[002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
That would work perfectly. Go ahead.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer mans the guns, in case he needs to shoot people to help the loyalists escape does nothing.
Last edited by greyarea on Wed Jul 15, 2020 5:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Benedict jumps into a seat with terminal access to the ship's systems. Typing furiously, he configures a script to fire the engines with a test burn of 10 seconds and sets the script to run.
Programming: [2d6+2] = 6+2 = 8
Programming: [2d6+2] = 6+2 = 8
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Belokurikha, Kakimedes, Jodhild System
Monday 14-02-3200
13:30
As the last Loyalist jumps aboard the truck and signals the all clear, the Ogilvy's sublight engines spin up and unleash a heavy backdraught towards the approaching HF detachment, causing them to brake and weather the storm for a few vital minutes as you make your escape. There is no weapons fire directed at you, though comms are requested from the leader of the HF convoy. "Attention, rebels. You have interfered in a military operation and are currently harbouring enemies of the state. It seems we have allowed you too much freedom to resist, though that can certainly change. You hear me, Sokolova? I've been playing nice until now, under direction, but you just crossed a line. You just untied my hands."
The Brigadier snorts under his breath, narrowing his eyes at Benedict. "Captain Ryzhikov. Turov's watchdog in Belokurikha. He was just some rank and file nobody until the coup, but he's somehow clawed his way into recognition with his staunch belief in everything 'Humanity First' stand for. He's had a hard-on for MES carriers since before his army days, but we can't find out the exact reason. Don't suppose it matters at this point, though. Пиздец. He won't take this lying down. Like you heard, Turov's kept him on a tight leash to try and lend some legitimacy to her coup, but things will definitely start moving now. Sorry to say you've landed right in the middle of this at the worst possible time."
A few more minutes pass, and the armoured truck arrives inside Belokurikha proper, taking a few turns under aerial shelters and making its way into an inconspicuous underground entranceway that eventually leads into a sizeable base of operations. The rest of the crew are taken to a medbay, but they quickly regain consciousness and have any immediate questions answered. Using the time it takes you to be discharged, Sokolova informs his people of the situation and then seems briefly available for questioning; as does Gavin Lassiter, who seems overjoyed to see Romer alive and well, and Ivana Malin, who seems considerably less pleased to see Damian.
Monday 14-02-3200
13:30
As the last Loyalist jumps aboard the truck and signals the all clear, the Ogilvy's sublight engines spin up and unleash a heavy backdraught towards the approaching HF detachment, causing them to brake and weather the storm for a few vital minutes as you make your escape. There is no weapons fire directed at you, though comms are requested from the leader of the HF convoy. "Attention, rebels. You have interfered in a military operation and are currently harbouring enemies of the state. It seems we have allowed you too much freedom to resist, though that can certainly change. You hear me, Sokolova? I've been playing nice until now, under direction, but you just crossed a line. You just untied my hands."
The Brigadier snorts under his breath, narrowing his eyes at Benedict. "Captain Ryzhikov. Turov's watchdog in Belokurikha. He was just some rank and file nobody until the coup, but he's somehow clawed his way into recognition with his staunch belief in everything 'Humanity First' stand for. He's had a hard-on for MES carriers since before his army days, but we can't find out the exact reason. Don't suppose it matters at this point, though. Пиздец. He won't take this lying down. Like you heard, Turov's kept him on a tight leash to try and lend some legitimacy to her coup, but things will definitely start moving now. Sorry to say you've landed right in the middle of this at the worst possible time."
A few more minutes pass, and the armoured truck arrives inside Belokurikha proper, taking a few turns under aerial shelters and making its way into an inconspicuous underground entranceway that eventually leads into a sizeable base of operations. The rest of the crew are taken to a medbay, but they quickly regain consciousness and have any immediate questions answered. Using the time it takes you to be discharged, Sokolova informs his people of the situation and then seems briefly available for questioning; as does Gavin Lassiter, who seems overjoyed to see Romer alive and well, and Ivana Malin, who seems considerably less pleased to see Damian.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Gavin, says Romer. It's good to see you. I had no plans on coming back here so soon, but this stupid war... Where can we go to talk?
