MassEffectRP

General Category => RP(Main) => Topic started by: NozzIvix on November 18, 2013, 03:07:00 pm


Title: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 18, 2013, 03:07:00 pm
The encrypted message made it's way through the Extranet, to those lucky enough to have been chosen for the project. The message read as follows:

Greetings, esteemed Scientist/Xenobiologist/Archaeologist/Medical professional.
We here at Exogeni have a proposition for you! We have discovered an ancient Prothean Ruin on an uncharted planet in the Anapol system. If you have received this message, you have been deemed trustworthy, or skilled enough, to excavate this monumental discovery. A shuttle will be ready to receive you at the enclosed coordinates within three standard days. Within, you will receive further instructions. At the conclusion of the operation, a sum of 60 million Credits will be transferred to your accounts, no questions asked. Security will be handled by On-Site Exo-Geni personnel.

We expect that your capabilities are a match for our specifications according to the assignment required of you. If you prove not to be up to task, immediate removal will be put into place and the oath of secrecy will be maintained.
By Signing this Contract, you agree to the following:

This contract nullifies all right to communications, transportation, and etc

In Signing this contract, you agree to spend two years under surveillance and under oath of silence for the breakthrough studies you shall partake in. All research papers published containing knowledge pertinent to the excavation will require a 20% royalty to ExoGeni Corporation.

You agree to obey all orders from your superiors, especially those from A.R.A.

The security ExoGeni provides will prove sufficient, and you will forfeit the right to carry a firearm while under ExoGeni care.

If, for any reason, you leave the facility, ExoGeni has the right to pursue labor-enforcement and personal lockdown for the sake of retaining exclusive research rights.

ExoGeni will provide living quarters, meals, comfort, and all necessary technology for the duration of the excavation. The Location of the facility is to remain classified for three standard years after the conclusion of the excavation. This contract also stipulates that 30 million of the agreed upon 60 million credits will be transferred to your accounts upon arrival on the planet.

We thank you for your discretion,
- Exo-Geni Archaeological Research Administration
Printed Name: _________________
Signature: x____________________

(Mod Note: Your characters will be called to be on board the shuttle on Thursday. You have until then to choose your character, and have free reign to write your character recieving the contract, and get used to characterizing them if you wish. PM me if you have a Real Life issue that requires a story workaround.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 18, 2013, 03:27:13 pm
"Doctor Modovar, get that patient to the OR. NOW!" Katrin yelled, as the patient's vitals began to fade. "Sadin, get the team scrubbed up and ready to recieve a code blue." When the surgeon hesitated, her voice raised. "Move it! Or I'll have you tell his wife why he died!" that shocked him out of a standstill as the salarian all but sprinted down the hall. The Doctor moved to follow, she saw her boss approach.

"Doctor Ilnata!" She called out, the smaller Asari approaching at a slight jog. "We have a problem."

"Can it wait, Ri'a?" Katrin replied. "Sort of saving a Turian Admiral at the moment."

"No, you're not." Ri'a replied. "Kat, IA's after you for stealing drugs. I can cover you, but you need to get out of the hospital for a while. You're a damn good doctor, and I understand why you need these pills." She shrugged a duffel bag off of her shoulder and handed it to Katrin. "This is enough to keep even you buzzed for several years."

"Okay then," the Doctor replied, "But where am I going to go?"

"That's where this comes in." She tapped on her omni-tool, forwarding a message to Katrin's. "ExoGeni asked me for the best Xenobiologist I could spare. I was going to ask you, but then IA came snooping."

The Drell whistled. "Sixty miillion credits... Okay Ri, I'll do it." she began to walk to the exit. "Oh, and don't let anyone take my office!" She yelled as she entered the lobby.

Sixty million Credits, and several years worth of drugs... I need to pack.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 18, 2013, 05:21:23 pm
Isani Tolar had grown bored. Sifting through mountains of information had never been her goal when she accepted the position of management in a lower rung of ExoGeni corporation, and yet here she was doing it. It was nothing like what she had expected. The job she had been promised had assured her that she would find evidence of a new form of life, the old wisdom of the protheans, and information, information that would boggle her mind. Well, they had given her the information, but she found the career to be severely lacking in the prior two.

Isani sighed, leaning back in her small chair and put the computer before her into sleep mode. As she rolled her neck, the door to the small office was opened, and her secretary, a lavender Asari, bowed and informed her a representative of ExoGeni had come to meet with her.

And a human walked in, his coat and pants the most expensive credits could purchase. He straightened his black tie as he briskly walked to stand before her desk, eyes obscured behind black-lensed glasses.

He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, miniature datapad, sliding it across the table to her.

"We require your services, Tolar." He said. "We expect that you will accept." He nodded deeply and left.

Hesitant, Isani picked up the datapad, moving to her feet as she read the material. A small, inhibited smile spread slowly across her face, and in a rapid movement she signed away a measly two years.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 18, 2013, 06:38:06 pm
"And that's when I looked the Batarian straight in his four eyes and said, "Hell, you can keep the ship, it smells like a Krogan's ass anyway!""

The harem of Asari dancers burst out laughing along with the ruggedly handsome looking man in the middle of them.  He sported a rather large captain's hat, with an Asari around each arm, and a bottle of some foul smelling gut rot alcohol in each hand.  They ate up every word he said, every story he told.  And he was just coherent enough right now to realize that.  A rather angry looking human stormed up through the VIP section of the seedy Omega club and towards the drunken captain.

"Tobias what in the sphincter of hell are you doing?  You are aware that we have something kind of important to do tomorrow? Yes?"

The drunk captain pulled his lips from the mouth of the nearest Asari and turned towards the angry man.

"Max!"

He staggered to his feet still clutching the bottles, and threw his arm around the man's shoulder, using him as a post to keep from falling face first on the floor.

"You need to learn to cut loose a little!"

"And you need to learn how to do it less!" the angry man responded.

"Come on!  Have I ever steered you wrong!?"  The captain said, sounding jokingly offended.

"Yes...A lot.  Like that time at that brothel on Illium...In that bar on Virmire...The the time we raided that Volus armored transport...The time you tried to **** in that fountain on the Presidium...The time you told the head of the Phoenix Syndicate that his mother looked like an obese Elcor...Oh and there were those two Asian twins, remember them?"

"Oh come on Max, how was I supposed to know their father was head of the Yakuza?"  The captain slurred out.

"We were trying to rob him!"

"Max, Max, Max....Maxyyyyyy...Maxamillionsssss!  Forget all that.  What is important is here and now.  We'll make the checkpoint tomorrow on time.  The Salarians won't know what hit them!  Now come on! Live a little!"

The drunken captain ventured back to his eagerly awaiting harem of Asari.  Max looked on with an expression of sheer anger and disappointment.  The palm of his hand rested on his face as he muttered. 

"How has he not gotten us all killed yet?"

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 19, 2013, 05:03:13 pm
Quote
To whom it may concern; Department of Archaeology, Attena Academy:

This message is to announce my resignation,effective immediately,  as assistant professor, Prothean studies, effective immediately. The lack of scholarly discipline and plagiarism at a once prestigious university is a sad chronicle of the state of affairs on Thessia.
 If this department would rather ignore the discoveries confirming assertions made by the last remaining Prothean,  It will do so without my expertise assisting its intellectual dishonesty. 

B. Goul



Satisfied, he sent the message.  There was no point in wasting words with those blue sycophants.  With that out of the way, he began to write another short message.
Quote
To the Exo-Geni Archaeological Research Administration

I accept.
Printed Name: Bernuk Goul, Ph.D.
Signature: x  B. Goul
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 19, 2013, 07:29:08 pm
In her apartment on Kithoi Ward, Katrin was packing the essentials for her long stay with ExoGeni. The Duffel Ri'a had given her lay on the bed, almost judging her, daring her to look inside. As she packed away clothing and other essentials, including her own personal stash. The bag seemed to be staring at her, taunting.

Come on 'Doctor' Ilnata. Take a peek, you want to see what Ri'a got you, didn't you? Remember what you had a few years ago? Do you think she knows that you used her for drugs? She wouldn't give you crappy generic stuff, would she? She'd take a bullet for you, wouldn't she?

"Shut up!" She yelled out loud. "Ri'a does what she does because she owes me, not because of some lingering romantic attachment!"

Then open me up. Take a look inside.

Katrin threw down the shirt she was folding and opened the bag. "Kalihira's ****!" she exclaimed, stepping back. "She didn't..."

Inside the bag was hundreds of bottles of pills, high quality, expensive pills. The kind that Kat only managed to nab once in a blue moon. The kind that could get Ri'a fired if IA ever found out that she took them. "Ri'a... I'm not worth this." She said aloud.

Do you see now, 'Doctor'? You bring pain and ruin to everyone that loves you.

"No! Shut up!" She yelled, glad that she'd long ago soundproofed her walls. Katrin grabbed one of the pill bottles from her nightstand and tore off the cap, downing some pills and closing her eyes.

Yes, 'Doctor' take more pills, you can never escape your past. You can never escape the lives you've--

Kat only opened her eyes when the voice was silenced.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 19, 2013, 08:04:52 pm
"It's going to be two years, mother." Isani said, still unable to get the joy out of her voice. "Yes, ExoGeni Corporations. It seems my hard work has caught the attention of my superiors."

She was quite proud when she finished the phone call, caught up in the wonders of her success. Prothean ruins, ancient, uncharted territory. The smile on her face had not left from yesterday, and Isani put one last article of clothing into her bag before going downstairs.

Thirty million credits, soon to be sixty million. She laughed a little to herself. With that kind of money, she would be in this line of work for a very long time.

Her omnitool started beeping again when Isani managed to leave the apartment complex, but she ignored it, determined to spend this night studying all she had learned at ExoGeni, so that she could better present herself when the time came to appear before her future superiors.

Isani was certain she would impress them.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 20, 2013, 07:55:02 pm
To the outside observer, it would appear that Icarus was staring unflinchingly at an advertisement for a salarian hip-hop group. However, The dozens of Geth who lived inside the platform were abuzz with activity. While scanning through the local wireless network one of the Geth intercepted a classified email from the ExoGeni corporation to a Xenobiology major at a nearby extranet cafe.

[It is clear that ExoGeni corp is attempting to conceal a significant scientific discovery. Collecting consensus on plan of action. Consensus reached. infiltrate ExoGeni corp and inform the consensus of the nature of ExoGeni's discovery.]

Icarus started towards the nearest ExoGeni office, on the presidium.

---

After 2.6 days casing the 3-storey office building, Icarus had a plan. It waited outside, cloaked, until 5:03 when the day shift ended for most of the building's staff. As they walked out through the automatic doors, It walked in. To achieve the maximum percentage of not being detected entering the building. Once inside, It easily hacked the branches commercially available software security and made  it to the server room.

[Scanning local network for relevant information...]

[Negative. Using current access point to gain entry to central database. Access achieved. Scanning central database for relevant information. Information found. All relevant data copied to platform drives. Erasing signs of forced entry. Logout.]

[Coordinates located. Infiltrate when adequate transportation becomes available.]

[Exfiltrating from current location to level 23 docking port]
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 21, 2013, 02:39:51 pm
Katrin stood at the spot she'd been told, it hadn't been that far from her apartment, strangely enough. It took five standard minutes for the shuttle to appear, a pitch black Kodiak, with no markings at all. The door opened, and she stepped inside. Katrin was a little disappointed to see that she was the first they'd picked up, but took her seat as it took off for the next recruit.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 21, 2013, 07:54:48 pm
The pounding on the door grew more thunderous by the second.

"Tobias wake the hell up!"

But it did little to stir the naked and unconscious captain, or his 4 equally naked Asari friends.  That was, until the sound of a gunshot **** through the air.  Max stormed past the door he has just blown a hole through as Tobias jumped up to his feet.

"What was that for!?"  Tobias shouted as Max threw the captain's pants in his face.

"Any idea what time it is.....Captain?"  Max said with a judgmental look.

"Wait? what?  It's...."  Tobias trailed off as he looked at the clock on the wall.  They had only an hour to make it to the checkpoint where they were to ambush a Salarian cargo ship full of experimental weapons.

"****!" 

""But Captain, where are you going?"  One of the Asari stirred.

"Um...Captainy things to do, gotta run!"

Almost exactly an hour later Tobias and Max were standing on the bridge of their frigate, The Cassandra, in the exact spot they were supposed to be.  Now all that was left was to hope their intel was accurate.  They paid enough for it anyway.

"See, made it just in time!"  Tobias said with a grin.

"Barely..."  Max replied unimpressed.

At that instant the Salarian cargo ship dropped out of FTL....accompanied by 5 rather heavily armed looking frigates.  By the markings on their hulls they seemed to be under the control of the Blue Suns.

"All hands to battle stations now!"  Tobias shouted.

"They were supposed to be alone!"  Max then thought for a moment.  No...he couldn't have..."Tobias...what did you do last night?"

LAST NIGHT

Tobias was two bottles into his gut rot alcohol, slumped atop a bar stool with his arm around a rather stern looking Salarian.

"W..wh...wait...You're the captain uh the Solena?"  Tobias belched out between gulps from his bottle.  "What a coincidence!  I'm supposed to be stealing your ship tomorrow!"

"You don't say."

RIGHT NOW

"YOU DID WHAT!?"

"Um, we can argue later.  Full reverse!  Spool up the FTL and get us the hell out of here!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 21, 2013, 08:44:01 pm
It's done, he thought as he walked towards the black shuttle.  He'd sold his apartment, sent most of his personal collection back to Sur'Kesh or to the few department members he was still on speaking terms with, and now there was nothing left for him there.  He'd burnt his bridges in a public blow out with two of his 'colleagues' and after sending his short letter of resignation, he'd changed his extranet account information.  Immature, but effective.  Then he'd arrived at the Citadel, to await transportation to the Exogeni site. 

All that he had left was a small briefcase with a change of clothes and some minor personal effects--the message didn't say whether or not uniforms would be provided.  He suspected there would be.  He'd been tempted to send a message to his mother or clutch brothers, but he had no desire to be told that archaeology was a dead-end field and that it wasn't too late to make something of himself.  In two years, he would show them, asari superstitions be damned.

So Goul decided to move forward into the black shuttle.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 21, 2013, 08:54:17 pm
Isani stood in the hangar that the coordinates had been sent to, impatiently tapping her foot.

She had awaken late yesterday afternoon, hadn't slept since, but otherwise Isani had utilized her time well, filling her mind with all she could find of Prothean relics and archeological technology. She had even recorded herself reciting key terms and definitions so that she could listen to them when she slept.

Isani had dusted off her crisply tailored labcoat before leaving for the final time. She smiled at the security deposit that had been added to her bank account, the numbers as pleasing to her mind as her intended future.

Perhaps being three hours early wasn't as good an idea as she had thought.

She caught sight of the shuttle making its way to her location, and smiled, pleased with herself, taking steps towards it as it landed before her.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 21, 2013, 09:16:57 pm
Katrin watched as the two new arrivals climbed aboard. An Asari and a Salarian. The fact that neither of them seemed to have noticed her as they boarded didn't bode well, nor did what she could gather from their appearances. A salarian that looked like a researcher, his eyes continually curious, yet behind that curiosity burned something Katrin had seen in quite a few of her psych patients, a need for glory. She hated that in her colleagues, and had fired residents for that particular ailment.

The Asari seemed to be equally passionate, and wasn't too bad looking, Kat noted, but just like the Salarian, she seemed to have dressed up, put on her best to go to an Archaeological dig. Truth be told, Katrin felt a little underdressed in her tight T-Shirt and baggy jeans. Not that it would stop her from opening her big mouth.

"So, you two got the E-Mail too?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 21, 2013, 09:30:27 pm
So it's small talk? Bernuk thought.  He'd seen the drell when he entered; dressed completely inappropriately for a sixty million credit job opportunity.

"Obviously," He said, looking at his omni-tool to reread the email just in case it said anything about who else they might have been sent to, "Doubt Exogeni security would have allowed me to enter the shuttle, otherwise."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 21, 2013, 09:51:31 pm
Well, someone's got sand in his cloaca. She smiled. "I'm Doctor Katrin Ilnata, Xenobiologist, Surgeon, Phyciatrist and Physician. And you are?"

Katrin tried her absolute best to remain open minded about her new co-worker, but Kat couldn't help but add Besides a tightass in her mind.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 21, 2013, 10:19:31 pm
"Bernuk Goal, archeologist.  Formerly of Attena Academy,"  Bernuk said, "Speciality in Prothean artifacts.  Interesting that they would invite such an accomplished physician to a dig site.  Would have assumed ExoGeni wouldn't feel it necessary to hire outside their own pool at such a high commission.  Very interesting."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 21, 2013, 10:30:18 pm
She shrugged. "I'm going to assume that they've found something biological in the ruins, who knows with Exogeni? All I know is that they hire the best, and I'm not a girl that'll turn down sixty million." Katrin turned to the Asari. "And what about you, miss?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 21, 2013, 11:49:27 pm
"You have on a lovely choice of clothing," Isani said sincerely, taking her seat, and buckling up. "I have always wished for such confidence, but it is difficult to gauge what the employer wants. I wonder which of us he will prefer."

To the drell's question, Isani smiled. "I am an archeologist, I spent a brief time on Mars at the Prothean digsite to offer my advice, but my relatives called me away to Illium in the space of a year, so I did not obtain the chance to see the live prothean with my own eyes, much to my disappointment."

She turned to the Salarian. "So you're fresh out of the Academy? Have you any past research experience?"

The shuttle doors began to close.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 21, 2013, 11:58:05 pm
The chatty asari's comments made Bernuk's eyes narrow, "I was an assistant professor there.  What practical experience do you have?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 22, 2013, 12:04:48 am
"I'm sorry," Isani said quickly to the Salarian. "I did not mean to offend. Perhaps I have spent too long engrossed in my work..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 22, 2013, 12:11:14 am
Katrin could barely squeeze out a 'thank you' before the followup brought down the Salarian's wrath.

Gods, give me strength. This is going to be a long two years.

"Shut. Up!" Kat growled at the Salarian. "I hold seniority over you, Professor Bernuk, a decade's worth of saving lives, a lot of it during the Reaper War. So, if I have to pull rank in order to keep this two years we have to spend together peaceful, I will." she ran her eyes between the two of them before she spoke again. Katrin sighed. "So please. Let's not kill each other before we even land."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 22, 2013, 12:20:02 am
Isani went silent at the Drell's words, significantly chagrined as she ran over in her mind the past moment, unsure of what she had done wrong.

Eventually, she sighed, hoping that it wouldn't be so difficult to communicate with whoever she met at the Research facility.

The shuttle ride seemed to be taking a while...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 22, 2013, 10:57:37 am
Icarus took note of the shuttle and it's passengers and concluded this shuttle was the one that would be taking the researchers to the ExoGeni research facility and acted accordingly. It hacked into the shuttle's main computer and triggered a common software bug which would keep the shuttle from taking off until the pilots had reset the computer. While the crew were distracted, It placed a small tracking beacon on the inner side of the shuttle's rear thruster. An unlikely location. Icarus already knew where the shuttle was headed, but he would take no chances with potentially false information. Once the bug was placed, It moved quickly out of the area before it's cloak had to recharge.

[testing tracking system...]

[Test complete. tracking system online.]
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 22, 2013, 12:30:35 pm
When the Shuttle refused to lift off, Katrin groaned. "If it's not one thing, it's another. How many more people do we have to pick up?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 22, 2013, 02:49:33 pm
The drell's outburst caused Bernuk to chuckle, "Age and seniority means little to a species that lives less than half a century.

"If ExoGeni has put a physician in charge of an archaeology dig, something's up.  I deal with dead bones and artifacts.  Not living things."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 22, 2013, 02:51:53 pm
"Well, you never know. Maybe they just wanted me for my winning personality." Kat replied. "Someone has to offset the wet-blanket Salarian."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 22, 2013, 03:39:40 pm
"They hired me to work, not to socialize," Bernuk said as he began to read a journal article about pre-prothean civilizations, "I'll wait till I get find out more--what's the point of having thirty million credits on a top secret digsite, anyway?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 22, 2013, 03:47:20 pm
"I suppose it's an incentive." Katrin leaned back in her seat. "Not many people are willing to sign away two years of their life. Surprised to see a Salarian as young as you here."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 22, 2013, 03:56:21 pm
"It is a great incentive--what I mean, is what good is 30 million credits on the rock itself," he said as he continued reading, "Doubt there will be much to spend it on--and vacations seem unlikely.  Also, I am seventeen, roughly middle aged by our standards.  Would hardly consider self 'young.'  Just un-noteworthy."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 22, 2013, 04:15:19 pm
Katrin decided to let up before the conversation became awkward. "Well. I'm sure we'll all be noteworthy by the time this is over. And Credits are Credits. I don't know about you, but 60 million is more than worth giving up two years." she looked out the window. "I wonder who else they brought along."

Kat couldn't help but wonder about Salarian biology. Seventeen... He's been through my level of school, and probably knows about as much, and yet he's barely old enough for me to take him for a beer down on Earth. Biology's **** up.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 22, 2013, 04:24:07 pm
The sounds of exploding metal echoed throughout the corridors of the Cassandra as the 5 Blue Suns vessels pursued.  The Cassandra was fast, but the Blue Suns had surprise, and weapons range.

"Where the hell is that FTL drive!?"  Tobias shouted as he clutched on to a side panel on the bridge.  The volleys of fire rocked the ship every which way.

"One minute, Captain!"  A terrified crewmen shouted from his station.

"We aren't going to last that long!"

"If we all die because of you, I'm going to kill you!"  Max shouted in a rage.

"Captain, the Salarian cargo ship is sending a transmission!"  A crewman shouted.

"Put him through."

At that moment a rather smug looking Salarian appeared on Tobias' console.

"Ah the notorious Captain Westen.  Before you are reduced to dust I would like to thank you for warning me about your intentions here today.  As you see I had more than enough time and credits to hire extra security.  But I have a deadline to meet, so your continued existence is quite the inconvenience.  So I will bid you farewell."

Tobias barely had time to tell the Salarian to **** off before the transmission cut.  Tobias was the captain, and his crew and he were about to meet a horrific and, as he could imagine, quite an unpleasant death.  He had to think of something.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 22, 2013, 05:39:00 pm
The rest of the ride was spent in silence, and Isani was grateful when the shuttle finally slowed and descended. A glance out the window revealed the closing doors of a secure hangar.

The shuttle doors opened soon after.

Isani got to her feet after unbuckling, reaching into the compartment above her to take hold of her small, compressed bag of clothes.

She took a quick glance behind her before leaving, unsure of what to say to them. It already looked like none of the three of them were ever going to get along.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 22, 2013, 06:03:07 pm
Katrin was glad when the Kodiak left the Citadel. She didn't know if they were the first to be picked up, or the last. Either way, once everyone was aboard, it wouldn't take long to reach the Traverse, and from there, she had no idea how long it would take to reach whatever planet they'd found. She shouldered her bags and made her way to the temporary quarters marked out on her Omni-tool. It was spartan, but it would do. Other than the tightass Salarian, today had been rather uneventful, and actually peaceful, until the voice in her head decided to start up again.

So, Katrin, you're finally on your way. Two years, 60 million, and whatever you can wring out of papers afterwards.

Shut up Kat.

Come on, I left you alone for the majority of that shuttle ride. Can't we at least talk?

Shut up Kat.

You think that Asari's single? I know you like dudes, but you have to agree. She's hot.

Kat, I swear...

What? That you'll kill us both? You know that won't happen. Would you rather stop getting high, and fall into a coma like Loy? You won't do that Katrin, I know you too well.

Katrin groaned aloud. "This is going to be a long two years."
(Mod Note: Tell your friends. Any characters you've got in the wings can arrive by shuttle, or already have been on the ship.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 22, 2013, 09:25:05 pm
South sat alone in the ship's cramped galley with a mug of coffee in one hand as he browsed Some of his favourite forums and scientific journals, pausing every now and then to get more coffee or stretch his legs. He had been awake for almost 48 hours according to one of his colleagues, and he had no intentions of sleeping as he planned on absorbing as much information as possible before being cut off from the extranet for 2 years with nothing but his fellow scientists, some samples, and 4300 hours of pornography to keep him company. He finished off his last coffee but couldn't muster the energy to get up and refill his mug.

"**** it. Nap time." He thought aloud. He put his face down on the table in front of him and passed out, letting his arms dangle by his sides.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 11:31:13 am
"Are you sure you want to leave the Academy Sal? I know it's mostly teaching, but I'm certain that there's going to be more research opportunities here. Is it about the money? Because we can give you a raise if you want..."

"You know it's not about the money Cat. Even if it were, I doubt that the raise you'd give me would be worth Sixty Million. I could care less about the money, I've already set up my accounts to funnel everything towards the brood back home. No, this one is about the job itself. Not that often you get to see a Prothean Ruin before they've found everything."

Three days later...

Sitting in the cafeteria and slowly stirring in sugar to his mug, Ilste paused at the sound of the bay doors opening. "Second group? Just how big is this thing that they're willing to spend this much money?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 01:09:27 pm
After her bags were stowed, Katrin retrieved one of the bottle's from Ri'a's bag. It was an incredibly powerful Asari painkiller, with a name that she couldn't translate into english or drell. As such, Katrin simply called it Kali. While these pills halted flashbacks the best, there was one problem with them; when she was buzzing on them, Kat became a lot more dominant.

Come now Katrin, don't fear me. I'm still you, remember.

"I hate you so much, Kat." Katrin whispered, her eyes growing moist.

No, you don't, Katrin. Let me in, you'll have to sooner or later. Almost as if on cue, Katrin felt her eyes dilate and the fog on her mind dissipate. In a panic, she swallowed a pill and felt it return, thicker than ever.

Kat opened her eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Katrin. Now let's go and meet the people."

She walked until she came across the cafeteria, and sadly, saw only two people within. A Salarian and a human sleeping at a table. She took the seat opposite the Salarian. "Hello." she said with a small smile. "How're you?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 04:20:26 pm
Looking up from his mug, Ilste smiled and reached out a hand in greeting.

"Very well, thanks for asking. I'm Ilste, you can call me Sal. And you?"

Drell, slight musculature. Dressed well enough, not likely one of the guards. Scientist? Doctor?
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 05:19:29 pm
"The name's Doctor Katrin Ilnata, but you can call me Kat." she smiled and took the hand. "Nice to meet somebody personable. The other Salarian I rode up with is a bit of an ****, and I've been pretty left in the dark so far."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 23, 2013, 05:36:41 pm
Tobias' ship was falling apart around him.  His crew and he were mere moments away from being blown into the vacuum of space.  And that was when something brilliant struck him.

"Do we still have that shuttle loaded with mining charges we stole from that Volus ship last week?"

"Yes, what exactly are you...."  Max began to respond a moment before his brain figured out what Tobias was thinking.

"Shove it out of the cargo hold and get the aft gunners on standby!"

Max was almost half surprised that his idiot captain could even think of such an idea.  Tobias may have been an egocentric manwhore, alcoholic, prone to random bouts of unparalleled impulsiveness and stupidity.  But his ability to yank his own ass out of the fire never ceased to amaze.  If they managed to pull this off, Max decided he just might not shoot Tobias in the back of the head when it was all over.

A moment later the cargo hold opened, and the security shield dropped, sucking the shuttle out into space.  It tumbled back towards the direction of the 5 pursuing vessels.

"Hold..."

The ships continued to open fire, the Cassandra's kinetic barriers long since broken. 

"Hold..."

More blasts rumbled the ship as twisted masses of wire and metal tore off into space.

"Hold."

They grew closer.  "Enemy ship is arming thanix cannons!"  A crew member sounded.

"Fire!"

And with that the aft guns of the Cassandra let loose at the whimsically tumbling shuttle.  It absorbed a few rounds before the port side engine erupted.  What came next was more impressive than any fireworks display ever seen.  The explosion tore through the hull of the shuttle, igniting a few mining charges that tore the ship asunder and sent massive shock waves out through the void.  Those same explosions would ignite more charges, and so on, until the 5 pursuing Blue Suns ships found themselves flying through a chain reaction of death and destruction.  Two of the ships were immediately torn in half.  The scattered debris and chunks of hull slammed into a third ship that went down in flames almost immediately.  The remaining two managed to pull upwards, evading certain death, but not before suffering severe damage to their engines.  They may have been immobile, but they could still bite back.

"FTL ready Captain."

"Jump us out of here immediately!"

The Cassandra tore off into deep space, disappearing in an instant.  Tobias' insane stunt managed to prevent their untimely demise.  But then again, it was his fault they were ever in that situation to begin with.  And Max did not forget this.  Tobias turned towards his crew with a rather large grin expressive of his own satisfaction in himself. 

"Looks like we....."

And no more than a moment later was he struck on the back of the head.  His world went black.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 08:50:14 pm
"The name's Doctor Katrin Ilnata, but you can call me Kat." she smiled and took the hand. "Nice to meet somebody personable. The other Salarian I rode up with is a bit of an ****, and I've been pretty left in the dark so far."
"It seems we've all been left in the dark. Everyone I've met so far appears to be support personnel, and since I was with the first group it means I've probably been relegated to the job of Lab Assistant." Waving off the implications involved, he pointed to the nearby sleeping man. "He's been here as long as I have. Haven't had the opportunity to meet him yet though, he didn't respond to anyone asking him any questions. Just kept reading things on his datapad the whole time."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 09:25:41 pm
"Seems about right. Seems like it'll take the apocalypse to make everyone get along." Kat sighed. "Oh well, sooner we get there, sooner we get to leave."

She stretched her neck. "So, what do you do? I'm a Xenobiologist, psychiatrist, and whatever else they want me to do with medical tools." She chuckled a little. "I wonder why they wanted biologists."

(Mod Note: I'm going to timeskip/ftl the ship to the base possibly tomorrow.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 09:33:46 pm
Her bags accounted for, and taken down to the cargo bay by a helpful shipmate.
She was making her way to the lower deck when her stomach let out a noise, and the asari recalled what she had eaten the day before, or rather, that she had not eaten.

Directions for the mess hall were easy to receive, and she quickly made her way there, hoping the ship had yet to take off.

She saw the drell she had taken the shuttle with and a horribly scarred salarian, of whom she was morbidly curious. But, recalling the drell's outburst, she assumed it best to make herself scarce, and obtained for her self some complimentary levo paste from the cafeteria's rotton mouthed chef.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 09:35:21 pm
"I'm trained in Xenoanthropology and Xenobiochemistry, but most of it was practical work not theory. My previous employment was work on digging up the more recently dead than the Protheans. If I'm here? It's most likely mummified corpses. Heh. I'm reminded of what my teacher once said when they first got on the subject, 'If you find a saponified or a mummified corpse, that's the day you do the Forensics happy dance, but don't tell anyone I told you.

Spoiler alert: I did."

(OOC: Understood. This is fun so far.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 09:42:58 pm
Kat laughed. "Well that's probably why I'm here. I've been a surgeon since I was 18, mummies would be a welcome distraction. I even got to dissect a few Husks and such during the war."

From the corner of her eye, Kat saw the Asari from before moving across the room with a tray. She flagged her down; "Hey Sexy! Mind bringing that ass over here?"

Gods damn you Kat.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 09:56:05 pm
Isani froze when the drell made eye contact with those words. Her posture was loose, a sleazy smile crossing her face. The drell before had been stiff and unfriendly.

Then Isani wondered mildly if this was a joke. She had yet to study drell culture, it was very possible that she was misinterpreting the female's behavior.

Isani almost walked over to sit with her, but the look in the drell's eye disturbed her greatly.

So she smiled weakly, and hurried over to the table farthest from her, sitting down quickly.

She looked up from her food and saw the same red-flecked salarian from before,  and waved, trying to smile.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 10:02:32 pm
Kat's smile dropped a little as she turned back to her current speaking partner. "Sorry about that Sal, I can't resist a good looking humanoid. Now, where were we?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 23, 2013, 10:03:41 pm
South awoke the the sounds of an unusually crowded mess hall. feeling unusually refreshed, He peeled his face off of the table and booted up his datapad again; Content to ignore the conversation taking place at the table next to his. He remembered he had one more Blog to check before cutting himself off from the extranet, his brother North's Blog. It would seem that lately he'd been wooing some Asari he had met on Thessia while on vacation. Typical of him. Of course, South was single. He had been for most of his life, minus a one night stand with one of his turian coworkers anyways. South tried to forget about that episode.

At that moment, the memories of that fateful night came soaring into his head like the flashbacks of a scarred veteran.

"Ah ****!" South exclaimed, accidentally throwing his datapad across the room and into the wall.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 23, 2013, 10:10:39 pm
Bernuk saw an asari approach his table.  Unless he was much mistaken, it was the one from the shuttle.  She waved, looking somewhat nervous so Bernuk nodded gently.

"We were introduced last night, no?  Bernuk Goul.  Apologies, if I came off rough.  You are Isani Tolar, correct?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 10:14:14 pm
"I am." She nodded, relieved that the salarian seemed in better spirits than earlier. "And it is alright, we asari don't scare easily."

She paused to take a bite of the food when a loud crash broke into the relative calm of the closed cafeteria space.
A shattered datapad and a shocked human seemed the cause, she realized as her eyes scanned the room.

"Are you alright, human?" She called out.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 10:16:43 pm
When the Datapad smashed into the wall, Kat couldn't help but jump, yet she remained composed, at least as composed as she normally was. The Drell couldn't help but think that Katrin would have freaked out.

I would not.

"Sleep well, Aurora?" She called out with a laugh.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 10:24:13 pm
Quickly ducking and scanning the room, and only seeing a panicking human, ilste moved over to discover the problem.

"What just happened? Bad dream?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 23, 2013, 10:30:48 pm
"Not exactly. But you're close." South replied. He regained his composure. "I take it that this is everyone?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 23, 2013, 10:32:11 pm
Bernuk looked over to see the commotion--"The Drell is a doctor.  She should be able to take care of him."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 10:44:09 pm
Kat stood up and swaggered over. "You alright there Aurora?" she said, placing a hand on the Human's shoulder.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 10:46:39 pm
Isani sighed, sinking into her seat. "Yes, you're right." She lingered a glance at the commotion, but turned back to the salarian. "You said you were from the Academy on Thessia? And a professor? I'm interested in knowing more of your accomplishments."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 10:48:30 pm
Kat stood up and swaggered over. "You alright there Aurora?" she said, placing a hand on the Human's shoulder.
Checking the man's  pulse, Ilste says, "Aurora?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 10:50:04 pm
Kat looked at Sal. "Human mythology, Sleeping Beauty. Basically the story of a princess that sleeps a lot."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 10:52:07 pm
"Odd. Uncertain as to how I missed that one in my youth. Which pantheon was she in? They preferred to teach of the Greek and Roman pantheon, with some Egyptian."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 10:55:49 pm
Kat shrugged "I have no idea. German I think, but an American company made an animated vid in the early 20th century."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 23, 2013, 10:57:16 pm
Bernuk sighed, "I was an assistant professor.  I'd been working with some of my colleagues on a paper that would confirm some of the assertions made by the avatar of Vengeance."  He paused for a moment, "I'd gone to a digsite to find a little more hard evidence.  When I got back, they had published an edited verson of the paper."

He took a sip from his cup.  "It tore the heart out of the paper, making it worthless tripe and relegated me to footnotes.  So I left.  No major accomplishments besides my students."

"You worked on mars? Did you work with Dr. T'Soni?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 23, 2013, 11:00:27 pm
"Or nobody could answer my question, that works too." South said, a bit exasperated from all the attention he was getting. "I'm fine by the way, just a bad dream."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 11:05:22 pm
Isani nodded sadly at what Bernuk had gone through, adding an "I'm sorry to hear that.... I hope they discover the mistake they made in wronging you."

"And no, I've never personally met Doctor T'Soni. I had only heard rumors and the like, all in awe and amazement of her mind and talent and drive. I wish I had seen her, but I was in an entirely different faction of the research team at the time... She has done wonders for our culture, even for the... those born from within the same species.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 11:06:36 pm
"Oh, sorry there Sleeping Beauty, but I honestly don't know. I haven't even seen our superiours yet." Kat shrugged.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 23, 2013, 11:09:36 pm
Bernuk shrugged his shoulders in a human gesture, "It was no mistake.  Some asari aren't ready to accept the fact that their 'goddess' was a prothean."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 11:15:51 pm
"I suppose that every race has its faults. Ours may be pride, for all our accomplishments." Isani said. "I hope that you can forgive us, and know that not all of us are of the same mind." She took a dainty bite of the food before her. "I don't mean to ramble." She swallowed. "Let's work well together."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 23, 2013, 11:22:40 pm
"That's quite alright. I haven't seen them either." South said. "My name is David Clark by the way, nice to meet you."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 23, 2013, 11:23:56 pm
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Clark, this is Doktor Kat, and I am Ilste, you can call me Sal."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 23, 2013, 11:24:35 pm
He shrugged again, "Thinking of trying to work more independently.  When someone pulls the rug out from under you, one is less inclined to trust easily.  But fear not, anyone who judges all members of a race based on actions of a few is a fool.  It contradicts the basic purpose of scientific discovery if you lump all unknowns together without experimentation."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 23, 2013, 11:31:46 pm
"Nice to meet ya David." Kat said with a small wink.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 23, 2013, 11:38:09 pm
"That is.... understandable." Isani said, then went back to poking at her meal, at a loss for what to say.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 01:11:30 am
(Mod Note: Is anyone still about?)

Kat rolled her neck and yawned. "I'll be right back, I need a coffee."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 01:21:00 am
(I am. Will be for another half hour or so.)

"Mind if I join you? Mine has gotten cold."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 01:32:30 am
"Not at all Sal." Kat replied, heading for the coffee machine.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 01:45:41 am
Walking towards the dispenser, Ilste swipes his omni tool to pay for the coffee. "Seems rather silly to have a machine that takes money in the secret base. I wonder if it's usually more public than this?" Wistfully looking around for signs of activity, he asks her "So what was your initial attraction to the project? Besides the money I mean."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 01:53:05 am
Katrin leaned backwards and looked upwards. "Well... Let's just say I had to take a leave of absence from my position at Huerta." she rubbed her neck. "What brought you here?" She added quickly

Well done, you stupid ****. What if he figures it out? Kat yelled from within her mind.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 02:00:47 am
"Ah, legal troubles. Patient's family that couldn't accept the impossibility of saving a life after a nasty accident. I've seen it before."
Ilste's hand twitches slightly
Grabbing the cup he quickly downs half the scalding contents. "Myself, I was tired of my old profession. I was teaching the new agents in the work necessary to exhume the dead, and I preferred doing to talking. So I began putting my name on the extranet for field work. I guess someone noticed me, and decided it was a good idea to have someone more involved in practice than theory around."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 02:13:48 am
"Yeah, It's... Always a bother when the Doctor's blamed for something beyond our control." By this point, Katrin was coming down from the pills she'd taken before, and Kat had begun loosening her hold. She knew her mannerisms had become a lot more measured, a lot less like Kat, but she prayed that Sal wouldn't notice. "And I can appreciate that attitude. When they offered me the head-physician role at Huerta, I insisted on being allowed to still, well... practice medicine."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 02:22:17 am
She's acting a lot more controlled, calmer. Probably shouldn't have reminded her of the bad times, or the good ones she won't see for two years.
"I hope you're happy with the decision to come here. Who knows, this may be just what the doctor ordered?"

Giggling at the pun, Ilste begins walking back towards the cafeteria. "I'm going to grab something to eat, and then it's probably a good time for a rest. It was a long flight. I'm glad that we'll be working together."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 02:32:36 am
The terrible pun actually made Katrin laugh. "Alright Sal. I'll see you later." She yawned again. "I should probably get some rest too." She downed her coffee and headed out of the cafeteria.

Two Salarians, some humans, and one damned hot Asari. Katrin, this is going to be a good two years.

Kat, please, let's just get through this. And I highly doubt the Asari's in your league.

You do realize that we're the same person, right?

Yup

You have self-esteem problems.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 06:17:53 pm
Katrin had little doubt that the ship would jump to FTL sooner rather than later, and decided to explore the ship while she could. As she wandered, she found that the ship seemed incredibly empty for it's size.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 24, 2013, 09:32:53 pm
Heinrich Von Salza sat on an ExoGeni transport by himself, having been ordered by his superiors to head to the location as soon as his work on Feros was complete. The urgency of the orders seemed odd to him, as his line of work rarely had anything 'urgent' going on. If there was a dead specimen somewhere it certainly wouldn't be moving, so why rush?

Regardless, his trip was nearly completed, and the small base on the planets surface would likely be manned by a skeleton crew. He was used to working alone on drops like this, though he wouldn't have minded an assistant or two. Cataloging was always a pain.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 09:59:01 pm
A loud voice came over the ship's intercom. "Attention. We will be making our final FTL Jump within one standard hour."

(Mod Note: Get whatever you wanted to do on the ship done. At 112:00pm EST, it's planet time.)

(EDIT. my bad. my clock's off. 12, not 11.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 10:12:44 pm
Katrin continued wandering, having not run into anyone else for the entire day.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say that I was being ignored. she thought.

Maybe you are. You do tend to be a bit of a stick in the mud Kat replied, poking at her.

Or maybe they don't take to kindly to your special brand of sexual harassment. Katrin replied with a bit of humour. She'd grown used to these little back and forths between herself and... Herself over the years.

Whatever. You know none of them would turn us down. I don't know if you've noticed, but we're hot.

uhhh huh. Well sorry that I keep my mind more on our job to be on the lookout for some nice ass.

she chuckled to herself, at least, she thought she did. It could have been Kat for all she knew. At this point in her comedown from her high, it was difficult to tell.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 24, 2013, 10:16:58 pm
Startled by the voice blaring over the intercom, Brandon Miles nearly dropped his gear as he attempted to get his bearings.  It seemed that he'd been walking for quite some time, and being lost in thought he'd now become lost himself.

As unease began to set in, Brandon began his search for something or someone to give him some sense of direction.  Pacing the hallway, he came upon a female drell with a mild green, almost viridian tone to her scales.

Maybe she could help, he thought, relieved at there being another passenger so close by.  Without hesitation, he cheerfully approached her.

"Hello miss!  I, um, seem to have gotten myself lost here.  Not really sure where I am at the moment, and the voice over the intercom's mentioned the hour until they're making the jump.  Could you point me in the right direction for... well, anywhere?" he asked hopefully.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 24, 2013, 10:20:04 pm
The ship was taking a while to leave.

Isani sighed, seated comfortably in a corner down in the lower deck.

It had almost been a day since she'd gotten here. This was getting unreasonable.

Isani was glad to have her datapad, however, and looked further into what scant knowledge there was of the great Prothean civilization.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 10:22:54 pm
Katrin barely noticed the human as he appeared before her, being so involved in her own internal conversation. "Oh! Hello!" Katrin said, "What do you have in mind, the mess, the Extranet terminals? The cabins?" Kat added the last part, to Katrin's frustration.

What? He's not bad looking.

Do you have to do this to everyone we meet?

Give me control more and I won't have to.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 24, 2013, 10:31:00 pm
Brandon thought on her response for a moment.  The ship was going to FTL soon, but he did need a place to store his things...

His stomach growled a response.

"Uh, which way to the mess?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 10:35:57 pm
"Down the hall to the left, cabins are on the right, then a left." Katrin replied, wanting to get moving before Kat said anythin- "Hey, you want company? I could eat."

I hate you Kat.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 24, 2013, 10:51:28 pm
Tobias stirred from his state of unconsciousness.  He had no idea where he was.  But from the uncomfortable feeling he had in his back from the bed he was laying on, his guess was the brig of the Cassandra. 

"Bout damn time you woke up."  Tobias recognized the voice.  I was Max.  And he sounded a bit too pleased.

Tobias sat up as his eyes adjusted, instantly noticing that he was absent of his rapier, and of Kara, his M-6 Carnifex.

"The boys and I have had quite a conversation."  Max started.

"Oh have you?  Was it about how to redecorate the brig, because I have to say, I'm kind of feeling sorry for all the people we've tossed in here now.  These beds are about as comfortable as sleeping on a thresher maw."  Tobias' humor never ceased, even when things weren't going in his favor.

"We're done with you."

"Done?  Like...done done?"  Tobias said, making a hand gesture as if to shoot himself in the head.

"You are hands down the most inept, stupid, impulsive idiot I have ever had the misfortune of serving under.  And the only reason I haven't put a bullet in your head is because we've known each other since we were kids.  That and, even though it pains me to admit it, you did manage to save our asses back there.  So here's the deal.  We're finding the first uninhabited planet we come across, and we're dropping your ass there."

"I don't suppose I could persuade you to leave me at the nearest Asari pleasure house?"  Tobias said with a smirk.

"Don't push me Tobias.  We haven't found a planet yet.  And here's your dinner."  Max tossed a metal tray of slop through the bars and left the brig.

Tobias took a look down at his "meal."  "I should write a complaint to the chef."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 24, 2013, 10:54:59 pm
"Why not?  I could use some company," Brandon replied, giving her a smile.  "I just hope the food's actually worth eating, though at this point I don't think my stomach will care."

He motioned for her to follow with his new-found sense of direction.  "I'm Brandon, by the way," he continued as they walked, extending his right hand in greeting.  "Brandon Miles."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 10:59:32 pm
Kat shook his hand, noting that it was a strong one, with scar tissue along it. "I'm Katrin, Katrin Ilnata, but you can call me Kat." she smiled. "And I'm sure there's something there, but be glad you're levo. The dextro stuff looked pretty bad, and I should know. I had to cook for a Turian... Friend of mine, before."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 11:07:20 pm
No sooner had Kat spoken when the ship lurched beneath her, leaping into FTL. She stumbled and reached out for something to grab, accidentally taking hold of Brandon's arm.

