How'd the game go? My schedule should be easing up next week, so I'll try and get back up to the pace of two posts a week.

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind Thoth's armor does its work. But for how long? With the worst of the civilian injured triaged, Alyson gets up and wipes her brow. Watching the scene unfold, she wracks her brain for ideas, then runs over to Granger. Knowing he would probably make plenty of lewd comments about it later, she grabs the spare laser pistol from his holster to join in the fight, fiddling with it to power the weapon on. OOC Alyson moves next to Granger and draws his Laser Pistol. Character Status Parry: 2 Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen) Bennies: 0/4 In hand: Laser Pistol

Galactic Standard Time: 08:23 am / Landfall Planetary Time: 15:36 am Party Members and Status Status Team Alpha Halcyon Merc Dropship Alpha: Jace Beth: Carl: 1/3 Bennies Ferny: 3/3 Bennies Geo: 3/3 Bennies Kochinho: Unconscious (Dose Grenade) Simba: Fatigued, Blinded (1 round) Team Bravo Aquilla Shuttle: Baba: 3/4 Bennies, 1 Wound Herbie: Tiki: 3/3 Bennies, 1 Wound, Fatigued Keita: 2/2 Bennies, Fatigued Yat: 3/3 Bennies Becky: Fatigued Mox: S'hax: 1 Wound, Fatigued The Sathar Dome: Halcyon Shuttle: At dome Kershkick Mound: Marg: 1/4 Bennies Vernon: Francis: Hanna: Unconscious, Drugged? Kirby: Felix: Captain Roark: 3/3 Bennies, 3 Wounds Vinz: 1 Wound Buubuu: 3/3 Bennies, 2 Wounds Laura II Crash Site: Corvid Shuttle: Landed on Laura II, fuel cut Dove Shuttle: Moored at Laura II, fuel cut Missing Escape Pod: Rudith: ? Gloopurt: ? Gohn: ? "Alright. Somebody pin the other doors open!" Baba calls out leading the rest of Team Bravo back to the other half of the ship, spinning a finger in the air. Keita remains behind with Team Alpha, joining the cluster filing into the lift shaft. Though the ladders are not deisgned for his body shape, Geo braces legs and arms against the walls, using his powerful scythes to hurtle himself up the elevator corridor. He crushes his way through the opening onto the next walkway, leaving the metal grating bent and jagged in his wake. Like a scene from a horror vid, he swiftly overtakes the fleeing goon. It takes little effort to impale him with a claw and throw him down, the remains bleeding through a giant hole in their chest onto the grate and dripping down onto those waiting to ascend the ladder. Some groans and expressions of disgust echo up from below. Unbothered, Geo presses his way through the final catwalk to climb onto it, standing in front of the door to what Beth described as the bridge level. A swift climber used to the rugged terrain of the mountains, Simba likeways reaches the top level and climbs onto the catwalk, positioning behind Geo as cover. "Uh, easy big guy..." he nervously tells the xeno, who twitches when Simba steadies a weapon over one of his legs, aiming at the bridge door. Jace, Carl and Kochinho reach the next level down, the crew deck and armory. The unconscious goon who passed out looks human, while the one Geo speared appears to be a Yazirian underneath similar armor. The extra space along the sides of the uniform for their wing membranes is evident on closer inspection. One of Ferny's vines slips loose as she climbs, slowing her ascent, and Beth cringes at the rain of blood when she finally arrives at the inside of the lift shaft. Both the bridge and armory doors begin to slide open in sync, the enemy squad clearly communicating with one another. As they open partially, the lights suddenly go out in the lift shaft, and the electronic doors freeze in place. Each has about enough space for a human arm to reach through. Two metal cannisters are flung out, one onto each catwalk. Dose fog begins to spray out around Jace's feet. Beside him on the side Kochinho had been, he hears something slump down onto the catwalk. Above them, Simba covers his face with an arm, while Geo appears unfazed - his bulk is proving enough to handle the dosage. The muzzles of two laser rifles are stuck into the gap of the third level door, illuminating the area with attached flashlights. Each of them releases a stream of burst fire, which streak across Geo's shell, his bulk protecting Simba. Much like the trees in the forests of Landfall, the laser fire is reflected and refracted into dazzling bursts of light, and he is unaffected by their assault, though Simba covers his eyes and has to blink away the flashing dots. "Grab something else, lasers don't work!" the crew can hear someone shouting on the other side of the door. OOC Event Log Geo rolls well enough to overtake the fleeing mercenary and reach the top level. His scythe attack proves deadly. Simba also reaches the top level alongside Geo. Jace, Carl and Kochinho are on level 2 of 3. Ferny slips, leaving her on level 1 with Beth. The Level 2 and 3 lift doors open partially, then power cuts out in the lift shaft. It is now Dark. Two dose grenades are tossed, one into Level 2 and one in Level 3. Of the crew only Kochinho is affected, passing out. Jace can roll his own Vigor against the sleep gas. Two bursts of laser fire at Geo, one of them nearly leaves him Shaken after a raise, but he skates by just fine with his laser resistance. Simba is Blinded for one round by the flashing lights in the darkness. Team Alpha is up to act. A character can move one Level up or down without an Athletics check or action spent, so long as only one person is on a given ladder segment at once. With the power to the doors down, power locks are also down. They can be forced open with Athletics by anyone. Weapons can also be blind fired or swung through the door gaps at a -4 penalty. Doesn't stack with the -4 darkness penalty. Maps Team Alpha Lift Shaft The lift is currently on the hangar's level. There is a ladder on either side of the lift shaft leading to the other levels. Hangars Team Alpha is in the lift on the right hand side. Power is out in the shaft, and the doors on level 2 and 3 are partially open. Team Bravo is now moving towards the other lift for access to the lower levels, blocking doors behind them with crates to keep things from being shut.

