The Apogee of Memory (Ranger-1)

[Grognardsw]

“I don’t know who dropped the ball on the thread,” T’borra answered Ranger. Her blue face scowled in the direction of the Blue Origin Commander Qray. “Maybe he knows.”

The cyborg shared his opinion about getting the dragons dead or alive.

“They’re more valuable alive than dead,” said Qray. “The biological and neuro research is hard to do when they’re dead. The bounty calls for them alive, and I know you’re all interested in the big pay-off. A dead dragon is worth a fraction of living one.”

Ranger and the others strapped in as the scout ship headed down to Pern. It would be a rough trip given the damage the small ship had taken. They flew through the upper atmosphere; the holes from Thread were weak points that heated up and further compromised the integrity of the hull.

Ranger didn’t like the noises he heard. The ship vibrated in ways it shouldn’t.

Harrison smiled over at Ranger. “No sweat!”

An alarm sounded. The lights went out. Emergency red lights flickered on. Ranger figured they should be through the lower atmosphere by now, but the velocity wasn’t letting up which probably meant a crash landing.

Suddenly there was loud sounds of something hitting the hull. The ship bucked. The sounds continued. Skimming a forest? Scrapping mountains?

The room erupted with cursing and some prayers from the mercenaries.

The rattling turned to rending and pitched higher still as scout ship hit something hard. Ranger and the mercenaries blacked out.



Sometime later Ranger came to, battered (Ranger crash damage [5d6]=15) but alive.

He looked around. Most of his fellow mercenaries where still out. A few were dead, all were injured to various degrees.

[Grognardsw]

Sometime later Ranger came to, battered (Ranger crash damage [5d6]=15) but alive.

He looked around. Most of his fellow mercenaries where still out. A few were dead, all were injured to various degrees.

[Bluehorse]

R-1

Grumbled and unfolded himself from where he has landed and assessed the situation while moving debris from atop the injured. He moved mechanically, pun most certainly intended, thank you very much. He then moved over to the comm and radioed up to the helm. Hey!
Come in! Captain Ranger-1. We took a beating back here... Send a med team and some stretchers. a few body bags too. What did we hit? Over.

He then assessed his own damage to make sure there was nothing that needed immediate attention before checking for Harrison and the others from his original team.

[Grognardsw]

Only static greeted Ranger's radio calls to the Odyssey. The cyborg's faulty memory then remembered:

“Further data suggests - <§!¥€£!?><~||£€@#>! “ - The computer voice screeched static and noise, indicating the Odyssey must have blown up.

Ranger checked his injured and dead shipmates. Some were alive, including Harrison who was bruised and gashed. He groggily got up, limping on one leg. The two made their way to the main bridge. Along the way they met with BBB - that was Elyse, a Blue Origin lietunant whose name Ranger actually remembered cause she had brains, brawn and beauty.

The trio arrived at the main bridge. Main power was out.

The mercenaries gathered the survivors, administered med pac shots (roll 2d6 for heal), and inventoried undamaged equipment. Most of it was intact, including the two sky scooters. These were two-person sky cycles armed with front lasers and a set of small bombs.

"The mission goes on!" barked Elyse to the gathered mercenaries in the hold. "We have the equipment and just enough men to get us some dragons. I'm authorized to say that you'll all get double pay given the difficulties."

There were whispers among the mercenaries. Double pay on top of the already impressive amount would be more than most made in 5 years of work.

"The mission is important for Blue Origin, and I'm sure they'll send another ship when we don't check in. It may take a while, but that will give us the time to complete our mission. We'll need the new ship to take the dragons back."

[Bluehorse]

posting here later today!

[Bluehorse]

R-1 does his own repairs for the most part, being more practical than thorough.

Heal [2d6]=5

Ranger-1 moves with the crowd doing what needs done with little complaint. He doesn't mind a little routine here and there and he is eager to do what is necessary to get the mission under way. He takes a little time to check on Harrison and the others to make sure they are all battle ready, looking particularly dubious about Harrison's leg. "You're not planning on my carrying you around are you? Think that will be healed up by the time we move out?"

[Grognardsw]

"I"ll be alright," grunted Harrison. He packed an extra med kit.


Med kit

Ranger-1 was assigned to lead one of the two groups. His party had eight mercenaries, an array of arms, tranq guns capable of putting out dinosaurs, med kits, radios for surface communication, one of the sky cycles, energy nets (fired from shoulder cannons, they expanded into large energy nets for use in capturing large prey), and four floaters (large discs that unfolded to 10'x10' and floated via anti-grav. Put together, they are suppose to transport a dragon.)

"You reconnaisance west, I"ll take east," Elyse told Ranger. "After 100 clicks, turn north, I'll take south. Let's check in with each other daily at 08:00 and 20:00. Keep each other apprised of native dangers, sightings, etc. Any questions?"

They set out.

If there are other high tech arms or objects you'd like, let me know.

[Bluehorse]

R-1 makes a point if grabbing a couple oxygen canisters that he rigs to plug into his intake for the artificial lung. He will also look for some conclusive grenades and/or powerful flashbangs that can be used to Stun the dragons. He might even find a way to rig a grenade launcher on his rifle for this purpose or even a dedicated attachment to his shoulder like an athladle or something.