"Aah!" She cried. "Well that was a fast hour. Looks like we'll need to take a rain check. Pretty sure they've shut down the mess now." When she saw what she'd grabbed, Katrin leap back. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 11:15:05 pm
Jerking awake at the jump, Ilste grumbled. Not anything specific, just about life in general. Certain that he'd feel better after a morning coffee, he stumbled into clothing that was acceptable enough to not be confused as sleepwear, and moved towards the cafeteria.

"One last chance. You had this whole day to finish sending letters, saying farewells, downloading old movies and you sleep through it all. I hope it's busy there, because it'll get real boring real quickly without the stuff you put there."

Rounding the corner, he turns too sharply and runs right into the Drell Doctor and her human... Companion? Didn't know she was married. Must introduce myself.

"Good morning Kat. I take it this is your husband?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 11:18:16 pm
Katrin removed her hand immediately, extremely glad that her species couldn't 'blush' in the traditional sense. "Uh, no. This is Brandon Miles, I just met him. I'm not married."

You ****.

Shut up Kat, this is YOUR fault.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 11:21:54 pm
"Apologies. You were close, and I assumed a relationship that was not there."

Sticking out his hand, Ilste said "Pleased to meet you. I'm Ilste, I used to teach Xenoanthropology and Archaology at the OPE Academy. You can call me Sal."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 24, 2013, 11:29:14 pm
Brandon had been surprised at the sudden lurch of the craft, more still of Kat grabbing a hold of his arm for support, but he held himself well enough.

Now a salarian had stumbled upon them in what might quickly become an awkward conversation.

He returned the gesture to "Sal," as he introduced himself as.  "I'm Brandon.  It's nice to meet you."

He noticed Kat seemed somewhat embarrassed, or so he thought.  "Uh, anyway, if we get the chance, I'd like to take you up on that offer.  Might as well head back to the cabins, I guess.  Not sure what else to do now other than wait."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 11:33:26 pm
"Alright then," Katrin said. "Maybe when we land?" She turned to look at Sal. "Hey, Sal. You get restless too?"

(Mod Note: I'm going to be out in a bit. When I return tomorrow, the ship'll have landed, Unless Revan wants to land it herself.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 24, 2013, 11:41:51 pm
"More along the lines of stopped resting. Was going to head to the cafeteria for breakfast, but with the last jump all that's probably left is the dregs at the bottom of the carafe. Still, better than nothing. I'll see you after a bit."

Giggling to himself, the Salarian walks off humming an almost childlike tune, fading as he got further away.. "Katrin and Brandon, sittin' in a tree. K. I. S. S....
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 24, 2013, 11:45:32 pm
(I SHALL LAND IT MYSELF LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD I WANT ACTION BAAAAAAAAM)

The lurching of the ship jostled Isani violently, and she fell forward from her corner, one foot landing hard against the corner of a crate, sprouting pain. She was certain she a bruise would sprout up soon.

Being down here had been foolish. She made for the stairs, heading to her room, and saw that the hallway was now blocked by three conversing persons, one recently stepping away. Isani paused.

I ought to introduce myself.

"Hello," She called out as she walked, subtly limping, towards them. "My name is Isani Tolar, I'm an archeologist."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 11:49:54 pm
Kat whirled around as Isani approached. "Ah, Isani! Wondered when I'd see you again. And may I say, I wasn't being mean the other day." She winked.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 24, 2013, 11:55:04 pm
"I did not think that you were," Isani replied. "Though your behavior did confuse me. I'm afraid that I am not accustomed to Drell culture. I hope that my ignorance does not offend you."

The ship lurched again, and the intercom blared about an asteroid belt causing interference, and asked that the passengers make their way to the upper deck's seating area for the next few minutes.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 24, 2013, 11:55:18 pm
Bernuk moved to the hallway--"Doctor Ilnata, I believe you said you were in a position of authority--have we arrived?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 24, 2013, 11:59:53 pm
Kat was ready this time, she didn't need someone to hold onto. When Bernuk poked his head out of the doorway she responded. "Seems like it, Professor. Might want to make your way to observation."

She then turned to Isani. "Oh I didn't mean anything by the other day. It was mostly pointed at you-know-who. What do you say to dinner or something? Wouldn't mind getting to know somebody If I'm spending 2 years with them" she said with a smile, using the images of the Asari in her memory to mentally undress her.

Kat, this is unprofessional. Stop it, you creepy ****.

Shut up Katrin. I'm in control here, and I'm fixing your poor first impression.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 25, 2013, 12:05:39 am
"Well, certainly." Isani agreed readily. "Though I'm not sure how separate our divisions will be. I will try to make time."

"This is a fast ship, from what I've heard we should be arriving within the hour," Isani said, pondering. "I suppose now would be a good time to get some rest. I will see you in the morning." She nodded to Kat and Bernuk, giving Bernuk a smile in hopes of friendship.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 25, 2013, 12:09:23 am
"Expect we'll be working together Dr. Isani, since we're both in archaeology," Bernuk said, "See you planetside."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 12:13:43 am
Kat nudged her side. "And I'll likely be in medical. Pull up anything biological, and I get the feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other." she smiled. "I guess we'll have to wait and see." Kat walked away, in the direction of her cabin, Katrin fuming inside her skull.

We're going to have to talk when we get back to the cabin.

looking forward to it, Katrin.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 25, 2013, 12:18:18 am
Heinrich stepped off the shuttle and onto the planet proper, he hadn't been briefed on its name or even it's coordinates. The light drizzling rain that landed softly on his upturned face was surprisingly warm, and the clouds above were a thick black tide that undulated with the wind.

 He shook his head and continued on towards the building itself, passing the guards and entering a dull gray prefab that was mostly empty save for a few bunks. He dropped his things beside one of the beds and drew out his laboratory tools, leaving the bags splayed open as he left. Following the signs led him straight to the command center, and he wasted no time in getting answers. Addressing the whole room, he spoke loud enough for all.

"Now will someone please tell me why I was dragged from my outpost so suddenly?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 25, 2013, 12:19:04 am
South was still sitting in the Mess hall -sans datapad- when the ship lurched violently into FTL. It didn't bother him that there wasn't anyone around to chat with, There was 2 long years ahead of him for chatting. For now, all he could do was think about nothing until he arrived. He activated his holographic HUD to further isolate himself from reality and check the time. He hadn't slept since the power nap which destroyed his datapad. Fortunately, he had most of his vital data stored in the HUD's computer, which rested on top of his right ear like the frame of a pair of glasses.

Two years at an isolated research station with a couple of Salarians, the asari who doesn't seem to be bothered by your presence, and the drell, who was probably flirting with you. This ought to be fun.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 12:25:11 am
Entering the cafeteria, Ilste spied South and went over.

"Good morning. I hope you're feeling better, and doubly hope that you didn't have anything irreplaceable on your datapad." Pulling up a chair, he sticks out his hand. "My name is Edward Wong Ha... wait that's my anime. I'm Ilste, you can call me Sal."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 25, 2013, 12:29:10 am
South powered down his HUD and shook Sal's hand. "My name is David Clark. But as long as we're throwing around nicknames, you can call me South. Nice to meet you Sal."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 25, 2013, 12:30:00 am
(lol grunt everyone's still on their way there. I think you're addressing NPCs unless you just arrived on the ship? also it takes a ship to get to the far-off planet we're headed to. Confusion lol.)
                     
ETA: ONE WEEK UNTIL ARRIVAL AT PLANET IN ANAPOL SYSTEM.



v(alright hmmm just not sure how to respond there. maybe have him be shown his quarters so he can wait for the rest to arrive and be debriefed w/ them?)v
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 25, 2013, 12:33:37 am
(was given permission to arrive ahead of time by nozz, rev. and as for shuttle, I didn't mean a Kodiak. Just something not military and FTL worthy.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 12:35:18 am
(Understood. I'm going to bed soon anyways, got to be up early, so I'll have my character disengage in the next two posts.)

"The pleasure's all mine" Getting up and grabbing a cup of coffee and the hash browns that the staff hadn't cleared away yet, Sal sits down and eats. "So what's the story? Just along for the adventure?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 25, 2013, 12:42:31 am
Icarus' tracking device began sending erratic reports, indicating the ship had jumped to FTL. It sat at the helm of a decommissioned turian corvette on the opposite side of the planet from the research station. Once the ship had dropped off the scientists and left again Icarus would lift off and fly in closer to the base to save him a 15 week trip on foot across inhospitable terrain. Then It would collect as much data it could from outside observation before heading in to collect any other useful data. It was a sound strategy.

[ETA 1 hour. Power down all systems and cease transmissions until Ship has departed from orbit.]
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 25, 2013, 12:44:40 am
Quote
"So what's the story? Just along for the adventure?"

"For the most part yes. What made you want to spend two years of your life out here in the middle of nowhere?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 12:47:30 am
"I grew tired of teaching the same lessons over and over to students who were older than I. I got a letter giving me the opportunity to try something new, so I decided to go. Plus digging things up is surprisingly therapeutic, and at my age I need a relaxing trip."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 12:51:39 am
The Cabin door slammed shut behind her, and Katrin removed her clothes, placing them back in her luggage. She curled into the small cot and was quickly into the realm of sleep. Her sleep schedule was hardly regular, and Jet Lag could kill in the medical profession.



Katrin opened her eyes to find herself sitting across from... Herself. Kat.

Kat was wearing her usual getup, the familiar tight shirt and loose jeans, while Katrin wore her medical scrubs, still stained with blood from the war. Kat had her normal mischievous smile on, and leaned forward. They were sat at a table in The Colt, one of Katrin's favourite pubs on Earth, a safe place for her since she'd first arrived on planet. Mitch the bartender stood behind the bar, and one could hear his father Seamus cooking up something in the kitchen.

"So Katrin." Kat said, bringing a glass of a black alcohol to her lips. "We're here again. Everyone in this pub is dead. You know that right? Yet we always come back."

"Kat, you're going too far." Katrin replied as Mitch placed a lighter coloured lager in front of her with a smile.

"On the house, doc." The Irishman said with a smile.

"Thanks Mic." she replied before turning back to Kat. "Ever since that day, you've been floating around in my head, forcing me to do things I don't want to do. I wake up all the time with strangers in my bed, just because of you. Because of you, I've got the reputation as that **** doctor that gets results."

"You don't get it, do you?" Kat sighed. "For a shrink, you're shitty at self-diagnosing. I'm the part of you that wants to move on, have fun, remembering Mitch, Seamus and everyone, yet living my own life. You're stuck in that day, you bury yourself in work, and you're terrified of the memories."

"I am not!" Katrin yelled.

"See it your way. On some level, you know I'm right." She took another drink. "Katrin, we're the same person, you just need to let go and let us be."

"No! I swear to the gods, that I will never surrender to you. You may be able to get loose, take control, but I am the real Katrin. You are a fragment of my psyche that shouldn't be! You are not Katrin!" She continued, crying a little.

"Are you so sure, if you have to defend it like that?" Kat replied, getting up with her beer. "Hey Mitch, I'll finish this outside!" She called, before walking out the door. Leaving Katrin crying: "I am Katrin... I am..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 25, 2013, 12:56:33 am
"That sounds alright." South replied. "Sorry to cut this conversation short, but I need to get some beauty sleep. Goodnight"

South put his head down on the table in front of him and passed out cold.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 25, 2013, 01:01:59 am
He followed the current lead paleontologist to the medical bay, reading the brief on a datapad as they walked and spoke. The dimly lit hallways passed by almost like he were in a trance, the mans voice like a droning college professor.

"We can't say for sure yet what they are, we didn't want to get in too close and ruin anything. Some of the specimens are... quite old." Nodding slowly, he managed to restrain his excitement at the prospect.

"Good thinking, there's no telling what contaminants you might have let loose from them. Give me a sterilized room and 24 hours, I'll be able to tell you anything you want to know."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 01:03:50 am
Shaking his head, Ilste gets up. Smiling, he takes out a roll of tape and marks it around the passed out form of his new co-worker.

"I wonder how many people I can convince to go along with this."

Walking towards the quarters, scheming of false murder scenes around his narcoleptic friend, he heads to the general quarters to recruit the staff.

(End scene, If DM Approves I successfully convinced several of the cooks and janitors to pose as forensic technicians, take photographs, and question those who came by while he was sleeping. This continued in front of the watchful gaze of the other scientists when the scene was spotted near lunchtime, who got the pants scared off of them when the Dead Man started to rise.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 06:43:36 pm
Katrin, or rather Kat, woke up feeling rather shitty. When she'd left Katrin in the Colt to figure herself out, she didn't expect her to take it so hard, completely shutting her other half out. Kat got out of bed, threw on some clothes, took some pills, and went out to find one of two things. Alcohol, or someone to mess with. It was then that she saw Sal at the entrance of the Crew Quarters.

"Hey Sally!" She called out, waving him down, "What's up?"

(Charles, operation **** with south is go. Repeat, operation **** with south is go. THE MODERATOR OF HEARTS HAS SPOKEN. WE ENCOURAGE SPONTANEITY.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 06:49:19 pm
(Apologies, I'm going to be attending a Doctor Who 50th anniversary event in a little bit, will try to make scene less awkward before I leave.)

"Doctor, I'm sorry to ask you this but where were you between the hours of 0930 to 1150 hours shipboard time?"

(Feel free to take over character until I return.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 07:03:56 pm
"Depends where you want me to be, Sally." Kat replied, intrigued.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 25, 2013, 07:14:58 pm
It had been a day and nobody had told Bernuk anything about what they would be doing.  He was fuming.  A day with barely anything to do; it was enough to drive a salarian mad--he couldn't even doze away most of the hours because of his damnable biology. 

Livid, he thought as he prowled the hallways of the ship, is another excellent synonym.  He spied a target--some poor maintenance crewman repairing a panel.

"You!" Bernuk shouted, raising a finger at the human woman, "Obviously not in charge, but go tell boss.  Have been waiting a standard day!  A day!  And I still do not know what my responsibilities will be when I arrive at the dig site.  Unacceptable.  Go!  Now!  Don't wait, NOW!" 

The woman had a good two feet on Bernuk, but the anger in his voice and his attitude sent her running.  Not her fault...but maybe will get results.  Cannot believe unprofessionalism here.  Almost makes asari look like real academics.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 07:50:30 pm
(MOD NOTE: We are delaying the flash forward to allow newer characters development 'twould be unfair otherwise.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 25, 2013, 08:32:34 pm
(Sigh....that's what I get for playing a space pirate.  Can't enter the story until everyone is on the planet.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 25, 2013, 08:35:56 pm
(Sorry Durandal... :( by tomorrow, for sure, we will have landed. Sorry for the delay.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 08:36:16 pm
(Sorry Durandal. Kinda my fault for not leaving allowance for latecomers. We'll be there tomorrow. Sal has tonight to do his thing.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 09:08:47 pm
Sal couldn't help but laugh a little. "What would you say to a false crime scene?"

Kat was suddenly intrigued. "Go on."

As the Salarian detailed his plan, Kat felt her eyes widen. "Ooh you are a devious one Sally. Count me in." she replied. "But for now, I think I'll wander about for a bit, I've got some stuff to take care of." she added as she walked away, wondering when Katrin would talk to her again.

You still there, love? she asked, when no reply came she added Of course not. she sighed.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 25, 2013, 09:46:24 pm
Brandon laid on his cot in his cabin, simply staring up into the ceiling as he reflected.  He wasn't bored, but he wasn't content.

He'd spent a good amount of time holed up in his room, looking over past extranet files, reading over the newest edition of Chemistry and Engineering, browsing for a new omnitool and shuddering at the prices.

I guess this is what you get when you're forced to leave from research, he thought with a sigh.  The chemical burn scars across his arms agreed, a stark reminder of how unforgiving some mistakes could be.  While not horrendous, the scars might certainly prove unnerving to some, and had done so in the past.  Still, he was always told that scars added character; some even went so far to say that women liked scars... but he'd believe it when he saw it.

Brandon drew a deep breath, and sat up, getting his shoes on as he made himself ready to leave.  He felt he'd take another look around the ship at least.  They would be landing eventually, and he'd hardly spoken to anyone aboard.

Resolved, he stepped outside and headed down the hallway.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 09:54:39 pm
Enthused at the prospects of a Doctor joining his little scam, the Salarian quickly began furthering his venture. Supplies from the kitchen to create a false bloodspatter, temporary repurposing of a ship's repair drone with a camera, the scene quickly became that of someone walking up behind surreptitiously.

[12:30 Hours, ship's time.]

A small crowd was beginning to gather outside the mess hall. Holotape from Ilste's omni-tool to mark off the scene, drone flying about taking pictures of various items and locations within the room, and a pair of cooks who cleaned up very well acting as assistants to the doctor, Ilste began questioning those who showed up.

"For the records of Exo-Geni corporation, please state your name, profession, and a statement of where you were between 0930 and 1200 hours today."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 10:00:10 pm
Kat found Brandon in the hallway, wandering, like she was. "Hey Brandon!" she called out, "What's up?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 25, 2013, 10:06:08 pm
"Oh, hey Katrin!" Brandon replied, happy to see a friendly face.  "Not much, I guess.  Was getting a bit of cabin fever, so I decided to stretch my legs."

He started to walk alongside the drell, matching her strides.  "So, now that we have a moment, want to head to the mess?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 10:07:34 pm
She shrugged. "May as well. I've got nothing better to do." she walked alongside him as they moved through the hall
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 25, 2013, 10:24:40 pm
"Ha, true enough." Brandon laughed as they walked.

The two reached the mess hall, several crew members walking about and eating what was being served.  From the looks of it, the Levo-menu today was a reconstituted Salisbury steak with potatoes and gravy.  Brandon grimaced, but figured it was better than nothing... at least, he hoped it was.

Grabbing a tray from a nearby stack, he moved down the aisle getting a various assortment of 'ship food.'  "So, Katrin, what are you doing aboard the Arethusa?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 10:30:08 pm
Kat sighed. "Well, I had some problems back at Huerta, and this was the easiest way out. Well, it seems Sal's having a field day." She noted, taking her coffee and tray of food and walking alongside Brandon.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 10:36:29 pm
Various staff members were in a state of near panic. The sight of the "dead man" in front of them, and the ever-so-helpful texting module on everyone's omnitool kept bringing more and more people to the scene, including several of the junior officers of the ship.

Did I take this one too far? Probably. No way out now. I wonder if there's a storage of farm tools onboard for my lynching.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 25, 2013, 10:39:22 pm
"Huerta Memorial?  No kidding!  I used to do some research with them back on the Citadel!  Also had a bit of a misstep there, needed to search for other opportunities."

He sat down, Katrin seated across from him.  "So, what did you mean about Sal having a field day?  Something going on?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 25, 2013, 10:39:41 pm
He'd waited several hours and he'd gotten nothing.  Not a single word from a ship's officer.  No data on job?  Highly irritating.  There seemed to be nothing for it.  Reluctantly, he opened the door to his whitewalled cabin and headed to the mess to get something to eat.

If nothing else, He thought, Will gain weight from all this eating and lack of exercise.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 10:41:19 pm
Kat chuckled. "You'll see." She drank her coffee. "Kalihira's ****, that's a shitty cup of coffee. Say, can I ask you something?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 25, 2013, 10:46:36 pm
"Sure," Brandon said with a small smile... or at least he tried, given how the food tasted.

He swallowed the mouthful down.  "What would you like to know?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 10:53:22 pm
"I've got a... Friend. She operated alongside me during the war, but... She's lingering on this one day. We lost a lot of friends that day, but even now she's withdrawn into herself, burying herself in work. I've tried to snap her out of it, but... Let's just say she's not talking to me anymore." she took a breath, it was hard to explain exactly what was going on between her and Katrin, without coming across as mental. "Do you know anyone in a similar position? I'm at a loss, honestly."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 25, 2013, 10:54:07 pm
Heinrich Von Salza entered the clean room inside the med-bay, snapping his latex gloves on over his hands and prepping himself for the autopsy. He had his recorder handy, ready to input any notes and comments into his file for playback when he showed his finding s to others. The clean room had a large bulletproof window to allow a group of onlookers to watch the dissection, but he didn't really care about them. His eyes were fastened on the mummified corpse before him, and they practically sparked in anticipation. This was the kind of thing he lived for.

"Begin recording on autopsy specimen one. Let's get started shall we?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 25, 2013, 11:26:42 pm
Brandon took a moment to think on her question.  He'd been expecting some casual conversation, maybe something about his line of work, plans when they landed.  This was a different turn.

"...That's pretty deep, Katrin.  I know a lot of people were affected by the war... I mean, it was pretty much the end of the universe.  Nobody really came out the same afterwards."

He took a breath before he continued.  "I never knew too many soldiers in the war, but... I lost my father after the Reapers attacked Elysium.  We got separated, and the Reapers targeted the evacuation ships as we tried to leave the Relay... his ship didn't make it."

Brandon felt a lump in his throat, and needed a moment before he started again.  "It was... horrible, knowing that there was nothing you could do, and you were helpless to stop what was coming.  The worst part was that the war ended only weeks later.  My Mom was beside herself with grief, and almost refused to talk with us.  She put the blame on anyone she could, wishing that he'd been with us in place of another, or even that she'd been on the ship with him.  My sister ended up having to care for her back on the Citadel... had we not been targeted for just a while longer, my Dad would still be alive, and I'd probably still be back on the colony.  I guess it's just another one of those things that..."

He shook his head, rubbing at his eye to hide a tear.  "Sorry.  You didn't need to hear all that.  I guess... just keep trying to reach her.  Don't push her too much, but if she's walling herself off, you need to find a way in.  It may take more than once, but it's better than letting her deal with it herself."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 11:33:24 pm
Kat exhaled. "Thanks Brandon. She's been a friend of mine for a while, and to be honest? She's what keeps me out of trouble. Bad relationships, situations I got over my head in. It's strange for her to shut herself off like this." She shook her head. "Anyway, I'm sorry I made you bring that up. Let's enjoy the show."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 11:42:03 pm
(Was expecting Meddia to show up before now, or someone else who needed an introduction to answer the questions. ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL)

Finally, the worst possible thing had happened. The captain had arrived. Demanding an explanation for what was going on, South began to stir at the sound of the yelling.

S: "Bluuugh..."

The captain stopped, turned at the sight of the dead man, and ran screaming from the galley at the top of his lungs.

S: "What the hell just happened, and why am I covered in tape and... steak sauce?"

Ilste's laughter continued long enough that many thought he would pass out. The crew was amused at the flight of the captain. South proceeded to pass out once more, and the "investigators" cleaned up the mess around the sleeping man.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 11:46:28 pm
Kat burst out laughing when the Captain ran out screaming, unable to constrain herself. "Serves you right, Aurora!" She called out, unable to stop cackling like a madwoman. She was actually half-glad that Katrin wasn't around to ruin the fun she was having.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 25, 2013, 11:51:47 pm
Bernuk looked up from his coffee mug at the screaming.  He'd avoided the body on the floor--dead bodies bothered him, but apparently he needn't have done so--it had all be some sort of plan.

Seeing Dr. Ilnata, he called over, "That wasn't the captain who just ran screaming out of the mess?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 25, 2013, 11:53:05 pm
(Oh ****, two Salarian Coffee Addicts)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 25, 2013, 11:55:41 pm
"That is was!" Kat replied. "By the gods that was hilarious!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 26, 2013, 12:00:04 am
"And that man is in charge of safely navigating us to our 'top secret' destination," Bernuk sighed, annoyed that he still didn't have any answers, "May the human hypothesis of 'Murphy's Law' remain unproven conjecture."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Brains on November 26, 2013, 12:03:17 am
Brandon couldn't help but join in with the laughter.  He wasn't sure how Sal managed it, but it was a pretty good prank.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 26, 2013, 12:04:41 am
Kat waved the Salarian off. "We're in FTL. One week from now, we'll be setting down on the planet. He'll get over it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 26, 2013, 12:08:00 am
"Have you found out anything about what we're going to be doing?" Bernuk needled obliviously, "I haven't been able to get a straight answer from anyone in the crew...and now that captain has run off, it appears I will have to wait longer.'
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 26, 2013, 12:10:01 am
Settling down from his laughter, Ilste joined them both at the table.

"Apologies, I had not known someone was looking for the captain. I would not have engaged in such a performance otherwise."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 26, 2013, 12:11:20 am
"Ahhh Quit your bitching." Kat said dismissively. "You're not in charge here, Bernuk. You took the money, so you're going to have to accept that we'll be told when we get there. It's not exactly baby's first dig here, there's a reason for it to be classified."

She then turned to Sal. "Gotta admit, that cheered me up. Well done."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 26, 2013, 12:19:50 am
"No apologies necessary, Doctor?" Bernuk asked the salarian with one antennae , "Couldn't have possibly known I was looking for him."

Turning to Dr.  Ilnata, "I hardly feel that being curious as to know what my responsibilities will entail or who I will be working with is 'bitching' Doctor.  And speaking of in charge, I haven't found anywhere in my contract that puts me actually under your jurisdiction.  In fact, it says nothing about you or anyone else on this ship for that matter.  Possibly apt name, 'Arethusa.'  In human mythology she disappeared while fleeing in fear, eventually becoming mingled in the sea.  Here we all are, fleeing to an unknown destination with little idea of our duties or work."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 26, 2013, 12:23:04 am
"Not a doctor, though I am flattered that you thought me to be one. My work focused more on practice than theory, though I have performed at least some original research." Straightening up, he says "I'm Ilste, a former agent of the Orlinna Protection Examiners, and teacher of Xenoanthropology. You can call me Sal."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on November 26, 2013, 12:27:02 am
"Not a doctor?" Bernuk tilted his head, "Excuse me, but I took you to be a deal older than myself.  So you are a former law enforcement agent?  Did you teach at the academy?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 26, 2013, 12:30:14 am
"You are correct on both age and teaching location. I was growing rather tired of teaching men who are technically older than I about something I mastered when they were children, so I decided to apply for jobs on research digs. Much to my surprise, I was contacted by Exo-Geni less than a month later. I'm not certain how that happened, but it provides a wonderful opportunity to do something new."

(Side note: I'll be unavailable both tomorrow and Thursday due to travel and Thanksgiving respectively. Feel free to do what you will with my character, just PM me if you have a specific question necessary for an interaction you have planned).
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 26, 2013, 12:35:03 am
The Salarian continued to irk Kat, he reminded her of Katrin, but with a stick rammed so far up his ass he could poke it through his ears. She stood up and left the mess. "Whatever. I've got better things to do." she headed back to her cabin, closing and locking the door behind her. She entered a meditative pose taught to her during her therapy long ago.



Within her mind, she found herself standing outside The Colt. She could still hear Katrin crying inside. The Drell tried to open the door, the way into Katrin's part of their mind, but found it locked.

"Katrin! Open up!" she yelled, pounding on the door. "Open up! Please!"

(I'm out for the night. I got some **** in the morning.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 26, 2013, 07:17:20 am
Katrin heard Kat banging on the 'door'. The heavy oaken door of The Colt. She didn't exactly know why she didn't want to leave, but it made sense to her. Kat was right, she was stuck in that day, buried in work and terrified of her own past. If this was her slipping into that comatose flashback state, she didn't care. Not at all. She continued nursing the lager in front of her, entirely aware that none of it was real.

"What should I do?" she said to herself. "I'm useless, a stick in the mud."

She was actually surprised when Seamus came out of the kitchen and sat across from her, his gruff looking face and white beard sharply contrasting the kindly Irish brogue he spoke with. "What's the matter Doc?" he asked. "You can't tell me that you're ready to give up. Not when that Kat keeps gettin' herself into trouble."

"I don't know what to do, Seamus." Katrin replied. "I don't even know who the Real Katrin is anymore, am I the fracture? Or is she? She's so free, unrestrained. I remember being like her once, I think." She gave a small chuckle. "After all, it's obvious I'm already crazy. I'm talking to-"

"A dead man?" Seamus finished. "Don't look so surprised. I know this is all in your head, but you need to realize that Kat was right about one thing. You're the same person, deep down. And she cares for you, in her own crazy way. You can hear her pounding dents in my door, can't you?" he finished with his bellowing laugh, just like she remembered.

"Thank you Seamus." Katrin replied with a smile. "I think... I think I'm ready."

She stood and walked to the door, opening it to come face to face with Kat. "Kat, it's my turn to be in control."

(Time Skip is now in effect. Act like the ship has landed.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 27, 2013, 01:42:01 am
Heinrich wiped his brow in exhaustion, a thin sheen of sweat on his body from the hours he'd spent in the autopsy room. The ship full of new arrivals had just breach the atmosphere according to the base security monitor system, but he had little concern for the fact. Speaking into his recorder again, he dug back into his work.

"Specimen two is bipedal in form, humanoid in stature and bone structure, though little else resembles us. Hard exterior skin more akin to chitin than anything else. Organs similar to most spacefaring species today, along with an incredibly acute anterior pituitary gland. This could stem from any number of traits, most likely involving an over aggression to its prey." Grabbing the scalpel from his tool kit, he leaned over the still intact corpse. "Making initial incision along the frontal lobe."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 27, 2013, 08:44:07 pm
South grabbed his duffel bag and a briefcase and made his way to the exit. The halls were virtually empty on the way there. When he arrived at the airlock, most of the scientists were gathered around one of the junior officers, who was briefing them on the planet's surface. South joined onto the back of the group and listened in.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 27, 2013, 09:51:33 pm
Katrin's week had been, for lack of a better term, shite. She hadn't felt comfortable around a good number of the crew, especially since the majority of them had seen her as Kat. And their discussions had always seemed stilted, as if Kat, despite all of her boisterousness, had been walking on eggshells. The Psychologist in her put it down to being confined to a ship for a week, and she couldn't wait to be able to sit down in her new facility, be it med-bay or morgue, surrounded by the familiar tools of her trade. With a soft sigh, she slung her bags on her back and headed to the airlock, awaiting the head researcher to breif them.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 28, 2013, 02:09:17 am
Placing his trunk on the dolly, Ilste rolled what possessions and tools he had brought with him towards the airlock. Sighing wistfully at the opportunities lost for new materials over the extranet, he reminded himself of the new experiences that he was certain to have with the rest of the staff. Having already made a friend in Kat, and possibly two more in South and Bernuk, the future was looking bright indeed. Stopping in the bay, he began to listen to the briefing in progress.

(Welcome, welcome to Digsite 17. You have chosen, or been chosen to relocate to one of our finest remaining archaeological sites. [/breencast])
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 28, 2013, 02:16:24 am
Slowly driving his hand further into the mass of innards on the table before him, Heinrich tried his best to ignore the smell coming from the corpse.

"Lower intestinal tract seems to be... ah, defunct before time of death. Indicating that the subject lost use or need of the organs sometime during it's creation. The ah, *sniff* majority of the organs appear to be similar in function, pumping endorphins and a variety of other chemicals to give a sense of... Excitement and success from hunting. If I had to guess, i'd say the creature was made, not born."

He pulled his hands from the corpse and set both fists down to either side, resting on the table and leaning forward to contemplate.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 28, 2013, 10:39:34 am
As the new archaeology team entered the facility (sorry, but I'm moving everyone) a large screen on the wall sprang to life, displaying a middle aged man with dark hair; tinged with gray.

"Welcome to Aratier." He started a predatory glint in his eye, "I am your new employer, Zachary Jove III, CEO and owner of ExoGeni. Deep beneath the surface, this planet is host to a sprawling city, buried by the Protheans to preserve it from the Reapers. This is the first time a ruin has held biological material, and this is an incredible chance for the galaxy. One of my in-house scientists should be just finishing up an autopsy, he'll fill you in." The screen shut off.

"Well. That answered somany questions." Kat said, rolling her eyes.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 28, 2013, 02:41:10 pm
Heinrich grumbled as he was led down the hall by security. He was in no mood to play tour guide, and his sour expression was quite obvious to anyone who looked.

"Shouldn't someone else be doing this? I have a job to-" He stopped as they entered the main hall before the group, sighing heavily and shooing away security to the corner of the room.

"Hello, newcomers. Welcome again to Aratier." He tried in vain to brush off the leftover blood stains and mucus on his lab coat, but only succeeded in smearing it. "I am doctor Heinrich Von Salza, ExoGeni's lead Forensic Pathologist. If any of you work in the medical bay we will be seeing much more of each other I'm sure. Just follow the signs above the blast doors to find your destinations in the base, and please remember we are not allowing contact with the outside galaxy at this time. Anyone who knows the cutting end of a scalpel please follow me."

Heinrich turned and left again for the medbay, fully expecting someone to obey his order and follow behind him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 28, 2013, 02:51:54 pm
Katrin stepped forward after the Human started off towards the Med-Bay. Kat wasn't exactly ecstatic about working under a corporate Goon, but the signs of an obviously aborted autopsy was intriguing in of itself. She jogged a little to catch up, hoping to get right in on the action.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 28, 2013, 03:28:17 pm
Heinrich spoke to the air in front of him as he walked, explaining on the way there to whomever had followed.

"We have stumbled onto to something truly unique here, though I cannot quite place what it is. The corpse resembles a thorian creeper from Feros in many ways, but the guts are completely different. This creature, i'm dubbing it Aratier creeper, seems to have been built rather than transformed." The hallways opened up into the med-lab, which Heinrich quickly slashed his clearance through tjhe security doors and entered. "You will need to procure lab equipment and attire, and... I'm sorry, vhat vas your name again?" His german accent coming through strongly from being so distracted.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 28, 2013, 03:44:13 pm
"Doctor Katrin Ilnata." she replied, in deep thought. "Do you think that the Protheans may have domesticated or enslaved a Thorian at some point? Learned how to create Creepers from there? The presence of a Thorian on Feros means that the Protheans must have at least known of the creature."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 28, 2013, 05:16:13 pm
Heinrich passed through the airlock into the autopsy room, moving to one of the four tables set up with specimens and speaking like he were still in the same room with Katrin. The rooms audio pickups sent the sound back into the exterior observation room she was still in rather clearly.

"I'm not so sure on zat. Nein, I would need much more proof to be able to say if the protheans knew of ze Thorian at all. It stands to reason, however, zat someone did tinker with this specimen. I wouldn't rule out ze protheans, but it doesn't seem like their usual MO. I would almost say ze reapers but... zis doesn't resemble anything like what we saw from zem."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 28, 2013, 05:23:35 pm
Katrin rubbed her chin as she peered through the window. Hmm. Chitinous body, obvious modification. I wonder, what does its brain look like?

"Doctor, I hate to invade a colleague's corpse, but would you mind if I were to take a look?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 28, 2013, 05:54:13 pm
"Hmm? Oh yes yes of course. You may use specimens one and two for any thing you might need to see. I left audio records on ze tables as well." Heinrich was already occupied in the next subject, letting Katrin work.

(I'll be gone for the rest of tonight so feel free to ghost him))
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 28, 2013, 06:40:29 pm
Katrin was scrubbed up in record time, her Omni-Glasses fished from her bag and on her face as she stepped up to the specimen tables. Specimen the first was already cut open, humanoid in form, chitinous skin covering the specimen from head to toe. The brain sat in a specimen jar, and its characteristics intrigued the Drell. "Strange," Katrin noted, "Glasses, record. Subject's brain is atrophied, centres appearing vital to higher thought are minuscule, if not entirely absent, yet centres responsible for instinctive hunting and rewarding this behaviour are enlarged."

Kat tapped on the side of a jar. "Look here, this gland on the underside seems out of place. Could this be how a Thorian communicates with its thralls?"

Katrin pondered this. "But it looks damaged, changed somehow. It doesn't match the rest of the tissue in the brain, in fact, this entire brain seems nonuniform." She moved to the corpse. "Let's see, acidic blood, redundant or vestigial organs. Bipedal orientation... I'm both hoping and terrified that there's a dead Thorian down there."

Kat moved over to the other specimen. "Let's see what's under cloth number two." she said, peeling back the cloth covering. She whistled. "Well this one's different. Quadruped, seemingly natural armour plating..." She pulled open the creature's mouth. "Well damn."

Katrin exhaled in shock. "This one's got sacs in its mouth, looks like one of those spitting lizards on Earth! But what did it spit? Acid, venom?" She grabbed a scalpel and tried to cut through the creature's skin, only for the blade to come away completely dull.

"Holy ****!" Kat exclaimed. "This thing completely ruined the scalpel. Does this mean greater specialization? Soldiers and Workers? This could revolutionize the theories about the Thorian Caste structure."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 28, 2013, 09:23:44 pm
As Kat and the doctor walked off down the hall and into the dissection room, South looked around at his colleges, who were standing around like cattle.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm gonna put away my stuff." and with that, South dashed off down the hall to ask the nearest guard to show him to the dorms. 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 29, 2013, 03:33:50 pm
Heinrich shook his head a bit at this new scientist with him, as she had ignored all of his prior work before setting in. All this recording of hers would accomplish is echoing his own work. Though if he were honest, he couldn't really blame her, she was just as excited and eager as he had been at first.

"The acidic blood in the creatures is rather fast acting, luckily most of it is pooled at the bottom of the corpse with the exception it's productive glands. The mouth cavity is filled with a pod that produces a fast working dissolvent that would, in theory, turn the hit area into a kind of soup. Much like the bite of a spider from Earth."

(For the rest of the group, I said there were signs above the doors leading to the desired areas, no need to ask for directions)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 29, 2013, 04:14:02 pm
Katrin nodded. "Looks like it. This Chitin on the Quadruped, I'm going to call it 'Soldier', seems to be extremely dense. It seems to be highly resistant to cutting and blunt force trauma. You wouldn't happen to have a Plasma-Scalpel, would you? Looks like it'd take some extreme heat to get through this." she tapped on the shell, eliciting a dull thump. "Maybe a mining laser?" She joked.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 29, 2013, 05:41:29 pm
Depositing his belongings in his quarters, Ilste searched through his trunk and pulled out a set of brushes, two small trowels, a hovercam, and four holographic grid-layers. Checking to ensure both hovercam and grid-layers were charged, he set out towards the digsite. Catching a passing guard, he asked him who was in charge of the archaeological site.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 29, 2013, 06:29:07 pm
The guard popped off a salute and answered the Salarian's Question. "The dig is being presided over by Doctor Heinrich, but all archaeologists have the Authority to enter the digsite. There is, however, one issue. There is a tunnel network beneath the city, nobody is allowed to enter due to strange tectonic activity."

(Note: The base is connected to the ruins Via an underground Tram System.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 29, 2013, 09:57:00 pm
(OOC: [This denotes written notes], and this denotes thoughts and emotions. Figured it'd be necessary to have written notes, so made separate thing.)

Entering the tram to the site, Ilste used the base network to determine what areas had already been examined. Upon arrival, he chose a small nearby structure to examine, and set up shop. "...ogramming this thing, it's always such a, AH! Finally on. *ahem*, This is Orlinna VII Cyprus Nona Dstrai Ilste on the planet codenamed "Aratier". I am beginning excavation of the structures in sector two. Starting with an initial sweep of the area, this holocam has been programmed to enter the structure and record the undisturbed site. Once examined, the recordings will be automatically copied to my omnitool. This site will be used for storage of commonly needed materials and possibly a generator."

Releasing the drone to its work, Ilste began observing the surroundings. Concrete or similar material, little weathering on both interior and exterior. Should talk with materials scientists, would enjoy such a durable formula if it can be replicated. No items seen in immediate interior, probably evacuated during their own reaper war. Sketching out the scene and making notes, the drone returned. Powering it down, he reviewed the map and recordings of the structure. [Several open areas, and 1-3 large windows in each room towards the North. Sunlight streaming through the window, a bit bright for working with datapads, but tolerable. Structure empty of materials, small debris pile in the northwest corner of upper level.]

Smiling contentedly at the good start of a project, he began clearing and cataloging the debris. Holocam floating above him to record all findings, he failed to notice several of the broken pieces were smoother than some of the others.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 29, 2013, 11:28:13 pm
Icarus poked It's head up over a rock-covered hill and looked out at the facility in the distance. It was a simple, 2 story tall building with minimal windows and doors. From the design of the building and Icarus' estimates on the project's scale, It came to the conclusion that there was a large subterranean component to the facility. If it could find a surface entrance to the ruin, It could get to the research data inside while decreasing the likelihood of detection. It decided it would wait for a later opportunity to get inside, after gaining more intel.   
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 30, 2013, 01:30:14 am
Heinrich Von Salza rose from a fitful sleep, even his dreams having wanted him to return to work on this fascinating new discovery. Now that he had a team to assist in the gathering of specimens and material, he could really get the venture moving. He sent out a message to the Archeological teams via Omni-tool as he sat up from bed and went to put on his lab coat.

All teams entering the excavation site, please be aware of any biological material therein. Any seismic disturbances could ruin samples, along with air contamination. Please use utmost caution when retrieving samples, and alert a security team immediately when samples are found. Thank you.

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 02:41:30 am
Even while Heinrich had gone for some rest, Katrin still found it impossible to resist learning about the strange new creatures that had fallen into her lap. She did eventually get around to listening to her colleague's notes, and was hardly surprised that he found these creatures just as interesting as she did, though she did notice that he seemed to have omitted, ignored, or missed the peculiarities within the brain, yet she found it difficult to fault him for that. Even Kat was interested, helping Katrin bounce around ideas for how to deal with the conundrum that now lay before them: how to safely dissect a creature with unbreakable skin.

okay, this may sound crazy, but I have an idea. Kat started we use a precision archaeology laser to cut away the exteriour chitin, allowing us inside.

that sounds entirely crazy, Katrin replied, but it's the best we have. I'll put in the requisition order, then we can get some sleep amd hit the ruins. I want to see where we pulled these handsome gentlemen from.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 02:54:58 am
Receiving the message, Ilste bounces one back. Understood. Currently digging in unexamined region, no biological remains found. Some metallic alloys in walls that the omni-tool isn't familiar with in wall, will send sample to labs. Having completed an initial search of the area, with little digging possible, Ilste gathered his holocam and headed back towards the main area with the samples.

Well, at least now I've got an idea of the necessary tools.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 30, 2013, 03:07:25 am
Heinrich wasted no time putting his scrubs and mask back on and re-entering the autopsy room, wanting nothing more than to see what else he could discover. So far he had only one specimen untouched, and he intended to leave that for later. Perhaps he could use it in a presentation to his higher ups.

He'd read Katrin's reports, noting her observations on the Quadruped's durability. He sighed and pulled out the second Biped recovered from the ruins several weeks before. Taking the Omni-blade from the nearby gurney out, he set about cracking the stomach region open. He used the same technique as before, prying the chitin back with force and popping it open like a turtle shell. It was something he was loathe to do, but for science, he would use brawn when needed. The resulting snap of cartilage and bone didn't even faze him by this point, after about a thousand such instances it lost the sickening overtones.

"Stomach of subject two is more or less the same in content as the others. Organs defunct before embalming began, little to no liquid blood, bone structure and excessive adrenal glands throughout the cavity. Will continue to search for abnormalities within the spectrum of specimens I have already observed."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 12:57:13 pm
South got cleaned up and entered the dissection room. He'd never had to dissect anything in his previous careers. He pondered the reasons he might have been brought here based off of his previous work. He designed and set up prosthetic limbs, done minor electrical work based on Prothean schematics, and fart around with acid resistant compounds.

He spotted the doctor working on one of the alien-looking corpses in the room and decided to wait for him to finish what he was doing before speaking up.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 01:51:03 pm
Katrin yawned as she entered the Autopsy room. Before exploring the ruins, she had decided to grab some tools. Looking through the window, she saw South scrubbing up and hovering over the Quadruped. She pressed the button on the microphone. "Hey South." Kat started. "It's Kat, I'd give up on the Quadruped there. The armoured skin's tougher than anything I've ever seen, I've had to requisition a laser to cut through it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 02:08:58 pm
South replied "Have you tried using a power saw yet? they're good enough to cut through a Krogan skull. I don't see how it wouldn't work on whatever these things are covered with."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 02:14:01 pm
"I wouldn't recommend it." Katrin replied. "These things have acidic blood, so even if you did get through, you'd lose most of your face, along with most of the specimen's insides. I'd rather we wait for the laser to come in so we can do this without risk, not like it's going anywhere." Kat then chose to speak up. "I was going to head down to the ruins, try and find something to help us understand why these are so different from what we know of the Protheans, maybe some more specimens, you in?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 02:31:44 pm
"Couldn't hurt. Although you'll have to give me a moment to get out of this outfit. It's not very comfortable."

South took a mental note of Kat not quite saying 'no' to the power saw idea and moved to change into some more comfortable clothing.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 02:34:50 pm
"Alright. I'll grab my tools and meet you at the Tram." Kat replied, scooping up her bag and heading for the airlock.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 02:39:36 pm
South arrived at the tram, his briefcase in tow. Kat was already inside.

"Anyone else coming with us?" South said, putting his briefcase on the floor of the tram.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 02:48:14 pm
"Nope." Kat replied, "After all, it's just a dead city." Katrin turned to face South a touch of worry in her voice, "By the way, this planet's a desert, remember. The air's a little thin, also. A mammal like you should probably be careful."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 02:59:22 pm
"Don't worry about that, I have this covered." South opened his briefcase and pulled out an oxygen mask. "This should suffice." he said, putting it on over his mouth. Once he had tested his mask he closed up his briefcase again.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 30, 2013, 03:07:17 pm
FIRST DRAFT OF MAPS. WILL BE FINALIZED FOR PRETTINESS BUT PLEASE USE AS REFERENCE
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 03:26:28 pm
Kat laughed. "Well that's one way to do it." she smiled at South, "Now let's get going before we meet a Quarian that wants to take you to bed." she added, activating the Tram and sending them hurtling towards the ruined city.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 03:49:49 pm
As the tram rocketed towards the ruins, South turned to Kat. "I understand why ExoGeni would want to have Doctors and archaeologists, but why would they want a prosthetics technician?"