~ Day 61, 2400 (21:20 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~ Alyson's expertise was clearly more towards healing and first aid compared to keeping track of disguised persons of interest in a chaotic crowd of fleeing people. She was able to assist another injured patron. The blaster bolt and the laser bean combined were able to score the plating on the robot and MAX-23's shot was able to penetrate. However, the internal damage did not appear to hit anything vital. The robot's cutting torch sizzled on Thoth's shoulder, but his clothes and body armor protected his skin from getting burned open. The robot used a pinching claw to grab a nearby table from a small booth and pull it from the floor. It held the round flat surface like a shield protecting its rear from attacks. OOC Map Notes: Orange Circled Booth where everyone was playing. Red circled tables are back live again. Lira and Granger are west of Robot Nikki by the stairs Thoth & Robot are only a couple meters west of the orange booth MAX at the Orange Booth Alyson in WNW of Robot, between the big booths Initiative Alyson - Jack Spades Robot - Jack Diamonds Thoth - 10 Spades Lira - 7 Hearts Granger & Extras - 4 Spades MAX-23 - 4 Diamonds Results Alyson failed to see Marlo Granger causes Shaken with AP MAX causes 1 Wound Robot spent Benny to Soak the wound Robot mutli-action, grabbed table from booth, cut Thoth, soaked by armor Robot Stats Toughness 10 (3) Parry 5 Spent 1 Benny

Jace Falcone, Halcyon Field Commander & Acting Expedition Commander Jace had a brief smile, "Great work, Ferny and Simba. Geo, up fast to secure next levels and catch that prey. Ferny, take that dropped grenade and follow." "Glad you are through, Keita. You stay with us. Baba, you and Yat take the rest of your team and secure the engine room. As long as we have clear path between teams, we can potentially back each other up," he continued giving instructions as he quickly moved after the two xeno-forms that could climb better without reliance on the ladder. "Team Alpha, follow me." Geo was fast, but Ferny was not quite on the same level of speed. Jace moved quickly but struggled to keep up with the mega-xeno. OOC Team Assignments: Alpha: Jace, Geo, Ferny, Carl, Kochinho, Simba, and Keita with Beth piloting. Bravo: Baba, Tiki, Yat, Becky, Mox, and S'hax Actions: Geo Athletics Ferny Athletics Carl Athletics Jace Athletics Kochinho Athletics Simba Athletics Keita Athletics Beth bringing up rear slower and cannot fit on catwalk Character Info Notice: 1d6+2 Parry: 5 Toughness: 6 Base (12 Ballistic, 14 Laser) Bennies: 3/3 Weapon in hand: Laser Rifle

Thanks, I am mostly better. Some coughing and sniffling, but I am still active at work and practicing volleyball. I had to rest extra to be able to play in a tournament last weekend.

Sucks being sick and knowing the only way out is to push through until it goes away. Hope it's gone on its way now.

