match for us."
"But it's still taxing, right? The notes stated that even the machnines have trouble after using your Fold abilities. Tell me, does it hurt anywhere? Are you feeling fine?" She sits on her bed, pastry snack (kiwi flavored) to the side and puts the three of you on her lap.
>>26592 Crawl over to the edge of her lap and grasp cartoonishly for the pastry – far out of reach – before collapsing off her leg face-first into the bedspread.
Muffled at first, free my head enough to say, "All over gets tired out! But I was thinking, maybe that's because it takes energy out of the body? Maybe we need to eat more if we're going to use so much Fold power."
Squirm in the sheets, toward the snack. "Also you can use us as batteries! We found it out earlier."
>>26593 Eva floats over, putting your favorite pastry just out of reach.
"What do you mean 'we can use you as batteries'? Because my data pad is low and I've used up all the wiring I could." Calta asks, coming over and picking you up, her paws warm from all the work she's done today. "It's not like we can plug you into something, right?" She looks at Eva, who nods negatively.
Eva opens up your pastry, but Calta paws it to you with her finger, the rest of her hand around you keeping you safe.
>>26594 Delicious! Eat it right off the finger and settle into the palm. "No, like we can use our Fold energy to power old Fold items that have run out of power. Alipor had a sort of… illusion thing. Oh, though, I guess if you had a Fold-powered computer. What would that even look like?"
>>26595 "A Fold powered computer? I saw a few pics on the extranet about one being built, but it's expensive. If the posts were right, it was worth more than the Ankylosaur." She hands you back over to the Doctor, who holds you gently while you eat. "But, being able to recharge old Fold catalysts… I'll be honest, that's going to prove real useful." Calta sits back down, where some of the other girls lean on her warm body while eating.
"The details I saw for it would make it massive." The Doctor pipes in while watching you, her hands holding you must softer than Alipor did. "My University had plans for one, and there was debate based on just how much land it would use up. Besides, I don't think any of you would appreciate being used solely as a battery for such a thing."
>>26596 Rub my cheek against the warm, soft paws, "I don't mind how you use me, as long as you take good care of me, alright? Being a battery was tingly!"
>>26597 The Doctor smiles and rubs your back and legs. "Tell me if this makes you feel better. I think some of the energy loss comes from the lack of blood flow."
"Honestly, if I wasn't eating this, I'd give you such a talking to." Eva says.
"Aye, it be best if we keep it to us for now. Lots of old Catalysts lying about. If the wrong people learned about this, things could get tricky." Alipor says as he throws in another pastry.
"And don't say you don't mind being used. It weirds me out." Eva adds in.
>>26598 Stuff my face with the rest of the pastry, "Huh? You really think there are untrustworthy people on this ship? Oh, and it does feel good, doc!"
>>26599 "Everyone on the ship has had a background check, so I trust Alipor, the Doc, and even that really long Alien I saw heading into the hangar." Eva states.
"Eva told me about your upbringings. So, let's call it a trade secret for now." Doctor Zorani says with some concern as she starts patting around your feet, her fur occasionally tickling you. "But the rest of the galaxy is what I don't trust unless they show otherwise. I'm glad I found the Ankylosaur job when I did, or that they even took me when I learned about our differences."
>>26601 "You dunderhead! Is your bra cutting off the blood to the rest of you?!" Eva's Fold Gear starts charging up. "Of course you can trust everyone on the Ankylosaur! You even saw how Duana went googly-eyed over that big beetle." Her Fold Gear stops charing and starts calming down. "It's anyone else you gotta watch out for. I can't be there all the time to look out for you like when we were kids. And don't eat so much, I don't want your boobs getting any bigger than they already are."
>>26602 Giggle at her. "If we keep up with these low-grav days, I could just go without a bra if you're really worried. Um, but if we're worried someone might grab us and run off, aren't we less visible in the dollhouses? It might be better to share a big bed with Calta or the Doctor, if they don't roll, that is."
>>26603 "It's fine here, like I said. And don't call them doll houses. I feel small enough as is that I don't need you rubbing it in." Eva pouts and turns away.
"Speaking of small, are you two up for helping me later? I need help with getting some more power into the room. I'll pay, just like last time." Calta says with a smile.
"Are you doing outside work too?" Zorani asks, rubbing your head. "It's important to let me know if anything changes in your condition."
After a week of rough Fold travel, the Ankylosaurs' engines were still being broken in and the crew were acclimating to the spacer life, the ship exits near the guidance satellite on the edge of Sela System. Thanks to the favorable Fold conditions, the ship was able to reach here well within schedule. >"Attention all crew, please prepare for exiting the Fold. We will be heading to a populated planet, so please be aware that we will enforce proper safety procedures."
While less rushed than when the Ankylosaur left Resempian space, everyone is still running around, preparing equipment and supplies to receive the new materials. >Latasha Alpin wants you and the rest of the Security Team to meet up before you enter Sela space properly. Get dressed. >Frank You've been ordered to assist planet side, so Civet, Saanen, and Cotentin have been spending time cleaning up a mech for you. Get your breakfast and make yourself presentable. >Voldra Keep your senses about you, one of the other Drones said they'd be able to bring supplies in, but they might be unable to properly communicate in the Fold. Otherwise, Kamori and Malvi are waiting for you in the make shift communication room. They don't seem as energetic as usual, though… >Wan "So remember what Eva said? Be careful where you go and try to stay in your mecha, alright?" Doctor Zorani really is worried about you, holding you up as she lays in her bed. But the order to meet has been given to you to, so you better talk her into letting you go.
>>26881 Alright, so it's shaving, gathering supplies, and making sure I have all my tools too. Shouldn't need the mech's carry-crate or the larger supplies since we're just picking things up. And since we're being presentable, it's a day for wearing uniforms. Did I ever get clearance to turn one of those captured pirate drones into a targeting bit for Wan's mech?
