Act IV: Pandora's Planet

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

Nadix grows somber, regretting the wasteful loss of life at the temple. "The atrocities of this violation of the Prime Directive are seemingly without end," he states gravely.

When the Rod of Life glows, the alien scientist holds his third hand up to his orange chin as he narrows his golden eyes.

Base MN is 14.
[4d6] = 13

[Starbeard]

Coxa II: Inside the Village Temple
Stardate 2271.3.24: 1655h

The Janus is due to rendezvous in orbit at 1800.



The party sets to work in this slaughterhouse that was once a sacred temple.

Ryerson flicks a switch on his tricorder and scans the area. Immediately the small viewing display begins to rattle off a stream of information: It seems that the planetary radiation has ceased! And the Rod of Life, now back on its pedestal, is once again blanketing the village and its surroundings with its own "life-giving" radiation.



Meanwhile, the tripedal alien Nadix searches for the altar's energy source. Ten minutes of careful study reveal that the Rod's energy is drawn via radio waves directly from the Slaver Outpost. But then—what's this on the tricorder screen? A hopeful sign! The bronzed Slaver podium that serves as the Rod's altar carries its own backup generator!



The tiny backup generator is breathtakingly efficient, like nothing the Edosian has ever seen before: powered by antilithium—a chemical element which Federation scientists have already "proven" to be a theoretical impossibility—the altar should have enough energy to power the Rod for another five thousand years.

Actions?

• Gareb Endilev — DX 13 (+1), CT 15/15 — plasma pistol (12/12)
• Nadix Ar Eth — DX 16 (+4), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Dr. Ned Ryerson — DX 13 (+1), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Ensign Patel — DX 10, MN 12, LK 12, CT 13/13 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 2 — DX 10, LK 11, CT 12/12 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 3
• Ensign Rodney

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

"We are in luck, doctor," Nadix states. "It would appear the Rod of Life can protect this civilization from this point, without the Slaver outpost. All that remains now is for us to determine the outpost's blast radius and fallout."
"Gentlemen, let us proceed with haste."


Star, we still have time to get there and back, safely avoiding being caught in the blast radius, correct?

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Ryerson:

The doctor packs away his gear and readies to head out.

[Starbeard]

Coxa II: Inside the Village Temple
Stardate 2271.3.24: 1725h

The Janus is due to rendezvous in orbit at 1800.

Star, we still have time to get there and back, safely avoiding being caught in the blast radius, correct?

It certainly seems to be the case, even with the time taken to examine the temple.



The ensigns pick up the unconscious prisoner Ursula, and the officers lead the way westward to the Slaver Outpost.



Travel is slower than normal with the sedated pirate in tow, but in half an hour they have rushed across the windswept savannah to the jungle edge.



Just as the landing party passes into the tree line, the foliage erupts in a cacophonous uproar of howls and shrieks! Four creatures come sliding down the tall tree trunks, baring their teeth at the party!

As they descend it becomes clear that they look exactly like the bizarre, poison barb-throwing ursunoids encountered previously in the savannah, but these are only perhaps one-third the size.



Actions?

• Gareb Endilev — DX 13 (+1), CT 15/15 — plasma pistol (12/12)
• Nadix Ar Eth — DX 16 (+4), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Dr. Ned Ryerson — DX 13 (+1), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Ensign Patel — DX 10, MN 12, LK 12, CT 13/13 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 2 — DX 10, LK 11, CT 12/12 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 3
• Ensign Rodney

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

The alien officer says low and even: "Ready phasers, gentlemen. It would appear we've stumbled into the territory of this indigenous species again. Let us back up and give them a wide berth and see if that will appease them. If they still persist in aggression, we may be forced to defend ourselves."

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Ryerson:

The doctor adjusts his phaser to the proper setting. "We don't have time for this! Isn't there a way to scare these creatures off. You know like with a loud bang or something."

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

Nadix nods and his three hands quickly work to set his phaser on overload, in the hopes that its warning siren will frighten off the animals. The alien scientist intends to override the detonation sequence before it is too late.

Dex save (16): [3d6] = 14 Phew!

[Starbeard]

Coxa II: The Jungle
Stardate 2271.3.24: 1755h

The Janus is due to rendezvous in orbit at 1800.



Nadix overrides the safety features on his phaser and allows it to charge in an infinite loop. Hurling the phaser off into the depths of the jungle, the party races away from the device as its explosion rocks the earth!



Miraculously, the four bear creatures shriek and scamper! Soon the party is deep in the jungle, surrounded by nothing but the isolating cacophony of rustling wind and chirping insects. They press on through the lethal jungle.