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind Feeling emboldened in her work, Alyson swiftly moves to triage another patient after making certain the first's fractures were anesthetized. As she works, she looks around for any sign of Marlo. She'd been more concerned with Wessex before, but she hadn't seen where the disguised agent had gone. Granger and MAX are both unleashing a barrage upon the hacked robot by the time Nikki and Lira are readying their weapons. Thoth ducks and covers, keeping a low profile. OOC Alyson will multi-action to stabilize another bystander, and use Notice to search for signs of where Marlo went. Joker negates multi-action penalty. Granger takes a shot with his Blaster at the robot. +2 Aim, +2 Vulnerable Nikki draws her Laser Pistol and takes Aim. MAX takes a shot with his Laser Pistol at the robot. +2 Aim, +2 Vulnerable Lira draws her Laser Pistol and takes Aim. Thoth Defends. Character Status Parry: 2 Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen) Bennies: 0/4 In hand: Laser Pistol

Galactic Standard Time: 08:22 am / Landfall Planetary Time: 15:35 am Party Members and Status Status Halcyon Merc Dropship Alpha: Jace Beth: Carl: 1/3 Bennies Ferny: 3/3 Bennies Geo: 3/3 Bennies Kochinho: Simba: Fatigued Aquilla Shuttle: Baba: 3/4 Bennies, 1 Wound Herbie: Tiki: 3/3 Bennies, 1 Wound, Fatigued Keita: 2/2 Bennies, Fatigued Yat: 3/3 Bennies Becky: Fatigued Mox: S'hax: 1 Wound, Fatigued The Sathar Dome: Halcyon Shuttle: At dome Kershkick Mound: Marg: 1/4 Bennies Vernon: Francis: Hanna: Unconscious, Drugged? Kirby: Felix: Captain Roark: 3/3 Bennies, 3 Wounds Vinz: 1 Wound Buubuu: 3/3 Bennies, 2 Wounds Laura II Crash Site: Corvid Shuttle: Landed on Laura II, fuel cut Dove Shuttle: Moored at Laura II, fuel cut Missing Escape Pod: Rudith: ? Gloopurt: ? Gohn: ? "Right, right," after he catches his breath and manages to take his hat off, Carl finds that the melted material is mostly stuck to his hair. Painful, but it didn't cause any deeper tissue burns. He quickly grabs a dose grenade from his belt and passes it to Ferny. "Member, just like I taught ya. Pull the pin and toss it up at them." The metal groans. Geo's claws rend the opposite door open like a walking piece of industrial equipment. Stepping up to the other side, Jace's suppressing fire keeps the two above from being able to take careful aim. When Ferny unpins the grenade and scrumples into the opening, some haphazard laser fire hits the door frame next to her but misses her body. Utilizing her body as a natural sling, she arcs a dose grenade up and onto the catwalk above. Tranquilizing mist begins to spray out, leaking down through the metal catwalk grate and rapidly dissipating into the air. The merc with the laser gun is too late breathing in, in an attempt to hold his breath. He tumbles to the side and slumps down next to his buddy. Proving better at holding his breath under pressure, the grenade-toting goon is about to pull the pin when Simba steps over Ferny and squeezes off a shot with his rifle. "Got him!" The particle projectile strikes, and while his body armor stops it from being a wounding shot, he's shaken and loses his grip on the grenade. Reaching out, he fumbles and drops it. When it clatters down onto the walkway next to Alpha Team, pin unpulled, it is revealed to be another dose grenade. Choosing not to fight further outnumbered, the mercenary begins climbing one of the ladders on the next level. During the brief exchange of fire, the sound of a door opening breaks through the annoying beeping in the background. Team Bravo files in through the center hallway, using the larger gate Beth pinned open using a crate. "It was pretty easy the second time, wiring was totally the same," Keita brags, twirling a multitool in her hand. "Hear that, El Capitan? There's a straight route from us to the lift now! Are you gonna risk venting the whole ship?" There's a growl of frustration from the other side of the intercom system. "Damn it. Form up!" Footsteps announce the captain moving away from his terminal. Jace's experience tells him that the best place for the enemy to set up would be further up the elevator shaft, where they would have high ground, cover and a choke point built into one, and the landing party would be forced to climb to reach them. Some of the enemy might be below in the lower decks however, so he can't be certain the numbers the captain has on hand. The good news is that the broken lower section of this lift is blocked off just as Beth said - they can't get flanked from below here. Kochinho and Beth move closer. The pilot reports, "There's a vent system, but the upper and lower parts are on different uh, systems. We could send someone down to the engines from here, but we'll need to get a level up if anyone wants to try and flank the bridge." OOC Event Log Carl successfully clears both Wounds with a retried Soak check. Geo continues to pry the door open. It is now wide enough to fit him through if he squeezes. Jace lays down Suppressive Fire, inflicting Distracted on both goons, though no damage since it didn't raise. Ferny throws a dose grenade up onto the catwalk above. Laser goon passes out. Simba lands a shot on the grenade goon with his blaster rifle. His shot leaves grenade goon Shaken. Keita attempts to unlock the middle door, with Support from S'hax. Between the two of them, they are able to Raise and get it open swiftly. Grenade goon is unable to clear Shaken, and he flees. He is still visible above. The catwalk grate gives him medium cover to lasers and blasters that scatter or lose heat from the intervening material, but only light cover to slugthrowers which can punch through. The Captain abandons the attempt at venting Team Bravo and leaves his terminal. Next round/stage begins. The teams have a chance to stop the retreating goon, and get into position or ready attacks. Athletics can get a character up the ladders quickly, and the lowest catwalk can hold about nine people, or seven plus Geo. Maps Team Alpha Lift Shaft The lift is currently on the hangar's level. There is a ladder on either side of the lift shaft leading to the other levels. Hangars Team Alpha is on the right hand side. The top door of the two between the upper quadrant and lower quadrant is stuck open with a crate, while the lower one is now closed by Beth. The door to the lift shaft is now open enough for Geo to squeeze through. Jace, Ferny, Carl, Geo and Simba are near the lift door. Beth and Kochinho are in the middle of the room. Team Bravo is now in the same quadrant as Team Alpha, near the hangar doors.