>>26883 The fact that there isn't a standardized measuring system yet doesn't help. Roll 1d5, with 3 being just right.
>>26884 Not for target practice, not yet. It's still mostly scrap, so you might need to wait and get some time to dedicate for it. >"If you need any cologne, I got a whole bunch I can share ;)" t. Cotentin's ComLink message
>>26881 >Understood. Just try to enter the system far enough away that it is not mistaken for an attack. It is unpleasant to have friends fire on us. "Is everything well, Friend-Kamori and Friend-Malvi? You seem to be at a lower energy level than usual."
>>26885 Raise an eyebrow at that message. Does he think I'm going down there to date? >thanks, but I should be fine. Probably not going to be out-of-mech for 9/10ths of the trip anyway.
>>26886 "Sorry, we've been up all night getting some notes prepared. Didn't think it was going to take us that long." Malvi responds.
*Ding*
"Oh, coffee is ready." Kamori says, springing to live, pouring herself a cup of a dark liquid, and smiling like she used to. "Yeah, this is what we needed. Hmm, have you ever had any Coffee?"
>>26887 Just the right size. It took a bit of finagling with the Human Operator, but looks like they were able to get you just the right size out of the machine.
*Knock knock*
"Yo', ready to go before we go planetside?" Uther asks from behind your room's door.
>>26890 "Notes are a method of recording information quickly, yes? May we ask what you were taking notes on?" Our forearms rub together, torn between the prospect of more food and the memory of what happened last time. "This coffee is not like 'Beer,' correct?"
The Engine kick up bit, dealing with an ice planet's gravity as it heads to the water world Sela.
>>26888 >"Hey, you never know who you'll meet at these jobs. It's how I met my wife, you know (๑♡⌓♡๑) Love at first sight." >"Oh, but are you prepared to get out of it?"
>>26889 "It's a trade hub is what they said, but I don't trust them, so I want you to be extra careful. Especially since they installed all that new gear on your Mecha. Don't let anyone pull you away from it." Doc says much more seriously.
"Don't worry Doc, we'll be going down there with her!" Gao shouts, flexing her muscles. She looks more like an action figure on the bed, though.
"And I'll make sure she's safe from Gao." Chizu adds in from beside Calta.
>>26891 "That's what we're heading to the meeting for. Personally, I'd say anything you'd find useful, even if it isn't standard issue." Uther responds. "You ready? I'll head with you to the meeting."
>>26892 "No way. It's a stimulant, more like those soft drinks, but perfect for the morning time!" Kamori shouts before taking another drink. Malvi comes over to pour herself a cup of coffee, but then adds in all sorts of things to it…
"Actually, have you tried creamer either?" Malvi asks.
A few laser blasts go out as errant asteroids are shot aside. The pitter patter of fragments makes it sound like it's raining.
>>26894 "Oh yes, oh yes!" Chizu shouts this time. "I've got a lot of stuff saved up to trade when I found out this was one of the places we were visiting."
"Just, don't let her sell you." Gao adds before she's picked up by the Doc. She holds the both of you close to her chest.
"I think it's time to go. We can talk if you have any questions on the way to the hangar." Doc says.
"Hey, what kind of aliens do you think we'll run into there?" Gao says excitedly.
>>26896 With gravity working, it looks much more 'normal'. Even with the recently painted in lanes, humans and aliens are getting things cleared for when the ships next set of supplies comes through.
Only one that really stands out is Arctid. He's bigger than the other aliens, and his heavy set antlers don't help. He's just watching everyone, taking notes on his data pad.
>>26899 Well, we've all got jobs to do. While I'm traveling, I'll mull over what I can do with the scrap we've got so far. There's the supplementary targeting bit for Wan to accommodate for her… quirks, there's that high-caliber pistol I could make from that gun tube… there's the modifications to my mech I could make so that it actually looks like something official and not a hodgepodge.
>>26897 The crew recently painted a lane on the floor, marking an area the smaller humans need to be cautious about, since that's where you'll be slithering through. Very few stare, having gotten accustomed to your presence. Some wave hello at you.
"Boss has been pretty to the point on stuff, so hopefully it'll be short." He says by the door to the Security department. There's a few other aliens and humans in similar looking uniforms gathering, and Uther puts his palm on the ground to let one walk on.
"Oh, I haven't introduced you two yet. Latasha, this is Hexi. He's been the one on the other end of the radio during my shifts."
The little Human bows politely, looking like a toy in Uther's hand. "Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you. Latazha, right? Sorry if I mispronounce your name."
>>26898 "Just make sure you don't take it too much. I had to drop it after college, I was addicted to the caffeine." Malvi says. "But for the sake of science, we'll see if we can find some stuff to brew you and the others a proper sized cup."
"Oh, since you'll be headed down planet side, did you get your bags ready?" Kamori asks as Malvi looks down on her datapad and starts clicking some things in.
>>26900 "Water planet. There's a bunch of ice at the poles, though." Gao chimes in with. "But, don't tell me you were going to make an alien sized snow man?"
>>26902 Give those a nod in reply, I'm on duty, no time to socialize! I bow to him too. "Very close. Its La-Tash-aaa. Pleased to meet you as well Ssir Hexi."
>>26903 "Indeed we have. We are fully prepared to transport supplies as needed." "On the note of supplies, another drone is currently inbound with more supplies. They are currently out of contact due to being in Fold-transit, but we will let you know as soon as they arrive."
>>26901 "Frank, there you are!" Arctid says from high above. "Good, I thought I had forgotten where you were staying. Do you have some time for a few questions from my work. Won't be too many, I promise!"
>>26904 "See, told ya." Uther says to Hexi as the door opens and the grey equinoid Alpin steps out. Hexi takes a spot on Uther's antlers.
"Alright, we're getting in close and now it's time to bust out some of the important items. First of all, I want you all to make sure your weapons are ready, got it? Second of all, I'm going to say this once, Command only wants as few humans off the ship as possible. That means its mostly going to be us dealing with the people down there."