(gone to a movie, back in an hour or two) 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 03:53:10 pm
Kat shrugged. "No idea. Maybe they needed some redshirts, or just someone to laugh at."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on November 30, 2013, 04:29:50 pm
Heinrich hadn't even realized someone was in the room with him until the door hissed closed from the autopsy room. He blinked at the noise, looking around to find it empty once more. He shrugged, returning to his work over the bipedal form.

"Brain tissue is very dissimilar from any brain matter found in other forms of life. First off it is far too small to need a cranium of this size, the anterior pituitary gland takes up the most room at the base of the skull. The remaining bits are more related to instinctual and physical aspects, reducing the thinking ability to nearly nil. The frontal lobe is the second largest piece, meaning sight, fight or flight, smell, touch and hearing are all very in tune." He paused for a minute in his recording, moving the matter gently to the side to get a better look at the eyes.

"Eyeballs seem to be enhanced as well, leading to great night vision and possibly infrared. Heat would likely be sensed via the thermo sensitive pits on either side of the eyes."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 06:27:10 pm
Stepping onto the platform, Ilste noticed a tram pulling into the station. Rather convenient. Connecting his omnitool to the network, he sent out the map of the small building he was using for storage to others for their own starting point in the sector.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 30, 2013, 07:15:35 pm
"Time to take a walk."  Max said as he stood in front of Tobias' cell along with 4 shotgun toting pirates.

"Really?  So soon?  I was actually thinking of redecorating the place and installing a few windows...."

"Let's go..."  The brig door slid open.  Max's voice was deadpan.  He shoved Tobias down the hallway as the four crew members followed, their guns pointed at Tobias' back.  A few moments later and they were at the door to the escape pod.

"So I guess you found a planet.  Is it nice?  Got any beaches?"  Tobias spoke as he was shoved into the pod.

"Damned if I know.  It's a planet, it has oxygen, it's habitable, and most importantly, its not here."  Max retorted.

"I don't suppose I get a care package?"

"I'm giving you your Carnifex with one round.  And you know what, here is your stupid sword.  I'm half hoping you miss shooting yourself in the head and wind up having to impale yourself on that thing to end your misery."

"Why thank you.  Always so touching Max...Would you mind if I had the hat too?  For sentimental reasons?"

"You know what, I don't even want your stupid hat."  Max tossed the thing into the escape pod.  Tobias picked it up off the ground, dusted it off, and placed it back upon his head.

"Well I suppose this is it, gentleman."  Tobias began.

"Yes." Max was still emotionless.  He was too damn tired.

"Do I get any last requests?"  Tobias asked

"No."  And before the conversation could continue further, Max slammed the door to the pod shut and launched it into space.

Tobias had a seat as the pod crashed through the atmosphere.  He could see the spurts of flames streaking across his small port hole.  This wasn't his first ride in an escape pod.  And if he had any say, it wouldn't be his last.  The flames soon faded, and Tobias took the time to see the lay of the land.  He was several tens of thousands of feet in the air, but he could see the mountains and valleys and...a city.  Max aimed to strand him with no way off the planet.  So did he completely miss an entire city?   It wasn't long before the city disappeared behind a mountain.  The landing thrusters of the pod fired, and Tobias was launched back into his seat.  A moment later he was kicking the door to the pod open and stepping out onto the rocky terrain.

Tobias took a deep breath in "Well at least it doesn't smell like ****."  He secured Kara, his M-6 Carnifex, and his sword.  He adjusted his hat, brushed off his long brown coat, and made sure his testicles were still intact.  "Everything seems to be in order."  And with that he took off walking in the direction of the city he saw from the sky.

"One bullet...What a dick."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 08:31:05 pm
Kat had once again donned her Omni-glasses, a gift from one of her old 'boyfriends' that still came in handy for matters both medical and domestic. As the Tram pulled into station, she saw Sal waiting and heard the beep as her glasses highlighted a building in the distance.

As she stepped out, South in tow, she mocked surprise. "Why Sally, a welcome mat, for moi?" She chuckled" what'd you dig up?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 09:32:46 pm
"Not much. Building with no biological remains found, small hole in the wall. I'd say from an explosion, but I didn't see much debris outside the building. I've marked it on the map in sector two, thinking about storage while we're in the area. Did find some unusual metal alloys, thought I'd bring them to the lab and get some batteries to keep everything running in the area. What about you? You ran off like a cat after a mouse, you get something good?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 09:43:09 pm
"Oh you bet your ass." Kat smiled. "We've found some mummified remains on this planet, it's obvious that something destroyed this place, and we may have found out what. It's not Reapers, not unless they changed their MO for this planet, but we may have a new form of Prothean mummified down in the Med-Lab. The top-doc seems to think it's a Thorian, but the more I think about it, I don't buy it. This place is a desert, no way a plant of that size could survive."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 09:53:29 pm
South piped up. "I still haven't figured out why I'm here though. No one has needed me to install any limbs yet. Or figure out Prothean wiring."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 10:07:07 pm
"Well, plants are known for phenotypic plasticity. Assuming that there is a Thorian, and  Thorians are spread from an original source, it's possible that whatever traits exist within the plant allow for radical changes in order to survive. Or perhaps the planet was not always a desert. After all, cities are often built near a water source, perhaps we should look for dried riverbeds outside the city." Turning to South, "As for the prosthetics, I'm not sure. Is the lead scientist heavily augmented, or is there a lab meant for you to work on building them?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 10:19:47 pm
"No one has told me anything to the contrary Sal. It could be possible ExoGeni only looked at my masters degree in microbiology and engineering and said 'Let's hire this guy'. I doubt it, but it could be possible."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 30, 2013, 10:22:37 pm
"Excuse me." A tall Salarian, grey and poised, approached the small cluster of humanoids. He came up into the circle, and regarded each of them with individual disdain, harsh eyes hovering on each of their faces for a long moment."Are you three the new arrivals?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 10:25:06 pm
Kat waved dismissively. "Pfft. There's no way! You know these Exo-Geni types after Feros. They'll see a Thorian in their soups if you yelled it loud enough. After poking about in it's head for a bit, I'm pretty sure what killed this city was a failed attempt at genetic engineering, maybe trying to replenish their numbers after the Reapers left. I mean, look at this place, it seems damn near untouched." Kat took a deep breath of the air. "If you two gents weren't around, I'd be tempted to sun myself like a common snake."

Subtle, Kat.

Don't tell me you don't love this atmosphere, it seems handmade for us.

"By the way Sal, I don't know how long you've been out here, but you may want to get inside. This atmosphere's not good for Humans after long periods, and as a Salarian, you might start desiccating after you lose moisture. May want to snag an envirosuit next time.." Katrin added.

Hold up, **** at three O'Clock. I got this Kat started, turning to face the scientist, standing there in his moisture-suit, an irritated look on his face. "That we are Cap'n." She said with a mock salute. "We're having a little trouble down in the Med-Bay, and until our laser arrives, we figured we'd look for a Prothean hospital or something, see if they left behind any clues to what exactly we have taking up 6 or so slabs down there."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 10:30:34 pm
"My fault, too excited. Fortunately drank a lot at breakfast, still getting a little dehydrated."

"Excuse me." A tall Salarian, grey and poised, approached the small cluster of humanoids. He came up into the circle, and regarded each of them with individual disdain, harsh eyes hovering on each of their faces for a long moment."Are you three the new arrivals?"
"Some of them, yes. I'm Ilste, this is Doctor Katrin, and Mr. Clark. And you are?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 30, 2013, 10:35:40 pm
The salarian's teeth clenched. "Medics and biologists are not given clearance to be in this area. Who sent you over here? If you have a question, you speak with the authorities and they determine what accommodations can be made for whatever needs you've managed to dream up. Take the Tram back and tell security that they've overstepped their bounds and their pay will be subsequently docked."

"As a matter of fact, come with me. I was heading up anyway. I'll talk to them myself." He motioned to the tram. "Get inside."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 10:37:45 pm
"You seem extraordinarily hostile towards the doctor, especially considering she was not told of any areas to be forbidden to her. Why? The trams were public access, requiring no security codes or authorization."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on November 30, 2013, 10:40:22 pm
"Get inside." The Salarian said. "I've asked you once. Is it common for you to disregard orders from superiors?" His eyes narrowed to thin slits. "Cannot stand the type. Perhaps ExoGeni made mistake, bringing you."

(Map shows security room before access point to trams, as well as offices)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on November 30, 2013, 10:44:47 pm
Entering the tram, Ilste remarked, "You had said Biologists. I am an archaeologist, your order did not apply."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 10:45:08 pm
"How about this, love:" Kat started bringing up her Omni-Tool. "I have authorization, from the desk of Heinrich Von Salza, head of operations in the base. I am allowed free access to the ruins, and the ability to bring whomever I wish with me." she smiled, knowing she'd won. The good Doctor had been so busy studying the corpses that he had signed every requisition she had put forth the night before, and boy was it coming in handy now. "Ask the boys up at the checkpoint if you don't believe me, and tell Charles to call me. Now if you'll excuse me, this Lizard has some tombs to rob." She finished with her patented 'I am the master of this domain look' that worked ever so well on her subordinates at Huerta.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 10:58:01 pm
"Security didn't stop me, so why not?" His tone turned cocky. "So much for your power trip my salarian friend."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 11:07:45 pm
(ModCharacters Activate!) The Salarian's eyes narrowed. "Very well, Ms. Ilnata. But don't expect that hotshot to bail you out every time. He's barely been here a week, and yet they made him head researcher because he's some hotshot Human." he grumbled.

"Thanks froggy, have a nice riiiide~" Kat singsonged as the Salarian boarded the Tram with Iste. As it departed, she turned to South. "Now, what do you say we go loot us a Prothean hospital?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 30, 2013, 11:16:26 pm
Tobias had walked for hours with the sun beating down on him.  He was exhausted and bordering on dehydration.  Lucky for him though he simply had to get over this last ridge and the city would be right there.  He began talking to himself as he climbed his way up the rock face.

"First thing I am going to do is pound a gallon of water, then get a steak...No wait...Two steaks.  And an Asari prostitute...At least I hope they have Asari on this planet.  Though with this heat there are probably Drell...Drell can be hot.  Then I'm going to steal a ship, get a new crew, find Max and....OH WHAT THE HELL!?"

At that moment Tobias reached the top of the ridge, and what he saw in front of him was not the vibrant and active city he was hoping for.  It was old, hundreds, maybe even thousands of years.  The buildings were all in various states of decay and neglect.  What he saw from orbit was just a bunch of ruins.

"****! ****! ****! ****!"

It looks like Max wasn't that much of an idiot after all.  He had walked all this way in the heat for nothing.  But at this point there wasn't much left to do but keep going.

"Well...maybe there's a 500 year old shuttle I can hotwire."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 11:18:20 pm
"I might as well as long as I'm here. Who knows, we might even find some 50 thousand year old hospital food. I bet you won't taste a difference if it was made yesterday!"

South immediately regretted making such a shitty joke. Why did I just make such a **** joke? Because you suck, and I hate you. Shut up brain.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 11:24:27 pm
Kat found herself laughing at the joke, even though it was corny. Putting that Salarian in his place, and this glorious atmosphere were making her positively giddy. "Alright then! Now, we need to make sure to avoid any weak ground, the guy at orientation said something about unstable tectonics, and to stay aboveground. So we had best hope we don't find out that the Protheans buried all of their hospitals for fung-shui." she said, looking around. "We may as well start in that building Sal pointed out, after all, he did lay most of the groundwork." she added, heading towards the building.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 11:31:13 pm
South followed Kat to the building Sal mentioned. It was just as empty as he had thought it would be. "It's a nice room, but now what?" He said to Kat, looking around the area.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 11:35:21 pm
"Look for a book, or a terminal, or something." Katrin said, poking through the rubble. "Anything that'll let us know what happened, and how it ties to those gents in autopsy. Even if it's just a picture of ScaleyMcArmourFlesh and their pet, Mr. Kibbles." Kat added. She started pulling rocks from their assorted piles, where they had collapsed millennia ago. "Oh, and South." Katrin said. "If at any point you start feeling lightheaded or nauseous, get back on the tram. That breath mask only solves half the problem."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 11:44:58 pm
South started looking around for something tangible among the multiple pile of debris. "I should be fine Kat. I have some water with me too." He gave a light tap on his briefcase with this foot for emphasis. "If you need something, I probably have it in my briefcase. unless it doesn't fit in here, or is made of a radioactive substance." South noticed he was getting sidetracked and stopped talking. He looked at a low point on a nearby wall and spotted something.

"I think I have something over here!" he shouted.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on November 30, 2013, 11:47:04 pm
Tobias aimlessly wandered through the decayed streets of the city, moving further inside.  He had been to hundreds of worlds, and he couldn't recognize this architecture.  Maybe the place was older than he expected.  He had passed several defunct machines that looked like some kind of vehicle.  But again, he had no idea who would have built them.  The place was a ghost town, no bodies, no bones.  He was getting rather bored.  And so Tobias began to sing.

"She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean, she was the best damn woman that I ever seen..."

And he continued to walk.

"She had the slightless eyes, tellin me no lies.  Knocking me out with those American thighs!"

And as he walked he got into it, growing louder and dancing along to the sound of his own voice.

"And you...SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on November 30, 2013, 11:52:00 pm
"Oh really?" Kat asked. "Let me see!" she stopped as she made her way towards him. "Do you hear something?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on November 30, 2013, 11:57:45 pm
"Yeah, sounds like someone singing ACDC; And if my memory is correct, it's 'You shook me all night long'. Is anyone else supposed to be out here?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 12:04:51 am
"Not that I know of." Kat replied, her giddiness wearing off. "Take that artefact and head back to the Tram Station. I'll 'greet' our guest." she added as she **** her knuckles and ran out the door.

The Drell was sneaking around for the better part of ten minutes, following the sound of the out of tune singing. Eventually, she came across a strangely dressed human wandering the streets. She saw that he carried a long blade and a Carnifex pistol, one of these was more dangerous than the other.

Okay Kat, what's your big plan for this one? Katrin chided from within her mind.

I saw we pounce him, capture or kill him.

Brilliant. Your tactics never fail to- Hey! stop it! she yelled from within their mind as Kat had already pounced, aiming to knock the invader to the ground and disarm him...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 12:08:24 am
Nothing was happened and it was just like Sean Flanagan liked it.  Scoring this gig as security for a big name company as far away from the Citadel or Earth as he could safely get and all he had to do was keep an eye on monitors and patrol a few corridors in a dead city to make sure the special consultants Exo-Gennie hired felt safe.  It was probably the easiest pay check Flanagan had earned since he left the Alliance Navy--and his superiors here were far more mellow and the pay was far higher.

 "Yes," He said to himself as he left the surveillance room to grab a cup of coffee," Certainly 'tis a better way to earn a living than busking and tramping."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 12:13:43 am
"My mind was achin, and we were making it..."

Tobias was in the midst of rocking out pretty hard when he managed to hear the thudding sounds of footsteps approaching him at a rapid pace.  He barely had enough time to sidestep the oncoming attacker, evading what almost certainly would have been his face hitting the pavement.  He instinctively drew Kara (the Carnifex), pointing her large caliber barrel at what appeared to be a Drell woman.  He **** half a smile.

"My dear do you attempt to tackle every random stranger you meet?  Or did my ruggedly handsome looks just have that sort of effect on you?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 12:18:21 am
Bernuk's mind was racing as he gobbled up whatever information the first  archaeologists at the dig had turned up.  It was fascinating and he was glad to be a part of it all.  It even made that awful week aboard the ship worthwhile.  Here, he thought, Is a place I can make my name and show my clutch brothers there's nothing to be ashamed of in loving the past.  And the Asari can't hide the truth forever!  He was giddy, spending all of his time either down exploring the ruins or reading up on the site at the Archeolgy Office.  He couldn't wait until he had enough data to propose his own dig site--one where he'd be able to take the lead this time.   

The thought brought a smile to the usually dour salarian.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 12:21:18 am
Oh, this one's got a sense of humour, I like that...

Kat, don't you dare

"Well, it certainly doesn't help." She said with a coy smile. "After all, I've been here for soooooo long, working my fingers to the bone." she added, moving slowly closer to the man.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 01, 2013, 12:21:50 am
South didn't really know what to do, considering the 'artifact' was permanently fixed onto the wall. He had found the Prothean equivalent of an ethernet jack which he recognized from his time working on the crucible. He pulled out a datapad and noted the presence and location of his discovery regardless. He'd have to see if he could find a compatible device or go back to the research facility to requisition an adapter before he could see if the local network was still up.

It probably isn't. But it would be worth it to check. He thought to himself as he wandered back to the tram, humming the tune of 'You shook me all night long'.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 01, 2013, 12:24:15 am
A year at this research center, and Lila'Naan had enjoyed it more every day. Quiet relaxation in the soft humming lullaby of the engine room, the conundrum of medical equipment to satiate her mind, and the privacy her colleagues allowed her to have was really all she had ever wanted in the universe.

She had a year yet to go, and feared the day it would come. The research facility, though lacking in the warmth and friendliness of a Quarian community, gave Lila'Naan quiet moments to reflect and relax, a reprieve she had long needed, and been long denied since the death of her parents.

She quietly made her way up the stairs from the engine room, into a small, enclosed closet space. Flashing her card against the door, she passed through a narrow hallway, flashing her card once again once she reached the end of it. The lounge opened up before her as the door slid open, and Lila took a step inside before she saw the back of a security guard turning on the coffee tap.

She'd seen him before, he seemed to get along well with his colleagues, popular in a way she had never been. Lila hesitated before walking past him, unsure of how to initiate conversation. Their eyes met, and she waved.

"Hello," She said, heading for the small fridge. Sterilized tubes turian paste were inside, she had stored them in a small box labelled with her name.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 12:26:33 am
"Now now, that's far enough."  Tobias began as the Drell woman approached him. 

"You may have a pretty face, but we've only just met,  what kind of man do you actually think I am?"  Tobias said with a sarcastic and goofy tone.

"We haven't been formally introduced yet.  Captain Tobias Westen, perhaps you're heard of me?"  Giving your name to a complete stranger wasn't the smartest of moves, especially when you're wanted in several parts of the galaxy for over a dozen crimes.  But Tobias' ego trumped common sense most of the time.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 12:31:40 am
"Afternoon, Miss," Flanagan nodded, "Hope your day's been going well."  He gave the quarian a friendly smile as he added a bit of creamer and sugar to his coffee.  She was wearing a blue envirosuit with silver linings, but he hadn't given much notice to the different quarians or any of maintenance people the company had brought on--he mainly socialized with the other humans, turians, and even a few batarians that worked in security.

Trying to be as friendly as possible--Courtesy is part of your job  his supervisor Vavnik had told him, "I don't suppose quarians can have levo coffee?  This stuff's great--the company has got us some real nice brew; best I've ever had."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 12:33:19 am
Arriving at the station, Ilste bade farewell with the other salarian the exact same way he spent the trip. Utter silence, punctuated by a ****-eating grin at the unhappiness caused by the inability of procedure to work on either him or the doctor. Exiting the tram, he searched for the commissary for a cup of coffee.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 01, 2013, 12:40:30 am
"Well," She eyed his steaming mug. "I'd certainly like to try some one day. Though those cacao beans are manufactured, I hear they're better than the original earth version." Lila'Naan nodded in return to his easy smile as she pulled a tube from her small collection and held it clasped in both hands. "The day has been going well. Smooth engines, functional equipment. There's little for me to do besides the usual maintenance. How's yours?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 12:42:09 am
"Now Tobias," Kat cooed, "You wouldn't point a gun at a lady now, would you? I'm Doctor Ilnata, and I have to admit, I just love men in uniform..."

You ****. Katrin chided.

It's saving our life, isn't it? Kat shot back.

"Now why don't you just put the gun down and if you're a good boy we can have a physical"

Okay, I'm going to admit, I'm starting to run out of ideas. If he doesn't fall for this. we're going to have to hope he forgot to put in an ammunition block.

Well done Kat, you've killed us.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 12:49:56 am
"A doctor now?"  Tobias looked the doctor from head to toe before holstering Kara.  After all, how much trouble could a doctor actually give him?

"So what is a pretty little thing like you wandering all alone around a completely abandoned city I wonder?"

Tobias began to connect the dots in his head.  He was an idiot, but he wasn't stupid.

"This planet is pretty far away from anything...So I am assuming you came here with others.  And I assume you have a ship, yes?  I would very much like to make use of it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 12:53:59 am
"The cacao beans are fake?" He tilted his head, "By Christ, the coffee beans better not be or I'll be quite the fool.  I'm Earth born--so I've had the real stuff...makes me feel quite foolish if they've pulled the wool over my eyes."

He gave a quick sip and burned his tongue. "Damn hot though.  That's a good sign."  He blew on it and gave another cautious sip, "Still tastes better than anything I've had in a long time.

"It's been better than good--it's been quiet.  I'll be security is a lot like maintenance: the less they need you to do something, the better things are going." Remembering his manners, he put out a hand, "Name's Flanagan.  You'll be sure to let me know first if the air filters break,"  He added a wink with the last part to make sure she knew he was kidding--he'd found some of these specialist types got offended if you implied their work was shoddy.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 12:55:46 am
Katrin let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. "We don't have one. We were dropped off here and other than supply drops, there's no ships coming for the next 2 years." her eyes narrowed, eager to catch up on the ass kicking this criminal deserved, before Kat decided to have 'fun' with him. "So I suggest you surrender your weapons and come with me, or I'm going to kick your ass clear across the planet."

With her glasses she shot a short nonverbal message to South. South, if you're still here, I need help. One armed assailant.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 01:02:40 am
Reaching the kitchen, Ilste grabbed a cup and poured his coffee. Greedily sucking down the black liquid, he gives a satisfied sigh after half the cup is drained. Ah, I've had my coffee, and now I feel GREAT!

Noticing the pair in the corner, he turns to them and says. "Hello, I'm Ilste, one of the new researchers. You can call me Sal."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 01, 2013, 01:07:16 am
A message appeared on the inside of South's visor as he made his way through the ruins, By the sounds of things Kat needed help. He quickly replied with a quick 'on the way' before starting off towards her as fast as he could manage.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 01, 2013, 01:08:29 am
Lila shrunk at the human's rough words. The beans were all fake. It was easier to manufacture than to cultivate, but Lila thought it better not to bring that up. She hoped she'd get along with everyone here, though not so much that she'd miss them when she left.

She laughed to set him at ease. Jokes, she had found, elevated friendliness only when accepted with warm embrace. She met his hand with her own. "I'm Lila'Naan Nar Guela." The mention of her ship's name brought a few unpleasant memories to mind. It had been a while since she'd introduced herself. "Security, hm? Not much to guard against out here." She chuckled. "Or is there?"

"Hello," She nodded to the new arrival. "Lila'Naan. Welcome! I work in maintenance, but I hear that the research here is 'tantalizing with new discoveries.' That's what my roommate says, anyway..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 01:12:06 am
That news hit Tobias hard.  Two years on this shithole of a planet?  And who would drop a bunch of people off on a planet for 2 years anyway?  There were too many questions right now.  But Tobias was thirsty and hungry.  And he had to admit, the Drell had a fire in her.  At least the company wasn't bad.

"You certainly do have spunk, but no one touches Kara but me.  I'd be awfully upset if she went around cheating on me."  Tobias said as he closed his coat shut around the holster, concealing the weapon.

"But I'm hungry enough to eat a whole thresher maw right now.  So lead the way.  Unless you absolutely want to try to kick my ass."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 01:14:10 am
"Oh it would be oh so very tempting." Katrin responded. "You remind me of a friend of mine, you and her are so damned alike." She pointed towards the Tram Station. "Stay ahead of me, and at least surrender your Thermal Clip."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 01:16:39 am
"Nice to meet you Ms. Nar Guela," he said, letting her hand go, "I sure hope there isn't--I was promised a cushy paycheck and I made sure that my boss knows if I have to actually shoot someone, I plan to sue the company for 'mental anguish.'"

Seeing the salarian approach, he once again offered his hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Sal.  I'm Flanagan, I work in security.  I hope your finding our little rock city to your liking."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 01:18:46 am
Tobias **** a smile again as he reached into his coat and removed the thermal clip from Kara.  He tossed it across the street sending it skidding into a pile of rubble.  It wasn't like he would need that one bullet anymore.

"There was only one shot left in it anyway."  Tobias said as he began to walk ahead of the doctor.

"So this friend of yours, is she as pleasant on the eyes as yourself?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 01:24:08 am
Katrin tried her best not to laugh as she forced the Pirate along. "You could say that we're twins. And seriously? One bullet? What's the matter? Couldn't spring for a new ammo block?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 01:25:44 am
"Well I was meaning to buy more, but as you can see the local supplier was all out."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 01:31:13 am
"A pleasure to meet you both. I hope I wasn't interrupting. I had a rather irritating event with another salarian a moment ago, and needed something to relax." Smiling, "So far I think the area should be fun to work in. I wish I had been informed that I would be working in a desert environment though, I would have brought more appropriate apparel."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 01:31:33 am
"Yeah, it's actually rather hard to get service in this town. It could do with some reforms." Kat replied jokingly, before Katrin pushed her back down. "But I hardly think we're cut out for politics." She recovered as she pressed the button to summon the Tram. She shot another message to South

Intruder's been detained. Meet me at the Tram, bring whatever you found.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 01, 2013, 01:37:12 am
South looked out over where Kat had been a few minutes ago from behind a nearby building and found there wasn't a soul in sight. He moved in to look for clues to where Kat had gone. As he looked around he found a thermal clip in a pile of rubble and pocketed it as evidence. Just then he received Kat's message.

"For **** sake kat." he thought aloud as he started off towards the tram again.

(4am, gonna sleep now, ghost me if you need to.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 01:37:38 am
'Well, I've never met a politician that couldn't be swayed with a good old fashioned gun in his face."  Tobias began as he looked around the platform.  The tram system seemed relatively new and well maintained.

"So, you never actually told me what you and your friends are doing on this planet.  I don't think that tram was built by a bunch of doctors now."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 01:41:05 am
"Well let's see, ancient Prothean City, no squid-heads to keep it to themselves, and a nice pile of money to keep me on planet. That's all I know." She kept her eye on the stranger, waiting for him to make a move, something, anything. She didn't relish having to re-enter the base so quickly, and had actually been looking forward to out-lasting South and spending some time alone in a nice, dry, desert.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 01:41:55 am
"Not at all sir," Flanagan said gesturing to his coffee mug, "I had the early morning shift today, so I'm grabbing a coffee and maybe a bite to eat before I head to my bunk."  He frowned for a moment, "If you have a problem with some of the other personnel, I can take names and a statement and we can set up a counseling session," Remembering the company line, he added, "Cooperation amongst our faculty is very important to Exo-Geni."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 01:45:24 am
"No 'Sirs'. I got enough of that in law enforcement thank you very much. And as for the pre-recorded message, I'm sure the problem will work itself out. He was probably just grumpy over people he didn't know coming into his perceived domain."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 01:48:29 am
Flanagan smiled gratefully, it was a rare treat to work with a salarian who had a good sense of humor and didn't look down on those who couldn't keep up intellectually, "Greatly obliged, Sal.  You know how things are though for a working-class stiff; just got to touch bases and keep you egg-head types happy."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 01:49:40 am
"Ah, money.  I suppose that's the only good reason to come to a place like this."

Tobias' mind began to wander.  "As a Drell this must be paradise for you.  More so than some air-conditioned building.  If you want we could always go find some secluded area of the city and...play doctor."

Of course his mind eventually wanders to the same exact place, every time.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 01, 2013, 01:51:42 am
Lila winced at his 'egg-head types' comment, and tried to smooth things over, cutting in. "So, what's your research background, Ilste? Where are you from?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 01:54:58 am
"I was an agent for the OPE on my homeworld of Orlinna, then I was a teacher at the Academy. Xenoanthropology mostly, lots of digging. Very relaxing work. What about yourselves?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 01:56:57 am
You weren't kidding before... I am very interested in 'playing Doctor'.

Kat, not the time.

"I'm not interested, Captain." Katrin replied. "You picked the wrong Drell to hit on. Then again, one in two odds isn't bad." Kat added that last bit, Katrin was sure. "My name's Katrin, by the way."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 01, 2013, 01:59:35 am
"Mechanic." Lila said, gesturing at herself. "Quarian. We lived on ships ten years ago, and are still raised with an abundance of tech and mechanical knowledge, which is the larger reason for why I was requested. I'd like to think so, anyway. Otherwise it was the asari, but that's..." She stumbled a bit with her words, and ended with a shrug. "Well, it is what it is." She turned her gaze to the security guard. "Your turn."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 01, 2013, 02:03:36 am
Tobias was beginning to see that something wasn't quite right with the Drell.  One minute she was hitting on him harder than an Asari consort, only to give the cold shoulder the next.

'Well it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Katrin."  Tobias said giving a slight bow before going back to waiting for the tram.

"I hope they have alcohol where we're going.  I haven't had a drink in weeks."

(Calling it a night now.  Feel free to take him back to the base if you do continue.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 02:07:23 am
"Oh, that's very nice Ms. Nar Guela; through me under the bus will ya?" Flanagan laughed, "Sad to say I've got no technical skills to speak of. Just yer typical knuckledragger.

"Served a short tour on an Alliance Dreadnaught and then spent some time on the Citadel scraping for work and busking around.  Had a friend who worked security contracts and got me out here.  As far as I can tell, whatever Exo-Geni has here is bound to be a goldmine; but there's nothing living here, so all we do is watch and make sure no one absconds with company property.  Every now and again there's a small hoolie if someone finds something noteworthy.  Or it's the friday night after they drop off supplies.  Other than that, it's nice and quiet."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 02:08:45 am
Katrin turned to see the Tram zooming along the rails. Kat seemed to have met a kindred spirit in the Pirate, and it was going to make any further conversation with this Brigand extremely difficult. "I know that feeling, I haven't even checked the bar yet."

(Yup, I'm out too. Meddy, if you want to ghost us along and throw Tobias in the brig, go for it >: P)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 02:12:36 am
(Everyone's going to bed. So shall I. Use me how you will.)

"About how often do they find things noteworthy? Are the mummies unusual, or do they come in pretty regularly?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 02:30:41 am
He shrugged, "I never paid all that much attention; the mummies seem to come in pretty regularly, but that isn't what they usually get excited about.  Maybe Ms. Nar Guela can tell you more."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 01, 2013, 02:33:32 am
Lila shook her head quickly, forcing a laugh. "No, no, I don't know anything. Most of the time I'm in the basement making sure the engine and generator are running properly." She shrugged a little.

"Speaking of which, I'd better get going..." She nodded to them both. "Nice to meet you, Flanagan. I've only got a year left but, I hope we can be good friends. You too, Ilste. I hope you enjoy it here."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 01, 2013, 02:50:40 am
Flanagan raised his mug in salute, "Take care, Ms!  I work down at the security checkpoint--you literally can't miss me."

Turning to Sal, "I'd better go too--got to finish up some stuff before I crash for the rest of the day.    Hope you enjoy your stay, Sal!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 01, 2013, 02:37:54 pm
Heinrich had worked through the night, leaving a multitude of notes and recordings neatly beside the specimens and their appropriate places. He had managed to stay awake with juice and snacks, since he hated caffeine, and now finally began taking off his lab gear. His latex gloves smacked as he ripped them off last, and took off for the lounge.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 01, 2013, 03:39:51 pm
Nice folks. Shame about the mediocre coffee though. Probably synthesized. Still, can work with this. I wonder if the chef will let me teach him how to make coffee, or if he'll at least let me make my own.

Getting a second cup, Ilste mixed it properly. His hands were shaking slightly, something he attributed to the dryness he experienced in the desert.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 01, 2013, 11:00:46 pm
Katrin was glad to hand the Pirate off to security at the checkpoint, and as they hauled him away, she gripped her head. I really need a drink. she thought as she began looking for a room marked 'Pub' on her map of the facility. Sadly, the only thing marked was the Cafe. She hoped with the entirety of her being that they knew how to pour a stiff drink as she headed towards it.

You and me both. came the voice in her head.

I thought we'd come to an understanding? What was that back there?

It was this little excursion becoming a lot more interesting.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 12:24:40 am
Well this is wonderful.  Trade one prison cell for another.  Tobias thought as he sat in the makeshift storage closet they were using to hold him.  They'd taken Kara, and his sword.  He was back to square one.  And the only company he had was the rather hulking looking security guard they put in front of the door.  But at least they left him something relatively edible and drinkable.  Tobias was getting bored again.  He tried to pass the time making faces at the guard, but the guy wouldn't even crack a smile.  A bored Tobias was nothing to be trifled with.  And that was when he got an idea.

"Excuse me my gargantuan friend.  But could you go fetch the man in charge?  I have some information he'd be quite interested in."

The hulk didn't move.  And Tobias was getting agitated.

"Let's put it this way.  I know where a very functional piece of Prothean technology is located in that city out there.  Now that's something your boss would be quite interested in yes?  So go get him."

The man stared at Tobias for a second, and then then muttered something into his communications device.  There was some chatter back and the hulk looked at Tobias.  "They're on their way."

"That's a good minion.  You'll be surely promoted for this."

Now lets see how far I can take this story.  Tobias thought.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 12:41:02 am
Craig Pierce was beside himself as he made his way down to the makeshift holding cell they'd had to set up after the medical-team found a Pirate wandering the ruins. First, he's been taken from a cushy job on earth to this dustball for the better part of a year now, then he'd been pushed aside as 'professionals' were hired to take his job away from him, especially that god damned kraut that seemed to forget who ran the base outside of his little lab, and now he had to negotiate with a Pirate for the first solid find that wasn't a god damned mummy.

"I hate this planet..." He grumbled as he entered the hallway. He nodded at the musclebound oaf at the door, then moved to stand before the pirate. "Alright scumbag. You have 5 minutes. Convince me."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 12:50:57 am
"Scumbag?  Now that is no way to talk to the man who is going to make you rich and get you all those promotions you've so eagerly wanted.  After all, I doubt this sweltering dust ball was your first choice of assignments.  Have you even taken the time to wonder why the illustrious Captain Westen was found meandering this abandoned shithole?  Nevermind, I'll tell you.  The truth is I've been using this abandoned **** heap to hide my ill gotten goods for quite some time now.  And in that time I may have come across...certain pieces of Prothean technology.  Still functional mind you, but sadly beyond the comprehension of a simple space faring forced repossession specialist such as myself.  Perhaps that would be something you, and more importantly, your superiors, would be interested in?"

Oh this was good  Tobias thought.  He was even beginning to impress himself with this lie.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 01:01:15 am
Pierce couldn't hide his intrigue. He'd been fighting a war on three fronts in the last few weeks, Head Scientist Anzikk on one front, the Kraut on another, and Mr. Jove on the third, all because the excavation had turned up next to nothing under his watch. His eyes narrowed.

"And what do you want from ExoGeni, in exchange for these... pieces of technology? And be aware," He added. "What you get out of the bargain is entirely dependent on what you have for us."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 01:08:07 am
"Oh I would expect nothing less from a businessman such as yourself.  All I require is that you release me from this...closet, return my sword and my pistol, and allow me roam of your facility here.  You can watch me through your security cameras all you want.  I simply would like to stretch my legs and perhaps eat something that doesn't taste like processed ****.  Oh...and I hear it may take nearly two years, but at your earliest convenience, a ship would be nice...A big one.  Preferably armed.  I don't believe that is too much to ask for a functional piece of the glorious Prothean race now is it?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 01:15:45 am
Pierce could feel his teeth grinding as he considered it, but he had to agree, functioning Prothean Technology could make him incredibly, incredibly rich. "Fine." He finally replied. "You are to be allowed limited access to the facility, but I won't be arming you until after we can both verify your claims, and get you on a ship off-planet." he smiled a little as he walked away. He could indeed monitor the criminal's every movement, and without his weapons he wasn't likely to cause much trouble, after all, what good was an unarmed Pirate?
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 01:20:18 am
"I suppose that is only fair.  We have an accord then!  It was a pleasure doing business with you.  Now would you kindly point me to the nearest bottle of alcohol in this building?"

Well, it looks like it worked.  Sure Kara and his sword were still indisposed for the time being.  But he could always figure out a way to reacquire them at a later time.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 01:23:10 am
The big thug grunted. "If you want beer, the cafeteria should have some. Be mindful, limited access pretty much limits you to the dorms and the cafeteria unless someone tells you diff'rent." He paused. "And I heard some crazy lizard lady's challenging people to drinking contests, if that's yer bag."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 01:29:29 am
"Now I like the sound of that.  I will just be on my way then."

Tobias had a **** eating grin on his face as he walked past the hulking man.  He made his way through the corridors, stopping to ask for directions from a few nerdy looking people in labcoats who looked at him as if he had grown head tentacles.  But soon enough he found himself in the cafeteria.  And he wasted no time in announcing his presence to the world.

"Now what does a ruggedly handsome pirate such as myself have to do to get a drink around here!?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 01:30:54 am
Kat cheered as the security guard across from her slumped over and groaned defeat. Katrin had suffered a flashback just before they'd arrived at the mess, and with another dosage of her pills in their blood, Kat was out to play. The alcohol certainly didn't hurt, either. "Come on you lot!" she called out, "I'm barely getting started!" she laughed, then put on a mock pirate accent. "Which one o' ye landlubbers be man enough, or sober enough, ta face me?" She took another shot just for showmanship. Drell were incredibly resistant to toxins thanks to their reptilian biology, and on top of Kat's already legendary tolerance amongst the doctors of Huerta, she'd spent the better half of the last few hours drinking respected scientists and security guards under the table.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 01:36:55 am
"Now now.  Real pirates don't talk like that.  I should know."  Tobias said as he sat down in front of Kat.

"So what are we drinking?  I hope you have something far better tasting than ryncol in this place."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 01:40:42 am
Kat shrugged. "Funnily enough Mr. Pirate, it's rum." she shrugged as she set out the shot glasses. "We had tequila, but Doctor Fitzpatrick over there drank it all in his bout." she pointed as she filled the glasses. "Say, my sister mentioned you. Apparently you held her at gunpoint?"

(3AM. I'm out for the night.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 06:52:42 am
"I suppose that'll do."

Tobias wasted no time pounding the rum.

"Well your sister did feel it necessary to try and tackle me to the ground within the first 5 seconds of meeting me.  So you must be the fun twin she told me about, which is fortunate since your sister was dreadfully boring. And what would someone as radiant as yourself be called?"  He said as he took the bottle and poured another shot for the two of them.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 09:28:15 am
"I'm Kat." she replied. "I know, our parents weren't too creative with the names." she added, taking a shot. "And you must be Captain Tobias Westen, terror of the void" She said with a chuckle
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 02:31:58 pm
"Is that what the vids are calling me these days?  I assure you I've never killed anyone that didn't need killing...Unless I was being paid...Or if there was a woman involved..."

Tobias smiled as he poured out another shot for the two and downed his.

"But enough about me.  What brings you to this dust ball? Are you a doctor like your sister?" 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 02:44:36 pm
"I'm mostly here because she is. She was... different after the Reaper war. So I hang around to keep her out of trouble, and maybe cause a little myself. She keeps her distance from me, however. Understandably." She smiled as she took another shot. "I'm going to have to warn you, I've never lost a drinking contest."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 07:24:40 pm
"Well how thoughtful of you.  Though I imagine Katrin is quite the buzzkill." Tobias said as he poured four more shots and downed two of them at once.  He looked at Kat and chuckled.

"My dearest Kat, I haven't been sober since the moment I learned how to pick up a glass."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 07:33:26 pm
"You don't know the half of it." she poured four shots and downed all of them. "And that makes two of us. Of course, I get pretty much get paid to drink, so long as nobody dies. And if you're such a bigshot captain, why are you stuck on this little dustball?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 08:34:34 pm
Not to be outmatched, Tobias proceeded to down 6 more shots of rum.  He was feeling the effects right now.  But even in his drunken state, his ego would not permit him to tell the true story.

"I'm afraid my ship suffered a bit of....catastrophic structural failure in orbit.  It appears someone took it upon themselves to hire a band of mercenaries to try and enact whatever vengeance upon me they could not.  Whether it was because something I stole from them or...someone, I cannot say."

Good Tobias, we'll go with that one.

"So are you the only fun one in this band of stranded scholars and scientists?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 08:51:06 pm
Kat poured seven shots and drank them down one by one. She hadn't expected the human to last this long, and even now she could feel the alcohol start to take effect. "It would appear so. So many lightweights here, and nobody's **** a good joke. Though, you know, if you're stranded here after a catastrophic structural failure, what happened to your crew? And why do you pause so long when you lie?" she added as she downed the last shot, a small smile on her lips.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 09:08:21 pm
Tobias was caught, but it didn't really matter.  Kat wouldn't be getting the real story out of him.

"Well it seems you have called my bluff."

And he immediately went to change the subject.

"You know it also seems as if we're about to run out of rum."  Tobias said looking at the pitifully low amount of alcohol left in the bottle.

"Whatever shall we do then?"

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 09:19:18 pm
Kat picked up the bottle and swirled it, a small frown on her face as she measured how much was left. "Well ****. Pretty sure that was my ration for the week." she sighed as she drank the last dregs of the bottle. "Whatever do you have in mind, ex-Captain Westen?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 09:58:49 pm
"Unfortunately I don't think the security personnel here will appreciate most of my ideas.  Of course we could always find a nice and secluded spot to entertain ourselves."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 10:12:37 pm
Kat tried not to laugh. It wasn't often she was on the opposite end of this sort of exchange. "Well cutie, I'm sure as hell drunk enough, but the question is, can you handle me?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 02, 2013, 10:27:19 pm
A smirk came across Tobias' face.  "I think I'll manage somehow.  Lead the way."

(Well...I guess that's happening.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 02, 2013, 10:31:33 pm
(wow. I didn't actually think you'd play along to this degree. This is what happens when people play chicken folks.)

"So, my place then, not the Jail cell you call home." She said with a sly wink as she led him from the cafeteria.

(FADE TO BLACK. OH BY THE ANCESTORS FADE TO BLACK. with that, I'm out for the night.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 02, 2013, 11:12:15 pm
"Afternoon Blinkie," Flanagan said to the batarian security officer he was replacing at the check point.  "If I ever get my hands on whoever is putting together my shifts, he'll curse his mother for ever whelping him."

"You're late," 'Blinkie' said grumpily, "And there's new procedural update on the terminal that Pierce wants us to read."

Flanagan shook his head, "You set your chrono fifteen minutes fast so you wouldn't sleep be late, I'm early.  What's it say?"

"That he wanted everyone to read it,"  The batarian replied as he stormed off.

"Grumpy bastard," Flanagan rolled his eyes and then skimmed the message.  He chuckled in disbelief; Blinkie had to be pulling his leg.  There was no way they had a pirate roaming free in the facility... 


Bernuk found himself sitting in the lounge pouring over the chapters he thought might be applicable from Javik and T'Soni's book on the Prothean Empire.  But this city was far different than the fortified worlds described by Javik.  Still, there had to be some clue as to the purpose of this place--the strange mummies that kept showing up hinted at some sort of experimentation, but was it a research site or an infestation?   The answers eluded Bernuk.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 02, 2013, 11:12:57 pm
Heinrich dug around inside the creature splayed open on the operation table, his head and shoulders inside it's gut as he searched for the tiny venom sacs that sat below it's lower intestines. He couldn't move the gelatinous mass of organs well enough with one hand to get at them, and when he reached for his tools on the gurney he wound  up grasping at thin air. He grunted in frustration, and activated his Omni-tool from inside it's innards.

"Katrin? Your assistance is needed in the med-lab. Or any nearby medical personnel."
(Damn! I missed my c*** blocking opportunity.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 03, 2013, 09:32:26 pm
South found himself alone in the lounge, sitting at a small table, drinking a glass of water. He hadn't made much progress with his research into the creature's armour, or into their nervous system. All he had learned so far is that the creature's acidic blood isn't very kind to power tools, clothing, or microscopes. He was stumped on what to do besides assist the others with their work.

He took another sip of his glass of water. It was warm.

He thought about getting some more ice from the fridge in the other corner of the room. Oddly enough, thinking about the fridge gave South an idea.

What if... Holy ****, If that works...

He jumped up out of his chair and ran off to the stock room as fast as he could. The guard posted by the door was a bit confused by South's haste.

"Mind if I grab something from in here?" South said, panting and holding up his clearance card to the guard

The guard looked it over. after a moment he stepped to the side and the door slid open. South walked inside.

There better be some here, I swear to god. South thought as he scanned the shelves. After a moment of searching he found what he was looking for and grabbed 2 large bottles of it. He carried his cargo to the dissection room and set it down on a free table before scrubbing up, crackling maniacally.

Once he was cleaned up he carried one of the bottles over to his workbench; a counter top with a sink and and an abused power saw on it.

Put some of this in a beaker of water, mix well, there! perfect! He let out another laugh.

South carried his power saw, a new blade, and a beaker of solute over to the quadruped's body. He checked to make sure the saw's blade would shoot acidic blood away from him before readying his saw over the body with one hand and raising his other to pour the beaker over the incision.

Now, there's a 50% chance this works, and a 50%chance it just makes it worse. Here goes nothing!