~ Day 61, 2400 (21:20 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~ While Alyson bent over to help a wounded bystander, she was actually able to do something useful. "Do move, I shall spray this and you will feel better... just a moment... there." Thoth was able to distract the Robot momentarily. He could see a momentarily lag in its movements, almost like it was not sure what to do about the short man in front of it. OOC Map Notes: Orange Circled Booth where everyone was playing. Red circled tables are back live again. Lira and Granger are west of Robot Nikki by the stairs Thoth & Robot are only a couple meters west of the orange booth MAX at the Orange Booth Alyson in WNW of Robot, between the big booths Initiative Alyson - Joker Granger & Extras - Ace Spades MAX-23 - Jack Clubs Lira - 10 Clubs Thoth - 9 Spades Robot - 6 Diamonds Results Alyson succeeded Thoth succeeded, Robot distracted (-2 Traits) Robot Stats Toughness 10 (3) Parry 5

Jace Falcone, Halcyon Field Commander & Acting Expedition Commander Jace nodded, "Copy, Carl. Pull back a sec. Let Geo get a wider opening and then let us see about using a crate for mobile cover or something. I don't think they would really risk a frag grenade, so we have potential for dose or tangler. I wonder if Ferny can fling a grenade up to them. Let's have her try here in a moment." "Bravo, keep trying to link us up. This is going to be hairy since we did not get much surprise and the captain is being obstinate." He continued to direct actions as he moved close to the opening. Once in position, he sticks his laser rifle pointed up through the opening and pulls the trigger to spray some suppressive fire in preparation for Ferny's grenade throw. "Kochinho, talk to Beth about another way up to the Bridge that perhaps would only work for those like you and Ferny. Simba, get ready to fire as well." OOC Team Assignments: Alpha: Jace, Geo, Ferny, Carl, Kochinho, and Simba with Beth piloting. Bravo: Baba, Tiki, Yat, Keita, Becky, Mox, and S'hax Actions: Geo Athletics Ferny Athletics Carl Vigor recovery Jace Suppressive Fire Beth and Kochinho talking Simba Firing. Character Info Notice: 1d6+2 Parry: 5 Toughness: 6 Base (12 Ballistic, 14 Laser) Bennies: 3/3 Weapon in hand: Laser Rifle

No worries. RL got in the way for me this weekend. Caught a cold and only now crawling out from under the covers to catch up.