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Belokurikha, Kakimedes, Jodhild System
Monday 14-02-3200
13:32
Gavin motions for you to follow him, leading you through several large halls and corridors where hundreds of people have gathered, seemingly with intent to stay for a while. Some of them are crying, or at least doing their best to hold back tears, and Romer notices more than one makeshift memorial to lost loved ones, from holographic images projected onto walls, to simple plastiprint photographs taped to surfaces and surrounded with drawings of flowers. You are soon inside one of several secluded rooms, where Gavin closes the secure door and puts a firm hand on your shoulder. "Thank God you're safe, Romer. My heart sank when I saw your ship come down. I have discovered a little about your mystery girl, but perhaps you had better go first and ask what questions you may have."
Monday 14-02-3200
13:32
Gavin motions for you to follow him, leading you through several large halls and corridors where hundreds of people have gathered, seemingly with intent to stay for a while. Some of them are crying, or at least doing their best to hold back tears, and Romer notices more than one makeshift memorial to lost loved ones, from holographic images projected onto walls, to simple plastiprint photographs taped to surfaces and surrounded with drawings of flowers. You are soon inside one of several secluded rooms, where Gavin closes the secure door and puts a firm hand on your shoulder. "Thank God you're safe, Romer. My heart sank when I saw your ship come down. I have discovered a little about your mystery girl, but perhaps you had better go first and ask what questions you may have."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Damian Stavros (HP: 3/3, AC: 14, Spells: 4/4)
Damian comes to, expressing gratitude for those who got him to safety. He politely waves off the medic, checking his own medical scanner to ensure it is still operational, checking his vitals, and applying a neospray to the abrasion on his shoulder he sustained in the fall. "I'm here to aid in providing treatment, after all. See to the others first."
After treating the physical contusions and then checking his own mental accuity, he looks around at the others here in what appears to be an underground bunker at the heart of the resistance. Well, that was quick, he thinks. He takes note of the commanding bearing of Sokolova, then sees Ivana Malin looking at him askance. I'll play this right, he smiles inwardly.
Meeting Ivana's gaze, Damian smiles, wincing as he tucks away his med scanner and rises from the gurney. "It is good to see you, love," he tells her gently, then moves past her, simply not addressing the message she sent back to him in orbit. Instead, he limps slightly on his way to Sokolova. "Thank you for your rescue. We are a medical relief vessel coming to help. Those Подонок. We're an ambulance," he says, mirroring the tone of Sokolova himself. "The medical tech on that ship is irreplaceable and indespensable - is there hope of recovery and repair?" He then looks around at the command center around him. "What's the situation on the ground?"
Damian comes to, expressing gratitude for those who got him to safety. He politely waves off the medic, checking his own medical scanner to ensure it is still operational, checking his vitals, and applying a neospray to the abrasion on his shoulder he sustained in the fall. "I'm here to aid in providing treatment, after all. See to the others first."
After treating the physical contusions and then checking his own mental accuity, he looks around at the others here in what appears to be an underground bunker at the heart of the resistance. Well, that was quick, he thinks. He takes note of the commanding bearing of Sokolova, then sees Ivana Malin looking at him askance. I'll play this right, he smiles inwardly.
Meeting Ivana's gaze, Damian smiles, wincing as he tucks away his med scanner and rises from the gurney. "It is good to see you, love," he tells her gently, then moves past her, simply not addressing the message she sent back to him in orbit. Instead, he limps slightly on his way to Sokolova. "Thank you for your rescue. We are a medical relief vessel coming to help. Those Подонок. We're an ambulance," he says, mirroring the tone of Sokolova himself. "The medical tech on that ship is irreplaceable and indespensable - is there hope of recovery and repair?" He then looks around at the command center around him. "What's the situation on the ground?"