Just as he was about to start his saw the door opened. To whoever just entered this scene must have looked absurd.

 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 03, 2013, 09:54:32 pm
Katrin woke up with a mild throbbing in her head, Damn, how much did you drink, Kat?

Enough. Oh, by the way, look to your left and try not to be surprised.

Kat. Who did you... She almost leapt out of the bed when she saw the Pirate snoring next to her. The pirate!? Of all the people you could have ****, you picked the Pirate?

Made sense at the time, and it was a pretty wild night. Kat replied defensively.

Alright, screw this. I'm going to the lab, he can leave whenever, maybe my laser's come in.

One change of clothing later, she was walking into the lab and grabbing her scrubs from the locker when she saw South pouring an acidic substance on a power saw. "What the hell are you doing South? Who taught you that power tools and acid were proper autopsy tools?!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 03, 2013, 11:30:47 pm
"I'd stand back if I were you, or get behind some glass." South said, pausing to explain his master plan. "Since the creature's blood is acidic, and it has a tendency to dissolve my tools when I try to get a sample of the armour, If I pour sodium hydroxide onto the incision as I cut, the base will neutralize the acid before my saw blade melts. It sort of makes sense. Objections?"

South waited for Kat's inevitable praise and celebration at his breakthrough. He intended to ride his creative high until he burned his own face off, figuratively or literally.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 03, 2013, 11:41:33 pm
Kat put a palm to her face. "And then you splinter the carapace and run the risk of melting away all of it's internal organs." She walked over to the cloth covered table that sat in the corner of the room, then pulled the cloth away. "Did you not notice the big new laser that arrived this morning? Now do me a favour and gather the scientists, I get the feeling those frogs will be very happy to see this bastard finally cut open."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 03, 2013, 11:44:07 pm
Tobias woke up in Katrin/Kat's bed, of course unable to yet realize they were the same person.  He looked around groggy eyed for a minute until he realized she was gone.  His head hurt, but it was nothing a morning drink couldn't fix.  And so Tobias made use of the local showering facilities, put his clothes back on, adjusted his hat, and took off into the hallways.

"Lets see what kind of trouble we can get into today."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 03, 2013, 11:58:12 pm
Despite having never received assistance, Heinrich had finally managed to prevail in removing one of the venom sacs from the bipedal creature. He stood over it now with a tiny pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass, moving aside the tine polyps along it's entrance to see the production center. The dissection room had gotten loud recently with all the newcomers clucking over the Quadruped corpse, but he'd ignored them so far.

Why bother with one that's hard to get when you have all you need already in your grasp?
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 04, 2013, 12:04:05 am
South was thoroughly disappointed with her reaction and the look on his face reflected it. He carried his saw back over to his table and set it down next to his jar of baking soda. "I'll see who I can round up." He said in an unusually mopey tone as he started washing off his hands. "No guarantees on getting everyone at this hour. It's still early."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 12:07:34 am
"Just find who you can, I want an audience for this." She smiled, glad to finally be back to proper work. "While Heinrich sticks to his Bipeds, this one is mine. The soldier will be exposed for all to see."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 04, 2013, 12:13:03 am
"You'll do no such thing Dr. Katrin." Heinrich never took his eye from the magnifier, his hands steady as he continued to ease his way further into the object on the table. "If you mess up with that laser we lose the only specimen of that type we currently have. We should think this through more thoroughly. The acid type is Oxygen based, we should find something that rids the acidic portion from the body. Perhaps a solvent introduced via hypodermic."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 04, 2013, 12:16:17 am
South was on his way out the door when he heard the doctor's comment. He paused. "The sodium hydroxide is still in the beaker on my desk if you want to use that." Not bothering to wait for a reply, South continued out into the hall.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 12:21:41 am
Katrin felt a vein bulge in her forehead. "No, Heinrich. This is MY specimen. You abandoned it to focus on the biped, and now that I have it ready to pop open, I'm not letting you get in my way. This chitin is similar to the biped's armour, made entirely out of carbon, this precision heat-based laser is the best way to get through." Kat turned her gaze towards the laser, powering it up.

"You will not sabotage me." Kat growled.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 04, 2013, 12:26:46 am
Heinrich sighed heavily and looked up from his study to look at the drell woman with a mixture of frayed patience and annoyance.

"If we must use brute force, then we should ensure we cut somewhere with little significance. Take one of the scans on it's carapace first, avoid the organs and cut only to the edge of the armor. As leader of the medical team, I take the blame for your mistakes, Dr. Katrin. I will not be made a fool of by amateur scientists."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 12:33:39 am
"Amateur!?" Kat all but yelled. "I am Doctor Katrin Ilnata, the best doctor in Citadel space. Do not belittle me, Von Salza. I have spent the last few days running scan after scan on this creature, and it's all. up. here." she tapped her temple to punctuate each word.

she turned to the device, tinkering with it and ensuring that it would move with pinpoint accuracy. She muttered something about "Damned upstarts" as the lights on the laser began to glow. "There is no species I cannot dissect."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 12:45:00 am
Waking up from the contest with the galaxy's second largest hangover (the largest belonging to a man named A. Dent), Ilste crawled out of bed and searched desperately for a bottle of painkillers.

Note to self: Doctors make bad drinking partners.

Finding the bottle and taking slightly more than recommended, he stepped out into the corridor to try to get something to settle his stomach.

(Sorry for no replies. I've been up until 3 am for the past two days writing papers. If I don't reply within 20 minutes to anything, just take over.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 04, 2013, 12:45:18 am
Heinrich managed not to roll his eyes at her brashness, instead watching critically as she positioned the laser above the corpse. Inwardly he wanted to throw up his hands and simply leave the station. If Exo-Geni wanted to bring in these ignoramuses' for this work they could, but he was finding less and less reason for this drell woman to be here.

"Keep the voltage at less than three thousand or you'll melt the surrounding tissue."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 12:49:57 am
"Well no ****, I wanted to destroy the specimen that's held my eye since I got here." Katrin replied, throwing a glare at the German. "How old were you when the Reapers came down? 15? Don't tell me how to do my job." The laser made a low whining noise as it powered up. "There. Now we wait for our audience." she said, crossing her arms with a smug smile.

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 12:56:39 am
Crossing the threshold, Ilste realizes he's made the worst wrong turn possible on the planet. There goes breakfast plans.

"So... Are we just frustrated enough to start shooting it? For that matter, what is it?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 01:04:08 am
"Ah! Sal!" Katrin said, a smile on her face. "Finally someone that'll appreciate this! I finally got that laser to dissect the Soldier! We'll finally be able to cut through this damned Chitin, and take a peek inside! Oooh I feel like a kid on Christmas!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 01:05:37 am
"Are you sure that's the right laser? It resembles a Salarian point defense laser a bit too much for my tastes..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 01:10:35 am
"Ah, don't worry Sal. It's a magestic piece of medical equipment, extremely expensive, and extremely accurate." She touched it almost with reverence. "I've bugging Ri'a to buy one for my team for years now."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 01:12:34 am
(going to bed desperately tired)

"Well, if nothing else the carbonized holes should make for interesting forensics work. I'll be behind the table over there, watching."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 04, 2013, 01:51:40 pm
Tobias was making his way towards the lounge when he heard some security guards talking in front of a lab entrance.

"Yeah, they took it off that pirate.  Look at the thing.  I bet it could put a hole through a Krogan skull like a mining laser.  They got his sword in the storage room over there."  One guard said as he brandished a bright red M-6 Carnifex.

"That's Tobias Westen's gun!  You ain't worried he'll come looking for it?"  The second replied.

"Nah what's he gunna..."

At that moment Tobias appeared in view of the two guards and locked eyes with the man holding Kara.  He was another large hulking mass who looked like he had had his nose broken one too many times.  Tobias gave him a death stare.

"That does not belong to you."  Tobias said through his teeth.

"It does now.  What are you gunna do about it?"  The hulk with a crushed nose said, seeming to openly challenge Tobias.

Tobias knew he couldn't make his move.  Not here, not now.  They'd be watching.  And so he just smiled at the man and said "All in due time."  And walked away leaving the two security guards dumbfounded.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 03:03:20 pm
In the security room on the second floor, Alus Tarik drank the last of his Coffee, relishing the warmth as it flowed past his beak. The Turian had spent the last few days staring at the security cameras and was incredibly glad that his shift was coming to an end, of course that still meant that nobody would come to relieve him for the next hour. The highlight of his shift had been when that... Excitable Drell had drank the majority of the science team under the table, then took that strangely dressed newcomer back to her cabin. He sighed and closed his eyes for a second, only for a dark figure to zip across the screen as he did, just for a second.

"What the ****?" He said, sitting up quickly. "Hey Tris, you see that?" he asked, looking around for his partner, who seemed to have disappeared. "Tris?" he asked again, walking forward. As he stepped under the air vent on the ceiling, he felt a drop of warm liquid fall onto his fringe...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 04, 2013, 04:56:59 pm
This will either be a red letter day, Bernuk thought, Or at the very least, something interesting should happen when they cut open the specimen.    Maybe even get to see that arrogant drell doctor get her comeuppance.   He'd heard a rumor that the doctors had begun to get creative with their attempts to bust open their  specimens--water to try and dilute the acid during the cuts and even a giant 'laser'.  So he headed down to where the dissection was taking place, almost regretted not grabbing some snacks as he stood with other observers behind the viewing station.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 04, 2013, 05:04:41 pm
Dr. Heinrich stepped from the dissection room briefly to grab a biohazard suit from the lockers. If past experience with acidic creatures was any indication, popping open something with a shell meant the fumes would be rather potent. He adjusted his gasmask and double checked his suit to ensure security before moving back inside. The white bio-hazard suit was incredibly baggy, and the facemask was tinted to a very dark black that made everything in the room fairly hard to see.

"I would suggest the rest of you do ze same. No telling what chemicals these things can release." His synthesized voice sounded muffled along with his accent.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 04, 2013, 07:38:56 pm
Isani stood beside the grey-skinned Salarian that had named himself her superior. They watched from the observation room the first dissection of a complete specimine.

The Salarian, Rif Anzikk, began to detail the research as Isani stared with mixed horror and intrigue.

"I understand that you're special. Strong background record. So I expect that you will understand me when I say that this facility may change the galaxy with the information we uncover." His voice was high and needly, but the words were coming out in rapidfire, a clear example of the Salarian's heightened mind. Isani nodded when he glanced at her, and he let out a "hmph" at that, though she took it as a noise of approval. "Good. Whatever is controlling these things could lead us to technology similar to, and perhaps better than, that of the Reaper's indoctrination capability. That's what we, ExoGeni and the scientists on the top floor, want most of all for you to focus on obtaining. Mind-control and the mind-controlled. Feros may have rebelled against this progress, but here no one will stand in our way."

"Watch closely, Archeologist Isani," He said. "This is only the beginning of what you will witness while under our care."

Head Scientist Anzikk turned his gaze to the dissection, and Isani followed, a sense of excitement rising within her.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 07:55:35 pm
Katrin looked at the observation window to see a great deal of the top scientists and archaeologists gathered, she was extremely excited to see so many come to watch her magnum opus, the dissection of an ancient alien living weapon.

"This species I have dubbed 'Soldier'. It's a complete deviation from the form of the many other specimens recovered from the ruins. This quadruped boasts a mouth organ designed for spitting an acidic substance, acidic blood, and natural armour that could rival Combat Hardsuits, if not surpass them." she tapped on the creature's shell, eliciting that same dull thump that had aggravated her for days. "Yet, it's superdense Carbon makeup should be vulnerable to this precision surgical laser." she added as she stepped behind the device, activating it and causing the red beam of energy to start burning through the chitin.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 09:39:26 pm
"Taking all bets! Okay, I've got two, what? THREE chocolate rations from the Human in pink, a quarter of a pound of non-synth coffee from the Turian in green, and a round Tuit from the Drell with the lisp on the specimen catching fire, that's four to one odds. A trilobite fossil and a signed baseball card from the Hanar on punching through, one to one. An antique, non eezo kinetic rifle from Earth's Soviet Union by the Turian in yellow on water explosion from the heat, two to one. And a series of novels from the red Asari on a successful procedure, sixteen to one. Remember, if none of these events happen, your bets will be refunded but your favor tokens will not."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 04, 2013, 09:53:07 pm
Bernuk shrugged at the uninhibited salarian's attempts to facilitate betting, "Don't gamble, but expect something will happen.   Hoping anyway."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 10:03:01 pm
"Hope, that's a rather hefty bet there. That will net you a good twelve chocolate rations easily." Giggling to himself, Ilste continues. "For what it's worth, I'm not foolish enough to gamble either."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 10:08:16 pm
When the laser had finally cut through to flesh, Katrin slowly started moving the beam down the Quadruped's chest, causing acrid smoke to flow like a strange liquid from the body. Slowly but surely it made it's way down, and Katrin had several moments where she thought it would explode, or catch fire, until finally, a large, smoking incision had been made down the creature's chest. Taking a deep breath, Katrin peeled back the skin. revealing the creature's entirely undamaged internal organs.

"Perfect!" Katrin called out, turning to the window. "The Soldier's interior is entirely intact!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 04, 2013, 10:09:47 pm
Bernuk arched an eyebrow at Sal, "Booking fee? Ah...it appears something is happening."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 10:13:04 pm
"Sure, but all bets are 1:1 and you make the objective yourself. The house has no idea what can happen at this point."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 04, 2013, 10:16:55 pm
 "Little disappointed, expected a bit more ingenuity off someone smart enough to start a betting pool, but not bet in it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 04, 2013, 10:34:07 pm
Katrin waved away smoke as she forced the skin back, letting it drop to the table with a heavy thunk. "The organs here are very similar setup to the Ravagers recovered during the Reaper War, but without any cybernetic interference." She picked up the scalpel on the stand next to her. "Preliminary scans show that the creature has a large braincase, but it would be impossible to crack the armour on the head and leave it intact. I count three sets of lungs, and two hearts. It's musculature indicates that it was incredibly strong, and made for climbing. What we have here is the perfect predator. Able to move quickly, climb, and spit acid. There is no way this creature is natural. It seems created to kill, possibly an experiment that backfired on the Protheans?" she mused aloud.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 04, 2013, 10:43:07 pm
"Little disappointed, expected a bit more ingenuity off someone smart enough to start a betting pool, but not bet in it."
"Reasonable expectation, I hadn't expected it to go this far in the first day."

Listening to the doctor's observations, Ilste muttered "Three sets of lungs? This isn't made for short bursts, this is an endurance predator. It's going to move at high speeds for hours..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 05, 2013, 12:23:17 am
Tobias had wasted the better part of an hour looking for something fun to do, only no one seemed to be around.  Whatever was going on was apparently big enough to require nearly every scientist and doctor in the building to be whisked away to some corner of the facility he wasn't permitted access to.  But that was when he remembered Kat was neither of those.  And so he stopped at the first security guard he could find.

"Excuse me, do you have any idea where Kat is?  You know, the vibrant twin sister of Doctor Katrin Ilnata. The one that that drank half your research team under the table last night?"

The guard looked at him with a confused expression.  "Who?"

"You know, Kat, the Drell woman, sister of that infuriatingly boring doctor, consumes copious amounts of alcohol?  Out drank everyone in the cafeteria last night?"

"Buddy I don't know what you're talking about.  That WAS Doctor Katrin Ilnata."  The guard responded.

"So you are telling me she does not have a sister on this base?"  Lines were beginning to connect in Tobias' head.

"If she does have a sister, she sure as hell isn't on this planet."  The guard was losing his patience.

And suddenly it explained everything.  The way Katrin fluctuated from voraciously hitting on him to vehemently shoving him away when they first met.  They were the same person.  A doctor with dissociative personality disorder.  The irony wasn't lost on Tobias.  Well this certainly made things interesting.  He doubted Exo-Geni would willingly hire a mentally unstable doctor for their multi million dollar expedition.  Maybe no one else knew.

Tobias simply grinned.  "My mistake."  And began walking again.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 05, 2013, 12:55:03 am
"Flanagan!  Where are you, you good for nothing human?" Vavnik shouted.  "Flanagan!"

"Right here, old timer," Flanagan said waving his hand to show his boss that he was at his post.

"There's something wrong with the cameras in the office on the second floor--and Tris and Tarik aren't answering their comms." Vavnik scowled.

"Told ya--if you paired the two of them, eventually something like this would happen," Flanagan chuckled, "Looks like Francesco and Dong-gun owe me a beer."

That didn't amused Vavnik.  "Go break up that nonsense and send them to my office immediately--I'll have someone cover down here and you take over their watch."

That stopped Flanagan's laughing, "I've got an our till my shift ends and those two bowsies just started theirs."  Vavnik stared at him coldly and so Flanagan finally grunted and stood up.

Muttering to himself, he made his way upstairs and began to beat his hand on the door, "Open up you buggers!  You've been caught on the doss and Vavnik's want to see you."

No answer came.

Rolling his eyes, he pounded louder, "Listen, you gobshites!  I've been on watch for seven hours and you've added another nine to it."

Still no answer.

The mirth was gone and Flanagan started opening the door,  "All right, you've had it.  I'm coming in whether you benighted muckers are decent or not--By Christ!"

The sight that greeted his eyes made him sick to his stomach.  His coworkers were both naked and lying on the floor, but nothing could have prepared him for this.  The turian's legs were both torn off at the thigh and the only way he could have described the asari's body...was chewed.  But more than that--scorch marks were all over the room and both bodies appeared to have been burnt to a crisp and mauled.  Half sticking out of the air vent he could make out what he guessed was Alus's leg.

Immediately his hand went to his pistol and he backed out of the room...but whatever had done it seemed long gone, because the room was silent--except for a faint crackle of a small fire where the monitors and electrical had once been. 

Struggling to keep himself upright as the world began spinning, he fought the feeling and made a call on his comms, "Good god sir, you've got to see this.  We're f*cked--high alert status--I say again, high fecking alert, over."



Vavnik took the sight of the corpses a good deal better than Flanagan had--but the old turian had been a veteran of the war, so he didn't feel too bad.  It was comforting to see someone taking charge and getting a hold of the situation.  The facility was going into lock down, and Flanagan and the big fellah--Cemil had to go down and escort the scientists watching some dissection back to their bunks for the lockdown.

Cemil and Flanagan flat out ran to the dissection room, pistols in hand, to the surprise and shock of some of those assembled.

"Folks, I'm truly sorry," Flanagan began, slightly out of breath, "But there's been an incident and the facility is going into lockdown.  Officer Fikret and I will be escorting you to your rooms--this is not a drill.  Please drop whatever shennegans you've got going here and come with us.  Immediately."

Edit: And with that bombshell, I have to head to bed.  If you'd like to argue the point--Flanagan'll be polite, but firm.  The more you argue it, the less polite he's going to be getting.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 05, 2013, 01:07:02 am
"I understand and comply. May I ask what has happened?"

All traces of mirth left Ilste's eyes. Security popping in armed suddenly was a sign of one of two things: Some type of takeover, which was unlikely given that there was no way for them to leave the planet, nor anything for them to trade for their freedom; or that someone had been hurt. Given the circumstances, it was probably something the damned pirate had done. They should have just shot him the instant they had him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 05, 2013, 01:15:36 am
Katrin looked up from her prize to see that security had barged in, declaring a lockdown. While she was frustrated that she hadn't been able to finish, she was intrigued at what had spooked the Irish guard, Flanagan, she remembered. "Very well," she said, wheeling the creature back towards the storage freezer. "Tell me, does anyone neef medical attention? Was there an accident?" She fumbled with the door, but had trouble transferring the the body. "Gah! Can I get some help here? This bastard's heavy!"

(Yeah i should probably get going too. Feel free to ghost if anyone engages the good doctor.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 05, 2013, 01:22:56 pm
Well this place is certainly getting livelier  Tobias thought as security guards began to run about frantically.  Something big was happening, and he was clearly left out of the loop.  Maybe one of the scientists cut himself on a 50,000 year old mummy bone or something.  Only a few moments later and Tobias was left by himself in the middle of a corridor.  That was when he heard a scream come from down the hallway.  He hesitantly made his way towards the source of the noise.  After all this was a facility filled with corporate goons and pasty scientists who barely see the light of day.  How bad could it be?  He opened the door to a large storage room, and a pool of blood immediately rushed into his boot.

There were three of them, or at least that was what Tobias guessed by the number of limbs scattered across the room.  By their tattered clothes they looked like security guards, and by the state of their injuries, it looked as if they were mauled by some kind of large animal.  Tobias bent down to examine one of the bodies further.  It was the hulking, crushed nose security **** from earlier, still clutching Kara's smoking hot barrel in his hand.  Tobias removed the gun from his hand with a smirk on his face.

"Well I did tell you all in due time.  Though I didn't quite expect it to happen this way."

He made sure to remove whatever thermal clips the man had on him.  A glint of steel caught his eye from across the room, his sword.  He fastened it to his belt where it belonged and took one last look around the room.  And that was when he heard the sound of something outside.  Instinctively he planted the barrel of Kara straight at the doorway.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 05, 2013, 03:42:31 pm
Heinrich moved to the gurney and assisted Katrin in getting it through the door, still dressed in his bio-hazard suit and masked. He could only come up with a handful of reasons for a lockdown of this magnitude, but none of the scenarios seemed likely. Invasions, Natural disasters, containment leaks... Containment leak? No, impossible. These things have been dead for millennia.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 05, 2013, 04:31:12 pm
"You got any proper Medical training, Heinrich? I get the feeling that someone's been hurt, or maybe killed." Katrin asked as she slammed the freezer door shut.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 05, 2013, 05:03:50 pm
"A working knowledge, yes. I'm afraid I'm more attuned to the inner workings of the dead than I am the living, however. If this is a medical emergency I can certainly assist." Heinrich stepped back from the fridge and idly dusted his hands. "I'm more concerned with why our security team is locking us down. If it were medical in nature, we should have no need for a lockdown of the entire facility."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 05, 2013, 05:15:14 pm
Katrin shrugged. "No reason for us not to be prepared." She walked to the door and headed for the Dorms. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 05, 2013, 05:40:38 pm
"Indeed Heinrich had just been contemplating taking off his bio-hazard suit when she'd said that, and without knowing what the emergency was, it would likely be safer to keep it on. He followed her from the room, preferring to at least be with company for a time instead of twiddling his thumbs during the lockdown. If he couldn't work on his specimens he might as well try and relax.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 05, 2013, 06:30:43 pm
Sergeant Jain had seen the corpses left behind in the Security Room, and it had made him sick to his stomach. He'd jumped at the opportunity to leave the security room and patrol the hallways, anything to evade the sight of his friends... ripped apart by some kind of monster. That was until he came upon a new set of corpses, a couple of the newer guards, torn apart with the pirate armed with a wicked-looking sword standing over the bodies.

"Freeze!" he yelled, drawing his pistol and squaring it on the criminal.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 05, 2013, 07:16:15 pm
Tobias had his gun aimed square at the door when the security guard entered.  He didn't relish killing the man, but the guard was unfortunate to be caught between Tobias and the only exit.  And Tobias didn't have time to explain himself and put up with hours of futile interrogation, not with whatever killed these guards still roaming the base.  He had to get out of here, the rest of the people in the base be damned.  He barely gave the man enough time to shout "freeze" before he yanked back the trigger on Kara, only to have a spurt of steam eject out of the back of the gun.

"Oh come on, really?"

Tobias stared awkwardly at the guard for a brief moment.  The man was obviously green or Tobias would have already been dead.  There was only one thing left to do.  And so Tobias played his trump card.  His fist glowed blue with dark energy, and with a fling of his arm, he launched a biotic shockwave at the guard strong enough to knock him flat on his ass.

Tobias wasted no time taking off past the guard and down the hallway, reloading Kara with one of the thermal clips he yanked from the dismembered guard back in the storage room.  His only thought was to get to the tram and get the hell out of there.

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 05, 2013, 07:28:37 pm
Jain was struck completely by surprise as the Pirate lashed out with biotics, knocking him clear to the ground. It took a second for him to compute what had just happened, but by the time he had sat up, the pirate had fled. He activated his comm and started yelling into it.

"The Pirate is fleeing the scene of another murder, assume culprit. Who forgot to check him for Biotic Implants?!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 05, 2013, 10:18:07 pm
South was roaming the halls of the facility, thinking about his stolen glory when he heard an alarm going off somewhere. He turned towards it and spotted several of the guards running up the hallway towards him. He jumped to the side to avoid getting tackled by the wave of armour and guns. One of them stopped and grabbed him on the arm.

"Come on egghead, move it!" the guard shouted at him.

"Alright alright let's go." South said. Before he could even ask what went wrong the guard had taken off down the hall with South in tow, dragging him wherever she was heading.

(Lead me where you wish, for it is time for me to rest.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 05, 2013, 10:28:02 pm
A rush of security guards ran past the Quarian as she opened the door from the storage closet that lead down to the generator room below.

The flashing red light of her omnitool had alerted her to an anomaly, the nature of which she had yet to discover. But from the mild panic and rush of security personnel, she guessed it was nothing good.

"Ma'am!" One of the men stopped in front of her. "Go straight to the dorms. We're locking this place down until the threat has been cleared." His hand was on his holster, and Lila gulped at the sight.

She nodded to the man's satisfaction, and immediately followed through on her obedience, walking straight to the dorms.

======================

Isani followed Rif Anzikk to the dorm area's cafeteria and surveyed the growing crowd of about sixty to eighty personnel. A single guard nodded to Anzikk as they passed through, but he payed the man no mind, rushing forward to the crowd and ordering them to get to a seat and stop standing around. He was passing out information from the earlier dissection for them to study.

The Salarian really was all business.

Isani sighed as she took her seat, realizing she really wasn't much different, so perhaps it wasn't really a bad thing.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 05, 2013, 10:54:32 pm
"Do you always ask questions during emergencies," Cemil asked roughly, "Or are scientists only intelligent when they've got a book in front of them?"

Flanagan elbowed the bigger man, "Come off it Cemil, they're fair enough questions," and shifted uneasily at the questions they'd been asked--they were all valid, but he barely knew more than they did.  He decided to go with an abridged version of the truth, "Two security guards are dead and so we're going into lock down until we've ascertained who," or what, "Is responsible.   It's very, very important to your safety that we get you to someplace more secure than this for the duration of the emergency.  Please, drop everything as quickly as ye can.  I'm sure yer medical specialization will be most helpful with the autopsies."

The scientists argued for a little bit when Cemil tried to force the doctors to leave their specimen out and he relented when Flanagan sided with the scientist--but he shot daggers at the other guard.  The scientists finished putting away their corpse when Sergeant Jain was screaming bloody murder over the radio.

Cemil looked at Flanagan, irritation at Flanagan's betrayal forgotten "A biotic maniac shows up  and things start going to hell?  You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Flanagan remembered the bodies and it didn't seem likely to him that a single person could have done it--let alone a human...but the timing was pretty bad, "He's gotta be trying to get to the trams, we can trap him when he gets to the check point--he can't get through without our passcodes."  Turning to the scientists he barked an order, his voice losing a trace of the politeness, "Get to the dorms now."



Cemil and Flanagan turned the corner and found the pirate desperately trying to get through the tram station's security point.  Flanagan aimed his pistol, preparing to give the pirate an ultimatum, but Cemil opened fire before he had time to say anything.  Cemil's shots went wild and the pirate spun to face them--Flanagan jumped back to the edge of the hallway to give himself some sort of cover in case the pirate started throwing biotic attacks, while Cemil took cover behind a conveniently placed waist high crate. 

"Stop shooting you damn fool!" Flanagan hissed at Cemil, "We can work this out without turning it into a bloodbath--he's not going anywhere.'  He shouted down the hall to the pirate, "You can't get out that way--lock down protocol means that no one can enter or exit without a security guard's codes. Drop your gun and kick it over this way.  Then I want you to lie down on your stomach with your hands underneath."

Cemil grunted his disapproval, but Flanagan ignored him, "Do it before this idiot starts shooting again, and someone gets killed."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 05, 2013, 11:07:05 pm
Tobias was trapped, nothing short of a plasma cutter was going to get him through that door, or the security keys.  He surveyed the hallway.  There wasn't much of anything to use as cover.  But he could throw up a biotic barrier if need be.

"You would be wise to muzzle your trigger happy companion.  I have killed better men for far less."  Tobias began.

"You Exo-Geni type must be as dense as a neutron star.  Did you even see those bodies? Something mauled them worse than a rabid varren, and now you have gone and locked us all in here with it.  I do not intend to be its next meal.  So you can come open this door, or I can come and make you."

Tobias had Kara's barrel aimed directly down the hallway in one hand, and a glowing biotic fist ready in the other.  If they so much as peeked out of the corner, Tobias was ready to launch a singularity down the hall and relieve them of their ability to function in normal gravity.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 05, 2013, 11:26:45 pm
"And I've killed my fair share of pirate scum," Cemil said, "If you've got the balls, come on out.  Agazina siciyim!"

Flanagan rolled his eyes, "And where do you think you'll go once you get out of here?  We've got no way off this blasted rock and how long do you think you'll survive in the desert?"  He let the words sink in, then added, "The surprise is over and now we're getting the containment protocols up--we've got a better chance surviving as a group until the resupply comes than as individuals."  He decided to bluff--he could never allow the pirate to leave; at any rate he'd have to take him through all the other security check points on the way out, "But if you want to be a hardchaw--I'll let you out.  Just don't come crawling back in two days when the thirst is driving ye mad."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 05, 2013, 11:34:53 pm
It was too easy.  Tobias knew when he was being lied to.  After all, Tobias was the king of lies.

"Manners, manners.  The more he talks the more my patience dwindles.  I will take my chances in the desert over your corporate security protocols and this death trap of a facility.  You can tell me the passcode or transfer the commands to my omni tool.  But if you believe I am letting you within ten feet of me, you may as well do yourself the favor and put a bullet in your own head.  I might need the rounds for whatever is coming." 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 05, 2013, 11:54:37 pm
Cemil opened his mouth to start talking again, but Flanagan hushed him up, "Neither of us are giving you the code and if you kill us, you'll still not get it.

"I don't know how many thermal clips you've got, but if you want to head the ball, I can trade shots with you from here till judgement day--and I won't be shattered for a lack of eats throwing around those biots of yours."  Flanagan took a breath,  "But say you do kill us and you get our rounds--maybe you even get Cemil to squeal the code.  You're still two more check points away from escape--and I'm will to bet Vavnik'll change the passcodes from the main office once he realizes you've killed us and moved on.  So what's it going to be mate?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 12:15:38 am
It looked like Tobias was only going to get out of this hallway one way.

"It appears that we are at an impasse then..."

He was ready to fling the singularity down the hall and start shooting when a noise sounded on his left from within a ventilation shaft.  It was odd, and unlike any animal he had ever heard before.  But whatever it was, it wasn't tiny.  Adrenaline shot through his body, his pupils dilated, his heart began pounding.

"If you will excuse me gentlemen...You may want to....RUN!"

The beast in the shaft began charging forward.  Tobias couldn't see it, but he could hear it coming.  He instantly threw up a barrier and took off with all the speed he could muster down the hallway.  The moment he appeared in view of the two men, Cemil began to open fire wildly.  Several rounds missed wide, with at least one or two smashing into Tobias' barrier and fizzling out.  Tobias didn't waste any time looking back to even see the creature.  For all he knew it was about to make those two men its next meal.  And he would have been fine with that.  He had no idea where he was going or what his goal was.  It was fight or flight, and he chose the later.  He just didn't stop running.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 06, 2013, 12:51:47 am
"RUN!"

With that, the pirate started sprinting towards them--Cemil predictably began to fire at the man, but Flanagan saw something burst out of the large pipe near the pirate.  It fought it's way out of the shaft--straining to pull a beetle-like body out of a tight fit.  As it pulled itself out, Flanagan could see that it was a dark-green, nearly black armor that had a dull shine to it. 

It was the ugliest bug he'd ever seen.  It was low to the ground--it's six legs barely keeping it's underbelly from scraping the ground as it scuttled after the pirate and towards them.  In many respects it was very much a beetle--it even had a sort of horn arching forward from it's thorax and nearly meeting another pair of horns that curved back from it's nose.  But it's front two legs were more than just legs--they had claws; nasty serrated things and the upper portion of the legs bulged somewhat compared to the other four legs .

For all that, it moved fast.  The legs were long and Flanagan didn't time to think, but started  firing at it.  His shots went for center of mass--but merely seemed to bounce off that thick armored area near the horns.  By now Cemil had stopped shooting at the pirate, who ran past them without a pause.  But Cemil's shots went wide and Flanagan had to wonder if the man had ever fired a pistol before.

One of Cemil's rounds went lower and hit an exposed portion of the underbelly.  An orange liquid started to ooze out and Flanagan started to switch his shots to the more difficult target of its underside.  More often than not, he missed, but even when he hit, the bug seemed to ignore it.

By now it had close to roughly ten meters away and showed no signs of slowing down.  Flanagan was calling for help on the comms when the monster leaped forward and he saw small wings and sheath and propel it on top of Cemil's box.

Cemil screamed as it pushed forward onto him--one claw swiping his pistol arm near his shoulder and spreading some red goo that began to hiss and burn his arm.

"Sean!" Cemil cried, "Shoot this besiktas! Get it off me!"  He yelped in pain as the claw dug into the shoulder and he tried to hold the other back with his good hand, while the other feeble clutched the pistol.

Flanagan stopped speaking into his omni-tool and started firing as close to the beast's face as he dared.  One of his shots went a little off and struck it in that little bulge in the upper arm.  Red liquid splattered on the wall and onto Cemil's face.  Cemil ceased trying to grapple with the green-black bug and reached for his burning face.

Seeing that, Flanagan turned his back and ran.  Ignoring the anguished cries of pain coming from behind him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 01:38:24 am
Typical security. Trained shooter immediately available to help, and they lock him in his quarters. Should have told them earlier, but irrelevant, their neglect in viewing personnel files. At least I've still got an omni tool, now if that stupid door lock will... Got it.

The door sliding open, Ilste peered out into the hallway. Running to the security room, he hoped they had the codes to unlock the more dangerous programs they had limited on his omni-tool. Or at least a usable pistol. Almost there. AlmOh ****.

A creature was clambering out of the shaft next to the security room. After attempting to puncture the door for a few seconds, it turned to face Ilste. Ducking around the corner, he entered the first room and sealed it. Turning around to search for a weapon, he realized he had hit the mother lode.

"Of all the rooms to end up in, I got the chemical room."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 01:43:53 am
The creature heard the door slam shut, knowing that easier prey lay beyond. It could smell the chemicals through the door, and knew that they paled in comparison to the powerful acids that flowed throughout it's veins. If it had them, the Scout would have licked it's lips. It moved to bust down the door when a piercing scream tore through it's small mind.

Leave it, Child. Find those that desecrated your siblings, find the useful ones. It hissed its response before climbing back into the vent, it had plenty of siblings that would take this invader, ones that were more... expendable.



While Sal was locked within the Chemical Storage, a juvenile awaited, eager for it's first meal, it's carapace still not entirely hardened, it's senses not as sharp. It had awaited this day since it's hatching, and soon glory would arrive.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 02:28:37 am
Not as wide a variety as a college, but it'll have to do

Shoving bottles aside, he found the necessary phosphorus and and aluminum. Putting on a mask and mixing them in the fumigation hood, he sealed several in small glass jars. It's not much, but the gases produced will at least affect them quickly through their lungs. No time for more dangerous stuff.


It's such a shame that he failed to notice the juvenile in the room with him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 02:36:11 am
The juvenile was eager to tear into the Salarian's flesh. The strange jars smelled like a substance some of his brethren excreted, but he cared not, only wishing to taste the tasty amphibian's flesh. It hissed loudly and leapt, using its small wings to propel itself across the room, it's admittedly less potent acid dripping from the serrated claws...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 03:09:58 am
Hearing a hissing and a buzzing sound, Ilste turned, and immediately ducked! A smaller version of the creature from before flew right where his head was a moment before, and slammed against the hood, cracking the glass. Oh great, it's not one or two that came out of hibernation. It's a breeding population. Turning towards the temporarily stunned creature, he kicked it into the wall. A slight burning scent caused him to realize the creature's claw had reached his pants, and the material was turning brown before his eyes.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 03:12:55 am
While all of this had been going on, another scout had been searching for another. The desecrator, the one that had cut open one of the lifegiver's greatest children like a hatchling. The one that bore two sets of eyes. Unlike the others, it had seemed to thrive on the planet, something the lifegiver had struggled with for the last cycle. They had watched it, how it bore two faces, much like the lifegiver, and they wanted it. They would take the desecrator, and it would lead them to conquest of the galaxy, as the old one had foreseen. This scout had spent a great deal of time tracking the Desecrator, and now it was finally within sight, hardly appearing as important as the lifegiver had proclaimed.



Katrin stood at the end of the hall, panting to catch her breath, when a low hiss sounded from behind her. She turned to see a large beetle creature staring her down, like prey. She was frozen, unable to move, unable to think...

Katrin! Move! Kat screamed from within her head, snapping her out of it and putting her legs in full overdrive as she ran, and ran, and ran.



Meanwhile, on the Citadel's Tower, a lone Quarian walked the long path up to the council's chamber, a long black coat blowing in the artificial wind, and a bronzed shotgun clacking as it bounced on his hips. As he approached, Captain Nozz'Ivix Vas Trafalgar had the feeling that he was not going to like what they had to say. As he stepped up to the podium, the 31 year old Quarian crossed his arms and awaited their decree. He'd been chosen for SPECTRE candidacy, yet he'd recieved no mission. This was either going to be exciting, or disappointing.

"Captain Ivix." The Asari councilor started, at least acknowledging his presence.

"We've called you here for a delicate state of affairs. The Geth Collective recently informed us that they have a unit out monitoring some sort of Human company in the Traverse, but there's no word since touchdown." The Turian councilor interrupted. "It could just be the lack of a carrier, but this amount of secrecy unnerves us. We want you to gather a team and head out to the Traverse, keep an eye out for any evidence of the missing Geth, or something suspicious."

"Sir yes sir!" Ivix replied, snapping off a salute as he was dismissed. While walking away, he pondered. Hmm, now who could I bring? The Trafalgar can carry quite a few people, and I'll need specialists.

(Mod note: This is a call to arms. If you want a more shootygun character, this is your chance. The military will arrive sometime next week, probably Saturday)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 03:16:14 am
The Juvenile felt the slam of it's softer chitin crashing against the strange object, it had not reacted fast enough to the target's movements. The lifegiver would be most displeased. It produced a loud, hissing roar as it brought the serrated claws to bear, aiming to cleave the amphibian's spindly legs off to make for an easy meal...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 03:38:13 am
(Thanks for the offer, but I think I might try to keep Ilste around for a second game, assuming he survives. I'm not going to Shepard his way out of trouble, and if there's a pretty damned good chance of him dying, I'm going to make it realistic.)

Grabbing the creature with his omni tool, Ilste repeatedly smacked the creature against the hard floors. Momentarily stunned, he grabbed one final jar, opened it and threw the creature into it. Damned hard shell. If this is what they're like as infants, what does it take to kill the adults? At least this might contain the live specimen for further use.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 03:48:43 am
(I really just wanted to give you a badass moment of badassery, nice handling.)

The Juvenile was surprised when the prey's arm glowed orange, doubly so when this orange arm allowed the prey to lob it into a barrel of acid, much more potent than it could produce. It screamed as the lid slammed down, the acid slowly eating the soft tissue as it struggled to escape this prison. Had the creature been fully grown, an acid bath would have been refreshing, but with the weaker chitin of the younger phase, the juvenile scout burned and burned, until it's brain finally shut down consciousness as the agony overloaded the normally muted pain centre.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 03:59:21 am
(I would have shoved him into a base like calcium carbonate, at least something to neutralize the stuff on the claws, but I figured that'd be too convenient to find a random jar of the perfect stuff to neutralize him on the first try.)

Breathing a sigh of relief at the final struggle of the creature, Ilste linked his omni-tool to the security camera. Hoping to find the ones outside his doors, he was surprised to see the larger creature had left.

(Edited due to lack of reading comprehension)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 04:19:55 am
Heinrich ran. He had no idea what had clambered around overhead in the ventilation area, but he no longer cared. Things were deteriorating quickly, and Katrin had bolted in a different direction. His rubbery suit made it difficult to move quietly, so he sprinted down the halls for the nearest security station.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 06:12:17 pm
The Scout ignored the strangely dressed human as it chased the Desecrator down the metal halls, similar yet different to the halls it's ancestors had ran through, slaughtering the interlopers of the cycle before. The Scout was surprised at the speed the Desecrator put out, it could hear the dense muscles pounding within it's limbs, and it incited something within the Scout's brain, eager to take down prey for the Lifegiver, air running into all four of it's lungs.



Kat and Katrin kept running, glad that they had made a point to keep their bodies in peak condition to compete in Martial Arts competitions back on the Citadel, but the creature kept pace. "We can't keep this up forever." Kat said aloud, not bothering to internalize their conversation. "We need something to stop this thing!"

"But what!" Katrin shot back... to herself. "That thing's a lot tougher than the drones we found, look at that Chiti-" she stopped speaking for a moment as they rounded a corner.

"Where are you going?!" Kat yelled out. "We'll just wind up doubling back on ourselves if we go this way. What's on your mind girl?"

"The laser, we left it out. It should be able to punch through this creature a lot easier than the soldier."

"But we still have the problem of how do we distract it long enough."

After a long pause Katrin replied. "Well, I hope we come across someone on the way."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 06:25:29 pm
Isani had been pacing by the front door to the dorms when a scream rang out. The guards that had set up a barricade tensed, but made no move towards the sound.

Isani bit her lip as the scream rang out once more. "Aren't you going to do anything?!" She called out to them.

"There are guards stationed throughout the facility, ma'am. Let us do our job." They replied, not even turning to look at her.

Isani couldn't believe this. Someone was in trouble right in front of them, and they did nothing?!
The anger turned to herself. What was she doing, sitting in here just like them? She heard the screams just as clearly.

She glanced behind her, at the crowd of scientists that had grown silent and grim, staring at her, no, towards the door.

Rif Anzikk was looking at her. "Come. Over here, Tolar."

The cold voice inflamed her. Biotics erupting around her right hand in a blue fluctuation, Isani turned around and, dodging past the guards and jumping over the barricade, opened the door and marched through into the hallway.

A quarian ran into her, a slim blue figure, letting out the same pitched scream Isani had heard from before.

Isani held the Quarian by her arms as she regained her balance. The quarian said breathlessly, "Bugs. Acid and bugs." She shuddered in Isani's grip. "I heard voices too... I think there's more behind me... and people they're going to kill.."

Isani patted her back and sent her ahead to the dorms, opening the door to the dangerous facility, her arms aglow with power.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 06:34:56 pm
Kat saw a Quarian run around a corner, and the sounds of people gathered in close proximity. She entertained the possibility of running the creature through there, maybe get it off her tail, but shook away the notion. In this case, she did the most un-Kat thing she could do. She screamed for help.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 06:39:49 pm
The scream caught Isani's attention, and she twisted in her gait towards it.

"Where are you?!" She called out, and then regretted it once. She may have just alerted the creatures to her presence and ruined all possibility of surprise.

Nonetheless, she rounded the corner, sure enough of the biotic ability that she had been trained in by her mother to use. The purpose then had been self defense, but Isani was certain her mother would want her doing the right thing here in helping others.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 06:46:57 pm
Katrin heard the voice echoing off the walls, but was unsure how long her rescuer would remain in earshot, so she yelled as concise as possible: "Chased, going to lab, laser!" before speeding back up to evade her pursuer
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 06:51:27 pm
Laser? Isani hesitated a second before it hit her. A laser! The dissection area! The wet lab! She nodded her acknowledgement in confirmation to herself and, maintaining readiness in her mind to burst out a throw, she made her way there.

Scuttling noises could be heard above her.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 07:18:59 pm
His arms pumped for every ounce of speed he could muster, his arms and legs burning terribly. Heinrich had never been one for physical exertion, and this was certainly haunting him now. His stifling suit wasn't helping either, but between all the creatures and screams from the facility around him he had no intention of removing it yet. He was nearing the security checkpoint now, and when a woman ran around the corner aglow with biotics, he stumbled in surprise.

As if spurred on by his obvious misstep, a small creature, perhaps the size of one of the Rachni workers leapt at him from a cubby hole along the wall. He screamed as it landed on his mask, it's many feet scuttling and scraping at him to try and pierce the suit.

"Nein nein nein!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 07:25:34 pm
The door to the Lab was dead ahead, unfortunately, the creature was closing fast. Kat shouldered open the heavy metal door and slammed it shut behind her, eliciting a loud crack as the creature slammed straight into it. Unfortunately, this didn't kill the creature, as she heard it clamber away, probably seeking another way in. Katrin looked up to see a decently sized air vent on the ceiling. As she went to work repowering the laser, the drell kept an eye on that seemingly harmless hole in the defences.



The Scout shook it's head as it crashed into the heavy metal door. It's chitin had **** slightly, but no mind was paid. So long as the Lifegiver's needs were met, the scout would die to see them brought to fruition. Looking around it saw one of the metal tunnels that gave this place thicker air than outside. It tore off the cover and clambered in, knowing that it would take the Scout to the Desecrator.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 07:38:01 pm
Isani gasped when the human rushed by, and was paralyzed in surprise when he was thrown to the ground by a hideous, screeching bug-creature.

The throw she had readied erupted from her hand and burst into the creature, sending it slamming against the wall, and it screamed in pain as it crumpled to the ground.
Isani sent another burst of biotic energy at it to finish it off, relaxing only when it had ceased its cries.

