Scene 1 - The Calm before the storm. 001-1107

[BackworldTraveller]

Bruce looks at Seca like he is mad. Are you feeling ok? You might need to get out into fresh air.

...and then it hits him...the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he's convinced that someone is watching him. And the strange marks on the sealed up air-lock door look like laser-burns! Could something have come in?

He checks workshop 1: Mechanical workshop. Should be empty but the equipment is present and doesn't seem to have even been shut down properly. Nobody there.

Suddenly, the entire atmosphere lifts as if the creature (whatever it was) has turned its attention elsewhere.

[cybersavant]

Rehtai finds himself busy for just an hour as he undertakes a review of the sensor systems Electronics (Sensors) roll (Skill + EDU) please to determine how successful the review is.

Rehtai Khtao

[BackworldTraveller]

Module Layout - Both Decks.jpg (46.64 KiB) Viewed 493 times

[trawets]

...and then it hits him...the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he's convinced that someone is watching him. And the strange marks on the sealed up air-lock door look like laser-burns! Could something have come in?

He checks workshop 1: Mechanical workshop. Should be empty but the equipment is present and doesn't seem to have even been shut down properly. Nobody there.

Suddenly, the entire atmosphere lifts as if the creature (whatever it was) has turned its attention elsewhere.

Bruce shivers and looks around and says Ok. Now it's got me. I feel like I'm being watched and those marks look like laser burns. This ain't good. No sooner does he say that then things go back to "normal". It's gone now. Over the comm he says Is anyone feeling strange, like they are being watched? Anything else strange? These marks are starting to look like laser blasts to me.

[ateno]

The Turret is a triple 50cm Sandcaster mount. Cheap, Energy Efficient and almost useless in attack. An offensive Defence is almost impossible. It has also not been used for several years and one barrel hasn't been weather-tight, let alone airtight! As the breach is opened, a bath-full of (cold) rain-water falls out.

Ralph dries himself off as best he can and turns on the software, being sure to lock out the targeting software and fire control emitters and does a quick system check.

Over the radio:
"Tube 2 of the triple turret is ooc until it gets some PM, Rehtai and Seca Your heading to the Engine room, right? Walter when your done with Pi. your heading to the Bridge, right? Bruce, when your done below your on other spaces. I will finish with the turret and head to bridge and check the family of sensors we have."

Ralph

[Ythgar]

Walter

Over comms: "Yup, Pi, then Bridge for piloting systems, astrogration, and then let me know what needs help after that."

[BackworldTraveller]

Walt heads across the field and exits. The searches are more thorough than coming in! He heads off to the Cafe and starts looking for Pi
What approach are you intending to take in the interview? Carouse? Diplomacy? Persuade?

Walt hopes to appeal to Pi as one long serving Scout to another and persuade Pi to provide what details he has so they can better deal with whatever it was the led to the module being sealed the way it has.

Persuade-1: [_2d6+1]=(5+4)=9+1=10

Pi, it turns out, is quite good at deflecting questions - particularly when customers can be the excuse. His summary was: -

Look, I was on the team that maintained the ship. You've seen the paperwork. The Module was off-limits and was maintained by the science team.

But, Walter gets the feeling he's not telling everything and presses on...

No, it wasn't my team that cleared the vessel out and parked it up. We got moved on though, and told to keep quiet. So, no, I'm not at liberty to say anything. You have the ship and the module and you know when the ship was shut down. I can't tell you which University the science team were from. I can't tell you which scientist's obituary to look for. And I definitely can't recommend you ask questions.

He starts to shuffle Walter out.

As Walter leaves, he realises he's been chatting for ages and by the time he returns it will be 2pm!

[Thumper]

”Rehtai and Seca Your heading to the Engine room, right

Seca-
”Ya, uh, sure. When able…a little distracted right now.”

[Ythgar]

Walter

Assuming Walt has a private comm to Ralph (if not he will talk to him in person): "it was a University team with the module. We need to find the obit of a scientist from when the Shadow got closed up. On my way back now."

[ateno]

Walter

Assuming Walt has a private comm to Ralph (if not he will talk to him in person): "it was a University team with the module. We need to find the obit of a scientist from when the Shadow got closed up. On my way back now."

"Roger, see you soon. I get there is a mystery here, but our job is get the ship ready. We can search later, It's been years so far.""

Ralph

[cybersavant]

”Rehtai and Seca Your heading to the Engine room, right

Rehtai Khtao
"I'll head there as soon as i've finished with the senor systems."

[BackworldTraveller]

As the clock ticks on to 13:00, the team move slowly on.