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Belokurikha, Kakimedes, Jodhild System
Monday 14-02-3200
13:41
The Brigadier pauses for a moment, seemingly weighing Damian up before responding; something about the doctor's manner and his cause for arrival marked him as someone capable in an emergency. "You're inside the largest concentration of Loyalist resistance on Kakimedes. There are pockets everywhere planetwide, but Belokurikha is the one city the rebels haven't managed to gain a foothold in. Like I told your comms guy, neither side wants to start throwing nukes around in their own backyard; we're the rebels in THEIR city, they see it I'm sure, so collateral damage is in nobody's best interests. That said..." He relays a 3D holo-image to one of the terminals nearby, showing a man in the Kakimedean military uniform. "Captain Yuric Ryzhikov." He spits the word captain with such vitriol that his feelings for the man are immediately apparent. "He hates MES and all who carry it, so the past few weeks have been a holiday for him, I'm sure. Безродная пизда. It seems he was under the impression that you were carrying psychics, or intending to liberate some from his grasp. I don't know how familiar you are with the rebel's doctrine, but that's something they see as something close to high treason, hence the planetary defences." He takes a seat, and breathes a long sigh. The man looks incredibly tired, his powerful and commanding aura diminished suddenly. "I think we may see an assault in earnest on Belokurikha after this. Commander Kavelin still has Novo Kalichev primed for bombardment if they try anything stupid, but... it's insanity. How many would die, without even guaranteeing and end to this?"
Sokolova answers any further questions you have to the best of his ability; the orbital fleet had relayed to him your altruistic intents and he sees you as one of the good guys, so the man speaks openly. When you are done, he stands wearily to his feet and steels himself into action, the fatigue that shrouded him seemingly evaporating as he once more becomes the formidable Brigadier that mounted your rescue. "So what is your goal now? Your ship was last seen being taken under rebel control, back towards the capital. I wouldn't recommend wanted fugitives travelling in that direction, but your crew are no ordinary civilians, are they?"
Monday 14-02-3200
13:41
The Brigadier pauses for a moment, seemingly weighing Damian up before responding; something about the doctor's manner and his cause for arrival marked him as someone capable in an emergency. "You're inside the largest concentration of Loyalist resistance on Kakimedes. There are pockets everywhere planetwide, but Belokurikha is the one city the rebels haven't managed to gain a foothold in. Like I told your comms guy, neither side wants to start throwing nukes around in their own backyard; we're the rebels in THEIR city, they see it I'm sure, so collateral damage is in nobody's best interests. That said..." He relays a 3D holo-image to one of the terminals nearby, showing a man in the Kakimedean military uniform. "Captain Yuric Ryzhikov." He spits the word captain with such vitriol that his feelings for the man are immediately apparent. "He hates MES and all who carry it, so the past few weeks have been a holiday for him, I'm sure. Безродная пизда. It seems he was under the impression that you were carrying psychics, or intending to liberate some from his grasp. I don't know how familiar you are with the rebel's doctrine, but that's something they see as something close to high treason, hence the planetary defences." He takes a seat, and breathes a long sigh. The man looks incredibly tired, his powerful and commanding aura diminished suddenly. "I think we may see an assault in earnest on Belokurikha after this. Commander Kavelin still has Novo Kalichev primed for bombardment if they try anything stupid, but... it's insanity. How many would die, without even guaranteeing and end to this?"
Sokolova answers any further questions you have to the best of his ability; the orbital fleet had relayed to him your altruistic intents and he sees you as one of the good guys, so the man speaks openly. When you are done, he stands wearily to his feet and steels himself into action, the fatigue that shrouded him seemingly evaporating as he once more becomes the formidable Brigadier that mounted your rescue. "So what is your goal now? Your ship was last seen being taken under rebel control, back towards the capital. I wouldn't recommend wanted fugitives travelling in that direction, but your crew are no ordinary civilians, are they?"