Everyone already seems to start talking about that last decision.
>>26907 …well, I've got the time, I guess. I'll holler up at him. "Yeah, sure. Though it's gonna be awkward for at least one of us to have a conversation like this."
You can feel the ship start turning around to use its engines to slow it down and adjusts it's docking trajectory.
>>26905 "An alien sized top hat would probably knock us out if it fell on us…" Gao replies, lost in thought and calculating the weight of such a thing in her head.
"I'll make sure they loaded the warm clothing for you." Doc adds. "Oh, and try out the helmets. I had Calta bring in some new ones that can handle being under water." She stops in the middle of the hallway, then looks down as she holds the two of you closer. "Humans can swim, right?"
>>26906 "Really? Good to know, but now I'm wondering what they brought." Malvi says out loud.
"At least we know you have our back!" Kamori shouts. "Woo, we're going to need a real strong container if you want to try this coffee."
"What's this about coffee? Do you like it, Shelly?" Duana asks at the door, her own bag severely overloaded.
>>26909 "Yeah, for a while, but not forever. Ah, wait, but can my mech swim? It's made of metal, and metal's heavier than water! And it might get in the jet ducts and stuff!"
>>26908 "Uhm, here." He puts his paw on the ground. "I can take you to where your headed and you can answer some questions. Don't worry, their just ship ones the admin crew has to ask."
>>26910 "Good question, and the answer is trouble. As far as most of the crew is concerned, it's just a trading planet ruled by some corps. Issue is, I've never been to a moral one, and the Command has their tiny heads on right and agreed with me. Many of these places have smugglers and crooks as regular visitors on top of many other criminals passing by. We can't have any of you getting disappearded so early on, catch my drift?" He looks at the Humans, but his eyes go over the other aliens too.
>>26909 "We have not tried it yet, as trying new human-food before working would likely prove unwise." "We cannot speak for all the supplies being brought, Friend-Malvi, but we believe there is some Shaping-Mold included, to be used to modify this drone to be better equipped to assist in combat."
>"Gravity generators will be tweaked to deal with the planets pull. Please bottle up any exposed liquids."
>>26911 "We'll ask the mechanics, but don't hesitate to leave it if doesn't float! I'd rather lose a replaceable machine than see any of you get hurt." Doc says.
"I don't think you'll have to worry about Wan. She's got her own flotation devices right here." Gao points to your chest. "I'm surprised you can even get them into the cockpit some times. Did they tell you what we were going to do down there anyway? Calta just messaged me to get ready for this yesterday."
>>26913 "Thanks. Tell me where you're headed while I ask a few question." Arctid fumbles through his data pad after he puts you on his shoulder, letting you see the whole list while he tries to read it to you.
"Please give us your opinion and score the items in this questionnaire from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest. Hmm, alright, let's start: How comfortable is your room? Are the showers and baths of good quality? How has the noise at night been? What do you think of the morning food choices?"
>>26914 "Only the bare minimum I could talk them into. Uther and I will be escorting one ambassador to meet with the mayor of the star port islet. We've got a few more in their Machines coming along to test the atmosphere, but I'm going to be assigning them a guard, the Command wouldn't let me weld them shut. I want all our radio operators stuck on their station and only leaving when the other person has the headset on, okay." Alpin turns to you. "Latasha, how do you feel about doll-sitting one of them?" He says with a straight face, his ears not betraying a hint of emotion.
>>26917 "Woah, really. You're much higher than the others." He stops as a cart with supplies crosses his lane. "I was worried there for a while, but here's the big question: Anything the Acquisition team can get you to improve your stay in the Ankylosaur?" The Hangar doors are just up ahead.
>>26918 "We're no where near as bad as Calta, though. I've seen her run around the ship at night with Eva. They must be getting all sorts of orders from the Institute. I know you helped them with cables, did they ever talk about it?" Gao asks as Calta runs up besides the Doc carrying Chizu.
"Ugh, I hate late nights…" Calta says as you approach the Hangar doors.
"She looks like she'll pass out at anytime, but do you want to ask her?" Gao asks you with interest.
>>26920 "Good. There's only a few left without an assigned escort, but I want you to make sure the Mechanical Engineer they have going down there to check the items doesn't get himself stepped on, stolen, or otherwise squashed, understood?"
>>26915 "Shaping-Mold? Does that mean you can start to look like another type of Beetle or something?" Duana excitedly shouts at you as she runs up to you with her overstuffed back pack.
>>26921 I'll mull this over for a bit. "Well, nothing that I wouldn't need clearance for. I tinker in my off-time, and anything I'd want to mess around with would probably need about a dozen requisition forms per item. As long as you guys keep the coffee stocked, though, I'll be able to make due."
>>26924 "With enough of it, certainly; however, it is unlikely this will be enough for such a drastic shift. It will likely take the form of additional plates or spikes, if not being entirely internal. However, the boost to either ability or efficiency with Fold-energy is worth more than the minimal visual adjustment."
>>26923 Doctor Zorani and Calta approach the Hangar doors with the three of you, putting you down so you can flash your ComLink through the entry system they have set up.
Except this time, Calta follows in behind you.
"Ha, guess who just got authorization to enter the Hangar!" Calta smiles, proud of herself. "Only took a week of begging!"
>>26925 "Now that everyone has their orders, let's get to work people. Latasha, I'll message you with your charge's information, just head to the hangar and get a mech suit. I want you to be able to fly along with their machine if it comes to it."
He sends you the information of one Frank Smith, a Mechanic of the ship. His record seems pretty clean. Alpin has also included his tracking ID, so you can follow his location with your ComLink."
>>26926 "'More requistion forms.' Got it, thanks. You made my day much easier, just so you know, so if you ever need anything, just send me a ComLink message. But it looks like this is the stop, I don't have Hangar clearance." He puts his paw up again so you can get on.