"Head for the dorms." She said to the man on the ground. "They've set up a barricade inside and the vents don't reach that area."

She didn't have time to wait for a response and was determined to head for the wet lab, where she had heard the cry for help.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 07:45:46 pm
The laser, having been used earlier, powered up much faster than before, but not fast enough for Kat's tastes. "Come on you stupid machine!" she yelled as it beeped mournfully at her, and the sounds of clambering in the air duct grew louder...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 07:53:04 pm
Heinrich nodded numbly at the woman's orders, but he couldn't really look away from the thing on the floor. It was quite unlike the other specimens found so far, and he shakily crawled towards it. He didn't really notice when the woman kept moving, instead he cautiously nudged the tiny thing with a suited hand to ensure it was dead before taking a specimen bag from one pocket. He gingerly placed the creature into the bag, careful not to damage it any further.

He then proceeded to the dorms as she had said, examining it through the bag as he walked. He had almost forgotten the emergency going on around him, his fascination so complete that he nearly bumped into the dorm doors.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 08:03:01 pm
Isani pushed open the doors to the wet lab and caught sight of a Drell, the same drell that had been at the dissection, powering up the dissection laser.

"Hey!" Isani called out. Scuttling noises mixed with the metallic sound of their claws scraping across the vents. "Hey, I'm here to help." Her head was pounding from the strain of the biotic throw she had utilized from before, but she forced herself to focus energy on her hand again. The door hissed closed behind her as she approached the lizard-like woman.

===============================
 
The thumping against the dorm doors made the guards tense, reading their pistols against it in fear.

"C'mon," The turian growled behind his mandibles. "C'mon, I dare ya."

Lila'Naan watched from the tables, still shuddering at the memory of the acid-breathing creature and the corpses that lay just outside.

Vomit and bile were rising in her throat. The crowds of scientists seemed to be pressing against her. Gulping for air, she went for the stairs that lead to the bedrooms, seeking the comfort of her dormitory room.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 08:09:43 pm
DISREGARD THIS POST, I HAVE POOR READING COMPREHENSION AND RETENTION
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 08:16:30 pm
Tobias stopped somewhere in the middle of a hallway.  He had left whatever the hell that thing was in the dust, along with the screams of its apparent latest meal.  He sincerely hoped it was the loud mouthed ****.  A scuttling sound erupted to his right.  He jumped and immediately lobbed a singularity towards the source of the noise.  The gravitational anomaly traveled down the hall and yanked the creature into the air.  Tobias stopped for a minute and looked at the thing he had just caught.  It was...a beetle?  It was rather large for a beetle, about the size of a Chihuahua. But still, it was pretty damn tiny.  Tobias cocked an eyebrow.

"I ran from that? That's it?  huh..."

And with a flick of his wrist he shot a warp field into the singularity, detonating it with a massive concussive force that sent the chihuahua beetle down the hall, splattering it into the wall.  The beetle erupted sending its bits and pieces across the far hall like roadkill.  And that was when Tobias heard a sizzling noise.  Whatever the hell that thing was, it was filled with some kind of acid that was beginning to eat the paint off the wall.

"Guess I'll have to keep my distance...But still...."  Tobias began to laugh out loud.  He ran from that?  That tiny little thing that died easier than a cockroach on his ship?  And that was when Tobias heard another scuttling noise, a louder one.  No more than a moment later, two massive beetles rounded the corner.  They resembled their tiny friend, except for the giant pincers and the fact that they were larger than a varren.  They stopped for a brief moment, eyeing Tobias as he stared back at them.

"Well ****..."

And with that he took off running again.  Cafeteria or dorms?  Cafeteria or dorms?  Was the only thought running through his head.  He judged there were only two places security would have taken everyone.  They were the only two easily defendable places in the facility large enough to hold everyone.  He had to make a choice.  Dorms!  And so that was where he decided to run.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 08:19:59 pm
Kat barely looked up as she acknowledged the newcomer. The Gravity of her situation had struck her, and she was working full time to keep herself alive, while Katrin came up with the plan, as usual. The laser finally beeped as she popped it off the stand. "The internal battery on this is long enough for one hour's worth of continuous fire, and it'll cut through these things like butter." She looked at Isani. "There's a creature coming for me, I need your help before it comes in here and-" Suddenly the vent all but exploded open as the creature jumped in and lunged at Kat, knocking her to the ground and sending the laser skittering across the ground. Kat held the claws at bay as she stared into the monster's face, yelling: "Isani! Shoot it! Shoot it now!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 08:20:45 pm
(Mod Note: Sorry for not clarifying. The Cafeteria is the first floor of the Dormitory Building. The second floor is private rooms, divided by gender in two sections There is a medbay on the second floor as well)
==========================================

Isani screamed when the giant bug assaulted the drell, its many claws reaching for the reptilian woman and the sound of acid bubbling up in its throat. But, strength of heart gathering within her, Isani's scream turned into a war cry as she flung her arm at it, the laser beside Kat, already heated up rose and pointed directly at the bug. With a flinch, Isani flicked its switch on.

The beam of searing heat burst out with a fizzling noise, cutting straight through the bug from its upper abdomen to its head, even burning against the Drell's shoulder. Isani's aim had been far from perfect, but she had saved the woman's life.

The bug collapsed and, after turning it off, Isani dropped the laser.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 08:24:28 pm
Cleared of gas, Ilste slipped into the elevator and pressed the down button. You'd think that with only two stories they'd just put some stairs in, but no. You have to take the elevator full of corpses. Exiting the elevator, he was nearly run over by a passing... Pirate?

Sonofabitch "GET BACK HERE!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 08:27:27 pm
Tobias looked back at the shouting Salarian exiting the elevator.

"Big bugs, acid blood, RUN!"

Were the only words he uttered, never stopping.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 08:28:43 pm
Contamination Protocol:
The Security Checkpoint is locked. Only security guards and the head scientist have the codes.
The Second floor of the Labs is only available to exit, not enter. Only certain scientists that have been present for over a year have codes to this area.
The rest is largely open.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 08:37:55 pm
As the laser bisected the Scout, it looked over to see the Blue One that had killed it. It memorized it's face, sending the memory though the hive mind. Destroyer... It thought as all life left it.



Kat grunted as she shoved the bug off of her, grabbing a hold of her shoulder where the acid had grazed it. "Thanks love," she said, taking the laser from the Asari. "Strange that it didn't just off me. It had plenty of chance..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 08:39:25 pm
"You're welcome..." Isani murmered as she stared down at the charred corpse from which acid had begun to leak and puddle. Shaking her head, she quickly looked to the Drell. "But are you alright? I think, due to my faulty aim, I caused the laser to burn you. I'm so sorry."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 06, 2013, 08:46:57 pm
Flanagan made it to a secured door.  He looked over his shoulder and saw nothing, but that didn't stop him from frantically putting in his security code.  His finger slipped and he cursed  as he started again.  This time the door opened and he helped pull it shut behind him.  Taking  a moment to catch his breath, he leaned his back against the door.

"Oh feck," He sighed, "He's fecking dead and you bolted like a frightened rabbit.

"Quit your blathering," He told himself as he headed down the ladder to the arms room, "If you'd tried to help, you'd be dead too.  And if you really cared, you wouldn't be heading to the arms room to grab what you can...without authorization or letting anyone know."

He couldn't argue with himself--he hadn't cared much for the loud brute anyway, and it wouldn't be the first time he'd ran out to save his own skin.  And so he found himself in the arms room filling a duffle bag with as many spare clips as he could fit in there.  He even grabbed one of the katanas and slung it over his shoulder.  He still wasn't sure what he was going to do--maybe the pirate was right and outside was a better option. 

But that wouldn't work and he knew it.  He grunted, he didn't have much of an option it seemed.  It would probably safest back with the the rest of them in the dorms--hell showing up with thermal clips and a few extra pistols he might look a hero.  So he made a bit of space in the bag and stuffed a few predators into the bag.  It was damn heavy, but he could get it on his back and headed up the ladder, to try and get back to the dorms.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 08:49:11 pm
(Same song, second verse, could get better but it's gonna get worse. Realized my mistakes. No longer with pirate due to misreading map.)

Exiting the chemical room, Ilste was surprised to note a large hole in the wall. Recognizing the signs of a laser, he turned towards the half of a door remaining, and called out "Anyone still alive in there, or do I have to scream like a small child in fear?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 08:49:42 pm
"Nah, you're fine." Kat replied, "These things just bleed a nasty acid. Hey, I've got a small jar of neutralizing agent in that Drawer over there, can you go grab it?" she smiled, and grabbed her pillbottle from her pocket, downing a few, the irony not lost on her using painkillers for reasons other than abuse.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 08:55:10 pm
Isani nodded and quickly did as the Drell asked, returning to her as quickly as she could.

"We should head for the Dormitory." She said as she handed the drell the neutralizing agent. "They've got guards there, and there's still noises coming from above. Rif Anzikk said the venting shafts don't connect to the ones in the living quarters."

=====================

Amitee was sitting on the lower bunk going over the records that Rif Anzikk had spread around when Lila'Naan entered the room.

The two had been roommates for a long while, a year to be precise, and Amitee was always glad to see the younger Quarian, even though she had always seemed rather aloof to Amitee. The blonde woman had long guessed that scars ate at the poor girl's heart, but knew there was nothing she could do about it, especially since she knew none of the specifics.

Lila didn't seem to notice Amitee's smile, and locked the door, walking blindly into the room. Amitee blinked.

"Are you alright, Lila?" Amitee asked softly. Lila froze at that, noticing the french woman for the first time, and nodded haltingly.

"I'm fine..." She breathed. "Just. Need a moment." The Quarian clambered to the top bunk, falling down on it with a creaking noise, shaking the bunk down to its lower half.

Amitee hummed in assent, letting silence flow through the room in hopes Lila could find comfort in it.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 08:56:21 pm
Grabbing the jar, he handed it to Kat. "Residual pains from the Reaper war?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 09:00:38 pm
"you could say that." She replied, taking the jar and dabbing the liquid on her wound, bringing a hiss to her lips as the liquid burned, she shuddered to think how much it would hurt without her meds. "Just glad I had them with me for this." she shouldered the laser, now a makeshift rifle. Any suggestions on how to get there? These things can come out of the damned walls!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 06, 2013, 09:04:54 pm
"I'll set up a barrier." Isani said as she coated the three of them with a thin layer of biotic energy. "The dorms are just two rooms and a hallway from here. We should be able to make it."

Isani took a step for the door and stumbled, dizziness cloduong her vision.

She hadn't used so much biotic energy since the reaper war, and it was taking it's toll on her stamina.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 09:10:37 pm
Tobias made it to the entrance to the dorms.  And of course it was locked.  They probably barricaded themselves inside.  He began to furiously pound on the door, the sound of scuttling insect feet growing louder by the second.

"OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 09:21:36 pm
Kat caught hold of Isani when she stumbled. "Hold it together Isani, Not too far now." she helped the Asari right herself then took point, the laser primed and ready for whatever came thier way. She just hoped that these 'scouts' were all that had come to ruin their day.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 09:21:54 pm
Heinrich nearly fell to his knees at the door of the dorms, his chest heaving and his limbs feeling weak from nonstop movement. The man banging on the door was foreign to him, but at this point he couldn't care less. He roughly shoved the man aside and slid his passcard through the door scanner. When it continued to blink red at him he blanched.

He looked down at his passcard in bewilderment and tried it again. He slammed a fist into the door like the other man had just been doing when it failed twice.

"Open ze door you swinehunda!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 09:27:31 pm
"Unless I can get the interlocks on my omni-tool disabled, I'm basically weaponless. I've got some bottles full of aluminum phosphite, but that's only going to work if I can get them to ingest it or soak it in water. And considering I've only got one breathing mask, the second's" not a good idea for us."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 09:32:56 pm
Tobias looked at the German man next to him who just shoved him aside.  Not even he could open the door.  He turned to face the end of the he hall, leveling Kara off.

"In About thirty seconds, two very large and angry acid spewing insects are going to round that corner.  And I am fairly certain they aren't going to be giving us any hugs and kisses.  So get the damned door open!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 09:40:11 pm
Kat patted the laser. "Best stay behind me then, unless a soldier appears, this should be able to help clear the way."  She replied as she headed for the dorms, her companions in tow. She could almost swear that she heard someone yelling in German, up ahead...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 09:47:46 pm
He whirled around, placing his back to the door and facing the hall behind them. The other man had a carnifex out, which Heinrich knew for a fact wouldn't do anything against the chitin on the monsters.

"zat von't work, ve need somesing else." His voice sounded like a german storm troopers through his suit, though he ignored it in favor of looking around for anything useful.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 09:53:54 pm
Kat stopped short as they rounded a corner, gesturing for her companions to stop, she poked her head around the corner. Sure enough, two rather large Scouts stood, moving slowly to turn another corner, likely where their prey waited. Moving quickly, Kat got the laser in position and fired, the bright crimson beam instantly burning through Chitin and slicing off a fourth of the creature's body. It died with a loud hiss. The Scout's comanion turned with a rasping roar, as if to charge, but swiftly caught a blast to the face, destroying it's brain. She moved forward purposefully, turning the corner and bringing the laser to bear, thankfully coming face to face with Tobias and Heinrich instead of more monsters. She sighed as she lowered her weapon.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 06, 2013, 09:58:48 pm
South was both terrified and baffled by the events taking place around him. The security guards that had found him had ditched him in the dorms as soon as they could. All he could think to do was grab his briefcase off of his bed and wait for something to happen. At the moment he was relatively safe, but from the corpses he spotted on the way back to the dorms he knew they wouldn't be safe forever. He checked his briefcase for the two bottles he prepared in case it came to this. They were there. He took them out and sat them down on his bed before reaching back into his briefcase and producing two magnesium fuses, which he attached to the lid of each container. He had made himself two thermite grenades, both on 3 second fuses. He pocketed the grenades and sealed his briefcase again, cautions of anyone who could try to take his two precious bombs.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 10:00:17 pm
Heinrich yelped when gore splattered around the corner, and he crouched in the doorway with his hands over his head. When Dr. Katrin came around the corner with the drilling laser leveled, he raised his head a little in surprise.

"Dr. Katrin! Good sinking. Ze laser von't last much longer wissout a power source, but perhaps it can get us past ze security checkpoint. " He stood and dusted himself off, looking about for the other man nearby.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 10:06:08 pm
Tobias let out a sigh of relief as Katrin emerged from the carnage around the corner with a rather large cutting laser.

"Ah, Doctor Ilnata...So glad to see both of you." Tobias said with a wink and a smirk.

"We still have this door problem here."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 06, 2013, 10:09:46 pm
something was amiss. Icarus' sensors had picked up unusual amounts of movement within the facility. It checked the audio bugs he had placed, More evidence to suggest that something had gone terribly wrong. It needed to come to a consensus on the issue

Interfering will reveal our presence and potentially damage Geth relationships with the systems alliance and ExoGeni corporation.

Intervening will save organic lives and potentially negate damage to organic relations.

...

Consensus reached, Informing Consensus of plan of action. Requesting assistance. Complete.

Icarus drew his plasma shotgun and began the march down to the facility. there, it hoped, it could lend a hand.

(If any more get/quarians want to get in on the action, come on in. I sleep now. Need energy for tomorrow.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 10:11:32 pm
"Way ahead of you Heiny" Kat replied, shooting a questioning look at Tobias and leveling the laser at the door. It took much longer to open the door than it did to open up the creatures, but it did finally pop free of it's hinges, leaving the gun only half charged. "Well." she noted, looking at the power gauge. "looks like this thing can only save us for so long. Pity we don't have a way to keep this thing charged." She gestured through the door, "After you, Darth Salza."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 10:18:04 pm
"That... vasn't quite vhat I had in mind. Now ve can't use zis door to block zem anymore." Heinrich sighed more to himself than anything, before moving through the doorway and glancing around the hallway with dorm rooms on each side. "If ve stay togezzer and use ze laser sparingly, ve should be able to find a executive passcode and leave ze base altogether."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 10:23:30 pm
"well, the base is on lockdown and I don't have access codes." Kat shrugged. But if I had to suggest something, I'd say we contact the military. If Jove could contact us on our first day here, there must be some form of contact with the outside, even if we can just get a beacon out. Then it's a matter of survival, since they've left us no ship."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 06, 2013, 10:49:37 pm
"Exo-Geni invested quite a bit of time and resources on zis place, they vill eventually send someone to see what has happened." His shrug was slight, and hard to see through his baggy biohazard suit. "Though zat does leave us to fend for ourselves in ze meantime." He tried to keep his voice low as they moved through the dorms, hoping the creatures hadn't gotten inside ahead of them.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 06, 2013, 10:54:36 pm
"I've still got a camera drone in my room. If we get, we can see if there are any in the next corridors with less risk."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 10:58:54 pm
The soldier had arrived. Part of the Lifegiver's personal guard, it walked with a purpose, standing tall while it's Scout brethren remained low to the ground. It's orders were as followed: Too many Children have died this day. Find us food, Soldier, bring us the unnecessary.

It could smell a large gathering of prey, and it had brought a massive swarm of it's brethren along with it, even hatchlings, eager to feed. As they moved through the metal tunnels, they came to an impasse. The prey were in a room cut off from the tunnels, the air circulated by a different set, no doubt. A crude barricade blocked the door, but there had been nothing created that could stop the soldier. It had been born for this...



"Well, it's a better plan than nothing." Kat shrugged. "Let's also see if we can't find a Guard that'll let us into the comms. I'd rather not have to waste the rest of the laser on a door."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 06, 2013, 11:02:35 pm
"Wonderful, we're supposed to trust our lives to the assumption that your corporate masters might send someone to check on us maybe sometime in the future?"  Tobias said with irritation as he entered the dorm.

"And what do we do in the meantime? Sit here and hope that laser lasts long enough? I'd rather pack all the food we can get, blow a hole in the security door with our new toy, and tough it out in the city out there."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 11:09:34 pm
Kat shook her head dismissively. "Well that's all well and good, but how long can you hold your breath? The only person that could survive outside for long periods of time is me, and that's only because I'm a 5'7 lizard. The air outside is different from the Oxygen Mix you're used to, and the atmosphere is too thin for most warm-blooded creatures. Not to forget Sal, he's an amphibian, remember? He'd desiccate within a day, depending on how much he drinks, and gods know how long we'd be waiting for a pickup." She sighed. "I vote we call in the Council Military. I've got a few favours kicking around, and more than enough men and women that would like to see me again."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 06, 2013, 11:18:14 pm
The hallways were quieter now--most people seemed to have gotten to cover and so far Flanagan hadn't run into any of the creatures.  Passing Cemil's body had been jarring: most of the upper body from the torso to the face had been burned or torn apart.    He passed quickly by--deciding to ignore it--the pistol and two or three thermal clips weren't worth corpse robbing.  Not yet, anyway.

He cautiously made his way past the stock room and chemical storage, trying to keep as silent as he could.  So far, so good.  Ever step he took seemed like he was thundering along.   Finally he made it to where the dorms were.  But the door was open--half blown off it's hinges.

"The bloody hell happened here?" he wondered aloud.  Calling across the hallway he asked, "Is there anybody in there?"

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 06, 2013, 11:37:33 pm
( I have class in the morning. So I gotta bounce. Laters.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 01:52:23 am
Upon hearing that familiar accent, Tobias peaked his head through the burnt open door and shouted back to Flanagan.

"Oh it's you again.  I take it your loud mouthed friend didn't fare so well?  Well you better get in here before more come.  We have a fancy new toy that seems to kill them quite easily, though I don't know exactly how long it'll last."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 07, 2013, 11:29:04 am
"The bloody bastard leapt through the air and ripped the poor blighter apart," Flanagan said, shoving the duffel bag through the gap between the warped door and it's frame, before following it in.  "You see anyone who looks like they might be running things--a sour turian with red face paint?  The bag's got thermal clips and a few pistols; not that it'll do much good.  It just bounces off their fecking armor."

He was too tired and shaken to really get into the 'polite, professional' mode.  All he wanted to do right now was drop off the damnably heavy bag with someone in charge and go back to his bunk.  He'd been saving a case of the black stuff for when his contract was over, but he was having serious doubts he'd make it that long--might as well pop open a drought can.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 01:58:30 pm
"I get the feeling that he'd be with the other civvies at the security checkpoint." Kat said, "but I get the feeling that cramming sixty people into obe room is just asking for trouble.



The soldier dropped from the metal tunnel to the ground below, smelling the meat that sat quivering just beyond the barricaded door; the swarm streaming from the tunnel behind him, eager for meat. The soldier charged at the door, tearing it away like nothing, swinging with the footlong claws on it's forelegs and biting with it's acid-drenched maw. The swarm followed suit, killing and devouring all in their path. Normally they would have captured more, using their minds to feed the Lifegiver, but food was scarce, and the swarm needed meat...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 03:27:58 pm
(Clarification...Is this the door we're all standing right in front of?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 03:57:03 pm
(No, its the door to the cafeteria, where all of the npcs are. along with a certain moderator characters we wish to die)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 04:34:34 pm
Tobias paused as he heard the faint sound of blood curdling screams echo down the hallway.  And there was a lot of them.

"That...is not a good sound."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 05:19:39 pm
The gigantic bugs had stormed through the makeshift defenses easily, crawling on top of one another and falling on the despairing soldiers, acid and claw bringing swift death upon them.

There was a split second of shocked silence among the scientist crowd, as the sounds of melting flesh mixed with the scuttling of the creatures' claws scraping across the floor carried through the hall. And then the panic set in.

Rif Anzikk felt himself shoved in every direction, the personnel jumping and racing over each other with all the panic of a stampede. He was too shocked to react, and fell against a table as the bugs closed in, a crowd of green ovals approaching in fearsome number.

Most pursued the fleeing crowd, but one broke away, and crawled up his body, and when it stood upon him, it was nearly the same height. Its claws caressed his face, and Anzikk shivered in disgust as he saw the acid bubbling in its mouth.

Pain like fire was his last sensation as the corrosion consumed his brain.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 07, 2013, 05:37:49 pm
The area around the dorms went incredibly silent for a time after the screams died down, and Heinrich exchanged worried looks with his group. Without a word, he walked over to Flannagan and opened the bag enough to grab a pistol from it.

I know they don't hurt these things, but i'll be damned if I die without at least trying. Once he stowed the pistol in his biohazard suit, he pulled the recently bagged creature that had attacked him out to inspect it further.

"Dr. Katrin, if you please? I may have need of your assistance."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 05:42:52 pm
Kat tilted her head quizzically. "Is that one of these creatures?" She prodded it within the bag. "Looks as if it just crawled out of the egg."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 06:20:38 pm
Tobias watched as the German man yanked out his prize.  The beetle was around the size of the one he blasted against the wall.

"You brought one of them with you!?" 

Then he heard Kat mention "egg," and something suddenly hit him.

"Pardon my ignorance for not being one of your sciency colleagues.  But don't insect colonies usually have a queen?  Something had to lay the egg that little bastard crawled out of, yes?  So where is this queen?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 07, 2013, 06:40:13 pm
Heinrich ignored the man blathering about a queen, as they had no real knowledge of such a thing yet. He lifted it a bit so all could see if they wanted to.

"Zis specimen appears incredibly young, yes. Though vissout a proper dissection I'm afraid it must remain conjecture. As to it's rank in zeir social hierarchy, I must confess ignorance."

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 06:44:11 pm
"We saw a larger version of it before," Isani spoke up. A headache was pounding between her ears, but she could keep up the thin barrier for a few more hours. At least, so long as no more biotic combat was required of her. "Perhaps the one in your hand is a child? It could be part of a family dynamic, or a herd. But really, we need more information before we can come to any conclusion that is more solid than a guess."

She sighed. "But what are we going to do... We can't leave the facility, the lockdown barred off the security checkpoint and the tram beyond it. Rif Anzikk had the security clearance for the second floor, but he was in the dormitory facility... that's where the screams were coming from..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 06:50:40 pm
Kat patted Seamus on the back. "Luckily, we seem to have found a security guard. Suddenly my plan to call the military sounds a lot more viable, doesn't it?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 07, 2013, 06:52:58 pm
"Security clearance does still present a problem. Perhaps ve should attempt to reach ze communications relay first. Or maybe even split up and search for the clearance card as vell? Walking around in a large group seems like it might be counterproductive, especially when ve have only one veapon that affects the creatures." Heinrich pocketed the small bug like thing in one of his baggy suit pockets.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 06:54:50 pm
Tobias was slightly annoyed at how the German simply ignored his comment.  But his attention soon shifted when the Asari spoke up.  He couldn't believe he hadn't noticed her sooner.  And in true Tobias fashion, his mind was immediately full of a thousand and one inappropriate and kinky thoughts.  He quickly moved beside her.

"Maintaining that barrier seems to be exhausting you, my dear.  Allow me."  Tobias **** another one of his signature smiles as he extended his hand and erected his own biotic barrier over the entrance to the room.  His being noticeably more vibrant and stable.

"And what might a beauty such as yourself be called?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 07, 2013, 07:00:51 pm
South couldn't believe he was alive. While his colleges were being mauled around him. When he had heard the banging on the barricade he had made a dash for a nearby crate and hopped inside. A short time later, the screaming had stopped and only the sounds of crawling and scuttering remained. South held his breath knowing that any sound he made would be his painful demise. He didn't even dare to open his briefcase or retrieve one of his grenades from his pocket for fear of being heard by these creatures. Plans came to him and left faster than a bullet train. Would he pop out and fling his two bottles of incendiary death into the mob before either melting from the heat or the surviving monster's acid? Or would he try to wait for the creatures to devour his colleague's remains and move on?

He decided on an unfortunately grim course of action. He pulled the two grenades from his pocket and readied himself to arm them in the event of being found.

Here's hoping these things can melt in the heat of a red giant. otherwise, my inevitable death will be a bit disappointing.

(You **** tried to kill this goof didn't you?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 07, 2013, 07:08:03 pm
Flanagan looked at the drell, "Found a security guard?  Where's Sergeant Jain or Commander Vavnik?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 07:12:23 pm
"Well, if they were following their orders, probably dead by now. And the sad thing is, I get the feeling that a room full of people looks a lot like a buffet to these creatures."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 07:13:23 pm
Isani sighed in relief when the man took over, releasing her barrier with a grateful nod to the blonde.

"Th-thank you." She stammered, feeling her cheeks heat as she realized he was looking at her when he said 'beauty'. "I'm Isani, an archeologist at the facility. A new arrival." She wondered at the barrier he had set up. It was thick, and well-maintained, showing great control of mind. "You're rather impressive. Where did you learn such a technique?" A wonder that a scientist could find the time.

====================

Thudding and screaming was sounding from below, and Amitee jumped to her feet at the sound.

"Lila!" She nudged her friend on the top bunk. "Lila, wake up! Something's happening!"

But Lila had already been awake, Amitee realized as Lila slowly turned her head to her and moaned. "We're going to die, Amy.... We don't stand a chance..."

"What?" Amitee pressed, trying to prod Lila into moving. "What? What don't we stand a chance against? Lila, talk to me."

Lila sighed, flopping over to her back. Her shoulders were shaking, and Amitee took this as silent sobbing. Compassion squeezed her heart at the pitiful sight.

"I saw them..." An arm flung over Lila's facemask. "These giant creatures... the ones you were dissecting and analyzing.... they're alive."

Amitee froze, and then put her hand on Lila's shoulder. "It's alright. It's alright." She sucked in a breath. Maybe Lila saw something in the dissection room. Perhaps her imagination was running wild?

Screams carried through from the floor below, echoing in Amitee's ears. She closed her eyes tight as she realized the truth. "Okay... Okay, Lila. They haven't come up here yet. They probably don't know we're in here. So let's..." Let's keep quiet. And we shouldn't move. We should be okay, as long as they don't find us.

Lila nodded, but her hands were shaking as she covered her helmet. Amitee lowered herself to the bottom bunk, the screams and chaos carrying up from the lower floor paralyzing her thoughts.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 07, 2013, 07:15:25 pm
"It's safe to assume the vurst at zis point mein friend. If commander Vavnik were still alive, he'd be behind ze security lockdown anyway. Were better off relying on ourselves for now." He gently patted the security guard on the back, trying in vain to be supporting and sociable.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 07:27:55 pm
Tobias chuckled at the "rather impressive" comment.  His ego was the size of a Sovreign class reaper at this point.

"Well I do try.  And this?"  He nodded towards the barrier.  This is nothing.  When you have had people shooting at you for as long as I have, you learn how to make a big wall to put in your way.  It's second nature at this point. And Isani?  Such a lovely name, it suits you."

Yeah he was laying it on hard.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 07:32:27 pm
"People shooting at you?!" Isani exclaimed in shock. "Who would shoot at you?! And why?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 07, 2013, 07:32:37 pm
So, everybody's dead, He thought.  Looks like running saved your life, yet again, my fine lad.

Aloud he said, "We'll definitely need to organize watches then on this door--and any of the vents that might connect us to the rest of the base.  I saw one burst from a vent, and I think I saw another dragging someone into one.  Salarians might be good for determining most efficient watches; the little frogs don't sleep.  If anyone needs anything, I'll be in my bunk.  I need to think."

He left the scientists to twitter about their new pet monster and headed back to the security guards's quarters.  He didn't bother to shut the door behind him, but went straight to his locker and pulled out a case of Guinness.  He took one from the four pack, opened it, and took a sip.  It was lukewarm, but it didn't matter.  He put the others into the fridge the guards had shared--at least the next ones would be cold.  Before he shut it, he noticed how barren the  little bridge unit was.  Not a good sign if a siege was coming.

Flanagan took another sip from the black stout, then pulled out his bodhran and started thumping a simple beat on it that matched a tune in his head.

There's one of them buried beneath the tree
At the well below the valley-o
Another two buried beneath the stone
At the well below the valley-o...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 07:33:49 pm
With a sigh, Kat smacked Tobias upside the head. "Let's stay on task. I vote we head for the Comms Centre, while we still have this laser, get a message out, then try our best to live long enough for them to get here." She gestured with her gun. "But I agree with Seamus, we need to keep our eyes on the vents."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 07:45:17 pm
The sounds from below eventually stopped, but Amitee and Lila remained in their beds, neither willing to move from the fear that possessed them both.

The fear gave way to concern for her friend. Lila's quiet whimpers and the sobs that subtly shook the bed registered slowly in Amitee's consciousness. Voices, faint but clearly belonging to sentient beings, were carried from down the hallway.

"Lila..." Amitee whispered. "I think someone's out there. And alive."

The bed stopped its indistinct shaking. Amitee waited patiently for her friend to gather herself. Eventually a "Really..?" carried down from above.

"Really." Amitee said warmly. She moved to a seating position, her legs carrying her feet down to the floor. "We should go see who it is. We have no food here, and no way to protect ourselves. They might be able to help."

Amitee waited for Lila to come down the ladder, a motion that came a long time after Amitee's words had fallen to silence.

She opened the door and walked ahead of Lila, ready to fend off whatever would charge them to give Lila the chance to escape. They walked cautiously down the long hall of the dormitory to the voices.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 07:46:58 pm
"Where are my manners.  I am Captain Tobias Westen.  Legendary pirate, scourge of the Terminus Systems.  Perhaps you've heard of me?" Tobias said right before Kat smacked him upside the head.

"Hey!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 07:56:05 pm
A pirate! Isani's eyes widened in surprise, shock giving way to further shock. A pirate! Why?

She entertained the suspicion that he was to blame for the sudden assault, and dismissed it. She couldn't see what he could gain, only what he could lose from such a thing. Besides, if he wanted the equipment of this facility, to sell it, it would have been better and less risky to hire a mercenary troop.

"We should gather supplies first." Isani said to the drell, taking a step towards her and away from the pirate, cautious of the man now. "The cafeteria is where the food was stored, but it sounded like that area was overrun. The map shows a lounge, but the food there would do little to appease our needs. Perhaps the upper floor has a collection of food, but the area is shown as 'RESTRICTED' on my map. We need to find someone with higher clearance... or at least their card."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 08:03:55 pm
Kat felt her jaw drop. "Are you saying... We go poke through whatever's left of our co-workers? Who may or may not be in a monster bug's digestive tract?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 08:07:29 pm
Isani shrugged. "I never considered 'death etiquette' a necessity in survival situations." She looked around. "But if you have an alternative, I am eager to hear it. I was only suggesting the course of action I thought would be most relevant and helpful."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 07, 2013, 08:11:20 pm
"Nein, she's right. It may be detestable but I see no other alternative. If ve find a security card, ve can go anywhere ve need to escape zees beasts. However, I add a vote for ze communications room. Our best chance of surviving is getting a message out as quickly as possible."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 08:18:16 pm
Lila'Naan stood before a closed door, voices muted from within. She met Amitee's gaze, strengthened by her friend's smile.

She raised a three-fingered hand and knocked.

"Hello?" Amitee called out. "Is anyone inside?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 07, 2013, 08:19:05 pm
Tobias was fairly disappointed when the smoking hot Asari shied away. Guess she doesn't like bad boys. He thought.  Guess it was back to the matter at hand.

"Though I would normally be the first to suggest looting and stealing, I vote we head to the communications center, if it gets us out of here faster."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 08:31:18 pm
Kat nodded. "And if anything, since there aren't as many people there, it's not prime hunting grounds. That's if they work like most pack creatures." She patted the laser once more. "And we do still have this universal key. I'm going to go and grab... something important from my room." She handed Isani the laser. "Keep an eye out." she added as she made for the cabins. The door opened and she was face to face with a small Quarian girl. "How long have you been there?" She asked, suprised.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 08:40:50 pm
"Um..." Lila took a step back in surprise.

"We heard voices, so we came to see who it was." Amitee said, stepping forward. "We knocked, and called out but I guess you didn't hear us. What's going on? We heard screams and Lila," Amitee motioned to the quarian beside her. "Saw some creatures that looked like the ones we've been dissecting... but is that really possible?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 08:57:02 pm
"I'm afraid so, love." Kat said sadly. "I'm sorry you've had to see all of this. You could stay with us, I suppose." She pointed to the laser in Isani's hands. "This laser seems to do the trick, but the trouble is powering it. You know anything about making it last longer?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 07, 2013, 09:30:27 pm
(Would like to clarify, This is not the room full of eaten corpses and South hiding in a box?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 09:33:20 pm
(No. now get back in the box.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 09:47:07 pm
"Well..." Lila said as she and Amitee stepped into the room. "Lasers use a power supply, heat crystal, and a reflective interior to exude its high degree of energy..." The small quarian approached Isani and ran her fingers over the cylindrical end of the makeshift weapon. "The self-replicating bullets of 2183 utilized a similar structure, and I could adapt the weaponry if you have one on hand." Lila turned the laser over, staring down at the switch. "Otherwise,  a new power supply, though I doubt there are any compatible with it nearby... oh!" She gasped. "An arrangement of closefitted reflective surfaces would amplify it's potency...." Her voice dropped to a murmer. "Though, depending on the arrangement it could only spread out the beam and lessen the overall strength of the beam..." She looked up at the end of her mutterings and saw Amitee's encouraging smile, finding courage in it.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 09:55:20 pm
Kat sighed, feeling antsy, as she'd used the last of her pills. "Just ensure that it can still cut through those bugs, I don't want our best weapon turned into a penlight." she left the room, walking rather quickly to her cabin.

While inside she grabbed a fresh pill bottle and shoved it in her pocket, she contemplated bringing the duffel, but couldn't think how to explain it. Thinking quickly, she grabbed all of the food she'd brought, not as much as she'd like, but enough, and threw it inside, burying the pills in food bags.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 10:16:01 pm
Lila nodded silently after the drell had left, and hefted the laser in her arms before lowering it to the floor. There, in a crouching position, she hovered her omnitool-lit arm over it, reading the blueprints in anticipation of the modifications she could make. "I left my toolbox in the generator room..." She complained.

Amitee nodded sadly. "Maybe we can get to it later?" And looked around, seeing a clothed humanoid, a rugged human, withdrawn asari, and a salarian. "Any idea what's going on?" She said to the air.

The asari looked around, and, after no one else spoke up, approached the newcomers. "I'm Isani." She said, and introduced the rest in turn. "Theres also a security guard that was with us, but I think he's taking a breather in his room. It's been a rough day for us all..."

Amitee smiled. "Worse for you, I imagine. All I've done was cower in my room...." a twisting feeling settled in her stomach at that... how many of her friends had died while she lay on her bed? Lila seemed to be thinking the same thing. The quarian's shoulders had hunched like some unbearable weight had been put upon her. "But if you're looking to get into the upper floor, the exogeni office where they communicate with the.." Amitee motioned vaguely upward. "Men upstairs, then Lila should manage it well. She's... skilled in anything to do with tech. But it'd probably be best for us to lift the lockdown first... for mobility. I don't think the bugs use doors, anyway..." Amitee finished with a nervous laugh, but only earned a cringe from the asari.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 11:09:25 pm
Katrin returned with her duffel on one arm, confident that nobody would discover her stash, hidden within a bag beneath all of the food. "Well. Good news, I found out that they didn't eat the food I brought." She produced a sandwhich and threw it to Isani. "Nothing Dextro though."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 11:21:51 pm
Isani caught it with a grateful grin. "My, I have been hungry!" It took some prudence to keep from biting into it right then and there. She addressed the rest of the room, offering the meal. "Anyone want half?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 07, 2013, 11:33:12 pm
Heinrich sat on one of the bunks in the mostly empty dorm area, pulling off his mask for a moment to take a breath that wasn't being actively filtered. He sighed at the wave of cooler air hitting his face, and looked up at the tossing of food among the group in the hall.

"I'll take one of zose, if you please."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 11:49:13 pm
The Asari broke the sandwhich in half and gave a piece to the German, handing it over with a forced smile.

Lila watched the exchange with no small amount of envy, her own stomach tight with hunger. She glanced at Amitee, who smiled back and said, "I've already eaten, don't worry about me."

"Alright..." Lila said quietly. "Um, this room connects to the security bunks... I saw some turians among them, so..." She stared down at the laser before moving to her feet. "I'll go see if I can find some purified paste..."

Amitee picked up the laser from the floor. "That's a good idea. I'll move this over to the table." She sighed. "I wish I could help you more but.. this isn't really my area of expertise."

Lila shrugged. "It's enough just having you here."

Amitee's face broke out into a grin at that, and Lila dropped her gaze, embarrassed. "I'll be back..." The quarian mumbled and made for the bunks.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 11:51:35 pm
"So. Was there any progress on the laser?" Kat asked, taking the machine back and giving it a look over.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 07, 2013, 11:55:55 pm
"Well.. she doesn't have any supplies, so the most Lila did was examine it." Amitee said gently, standing beside the Drell. "... First Law of Thermodynamics; energy cannot be created or destroyed." It comforted her to say that, reminded Amitee of the safety of her lab, and the sure knowledge of her mind.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 07, 2013, 11:59:13 pm
Kat shrugged. "Hey, I don't know what Quarians tote around. I knew one that could build a mass accelerator out of a paperclip and some string." She relished the memory. "I should call him when I get out of here..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 12:03:42 am
Flanagan finished off the Guinness and tossed the can across the room.  He considered getting another, but his stomach wasn't steady and he didn't feel like eating or drinking.  He laid the drum down and leaned back against the locker.  He didn't like the feeling.  It was helplessness and despair.  He'd been in dangerous situations before, but this time it just felt hopeless.  It'd be almost a month before the next scheduled drop came, and even if they made contact and got help quicker, it was at least a week.
"And it ain't bloody likely we'll last that long," He said aloud.

He started to laugh at the bleakness of the situation, "Luck of the Irish, my bleedin'..." But he stopped.  He could have sworn he was hearing footsteps.

"Someone out there?" He called, By god, let it be one of the others, or at least one of the scientists.  Not another damn bug.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 12:04:55 am
Amitee whistled, and grinned. "That's rather impressive. Introduce me to him, when you do!" Her expression turned thoughtful. "Lila's pretty incredible, too. When she first got here... about a year ago, the generator kept fizzing out, which was a pretty big deal since it keeps the air containment field up... I mean, we have a backup generator, but it's really not as reliable as the primary. Anyway, she spent two minutes down there and it's been working like a dream ever since... the last tech had been working on it for a week." Amitee laughed a little at the memory of his stricken face. "He was so angry..."

=======================================

The voice halted Lila's steps into the room. Recalling the asari's mention of a security guard, she relaxed, but only just. "Yes, I'm just checking if there's any Dextro food around... Purified, preferably... Uh, I'll try to keep quiet." She peeked her head into the doorway, seeing the raised figure of a familiar face. "Oh, you! Sean Flanagan, right?" It was a glad surprise that she could see him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 08, 2013, 12:16:20 am
It had been quite a while since their last encounter with the acid spewing space beetles.  It appeared they were in the clear, at least for now.  And Tobias was getting painfully bored holding this biotic barrier up and standing there.  He let his hand fall, dissipating the barrier, and walked back towards the living quarters.

"If any of our carnivorous friends show up, yell."

Tobias went straight for a row of lockers.  Most of them were locked, but he had broke into enough safes in his lifetime that this was child's play.  One by one he began to rummage through them.  No...No....No...No.. He kept going until he reached his goal.

"Ah, yes!"

His hand returned triumphantly from one of the lockers with a bottle of Tennessee Whiskey.

"This will do nicely."

And so Tobias **** open the bottle, sat down on the bunk, and began to drink.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 12:21:02 am
The voice was muffled by a transmitter and Flanagan realized it was the quarian he'd chatted with over coffee,"Yes--it's Ms. Nar Gela, isn't it?  Good to see you made it out,"  He said, trying to be cheerful, "I didn't figure many would have made it out of the lower levels.

"No need to worry about being quiet--now's probably not the best time to be alone anyway," He scratched his chin and though for a moment, "I had a turian bunking with me in here, but I'll be the old man was the kind of guy to keep a couple emergency rations around."  He pulled himself up, "Come on, I'll help you look--he's the only one of the guards who had a private bunk; it's just a few doors down."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 12:25:23 am
Kat sat down on the floor, cradling her weapon. "I say we wait until Seamus and the Quarian return, then we start heading for the comm room. And hopefully find something our friend can use to power the laser. All in favour?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 12:28:40 am
"Thanks," Lila said with surprise. "And call me 'Lila'... It's easier to remember." And easier to hear.

"So," She said as they started walking down. "Any antique weapons around? Or were any of the guards a particular fan of old weapons, maybe they kept one in their room?" A longshot, but she had to ask. Mirrors were the least reliable way of amping up the laser. She'd rather increase its potency by a more reliable means.

==============================================

"Aye!" Said Amitee cheerfully, raising her hand high.

The Asari munched her sandwich and shrugged. "Seems reasonable. I think we should set up a safety room before anything, though. A safe place to come back to, store up food, and rest. This is largely going to be a waiting game, after all."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 08, 2013, 12:29:53 am
"Well I have heard worse plans in my lifetime."  Tobias said from the bunk as he drank his ill gotten whiskey.  He stood up and strolled over to Kat.  He crouched down next to her and got in close.  He wanted to make sure no one else would hear this. 

"Care for a drink, Kat?  Or am I talking to the boring version in your head that doesn't do anything fun?"  He said in a low tone with a smirk.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 12:32:17 am
Kat took the drink with a smile to keep up appearances, before whispering from the corner of her mouth: "What are you talking about, Pirate?"

Oh gods, he knows! He's figured it out! Katrin screamed within their head.

Quiet, he knows nothing. Kat shot back. We've been using the sister story for almost a decade now, why should this pirate see through it?
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 08, 2013, 12:35:41 am
Tobias gave her an "are you shitting me?" look.

"Come now Kat....Or Katrin.  Who do you think you are speaking to?  Lying is my profession.  But a doctor with a split personality disorder, quite ironic don't you think?  And from your reaction, I don't suppose anyone else here has figured it out have they?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 12:40:07 am
That caught Flanagan by surprise, he hadn't pegged the quarian for an informal one.  She had always seemed stand-offish, "OK Lila.  It''ll be easier for this poor mick to remember.'

He punched in an emergency override and opened the door to Commander Vavnik's room.  He put an arm out to let Lila go in first, "You might be in luck.  Vavnik served for a damn long time.  The old bastard was there on Shanxi--even kept an Lancer," Flanagan thumbed at an antique rifle in a display case on the wall.

"Here," He said, "I'll check his foot locker, you look in the closet.  He's got to have something you can eat."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 12:45:35 am
"Shanxi..." Lila muttered. "Was that the First Contact War?" She approached the display case, walking over scattered trash and clothing, and raised her hand to meet the glass. "The gun looks old enough to have been from that time period..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 12:49:04 am
"Aye, bloody bastards attacked us without warning," Flanagan said, opening a large box and searching, "But we sent 'em running like hell.  Vavnik said he took the damn thing in battle."  He found some paste tubes and held them up, "Would these work?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 12:51:37 am
"I swear by the entire pantheon, if you tell anyone, I will destroy you." Kat growled. "If you stop me from saving lives, you'll find yourself wondering just how much of your body I know how to disassemble."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 08, 2013, 12:56:27 am
"Oh, now that's definitely Kat talking."  Tobias looked quite impressed with himself.  And then he quickly turned serious.

"But keep in mind good doctor,  I am the only one of the three of us that has actually looked a man in the eyes as I put a bullet in his head.  If the little war you're waging in your own mind happens to spill over into the real world and nearly get me killed.  I will do the same to you."