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
There is a long pause before Damian gives a deadpan response. He can feel Ivana's eyes on his back. "I wouldn't say he is wrong. If I could liberate psychics from his grasp, I'd take them off planet in a hearbeat." He glances over the infirmary from which he himself just emerged, hoping the others wake and join these deliberations soon. Come on, Captain Odo. This is your gig. he thinks.
"While I'm glad we are all alive, I wouldn't miss your messaging opportunity here. The fact that they shot down an obvious and registered medical relief ship? That is your opportunity to change the tone of this war, not his. That violates all the rules of combat ever agreed to in this sector."
He inhales deeply and looks resigned. "We're a capable crew, or we wouldn't be flying into the warzone. You may recognize Romer Kwik, who's insubordination to his local family's will inspires us. His attorney. Our crack pilot. Our... Comms officer. " He swiftly indicates the others either awake or waking. "...and I am our resident scientist and medical officer, offering solutions to get this job done." He changes tone. "My intention? I consider this a relief and rescue operation. I want to get that ship back. I want to get MES victims out of harm's way and off this planet before that Подонок gets anywhere near them. It's not my first visit here, and our Captain's ship was previously impounded by Humanity First... he and I ended up having to flee Belokurikha without... saying our goodbyes." He pauses, just a moment, knowing Ivana is listening. He clears his throat and continues. "I appreciate if you help us get to those goals - I want one or both ships to get off planet with the victims of this war as cargo. You have supporters out there, Brigadier, and they sent us to help. Let me know what I can to help you."
"While I'm glad we are all alive, I wouldn't miss your messaging opportunity here. The fact that they shot down an obvious and registered medical relief ship? That is your opportunity to change the tone of this war, not his. That violates all the rules of combat ever agreed to in this sector."
He inhales deeply and looks resigned. "We're a capable crew, or we wouldn't be flying into the warzone. You may recognize Romer Kwik, who's insubordination to his local family's will inspires us. His attorney. Our crack pilot. Our... Comms officer. " He swiftly indicates the others either awake or waking. "...and I am our resident scientist and medical officer, offering solutions to get this job done." He changes tone. "My intention? I consider this a relief and rescue operation. I want to get that ship back. I want to get MES victims out of harm's way and off this planet before that Подонок gets anywhere near them. It's not my first visit here, and our Captain's ship was previously impounded by Humanity First... he and I ended up having to flee Belokurikha without... saying our goodbyes." He pauses, just a moment, knowing Ivana is listening. He clears his throat and continues. "I appreciate if you help us get to those goals - I want one or both ships to get off planet with the victims of this war as cargo. You have supporters out there, Brigadier, and they sent us to help. Let me know what I can to help you."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer furrows his brow at Gavin's words.
I'm glad to see you're safe, even though you refused my suggestion to leave this rock and never return, he says with a wink. Of course, I wasn't planning a return myself but I can't stand around and do nothing, especially since my family is a part of this. Yes, we need to find the girl. Is she near here? What kind of security surrounds her? More importantly, what connections do you have to the underground these days? I assume an underground railroad is being organized, does she have something to do with it?
I'm glad to see you're safe, even though you refused my suggestion to leave this rock and never return, he says with a wink. Of course, I wasn't planning a return myself but I can't stand around and do nothing, especially since my family is a part of this. Yes, we need to find the girl. Is she near here? What kind of security surrounds her? More importantly, what connections do you have to the underground these days? I assume an underground railroad is being organized, does she have something to do with it?
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Belokurikha, Kakimedes, Jodhild System
Monday 14-02-3200
13:44
Gavin laughs and holds up a hand. "Please Romer, one thing at a time. Firstly, the girl was here in Belokurikha until a few days ago. One of HF's assault teams caught her in the field as she was tending to a wounded scout, and they dragged her back to Novo to be 'processed'." He taps at his commlink and accesses the National Database, showing Katya's portrait with an ominous SECURED plastered over it. "We don't know exactly what happens to psions they take in, but you don't need me to tell you it's nothing good. If she's still alive, security around her is likely tight, though we do still have a few ways in and out of the capital." He smiles still, but his eyes tell you that the situation is no laughing matter. "I'm quickly running out of strings to pull, is the truth of the matter. Corporate boards are favouring HF as they increase their control of the planet, and want ever less to do with someone 'on the fence.'" Gavin takes a deep breath. "I know your answer already, and I don't doubt the capability of a crew you'd fly with, but... will you not just leave Kakimedes whilst you still can? Is this woman worth your own life?"