The party hikes for another half hour, and the Slaver Outpost is nearly in sight, almost precisely when the Janus is due to arrive in orbit—when suddenly…



"Yeeaahhhh!" One of the ensigns plunges headlong into a hidden pool of black ooze, dragging Ursula Norton's unconscious body in with him! Mr. Patel, who was also carrying Ursula, reacts quickly and manages to pull her to safety before she too plummets into the pool—but the hapless ensign is not so lucky, and he thrashes about as oily bubbles pop and belch around him, smoking where they contact his skin! The shocking pain almost immediately renders the man unconscious.

Actions?

Rolls…

The strange explosion will be a difficult (4d6) morale test for the bear beasts (ability rating of 12):
Morale 4d6 vs 12: [4d6] = 13, [4d6] = 17, [4d6] = 15
[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/default.asp?do=showone&id=149186&macid=0][4d6] = 13
All fail morale from the explosion.[/url]

Encounter with ooze pit!
Who steps in it?: [1d8] = 5, 1-2 End, 3-4 Patel, 5-6 Ensign, 7 Nad, 8 Ryer
Saving roll: Ensign 2 LK save (11): [3d6] = 13
Stun damage taken: Ooze attack: [1d6] = 6 (explodes…) Ooze attack: [1d6] = 4
Ensign 2 takes 10 stun hits to CT! Now at 2/12, and knocked unconscious for losing ≥50% of current CT!

Is Ensign Patel able to keep Ursula from falling in?
ST saving roll (13) to keep Ursula from falling in: [3d6] = 13
Yes!

• Gareb Endilev — DX 13 (+1), CT 15/15 — plasma pistol (12/12)
• Nadix Ar Eth — DX 16 (+4), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Dr. Ned Ryerson — DX 13 (+1), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Ensign Patel — ST 13, DX 10, MN 12, LK 12, CT 13/13 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 2 — DX 10, LK 11, CT 2/12 (stun) — phaser rifle (32/32) UNCONSCIOUS
• Ensign 3
• Ensign Rodney

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

When Ryerson's strategy to frighten off the alien ursoids succeeds, Nadix says, "Well done, doctor."

Then, as tragedy strikes, the alien officer urgently tries to pull the ensign from the pool, setting his tripod legs wide to stabilize himself so he doesn't fall in as well!

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Ryerson:

The doctor winches at the site of the poor ensign. Even if Commander Nadix is able to pull the ensign out there is little chance for survival. The doctor prepares a hypospray of a strong sedative to ease the suffering of the ensign incase he is freed.

[Starbeard]

Coxa II: The Jungle
Stardate 2271.3.24: 1756h

The Janus is due to rendezvous in orbit at 1800.



Nadix makes use of his extra limbs to avoid falling into the vat of ooze as he fishes for the victim! One sinewy arm grabs a collar, and another grasps onto the ensign's hair as he sinks below. A third arm sweeps under the armpit, and the science officer hoists the man out of the sludge, ignoring the smoking pain that sears his own hands as the ooze drips over his skin (-1 CT).

Ryerson immediately sets to work on the unconscious lad, wiping off residual ooze from his skin and applying liberal doses of the hypospray. The young man's head lolls back and forth, grunting unconsciously at the pain. Finally the ooze is cleared from his body, but it is too late. The boy opens his eyes softly and looks up at Ryerson, gently clutching at his uniform. He barely whispers, "Doc…," before fainting again and breathing his very last, eyes rolled back to stare blankly at the treetops.

"The Outpost is just up ahead," Endilev observes, "and we should be hearing from the Janus any minute now."

The pool bubbles and oozes. "The phaser rifle! It's sinking," points out Ensign Patel. The landing party sees the dead ensign's phaser rifle begin to sink into the middle of the pit.

Actions?

Rolls…

Nadix's extra limbs allow him to make a normal save (3D) to avoid falling in as he helps the ensign barehanded, instead of a difficult one (4D):
Nadix Dexterity Save (16): [3d6] = 11
Normal Strength save (3D) to fish the ensign out:
Nadix Strength Save (12): [3d6] = 12
Nadix has to avoid residue of the ooze as he lifts the guy out:
Nadix LK save (9): [3d6] = 17 to avoid [1d6] = 1 damage

Ryerson conducts the hypospray (failure = some time taken):
Ryerson MN Save (7): [3d6] = 10

The ensign takes (Ryerson rolled 10 - MN 7 = ) 3 residual attacks of the ooze (reduced damage) while the hypospray is applied:
Ooze residue attack: [1d6-2] = 2-2 = 0 (no damage)
Ooze residue attack: [1d6-2] = 1-2 = -1 (no damage)
Ooze residue attack: [1d6-2] = 5-2 = 3 (3 damage, to -1 CT)

Ryerson applies the hypospray (ensign is currently CT -1):
Hypospray application heals [1d4] = 1 hits
Ensign is brought up to 0 CT, which is still dead.