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 12:56:54 am
Lila nodded sharply. "Yes, thank you." She raised the display case up from its holding place, and brought it down, dropping it on the bed. Pulling a small heat-knife from her left shoulder's pocket, she powered it up and pulled it across the lock that sealed the gun from her, slicing it clean off. Making a victorious noise, she relaxed, and switched the knife off, the bright orange glow slowly fading away.

Opening the case and taking the Lancer from it, Lila gathered it in her arms with a grunt of effort. "Hm, this should be good. Let's head on back!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 01:00:07 am
"Vavnik'll," Flanagan started to say, then stopped.  Vavnik was most likely dead.  "Why do we want an obsolete old rifle? Who knows if it'll even fire?"  But Lila had already left the room, forcing Flanagan to walk briskly to catch up with her.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 01:06:45 am
"Believe me, Tobias. The party girl isn't the only one hiding in here." She continued in a whisper. "I'm getting off of this shithole planet, whether you want to help me or not. But remember, I'm the only one that has medical training. Say a Scout starts nibbling on you, and you're bleeding out. You think anyone else here would know how to save you? Maybe Heinrich, but he prefers working on the dead." She took a swig from his bottle and handed it back.

"By the way, you're not as big as you think you are."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 08, 2013, 01:12:44 am
Tobias took his pilfered bottle and stood up.  As always he maintained his egocentric outwards appearance, even though her words struck a cord on the inside.

"Then it appears we both have an obligation to keep each other alive.  After all, when we're pinned against a wall I don't imagine that Asari friend of yours could maintain a barrier to hold back a kitten."

He stood up and began walking away from Kat.

"Nice chatting with you, doctor."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 01:16:41 am
"Glad we could come to an understanding, Captain." Kat replied with a satisfied smile.

What if he tells someone? Katrin asked, terrified. The job's all we have.

Don't worry Katrin. Kat replied. I'll put a laser beam through his face before that happens.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 01:23:10 am
Isani crossed the room to sit beside Katrin after the pirate had left. "Did he say something unkind? Are you alright?" Isani asked below her breath.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 01:26:49 am
"No Isani," Katrin said with a smile, "He and I just had to come to a little understanding. It's passed now. How about you, are you alright? Not every day you get attacked by ancient bug monsters."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 01:30:26 am
At Katrin's words, Isani fell back against the wall with a sigh, intertwining her fingers in front of her raised knees. "I'm fine, I think. It's good to know that I won't fold under my own fears when things get tough." She shook her head. "But this seems odd, right? I mean, couldn't they scan the planet for signs of life? Or at least set up better security measures should such a thing occur... How did this happen... and right when we arrived, too..." Her chin fell on the crevice between her knees, and she blew out air from her lungs, suddenly feeling exhausted.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 01:35:01 am
Katrin nodded as she came back to the forefront. "Maybe they were dead?" She mused aloud. "There are plenty of species in the strange Galaxy of ours that do the same. Thresher Maw spores enter a state of near death for centuries while they travel through space, maybe the same happened here. Once they detected a large enough food source, they came alive again. That..." she paused before dropping her head. "That or I **** up and this is my fault."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 01:37:10 am
Isani had been nodding thoughtfully, entertaining Katrin's suggestions, but ceased all movement at her last words. "Your fault? How could this be your fault?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 01:40:38 am
"Think about it. These things appeared the second I cut into the soldier, and I'd spent the better part of the week poking at a brain that seemed based off of a hive mind." She seemed to withdraw a bit. "What if... The reason they were in such good condition, organs and all, was because they were in hibernation, not dead. What if I alerted them to our presence, woke whatever constitutes the hivemind by turning off the lights of a dozen minds... What if that's the reason the Scout hesitated back then..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 01:47:51 am
Isani's eyes widened. "That... That's..." She turned her gaze to stare straight ahead. "I'm shocked. It makes sense." Her hand pressed against the right side of her face. She felt it shake. "They're angry, and they want revenge...." They want Katrin. Not any of us, just her. And if they get her, will they leave? Does that mean that what they want from us is to give up both her and Heinrich? Isani swallowed at those thoughts, gathering her knees closer to her chest.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 01:52:57 am
"I'm scared, Isani." she finally said, quietly, so Tobias wouldn't hear. "I treated the worst injuries the Reapers could inflict on our soldiers, but that was it, they were machines. Predictable. These things are Organic, and I have no idea what to think." she clutched the laser tighter. "It's funny. I've wanted one of these for years, and now that I finally have one, it's all that stands between me and death, or whatever they want me for. I really hope Seamus and the Quarian get back soon. Those things were right below us, last we heard."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 02:13:19 am
(Sorry I wasn't here. Things came up. Ghost my character for anything you need, he's got an omni-tool with an incendiary attack that needs unlocking due to company rules against owning weapons. I'm planning on asking Flanigan or someone else. He's also got three glass bottles of aluminum phosphite, which turns into poisonous gases on contact with water. Being a desert world, there's not much in the atmosphere, but it'll be useful if we can corner some in a room with a fire suppression system.)

Reaching his room, Ilste searched through his locker for the camera drone, and placed it on his desk. Activating it, he programmed it with the layout of the base that he knew, and set it on patrol of the air vents in the dorms. Should prevent attacks from the smaller ones, or at least warn us of them. Realizing he had not had anything to eat before the attacks, he set out towards the lounge in the hopes that something remained.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 02:29:36 am
Isani reached a hand over and rubbed Katrin's back, hoping to console her. "I'm scared, too." She said quietly. "But... well, I'll do my best to make sure we both make it out of this. Alive. And whole."

==============

The quarian returned with both an older security guard and a vintage assault rifle in tow. Amitee could see from the younger girl's gait that she was feeling quite full of herself.

"Flanagan showed me the weapon in a turian's room!" She announced to Amitee, her voice full of smiles. "It's perfect! In good condition! Its power supply definitely still works!"

Amitee's teeth flashed in a wide smile. "Stupendous!" She lead Lila over to the laser, receiving it from the drell and placing it on the table. Still smiling, she held Lila's shoulder affectionately. "Go for it, Lila."

Lila nodded. Lifting a heat knife in her left hand, she stepped to a place above the weapons, and made an incision into the Lancer. The buzz of heat cutting iron filled the small room. Amitee watched from a place far from the resulting sparks, cheering her friend on in her thoughts.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 01:33:16 pm
(I'm a wee bit busy volunteering at the museum, ghost me for the stuff you need.  Flanagan is willing to follow the democratic process.

Also, Bernak's around too.  He's just trying to do research on the dig site and figure out what kind of place they stumbled onto.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 04:00:50 pm
Katrin smiled. "Thanks Isani." she stood up and moved to Lila, placing the laser on a nearby box. "What do you have in mind, Lila?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 08, 2013, 04:05:48 pm
Heinrich watched from his bunk as the quarian cut into the weapon she'd found, wondering why she was ruining a perfectly good weapon. He shook his head and shrugged, as he had no idea about anything to do with weapons.

Ve need to head to the comm room soon, or zis whole thing is useless.

He slowly eased himself off the bunk and took the small creature from his pocket. He found an appropriately large table and set it down to remove it from the bag, letting it settle onto the tabletop on its back. Taking two dinner knives from the kitchen area, he began to work the chitin back from it's torso. If he was blocked from his dissection room, he could still do something useful.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 07:20:42 pm
Lila worked as she talked, nimble fingers slicing and dissecting the gun like it were a specimen on an undertaker's table. "Removing power supply from Lancer and transfering to laser. Creating a burst and straight fire capability by uniting the Lancer's modulator with the laser's suppresor. Switch will be rerouted to determine avenue of the laser's beam, and.." She melted a searing hole into the laser's underbelly. "Using trigger as replacement for the switch. Power supply should amplify the power, but I'll make sure the strength of power fails to overheat the weapon by modifying and combining these two." She glanced at the drell. "And... could you move away for a while? It's hard to work with you staring over my shoulder..."

==================

Amitee was searching for a glass of water in the small kitchen when her sight fell upon the German scientist dissecting a small, bug thing. Intrigued, she came up beside him, hovering at his shoulder. "Is that what was attacking the group downstairs?" She asked.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 07:29:40 pm
Flanagan hadn't gotten along with Vavnik, but he'd always respected the turian...and it was a shame to see a relic like that get destroyed, "Is...is that really necessary?  The rifle is probably older than both of us combined and I know the old bastard loved it.  I think he even named it..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 08, 2013, 07:34:41 pm
Heinrich blink at the voice nearby, and he looked up from his close inspection of the creature to find it's source. He didn't recall the woman who stood nearby, and frowned a bit as he wracked his brain.

"Um, yes. Yes zis particular specimen attacked me personally." He looked back down to the bug-like thing and let his frown lighten a bit. "Were you not a part of the scientific endeavor here?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 07:40:56 pm
Katrin moved away, "Oh, sorry there, miss. You just reminded me of an old friend." She said with a smile. She moved back to her little spot on the floor while she waited.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 07:45:03 pm
"Oh, I was in the chemistry department. I've been here about a year and a half." Amitee offered her hand, and thought the better of it, dropping it back to her side. "We would only have seen each other passing through the halls or at lunch time... you're a wet lab scientist right?" She moved closer, trying to get a better visual of the bug. "What do we know about them so far? I worked with some acidic substances, but..." Amitee stared at it in wonder. "I've never seen a completed specimen."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 08, 2013, 07:52:03 pm
He grunted at her explanation, it made sense anyway. He'd only been here a week and a half or so after all. Heinrich slowly placed the two kitchen knives down and began pointing things out for her.

"Zey have acidic blood, incredibly corrosive acid that could eat through deck plating in under a minute. Zey have infrared and night vision, ze thermo sensitive pits to either side of ze eyes and the reptilian pupil show us zat much. Incredibly fast and capable of leaping great distances, I imagine zey have little trouble wiss heights Izer." He sighed heavily as he looked down, tapping a gloved finger against one of its rigid legs. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 08:25:44 pm
"Is the acid held in a sac?" Amitee couldn't tear her eyes away. "How is such powerful acid contained in that weak, tiny body?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 08:28:46 pm
"Because that's just a baby." Kat yelled. "The real thing has acid that'll eat through your mammal-skin in seconds." she untied the small bandage on her shoulder, revealing a ragged hole in the scales. "This here is 10 seconds of exposure. Superdense muscle fibre saved my life, you aren't so blessed."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 08, 2013, 08:31:46 pm
"Vell you see the inside of ze sac itself is coated in a thin layer of... er, to keep it simple, slime. It is secreted through this tiny hole, here. Zis slime protects the sac from rupturing from ze acid." Heinrich felt a bit like a college teacher tutoring a student, and he rather liked the interaction. He'd spoken little to anyone over the course of the past year, and usually those conversations were forced on him. Speaking with someone who showed actual interest in his science was refreshing.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 08:43:47 pm
Amitee recoiled at Kat's scar, and it took her a moment from Kat's sudden outburst. "I'm sorry, I... I wasn't thinking." The hole was jagged, and black, and a wave of fear and sadness rushed over Amitee as she imagined the level of pain it must have caused. "That's a terrible wound..." The fact that what had once been trapped in the lab had now come to see the light of day, could wound, pain, even kill every one in the room began to sink in. Feeling her hands begin to shake, she put them deep in the pockets of her lab coat, out of sight. Her head lowered, Amitee turned to Heinrich. "How big do they get? ...Do you have a sample of an adult creature's acid?" Before Heinrich answered, another, less relevant thought struck her. "Do they have a name yet?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 08, 2013, 08:51:48 pm
Heinrich made a dismissive motion with his hand, waving the thought away in disinterest.

"It shouldn't matter what zey are called, I leave such things to others. What should concern you is the first question, to which we don't yet have an answer. Zey can be anywhere from praetorian sized to mammoth sized for all ze samples I've seen. I simpy do not have enough data to make a accurate assumption."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 08:59:33 pm
"Then we should get more information." Amitee said, thinking for a moment before lighting up with a conclusion. "The security cameras! They feed to the second floor, where ExoGeni watches and marks our progress. If we could get to that room, maybe we could get enough information to know how to defend ourselves, and find what we need to make that, uh, communication device..." She laughed as her memory failed her. "Or whatever was said before.."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 09:07:59 pm
On his way back from the kitchens, carrying his bounty of a pack of dry ramen and a hard-boiled egg, Ilste paused and knocked on the German scientist's door. "Pardon me for interrupting, but I couldn't help but overhearing your conversation. I have a small camera drone we could use. It's not much, just a small recording and mapping tool, but it could be used to find what we need."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 09:09:24 pm
"I call the ones that've been running around 'Scouts'." She leaned back as she re-wrapped the wound. "The humanoids I called Drones, and the big'uns are Soldiers. We do NOT want to run into any of those."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 09:11:26 pm
"Perfect!" Amitee spun around to grab the salarian's shoulders. "That's perfect! Could you send it down to the cafeteria below? To check if Rif Anzikk's down there? Grey Salarian, tall, kind of mean." Her face and hands fell as she remembered the screaming. "Or... or he could be..." She swallowed, but raised her head and forced a smile. "A video of the Cafeteria should be all that we need. Is it possible?"

Hearing Kat's list, Amitee smiled. "Classifications already?" She laughed weakly. "That's good... But what should we call them as a whole? ...The 'Enemy'? Or maybe 'ennemi de sang acide.' ...Enemy of Acid Blood." It sounded poetic. Kind of.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 09:20:44 pm
"Should be. It's not set up for broadcast over a distance, but if I patch it into the base network it'll give us a real time view of what it's seeing." Tapping out a command on his omni-tool, the drone acknowledged its new instructions. "It'll be a minute until it gets there." Turning on the screen on his omni-tool, he motioned for her to see.

(I'm not certain about the fate of him because I can't find the right post yet, so I can't describe what's happening. I'll let you handle what the drone is broadcasting from the cafeteria.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 09:21:42 pm
Kat laughed. "Honestly, I don't know what we should call them. They look like insects, yet hunt like wolves." She pulled her sleeve down to cover the bandage. "All I know is, I'll wait 'till I'm safely home on Kithoi Ward before I give these bastards a name." She stood. "Miss, you nearly done with my laser? Once it's sorted we can move."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 09:24:56 pm
Lila stepped back from her small table with a sigh, scooping up the weapon in her two arms. "It's done." She said, and held it out towards the doctor. "Hope it works."

=================

Amitee leaned to see the video, watching the screen glide through white walls and a wired banister as the drone drifted down the staircase. Light filled the screen as it entered the cafeteria, but the camera soon adjusted, and the room came into focus.

Amitee squinted, seeing an assortment of black lumps, and a... what seemed to be a red carpet.... which was odd, considering nothing but the most drab of furniture had been in the cafeteria, at least to her knowledge. Then the drone flew closer, and the camera revealed the strange sight for what it was; a collection of charred and mangled bodies, and blood. Gallons of blood spread across the floor. Amitee closed her eyes tight as the realization hit her, but forced them open once more, knowing she had to see what remained of the crowd below. Faces of friends and coworkers past the screen, some exposed brain tissue, most with charred, jagged cheeks. For some, only a stump and the blackened top of their spinal chord was left above their shoulders. Body parts were strewn all over, unrecognizable, half blackened lumps. The acid and brutal cuts that this alien enemy had made caused nearly everything to be unrecognizable. The drone might have already passed by Rif Anzikk, he might be nothing more than a blackened lump, indistinguishable from a pile of ash.

Amitee whimpered, and raised a hand quickly to cover her mouth, trying to keep the rising emotion under control. Squinting at the small screen, she caught sight of a thin arm hanging over one of the tables.

"Could you check that out..?" Amitee asked weakly, pointing at it.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 09:37:59 pm
Kat took the laser with a "thank you". She took note of the modifications, it would definitely last longer, and she noted a small switch added. She assumed it was connected to the refractor, but didn't pay it much mind. What intrigued her the most was the new shoulder-guard and trigger. Well damn, she thought, Girl knows how to make a good gun...

Noting the commotion, she moved to the screen with Amitee. What she saw made her hold the weapon closer. "Holy ****..." she murmured. "Is that all...?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 09:46:14 pm
"Yes I can, but are you sure you want to see this?" Frowning at the massacre, Ilste was disturbed. Not by the bodies, years of digging up dead ones and seeing fresh ones put a damper on whatever feelings would come from such sights. No, it was that they had slaughtered all of them, and left. No dragging the corpses off, no creatures still feeding on the remains. What kind of animals kills things and doesn't eat them?
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 09:52:26 pm
"I don't want to see any of this," Amitee said, her voice garbled from the lump rising in her throat. Her stomach was swirling, nausea rising and threatening to overpower her senses. "But one of these bodies could be... what makes it possible for us to survive." The camera was moving closer to the hand she had seen, and as the slim arm came into focus, it became clear that it was the three-fingered hand of a Salarian, and a grey Salarian at that. Amitee choked, her hand falling against the screen as the camera began to zoom around to his body. "That's... hi--"

His head was missing, completely. His body had ragged, gaping holes in it, piercing through and exposing green flesh. Amitee dropped her gaze, hugging herself in an effort to maintain her composure. Without a word, she ran for the sink, and vomited out her lunch.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 09:53:00 pm
"D-D'you think they're just saving what's left for later?" Kat said with a small stammer. Is this what you saw during the war, Katrin? Is this why you're like you are? "Like some sort of **** up squirrel?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 09:57:51 pm
"I don't see anything that indicates anything was dragged. No clothing torn off and left, no smears, just bodies laying there. If they were going to be stored for later, they would take it away from where they killed it and that leaves physical signs." Ordering the drone to capture the whole scene, he went over to Amitee and gently said, "Come over here and sit down. You're going to need to rest after a shock like that."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 10:02:44 pm
"Th...anks..." Amitee mumbled, splashing water against her face and breathing in slowly. "Sorry about that. Wasting food, not a good plan." She laughed breathlessly, taking the seat Ilste offered gratefully.

=============================

Isani approached the commotion, an eyebrow raised in interest. "I overheard you guys talking. Rif Anzikk's body was found below us? Is it safe to retrieve his card?" She glanced at Katrin's modified laser. "Not bad. I'll feel a lot safer with that around."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 10:05:18 pm
"No creatures immediately visible in the area. If there are any in there, they'll be small enough that we can attack them by hand if necessary."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 08, 2013, 10:09:00 pm
Heinrich ignored the others once more, resuming his cataloging of the infant creatures insides diligently. He knew this was a rare thing to find when doing autopsies of new species, as the young were the hardest to obtain. Though it was rather useless now without his proper lab equipment on hand. He was stuck using kitchen knives like chopsticks to find what he needed inside the creature.

"If you are all going down there, keep an eye out for any specimens that might be laying around, if you please." his eyes never left the corpse as he gently probed further.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 10:10:27 pm
Lila stretched and yawned, walking up to the security guard, Sean Flanagan. Pulling out a tube of purified paste, she leaned against the wall beside him.

"Sorry about your friend's weapon..." She said, inserting some of the food into her induction port. "But its power supply would be more useful on the dissection laser. It's a real piece of protection now. Though I think it would've been better if you were the one holding it... maybe..."

===================

"Then, if there's a weapon for me, I would like to come along and offer my assistance." Isani said. "And even if there are no guns to spare, my body is a weapon of its own..." She set her hand aglow for emphasis. The earlier rations sat well in her stomach, and her headache, as well as her fatigue had all but faded.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 10:13:25 pm
"Er- As much as the laser makes me feel safer. I'd rather not swim in chum when there's sharks about. Sal, this thing got an arm of some sort?" Kat asked, moving to the door and poking her head out. "We need to get moving, the sooner we let the beacon go, the sooner we get some help."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 10:18:12 pm
"Only a small arm. It's not meant to carry more than three kilos, I mostly used it to pick up evidence that had genetic materials I didn't want contaminated."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 10:18:30 pm
"Let's go, then." Isani said, pushing the door open and walking calmly down the hall, moving in the direction of the rounded staircase. "The two of us should be enough, right? If the Salarian watches on his probe, then we are the safer for it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 10:21:01 pm
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lila," Flanagan said.  "You might have to show me how it works though--I've never touched a laser before."

He found himself wishing he'd brought something to fiddle with.  Sitting around waiting for something to happen had never been a skill he'd developed--it was one of the reasons he'd been interested in learning instruments.  But playing an accordion or banging on his bodhran probably would just racket up tension; which was luckily fairly low  at this point.  Maybe when more people are dead, or someone disagrees with the plan of action,  He thought, But I'll be damned if I'll rock the boat.  The last thing a group needed was pointless infighting while death loomed outside their walls.

Instead he decided to talk to Lila, "So someone's really going back out there?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 10:23:51 pm
"Wait up there beefcake." Kat replied, stopping him at the door. "I'll go with them, I know how to use the laser, and you've been trained to guard things. To stay here and keep this lot alive." she then moved close to whisper to him. "And keep an eye on that pirate. I think he's gone mad."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 10:24:39 pm
"It's simple enough." Lila said. "A switch to move it from burst fire to a long, steady beam, and the trigger to ignite the laser." She shrugged. "Very simple."

She twisted the tube in her hand when she had finished its contents, the remnants leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Well, I'm not really sure what they're planning." Lila said honestly, raising both hands in confusion. "I think the Drell mentioned a Communication beam, but... yeah, I can't imagine how we'd make it anywhere with the acid creatures crawling around..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 08, 2013, 10:28:00 pm
Turning to the both of them Ilste said, "I'll patch the feed to your omnitools, just in case. And if we get the chance, I'd like to go to the security offices to unlock my omnitool."

(Going to bed in a few more posts. I don't want to, but it's finals week and my first one is in seven hours.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 10:41:41 pm
Kat nodded her acknowledgement. "Behind me Isani, we'll get the card. The rest of you, get headed for the communications room, no guarantees we're coming back." She moved down the hallway with Isani on her tail. As they moved down the stairs, Kat couldn't help but feel jittery.

"Hey Isani... You ever get the feeling that you're being watched?"



The soldier watched as the Desecrator and the Destroyer made their way out alone, safe in the metal tunnels. It was curious to why they would go down to the feeding room, and what exactly the Desecrator was carrying, but it didn't matter. Soon, they would belong to the Lifegiver...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 10:43:51 pm
"Thanks Lila," Flanagan said, hefting it, "You  must be right clever to put something together with nothing but an antique and a science fair project . " It wasn't as heavy as he'd have expected it--expensive things usually were.  He stood up to find out what was going on; but the drell pulled him aside, beefcake? The thought with a wry smile. 

"If you think you can handle it out there--I'll keep one of the katanas and someone else in your group takes the other.  The rest of us back here will have to manage with pistols--I don't suppose you labrats had another laser hanging around down there?  The bloody bugs have thick armor."

The drell left with the asari and Flanagan watched out after them., You really think he's off his nut? He asked himself.

Ah, the bloody frog's probably right, He answered, She took him between the sheets less than an hour after he was out of his cell.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 08, 2013, 11:42:18 pm
Tobias simply sat back in a bunk drinking his stolen whiskey.

"If they want to risk their lives walking into a slaughterhouse then best of luck to them.  But my friend Jack here and I..."  He said motioning to the bottle in his hand.  "We're going to stay right here for the moment."

(So I have finals 4 of the next 5 days.  Don't know how active I will be, so just make Tobias move with the group and don't kill him off.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 08, 2013, 11:47:08 pm
"Sometimes." Isani said. "Sometimes I do feel my neck prickle and a shadow lurking behind me." She stared at the Drell's back. "But when I turn on the lights, I'm safe. And it goes away."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 08, 2013, 11:50:04 pm
"Try a Guinness, ya dirty heathen!" Flanagan called back to the pirate.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 08, 2013, 11:57:15 pm
"I'm not so sure, Isani." Kat replied, leaning against the wall and peering into the cafeteria door, wedged open by seemingly impossible force. "It's clear, move in three." She took a deep breath. "One. Two. Three..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 12:01:35 am
Isani followed Katrin into the room, her voice dropping to a whisper, the mass of blood filling her nose with a metallic scent. Rot and burnt flesh mixed in the air, and Isani coughed behind a closed fist, squinting through teary eyes. "It's horrible..." She whispered to Katrin. "So terrible... If their families saw their bodies in this condition, I don't..." The poised Asari gnawed her full lower lip in anguish.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 09, 2013, 12:05:56 am
"Please Isani, move quickly." Kat said, her eyes moving from corner to corner. "We're not safe here, not be a longshot."



The hatchling watched from beneath a corpse, relaying everything to the soldier, that waited just outside. It would take them both, and there would be no resisting.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 12:10:39 am
Isani moved above and around the collection of bodies, trying not to step in one.

"I see his hand!" She said breathlessly, kneeling to stare at the dead body. "How horrid that he came to die like this..." She reached into his coat pocket, covering her face as her hands gripped around his card.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 09, 2013, 12:28:55 am
"Just grab the card and let's go!" Kat said, "I have a very bad fee-" She was cut off when something smacked her over the back of the head. Her last feeling was that of a strange tendril wrapping around her, tying her arms, and the laser, to her side.



With one of its tendrils around the Desecrator, only the Destroyer was left. The Soldier wanted the destroyer to feel fear, and it roared, loudly. It was daring the creature to run...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 12:33:51 am
"I've got it!" Isani lifted it high, turning her head in time to see Doctor Katrin crash to the floor, her body sliding away. A huge bug held her in its grasp, and its face turned towards the Asari, and blasted her with noise.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!" It took Isani a brief moment to realize she was the one screaming. Her shapely legs pumped her body away, as fast as they could, away from the creature that threatened her. She skidded to a halt halfway down the hall, and anger possessed her. She had come down there to protect her friend, not flee from danger! Isani felt the biotic glow encroach around her arms, and she threw one throw after another against the Soldier.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 09, 2013, 12:40:21 am
Were it sentient, the Soldier would have laughed. As it followed the Destroyer, it shrugged off the creature's pitiful biotics, and when it was cornered, the remaining tendril shot out of its home in the creature's shoulder and grabbed the Destroyer. The female struggled against the Soldier's grip, and even screamed, but the Soldier paid it no mind as it made its way out. The Lifegiver would be very pleased with her loyal child.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 09, 2013, 02:04:36 pm
South had been sitting in his box for what to him had felt like days. He hadn't wasted his time however. He had come to terms with the situation he was in and had a plan of sorts. Or at the very least a philosophy to spend his final hours living by.

I may not have much time left, but I will spend it doing the best I possibly can.

A scream from outside his box startled him more than every prank his siblings had played on him combined. His heart rate shot up and his eyes opened wide.
He said a short prayer beneath his breath and burst out of his hiding spot, a grenade in each hand. Whatever had been screaming a moment ago was gone. South felt like a bit of an idiot. Then he saw and smelled the dozens of corpses covering the floor. If he had eaten lunch, he would have thrown up.

"Jesus Christ." he thought aloud, sitting down on the blood covered floor. Now what?

Go looking for survivors I suppose.

(Back in 3 hours)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 06:50:29 pm
It had been over an hour since the two had left to find Rif Anzikk's body. Amitee stood up from sitting on the floor beside Lila, uncomfortable with waiting, and paced the room.

"Sal?" She asked the Salarian. "How are they doing? What's the camera show?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 07:55:58 pm
"Whatever happens to them," Flanagan pipped up, "We need tae think about organizing a bit more--unity of command, setting up watches, rationing food and the like.  What about water?  And do we have any other dextros besides Lila we should be planning for?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 08:01:29 pm
Lila muttered an indistinct apology for her biological condition.

"Lila's our only dextro." Amitee assured him. "I agree that we do need to start searching for food and conserving water... but really, self-protection is the biggest thing here, right? This area can't be the safest place in the world and I doubt it'll be much longer before they come for us."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 08:13:44 pm
Flanagan nodded in agreement, "Probably isn't the safest spot, but I'm damned if I know someplace better.

"But it doesn't hurt to start planning for a longer survival scenario, and we'll need to be organized.  Best case scenario," He said, "They get the message out and we've got a week to wait."  To the salarian he added, "Did you say you had some sort of police or special services experience right?"

"And Lila," He said with a warm smile, "Never apologize.  It's a sign of weakness."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 08:35:37 pm
"Okay. Sorry." Lila said, moving to her feet, eyes following her friend.

Amitee swayed back and forth on her feet, fingers stroking her chin in thought. "We should ration out and make a tally of the food we have in the meantime." Her eyes scanned the room for the Doctor Katrin's bag, finding its distinct lumpy shape in the far corner of the room.

She briskly crossed over to it, bending over and picking it up, and fell back at the weight with a huff. Coming back to the group, she unceremoniously dumped its contents out on the table. "There. Now what's insi..."

A collection of pill bottles made up the pile before her, and about three wrapped sandwiches littered the borders of the mess.

Amitee picked one up, eyebrows raising as she read the label. "D-lysergic acid diethylamide?" She picked up another. "Phencyclidine? What is this?!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 08:44:55 pm
"It's just a joke, my girl," Flanagan said,"Just be easy, it's all right.

"Pheni-what's it?  Never heard of it.  She's a doctor no?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 08:51:09 pm
"Oh. Okay." Lila said awkwardly to Flanagan, moving towards Amitee.

"Hallucinogens and narcotics... Opiates..." Amitee raised and dropped a number of pill bottles in turn, growing more and more perturbed. "Why would she have all of this in her bag?"

"Maybe she was prepared for a medical emergency..?" Lila offered, standing beside the blonde human.

Amitee pursed her lips. "That seems unlikely... I mean, no way our facility had drugs from the Volus home planet." She raised one with strange, unrecognizable markings and placed it back down on the table, a thump sounding from the movement.

"Ah." Lila's hands gripped her arms tightly. "Oh. So... then they're..."

There was really only one explanation. Amitee sighed. "Well, I guess it hardly matters at this point..." She fingered one of the bottles thoughtlessly. "And maybe the medicine can be put to good use because of her... ailment... hmm.... Sal?" Amitee asked the salarian. "So what's going on down there?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 09:19:02 pm
(Apologies for the delay.)

Half frozen in the shock of what he was seeing, Sal turned to Amitee and said, "Nothing good. A soldier popped up out of nowhere and kidnapped them both. For some reason it didn't kill them." Setting the drone to follow behind, he said "Before they were caught, they grabbed the administrator's keycard. We've got no access to the rest of the facility, two missing people, and almost nothing to fight with."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 09, 2013, 09:22:19 pm
(no worries lol welcome)

"What?! That's crazy!" Amitee rushed over to the Salarian, straining to see the small screen. "Are you sure they didn't drop it? How did this happen..." She bit her lip. "But they're alive, right? You said they were alive?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 09:26:25 pm
"So far. The drone is following right behind them. I'm going tell it to give the feed to anyone who accesses the network, so anyone who needs it can watch."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 09, 2013, 09:55:46 pm
South stood up again and dusted himself off to the best of his ability. He would have to leave the room and go out looking for other survivors. Unfortunately for him, that meant tip-toeing through the half-melted corpses. He would have preferred not to, but the alternative was waiting for something to come along and eat him. So South started towards the door over the bodies of his colleagues, trying his hardest to ignore their existence.

He made it out to the hall, which was barren, and surprisingly clean when compared to the inside of the room. South began moving quietly down the corridor, listening for any sounds which could help him find safety. However, he had a sneaking suspicion that something was watching him. He readied himself to prime one of his grenades, prepared at any moment for something to pounce on him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 09, 2013, 09:56:42 pm
The Soldier ran through the hallways, moving quickly with its prey. Eventually, it came to the entrance, a tunnel bored into the side of the strange moving box the creatures used to access the interloper city. It tore through the tunnel until finally sunlight was reached, yet something bugged the soldier. It heard something coming down the tunnel, as if in pursuit. Thinking quickly, it collapsed the tunnel, preventing the strange new pursuer from following, then hustled into one of the many catacomb entrances, eager to deliver it's Quarry to the Lifegiver.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 10:07:49 pm
(Damnations. Was hoping small drone with no wepon would go unnoticed, and we'd have some idea of what we're heading into.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 10:11:02 pm
(Can't beat the damn roaches)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 09, 2013, 10:20:37 pm
(Can't beat the aliens mo'fuckas.

(http://i.minus.com/i6NIZQtUKg7g3.gif)  )
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 09, 2013, 10:22:40 pm
Tobias stood up from his lounging and booze drinking.  It seemed like everything was going to hell in a matter of seconds.  The doctor was gone, the Asari was gone, but more importantly, the laser was gone.  This left him the only person who could do anything worth a damn against these bugs.  But they literally had nothing that could kill those things now, and no way of getting around the facility without the card.  Then the woman came with the bag of drugs.

"I have robbed enough medical ships in my time to know that those drugs aren't just something you keep around in case of the flu."  Tobias said as he walked up to the mass of pill bottles.  He lifted one up and examined the label.

"This stuff will nearly knock out a Krogan...Or make the average person trip balls for 6 hours."  He said as he pocketed the bottle of pills inside his coat.

"I think there is something you all need to know about our good friend the doctor.  She threatened to kill me for it, but holding it back isn't going to help anyone now.  There is no real simple way to explain it so I'm just going to say it.  The Doctor has a split personality disorder...My guess is she was using this cornucopia of drugs to silence the voice in her head."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 10:32:44 pm
Who to trust, Flanagan thought, I get warned by the doctor not to trust the pirate and the pirate says don't trust the doctor.  One's a slosher and the other's a druggie.

"Doesn't really matter now," Flanagan said grimly, "If they aren't dead, they will be soon.  Not much we can do about it. Sorry to say it, but that appears to be the situation we're in."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 09, 2013, 10:43:07 pm
"Something is bothering me though....That bug took the girls AND the laser.  Now I would understand if it snatched up the girls for food.  That's what bugs do.  But the laser?  That denotes some sort of intelligence.  It had to have recognized that thing as a threat, and took it.  Which brings me back to my first comment that Wilhelm over there completely brushed off.  If this is a colony of bugs, where is the damn queen?  My bet is that's where our friends and our only weapon are being taken."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 10:48:52 pm
"Oh. Okay." Lila said awkwardly to Flanagan, moving towards Amitee.

"Hallucinogens and narcotics... Opiates..." Amitee raised and dropped a number of pill bottles in turn, growing more and more perturbed. "Why would she have all of this in her bag?"

"Maybe she was prepared for a medical emergency..?" Lila offered, standing beside the blonde human.

Amitee pursed her lips. "That seems unlikely... I mean, no way our facility had drugs from the Volus home planet." She raised one with strange, unrecognizable markings and placed it back down on the table, a thump sounding from the movement.

"Ah." Lila's hands gripped her arms tightly. "Oh. So... then they're..."

There was really only one explanation. Amitee sighed. "Well, I guess it hardly matters at this point..." She fingered one of the bottles thoughtlessly. "And maybe the medicine can be put to good use because of her... ailment... hmm.... Sal?" Amitee asked the salarian. "So what's going on down there?"
The Soldier ran through the hallways, moving quickly with its prey. Eventually, it came to the entrance, a tunnel bored into the side of the strange moving box the creatures used to access the interloper city. It tore through the tunnel until finally sunlight was reached, yet something bugged the soldier. It heard something coming down the tunnel, as if in pursuit. Thinking quickly, it collapsed the tunnel, preventing the strange new pursuer from following, then hustled into one of the many catacomb entrances, eager to deliver it's Quarry to the Lifegiver.
Turning his drone around, Ilste said "They've collapsed the tunnels. Must have noticed it following. Do we have any maps of the known tunnels in the area? It may indicate where they're nesting, or at least what areas are the most dangerous if we continue with the original plan."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 10:49:48 pm
"What matters if they have a queen or if they're autonomous?" said Flanagan, "I don't see us mounting an effective rescue mission; not with these weapons anyway.  And Lila here may be a mechanical genius, but I doubt even she can whip together a new weapon from nothing."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 10:51:27 pm
(Wait, are we in the same room?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 09, 2013, 10:53:03 pm
(Everyone except for South who was hiding in a crate but is now creeping towards the room we're in.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 10:54:32 pm
(Whoops. Thought I was in German's room, and Flanigan was in lounge. Was attempting to not use OOC knowledge.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 09, 2013, 10:57:20 pm
"It seems our options are running low.  We don't have the key card, so unless one of you can hack corporate security protocols like a genius, I don't see us getting into the comms room.  Which leaves us with only one other option: hide in the darkest hole with the thickest walls with all the food we can find."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 11:03:39 pm
"My hacking skills wouldn't be able to get through exo-geni security," Flanagan said matter-of-factly, "And My security clearance couldn't get us in there.  I'm all for siting tight and holding...but unless we make a signal, it'll probably be a month before they come looking for us and then it might be a massacre if they aren't ready and the bugs are smart.

"But even if we can signal, I'd place it at a week before any help could get to us-- and that'd be if they left immediately.  A rescue team would need a little bit of time to organize, I'd wager," Flanagan mused, "Maybe if we had some bombs we could blow our way through to the comm room."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 09, 2013, 11:12:29 pm
"If I had access to the chemical labs I could make some. Right now, I've only got a couple of gas bombs."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 11:14:24 pm
"Oy, Blackbeard!  Ya didn't happen to bring a few explosive bricks with you when you came down, did ye?" Flanagan called out.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 09, 2013, 11:41:54 pm
Tobias raised his hand as it pulsated a purple aura.

"Not exactly...I mean I suppose I could always try and knock very hard?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 09, 2013, 11:47:16 pm
"Maybe you should cool it with the biotics, except in emergencies," Flanagan said, "Don't you need to eat more after you use them?  And we need to thinking about rationing."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 12:12:26 am
"Ooooh cool! Biotics!" Amitee said at the glowing arm.

And to Flanagan, she raised both arms in a 'calm down' motion. "Let's keep it simple. The best thing to do when it comes to food is get more." She pointed below, at the cafeteria. "And that's where we'll find what we need. To get that food, we first need to be able to protect ourselves. How and where do we shoot when we come in contact with the enemy? That should be our primary concern, and I think you're the best person to teach us." She glanced around. "And where's Heinrich? He could give us tips on weak points in their skeleton."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 10, 2013, 01:36:00 am
"Hmm? I'm sorry, was I needed for somesing?" Heinrich looked up from his Omni-tool, looking between group members questioningly. He'd been deep in concentration over his previous autopsy notes, noting down anything out of the ordinary in regards to their muscular structure.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 01:51:33 am
Tobias couldn't believe the German was serious.

"Oh you know, nothing important, Wilhelm.  Two of your cowokers are probably dead and our only weapon is gone.  Go back to playing with your bug, I'm sure it'll save us all from a horrible acid induced death."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 10, 2013, 02:00:04 am
"Wilhelm? Who are you...? No, never mind. I cant be bossered to answer such stupidity." Heinrich officially decided to ignore the so called 'pirate' for more useful things. He wasn't to perturbed by the deaths around him, having been around death the entirety of his life. It was the fact that something he had been studying not a day ago was now running around in hordes trying to eat people.

It was a incredibly rare opportunity to study a brand new species of this kind of intelligence in the flesh.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 02:11:04 am
Undeterred, though quite taken aback at the German's callousness, Amitee addressed the man. "Oh, Heinrich! Good. What have you managed to gather information-wise from your autopsies? Specifically, did you find any weak points in their exoskeleton that we could take advantage of?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 10, 2013, 02:21:27 am
"Ze junction under ze torso where ze limbs meet is somewhat vulnerable..." Heinrich furrowed his brow as he thought, trying to recall his detailed scans of the chitin back in the dissection room. "There are various places, mostly on ze underbelly. Joints along ze legs also could be hit, but would require most excellent aim."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 03:25:06 pm
"Planning ahead isn't panicking, Blade," Flanagan said, irked at being waved off, "My family almost starved to death running from the reapers on Earth.  You don't take it seriously, you die.  I'm no expert, but I doubt we'll be able to keep the facility powered cooped up someplace and that means that the fridges shut off and the fresh food goes bad. Priorities of looting should be stuff that can last a while--canned, freeze dried, or any emergency style rations, followed by the fresh stuff.  Then ye eat it in reverse order.  But water and sanitation are also issues...

"But ye've got a fair point.  First we have to get the stuff.  Maybe even before that we've got to find someplace more secure than these bunks.  We've got a decent amount of thermal clips and small arms. Only trouble is, the soft spot is underneath the buggers ain't so easy ta get to."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 10, 2013, 06:04:50 pm
"Water is a greater issue than food." Ilste interjected. "Humanoids can usually survive on about 30 days without food. But humans can only survive three days without water. I'm only capable of a day and a half, and in this desert climate, it's reduced to a day at best."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 06:29:31 pm
The Drone made it's way through the hallway, silent as the grave. While its brethren were set to feast, it had been sent out to gather any leftovers for the swarm. Its light chitin covering creaked as it moved zombie-like through the hallways, until it came to a staircase. It swore it could have heard noises from up there. It remembered very little, about the time before, but the hive remembered the sounds of audible communication. With a hiss, it began making its way up the stairs, towards the noise...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 07:43:16 pm
"No arguments here," Flanagan said, "I'm just saying what I know about--I'm not sure how to get water out of the system manually or how we'll store it once we get it.  Don't you all have Ph.Ds and the like?  I'll put in the muscle work, if you bastards'll come up with the mental sweat."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 08:36:24 pm
The Drone was sure of it now, there was prey on the other side of the door. With another hiss, it began slamming on the metal door, in hopes of breaking it down. Drones weren't the smartest of the Lifegiver's children, but they were nothing if not determined...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 08:43:02 pm
Whump, whump, whump.

"Blast!" Flanagan cursed, "To arms boys and girls."  He stood, pulling the katana to his side.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 08:43:17 pm
"C'mon, we've got enough water in the facility to last a month, and that's with all 60 scientists taking showers and everything," Amitee began. "We should really just focus on one thing and leave the ---"

THUD
THUD
THUD


The noise came from the door, and Amitee slowly turned to see the reinforced metal shake inward. The woman gasped, falling back against the counter.

"They found us." She whispered.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 08:44:14 pm
The banging of the drone snapped Tobias into action.  He was operating out of pure self preservation.  He immediately stood to his feet and planted Kara's barrel straight at the door.

"Everyone with a gun line up and get ready."

He aimed the gun in one hand, while the other lit up with biotic energy.

"When it comes through, I knock it on its ass, and we empty everything we have into its belly.  Sounds like a plan?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 08:46:31 pm
As the door buckled from a combination of brute force and acidic spit, the Drone roared again, alerting it's fellows downstairs. Acidic drool began running from its lips anew as it advanced on the prey. If the prey didn't move soon, more drones would be upon them...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 08:48:00 pm
"I've never shot a gun before!" Amitee said, hands grasping her hair. "I don't know what to do!" She screamed as the creature entered. She barely noticed Lila coming up beside her, and rubbing her back to calm her.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 08:50:49 pm
Tobias reacted on instinct.  The moment the door ripped open he unleashed a biotic push sending the drone tumbling backwards into the  hall.  And without a second thought, he let loose with his carnifex at the bug, not stopping until steam jetted out the back and the thermal clip was spent.

"We've got to move people!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 08:56:39 pm
"It's easier than it looks," Flanagan said, "Keep yerself steady.  Remember BRASS: breathe, relax, aim, slack, and squeeze--the armor's weaker underneath and at the joints apparently.

"Steady and watch your fire--don't shoot wildly, we're too close." 

The door busted open and Flanagan saw the pirate blast away: first with biotics, then with his carnifex.  Flanagan took a knee near the front of the door where the shotgun would be at its most effective and waited till something else shoved through.

In a tank tournament, ghost me if I'm falling behind
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 10, 2013, 09:03:36 pm
South was slowly making the rounds of the facility. He'd found plenty of mutilated corpses, but no monsters. He didn't dare breathe for fear of giving his position away. He stumbled across the body of a security guard, who still had an M-27 in his clutches. he pocketed one of his grenades and picked up the shotgun with his free right hand. Feeling the weight of the shotgun made him realize he had left his briefcase back in the crate. He'd have to go back and get it. He turned to go back.

Bam

Bam

He heard a banging down the hall, not unalike the sound of the monsters bursting through the barricade. He guessed that whatever was making the banging was trying to get to more survivors. He took off towards the source of the sound and checked how many shots he had left in his shotgun. There were 3 shots left and he had no spare thermal clips.

I guess this is where the fun begins. He thought to himself, dashing blindly around corners towards the sound of the monster.

(Nap time, ghost if necessary)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 09:23:36 pm
The Drones below heard the noise, they felt their brethren's life end. They dropped the leftovers they were carrying and felt their mouths water. With no Scouts or Soldiers, the lion's share would be theirs. They scrambled over each other as they began running towards the site of their brother's death. They leaped into the Metal Tunnels, a shortcut to their prey, so long as it didn't make the first move.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 09:29:57 pm
"They're above us!" Amitee shrieked, wide eyes staring up at the noises coming from the vents. She clutched a Katana in her arms, and trembled.

"Should we run?" Lila asked, worried for her friend.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 09:31:09 pm
"Dr. von Salza," Flanagan called to the german, "You don't happen to know any other areas we might be able to hold up at?  I think they miss the little fellah."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 09:34:00 pm
Tobias wasted only as long as it took to deem the bug dead before he ran out into the hall, reloading Kara along the way.

"I believe this is our cue to exit.  We can think of where to go while we're running.  Any place is better than here."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 09:37:22 pm
The speakers crackled, some of them damaged, and the terrified voice of Craig Pierce stumbled out of them. "H-Hello? Is anyone there?" He paused a moment, as if they could even respond. "If you're still alive down there, there's a lot of these things coming your way. Please, come to the executive offices, I'm in the communications suite, I can keep us all safe... And please, hurry. I'll unlock the doors as you go. Please... I can hear them, there's weapons in here... But... I don't know how to use them."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 09:40:54 pm
"Then we go," Flanagan said, pulling the bag of thermal clips over and handing a few to everyone, "I'll carry the bag--it's still a might bit heavy.   If you've got anything that might be useful, I suggest you grab it as fast as ye can."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 09:43:10 pm
"Oh... thank the Maker..." Amitee said. "There's some hope for us."