Galactic Standard Time: 08:21 am / Landfall Planetary Time: 15:34 am Party Members and Status Status Halcyon Merc Dropship Alpha: Jace Beth: Carl: 2/3 Bennies, 1 Wound, Shaken Ferny: 3/3 Bennies Geo: 3/3 Bennies Kochinho: Simba: Fatigued Aquilla Shuttle: Baba: 3/4 Bennies, 1 Wound Herbie: Tiki: 3/3 Bennies, 1 Wound, Fatigued Keita: 2/2 Bennies, Fatigued Yat: 3/3 Bennies Becky: Fatigued Mox: S'hax: 1 Wound, Fatigued The Sathar Dome: Halcyon Shuttle: At dome Kershkick Mound: Marg: 1/4 Bennies Vernon: Francis: Hanna: Unconscious, Drugged? Kirby: Felix: Captain Roark: 3/3 Bennies, 3 Wounds Vinz: 1 Wound Buubuu: 3/3 Bennies, 2 Wounds Laura II Crash Site: Corvid Shuttle: Landed on Laura II, fuel cut Dove Shuttle: Moored at Laura II, fuel cut Missing Escape Pod: Rudith: ? Gloopurt: ? Gohn: ? "Right. If we get one of those middle doors open he'd have to vent both hangars," Baba confirms over comms in a low voice. Hopefully the mercenary's greed would outstrip his ruthless pragmatism. At Jace's gesture, Beth points at one of the metal crates in the maintenance room, getting Kochinho and Simba to help her shove it between the second set of hangar doors. Once it's obstructed, she flips the switch to close them. The outer hangar door slides shut with a loud thoom and a click of the locking mechanisms, while the other door's safeties detect the obstruction and prevent it from closing, making an annoying beeping sound instead. The middle hallway would be stuck open for the other squad to get through. "Not complying, then," the captain's tone deepens into a growl, and Jace can hear him hammering at his keyboard. It sounds like he intends to make good on his threat, but there's no sound of the adjacent hangar being vented yet, nor any calls for help over comms. The man didn't sound like he was the best with computers earlier, and there must be safeties to override before forcing the hangar airlocks open. Team Bravo still has some time. In the meantime, Geo nearly tears one of the doors into the lift shaft out of its socket, bending the door open enough for someone normal sized to crawl through. He wouldn't quite be able to squeeze through himself, yet. Carl pokes his head through the hole to try and see what's above them. "MOTHERgrragh!" metal sizzles under laser fire and Carl shouts, pulling back with an arm over his head. He narrowly avoided a laser-drilled hole through the head, but the beam burned across the top of his hat, melting the material to his scalp. Leaning against the wall, he grits his teeth and gasps out, "Saw two guys... two up there. On a catwalk higher up." Sucking in a breath, he adds, "One has a laser smg. Other was holding... something, grenade I think." There is the sound of a large set of door opening, but again no accompanying cacophony of a venting hangar. Team Bravo has opened the doors between their maintenance room and hangar. OOC Event Log Poking his head into a waiting ambush, Carl takes an unlucky raised shot through cover when he attempts to peek-scout the shaft, risking 2 Wounds. He soaks 1 of the Wounds with a Benny, and he can opt to spend more if you would like him to. However, he also raised on his Notice check to scout what was up there. Two goons, one has a laser SMG and the other was holding a grenade but hasn't thrown it yet. With the Captain now attempting to work his computers to vent one of the teams and an enemy presence in the elevator shaft, we will run this as a Quick/Staged Encounter. Team Alpha and Bravo may take actions to resolve the threats. Maps Team Alpha Lift Shaft The lift is currently on the hangar's level. There is a ladder on either side of the lift shaft leading to the other levels. Hangars Team Alpha is on the right hand side. The top door of the two between the upper quadrant and lower quadrant is stuck open with a crate, while the lower one is now closed by Beth. The door to the lift shaft is now open enough for a normal sized creature to fit through, and Geo can pry it open further with Athletics to get access. Ferny, Carl and Geo are near the lift door. Beth, Kochinho and Simba are near the doors to the hangar. Team Bravo is on the left hand side and just got the doors to their maintenance room open. They are currently clustered around the doors.

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind Shaking off the flood of adrenaline from the close call that seared the sleeve of his jacket, Thoth risks staying up close to keep the robot's attention on him. He bobs and weaves to force it to continue turning in place, hoping to leave it open to a shot from behind. Seeing he didn't lose any limbs, Alyson rushes to one of the bystanders who were thrown aside by the rampaging robot, to try and help triage them. OOC Alyson attempts to stabilize a wounded bystander. Thoth attempts an Agility Test to get the robot Vulnerable. Character Status Parry: 2 Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen) Bennies: 0/4 In hand: Laser Pistol

Whew, that was a whirlwind of a first week. It was very frontloaded, so hopefully I'll have some more time this coming week. And that's right, only the door into the elevator shaft is damaged. The elevator itself is fine since it's a lift style elevator in the middle of a catwalk.