Rehtai reports the sensor refurb complete in record time and so transfers to the Engine Room and (as Throg has suggested) starts the overhaul of the Gravitics systems. Seca's discoveries may be useful as helpers once they charge up. (Please make an Engineer(Gravitics) roll)

Ekene continues hauling equipment from the Cargo Hold to the Common Room, Staterooms and various storage compartments. 8 beds to be made up from scratch, the entire crockery and cutlery to move plus pots, pans and the Ships Locker. When Walt returns we'll need his DNA print to open the safe and Captain, when you have a moment, could you order a second stateroom pack for the Module's accommodation?

Seca & Bruce have searched the module, and have found the whole experience unsettling. They have confirmed that there is a Mechanics Workshop and an Electronics Workshop; They have found a group of Engineering and Mechanic Drones that seem to be part of a self-repair system. They are in need of several hours of charging before they'd be usable. There's a lab. It's full of various pieces of scientific equipment left when the ship was abandoned. And a library with a table and sofas. It even has a book-case with paper books! They could explore for hours but the ship needs them to get it ready. Some direction needed here please

Throg, as captain, has managed nothing much in his first hour apart from nearly drowning himself. Each time he tries to get to work on the Turret, someone interrupts! How would you like the Ships Locker Arranged? or What would you like my team to do now? from Ikegza. The first door to the module is still in bits and covered in a temporary air-lock and the other is still welded shut. Also, the Modules own airlock is full of stuff and a plate has been welded over the exit and painted! With all the interruptions, Throg can see that he'll be at the refurbishment for hours! The turret should have been weather tight but clearly the cover was damaged early on so everything got wet. Please make a Gunner roll for the turret - and a Leader roll for the management, both at -2 DM

Drake continues his searches of the ships history, and considers what he knows of the case before him. An appropriate roll for whatever course he choses to follow would be welcome please

Walt is the only one who's activities in this second hour start away from the ship - His interview with Pi is slowly wound up and he then has to make his way back through security and across the field.

Ikegza and his crew have had a quiet time outside as the exploration occurred, but they are chafing at the bit and practically demanding to be assigned tasks or else they'll get back to their normal maintenance jobs!

---

Tentative schedule of assignments

Who/What	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12
Rehtai	Elec(Sensors)	Engineer(Gravitics)	Engineer(Gravitics)	Engineer(Gravitics)	Engineer(Gravitics)	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Ekene	Steward Unpack Crates	Steward	Steward	Steward	Steward	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Seca	Explore	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Bruce	Explore	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Throg	Explore	Gunnery & Organizer	Gunnery & Organizer	Gunnery & Organizer	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Drake	Computer Search Ship History	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Walt	Investigate Pi Giloma	Investigate	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Ikegza	Nothing	13	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Engineer 1	Nothing	13	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Engineer 2	Nothing	13	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Mechanic	Nothing	13	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Electrician	Nothing	13	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Driver	Nothing	13	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12

[Doctor Crunch]

Drake

Drake settles in at a table in the commons with his computer slaved to the ship's network. He'll hum an old drinking song under his breath as he works. He will first set his expert system to trawl the public databases and news sites for any mention of the ISS Storm Shadow, Senior Scout Pi Giloma, his new shipmates or any news related to the Scout Service or Universities that has a date within a week +/- of the dates from the signed paperwork on the modules. Once that is set up, he'll begin searching the ship's computers for anything out of the ordinary with special attention paid to any sort of malware or non-standard software.

I'm interpreting Drake's part of this as an Electronics (Computers) Roll using the searching a corporate database for evidence guideline which is Int + Electronics. If that's right - here.

[Thumper]

As Seca works his way around the lower level of the module, he plugs in the repair drones to charge and, while in the workshops and lab, pockets the tools he might use in Engineering.

Once the downstairs is initially explored, he’ll resolve to get the ship ready to go. He’ll make a request to Throg to put the ground repair team to working the Life Support Engineering systems first, then do the paint job so it can dry/cure overnight. He’ll ask to retain the assistance of the Electrician after LS is finished to help with the power generation and distribution systems. When they return for tomorrow’s shift, the ground crew can help with whatever’s left.

Upon returning to Engineering, he’ll assist with the Grav Maneuver Drive overhaul:
Then the will work on the man/Grav drive:
Eng Grav\Man 0, Wafer +1, INT +1: [2d6+2]=12+2=14

Following that repair, he’ll inspect and overhaul the power plant.

He already crushed the Generation check (13 rolled previously)

Distribution:
PP Eng 1, Wafer 1, INT +1: [2d6+3]=7+3=10


He’ll lay claim to stateroom #3…the module spooked him though nothing dangerous was discovered

Once the drones are charged, he’ll unleash them.

Once those stated actions are complete, he’ll go set up his stateroom and crash for 7 hours. Unless ordered by Throg, he will sleep rather than ceremoniously greet the Ambassador.