• Gareb Endilev — DX 13 (+1), CT 15/15 — plasma pistol (12/12)
• Nadix Ar Eth — DX 16 (+4), CT 11/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Dr. Ned Ryerson — DX 13 (+1), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Ensign Patel — ST 13, DX 10, MN 12, LK 12, CT 13/13 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 2
• Ensign 3
• Ensign Rodney

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

Sombered by the loss of another member of the landing party, Nadix gives the doctor privacy for his critical work. The alien scientist quietly joins Endilev and turns his golden eyes to the Slaver Outpost.

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Ryerson:

"He's dead commander. There's nothing I could have done to save the poor boy. Ensign Patel help me with Ensign Kumar. We will need to carry him to the outpost."

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

Nadix nodded gravely and helped them secure the body before setting out for the ancient alien ruin.

[Starbeard]

Coxa II: The Jungle
Stardate 2271.3.24: 1800h

The Janus is due to rendezvous in orbit at 1800.



"Yes, sir," Ensign Patels pipes up, his voice a little choked. He helps Dr. Ryerson pick up Mr. Kumar's body and the two carry it alongside Nadix and Endilev, who mųst carry the vile prisoner.

Within moments the foliage of the vast jungle fades away, revealing the Outpost clearing. The ancient obsidian dome lurks menacingly at the center, smothered in a vibrant explosion of exotic vines and flowering ferns.

The party cautiously circumnavigates the structure, and soon discovers where the Romulan Commander had escaped. The door on the backside of the Outpost is stuck wide open. A damaged electronic panel on the door spills bright blue sparks harmlessly to the ground. Inside the outpost an alarm is going off, bathing the hallway in a pulsing, dull red light.

"The Janus should be in contact now," says Endilev, looking at his chronometer. He clips open his communicator and hails the ship… with no response.

Actions?

Note: "alien ship" on the map is not present.

• Gareb Endilev — DX 13 (+1), CT 15/15 — plasma pistol (12/12)
• Nadix Ar Eth — DX 16 (+4), CT 11/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Dr. Ned Ryerson — DX 13 (+1), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Ensign Patel — ST 13, DX 10, MN 12, LK 12, CT 13/13 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 2
• Ensign 3
• Ensign Rodney

[/quote]

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

"It would appear the Janus has been delayed," Nadix calmly understates.

Then the Edosian scientist places the Rod of Life onto its podium as his other two hands operate his tricorder to determine the time remaining before the Slaver outpost's self destruction, the size of the blast and whether it will produce any radioactive fallout.

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Ryerson:

The doctor nervously watches Commander Nadix; wishing the best of success to the Edosian.

[Starbeard]

Coxa II: The Slaver Outpost
Stardate 2271.3.24: 1800h

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

"It would appear the Janus has been delayed," Nadix calmly understates.

Then the Edosian scientist places the Rod of Life onto its podium as his other two hands operate his tricorder to determine the time remaining before the Slaver outpost's self destruction, the size of the blast and whether it will produce any radioactive fallout.

"Sir," says Mr. Patel, "the Rod of Life was left on its altar back in the village. It will continue to provide radiative nutrition for the Coxans there."

Nadix nevertheless attempts to bring up some readings on the control panel outside. He confirms that a countdown has in fact been set—a countdown to what, the console does not say, but they have only 39 minutes left! The Edosian can tell without having to look further that any further information would have be to found inside the building.

Actions?

Note: "alien ship" on the map is not present.


Rolls…

Nadix MN (14) test: [3d6] = 13

• Gareb Endilev — DX 13 (+1), CT 15/15 — plasma pistol (12/12)
• Nadix Ar Eth — DX 16 (+4), CT 11/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Dr. Ned Ryerson — DX 13 (+1), CT 12/12 — phaser II (24/24)
• Ensign Patel — ST 13, DX 10, MN 12, LK 12, CT 13/13 — phaser rifle (32/32)
• Ensign 2
• Ensign 3
• Ensign Rodney

[Inferno]

Commander Nadix Ar Eth, Science Officer:

"I am afraid I am unable to determine the size of the outpost's blast and whether it will produce any radioactive fallout," Nadix reports.

"It would appear we have no choice but to enter the Slaver outpost in an effort to acquire that information and, if necessary, attempt to prevent the self-destruct process.

"Gentlemen, we should synchronize our chronometers."