Elsewhere, Sokolova scoffs cheerlessly at Damian's mention of the rules of combat. "We have already condemned their assault of a civilian craft, to be met with the expected response that they were protecting Kakimedean airspace from outside insurgency. It will be days before confirmation of the vessel's true identity arrives from Mejo, and by that time the incident will be backseat to several newer atrocities." He listens to your intentions, then nods. "I trust you enough to know you aren't in HF's corner, and right now that's enough for me. When the rebel's assault force arrives to clear us out under the pretence of securing the crew of the Ogilvy, Novo will be at its most open; Turov isn't stupid, but she won't expect a direct counter as she shows her numbers." He nods to himself, thinking. "They'll be here in full force in 48 hours. That's your window to get in, hit them hard, and get out with your target. It's going to be beyond risky, but if you're going no matter what, those are your best odds. I'll put the word out that you're to be listened to, but it seems your friend Mr Kwik has already done that me." The two continue their discussion of the situation for a while, until Sokolova returns to his duties.
Some time later, a familiar voice chides Damian. "'Resident scientist and medical officer, offering solutions to get this job done?' Who do you think you're fooling, Dami?" Ivana uses his old pet name, which is a slight improvement from 'Fuck you'. "Why are you really here? And I suggest you choose your words VERY carefully now."
Monday 14-02-3200
13:44
Gavin laughs and holds up a hand. "Please Romer, one thing at a time. Firstly, the girl was here in Belokurikha until a few days ago. One of HF's assault teams caught her in the field as she was tending to a wounded scout, and they dragged her back to Novo to be 'processed'." He taps at his commlink and accesses the National Database, showing Katya's portrait with an ominous SECURED plastered over it. "We don't know exactly what happens to psions they take in, but you don't need me to tell you it's nothing good. If she's still alive, security around her is likely tight, though we do still have a few ways in and out of the capital." He smiles still, but his eyes tell you that the situation is no laughing matter. "I'm quickly running out of strings to pull, is the truth of the matter. Corporate boards are favouring HF as they increase their control of the planet, and want ever less to do with someone 'on the fence.'" Gavin takes a deep breath. "I know your answer already, and I don't doubt the capability of a crew you'd fly with, but... will you not just leave Kakimedes whilst you still can? Is this woman worth your own life?"
Elsewhere, Sokolova scoffs cheerlessly at Damian's mention of the rules of combat. "We have already condemned their assault of a civilian craft, to be met with the expected response that they were protecting Kakimedean airspace from outside insurgency. It will be days before confirmation of the vessel's true identity arrives from Mejo, and by that time the incident will be backseat to several newer atrocities." He listens to your intentions, then nods. "I trust you enough to know you aren't in HF's corner, and right now that's enough for me. When the rebel's assault force arrives to clear us out under the pretence of securing the crew of the Ogilvy, Novo will be at its most open; Turov isn't stupid, but she won't expect a direct counter as she shows her numbers." He nods to himself, thinking. "They'll be here in full force in 48 hours. That's your window to get in, hit them hard, and get out with your target. It's going to be beyond risky, but if you're going no matter what, those are your best odds. I'll put the word out that you're to be listened to, but it seems your friend Mr Kwik has already done that me." The two continue their discussion of the situation for a while, until Sokolova returns to his duties.
Some time later, a familiar voice chides Damian. "'Resident scientist and medical officer, offering solutions to get this job done?' Who do you think you're fooling, Dami?" Ivana uses his old pet name, which is a slight improvement from 'Fuck you'. "Why are you really here? And I suggest you choose your words VERY carefully now."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer smiles grimly, My days of carefree living, ignoring the wrongs around me, are over, my friend. He puts a hand on Gavin's shoulder, squeezing it. I know you think this foolhardy, but I've risked more in gunfights over a lot less. This is at least worth something, for something, greater than my ego.