She followed after Lila as the group made to leave the room, gathering their stuff in a hurry (consider this ghosting for the characters that aren't here?).
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 09:45:19 pm
"Lila!" Flanagan shouted, "If you'd be a dear, grab that drum that was on my bed.  I'd hate to leave it behind."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 09:48:01 pm
"Okay!" Lila said, rushing there and back, his drum in arm. Amitee hefted the bag full of pills over her back, and the rest of the group was ready for the migration.

Scratching and scuttling were heard in the roof above. They didn't have much time.

"Let's go!" Amitee shouted.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 09:48:57 pm
"Someone is going to have to lead the way, because I have no idea where I'm going!  Those of you with a weak stomach for killing, try not to die on the way there."

Tobias waited out in the hallway as he surveyed the surrounding.  Half of these people were about as useless as a bunch of children.  If he could, he would have taken off with the Irishman and Wilhelm and left the rest to get eaten.  Though he was sure that wouldn't have sat well with the Irishman.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 09:50:36 pm
Damn, a biotic to clear the way would have been nice, Flanagan thought.  Instead he said, "I can take point--Captain, you mind watching the six?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 09:55:30 pm
"Works for me." Was his only responses as he moved to cover the rear.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 10:08:59 pm
"We're heading to the elevator and going up to the second floor," Flanagan explained before they left, "Then it's across the hallway over by the lounge.  We can make it; let's go."

He climbed through the doorway, cautiously looking around before sprinting the short distance to the elevator.  He pressed the button and waved the others to come over to him.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 10, 2013, 10:12:02 pm
Shaking one of the bottles to unclump the crystals, Ilste passed it to the pirate. "Take this, it's aluminum phosphite. If you can get it into water, it'll produce poisonous gases." Ilste grinned maliciously and said "And the best part is? They've got three sets of lungs. It'll poison them faster."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 10:21:42 pm
The drones were in full swarm, the metal tunnels groaning in protest as they charged along. One saw the prey pass beneath an exit, then leaped through, smashing the grille open and landing right behind them, roaring as more began tumbling from the ceiling, swiping at whatever was close, only for several arms to be severed in the elevator door, blocking the creatures from progressing...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 10:22:29 pm
The doors opened and Flanagan flat out pulled one of the females in after him. 

As the rest of the group made their way into the cramped quarters, the rooms behind them seemed to come alive with bugs.  One pounced just to the outside of the door, but a well placed kick and a shotgun blast in their direction kept the buggers from making it into the elevator. Once the group was safely in the lift he pounded on the up arrow.

"Captain, can you throw up a barrier when the door opens?"  He asked, "Or make a push?  Something to just make sure nothing unpleasant is waiting for us out there?"

(Edited at request of Mods)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 10:25:44 pm
Tobias made his way towards the elevator sat he salarian handed him the canister of poison.

"Remind me to keep you alive."

He stuffed the canister in his coat and followed there rest into the elevator.  Hearing he irshiman's request he extended his hand towards the door and erected a biotic wall.  If anything was waiting for them when it opened, it would get a face full of dark matter.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 10, 2013, 10:41:13 pm
"Expected nothing less. If not for reasons of gratitude, at least for those of more bodies in the way of you."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 10:49:28 pm
At the Elevator's door, a large swarm of Drones awaited, still hungry, still wanting meat, even while another meal waited just around the corner...



The elevator's speakers crackled to life, and Craig's voice came through, panicking. "Oh Jesus! Hurry up! They're breaking down the door!" clangs could be heard through the speakers. "Oh Holy ****! Hurry up! What do we pay you for?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 11:09:15 pm
The moment the door slid open, Tobias saw the swarm in front of him.  With all the force and rage he could muster, he shoved the wall of biotic energy forward.  The drones scattered and tumbled, some smashing into the far wall with extreme concussive force.  And he wasted no time letting loose with his Carnifex, being sure to pick off the bugs least phased by his biotic blast.

"Keep moving and don't stop shooting!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 10, 2013, 11:26:56 pm
"Fag An Bealach!" Flanagan shouted, "Follow!  It isn't that far to the offices."

Flanagan lead the group as quickly as he could to the hallway which led to the restricted area.  He fired his katana rapidly trying to force a path or at least keep the bugs from swarming in front--he hoped the pirate wasn't letting any stragglers fall behind him.  He made it to the first doorway and found it unlocked; he took a quick look and was glad to see that everyone was still with him.

Across the hallway, however, he saw the door forced open and could hear a man screaming.

"Christ!  Not now," Flanagan groaned, sprinting to the comm room.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 11:31:06 pm
The door had been forced open moments before, and the Drones were enjoying the fresh meat. The smell of fresh blood excited them, after so long without food, tearing at the Prey's limbs as it screamed. One lucky Drone managed to detach an arm to a spray of warm coppery goodness, that it relished as it chewed on the arm, in ecstasy as the screams and blood flowed. Not a single one of them noticed the prey from earlier arrive...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 10, 2013, 11:39:02 pm
(How big are the drones?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 11:40:10 pm
(They're chitinous humanoids, roughly 5'7, very skinny.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 10, 2013, 11:40:54 pm
Tobais was feeling winded.  That last biotic blast took quite a bit out of him.  He held up the rear, forcing the others past him as he popped shots off at any drone that advanced in his direction.

"How are we doing up there Mickey!?"

He probably should have learned everyone's real name at some point.  Either way he was far too occupied at the moment, and therefore completely oblivious of the drones feasting on the corporate goon up ahead.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 10, 2013, 11:47:32 pm
(I can work with that)

Rushing forwards, Ilste powered on his omni-tool and delivered a blow to one of the feasting drones neck, knocking it off its prey. It didn't even seem to notice at first, too engrossed in chewing on the man's arm. Slowly it turned towards the group, shrieking at them in rage.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 10, 2013, 11:51:32 pm
Roaring at the Amphibian, the Drone swung with the arm, splattering the Prey with blood. It had ruined the Drone's meal, and for that foolishness, it would pay! With it's offhand, it swung with it's talons, slashing at the Prey, drawing blood with an incited roar... (you may decide where.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 10, 2013, 11:53:55 pm
Lila shot at the drone from a few steps behind Ilste, the Katana's recoil blasting her backwards, off her feet and crashing into Flanagan.

Amitee just stared in shock and tried her best to stay as far as possible from everything inhuman.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 10, 2013, 11:58:51 pm
(Trying to decide if I want arm or other antennae. Antennae means he'll be off balance for at least a day, and of poorer aim should he get a weapon or his omni-tool unlocked. Arm means he'll be unable to shoot larger weapons, limiting him to pistols only, and possibly losing it assuming he survives. What do you guys think? And yes, I deliberately rushed in with a low melee skilled character. I knew he would get hurt.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 11, 2013, 12:01:04 am
(I vote arm.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 12:01:44 am
(Lol we vote on what gets hurt. I VOTE HIS NECK AND HE DIES lol bro i kid, choose as ye like)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 11, 2013, 12:02:58 am
(Such love.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 11, 2013, 12:05:57 am
(Lol we vote on what gets hurt. I VOTE HIS NECK AND HE DIES)
(Not likely, drone is off balance and swinging wildly. Neck blows are hard.

So that amounts to essentially one for arm, and one for antennae. Going for antennae.)

Pain. I think I am in pain. was the only thing going through Ilste's mind as he fell over from the blow. He felt something wet run across his head, but couldn't quite concentrate on what it was. He attempted to get up, at least to try to get away from the angered creature, but tripped and collapsed.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 12:29:53 am
The four other drones approached the fallen creature and it's allies, after all, why finish the last one when fresher meat presents itself? Mouths dripping with acid drool, the Drones prepared for an incredibly delicious meal. They Roared their terrible roars and charged again, swinging at the one that had shot their sibling...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 11, 2013, 12:37:15 am
(Jokes on them, Sal drinks enough coffee that his blood is more acidic than they are. Also, I'm pretty much out of the fight with no antennae and no weapon. I'm going to bed for finals, ghost my character for whatever you need. I'd prefer him alive, but if it makes for better storytelling, by all means. I will bear no ill will.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 12:51:14 am
"Incredibly bad, Blackbeard!" Flanagan said, "They've burst through the door--if we're gonna hold up here we got to clear 'em o---Oaf!"

He was interrupted as the quarian slammed back into him.  He staggered backward, catching the quarian and pushing her behind him.  He saw the salarian charge in with his omni-tool aonly to see the poor bastard lose an antennae and go down.

"Shite!"  He pushed forward, firing his katana twice more until the creature lumbering over 'Sal' fell back in a spray of its own blood.  He fired two more times at the crowd nearby, with less decisive results as the spread was getting too far to be effective.  The katana beeped at him as it ejected it's thermal clip.  He dropped it, instead reaching for a leg and pulling the salarian back towards the others.

"Bloody woman!"  He shouted at the blonde hiding in the back, "Shoot the damn things or help pull!  Don't just stand there ye banjaxed ****!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 12:59:26 am
"Ughhhhhh." Amitee moaned. She was seeing spots in her vision, and swayed back on her heels.

She knew what was happening. She was going into shock. Her brain couldn't handle the massive amount of stimuli and was shutting down in order to compensate.

"Amitee!" Lila called her name, and ran, a shadow, past her to help Flanagan. "Amitee, he's right! Get ahold of yourself!"

Lila had never talked like that to her before, not in the whole year the two had shared their room. The sharpness of her voice was distracting enough of a shock that some clarity broke into Amitee's mind, and she grabbed hold of it.

The katana held in trembling hands, she came to stand beside Flanagan and Lila. Screaming, she fired the katana. The katana knocked her arms clear back and she stumbled.  But quickly, Amitee gathered herself and shot again. And again. And again. And again until the last thermal clip left the shotgun's chamber.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 01:03:26 am
The Drones continued moving forward, their minds focused entirely on their prey, but one by one they realized that they each began feeling lighter. Eventually the message reached their brains, they were dead, with massive holes blown in their torsos, and they fell.



Finally, without the noise of monsters chewing and roaring, Craig Pierce groaned and coughed. "Couldn't have come any sooner, could you, Flanagan?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 01:18:33 am
Things got quiet and Flanagan realized that they'd killed the bugs and Pierce was coughing and shouting at him.  But he didn't have time for that--his hands were covered in green blood as he tried to staunch Sal's bleeding.

"I don't know a damn thing about salarian biology--I need help," Flanagan said frantically, "And we've got to secure the room before more come back."  He looked over at Pierce and saw for the first time how bad the man looked--arm torn off and bite marks all over, "Jesus..."  He looked around the room for a moment and realized something was missing.

"What happened to the other guards that were supposed to be here with you and the other big wig?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 01:22:07 am
"Dead, Flanagan." He spat. "Damn fools tried to fight out there, they didn't have a chance, so I... I locked them out. I locked the doors, and heard the... sounds as they ate them. I thought I'd be safe." he finished, tears running down his face and mingling with the blood.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 01:22:52 am
"Now's really not the time, Flanagan!" Amitee said, rushing to the guy on the floor and tearing his shirt, tying with shaking hands a rope around the wound.

She reached into the bag on her back and popped two pills of vicodin. She held the pills to his mouth.
======
"Let's get him inside." Lila said to Flanagan, trying unsuccessfully to lift the injured salarian.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 01:28:47 am
Pierce choked back the vicodin with a laugh. "Don't you see?! We're all dead! I killed them both, and they've killed me! Why me?! Of all people, why me? Why not a damned thieving Mick-Bastard like you, Flanagan?" He struggled against the french woman, flailing his bloody stump. "If anything, I bet this is your fault, you, that **** Kraut over there, and that stupid **** Gecko-****, wherever she is!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 01:37:13 am
"Shut it, gobshite," Flanagan said, taking the salarian from the small quarian.  So the filthy little suit left them to die, he thought to himself.

Unlike you, who kept the old turk alive, he answered, And I haven't seen anyone else from the team here.

"What'd you get us into you, ye feckless maggot?" He asked the dying man, "I signed up for an easy paycheck to make sure no one went off their rocker and stole a graduated cylinder.  Now everyone I bleedin' knew on this rock is dead and some prissy little arse bandit's spending his last minutes in this universe cursing everyone else."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 01:48:21 am
Pierce's laughter increased, he was beyond hysterical at this point, yet it was hard to tell whether that was blood loss or psychological trauma, either way, his mouth kept on running. "You know why you were hired, you mickey piece of ****? Because nobody would miss you!" He continued laughing. "A little potatohead thief, whisked away to an unknown planet to die! Of course, our superiorus probably had an inkling what we'd find, so they were willing to write me off as well!" the laughs became punctuated with blood. "I'll see you in hell, you mick ****. I'll save you a spot in line, right next to the Suit-Rat, Frog and the Kraut! And since they're not here, maybe I'll get to see that hot little asari and the drell down there too... heh heh. Show them a real good time, you limp-dicked ****!"

(and with that paragraph of hysterical ranting by an ****, I'm out for the night.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 11, 2013, 08:16:56 am
Tobias kept firing as he entered the room and slammed the door shut.  He slumped up against it, panting and exhausted.

"Anyone....got a drink?"  He blurted out between gasps for breath.

He sat there for a moment as his friends of necessity attempted to save the life of that corporate goon.  But then he heard the man's dying words, and a fire set of inside him.  He stood to his feet and looked around the room.

"Are you telling me..."  He began to grit out through his teeth.  "That these corporate **** knew that you all would dig up a hive of man eating insects?  That they sent all of you here to die?  And now, because of dumb ass luck, I am trapped in this death maze with a Mick, a Kraut ****, a nearly headless Salarian, and a couple of little girls who are about as worthless as newborn children in a fight....With ABSOLUTELY **** NO ONE COMING TO RESCUE US?  I mean ****, who are we going to call?  Exo-Geni sure as **** isn't sending in anyone any time soon.  And if they did, they'd probably kill us all on sight.  You think the Citadel is just going to send a fleet out here to rescue a handful of stranded misfit jackasses like us out of the blue?  Who the **** is going to waste their time?  I mean ****.  I know why I'm here.  But how much did they offer to pay you dumbasses for coming here?"

The next few sentences were strings of expletives and rage filled screams.  His fists pulsated with biotic energy as he pounded into the wall.  He was a **** idiot.  And somehow a midst his rage filled pummeling, he began to look back on his mistakes for the first time in his life.  The only reason he was even here was because he was a dunk idiot.  He was a moron who ran his mouth, did something stupid, risked the lives of hundreds of his crew, and now he was going to pay the price and be eaten alive by some ancient man-bugs.  Of course that wasn't the first stupid thing he had ever done.  ****, how did they even put up with him for 2 years?  Frank should have been the Captain.  He should have never died.  Tobias didn't even want the job.  He just wanted the fame and the glory, not the responsibility.  He had no idea what the **** he was doing.  But his ego never let him say that.  And now he was going to die on this shithole of a planet with nothing but a lifetime's worth of mistakes. And he deserved every bit of it...He deserved it.

I deserve this.  He thought as his arms dropped and he collapsed to his knees.

"I deserve all of this...."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 01:39:41 pm
As he had been in life, in dying Pierce was being an insufferable ****.  Between racist tirades and recriminations, the sad sack of meat lying on the floor was doing nothing but adding to the stress of the situation.  If a dog was as badly hurt as he was, ye'd put the poor beastie down Flanagan thought sourly.

He was about to give an answer back to Pierce's ramblings when the pirate exploded in a stream of obscenities and despair.  Flanagan intended to wait the man out but when the pirate started hurling himself at the wall, he had to take a step backwards.  Christ, that ain't natural.  Bloody eezo.  Finally, the pirate seemed to tire himself out as he collapsed to his knees and began muttering to himself.

Flanagan surveyed the room: a bleeding salarian lay on the floor with Lila and another salarian trying to help him out. Amitee and Heinrich were doing their best to calm the cackling Pierce, with another human watching the door.  Amide this, the pirate sat against the wall, seemingly oblivious to their presence.  Panic was infectious and Flanagan could feel it rising within him, but he couldn't let it control him--and for god's someone had to shut that racist bastard up.

"Not enough," He muttered to the pirate as he walked over to Pierce.  He pushed Amitee back gently and leaned into Pierce's ear, "When you see the devil, let him know I'll not have a seat near a feckless **** like yerself." Her drew his pistol from its holster and it expanded in his hand to full size, "Give my regards to Vavnik; tell him I'm sorry about the damn lancer,"With that, he shoved the barrel of the predator roughly into Pierce's mouth and pulled the trigger.

More blood spattered on the floor, but at this point it didn't matter; the red of Pierce's blood mixed with the orange of the bugs and green of Sal to make a thoroughly disgusting modern art masterpiece.

"We should clear the dead from the room," Flanagan said quietly as he stood.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 01:51:32 pm
A loud crack of sound. Flecks of blood splattered onto Amitee's face. She flinched.

When the security guard stood, she saw that the dying man had become a corpse. His eyes stared out blankly at her. A wide open mouth revealed a long gaping hole that shot out through brain and skull and into open air.

Amitee felt her mouth moving, and flashes of what had happened throughout the past few days ran through her mind. The dead faces of her coworkers. Rif Anzikk's headless body. The corpse in front of her.

Suddenly it was too hard to breathe. Pressure like hands pressed against her skull. Amitee saw black.

===========

An explosive sound snapped Lila's head around in time to see Flanagan stand. Amitee blocked her view of the body, so nothing but alarmed confusion was the quarian immediate response.

She watched Amitee sway dangerously, and called out in alarm as her friend fell backwards onto the floor. Then she saw the dead man's eyes and her breathing stopped.

"Flanagan..." She whispered, looking up at the man that, from the way the shadows fell against his face, seemed suddenly fearsome, and foreign. "Flanagan, why?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 11, 2013, 02:01:24 pm
South came to a halt at the corner he assumed he had heard banging before. He poked his head around the corner and spotted a monster, dead, on the floor. He rounded the corner slowly, holding his shotgun at his waist. He poked his head inside the room, there was no sign of any of the survivors who killed the creature behind him. He poked around for a moment, looking for anything of use. After a moment, he found a half-full bottle of fruit juice in the nearby kitchen, which he promptly finished off . He sat down on the bunk for a quick rest, hoping whoever had been in here before was okay.

Otherwise, I'm going to have to get out of here on my own.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 02:17:30 pm
Amitee fell to the floor, startling Flanagan, who was only able to watch as the blonde frenchwoman collapsed on the floor. Really?  That's the boiling point for ye, dearie?  Not the armless man being chewed on by bugmen?

"Flanagan, why?" Lila asked horrified. 

Why not?, was the first dark thought that came to his mind.  "The man was a pig, but he was dying in pain.  What I did was a mercy the likes of him didn't deserve.

"You," He said pointing at the pirate, "Get a hold of yourself mate.  I've no intention of dying here for some corporate bastards."  Flanagan reached into a pocket on his cargo pants and found a snack bar he hadn't eaten on his shift--he still wasn't hungry, but the biotic could probably use it.  "Eat this and take five," he said tossing the bar to him, "You're probably our best line of defense without that damn laser."

Turning to the other doctors, "Dr. von Salza, I think the salarian's needs are more pressing now.  You!" He pointed at Bernuk Goul, who had managed to stay out of the spotlight since they'd made it back to the dorms.

"Me?" Bernuk asked feebly.

"Aye, you," Flanagan replied, "Leave Lila with Sal and I want you to cover me--I'm going to start dragging these bodies outside our new home and I want someone watching out with a pistol.  Think ye can handle it?"

"I'm not a very good shot," Bernuk said quickly, "Maybe I should stay in here..."

Flanagan cut him off, "You don't look strong enough to pull the bodies yourself, so you're watching my back."

Bernuk wanted to argue, but it was true.  He'd neglected physical training in order to focus on his mind. "I'll try."

"Good," Flanagan said as looked at the group.  "Look; we're in the best spot we've been in all day.  The bugger here," He kicked Pierce, "Said they had weapons and some supplies in here--we ain't far from the lounge and they always had a decent bit of bottled water we could nab.  Things are shite, but this is the comm room.  If we're going to have a chance at all, someone's got to know we're here and the pirate's right; we probably can't count on the bastards at exo-genni. 

"So hold together--I've no intention to be some bug's lunch," Flanagan gave a smile, but it was forced and probably grim.  He'd need to clean himself up after this--his hands were still drenched in green blood from where he'd tried to put pressure on Sal's stump and some of Pierce's blood had found its way onto him as well. Need a bloody bath and a change of clothes after this; Flanagan, my boy, He thought as he lifted Pierce over his shoulder and motioned for Bernuk to lead the way to the hallway.

"Keep an eye sharp! And quit yer shaking!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 03:18:44 pm
Flanagan's words echoed in Lila's mind after he had left.

Mercy? Putting him out of his misery? He was going to die anyway? The mentality for such thoughts chilled her to the bone. What if it had been her there on the ground? Or Amitee? What if it looked to him like they weren't going to survive? Would he kill them all and believe it a mercy?

Lila's fingers tightened to fists. She wouldn't let that happen. Not to her, not to her friend, not to anyone else. She'd shoot him before he had the chance to shoot them. The resolve settled in her as she strapped the katana to her back.

The Pirate was crumpled against the wall, Amitee lying on the floor, and Ilste propped up beside her. Green blood oozed from the makeshift bandage at his head, and Lila decided he was the priority.

It took some effort, but she managed to get her arms around his chest, and pull him up by the armpits. Gripping her wrist around him, she slid his body into the exogeni office's lounge, and, huffing, raised him up on the couch so that his head rested against the arm of the leather sofa.

Her arms burned from the effort, and she sighed, stretching, and poured a cup of tea from the synthesizer on the counter. Walking back to the room that Amitee and the pirate remained in, she crouched in front of the blonde man, holding out the tea towards him.

"I heard the herbs were soothing." She said by way of explanation.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 11, 2013, 04:02:23 pm
Tobias had literally no visible reaction when the Exo-Geni **** met his end at the barrel of a gun.  He simply sat against the wall staring blankly into the distance.  He didn't even react when Flanagan tossed the candy bar in his direction.  He simply let it smack into his lap and lay there.  It was only when the weak Quarian began to try and feebly yank the Salarian across the floor that he reacted.  And he began to laugh.  She couldn't even drag a lightweight Salarian without becoming exhausted.  These were the people he was stuck with.  He simply sat there laughing on the floor before squeezing his next sentence out between gasps of air.

"Do any of you even know or care how I got here?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 04:56:16 pm
Lila sighed and left the steaming cup on the ground beside him, and returned to Amitee's side, nudging her shoulder.

"A little." She admitted. "This planet is off the star charts, so I did find it odd that you, a pirate, ended up... somehow... on this planet."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 11, 2013, 07:31:22 pm
Tobias was still chuckling as he began to tell the story.

"It's actually a pretty funny story.  You see I got so **** housed drunk one night, I told the captain of a salarian cargo ship of our plans to rob him the next day!  So when he showed up to the point where we were going to ambush him, he had five Blue Suns cruisers with him!  Well I managed to circumvent certain doom, but truth be told that wasn't the first stupid thing I have ever done that got people killed.  So my crew decided to maroon me on the nearest semi livable planet they could find, hoping I would either die of starvation or shoot myself in the head.  **** if Max knew what was in store for me he'd be laughing his ass off right now..."

Tobias stopped laughing and paused for a moment, his face going numb.

"The moral of the story is that I'm a shitty captain, who did stupid things, and got people killed....And I deserve to have my face melted off by those acid spewing bugs."

Oddly enough, in that moment, Tobias felt a weight lifted from his shoulders.  He wasn't constrained by his ego.  And for the first time in a long time, he was honest with everyone around him.; but more importantly, he was honest with himself.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 07:49:16 pm
"Um..." Lila cocked her head as his words sunk in. At least now we know there isn't some raiding party about to slaughter and plunder what's left of this place... was the first thought to pass through her mind. But, as silence permeated the room, her mind churned over his words more carefully, making her say, slowly, haltingly, "Maybe it's because there are so few Quarians left, and my people's culture remains inseparable from me.. but.... Every life is worth something. If you're alive, that means, even if you've done wrong, there's a chance also for you to do right. And once you realize you've done wrong, you have the chance to look forward, and change, and do what you know is right, instead..." She trailed off as Amitee stirred.

The french woman opened her eyes, and sat up. Her eyes found the bloodstain on the floor, squinted, and groaned. "...I hoped it'd been a dream.... Flanagan really shot him.... I can't believe this is happening...." Lila held her shoulder in concern, and Amitee smiled, patting her hand and moving to her feet. "Ah, well.... Sorry about that. I need to get my head in gear, I guess..."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 08:00:44 pm
Bernuk gulped; he didn't want to go back out there.  Not again.  Three times was pushing it.  Four times seemed an unnecessary risk.

"Mr. Flanagan," He spoke up as the Irishman started to drag the last body out the door, "Maybe we should leave a body for the other scientists to examine?  This is a different specimen than the one Dr. von Salza produced before."

Flanagan shrugged.  Carrying the damn things was unpleasant and now he was filthy.  He noticed that most of the others were resting, but they appeared to be all right--the pirate seemed to be in a better mood.

"How's Sal?" He asked Lila, "Do we have any medigel for him?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 11, 2013, 08:03:47 pm
As south sat on the bunk, pondering his situation, He came to the conclusion that whoever was in here before him had been chased out, and that meant that the creatures were following them, and that he was following the creatures. So if he did catch up he'd run into the bugs, which meant death.

He came up with a new plan and set off again, this time, back to his crate to get his briefcase, then to the Chemical storage room. He had to pick up more aluminium, magnesium, and iron oxide.

(If it would be convenient for South to show up at any point with 10 kilos of thermite and and a match, or perhaps some deux-ex suppliesia, please let me know. Otherwise, South will head out to gear up as planned.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 08:04:59 pm
(Someone should check the screen or start making the calls)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 08:09:30 pm
Lila broke eye contact before replying, "I haven't checked the whole office yet, but it seems unlikely unless someone brought some with them. I put Sal on the couch in the lounge and made sure his head was elevated. Amitee just woke up."

"Yeah..." Amitee said, huffing. "Sorry about that... I'm completely new at this... in case you haven't already noticed..." She let out some nervous laughter. "Anyway, I'll go check the closet. Lila, try checking what's behind that door over there." She pointed to the right most wall, at the end. A metal slot beside the door shone green.

Lila nodded and did so, disappearing into the room. Inside, she called out. "Hey, it's the surveillance room! And a comm room." This is what he used to contact us... She fiddled with the camera switch, changing the camera view in search of any more survivors.

She flicked through them quickly, almost missing it entirely. A hallway monitor showed a human with a briefcase wandering the halls. Lila gasped. "Hey!" She said loudly. "There's someone else alive out there! I mean.. he's walking.." She smacked the comm button. "Human! Human! If you're alive, wave at the camera!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 11, 2013, 09:02:01 pm
Considering all the destruction around him, South was baffled by the fact that he hadn't been attacked since the massacre. He was making good progress in his endeavors and had retrieved his briefcase with little issue. Although now he had to carry the briefcase in one hand and the shotgun in the other; keeping his hand off of the detonator of his grenades in the event of being jumped. He was in the hallway leading to the chemical storage room.

Quote
"Human! Human! If you're alive, wave at the camera!"

South stopped and looked up to the source of the sound, a camera. Doing as the voice instructed, he waved.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 09:11:31 pm
"By god, someone's down there?" Flanagan asked amazed.  "Lila, can you tell him to go to the elevator and make his way up here?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 09:13:42 pm
"Uh, yeah. Sure." Lila said to Flanagan. The person on the screen waved back, and Lila nodded gladly, "Um, good. Okay, head for the second floor! We're all up here... yeah. Watch out for Acid drones and soldiers though..."

She shut off the channel, and stared down blankly, confusedly, at the control panel before her. It looks sort of familiar..? Then it hit her. They had a similar security system in an Asari compound that she'd managed to work with during her time as a slave.

Shouldn't be too hard to figure out, then... hopefully.

Her fingers fidgeted as they hovered the buttons, and she squinted until she realized what was off. It was the same as the Asari system, but the controls had been flipped diagonally. Simple enough. She waited until the human came to a locked door, readying the unlock buttons.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 11, 2013, 09:28:12 pm
Quote
Um, good. Okay, head for the second floor! We're all up here... yeah. Watch out for Acid drones and soldiers though...
the camera replied.

"Whelp, ****." South thought out loud, images of hordes of monsters between him and everyone else coming to mind.

"Listen, If you're still there, I'm going to gather up some useful chemicals while i'm down here. Be up in a minute or two." Before waiting for a reply, South set off towards the chemical storage again.


He looked inside the chem room. It was a bit of a mess, but South found the jars of powder he needed and set about filling empty bottles with the correct mix of powders he needed. Once his work was done, he had three more grenades ready, putting his grenade count up to 5. He also made a larger bomb, which he guessed would have a sustained burn of 6 seconds, enough to melt through anything that came to South's mind. He stowed his extra bombs in his briefcase with his mask and basic survival kit before starting off towards the second floor.

In no time at all South arrived at a locked door. After less than a second of waiting the door opened up and he stepped through. This trend continued until South arrived at the doors of the elevator.

 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 09:34:57 pm
"That's the wrong way..." Lila muttered as the human disappeared into a door. She almost notified him on the comm, but it wasn't long before he came outside and was heading in the right direction.

"Alright, he should be here soon." Lila said to whoever was listening.

Amitee dug through the closet. "Nothing but blankets and movies in here..." She said aloud, rummaging through it and throwing quilts everywhere. "Oh." Her hands found the top shelf, far higher than her eyes could reach, and her fingers enclosed a metallic handle. "Wait!" She pulled it, and felt a whole case's weight falling down on her. The bright red cross on a white background flowered hope in her heart. She was grinning as she opened it, and her smile widened when she was its contents. "Yep! Three Medigels, right here! Nice."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 10:23:59 pm
(I've been kinda pushy lately in this story, so I'll take a breather and let someone else get a word in edgewise, heh)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 11, 2013, 11:19:40 pm
(Someone should get on the comm channel already.  Can't exactly have a wanted pirate do it.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 11:22:57 pm
(Yeah, I was gonna have the rescue team respond. But I can't respond without a message. Hmm. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten rid of Kat and Isani so early.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 11, 2013, 11:31:20 pm
(lol well that's either me or Ilste then... and Ilste's kinda out of commission.)

Amitee handed off the medigel pack to Flanagan, walking past him into the surveillance room. "Hey, Lila," She said. The quarian was bent over the console, watching the screen with complete intent. "Is there anything here we could use to contact the outside?"

"Uhhh." Lila pulled her face away. "Yeah... Yeah, I think so. The console in the far corner... uh, the guy's almost here, so just press," She pointed at a square in the bottom left. "This when he gets to the door."

Leaving Amitee at the console, Lila made her way to the far right corner, and tapped in the broadcast signal.

CIVILIANS. NEED. HELP. STRANGE. ALIEN. SPECIES. EXOGENI. TRAPPED.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 11, 2013, 11:36:26 pm
"Sir. I have found a burst transmission from an uncharted planet in the Anapol system. It reads as follows: CIVILIANS. NEED. HELP. STRANGE. ALIEN. SPECIES. EXOGENI. TRAPPED." The VI said, appearing before the Captain's chair.

"Thank you Andrew." Captain Ivix said, steepling his fingers. "Set a course for the planet, this sounds like the planet we're looking for." he typed a few commands into the Chair's armrest. "We've got something you lot. We're headed for the Anapol system, it'll take us about three days ((Saturday)) to arrive, so get ready. It seems the planet's hot."

With a loud grumble from the engines, the Trafalgar changed course and sped away, and the Quarian at its helm prayed that they would arrive in time.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 11, 2013, 11:37:13 pm
Flanagan looked dumbly at the pack, "Bugger me, I don't know what to do with it," he handed it to Dr. von Salza, "You're a medical doc right?  You help him out."

"Vatch your tone, mister," The sour Kraut replied, but went ahead and started applying a more detailed first aid to Sal.  Flanagan left him and Bernuk to assist, choosing to follow the females into the surveillance room.  He was glad to see that Lila was putting a signal.  Hopefully someone would answer it soon.

Realizing Lila had had his bodhran, he walked a little closer, "Lila, did you grab my drum before we left?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 12, 2013, 12:27:39 am
Lila stiffened when Flanagan approached her, and forced herself to behave normally. Wait. What was normal again? Hoping he hadn't noticed her delay, she said, "I did. But." She wracked her memory, tapping the outer mask of her chin to show she was thinking. "I might have dropped it... when I shot the katana at one of the drones...."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 12, 2013, 01:24:47 am
Wincing at the pain in his head, partly due to dehydration, but mostly due to some of it being missing, Ilste groaned "Living is a surprise. Who do I have to thank for my rescue for my own abject stubidity?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 12, 2013, 01:33:59 am
(sorry for the absence guys, things and stuff sorta happened.)

Heinrich looked up from his first aid work, stripping the pack of arious items and applying it as needed. He hated working on living people, they always moved around and said it hurt as he worked on them.

"You need to hold still, zis will go much faster if you stop sqvirming."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 12, 2013, 01:49:09 am
Ilste complied. While he was certain of the doctor's competence, he was not sure when the last time he had a patient that had breathed within the past minute.

"Did we at least save the man under attack?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Sgt Grunt on December 12, 2013, 02:14:46 am
"Hmm?" Heinrich didn't bother meeting the mans eyes, continuing to wrap the wound as taping it off. "Did I treat someone else?" He frowned for a moment, grasping through his memory in a vain attempt to recall such a thing. He had always had terrible memory about everything not involving his own personal passion.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 12, 2013, 02:23:08 am
(I can understand that. Going to bed after this post.)

"I'll take that as a 'No'." Grumbling curses at the futile attack, Ilste stopped moving and let Heinrich finish his work. Maybe we'll get lucky and he left his passwords to the other areas in his pockets.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 12, 2013, 04:38:50 pm
"Oh, ****" South said as he peered over what seemed to be his living, breathing, demise. There were more than half a dozen creatures in the room between South and the elevator. Their collective gazes turned to South. He did the one thing he had spent all day preparing to do.

He primed the 3 second fuse on one of his grenades, threw it inside, and shut the door just as one of the creatures pounced. The creature slammed into the door with a crash. Two seconds passed.

"Come on, burn you sons of ****."

South heard a fizzling sound inside the room. The roars of the creatures inside rapidly turned to panicked screech. South counted the seconds as the screeching faded. He leaned on the wall next to the door and stuck his hand out to feel it. He felt the heat radiating out of he metal door even with his hand 4 inches away.

"I guess the room is smaller than it looks." Sam thought aloud. "Hey camera girl. Is there a working camera in the elevator? More importantly, could you open the vents in there as well?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 12, 2013, 07:39:40 pm
"He threw a grenade?" Lila stared in astonishment at the screen that was now engulfed in flames.

"Well, it was a vial. He tossed it in there, and closed the door before it exploded." Amitee had called Lila over when she saw the creatures crawling out from the vents in wait of the elevator. Now she held her chin, head tilted in interest. "It's really rather impressive that he managed to throw that all together..."

Lila leaned over, staring down at the console, her hands hovering as she wracked her brain for the coding she'd had to repair back on Illium. "Ummm..." She typed across the holographic keyboard, and hit the confirm button, resulting in a ding ringing out from the console. White expulsion of cyro spread out over the fire, wraithing the heat in a frozen blast. When the flames had retreated to the bodies, minuscule flames flitting about in the charcoal remains on the ground, the Quarian relaxed.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 12, 2013, 08:35:29 pm
"Damn, I hope it isn't broken," Flanagan said, "But thanks for carting it up for me.

"If the fellow down there manages to get up to the second floor, let me know--I'll try to meet him at the elevator and make sure he gets through before we have to shut up these doors up here."

He went back out to search for his drum.  Lila had indeed dropped it, but fortunately it seemed no worse for wear.  He picked up the duffel bag--it was starting to get lighter, which was disquieting in its own way.  Flanagan began to take inventory of what they had left in the sack, when he found a pouch of wet napkins.  His eyes went to the heavens and he muttered a prayer for small mercies. 

"Wet wipes, if any of ye need to wipe the blood and muck off you before I use 'em all up," HE called out.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 12, 2013, 09:21:05 pm
South heard the sound of what he hoped was the rooms fire suppression system. He tested the door again, cold.

"Thank you camera." South looked to one of the nearby security cameras an nodded in approval to whoever was on the other side, if anyone.

He opened up the door again, the floors and walls were charred black, there was a portion of the floor which was still glowing red, and the smoldering remains of the monsters were scattered around. He pressed the call button for the elevator and the doors opened almost instantly. South hopped inside and pressed the up button on the holographic display.

He took inventory of his useful possessions. He had the borderline useless shotgun that he barely knew how to use, 4 more of his thermite grenades, and his suitcase; which held his larger thermite bomb, a rebreather for heading outside, and a basic survival kit with a day of water, some medi-gel, and some nutrient paste. He didn't have much else of use, but it would do.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 12, 2013, 09:39:34 pm
(Rev's AFK, I think it's safe for me to come meet you at the elevator if you want to come up?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 12, 2013, 09:42:45 pm
(I can wait for his reply, I'm going to sleep now anyways.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 12, 2013, 11:40:00 pm
"He's well on his way." Lila said, walking out into the room full of people. "Should we go out to meet him?" She looked at Flanagan. Brutal though he was, she knew he could fire a gun. He had saved her and the life of her friends at least twice. She couldn't accept what he did, and she would never fully trust him again, but she had to tolerate him. The katana's weight on her back helped her to do that.

Amitee wiped her face with one of the rags, the dry blood slowly peeling off from her rough rubbing. At the end of it, she sneezed. Wiggling her nose, she nodded. "Yeah, sounds like a good idea. Flanagan, you up for that? You're probably the best shot out of all of us but... uh." She looked at him doubtfully.. "Maybe you should hold off on the trigger though, alright? Next time someone's dying in front of you, let them decide if they wanna get shot before taking that into your own hands, even if they are a jerk."

Stiffening, Lila fingered her gun as she watched Flanagan's face, ready to draw it and fire if need be. (even though she still had bruises from the recoil before)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 12:20:34 am
Tobias still sat there on the floor, relatively motionless.  He could here everyone moving about and talking about some other survivor they found.  But he was hardly interested.  Just another person to sit around and die with.  Gone was his massive ego and defiant attitude.  He was ready to just sit there and let the bugs take him.  Oh how the mighty had fallen.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 12:24:57 am
"Wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it," He shrugged, seeing Lila go for her katana, "You ladies sure you want to come on out?  No offense, but I think it might be better if we waited until someone taught you how to shoot.  Maybe we can set up a small target range; at least familiarize you with your weapons.

"I'll make no apologies.  The man was a pig and he was doing nothing but spread panic.  Panic kills.  We've got another living person out there and I don't intend to keep him waiting.  I'll be back shortly, then we can talk about fortifying this place up and setting up a kangaroo-court if that's what you're after, Mademoiselle."  He picked up another clip to refill what he'd used and headed for the door.  He was hoping that if the ladies hated him, they'd think less of the danger they were in.  The Drill Instructors had always been a useful a target for team-building and that was they'd need to survive.  Not a saint, he thought, But there's no cause to burn all your bridges now.

"Sorry for calling you a **** earlier," He said over his shoulder, "It was heat of the moment."




The only sound he heard were his own footsteps as he passed by where he'd left the corpses.  He realized that he'd forgotten something as he noticed Pierce's arm.  Stooping down, he removed the omni-tool from Pierce's severed arm and put it in his pocket--If it's a thieving Mick ye wanted, that's what ye'll get.  Quickly he moved on and met the other survivor at the elevator door.  The strap he was carrying looked strangely familiar...

"Nice haul," He said, "Follow me," as they headed back to the surveillance room.

(Hope you don't mind me ghosting you back to the room, figured we'd do better to get the room secure and some character development before the rescue arrives)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 13, 2013, 12:45:44 am
Lila went back ahead of Amitee, went for the lounge where she dug through the fridge for the tubes she'd placed there a few hours ago. Ilste was still on the couch, so she waved in greeting.

"How're you holding up?" She asked, concerned, eyeing his bandaged antennae.

=====================================

Amitee watched Flanagan go. The image of him crouching over the dying man plagued her, and it was burned into her mind. That was the first time she'd seen anyone die in front of her. Lila said Flanagan had done it believing it to be a mercy -- that he'd said the man would've died anyway. Lila was disturbed, and distrustful, but Amitee wanted to understand before determining how she felt about the whole thing.

That, and she knew Flanagan had saved her life more than once. He'd stuck with them even if he had a better chance of surviving alone. Rationalizing that portion of him with the man that had shot the exogeni personnel was difficult. There will still pieces to the puzzle that she had yet to uncover.

Amitee followed after Lila a moment later, but at a slower pace. She caught sight of the pirate, crouched against the wall, a dead look on his face.

Odd.. Grabbing the medigel container from its place on the counter, she approached the pirate. "You've been sitting here for a while." She said. "Are you hurt? Injured?" She raised the red and white box of medigel for him to see.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 13, 2013, 01:04:44 am
"Much better than I was. And hey, at least I'm symmetrical now." Ilste said with a wan smile. "Won't be running in a completely straight line for a while, but I should be able to at least move down a corridor at a decent pace."

Looking around, Ilste spotted an active terminal. "Would you be willing to help me over there? I think I might be able to reactivate whatever omnitool programs were deactivated by the company. If nothing else, animals are afraid of fire."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 01:12:33 am
Tobias snapped out of it for a moment as the woman approached him.

"Huh? What? Me? No...."  He paused for a while before speaking up again.

"It all seems so...pointless now.  The drinking, the women, the drugs....everything.  And it all lead me here.  What's the point? I should just stroll out there and let them take me."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 13, 2013, 01:19:11 am
"Glad you're doing better..." Lila said.

At Ilste's request, she nodded, and, placing the tube back into the fridge, held out her hand to the Salarian. "Sure."

================

"Um..." Amitee frowned, at a complete loss for words. "What?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 01:24:33 am
Flanagan escorted the man back through the hallway, closing the door behind them and piling some junk as a makeshift barrier between them and the inner door.  He saw that people were moving around more inside and motioned for the new survivor to make himself comfortable.  The pirate was talking to the frenchwoman and Lila was assisting Sal.

"Pirate," He called over as he sat down, "I never got a name from you.  I'm Sean Flanagan."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 01:34:55 am
Tobias looked puzzled at the Irishman.

"You mean you haven't heard of me?  I'm Captain Tobias Westen...."  His voice trailed off at the end.  Usually he would say that line with more confidence and boastfulness.

"Though that hardly matters anymore.  Truth be told I'm a pretty shitty captain."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 01:42:33 am
"Nice to meet you Tobias," Flanagan shrugged, "Don't get much news out here and before that I was on a dreadnaught.  Didn't have much cause to fear pirates."  He took a moment to activate his omni-tool.  "Truth be told, I'm a pretty shitty security guard.  For all the big lummox's faults, Cemil knew how to watch a screen all day and stay awake."

Flanagan turned on his accordion app and turned the volume low, "Doesn't matter now I suppose.  Luck has just as much to do with it as skill."  Talking to a pirate reminded him of his days in the navy or reading Treasure Island as a kid.  He started playing a shanty quietly, "But your luck must have ran out, if you got stuck here with us."

(Apologies, Flanagan kept popping out of the room when you were talking, heh)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 01:44:22 am
"Oh luck has nothing to do with it."  Tobias began.  "This here was fate.  I've done enough stupid **** to get enough of my crew killed to deserve every bit of this.  This has been a long time coming."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 01:46:25 am
Flanagan pulled a long draw on the holo-accordion, "Never been a great believe in fate, myself.  What'd you say was my sin?  Or the girls over there?  We all must have been as bad as you, if fate's what put us here."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 13, 2013, 01:50:41 am
Taking her hand and walking to the computer, Ilste sat down and began searching through the administrator's files. A great many of which were illegal. Extremely illegal. Mind bogglingly illegal. You think the pornography you have on your computer is illegal but that's peanuts to what this man had. How did this man get hired with the company if he was involved in this!??!??!? A growing disgust almost made him quit the search entirely, when he found... "I've got it! Any of you who has an omni-tool get over here. This guy has the codes to unlock the weapon programs we've got installed. Should make things a little easier."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 01:51:04 am
"I could tell from the moment I met you that you had your fair share of demons...."  Tobias paused for a moment looking at the French girl and then over at the Quarian.

"But them...they're practically children.  They couldn't hurt anyone if they tried."  And so Tobias began to see the flaws in his logic.  After all, they didn't deserve this.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 01:56:57 am
Flanagan was about to continue playing and conversing with Tobias when he heard Sal ask for the omni-tool.  He'd intended to hold onto it and see if he could reimburse himself from the bastard's nest egg for the trouble...but it seemed the needs of the many outweighed the few. So he reached into his pocket and pulled out the arm band that contained Pierce's omni-tool.

"Here ya go!" He said tossing it through the open doorway, "What weapons programs?"

He began to stand, still balancing the holo-ccordion on his omni-tool, "I don't know about you, but I'm not dead yet; and I don't intend to be," He looked down at Tobias, "If we're going to have a chance at all, we'll need you and your biotics though.  So don't go doing something stupid with that Carnifax of yours."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 13, 2013, 01:59:48 am
"What's going on?" Lila asked the Salarian, watching the screen over his shoulder. "Huh... So that's what they did to hack my omnitool..." She turned to call over her shoulder, "Amitee!"