>>26927 "Really!? That's so cool!" Duana shouts, looking you all over, asking if you can grow spikes from the different parts of your body.
"Wait, so there's material that allows you to change your body?" Malvi inquires. "And it's controlled by you, or is the change random?"
>>26929 He salutes quickly, but is then pulled by a Human with some notes.
Your journey to the Hangar is quieter than last time. Gravity makes it easier to move around too. As you approach the Hangar, your ComLink picks up Frank's location, looks like he's at one of the other Hangar doors, but you also have the location of his team.
>>26930 "It is how drones are developed to best suit their roles, such as thicker shells and greater offensive abilities for Hive-guardians. The change is controlled, but… usually requires the presence of a Shaper, or at the very least another drone present that a Shaper can work through. It is, after all, shifting a drone's biology into an adjusted form. The process can be… unpleasant for the drone being modified."
>>26932 Malvi types it into her DataPad, but Kamori has joined Duana in looking you over, pointing out spots that might benefit from a change.
"Hmm, something over here might help if more of those Wasps show up…" Kamori says.
"But why get close Shelly can just blow them up!" Duana says.
"It's quite a lot to take in this morning, and I have more questions, but it's time we got ourselves to the Hangar. Command wants you to go down there with the planet-side team and help translate."
>>26933 "You were the real big help, bye." He waves with his paw, strong claws coming out of them, though they've been trimmed.
Passing by the checkpoint, you see your crew up ahead. Instead of their normal mechanic clothing, they've got overalls on, covered in paint as they coat one of the mechas. Civet especially has some paint on her scales.
>>26934 Nothing on the notes about guarding the crew. Looks like it's just him.
"Hey, get those wires checked out. You don't want the poor person in that suit to fall out of the sky now, do ya?" A female Human in an anti-grav cart issues orders to a team of Humans working on the suits. "Oh, sorry, didn't see yah there. What can I do for ya?" She asks as the anti-grav cart turns around.
>>26935 "Understood. Would you like to a ride to the hangar? We will refrain from Folding over, considering the effect it had on Duana last time, but it will still be faster for this drone to carry you all."
>>26937 "Boss said to come here and get a mech suit, on that can keep up with my charge." I tell her with a pleasant tone, my hand rolling to mimick human conversational gestures
>>26938 I'll take a moment to breathe in, close my eyes, and breathe out. They're doing it because it's going to be used for loading and unloading cargo. That's it. It's regulation. Safety protocols. Opening my eyes, I'll unconsciously wince at the bright colors, but head on over to my freshly-painted mech. At least this means we got all the plating on it.
>>26939 "Let's save it for when you come back. Haven't finished my coffee." Malvi says as Kamori goes through her ComLink.
"Me! Me! Give me a ride again!" Duana asks, barely jumping up and down with all her weight. She seems much heavier than last time you carried her.
"Looks like you got someone taking you up on the offer. We'll walk and catch up." Kamori says.
Roll Melee if you want to pick her up.
>>26940 "Makes sense, but we're going to need a fair bit of adjustments on the ones we have." She turns around, yelling at her crew. "We've got another one. Clear out the changing station and get ready to tailor!" The rest of the humans move out of what looks like a changing stall, with some of the mech suit items above rotating on their own roof carousel. "Hope you don't mind us and the gear getting real close, because these suits have to be set to the T. Head in when you ready yourself."
>>26941 "Hey, boss, what do you think of our work!" Civet happily says, moving out of the way so you can see your beautiful mech. The equipment and gear is in its proper location, with any ugly seams painted over. The Shotgun has been painted in such a way that it looks like it's part of the Veritech. Very few people would take it on a catwalk, but it does look presentable enough to walk around in.
>>26943 "Humans don't Shape, I think, but I got a different suit this time! If we go underwater, I can follow you with this one!" She puts on her helmet, this one sealing in with her suit.
Human items are much heavier than what people expect, but since she's willing to be picked up and balances herself, it's not much trouble to pick her up.
>>26946 "Ah. That is a good preparation, Friend-Duana. You humans seem to use your tech in the same way as we use Shaping. Interesting…" Head over to the hangar then, containers on and ready to go!
>>26946 Dare I crush her dreams, as one would by telling a paraplegic that even zero-G ballet is an impossibility? No, I'm not that cruel. "You did a good job putting it together. I'm just going to have to make sure not to bump into anything so I don't smudge the paintjob."
>>26944 "Got it. Step on it and we'll get you out in two shakes of a Lambda's ears."
Humans walk up with light batons, signalling you to move around as the machines come in close. You can see the scanning lasers going over you, with another laser mimicking its motions on a suit. A few of them rappel from above, bringing a covering cloth over portions of your tail. As they lower some of the protective cloth, you can feel them run their hands over your scales as they tighten the material.
The carousel above you brings your main suit above you first, and they get to work securing it in. Then the jets and anti-grav gear is put on, with them bolting them into place.
"Alright, step on out and tell us what you think."
>>26945 "Hey wait up!" Chizu and Gao yell out behind you. Calta keeps up with just a leisurely pace.
"So this is what your mech looks like when they're unfolded." Calta says, looking them over real closely. "Is it okay if I touch them?" She asks you, leaning down as she tries to be eye to eye to you.
>>26947 "Maybe they'll have a clothing store down there so we can get you something, Shelly. Maybe a cape, or a hood!" She grins with excitement. "Look, Calta and Wan and the other girls are all ready at the mechs. Let's say hi to them!"
>>26948 "We'll make you repaint in that case." Saanen gleefully adds as Civet looks over her work with pride.
"Get in, you'll only have a moment to get acclimated to the new weight distribution before we arrive." Cotentin says, already firing up the Diagnostic table. "Unless you want to gawk at our work some more, then take all the time you want."
>>26951 It's much tighter than the ones you're used to, but right now, it's custom to you.