I remember dad's old adage, "Don't pledge loyalty unless you are sure they are the winners: no use losing customers over misplaced public remarks." If they leveraged him, I can only imagine the pressure you're feeling.
I know you have pulled every string you could for this information, and I thank you. Do you have insight as to where in Novo they took Katya? If so, maybe we can get plans to the base to try to spring her. I feel that if I can help get her free, it will be part of turning the tide. You mentioned the ways in and out of the capital: that would be very helpful in our endeavors. If they are still viable, that is...
I remember dad's old adage, "Don't pledge loyalty unless you are sure they are the winners: no use losing customers over misplaced public remarks." If they leveraged him, I can only imagine the pressure you're feeling.
I know you have pulled every string you could for this information, and I thank you. Do you have insight as to where in Novo they took Katya? If so, maybe we can get plans to the base to try to spring her. I feel that if I can help get her free, it will be part of turning the tide. You mentioned the ways in and out of the capital: that would be very helpful in our endeavors. If they are still viable, that is...
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
While the others plan, debate, and handle old ties, Benedict takes his computer and finds as best a secluded corner as possible and hacks into the standard network to get an idea of how the locals perceive the corporate businesses that are backing the HF group. He then tries to see if there is information about Katya on the open networks (like she was public enemy #1 or such.)
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Silas emerges from the medbay with his head in his hands as the mother of all headaches pierces his skull one last time. What I wouldn't give for a good drink. As he walks into what appears to be the command center, he spots Damian discuss the upcoming plans with a loyalist Brigadier. He nods politely at Sokolova as the so-called dr. Stavros introduces him and takes a seat, trying get a sitrep.
The conversation eventually moves to the topic of assaulting Humanity First's base of operations, and Silas quietly nods his approval, before asking the Brigadier:
"I'm more than happy to fly us into certain doom - and not for the first time, might I add - but do you have any idea where could... commandeer... an appropriate HF vessel? Anything less would get us shot down before we could even make our approach, I reckon."
The conversation eventually moves to the topic of assaulting Humanity First's base of operations, and Silas quietly nods his approval, before asking the Brigadier:
"I'm more than happy to fly us into certain doom - and not for the first time, might I add - but do you have any idea where could... commandeer... an appropriate HF vessel? Anything less would get us shot down before we could even make our approach, I reckon."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Dr. Stavros nods in agreement. "Agreed... If flying an ambulance wasn't good enough for them, we will need HF cover."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Belokurikha, Kakimedes, Jodhild System
Monday 14-02-3200
15:13
Gavin sighs, then laughs, clearly expecting the reply. "My connections are strained, but not broken. They're also at your service, naturally." He taps at his commpad. "If you need a way into the capital, it's yours. But once you're in you're at the mercy of HF's police force. I would suggest using that silver tongue of yours before resorting to more direct methods of negotiation, should you find yourself cornered; as fine a shot as you may be, you are vastly outgunned inside the city."
Elsewhere, Sokolova nods to Silas in confirmation. "Flying would involve docking at the Novo Starport, you'd never make it past the security checkpoints without some kind of miracle, but there are any number of civilian vehicles abandoned or stored as people fled off world. Road entry is much less conspicuous, and the security checks are far less sophisticated; especially if you know where the pockets of Loyalists are still able to turn a blind eye. I assume you can handle a gravcar, Mr dan Mallory?" After locking eyes with the pilot for a few seconds, the Brigadier grunts and reaches for something inside his heavy jacket, producing a battered hip-flask which is offered to Silas.