Yeah, I changed my IC post We have only damaged 1 door, that is in the upper right leading to the elevator shaft.

~ Day 61, 2400 (21:20 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~ Lira's trick worked, at least the flailing of the robot did not catch her as she backed away. She was able to move next to Granger as the gunner was using the back of the booth beside him to help steady his aim at the metal machine. Nikki was also able to get clear, and moved to the stairs. The robot kept its primary photorecepters on Thoth, apparently and the laser cutter torch scorched his jack, burning a hole through it. It was a close call to severing and cauterizing his arm. OOC Map Notes: Orange Circled Booth where everyone was playing. Red circled tables are back live again. Lira and Granger are west of Robot Nikki by the stairs Thoth & Robot are only a couple meters west of the orange booth MAX at the Orange Booth Alyson in WNW of Robot, between the big booths Initiative Lira - Ace of Hearts MAX-23 - Ace of Diamonds Granger & Extras - Jack Diamonds Robot - 5 Spades Alyson - 8 Diamonds Thoth - 4 Hearts Results Lira avoided attack with skill check Robot missed Nikki Robot hit Thoth, Shaken Robot Stats Toughness 10 (3) Parry 5

To clarify on the layout of the hangars: Team Alpha is currently in the two right hand quadrants of the map. The top right is the maintenance shop that Beth got open for them with her voice authorization before the captain removed her permissions. There's also a small corridor between the two quadrants of the right half, with a smaller door (at the very center of the map) into the mirrored hallway of the left half. It also has access to one of the ship's weapon power units. The small hallway on the upper right corner leads to the other set of hangars, and the door in the jutted upwards section of the maintenance room leads into the lift shaft where Carl and Geo forced it open. In the lower right quadrant is their shuttle. They could try to get to where Team Bravo is through the gate between the two hangers, which is used to move shuttles between them, or through the smaller door in the intervening hallway. Both doors are electronic. There is a switch on the inside of the maintenance shop that could close the door behind them, though it can likely be operated remotely by the captain unless disabled somehow. Team Bravo and their shuttle are currently in the lower left hand quadrant of the map. Keita and S'hax already passed a check to figure out how to get the doors to the maintenance shop on the upper left hand quadrant open, it just takes them a few moments to do their hackjob on the wiring. Once they're through, they would need some more time to get it locked shut behind them. Hope that clarifies where everyone is. Let me know if it changes Jace's approach at all. Also, I'm getting started on my next internship now, which is more intensive than the last but only for one month. My posting rate will probably go down as I adjust to the workload.

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind With their weapons online, Lira sets aside her earlier plan of desperation and follows Granger's lead with a cautious retreat. She uses her Chronocomm to project a holographic image into the robot's visual sensors to disrupt it before the team backs off. Thoth is the last, his short legs preventing him from getting clear before the robot can respond. Powering up his laser pistol, MAX takes methodical aim at the robot's critical components, allowing his allies time to clear the line of fire. Granger does the same with his blaster. Left high and dry as Wessex escapes, Alyson turns back towards the struggle. Her sonic stunner will likely be of little use against the robot, so she stands uncertainly for a moment, thinking of a way to help. OOC Lira uses a Smarts Test on the robot to Distract it, then moves away, spreading out to the north. MAX uses the Aim maneuver. Granger uses the Aim maneuver. Nikki Defends and moves away from the robot, spreading out to the south. Alyson Holds her action until after Thoth. Character Status Parry: 2 Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen) Bennies: 0/4 In hand: Laser Pistol

~ Day 61, 2400 (21:20 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~ Granger crouched into a fighting stance and stepped backwards with his hands ready. He was prepared and looking for that movement from the robot he knew was coming as he disengaged from the close-quarters melee. He easily dodged the clamping appendage that swung towards him. "Ha, you, mothamawker! You have to do better than that grap!" he taunted the machine. With Nikki leaping up to pull on Lira's waist, the extra weight helped with the woman's kick against the metal carapace of the robot to break free of its clamping grip on her. "Nice! Now let's get out of its reach!" OOC Map Notes: Orange Circled Booth where everyone was playing. Red circled tables are back live again. Granger is west of Robot Nikki, Thoth, Lira & Robot are only a couple meters west of the orange booth MAX at the Orange Booth Alyson in WNW of Robot, between the big booths Initiative Lira - Ace of Hearts MAX-23 - Ace of Diamonds Granger & Extras - Jack Diamonds Alyson - 8 Diamonds Robot - 5 Spades Thoth - 4 Hearts Results Robot missed Granger Lira escaped Robot Stats Toughness 10 (3) Parry 5