"Try out the flight system. We've got several control systems integrated into them, such as visual only, ComLink, and pre-programmed." The Human says. "Oh, and make sure it doesn't feel like it's slowing you down too much. Move around a bit, make sure it doesn't get in the way."
>>26952 "No, I mean when they aren't folded up to fit in a container. I only saw them when they were inside one." She offers you a paw. "C'mon, I'll help you get in. But, they're bigger than I expected. I could probably use this as a mech suit. What would you think of me then Wan, if I could fly?"
>>26953 "Both capes and hoods are dangerous and restricting. Perhaps some other attire would be better suited." Carry her over to her friends at the mechs. "Greetings! Are your preparations for this trip proceeding smoothly?"
The alignment rockets push the ship, trying to keep it in an orbit that will allow it to dock with the planet's improvised space station. Looking out of the hangar, you can see the planet come into view.
>>26955 It's the same old cockpit you are used to, just tidied up a bit. >"Oh, I left you a present in case you meet someone over there." Cotentin says happily. It's a bottle of perfume. However, there is something different about it as you start powering things on.
>>26956 "Hi, you must be the Voldra Wan and Duana had mentioned before. Nice to meet you!" A Canid alien says politely, bowing to you. "They haven't been too much of a hassle to you, right?"
Two other humans in suits similar to Wan and Duana giggle as they get into their mechs.
>>26953 "Wouldn't you have to scoop out all the machinery that makes the arms and legs go? And the oxygen tanks and stuff? I don't think my mech is very interchangeable, based on what that engineer said…"
>>27249 "Pleasant greetings to you too," we can't so much bow as dip down a bit, but it is close enough. "The amount of hassle they've created is well within what this drone is able to handle. If anything, our interactions have been a fascinating learning experience." Gently put Duana down near the mechs so she can suit up too.
>>27250 Different Neutral. Your cockpit glass has a different tint with it.
"Hey, Saanen tidied up the ship in there for you." Civet says, trying to find you. "She even changed the paint scheme a bit so it." She says, trying to see you inside.
>>27251 >>27252 "It isn't, so please try to be careful with it." She uses both paws to make sure you don't fall as she lifts you up to the cockpit, but stops as the Voldra Drone approaches and turns to it.
>>27253 "That's good to know, but what is Duana doing with you here?" She asks with some concern
>>27255 Civet is looking all around your window, trying to find you.
"Nope, it isn't just tinted. I was tasked with making it one way only! The security guy said he didn't want anyone knowing your actual size unless they were in on it, let them put their knowledge of the Computrons to bad use."
>>27254 "We are here because it will be time to land soon, and it was faster to give her a ride from my quarters than to make her travel through her own means. We would have Jumped here, but Duana has reacted strangely to the process before." >You could have just answered her real question. >Yes, but this is more fun. Plus she has not given any information about herself or her role that would cause her concern about Friend-Duana. >>27256 "Yes. Other than that, our crew has stated a need for this drone to wear a uniform of some sort; We hope to find something that can be reworked to fit us without compromising its functions."
>>27256 "Oh, sorry, let me get you into your machine. It'll be easier to talk that way."
>>27258 "Both of them showed up like they had recently discharged their abilities, I guess you were involved then… Oh, where are my manners. I'm Calta, I'll be the I.T. person for the Fold Pilots!" She offers a toothy smile.
>>27260 She freezes up for a moment. "Yes. I am looking it over, yes."
"The Security team came over with a few suggestions that we implemented for the few mechs we're going to have go planet side." Saanen says. "You'll look more like regular Assist Droids this way. Even the Fold mechs got some alterations to the paint scheme."
>>27259 "Indeed, they both wished to show off their abilities on a nearby asteroid field. While they lack power without their technology, their ability to use the Fold naturally is a fascinating discovery, and may be linked to their food in some way. Or at least their beverages." Hold out one of our closed pincers in what we understand to be a general form of greeting among other races. "We are pleased to meet you, I.T.-Calta! This drone operates both in communications and defense against hostiles." >>27261 "To our understanding, it is important for visual distinction, and this drone cannot be simply painted that extensively. It is not assigned for advertising." >>27264 "Ah, you mean the shell coloration of drones? There are many other drones with similar shell colors, but it is a matter of appetite and singularity which color any particular drone will be."
>>27265 >"It's no shopping trip if everything is already paid for!" Saanen complains through the radio. "That's the best part!" >"They want you to inspect the goods. Make sure it's up to snuff and all that." Cotentin replies.
"Just be careful the mech doesn't fall on you or someone else if you have to get out. Oh, and watch out. I think I saw some of the guards carrying around glue. They might use that on your cockpit." Civet adds.
>>27266 "I guess the Humans are keeping you busy too. I'll be doing a lot of things with their machines and the Ankylosaur too. If you have any trouble with a ComLink or terminal, just let me know!" She jumps up excitedly as you feel a weight in your bags shift around.
>>27267 >>27266 "What I mean is, my uniform matches my friends who went to academy with me, and all the doctors wear outfits that match other doctors. Are you going to wear an outfit to dress like other Voldra?"
>>27267 "Makes sense. And hopefully this will be the one part of the trip that doesn't go horribly wrong. Cleaning glue off the cockpit is pretty low on my list of things I want to do after this trip." Well, I suppose everything's in order for now, so I'll pop open the cockpit until it's time to go.
>>27267 "Being busy is being productive, and we enjoy what we have made so far with the humans. We appreciate the offer of assistance, though Duana has proven very capable of assisting with our needs so far." Hmn? Open up the container and grab whatever is moving around. >>27268 "Oh no, Voldra do not need such things. It is the human-crew that insists we wear some form of uniform; though out of tradition, procedure, or some other motive, we do not know."
>>27271 "Most likely it will match the defense-force uniforms. To be honest, we are not particularly concerned about that, since drones do not typically require any such attire; this is for the benefit of the human-crew assigned to us, so we trust their discretion on this."
