Avastan: Planetfall

[shaidar]

Frank

Leaving the Tourmaline in the care of a 4DC medic Colonel Skeet uses his grav belt to fly across to the Deliverance berm where, accompanied by his massive Aslan RSM, he seeks out Frank. Oddly he closes to well within speaking range and, around a cheerfully sardonic smile, blows smoke from his stogie as he switches his (20mm???) rifle to his left and offers his hand as he casually asks "Frank, do you have a team pulling an extraction from the Scoutbase - a little side action maybe?" Frank realises that Skeet has come over to gauge his reaction to the question for himself. Skeet's demeanour is both calm and relaxed, intrigued if anything, with maybe a hint of mischief in his eyes. He casually adds "Asking for a friend".

Frank takes the proffered hand "Glad you all made it down OK and thanks for the help. I'm suitably impressed." he grins "I'm sure your medical facilities are up to scratch, but just say of you need any help on that score." he glances in the direction of the scout base "The base...no, we've got nothing going on there, but Miss Vitt and her team were last seen in that direction, so if I were a betting man, that's where I'd be putting my money."

[Leitz]

Jakob accepted the ride from Gaughan, and they made their way to the bunker. Later, seeing the Rangers enjoying the fresh air, Jakob concedes that the older NCO is a man after his own heart.

Still, the QSM had called, and tricky munitions are a task. Jakob comm'd Liv, to make sure she was awake, and that she could get Voss to arrange transport if needed. He found Henker and said, "How can I help?"

[The Bindoner]

Jess salutes Jakob as he's passed into the "office" area: Got a bay full of ordinance here, Sir, that's sweatin' like a party girl in a pew. Sergei here wants it gone too, it's his warehouse. We're workin' out a price on the clearance. Some of it's just between sell-by an' best-before, some of it's gone right runny. Your resume says you're rated ATO, so I thought you ought to see what's what, let me know the size of the job.

[Leitz]

Jakob respectfully returned the salute, and nodded. "Probably best to get as many people away from the area, and shut down any radio signals."

With that, Jakob turned down his RF signature as much as possible, waited for people to clear out, and then headed into the storage facility.

Not sure if it's something to game out, or what, but once he's finished, Jakob will let Jess know the munitions count, how many high risk rounds there are, and ways to reduce risk so they can be moved to a safe detonation area. He is specifically avoiding any recommendations on budgets and billing, that's not his forte.

[The Bindoner]

Jakob respectfully returned the salute, and nodded. "Probably best to get as many people away from the area, and shut down any radio signals."

With that, Jakob turned down his RF signature as much as possible, waited for people to clear out, and then headed into the storage facility.

You sound like Charlie, he came back all a-quiver, so I sent 'im for lie-down in a darkened room. I'm sure it's fine, if you leave it be. It's been sittin' there peaceable-like for years, just don't go poking it.

Nonetheless, Jess also signals her people to turn off their comms in the bunker.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

Having returned to the ship, she will head to the HQ group under Sgt Dubs

Sarge, What system do you run for keeping a 24 hour watch? My group is basically 4 people, the most reliable of which as a team leader is Camp Freddie. We can all pull together for an emergency, but as a group for sustained (boring) duties, no chance of maintaining a good rota. Just not enough bodies. You must have the same issue. How about we combine strengths and we can keep the drones, comms, sensors, etc. serviced better?

Freya needs to ensure her team have some down-time, can take breaks while on shift and can get the kit serviced all without loss of coverage. Sgt Dubs must have the same problem. Also, she needs to get out around the base (with a team) and place sensors for monitoring key points so we can see what is going on without having to have warm bodies everywhere.

[Tiglath]

Freya

Dubs who is "holding the fort" in HQ while others get some chow/rack time glances somewhat embarrassedly at the drone monitor which is now physically stacked on top of his comms monitor.

"Well, it still needs some work but the interface is in its early stages of development, Ma'am".