As these two conversations play out, Benedict easily slips inside the Kakimedian Planetary Network and begins his probing. In regards to public opinion of planetary corporations, he discovers a general support of their backing of HK, at least amongst those still on the planet. This is partly due to HF assuming more direct control over most of the cities, but also reflects a large section of the public that hold a grudge against MES carriers, both recent and long-standing. Kwik Electrics in especially seems to be praised for their assistance in ending the war as quickly as possible by backing HF financially. With regards to Katya, he finds much less publicly available. She has a small presence online, a generally well-liked member of the ERMU who stuck around when shit hit the fan, confirming what Kal Kasama mentioned. Further digging after the date of her disappearance finds mention of her being "taken to Novo" and "being secured in the capital", and Benedict derives that there is some kind of specific facility inside Novo Kalichev where psions are being taken to when arrested by HF.
Monday 14-02-3200
15:13
Gavin sighs, then laughs, clearly expecting the reply. "My connections are strained, but not broken. They're also at your service, naturally." He taps at his commpad. "If you need a way into the capital, it's yours. But once you're in you're at the mercy of HF's police force. I would suggest using that silver tongue of yours before resorting to more direct methods of negotiation, should you find yourself cornered; as fine a shot as you may be, you are vastly outgunned inside the city."
Elsewhere, Sokolova nods to Silas in confirmation. "Flying would involve docking at the Novo Starport, you'd never make it past the security checkpoints without some kind of miracle, but there are any number of civilian vehicles abandoned or stored as people fled off world. Road entry is much less conspicuous, and the security checks are far less sophisticated; especially if you know where the pockets of Loyalists are still able to turn a blind eye. I assume you can handle a gravcar, Mr dan Mallory?" After locking eyes with the pilot for a few seconds, the Brigadier grunts and reaches for something inside his heavy jacket, producing a battered hip-flask which is offered to Silas.
As these two conversations play out, Benedict easily slips inside the Kakimedian Planetary Network and begins his probing. In regards to public opinion of planetary corporations, he discovers a general support of their backing of HK, at least amongst those still on the planet. This is partly due to HF assuming more direct control over most of the cities, but also reflects a large section of the public that hold a grudge against MES carriers, both recent and long-standing. Kwik Electrics in especially seems to be praised for their assistance in ending the war as quickly as possible by backing HF financially. With regards to Katya, he finds much less publicly available. She has a small presence online, a generally well-liked member of the ERMU who stuck around when shit hit the fan, confirming what Kal Kasama mentioned. Further digging after the date of her disappearance finds mention of her being "taken to Novo" and "being secured in the capital", and Benedict derives that there is some kind of specific facility inside Novo Kalichev where psions are being taken to when arrested by HF.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer smiles back at his friend. You are well aware that my "silver tongue" gets me into more trouble than out. Remember the incident at Club 23? That worked out well... he ends with an eye roll.
It's good to know I can count on you. We need to see if we can get plans wherever she is held: blueprints, preferably. We need to find a way in. And if you want to join the team here, I can vouch for you. Not that I've vouched for me particularly well as of yet...
Upon hearing that Kwik Electrics is the main financial supporter he strokes his chin. I'm not sure I want to let certain people know I'm back, but if my old access still works, perhaps we can send some funds the other way. And make sure that gets public, so that the family business gets on the wrong side of folks. Stir up trouble. That could help provide cover for us getting into the capital, no?
It's good to know I can count on you. We need to see if we can get plans wherever she is held: blueprints, preferably. We need to find a way in. And if you want to join the team here, I can vouch for you. Not that I've vouched for me particularly well as of yet...
Upon hearing that Kwik Electrics is the main financial supporter he strokes his chin. I'm not sure I want to let certain people know I'm back, but if my old access still works, perhaps we can send some funds the other way. And make sure that gets public, so that the family business gets on the wrong side of folks. Stir up trouble. That could help provide cover for us getting into the capital, no?
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Benedict cocks his head at Romer's suggestion and grins. "Give me a funds location and I'm sure I can make that happen. Then, of course, I will leave a trail back to them for others to find. Just hard enough to make it seem legitimate, like it wasn't meant to be found."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer will assist Benedict with the necessary access as well as he can. It's been years since he's used the system, so he hopes his login still works.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Belokurikha, Kakimedes, Jodhild System
Tuesday 15-02-3200
08:13
Time passes quickly as the Loyalist base explodes into activity.