>>27269 The crew continues to do their last checks with you as an Alien with a security uniform approaches you. He looks reptilian, but he's got spots all over.
"Uhm, are you Frank Smith?" He says, looking at his Datapad and you over and over.
>>27274 "Sweet, first try!" He coughs and stands up straight. "I'm Ijapa, the Security Officer who will be escorting you." He takes in another breath to make himself seem more imposing, but that isn't too hard based on how much bigger than you he is, but he's comparing himself to your mech. "Just stay on the straight and narrow with our orders and I'm sure we'll get along just fine!"
>>27275 Oh, is that all? We go ahead and give her a helping push into the container, happy to- Wait a minute. Grab her by the legs and pull her back out, holding her in front of our face so we can see her. "Friend-Duana, what are you doing? Is there something in our container you are after?"
>>27277 I'll give a half-hearted little salute. "I'm just going to be moving the supplies, so I don't see how much trouble I can get into, really. Still, I'll be in your care for the duration."
>>27279 >>27276 "I just don't want to stay behind. It's going to be boring." Duana grumbles.
"Ah, sorry, sorry about that. Here, I'll take her off your hands, uh, limbs, yeah, I'll take her off your limbs and make sure she gets back to our room." Calta says, extending her hand.
>>27280 "Right, I know. It's just the boss wanted us to be all formal-like. I've got some of the notes now, the rest we'll get down there. I'm just going to be shadowing you while we look at," he reads over the datapad again, "Landing gear? Did we take off without proper landing gear?"
You catch glimpses of him addressing the Mecha's head and not where you are a few times.
>>27283 Well, that just means it won't be weird when he does it while the cockpit's down. "I can only pray that they mean that it's spare parts for landing gear for the shuttles, otherwise I'm going to start questioning why I ever signed up to build this tub in the first place if they're going to toss it out into space before it's even done."
>>27278 >>27276 "Friend-Duana, that would not be wise. We will be transporting things in that container. Things that may not leave room for you. Friend-Wan also has a point; we would be sad if you suffocated and could not come to our quarters anymore." >>27281 "If it cheers you up, consider that with the way the voyage has gone so far, there is a high statistical probability of the ship getting attacked while we are planetside. Then you would not be bored anymore." Extend over and gently lay her on her back in Calta's hand. "Good luck, I.T.-Calta. You may require it when dealing with a bored Friend-Duana."
>>27282 "You've got better cameras in your new helmets. Just tell it that you want to take a picture or a video and you can send it to her." Calta says, before turning to Duana. "See, it'll be like you're there with them."
>>27284 "Yeah, that has me worried. But, I mean, this is the first thing we're picking up. That makes it right, right?" He asks with concern.
>>27285 "Oh, she isn't all that bad. Some of the other girls are, how shall I put it, harder to wrangle."
"Okay, okay, but just because you said it. But takes lots of pictures for me, okay!"
>>27286 "It at least means we can doublecheck all of the sets of landing gear before they backfire on us, at least." About how long until they're dumping us planetside?
>>27287 "Well, we've got about 20 minutes to kill before the shuttle pops up. The Ankylosaur is too big to dock with the station they built. Oh, reminds me, have you updated your ComLink? I have the companion app stuff that'll let you interface with their equipment."
>>27286 "We shall take your word for it; as far as we have seen, Friend-Duana is very driven and eager when she desires something. It has made our interactions quite enjoyable." Though on the subject of crews, has ours arrived yet? We told them it would be faster if they rode with us…
>>27290 "Friend-Duana attempted to smuggle herself out in my bags, but we have convinced her to remain here instead." Tilt our head and stare at Kamori for a few moments, marveling at the change made in such a short time by this mysterious beverage. "Your human 'coffee' must be powerful indeed, for such a significant effect so soon, Friend-Kamori."
>>27291 "Here, I'll open up a connection if you don't. Most of the stuff is getting standardized, but you still get some outliers here and there, and this trade planet is that."Ijapa says, clicking on his data pad.
"Hmm, this is the first time any Human has een this far out? I mean, when it comes to space and planets and that stuff…"
>>27292 "You bet. I'd replace my blood with it if I could!" Kamori shouts out before a stern look from Malvi has her turn her attention elsewhere.
"What's she's trying to say is that stimulants affect her in a positive manner, but they do come with a downside, so don't get too addicted to them if you find a suitable coffee maker. Here, doing the math, I'll send you the info on what to look for to your ComLink."
>>27293 "Probably, though that just means I'll have to either not be seen if something goes wrong, or make a good impression if it goes right." I'll update that for the proper protocol/program data. Making sure to virus scan it as well, since the last thing I need is to get a second-hand bugged copy.
>>27295 "My boss wants neither, sort of. He told us the best thing to aim for was a 'good partner'. The supplies have been paid for ahead of time, he just wants to keep it as a good impression of Humans and their crew in general. I think you'd need to show yourselves to do that, but I'm not in charge. What do you think?"
>>27294 "Thank you for the warning. We remember the 'beer' and it's side effects, and will be careful with 'coffee' as well. We are ready whenever you are, Friend-Malvi." So, what do the humans have us looking for?
>>27296 "Unless they specifically ask, I'm nothing more than just an extra body to move cargo. I'll leave all the face-to-face talks and political meetings to the diplomats."
The Shuttle to the surface floats into the Ankylosaur's hangar.
>>27297 "Be careful with the Fold supplies they're having you check. And the security person who'll be with you should've been here by now." Malvi responds. "Looks like your ride is here, but I'm sure they'll be debriefing you on the way down. Call us if you need anything, okay?"
>>27298 "Good. That's the answer the boss is looking for. But if you want out of the machine, just let me know. I know what it's like to be cramped up in something like it all day. It's why I picked this job." He says before looking at the shuttle that came up. "Looks like our ride is here. Wave goodbye and get on."
The Shuttle lands and opens its hangar for the passengers.