Freya is absolutely right as, after monitoring and servicing drones (which will now have to become "fixed" unmanned OPs), the Techs have a veritable mountain of work maintaining (let alone servicing!) every gunsight, vision aid, suit of armour, weapon and vehicle in the unit! She also knows that anything accidentally broken or abused after the last service will now be declared as caused by "war duty/enemy action".

[joertexas]

Prerna sees to her team while she waits word from Erica on whether she will ride back to Collace with her.

She keys the command channel."Have we found crews for the ships yet?"

[Tiglath]

Frank

With a fighter pilot's brazen arrogance Skeet replies "Oh, we were always going to hit the LZ dead on because we have the best pilot in 268". Then he breaks into a self mocking grin as he continues "Handsome bastard too but possessing of a humble yet knicker dropping modesty. Believe me, it's a constant battle to keep it all reigned in". Spotting Liv he introduces himself "Miss Ellis, Colonel Skeet, damn but Captain Domici's a lucky man!" dropping his banter entirely he adds "Duran says you're good. I advise you meet with him on Collace and he can give you a steer on who to get into bed with". Grinning cheerfully again he adds "Of course, my advice would just be biased".

Skeet returns his focus to answer Frank with a smile "Our medical facilities are better than Imperial standard. If you have badly wounded casualties let me treat them. Call it a favour if you like. I have expert bots and better facilities than Collace". He adds "I can hardly tout "Everybody goes home" without good Medics. I'm trauma qualified myself" he mischievously adds "with a sub specialisation in xeno geriatrics". The massive Aslan RSM* inhales obviously then rumbles in accented Galanglic "Honoured Commander, I detect... a smell on the wind. It comes from your direction". Skeet gives a warm smile and cocks his head at the Aslan warrior saying deadpan "We used to work the cruise lines as a comedy duo. You can see why we had to... diversify".

He then projects a realtime sensor feed as a holo image of a group of five individuals deployed prone in an all round defence. The "position stamp" on the data shows its location as a few hundred meters south west of the Scout base. Four of the five act like soldiers while the fifth crouches guarded by a tall female. Skeet comments "Sure looks like an Imperial Navy "away team". My Merc bond was approved in Regina so I try to avoid irritating the Imperials. We have a modus vivendi. So, I'm leaving them be". He appears to be checking Frank for reaction again. He then adjusts the focus of the holo (which appears to be a live feed) tight onto the statuesque female leader. "Damn but I'm a fan of high tech armour tailoring. I guess that would be Vitt? You did say Miss?" He says carelessly "Sounds kinda Swordy..." and then sighs before adding " ...I have serially bad luck with Swordy girls". Expanding the view and indicating another icon (apparently an approaching grav vehicle) he says "I guess that's their ride".

Changing gears once more he asks "Don't know the details of your contract but the Drachenfels is about to make a miraculous escape. I expect I'll swear revenge and then catch up with her surprisingly quickly - but that won't be subject to my current contract with SuSAG. I've worked with them before and I've found that they are such caring employers that I now shaft them at every opportunity. If you are short of prize crews I may be able to fill out one or two slots - but you're paying".

(OOC: Col Skeet is clearly channelling his inner Flashheart. Woof, Nursie!
However, if he actually flew in the drop from orbit it would have needed some very good piloting.
* Eyeing the 4DC RSM Frank has a moment of possible recollection.
Please make a "historic perception" roll - claim adds as you will.).

[joertexas]

Prerna sees to her team while she waits word from Erica on whether she will ride back to Collace with her.

She keys the command channel."Have we found crews for the ships yet?"

She converses with Erica for a moment, and then adds to her message. "Erica and I are bridge and engineering qualified, but we could use a navigator and a couple more people to stand watch."

[shaidar]

Frank

"Sargent Dawson and gunner Love were badly injured, we've had to put Dawson on ice, so if you have spare capacity to help them then I'd owe you one. We're also short on pilots to get the ships home, so if you got any spare to hire out I'd appreciate it. As for SuSAG, I know exactly what they are like, but sometimes necessity overrides personal preferences."