The woman soon crossed the room to them, looking more than a little perturbed. Saying nothing of it, she ignited her omnitool. "I've got mine. Used to have an incinerate and cyro before I got here, too."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 13, 2013, 02:04:07 am
"You know what the worst part is Lila? The codes for all out omnitools were 1-2-3-4-5. I feel like an idiot now."

"Here ya go!" He said tossing it through the open doorway, "What weapons programs?"

"Wait, you mean that of all people, the ex-military security guard didn't make his own fireball generator? Or little fireworks display? A utility-knife?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 02:08:33 am
"I rarely mess with omni-tool stuff beyond the presets," Flanagan said, deactivating his accordion and patting the belt around his waist.  He pulled a small utility knife that folded out and showed a pair of pliers, screwdriver, and a corker, "Call me rustic, but I like the feel of a tool in my hand.  I wouldn't have even bought that accordion app, if they hadn't limited what I could bring with me."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 13, 2013, 02:14:16 am
Lila laughed at that. "Really? That was it? I guess ExoGeni didn't test their short-term memory capability when they hired him."

"So.. what do I do to get the apps up and running?" Amitee pressed. Omnitools had always been a mystery to her. They were magic, physical and yet metaphysical all at once, with no explanation for its existence. Or at least, none that she could understand, even after those four years spent in university.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 02:27:11 am
"Suppose ye'll all go back to fiddling around with your omni-tools," Flanagan said as the group started to reactivate their tools.  "Someone mind taking the watch?  I'm a bit tired and think I'd like to relax...then maybe get my forty-winks."

He sat back down and started playing his accordion again.  Growing up, he'd fought with his brothers who took annoyance at his choice of instruments...but the sound of the accordion was always soothing to Flanagan.

Don't mind the rain or the rolling sea
The weary night never worries me
But the hardest time in a sailor's day
Is to watch the sun as it dies away
Here's one more day on the Grey Funnel Line


(Probably hitting the sack...I'd be fine with a bit of a time skip or letting Flan sleep the night)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 13, 2013, 02:28:57 am
"I can transfer a copy of a program from any of ours to yours, but it'll take a while to transfer all of them." Ilste set up a link between his tool and hers. "There might be a small decrease in effect, since your presets aren't set up for projection of materials, but it should still work. I'll set it up with a simple point and fire system."

(Incinerate Uploaded to Amitee's tool. Also, good choice of instrument. I knew a guy who played the Accordion, always liked him.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 02:31:47 am
(It's a kick ass instrument.  I wish I could play it--I went with bagpipes instead and they're hard...I'm sure accordions are hard too...but like you get out of breath with the pipes...)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 12:21:56 pm
Aboard the Trafalgar en route to Exo-Geni facility

Are you really going to ask him about the rocket launcher?
Yes!  Ask him about the Rocket launcher!
Calculating the 10 millionth decimal of pi.....3.1415926535...
We are going on a rescue mission in a laboratory.  What use would we possibly have for a rocket launcher?
Explosions!
That is not a use.  That is a direct product.
...89793238462643383279...

The 12 foot tall Geth Juggernaut platform loomed over Captain Nozz'Ivix, all while the voices within debated as they normally do.  The processing of complex emotional data and the attempted formation of a distinct personality had lead to some...unexpected side effects.

"Creator Nozz'Ivix...No...It is customary in organic cultures to give your friends nick names...You are my friend...I will hereby refer to you as Creator Nozzle...Creator Nozzle, would you object to me bringing the rocket launcher with us on this rescue mission?  It may prove useful in...rescuing."  The towering Geth spoke to the Quarian.  His voice was unusual to say the least.  It was deep and intimidating as one would expect from a being his size.  But it was certainly un-Geth like.  Juggernaut had experimented quite a lot with voice patterns, speech inflexions, and ranges of sound.  It was not the cold, calculating, and nearly monotone voice you'd expect from a Geth.  He could nearly pass as a mentally unstable Turian tech support phone operator if he tried.  Juggernaut bounced on his toes like a child, eagerly awaiting the Captain's response.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 13, 2013, 12:38:06 pm
Ivix raised an eyebrow. "Juggy, are you serious? Do you want to bring the whole building down around us? No rocket launcher. What about that hammer I see you polishing every now and then? A rocket launcher in an enclosed space is just asking for trouble."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 13, 2013, 12:40:47 pm
I told you.
Damn!
...1174502841027019385211...

"Apologies....I sometimes...forget that you are squishy and full of meat.  I will make due with the hammer...and the minigun."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 12:46:00 pm
(OOC Comment here: Juggy? really?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 13, 2013, 12:50:04 pm
The Quarian sighed. "It's okay Juggy, get your stuff together and get some... rest? We'll be there tomorrow."

(yes.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 12:55:01 pm
(Is there someone else who can rescue us?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 13, 2013, 01:09:24 pm
( >Not wanting to be rescued by Deadpool the Geth.
>Ishiggydiggy)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 01:24:30 pm
(More just not the silly nickname brigade.  Flanagan has some self respect)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 13, 2013, 02:01:39 pm
(I want to be rescued by the silly geth.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 13, 2013, 02:22:16 pm
South had sat down on the floor of the office, content to let everyone go about the business of getting everyone out of here alive. All he had left to live for was the eight kilos of thermite he had and his instinctual will to live. He tuned out everyone and considered his current situation. Sal was missing a piece of his head, yet he was busily unlocking everyone's omni-tool functions. Admirable. The fellow who had slept with Kat seemed to be in similar shoes to himself, content to let what happens happen. There was an Asari and a Quarian here as well. South didn't recall meeting them. There was a security guard here as well. Flanagan was his name, if South remembered correctly.

South checked the strap on his briefcase and picked up his shotgun from the floor beside him. He stood up and looked to Flanagan.

"Hey, we have any spare thermal clips? I only have three shots left."

 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 13, 2013, 03:14:50 pm
Flanagan nodded, "Just a moment pal; we've got some in the bag.  Let me just see how much we have left."  He sifted through the bag and counted the thermal clips.  He made a mental note of how many people they had left and came to an answer.  It wasn't pretty.

"I've got my pistol and shotgun.  Lila has a shotgun and I think Amitee has a pistol.  The pirate's got a carnifax and now you've got a shotgun as well," He began, "If we keep it even, I think we've got three thermal clips per weapon left. Less I'm missing something.

"By damn, I am missing something," He explained, "Pierce said he had weapons up here."  Flanagan shot up and began to search the room for the weapons locker.  What he found instead made him want to shoot the bastard all over again.  Instead of a weapons locker, all he found was a desk drawer with a pistol and two thermal clips.   

"Son of a ****," He mumbled, "A phalanx and two thermal clips...that's his weapons.  Bastard.  Lousy, cheap  bastard."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 13, 2013, 04:24:14 pm
"Regardless, that's still one more gun. We can use all the firepower we can get out hands on."

"I have 8 kilos of thermite on me by the way. If we need to melt and or set something on fire, let me know." South added, thinking it would be a good idea to let someone know he had it.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 13, 2013, 11:36:40 pm
"I haven't received a reply from the beacon yet..." Lila sighed as she entered the lounge, taking a seat on the couch. "And it's unlikely anyone found it... We've got enough food to last a few weeks, it could definitely take longer for anyone to even receive our signal."

"Wasn't Pierce in contact with ExoGeni?" Amitee asked, crossing her arms. "I know what Pierce said about them but... you never know until you try, right?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 13, 2013, 11:52:07 pm
(The Rescue team will land tomorrow, at about noon. I'm tired, so I'll probably be out in a bit.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 14, 2013, 12:08:55 am
"I'd bet you all the money in the verse that the moment Ex-Geni finds out you're all alive, they send a hit squad here to secure the facility...And probably tie up any loose ends.  Just my two credits."  Tobias said from his seated position on the floor.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 14, 2013, 03:28:19 am
Amitee shuddered at that. She had heard stories before accepting the job, about how ExoGeni had allowed for colonists on Feros to become infected with Thorian spores for the sake of observing and recording the effects. It had seemed so far away at time.

"This severely sucks...." She said, leaning back into the sofa. "I wish I'd never taken this job..."

Lila sighed. "I guess we can always call later... Like when the food runs out or..." She cut herself off. A gruesome death seemed rather inevitable at this point. Starvation or mutilation, either choice sounded very uncomfortable. Her thoughts drifted to her parents. She wondered how her mother had felt, when she had grown too sick to move. With death so close, what had she thought? Was she scared to feel pain? Scared of the void that came after life? Or...

Lila felt cold tears well up in her eyes. It had been a long while since she'd thought of her mother, but her heart was squeezed tight with the memories that surfaced.

"Let's get some sleep, Lila." Amitee said, her voice breaking into the quarian's thoughts. "We can figure out what we can do next in the morning..."

"Mmm..." Lila said, burrowing into the soft leather. "Yeah, you're right... Goodnight."

Amitee hummed a reply.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 14, 2013, 03:31:12 am
Turning to the security agent and the pirate, Ilste said "Better shot once than eaten for ten minutes I'd think. Doesn't make much of a difference in the end, but I'd prefer it quicker." Despite Ilste's words, his hands began to tremble a bit. "As for weapons, I've still got two gas bombs, and the pirate has my third. We can just set off the sprinklers in a hallway and they'll poison the things, so that's one line of defense. As for the vents, I've still got that drone. We can program it to patrol the vents and report any movement."

"Now that my personal idea session is over, I don't suppose the morons up here had a coffee-maker. I'd like at least one creature comfort before I die."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 14, 2013, 11:01:11 am
"I had some caffeine pills in my briefcase. Let me check if they're still in here."

South opened up his briefcase and poked around inside, he found the small bottle he was looking for and pulled it out. He opened up the bottle and shook out three small white tablets. He closed up the bottle and put it back in his briefcase again.

"Want one?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 14, 2013, 01:00:02 pm
"Unfortunately, caffeine has no effects on Salarians. I just like the flavor."

(OOC: When I made the character I made Salarians not affected by caffeine, but do receive an effect similar to nicotine from one of the oils that are present. I figured it'd be a way to have a character who literally didn't realize he had a problem, and increase possible tension in the atmosphere. Withdrawal people are panicky.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 14, 2013, 01:21:36 pm
(Hell, I took the Drell hardiness mentioned in the Codex and extrapolated it into poison/drug resistance, s'all good bruh)

The Trafalgar groaned as it touched down on Aratier's surface, just outside the base. The frigate's ramp lowered as the rescue team stepped out into the desert. "Huh, so this is Exo-Geni's latest little secret." Captain Ivix mused aloud.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 14, 2013, 01:34:29 pm
Massive clangs of metal upon metal erupted as the towering geth lumbered down the platform.  In his hands he held a rather large and terrifying looking weapon.  It resembled a Geth Spitfire, with a long revolving cylinder of barrels.  It even operated using the same technology: firing superconducting toroids that are flash converted into plasma upon impact.  However using actual ammunition required him to tote around a rather large drum on his back, which was slung right alongside an 8 foot long electric hammer.

I don't see why we even brought the minigun
Are you joking?  This thing is awesome!
...15242786700944069....
It's rather unwieldy isn't it?
You're rather unwieldy
That didn't even make sense.

Juggernaut scanned the immediate surrounding area, which seemed secure for the moment.

"I was told there would be aliens to kill."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 14, 2013, 01:59:29 pm
"Alright then, more for me."
South popped two of the pills into his mouth and swallowed hard. He couldn't take three or he would risk cardiac arrest, which left him with a leftover pill.

"Any other takers? I won't be needing more anytime soon."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 14, 2013, 02:55:32 pm
"Well, I'd say that they're probably all inside, trying to kill whoever sent that message." Ivix replied, bringing up his Omni-Tool. "Andrew, got anything?"

"It appears that the base is completely locked down, with no entrances apparrent. There seems to be a tram system connected to Prothean ruins, but..."

"That would be the most likely place for them to have come from." he sighed before turning to the team. "Please tell me someone brought some breaching explosives, or Prime and Juggy'll have to punch the door down."

The Krogan grumbled. "Bet I could knock it down faster than the Tin Can."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 14, 2013, 03:07:58 pm
Did fat boy just call us "Tin Can?"
I believe he just did.
.....14257532466533555....
Quick insult his mother!

"Unlikely.  Your head, though large, is inflated and full of fat, which is known to bounce off solid surfaces....I believe I will refer to you as Fathead from now on ."

I guess that works.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 14, 2013, 03:13:28 pm
(I love this Geth so very, very much. Also, just confirming, we're inside the offices on the second floor right? Down the hallway with chem storage on either side?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 14, 2013, 03:59:05 pm
(Yep yep indeed)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 14, 2013, 04:25:13 pm
(Indeed, you are correct.)

"Is that all you got? Your mother must have been a waffle iron!" The Krogan replied with a laugh as the group walked up to the heavy blast door.

"Alright you two, stop picking fights, I'm sure there's something to kill beyond this door." Ivix said, mildy frustrated. "Now I'm not seeing a doorbell. Any suggestions?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 14, 2013, 04:37:03 pm
Shoot it!
Are you serious?
.....2635742146841145.....

The towering geth stepped forward and leveled his minigun off at the security door.  With a compression of the trigger, the barrel of the gun spun up and spewed a stream of rounds into the door.  The erupting plasma began to liquefy the superficial metal, but the door was far too thick.  Juggernaut backed off the trigger and stepped back.

"........No."

Targeting parameters were off by 15 degrees.  Who is doing this?
.....14323564....I diverted processing power from the targeting systems to aid in my computations of the decimal places of PI......245642245...Wait, what did you do?
I shut off all unnecessary system processes is what I did.  I don't need you screwing up our shots when something is trying to kill us.
I bet the rocket launcher could have blown up that door.

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 14, 2013, 07:56:33 pm
Flanagan woke up from a pleasant sleep.  It was nice having two salarians around who could do the late night watches without needing four to eight hours of rest.  But besides sleeping there wasn't really much else to do while they waited, hoping that someone had heard their signal.  It was starting to get a little rank with a group of people sharing an enclosed space...he counted his blessings every day that the surveillance room had its own WC...filling up a honey bucket and dumping it outside their little secured zone was a hell all of its own. 

"You lads and lassies doing all right?" Flanagan mumbled wiping the sleep from his eyes.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 14, 2013, 07:59:11 pm
"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to knock." Ivix said jokingly, rapping his knuckles on the thick blast door.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 14, 2013, 08:19:14 pm
Flanagan began to stretch his legs and walk around their quarters when he noticed something on one of the security screens. 
"Holy hell!  There's someone out there.  Get up ye bastards!"


(Apologies nozz internet has died at my house am on phone ATM)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 14, 2013, 08:28:46 pm
"What's up?" south said, jumping from his impromptu bed and dashing to the monitors where Flanagan stood. 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 14, 2013, 08:33:20 pm
"Looks like a quarian is knocking on the outside doors," Flanagan said, feeling hope for the first time since Lila had put out the call, " and he appears to have some very strange company."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 14, 2013, 08:36:36 pm
"So we're saved? Or do you think this is ExoGeni's death squad?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 14, 2013, 08:38:51 pm
Flanagan shrugged, "Exo-genni hires a lot of folks--but do geth usually join in on hit squads?" He pointed at the corner of a screen where a large juggernaut stood.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 14, 2013, 08:47:54 pm
Icarus arrived at the facility after spending an exorbitant amount of time attempting to reach the facility. As he came up over a ridge, it spotted a ragtag group consisting of a creator, a juggernaut, and a krogan. Icarus deemed the group to be sufficient to deal with the threats inside and decided to follow them in after they had dealt with any danger. All Icarus needed to do was gain access to the local network to collect all the data he needed. 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 15, 2013, 01:36:21 pm
The commotion forced awareness into Lila's consciousness, and she awoke to find Amitee still sleeping with no small amount of envy.

Twisting toward the noise, she listened to the back and forth. Someone at the door. A geth? And a quarian. She forced herself to her feet and, yawning, joined the two at the surveillance cams.

"Pretty sure that if they were exogeni, they'd be able to enter their own facility without an issue," Lila said as she typed in the unlock codes.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 15, 2013, 02:44:16 pm
"Aye...that would probably be true, wouldn't it?"  Flanagan said sheepishly.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 15, 2013, 03:09:16 pm
Tobias shot up from his position slumped against the wall.

"Someone is here?  Well **** they must have a ship!"

He looked through the security screen at the strange group of people outside the facility.

"They sure don't look like any hit squad I've ever encountered.  Not to mention, if they were Exo-Geni, they would have probably entered the facility and killed us already."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 15, 2013, 03:18:03 pm
Shortly after knocking, the door groaned open. "Well, I certainly didn't expect that to work." Ivix said as he drew his shotgun. "Alright everyone, move up!" he called out, and the team moved in, including the team of 20 soldiers that had hung back and Prime's pet Vorcha, who had been rather silent until this point.



Katrin woke up in a strange, yet familiar place. It almost seemed like... The Colt! So I'm not awake...  But where am I?

"Kat?!" she called out,  "Seamus, Mitch? Where are you guys?!" She felt... Alone. Like she hadn't in years.

As she looked around, eventually her eyes fell on another Drell. "Kat? Is that you?" She ran up and grabbed Kat's shoulder, turning her around.

What she saw was horrific. The Drell's scales were rotting, and replaced with chitin in places, the eyes were empty and corpselike. "We have been waiting for you, Child of the Broken Mind. We have heard your song, and it is delicious." the voice seemed to echo about the pub.

"Katrin!" A familiar voice called out, then a resounding crack sounded, followed by the creature's head exploding. She looked over to see Katrin waving from behind the monolith that was the bar, with Seamus holding a still smoking Colt 1878 Shotgun.

"Get back here lass!" The grizzled old man called out. "Before that **** comes back again!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 15, 2013, 03:22:05 pm
"I'll open the comm so we can let them know what they're up against.." Lila said, typing into the console a command to make the comm sound only in the entrance and lounge. They didn't want to make any more noise than they had to, after all. "Flanagan?" She motioned to the mic.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 15, 2013, 03:28:26 pm
Flanagan gulped, then stepped up to the microphone, "Can you all hear me down there?  This is Sean Flanagan of Exo-Genni's security detail.   There's been...an invasion of sorts," He paused, trying to think of the best way to describe what had happened.

"It's some kind of bugs, but it isn't the rachni.  They're heavily armored and they've got different castes, but I can let the doctors tell you more about the physiology.  But watch out, they've got some sort of corrosive shite on their claws and they can fly short distances.  There's only a handful of us left; we're up in the surveillance room.  Take the elevator up and we're down the hall--you can't miss us.  There's a door to another hallway and about five bodies piled up outside it. Knock when you get here--and for god's sake, keep sharp.  They come through the vents."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 15, 2013, 03:35:45 pm
Acid spewing insects?  Interesting.
Oooh!  I've always wanted to smash a bug with a giant hammer!  And now we have bugs, AND we have a giant hammer!
Isn't life just full of coincidences?
Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.
What is he going on about?
I think he is reciting a recipe for chocolate cake.

"I call first kill."  The towering Geth said as he strode into the facility.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 15, 2013, 04:14:53 pm
"Giant bugs!? Awww maaaan. I left my hammer behind." Prime said dejectedly. When the Geth walked ahead, the Krogan got impetuous. "Hey! You ain't counting me out you damned desk-lamp! Kilresk, with me!" he yelled at the Vorcha, running ahead.

"Wait, you damned fools!" Ivix called ahead. "rrrg, Everyone, with me!" he called to the soldiers behind him as he followed.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 16, 2013, 04:37:52 pm
The lifegiver turned away from her captives. Breaking them would have to wait. There was a new presence on the planet.

Devour them

No, test them.

No, send the drones. Recall all scouts and soldiers to the hive.

She chose the last option, and sent the call throughout the network. The drones would converge on the newcomers, and if they survived the swarm, she would tempt them belowground.



The Drones received the call in an instant, and all began converging on the newcomers, some through vents, some through the halls. Eventually, the head of the swarm saw them. A group of helmeted humanoids led by a strange variety. Much new meat to taste. The Lizard at the front and the strange electrical being had outpaced their comrades, and that was who the swarm targeted, moving like a wave, roaring in unison...
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 17, 2013, 01:21:54 am
OooOOoH!  Lots of squishies!
There certainly is a lot of them.
That's the point!
The capital of Australia is Canberra
Are you ever going to do anything useful?
Oh, sorry.  increasing targeting stability by 75%
That'll do dumbass, that'll do.

"Targets acquired.  Time to bring the thunder.  Try not to let them drool on you, Fathead.  I hear acid dissolves fat."

The massive Geth seemed almost delighted at the sight of the wave of drones approaching him.  He leveled his colossal minigun off at the oncoming swarm and snapped back on the trigger.  Like the devil's own paintbrush, streams of rounds wafted across the hall mowing down anything in their path.  Scorching explosions of plasma tore through the drones like wet paper as they fell by the dozens.  This was the most fun he had in months.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 17, 2013, 11:46:58 am
(I have the problem of I can't think of anything my character can do to help, and any comments he'd say are all drivel. So he's just going to stare at the screen stoically.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 12:05:16 pm
(Same as above though i think Flanagan is more likely to say drivel.)

"Oh mother..." Flanagan groaned as he watched the drones begin to assault their rescue," let's hope the gobshites can hold their own, or this'll be the shortest rescue of all time."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 12:17:11 pm
(I've been testing all day, so I'm sorry that this has been waiting so long.)

"Hey! Save some for the rest of us, Tin Man!" Prime yelled, charging into the mass of creatures and strengthening his barriers, just in case the machine 'missed'. His Piranha barked as the shotgun started emptying it's drum into the creatures and his fists and forearms sent them flying. Acid sizzled against the hardsuit, but the ancient armour had been designed to fight Rachni, so it left minimal damage, save for the paint, of course. The Squad continued firing into the mass of creatures, noting that they were a lot squishier than the man on the radio had described. When at last the pack seemed to thin,  the pushed their way to the elevator. When they reached it, the creatures seemed to retreat, as if they knew something the group didn't. A few accusatory roars rang out, which were silenced by weapons fire, but they did retreat. They had lost three men in the swarm, and the remaining seventeen were left to guard the entrance as Ivix, Prime, Kilresk, and Juggernaut ascended the lift.

Before long they had reached the communications room. "I'm Captain Nozz'Ivix Vas Trafalgar, SPECTRE Candidate, who's in charge here?" The Quarian called out to the group, stowing the shotgun beneath his coat.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 17, 2013, 12:33:38 pm
"A SPECTRE candidate?  It appears like the Citadel is bringing out the big guns."  Tobias said as he looked at the motley crew that just mowed past an ocean of bugs.

"But to say that someone is 'in charge' in this place is quite laughable, seeing as the actual man in charge recently had his head blown off.  Either way you have a ship, yes?  So let's just be done with this **** hole and get off this rock."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 12:35:47 pm
Ivix did a head count. "Is this really all there is? Surely there's more of you?" he asked. "There looks to have been at least a hundred people here, judging by the size of this place. Are there any other people hiding in the facility? Or in the ruins?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 17, 2013, 02:20:53 pm
"There was another group with about 50 members, including most of the security staff. to my knowledge I'm the only person from that group still alive."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 17, 2013, 03:05:05 pm
Tobias battled in his own mind.  Why even bother telling him about Kat and the Asari?  They had a ship, weapons, they were here.  All they had to do was walk out the front door and leave.  He could leave this shithole planet behind and get on with his life.  But for the first time, something inside of him was telling him this was wrong.  Before today he would have left the two to rot in whatever twisted nightmare lied down in those tunnels without a second thought.  The fact he was even considering giving up this knowledge confused the hell out of him.

"One of the big bugs snatched up a Drell and an Asari and took them into some tunnels...Alive...Which seemed fairly odd considering they just finished slaughtering a room full of people."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 17, 2013, 03:08:27 pm
"The creatures appeared to specifically wrap up the weapon that could have affected them when they attacked. They may have some kind of communication between them to identify threats, one that can be heard by creatures in completely different sections of the facility."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 04:08:43 pm
Ivix ran his hand under his helmet's 'chin'.

This reminds me of something from the war... I just can't place it... "And I take it these creatures nest somewhere in the ruins? If we have a threat this big that can think on a quantum level, we need to deal with it. And the Drell and the Asari may be the only ones that can tell us, if they're still alive."

"Then what are we waiting for?!" Prime bellowed, his gauntlets stained with acidic blood. "If there's a whole hive of these weaklings, I wanna pummel 'em, plus, I think the Tin Man and I are tied for kills. I wanna rectify that!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 17, 2013, 04:57:38 pm
"My calculations indicate that I have 27 more kills than you, Fathead.  I know counting must be hard for a large and squishy meatbag such as yourself."

Hah! Way to lie to the guy!
Why thank you.  I figured he didn't need to know the real numbers.
One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do!  Two can be as bad as one, it's the loneliest number since the number one!
And he's at it again.

Tobias simply looked at the Quarian.  Was he crazy?

"So, the rest of us will be going to your ship then?  If you haven't noticed we aren't the most well equipped or capable group of survivors here.  Most of these people can't even handle a gun to save their lives.  And I am not following you into a hive of bulletproof bugs without anything short of armor piercing bullets."

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 05:02:34 pm
The Quarian shrugged, "Well, if it suits you, then my ship's just a short walk out the front door. If nobody wants to come with us to save your colleagues, we'll be back within a few hours."

"All right!" The Krogan bellowed. "Alright Tin Man, the game's on, I bet I can smoosh twice as many bugs as you can! Maybe I'll even bag the queen! Ha ha!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 17, 2013, 05:15:04 pm
South stood up and stepped forward.

"I'll come with you." He put on a brave face. He didn't have any reason to stay, but he didn't feel like leaving either.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 05:23:42 pm
"Very well," Ivix replied. "Do you happen to have any medical training? I get the feeling that if your comrades live, they're going to need medical attention."

"Ha!" The Krogan blurted out again. "At least there's one man in this group, I was afraid all the little girls had hidden while the strong fought and died!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 06:02:04 pm
"Not to play a shirker," Flanagan spoke up, "But Tobias is right.  What we've got isn't going to penetrate the armor on the big'uns.   And I'd appreciate a suit," He said pulling at his stained cloth shirt, "This doesn't do all that much against claws or acid.

"But to be fair, we lost those girls a few days ago.  How likely is it that they're still alive, even if they didn't get killed out of sight?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 17, 2013, 06:03:37 pm
"I'd like to volunteer. I should have gone with them in the first place when they were captured, it's the least I can do to repay them."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 17, 2013, 06:23:17 pm
Tobias looked around as people began to volunteer for a mission that sounded completely insane.  And then the Krogan's words struck him.  He had run away his entire life.  But now, there was nothing worth running away to.  He had no ship, no crew, and he had already realized he deserved none of those.  Tobias clenched his fists as they began to pulsate that purple colored aura once more.  And with that he walked passed the Krogan.

"Do try to keep up, Fathead."  Tobias said, making reference to the towering Geth's constant insult.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 17, 2013, 06:36:04 pm
(Hey tank, why the modification of my post?)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 06:54:02 pm
(You left off the d in captured and it was screaming at me)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 17, 2013, 06:57:29 pm
"I can't provide much first aid, but I still have 8 kilos of thermite in the form of 4 grenades and a very large bomb." South nudged his briefcase to hint at the bomb's location. "If you need something melted let me know."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Revan.Lorz on December 17, 2013, 07:35:33 pm
"We can watch from here," Amitee said, nudging Lila, who nodded. "We don't have much to offer on a battlefield anyway, but we could alert you to whatever the cameras show us."

"I'd like to see Isani and Kat returned safely..." Lila added.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 08:09:28 pm
"Well, it'd be nice to have an eye in the sky, and since you've been fighting these things for longer, you know a bit more than we do. Now, would you mind leading us to the ruins?" Ivix replied, tossing a few clips to those that volunteered.

"And human." Prime growled. "I'm not fat. The armour makes me look poofy."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 17, 2013, 10:22:12 pm
"This way to the ruins." Activating his omni-tool, Ilste began uploading data to the Spectre and his companions, saying "I've also got some maps of the area, they can be projected in 3d, as a line, or topographically. Mapping out the digs was vital to the research, and we shared all the maps from our sites."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 10:32:52 pm
"Alright then," Ivix said as the group returned to the elevator. "The Protheans were rather fond of underground additions to their cities, any scans of the tunnels? Or did the bugs get out before then?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 10:57:10 pm
"Wait, we're going, right now?" Flanagan said, "What about armor piercing rounds?  Or incendiary ones?  We need something better than what we've got lads.  Or am I alone in this one?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 17, 2013, 11:01:47 pm
"Relax Flanagan." South said as he followed the group to the elevator. "We all die eventually anyways. Why not now?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 11:03:00 pm
"Oh sack up, Human." Prime rumbled. "If you're that picky, we lost a few guys on the way here. I'm sure you can make use of theirs as we go back. Though, I wouldn't recommend using their hardsuits, you humans make some terrible armour." He held out his gauntlet. "See this? My father was punching Rachni skulls in with this over 2 thousand years ago, now look at it, perfectly fine, if needing a little repainting."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 11:11:32 pm
"That's news to me," Flanagan said.  Aw Christ, we're going.  He started jogging to catch up with the others, but before he shut the door behind him, he called out to Lila, "If I don't make it back, tell my ma I'm sorry I never came back home.  I ought to have visited some."  He didn't know what else to say; he'd been thinking about writing a goodbye note in case they found his body...but writing it seemed too fatalistic.  Now the words had come out...it still didn't feel right.  But now he had to catch up with the others.   They wanted to go looking for the asari and drell and he wouldn't stay behind with the women and the light-weighted salarian archaeologist.  Then he remembered the pirate.


"Tobias you comin' or staying?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 11:15:47 pm
"Awfully kind of you to offer, chappie," Flanagan said in fake English accent to the Krogan.  Big bruisers seemed more baffled by politeness than insults. "I'm not sure I want armor of the dead--didn't seem to help them any, now did it?  I'll take what weapons or mods I can get though.  If that armor's as good as you say it is, I'll swap ye once we get back shipside and they can  delouse it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 11:20:59 pm
Prime laughed and slapped Flanagan on the back. "You got spirit human, I like that. Maybe you'll just charm the bugs into just giving back your co-workers!"

Grumbling, Ivix turned to South. "Do you know if you can still get to the Ruins the same way as normal? It looked like a rather long walk from orbit."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 17, 2013, 11:23:35 pm
"There is a tram, but there's no guarantee that it's still in working order. It's the quickest way to the ruins to my knowledge." South replied.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 17, 2013, 11:26:58 pm
"I'll just tell 'em to keep a hold on their bug panties," Flanagan said, "Or I can be a wingman if ye need it."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 17, 2013, 11:52:50 pm
"Oh, alright then Human, you hold the Harpoon gun, I'll get the grease." Prime replied. They had finally come to the first corpse, a human with acid burns all over his chest. Prime kicked him over, revealing his undamaged pack. "There you go, whiner. Have a look for some goodies."

Ivix took a moment to think. "If the creatures are getting in through the Tram Tunnel, then it's likely that they ignored the tram itself, as damage to such an important system would have tipped you off to their presence."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 18, 2013, 12:06:00 am
 "I grin at thee, thou grinning whale!" Flanagan said, taking the pack.  Opening it up, he was delighted to see there were armor-piercing rounds in it.  Near the dead body, he saw a Mattock and he tossed his shotgun aside.  He'd trained with an assault rifle when doing basic and even if he hadn't had as much experience with it as a marine would have, he'd learned firing well enough.

"Thanks froggie!  Your lads brought some nice stuff in their kits.  I'll try to put it to better use."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 18, 2013, 12:08:31 am
"Eh. Never liked that guy anyway." The Krogan said, moving to follow the rest of the party. "Sure you can handle that, pipsqueak? That's a real man's gun."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 18, 2013, 12:11:18 am
"Aye," Flanagan replied, shouldering the rifle, "I had another just like it, but I left it on yer mother's nightstand."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 18, 2013, 12:16:33 am
"Ha, I suppose the old girl could use it. Even 3,000 year old broads need love, eh?" He slung his Piranha over his shoulder. "Let's get going."


"Is that the tram ahead?" Ivix asked, looking at the heavily melted door before them. "I really hope that's not indicative of the tram itself."

(Jesus I need to sleep. Sorry guys. I got some studying n' **** to do.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 18, 2013, 12:25:16 am
Ah damn, that was a good one.  Why didn't we think of that?
Because one of us is too busy reciting the alphabet in 365 different languages
Ь ь   Э э   Ю ю   Я я......What? Alphabets are very important.
Not when we're killing man sized bugs.
Oh fine!  I guess I'll just increase the shield efficiency by 83%

Tobias made it a point to acquire some armor piercing rounds for his Canifex, the acid burned guy on the floor wouldn't be using them anyway.  He couldn't believe he was about to stroll into a den of bugs with these people.  But this whole week had him doing a lot of things he couldn't believe already.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 18, 2013, 12:26:20 pm
Checking the fallen, Ilste found a familiar Paladin pistol. "Been a while since I've shot these, but at least I know how to shoot it." Ilste searched the other pistols, and was fortunate to find a capacitance booster for the weapon.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 18, 2013, 01:48:34 pm
(Nice one with the alphabet, I lold. I study Russian so it was funny of all languages to pick)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on December 18, 2013, 03:22:49 pm
(Hah, glad you laughed.  It was the first language I could think of that didn't have the same ABCDE alphabet.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 18, 2013, 03:25:21 pm
(One small point Ь ь is not a letter, it's a soft sound sign--I've never seen it capitalized.  Think it's called miordiznak)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 18, 2013, 03:29:12 pm
South kept up with the group, picking up as much ammo for his shotgun as he could along the way. He'd only used hunting shotguns before, and he had a harder time keeping his his aim on without a solid cheek rest. or a stock for that matter.

"I don't suppose you brought a Benelli with you, or perhaps an M-23 S?"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 18, 2013, 11:08:52 pm
"Never even heard of 'em, mate," Flanagan said, "That's not a bad shotgun though, is it?"

(With that lame duck post, I have to announce I'm heading to visit family tomorrow, probably will be AFK for a while.  Ghost me along as best as possible.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on December 19, 2013, 09:29:09 am
"It's not to bad and the fire rate is good, But I'd rather have something with a stock. This pistol grip is awful."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 19, 2013, 09:21:18 pm
Ivix raised an eyebrow, drawing his own bronze Wraith, the notches on the plating glinting in the fluorescent light. "Are you really going to be this picky? All aboard the tram!" he called out, gesturing to the car. "Looks like this old bird has one more ride in her."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on December 20, 2013, 12:13:24 am
"Prefer two. I don't like walking in this dry weather, and the my suit only compensates so much."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 20, 2013, 09:24:39 pm
"We can hope," Ivix said, grabbing rebreather masks from inside the tram. "Everyone that can't breathe thin atmosphere might want to put these on." he tossed one to South, then activated the Tram, sending it zooming down the track.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on December 20, 2013, 09:58:08 pm
"Right-o," Flanagan said, donning a mask, "The company spent a fair amount on these; they should last a full day if maintenance was kept regularly, so any complaints are not my department."

The quarian spectre candidate was obviously in charge, so Flanagan turned to him, "So what's the plan--afterwards I mean. I wouldn't mind hearing how you intend to save the girls, but assuming we find the girls alive and can get ourselves out, what'll happen here?"  He cut to a point, "I've got no loyalty to the company--you want testimony, you've got it." 
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 20, 2013, 10:15:16 pm
"Well, that'd certainly be nice, I'd imagine there's a lot of skeletons down here, but my plan is as follows: Find out what went on here, rescue the girls, blow this place back to hell from orbit." he said, using each finger on his hand to list of his plan. "Bonus round, find a nice pub and have a pint, or seven."


(I may have to put Terrors on hold until after Saturnalia celebrations. Posts are slow, and I'm not in that good of a position to DM this right now. I'll still post in Pirates, simply because there's some free roam in there.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on December 24, 2013, 05:09:28 pm
From behind the bar, Kat, Katrin, Mitch and Sean kept watch over the Colt, the last safe place in Kat/Katrin's consciousness. The three without a bloody great double-barreled shotgun each carried a small Colt Revolver, and each time the Bug-Katrin returned, they put it down. However, they knew they couldn't keep her away forever, as the whispers tore at Katrin's mind..

Your friends will feed the swarm

You are already ours

You will lead us in conquest across the galaxy

"Like hell I will!" Kat yelled over the counter, firing at the latest apparition and taking it's head clear off.

"Kat," Katrin said. "She called us, 'Child of the split mind.' Do you think that's why she wants in so bad? Because our mind is so fractured?"

"Don't be silly." the other mind replied. "I bet Isani's going through this exact same thing. We're going to kick this **** out of our head, save Isani, and get the hell of this planet. Then, we're going to take a nice holiday to a desert planet. Just you and me, nobody else."

"What if that's the problem? That there is two of us in here?" Katrin said. "What if, we have to become whole again to escape, what if... One of us needs to die?"

"Don't talk like that!" Kat yelled, grabbing Katrin's shoulders. "Listen to me. We're getting out of here. Both of us, and no psychic bug queen **** is stopping us, got it?"

"Kat. If it comes to it. Make sure you're the one to get out..." Katrin replied, tears coming to her eyes. "You've got so much more to live for, and I'm just a traumatized wreck, along for the ride."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on January 02, 2014, 02:57:06 pm
The tram shuddered to a halt at the ruins. "First floor, lingerie, hats and giant bug monsters." Ivix grumbled, pulling his shotgun from beneath his coat. "Alright everyone, we're headed underground. Get your stuff together and let's get moving.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on January 04, 2014, 02:18:49 am
Draining his water, Ilste primed his weapon and affixed his enviro-suit's mask. "I don't suppose there's a food court is there?" Ilste quipped, scanning the surrounding terrain for any possible threats. Seeing nothing, he began leading the group to the nearest tunnel entrance. Heat was shimmering off of the sandstone walls around them, providing the illusion of sudden movement to further the groups paranoia.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on January 04, 2014, 12:27:45 pm
Hats?  I want a hat!  I think we would look dashing in a hat!
I like hats!
He was being sarcastic, idiot.  Not to mention I don't think anyone produces an actual hat that would fit our head.  Geth at not known for their fashion sense.
I think I just thought of a million credit idea!  Geth fashion wear!
I would be your first customer.
You are him you moron.  Now shut up you two, remember, bugs to kill?

"When we find the leader of this bug hive, I am turning their carapace into a hat."  Juggernaut said as he lumbered off the tram and onto the platform.  He quickly switched to hunter vision, scanning the immediate area for any potential threats that may have been lurking behind walls or in ventilation shafts nearby.  "Come out come out wherever you are."

Tobias followed behind the pack, his heart racing a mile a second.  "Is that thing always so eager to kill everything in sight?" 



Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on January 04, 2014, 02:26:58 pm
Grinning at the pirate's discomfort, Ilste whispers into Tobias' ear, "Hope so. Would be a problem elsewhere. Here? Survival trait."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on January 04, 2014, 03:53:59 pm
The Devourer watched from the top of a building. The prey had definitely grown in strength.

Good. Came the Lifegiver's voice. Strong prey will only serve to strengthen the hive. Ready your brothers, cull the weak. Herd them to the feeding grounds.

Sending acknowledgement through the Mind, the devourer took off, readying itself for the incoming feast.


"Anyone get the feeling we're being watched?" one of the soldiers asked, fear in his voice.

"Stow it Mendez!" A Turian barked. "Keep your mouth shut and cover the civvies. We have a Giant Geth, a SPECTRE, AND a Krogan. This is a bug hunt, nothing more."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on January 05, 2014, 10:22:45 pm
"We are being watched," Flanagan said nodding at the cameras back at the tram, "A good portion of the ruins is covered by the cameras so we could keep an eye on things back inside.  The girls we left behind will still be able to see us for a bit."
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on January 06, 2014, 12:02:52 am
"I do not think that was what the frightened meatbag was referring to."  Juggernaut began as Flanagan pointed out the cameras.  "His pheromone levels indicate that he is, as you humans say, "scared like a little b!tch.""

Sick burn!
Perhaps we should bring him back to the Trafalgar for third degree treatment.
The core of the star Sol burns at over 15 million kelvin.

(Tis a sad day when I have to resort to these tactics to use profane language.)
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on January 06, 2014, 10:36:48 pm
Mendez flinched as some stones fell from the top of a building. He yelled as he fired madly at the noise.

"Mendez! Stop that ****!" Ivix yelled, his eyes darting from side to side. "We're not alone here. I just picked something up on my motion tracker."



The Devourers filled the air with the low buzz of their wings as they swooped down towards the group. Their carapaces were thinner to allow flight, but their speed still made them difficult to hit. They released a high pitched roar as they swooped down, slicing several soldiers into pieces and carrying off a few more.

"Open fire!" yelled the Quarian at the head of the group.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on January 07, 2014, 12:09:58 am
Juggernaut saw the fliers before they even entered the room.  And so his minigun was primed to attack.

'Bout damn time!
Their primitive weapons will be ineffective against our armor, but their speed is impressive.
Good thing we bought a friggen anti aircraft gun!  Hey stupid!  Full power to the targeting systems!
I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts...There they are a standing in a.....Oh fine, optimizing targeting protocols.

"Try not to defecate yourselves, meatbags."  Juggernaut shouted as he snapped back on the trigger of his weapon.  The barrel revved up, and a moment later the air was blanketed in super heated plasma rounds.  The bugs may have been moving fast enough to give his targeting systems trouble, but with the sheer amount of ammunition he was spewing into the air, that hardly mattered.  Their thin carapaces shredded like tissue paper, provided they were unfortunate enough to be in the path of his bullets.

Tobias took a different route.  The bugs were too fast for him to hit with Kara.  Biotics were the wisest choice.  He flung a singularity into the air, drawing in a mass of 6 or so of the flying insects, then detonated it with a warp field that sent them crashing into the walls and ceilings with enough force to reduce them to goo.  He could only hope that the fight ended soon, as he could not sustain this level of biotic usage for long.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: medwards10 on January 07, 2014, 01:20:01 am
"Son of a biтch!" South exclaimed as the fliers swooped down. The others in the group seemed to be handling most of them, but that didn't stop him from being completely terrified. Doing the only logical thing that came to mind, he rolled onto his back and fired his shotgun into any flier that came close. At the moment, his plan seemed to be working as he fired into a flier as it swooped by.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Charles Victor Szasz on January 07, 2014, 02:01:35 pm
Ilste activated his Inferno module, casting flame as often as it could fire. Numerous creatures shrieked in pain, falling out of the sky as their membranous wings dried and **** under the heat.
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on January 09, 2014, 02:55:11 pm
Ivix began firing his shotgun at the fliers, and loosing all the biotic energy he could spare, but it was doubtful they could hold against such a large swarm. To his left, he spied what may have once been an ancient transport tunnel, like the subways on Earth.

Prime was having a rip-roaring good time, the drum on his shotgun spinning like a catherine wheel. "Haaa ha ha ha ha!" He roared. "Come on you bastards! Millenium and a half and you bug bastards still got nothing on me!" He grabbed one that flew too low and jumped, the creature's wings lifting him almost 15 feet off the ground. "Wheee!" he yelled as he punched clean through it's belly, dropping from the sky like a rock, crushing three more bugs beneath his mass.

"Everyone! Get belowground!" He heard Ivix yell. "We can't hold out here forever!"

As reluctant as he was to stop dishing out the pain, Prime reluctantly agreed. "The man's right!" He barked as the remaining few marines took the excuse to run for their lives. "Everyone belowground!"
Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: tankobite on January 10, 2014, 12:02:32 am
Flanagan fired as deliberately and carefully as he could, but the mass of bugs was damaging his composure.  He heard the order to go below ground, "Ye'll have  no argument from me...but I got questions once we're below ground."

The Mattock ejected a thermal clip, and Flanagan reloaded as quickly as he could, desperately wish he'd had more practice on the gunnery range.  Shooting in a sterile environment was one thing, out here was a completely different matter.  His hands were shaking and every instinct was telling him to run.  Luckily, this time, he could allow himself to listen to it.

Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: Durandal on January 10, 2014, 12:21:11 am
"I would have to agree with our Quarian friend here!"  Tobias said as he unleashed a biotic shockwave point blank into the face of a swooping bug.  The force of the blast split the carapace of the insect in two and sent it splattering across the ground.  He began to fight his way into the tunnel.



KILL ALL THE THINGS!
Weapon temperatures are exceeding maximum threshold.  If we do not stop now we are going to warp the barrel.
Hehe...warp is a funny word.  Wwwwwwaaaarrrrp.  Warp.  It's like the sound a fart makes.

Juggernaut stopped firing his mammoth cannon, wafts of heat emanating from its glowing hot barrels.  He extended his forearm towards a mass of bugs, and in an instant, his omnitool glowed an intense white, spewing forth a siege pulse at the insects.  The ball of electricity slammed into the first bug, unleashing a monumental explosion that shredded the surrounding 9 into charred bits of meat and chitin.  Juggernaut moved towards the mouth of the tunnel and stood by the entrance.

"I suggest the squishiest of you go first."



Title: Re: Terrors of the Uncharted World
Post by: NozzIvix on January 10, 2014, 08:48:05 pm
"Yeah! Get going mammals! Me and Tinman will be right behind you!" Prime yelled out, still firing his shotgun. He biotically charged at another bug that was chewing on a marine's corpse, splattering it. "Unless his joints are going to need oiling!" he laughed.

"You heard the big motherfuckers!" Ivix yelled, "Move move move!" He started running for the tunnel, firing at any bug that got too close.