>>27369 "Hey, hold on!" An Alien yells out at you before you get on the shuttle. "You're Wan, *huff* right? Not a Computron?" A rather shaggy and out of breath Alien asks. He's wearing a Security Uniform and a Mech Suit.
>>27299 "Of course we will be careful, Friend-Malvi. We shall contact you if anything unexpected comes up." The absence of the security person is troubling, but this drone is more than capable of taking care of itself. Still, one last look around the hangar to see if they've arrived yet can't hurt.
>>27371 There's one with one of the Mechanics, and another seems to have run up to, and have trouble breathing, with one of the other Fold Humans. A few more seem to be coming on down.
"Oh, send me pictures! And Video! And anything you find cool and interesting! Or just of whatever you see!" Duana shouts from Calta's paws, nearly falling off.
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on her too. Wouldn't want anything to happen to your stenographer." Malvi says as she walks over to the Canid holding Duana.
The rest of the Security and escort group is heading into the shuttle now.
>>27374 Pictures? Video? Are we equipped to make such things? It is not a request that usually comes up. "You have our thanks then. We shall be back soon!" In that case, might as well go ahead and board the shuttle.
>>27372 Systems' green across the board. They knocked off some of the weight by removing the rest of the Combat gear, your mech is pretty but barebones.
"Have you done this before? Gone into atmosphere through a shuttle? I've usually always used a space elevator." Your guide asks.
>>27373 "Yeah. Your mech could probably pass as one if I didn't already know." He says, looking at where you are instead of the unit's 'head'. He resembles a rather shaggy cow, but he's got both claws and horns. "I can see why the Boss wants you guys to pass as them. They aren't too liked, but that'll hopefully mean less people bothering you." He says catching his last breaths. "By the way, I'm Bostaur, I'll be your security for the trip."
>>27376 Well, it was already fairly barebones. But as long as it's still got the sidearm in case of trouble, it should be fine. "Once or twice. Most of the ships I usually worked on were in drydock, so we did use the elevators more often than not. But, as long as we're properly secured in here, it shouldn't be too rough."
"All aboard!" The Pilot of the shuttle shouts, a bulbous, amphibian Alien.
>>27378 "Let's get a seat before we get left behind." Ijapa says, leading you to your spot. "The first and last time I did it I was a kid. I know it's secure and all, but it is not my cup of raja. If I knew this was going to happen, I wouldn't have volunteered so eagerly, ya know?"
>>27379 "I had a cousin who worked with them. All he really told me about them was you have to watch your manners. Meat motions don't always translate to machines, if you get my drift?" He says with a vexing appearance on his face, though most of it is covered up by fur.
>>27380 "Good, good. Both of you are here. Like I was telling the little Human in there, I'm Bostaur and I'll be your security for the trip. Orders from above say the two of you will be out there checking some Fold supplies for us. Guess they don't totally trust the dealers. Oh, and let's get inside." He leads the two of you to your seating locations.
>>27381 Follow along. "It's not so bad, really. Once you're past the atmosphere and the threat of burning alive is gone, it's actually a pretty decent ride."
>>27381 "It is understandable; this planet is known for all types of businesses, after all." Go ahead and board up, already dreading the 'seating arrangements' that are likely not built with Voldra in mind.
"Alright folks, time to depart. We'll be on Sela in no time!" The Pilot says as the doors start closing.
>>27382 "Well, it's going to be hard for them, or me for that matter, to see them if I can't see you. They told you they coated the cockpit so we can't see in, right?" Bostaur asks of you.
>>27383 "Come on, that's not banama. Not banama at all." Ijapa says as he makes sure to lock himself in properly. "Don't tell me there isn't a small part of you that's worried…" His face makes his emotions clear.
>>27384 "And that's what the Boss is worried about. I think he's overblowing it, but I just work for him." Bostaur states, before flexing his muscles. "Of course, I think I can handle myself, don't you think?"
>>27386 "Yeah, but I can't see in. You could be upside down and no one would know. And tell them to get your Comlink fixed, your signal was showing at random places on the ship."
A grey furred Equinoid appears on a screen as the shuttle enters the atmosphere. He seems to be checking a DataPad before turning to the camera.
"Listen up everybody. What you are headed to Sela for is simple inspection and retrieval, or at least that's what we want. After some of my previous encounters with 'similar' trade worlds, I've decided to up the security of the voyage. Don't try anything funny like leaving your security detail, they have half of the access codes, you won't be able to get far without them anyway. Just mind your manners and we'll all be back soon. Out." The screen shuts off.
>>27385 "Oh, trust me, I'm worried. I'm always worried about things. That's why I'm a mechanic: so I can fix things and not worry about them anymore." I'll give the best approximation of a shrug this rig can do. "At least, until enough time has passed that I have to check and make sure the parts are holding up, anyway. Regardless, the one thing corporate may have actually spent money on would be the cargo shuttles, so we should be good."
>>27387 "Considering the course of events since this voyage's beginning, it is more likely that he has not blown it enough. You may be capable of handling yourself, but we are not alone in this venture. We must be able to handle the others as well."
As the Shuttle continues to dive through the atmosphere, the heat on the wings starts to become visible.
"Don't worry folks, she does that." The Pilot announces.
>>27388 "Hopefully better than our government did." Ijapa states through gritted teeth. He's almost welding himself to the hand hold. "Had to fill out five forms just to get my brother's work shuttle checked, not even trying to get the thing fixed. I'm going to send him one of these suits when I'm done."
>>27389 "Of course. If it was my family in this situation, I'd hope they get even more security." He's got a serious expression on his face right now. "Looks like the rest of our orders are coming in. Hmm, I've never really seen Fold Crystals before. What do they look like, so I know what to expect?"
>>27390 "They're pretty rough to maintain, especially if you get into as much trouble as we have the last few weeks. Most repair shops will gouge what they can out of private owners, so knowing how to maintain and augment your own suit is usually a good first step to owning one without bankrupting yourself."