Jace Falcone, Halcyon Field Commander & Acting Expedition Commander Jace frowned as he realized his teams were not balanced to be operating independently for dealing with electronics and hacking. He keyed his comms and spoke low, covering his mouth with his hand to even stop lip-reading, "No, we don't have a tech wiz. You have all three in your team." "New plan, see if you can link us up though these doors and keep us from getting vented out into space." He gestured for Carl and Geo to keep going and then pointed to the others to stay with him for the moment and pointed to the door leading back to the hangar and made a closing gesture. Jace then took some time to speak louder for the enemy captain, "Sorry, no deal on trusting you to take half of my people away from here. But I have control of my teams and they will follow orders if you surrender. Though, I will refrain from wrecking your ship if you want to come down here and parley in person." OOC Team Assignments: Alpha: Jace, Geo, Ferny, Carl, Kochinho, and Simba with Beth piloting. Bravo: Baba, Tiki, Yat, Keita, Becky, Mox, and S'hax I am not sure where everyone is at based on the descriptions, and the map is not helping without anyone on it. However, that is not important if my intent is workable. I was assuming we would need to split up to secure the Bridge and Engineering. However, if we can stay together to negate the danger of getting vented by the hangar doors being opened and then move on to take the locations then i would do that. Edit: revised content Character Info Notice: 1d6+2 Parry: 5 Toughness: 6 Base (12 Ballistic, 14 Laser) Bennies: 3/3 Weapon in hand: Laser Rifle

Galactic Standard Time: 08:20 am / Landfall Planetary Time: 15:33 am Party Members and Status Status Halcyon Merc Dropship Alpha: Jace Beth: Carl: 3/3 Bennies Ferny: 3/3 Bennies Geo: 3/3 Bennies Kochinho: Simba: Fatigued Aquilla Shuttle: Baba: 3/4 Bennies, 1 Wound Herbie: Tiki: 3/3 Bennies, 1 Wound, Fatigued Keita: 2/2 Bennies, Fatigued Yat: 3/3 Bennies Becky: Fatigued Mox: S'hax: 1 Wound, Fatigued The Sathar Dome: Halcyon Shuttle: At dome Kershkick Mound: Marg: 1/4 Bennies Vernon: Francis: Hanna: Unconscious, Drugged? Kirby: Felix: Captain Roark: 3/3 Bennies, 3 Wounds Vinz: 1 Wound Buubuu: 3/3 Bennies, 2 Wounds Laura II Crash Site: Corvid Shuttle: Landed on Laura II, fuel cut Dove Shuttle: Moored at Laura II, fuel cut Missing Escape Pod: Rudith: ? Gloopurt: ? Gohn: ? Though the other team is out of sight at the moment, Baba confirms she picked up his instructions over comms. "Got it. Keita and S'hax are taking a look at the lock now." Advancing into the maintenance shop of the righthand hangar, Alpha Team spreads out. Kochinho and Simba move to either side to check the corners and covers of the room, behind the crates and machinery. Carl and Geo advance towards the door to the elevator shaft. "There's a room with a lift on the other side, so you can force this door open without breaking the elevator," she tells Carl. He nods and grabs his hunting knife. "Alright, big guy. I got a plan. I'm gonna wedge this here knife in there," he points at the sliding door, "To help you get your claws in, then you pry it open?" "This should be able," Geo responds, poising his blades in wait. Licking his lips, Carl lunges forward first, digging his hunting knife into the crack of the door. He positions his shoulder and foot against the two ends of the doorframe and growls as he pulls to force them apart just a little more. His poor knife bends from the effort, but it's enough space for Geo to lunge forward, blade impacting the crack like a bullet and lodging itself firmly into the gap. Together - mostly Geo at this point - they begin to force it open, with the sound of creaking and struggling machinery screeching through the room. On the other side, Jace can see a ring of catwalks around a central lift, with two ladders going up and down on either side. "So it can talk," the Captain observes. He remains calm in the face of their advance, but Jace can tell he's been caught off guard by the intelligence of said xeno-wrecking machine. "You have us outnumbered right now, that much is true, Commander. A position of strength. But just to be clear about the cards on the table, venting one hangar of supplies into space is an acceptable sacrifice to even those odds, if you continue to force this advance." Armando pauses to consider Jace's words. "Letting your full crew onto my vessel is a big risk. You may have integrity, but with too many emotional people there are too many things that could go wrong. I'm willing to negotiate a group of yours' to come back with us, while the rest wait for you to send rescue." "They found a way to get the first door open, but they've still got their hands in the electricals," Baba reports to Jace through comms. She keeps her voice low, hoping the Captain can't hear her. "S'hax might be able to close and brick the door behind us, once we're through. Like he did the armory. Is there anyone who can do that on your side? Then they can't vent either of us." Hangar Layout