Perception roll:

Perception: [2d6]=7

How about a +1 for recon and +1 for Int-B?

[Tiglath]

Jakob

With that, Jakob turned down his RF signature as much as possible, waited for people to clear out, and then headed into the storage facility.

Jakob discerns that from the contents of the bay that he is in there are few truly unstable munitions (although this is relative because the place is vast). He determines that the problem is that if one shell goes off the sympathetic explosion of those nearby will cause a secondary explosion likely to level (well actually "sink") the starport (or at least "Merc Island").

However, the good news is that Jakob determines that the explosives could be "steamed out" in situ (effectively melted then flushed out) and those stored nearby which are "on the turn" carefully and sympathetically removed to somewhere else for disposal.

The whole process would take your LAD team most of a working week.

(OOC: As per PM roll! )

[Tiglath]

Frank

"Sargent Dawson and gunner Love were badly injured, we've had to put Dawson on ice, so if you have spare capacity to help them then I'd owe you one. We're also short on pilots to get the ships home, so if you got any spare to hire out I'd appreciate it. As for SuSAG, I know exactly what they are like, but sometimes necessity overrides personal preferences."

Skeet replies "Well, since we're business associates - or, maybe more binding, co-conspirators in shafting SuSAG. I'll do you that favour. Have your people speak to my medics and I'll bet your wounded troopers will be dancing at the after party on Collace. I can help you with bridge crew too. Ideal staff in my opinion but they come as a pair. I can also supply you a junior drive tech. Word to the wise, 4DC are out of here as soon as the SuSAG puppets confirm payment and so anything you have worth stealing up to three hundred tons displacement needs to get to orbit soonest to take advantage of The Shore's special "removal rates".

As far as Frank's "xeno recognition" goes he's got it fixed but maybe needs a prompt. He's sure it'll come to him - but not yet.

[shaidar]

Frank

"I appreciate the help, and the advice, I'll let my people know. If you're really interested in shafting SuSAG big time, then I have a long term goal that may or may-not come to fruition, but if it starts to coalesce I'll give you a shout."

Once the conversation concludes, Frank will pass on the info regarding the medical and ship crew help.

[Tiglath]

Frank

"I appreciate the help, and the advice, I'll let my people know. If you're really interested in shafting SuSAG big time, then I have a long term goal that may or may-not come to fruition, but if it starts to coalesce I'll give you a shout."
Once the conversation concludes, Frank will pass on the info regarding the medical and ship crew help.

Skeets gives a cheerful smile "Sounds good. Business is business but, where I can, I try to ensure I'm doing bad things to bad people. If you have any excess loot to ship out put it aboard the Drachenfels. I'll have it delivered to the Bartizan through my associates in The Shore. The 4DC officers' debrief party's at the Condottiere Club - same place as last time. I'll send you the details”.

"I'll get your wounded fixed up because..." he pauses with a grin before adding the 4DC tagline "... "Everybody goes home!"

Although Skeet now takes his leave 4DC remain in active assistance for the remainder of the time on Avastan.

[Tiglath]

Jakob

Having diagnosed a solution the LAD team's skills are employed to effect the rather laborious but safe method of "steaming out" the suspect explosives in situ. The "merely dubious" ordnance is gently ferried by the (expendable but smooth riding) mortar section air/raft to a vacant section of the Starport and destroyed with direct fire from one of the many available starships.

The strangest moment for Jakob in the whole nervy affair is being saluted by Charlie immediately after his first view of the suspect shells. The Corporal emerges from one of the many bays in the truly vast subterranean complex carrying a very full high tech "sack" (which he puts down to effect his salute). Jakob can't fail to notice that every available pouch and storage area on his person is packed brimful (and yet he retains a full and proper military loadout). Most noticeably Charlie has his boots strung about his neck - with a bottle wedged in each.

Charlie reacts instinctively stating "Lummie!*" on sighting Jakob. This is followed by "Mister Domici, sir! Conducting logistical reconnaissance, sir. QSM sends her compliments, sir". The Corporal looks "shifty" but Jakob reminds himself that he nearly always looks that way - if not sometimes "devious". Almost more suspiciously, by application of some SEMC officer's "double think" - given the circumstances he doesn't look "guilty".