Benedict works overtime hacking his way through the Planetary Network with the aid of Romer, the pair making inventive use of Romer's corporate credentials to access several furtive Kwik Electrics fiscal servers wherein they discover something highly suspicious; Kwik Electrics is indeed heavily backing Humanity First financially, but for every large donation to the rebellious government they seem to receive substantial income from unknown off-world sources, amounts exceeding what they are contributing. The two dig a little deeper, but cannot find a satisfying explanation as to the source of this undisclosed revenue stream.
Putting that aside, Benedict turns his attentions to locating Katya, and once again uncovers a mystery. The medic, along with several other psions, has been logged as "processed" in a location far from the central Police Bureau where the majority of other MES carriers have are being held. Some more probing locates her apparent location; a recently established holding facility in northern Novo Kalichev. Formerly a small jail and impound complex for holding smugglers and their starships as they were interrogated and searched for contraband respectively, it seems the site is listed as the destination for more than two dozen psions since the HF crackdown began, nearly all of them registered as biopsions. Though he cannot find a reason as to why they are being held there, the hacker downloads a dated holoprint schematic for the facility that should prove useful.
Whilst Benedict works his magic, Sokolova forwards Damian's destructive proposal to Fleet Commander Andrei Kavelin, and after some small deliberation they identify one clear target. "The Novo Kalichev Overseer Array," the wizened, barrel-chested Commander states confidently. "The power station keeping the orbital bombardment cannons primed. Taking out the cannons themselves would require an army and cost more lives than I'm willing to sacrifice, but a powerful enough explosion at the Overseer Array would allow us to seize control of the entire system if we broke into the mainframe before the backup generators activate fully. Such an attack would require extreme precision and impeccable timing, but more than it would need a gravtank's weight in нитроглицерин. Aleksandr tells me you can make it happen, and I'm inclined to believe him, but I wonder if you might explain to me how?"
Tuesday 15-02-3200
08:13
Time passes quickly as the Loyalist base explodes into activity.
Benedict works overtime hacking his way through the Planetary Network with the aid of Romer, the pair making inventive use of Romer's corporate credentials to access several furtive Kwik Electrics fiscal servers wherein they discover something highly suspicious; Kwik Electrics is indeed heavily backing Humanity First financially, but for every large donation to the rebellious government they seem to receive substantial income from unknown off-world sources, amounts exceeding what they are contributing. The two dig a little deeper, but cannot find a satisfying explanation as to the source of this undisclosed revenue stream.
Putting that aside, Benedict turns his attentions to locating Katya, and once again uncovers a mystery. The medic, along with several other psions, has been logged as "processed" in a location far from the central Police Bureau where the majority of other MES carriers have are being held. Some more probing locates her apparent location; a recently established holding facility in northern Novo Kalichev. Formerly a small jail and impound complex for holding smugglers and their starships as they were interrogated and searched for contraband respectively, it seems the site is listed as the destination for more than two dozen psions since the HF crackdown began, nearly all of them registered as biopsions. Though he cannot find a reason as to why they are being held there, the hacker downloads a dated holoprint schematic for the facility that should prove useful.
Whilst Benedict works his magic, Sokolova forwards Damian's destructive proposal to Fleet Commander Andrei Kavelin, and after some small deliberation they identify one clear target. "The Novo Kalichev Overseer Array," the wizened, barrel-chested Commander states confidently. "The power station keeping the orbital bombardment cannons primed. Taking out the cannons themselves would require an army and cost more lives than I'm willing to sacrifice, but a powerful enough explosion at the Overseer Array would allow us to seize control of the entire system if we broke into the mainframe before the backup generators activate fully. Such an attack would require extreme precision and impeccable timing, but more than it would need a gravtank's weight in нитроглицерин. Aleksandr tells me you can make it happen, and I'm inclined to believe him, but I wonder if you might explain to me how?"