>>27390 "They look like the Fold crystalized. The flow and currents of the Fold are compressed and contained within a single structure, similar to how gems are carbon compressed into a tightly-packed form. However, the Fold is never truly in a state of non-motion, so the currents are not truly crystallized, just looped in on themselves within a pattern that shifts only very slightly, though it shifts more drastically when there is a large amount of Fold energy contained within."
The heat and the shaking cools down as the Shuttle starts flying under its own power now. You pass over a lot of open land, though.
"We'll be at Sela Seaport in just a few, folks."
>>27391 He uses his other arm to root himself to the Shuttle. "See, this is why I'm going to have my Aunt sign up with you guys. They didn't tell me anything when I was trying to get it fixed. At least with you, you I get not only answers, but real support." He seems to loosen up when the Shuttle stops falling.
>>27392 "Uhm, okay, I guess." He's got a blank stare. "Well, you'll know it when you see it, right?"
>>27393 "That's just what I was told. The rest on my end is just taking you there and making sure nothing happens. You're the expert, so you know what to look for don't you?"
>>27394 "Yeah, most places don't want you to know that you can actually fix things on your own. How would they get money otherwise? But a lot of the stuff they get you for is little things that, with a bit of research and the right tools, you'd be able to fix yourself in an hour or so. Unless it's wiring, which is its own set of problems." >>27396 I'll glance outside.
>>27394 "Indeed. Though I suspect we are more to make sure the crystals are actually charged with enough energy to be useful." >>27395 "You are able to see Fold energy, correct? We will be inspecting what are essentially big tangled balls of Fold energy."
Sela Seaport City slowly comes into view, the sun setting behind it and the clouds making it seem all that brighter.
>>27397 "You know, one of the people there actually let me see the manuals. It's small and all," he shrugs in acknowledgment of certain differences, "but it was thick! I'd be happy if they gave me a manual sized for you! That's how bad they are. Don't get me started on your Diagnostic stuff. Speaking of which, they brought two on-board." He gets a bit more reserved as he looks into his ComLink. "Your message system, it's working right?"
>>27398 "Yeah, wouldn't be the first time people passed cheap stuff off. They probably want you to make sure we aren't being sold a real big pebble."
>>27399 "Looks like the both of us are learning. Is this your first time headed to a new world? Or did you get to explore Resempia?" He asks.
>>27400 "It should be." I'll check it again just to make sure. "But, yeah, diagnostics can be a bit weird if you don't know how to run them. Especially since not many people are intimately familiar with exactly which parts make up their rigs."
>>27400 "Do not worry. This drone's pincers are sharp, and the threat of losing limbs is usually sufficient for cheats to either produce the real goods or admit to their scamming. Hopefully it does not come to that and they produce the true product from the start."
>>27401 "Go ahead and check this. Straight from the top."
Your ComLink vibrates when it receives his message. It's marked confidential. Open it?
"I need to learn. If I have the time, I might come over to the hangar and ask you to teach me."
>>27402 "That's good to hear, but leave that type of work to me. I can handle scoundrels, it's the Boss I'm not too sure of. You've done any of this type of work before for other clients, then?"
>>27403 Oh boy, that certainly does look like something that'd get me in trouble. Check the source code of the mail. That'll let me see the contents without actually opening the mail. "Well, that'd depend on how much stuff they cook up for me to do. Though, giving you a walkthrough should help refresh Civet's understanding of the basics, at least. So don't be surprised if I use you as a pop quiz for my assistant."
>>27403 "Yes, sometimes for ourselves, sometimes for others. Usually our role is that of verifying the products are genuine, though we often act as security as well. This drone is fully combat-capable if the deal goes poorly."
>>27404 The Message is scrambled, you'll have to open within the app to use the encryption. However, the source is legitimate, plus it has Ijapa's ComLink address.
Open it?
"That's good. I'm real glad I'm signed up with you all. This keeps up and I'll send my whole family some application forms." He looks out the window and then locks himself down even further. "Ugh, there's plenty of land down there, why couldn't they build the city on that?"
>>27405 "Okay, that does change some things. Listen, Boss man said to prepare for the worst. If anything happens, I want you to get the little human and get her out of there first. Even if you have to pick her up outta that machine of hers. I can handle myself here, but hopefully it's just a quiet thing."
>>27406 Ergh… this had better not bite me in the ass. I'm going to have scrub this thing's memory when we get back. Load it up. "Maybe there's local fauna that makes that hard to do?"
>>27406 "Understood. In the worst-case scenario, we can Fold-jump her out of the building, though that will be reserved for if they attempt to lock us in. Failing that, we can attempt to cut an opening big enough for her in the walls. Failing that, we will simply kill all of the hostiles." "…Though we also hope that this is simply a quiet thing, and the disaster strikes somewhere else."
The Shuttle starts throttling down as it approaches its landing spot.
>>27407 Most of it seems official enough as it loads. Basic, high brow words about your duty and all that.
Until you get to the part where it says to destroy they Diagnostic Table and any gear in case in gets stolen.
"Yeah, but then, why not shoot it or something? I'm starting to get real bad vibes from this. Wish I was back in the space ship floating in nothing. At least that won't rock itself all the time."
>>27408 "Put her in one of your pockets if it comes down to it. But for now, let's play it cool. Maybe we're all worrying over nothing." He snorts loudly before checking where his weapon is. "Looks like we're here. I know you can fly, just don't trip coming out of the shuttle, okay?" He says with a smile.
>>27409 "Could be whatever weapons they've got don't work to well. Or they're subterranean and pop up from under the guys shooting." Wonder how they plan on breaking stolen things. If they're stolen, they're already long gone…
>>27409 "Our worries are valid, the hope is that they do not come to fruition." Unstrap ourselves and trill our wings and legs to work out any kinks developed on the trip down. "Do not worry, it is difficult to trip when you have multiple legs."