”Hey Throg and Sir Drake, doesn’t this station have any more repair bots they can lend us until tomorrow. Fuel system could use some attention as well as comms and computers. Or maybe any bots that can brought over could swap jobs with Izkega’s crew?

[trawets]

Once done looking through the module Bruce notes the equipment in the lab and med bay and then heads to the ship's drone store and begins getting that in order. A thought occurs to him and he opens a comm link to Throg Rather than trying to fix that sandcaster, why don't you see if you can get it switched out for something offensive like missiles or a laser if there is time?

[Doctor Crunch]

He’ll lay claim to stateroom #3…the module spooked him though nothing dangerous was discovered

Drake moved his stuff into Stateroom 3 back in post 151.

[Thumper]

Then #4. If he gets bumped due to being the junior man (highly likely) on the crew, he’ll ask for room #8 in the module.

**Edited**

[cybersavant]

Rehtai reports the sensor refurb complete in record time and so transfers to the Engine Room and (as Throg has suggested) starts the overhaul of the Gravitics systems. Seca's discoveries may be useful as helpers once they charge up. (Please make an Engineer(Gravitics) roll)

Rehtai Khtao busies himself in engineering

[BackworldTraveller]

Sorry for the delay...A synopsis below
By 2pm The Storm Shadow is a picture of activity with each of the crew realising that each of the tasks of readying the ship takes (1d6) hours not mere minutes.

Ekene has continued sorting out the Commons and Living Quarters, the ships stores and the infamous Ships locker. He's announced his intention to supply a crew meal at 18:00. Only two of the Ground Crew have accepted, the rest have cried off as they have family commitments.

Rehtai has roped Seca into helping with the Gravitics checks. They are tied up in static tests, but will not be able to perform full checks until the powerplant is up and running; and the powerplant can't be started until the fuel is loaded, which the ground crew won't do until the tanks are checked: They are warm and full of air!

Bruce is down in the Bay looking at a refurb and maintenance on the first of the repair drones. What he quickly finds out is that the bridge computer doesn't have any drone control (self-repair) software. That seems to be on a separate system in the Pod. But he doesn't need that yet as he unpacks and oils and re-assembles.

Walt has returned after his investigations and temporarily unemployed

Throg is finding his Gunnery work is constantly being interrupted by people asking questions...including a suggestion that he just swap the turret out entirely!

Drake's computer searches start to yield information. Bruce's discovery of a second computer comes as a surprise though. It seems the Bridge Computer isn't the ship's main one. This doesn't affect his queries but gives him a second machine to investigate.
The computer searches have yielded a significant amount of data about the previous crew and the station's ex-personnel. One, Rhazhoull Gnouzhoug Llueztue, seems to be off-world. One is dead (Suicide) and one is running a small clinic in a small-town well away from the Capital and the Scouts. He's settled and Married! And Finally, Pi Giloma has set up a Cafe! His books show a modest profit each year, almost all of which is taken out and supporting his life-style.

The ground crew have been replacing the welded up doors/airlock and starting the Jump-Drive overhaul. They expect to be finished by 17:00.

The good news is that the ([possibly) suspicious Sword-Worlders you met in the Cafe haven't caused any trouble and neither the Scout Hierarchy nor the IMoJ have interfered yet.

---

Tentative schedule of assignments

Who/What	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12
Rehtai	Elec(Sensors)	Engineer(Gravitics)	Engineer(Gravitics)	Engineer(Gravitics)	Engineer(Gravitics)	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Ekene	Steward Unpack Crates	Steward	Steward	Steward	Steward	Food Preparation	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Seca	Explore	Engineer(Gravitics) Help	Engineer(Gravitics) Help	Engineer(Gravitics) Help	Engineer(Gravitics) Help	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Bruce	Explore	Drone Refurb	Drone Refurb	Drone Refurb	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Throg	Explore	Gunnery & Organizer	Gunnery & Organizer	Gunnery & Organizer	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Drake	Computer Search Ship History	Computer Search Ship History	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Walt	Investigate Pi Giloma	Investigate	Investigate	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	Ambassador
Ikegza	Nothing	Manage Air Lock Replacements	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Engineer 1	Nothing	Jump Drive Review	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Engineer 2	Nothing	Jump Drive Review	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Mechanic	Nothing	Airlock Replacement	Airlock Replacement	Airlock Replacement	Airlock Replacement	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Electrician	Nothing	Airlock Replacement	Airlock Replacement	Airlock Replacement	Airlock Replacement	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12
Driver	Nothing	Parts and Equipment Collections	14	15	16	17	18	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	off-shift	10	11	12

[trawets]

Bruce shakes his head every so often as he finds new and unexpected things. He keys up his comm and says The more I work on this, the more it looks like the ship is run through that module. There isn't even repair probe software in the main computer! It looks like the computer in the module is the main. Luckily everything so far is just hands on the probes. I'll keep on with this task.