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind The welding torch zips past Thoth's head, leaving behind a head that scorches his fur and brows. Fear and adrenaline rush through him, in a strange sort of thrill. At least he'd taken its attention off of crushing the life out of Lira. Nikki attempts to wedge her knife into the servos of its gripping arm and help her wiggle her way free before she regains its attention. When the electronics come back on, Granger adjusts his stance and kicks back out of the robot's reach, in preparation to fire up his blaster. OOC Granger uses the Defend action and moves out of melee with the robot, provoking an attack. Nikki uses Athletics to Support Lira's attempt to break free. Lira attempts to escape its grapple. Character Status Parry: 2 Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen) Bennies: 0/4 In hand: Laser Pistol

Jace Falcone, Halcyon Field Commander & Acting Expedition Commander Jace motioned for Baba's team to continue deploying and head aft. "Keep going and try to bypass any locked doors if you can. Only stop pressing aft if I come to some arrangement for the Captain to surrender." He nodded to Carl and Geo, motioning for them to keep going as planned to try to take the Bridge. "Just don't rip a hole in the outer hull, but we should at least block the entrance to their armory ASAP." He followed in their wake, unconcerned if the merc commander heard his commands to his troops deploying. He was using it as part of his bargaining anyway. Speaking out, he raised his voice to ensure it was obvious he wanted to be heard by the intercom pickups. "Well, Captain Armando, I am Commander Falcone. Not that I really expect my name to mean much to you... unless you have dossiers on all my ship's crew before coming out here. Regardless, I am willing to parley for your surrender of the vessel and offer you parole just like I have for my other prisoners. Her efforts to aid our assault should speak enough towards my integrity for keeping my word." "Indeed, I can call off the death and destruction of the xeno-wrecking machine I am unleashing upon your ship. I do have to advise you that he was able to take out one of your dropships and its mercs nearly by himself alone." Team Assignments Alpha: Jace, Geo, Ferny, Carl, Kochinho, and Simba with Beth piloting. Bravo: Baba, Tiki, Yat, Keita, Becky, Mox, and S'hax Character Info Notice: 1d6+2 Parry: 5 Toughness: 6 Base (12 Ballistic, 14 Laser) Bennies: 3/3 Weapon in hand: Laser Rifle

~ Day 61, 2400 (21:20 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~ Alyson darted to the left, maneuvering around the towering robot in an attempt to catch sight of the other patrons seated with Thoth. Her eyes scanned the chaotic scene, searching for Denn among the panicked crowd. Amidst the frantic movements, she caught a glimpse of a golden-skinned man who seemed to be making a hasty exit, shoving other patrons aside. He was not Denn so she tried looking over a booth and could not see Denn anymore from this angle. The robot's cutting torch lashed out, narrowly missing Thoth as it scorched a chair beside him. Though the machine still had Lira in its grip, its focus seemed divided, neither releasing her nor tightening its grasp. MAX-23 was able to quickly ascertain the power coupling circuits of the table were there inside and by all indications still active. He was not sure why the tabletop was dead with the pedestal still active, but something was causing the jamming. He clipped the power feed to the table, and it sparked a bit and the whole pedestal when suddenly dead, the LEDs inside blinked out. While he could not really see very well from under the table, everyone else saw the other 5 booths come back to life with their electronics. OOC Map Notes: Orange Circled Booth where everyone was playing. Red circled tables are back live again. Granger, Nikki, Thoth, Lira & Robot are only a couple meters west of the orange booth MAX at the Orange Booth Alyson at west side of southern-most red booth Initiative Thoth - Queen Hearts Alyson - Jack Hearts Robot - 6 Spades MAX-23 - 5 Hearts Granger & Extras - 3 Spades Lira - 2 Diamonds Results Thoth failed to accomplish anything but gain robot's attention Alyson lost track of Helm and Denn in the chaos Robot attacked Thoth with cutting torch, missed. Robot took multi-action penalty and did not damage Lira past her Toughness Robot Stats Toughness 10 (3) Parry 5