(OOC: * A known expression of mild surprise or chagrin amongst the Collace working thieving class).

[Tiglath]

All

As the pacification phase of the operation rolls into garrison mode SEMC are increasingly pressed into service to expand the "visibility" of the occupying mercenary force in patrolling the Starport and Startown. Fortunately Major Wagner's professional "panzer grenadiers" are available to almost double the size of the SEMC contingent and also add the mobility of their IFVs to the projection of the garrison's strength while 4DC form a formidable reserve if not a visible deterrent.

Wagner's grenadiers are more available after Hawkwind completes the repairs caused by the "explosive entry" of her SEMC rescuers and then lifts for orbit to continue her journey that was interrupted by the pirates. There is something of an exodus of ships at this time - specifically of the owner/operator types. However, Erica East has apparently negotiated an "acknowledgement of salvage" with Hawkwind's crew countersigned and attested both by the "Skiparre" and the owner's representative aboard thereby making that document a negotiable commodity in its own right. [The value being a significant percentage of the ship's worth but arguable by lawyers - no doubt in order to deter casual claimants].

There is also an orchestrated "show of force" by 4DC through Avastan city. SEMC may join in. This seems to coincide with what appears to be a (frighteningly heavily armed) "blag" on an exclusive "leisure enclave" for senior API party members. This raid was an apparent "spontaneous" event caused by the Kforuzeng running out of non-airworthy grav jets to race about the runway. This, together with the resultant explosive crashes and ejections, has been a constant nuisance as far as general base security, PD sensors and the conventional use of the Starport taxiways are concerned. It is rumoured that some of the Vargr pirates involved in the downtown raid cunningly disguised themselves as humans in battledress...

Meanwhile, a set of holographic "briefing" playing cards with the higher arcana being (somewhat aesthetically unpleasing) real time images of unfit old blokes in thongs while the lower (non scoring) cards depict various "babes" in the same attire becomes a sought after trading commodity between the SEMC "lower decks" and the Vargr.

Both sets of Aslan point blank refuse to be "invisible" during the pacification process. 4DC's Bodyguard Unit perform what can only be described as an "arrogance" (on foot) through downtown Avastan City. Perhaps unsurprisingly no one gives them any trouble. Meanwhile, acting with surprising insight into the human condition (almost like they had interpreted given advice) the SEMC "Ihatei" manage to provoke conflict with what appears to be either remaining holdouts to the prior regime or a faction of xenophobic locals. The result is a brutally short and entirely sanguinary action during which the Aslan take no losses and the "insurgents" are exclusively KIA (with extreme prejudice). After this the locals seem to accept that, pending some external stimulus, they are content to be on the right side of Darwinian selection as far as anti Aslan sentiment goes. The Ihatei now guard "their" berm zealously and their increasingly "possessive" view of it begins to foment friction with SEMC.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

Under cover of the other activities, Freya will look to 'Liv for guidance on the placement of electronic surveillance and routes for drone patrols. The post-invasion government of Avastan will be forming and the apparent power vacuum will be sucking in anyone with local prominence. Keeping an eye on which will be militarily aggressive and which civilly responsible and which both will be a nightmare. The largest unifying factor must be the "Anti-Alien" one.

In the absence of specific orders, she'll warn her team to ensure they only go into town in groups with security knowing where they are. Solitary forays are apt to end badly and vengeance by the company won't get their heads back.

[shaidar]

Frank sees if Polly and Sazanami can diffuse the situation with the Aslan. With the ships leaving, if possible he'll try and arrange any ships that can be moved to be moved to another berm, or failing that the runway.

[Leitz]

Ensuring that the munitions to be disposed of are far enough away, Jakob would suggest to Frank that SEMC now has some fighters, and maybe some fighter pilots or wannabes, and they could try their hand at shooting the munitions to earn their spot on the fighter pilot team.