Seeing as it is a recon mission, he will look for a detailed analog map as well as download one to his personal navigation as well a print off. He will mark off the zones they are following as well as that of Elyse is taking. Before his team sets off, he will drill them on how to read the maps and detail where they are going, various planned checkpoints etc. Very professional.

Any questions? he ask his team, eyeing them like a salty old sergeant.

After he will coordinate with Elyse one more time outlining the details of check in times etc.

[Grognardsw]

Ranger located two concussion grenades and three stun grenades (flashbangs). He was not certain if they'll be able to work as effectively on something as large as dragon. But perhaps a strike to the head area would do it?

The cyborg tried to hack together a grenade launcher on his rifle and shoulder. (Make a 4d6 Int. check for each.)

Surprisingly there was no map.

"We're the first people here," said Elyse.

Details were reviewed. No one had any appreciable questions.

The two groups headed out in their east and west directions.

The terrain in this valley was easy on the feet and they trailed west following the river. Ranger's party observed natural wildlife - small feathered lizard birds, scurrying scaled mice-like creatures, a two-foot hopping furred animal that followed them from a distance for several minutes.



The vegetation was light, with low lying shrub and bush marked with groupings of small trees 20-30’ in height. The river flowed at a good clip; purple fish were occasionally seen leaping.

[Bluehorse]

Ranger located two concussion grenades and three stun grenades (flashbangs). He was not certain if they'll be able to work as effectively on something as large as dragon. But perhaps a strike to the head area would do it?

The cyborg tried to hack together a grenade launcher on his rifle and shoulder. (Make a 4d6 Int. check for each.)

He will share one each with Harrison in secret and lean in. Remember that real screw-up Chernoble planet where we did the recon job and things went south in a hurry? Save these for that kind of situation... aim for the head... then run like hell...

INT v11:

Hack Job Fabricating: Rifle [4d6]=19 Shoulder [4d6]=17
Well Poop! LOL!

Surprisingly there was no map. "We're the first people here," said Elyse.

Ranger-1 nodded. It wasn't the first time he was sent into an area more or less blind. Do we have a satellite link in case regular comms go down? That could help us triangulate where we are that way too.

The terrain in this valley was easy on the feet and they trailed west following the river. Ranger's party observed natural wildlife - small feathered lizard birds, scurrying scaled mice-like creatures, a two-foot hopping furred animal...The river flowed at a good clip; purple fish were occasionally seen leaping.

Seeing all the weird wildlife he looked over at the nearest merc and gave a lopsided grin. At least we are not going to have to eat rations tonight. Look at all this! Damn I wish I still had tastebuds... I mean... I do... but... they don't work all that well anymore...

[Grognardsw]

"Do we have a satellite link..." Ranger asked.

"That's a negative," responded Harrison. "Remember, the Odyssey was destroyed. All we got left is what was on the scout ship."

The mercenaries pushed west and and found the river turned to block their path. It was a swift-flowing river, but did not appear very deep.



The river would need to be contended with. It flowed swiftly and tumbled over rocks here and there, producing pockets of white water. They walked along searching for a narrow point to cross and found one after 20 minutes.

If you choose to cross here, roll percentile vs. Str. X 4. Of course, you could decide to cross elsewhere or in different manner.

[Bluehorse]

R-1 scowls a little at the river. Anyone got a line? I'd like the check the depth all the same. Won't take much to sweep someone off their feet even with only a few inches... Let look for the shallowest point here first.

Once... or if... they are able to work out a safest point... R-1 will look across the bank and aim with his grappling hook. Finding a good place to make a handhold line for the rest of the group, he will take a knee and begin waving people across using himself as an anchor on this side to get folks across a little safer, and will work out a safe way across for himself after, assuming they can possibly find a better way to anchor the line for him from the other side just in case.

Lightest man first! Once across, check how secure the line is for the heavies. Namely... me!

[Grognardsw]

Ranger’s team found a shallow point along the river. They set up a safety line and crossed successfully. A few mercenaries slipped and got more wet than they’d like, but the safety line prevented them from getting swept away.

The cyborg was glad he got the water-proof nano-coating back in Starhaven. Securing his line end around a boulder, he trudged through the water, body cord attached to the line, and reached the other side.

Several hours later had the group of Blue Origin mercenaries arduously skirting Rocky Mountains. The air was more chill, the smells pungently organic.

The ground curved as they approached a wide gorge. A flock of feathered lizard birds hissed and took flight at their noise.

Ranger spotted a cave. Within its shadowed interior the cyborg saw movement!

Given the safety line idea, we can forego the Str. check to cross.

[Bluehorse]

Ranger’s team found a shallow point along the river.... and reached the other side.... Rocky Mountains.... a wide gorge.... Ranger spotted a cave.

The entire way, each time they find a landmark, R-1 makes a note on his automap in case they inevitably need to trace back their steps.

Within its shadowed interior the cyborg saw movement!

Ranger-1 holds up his hand to signal a half then lowers it palm facing downward for everyone to hunker down as he took takes a knee. He narrows his eyes and stares where he saw the movement, taking out his binoculars for a better look.

Given the safety line idea, we can forego the Str. check to cross.

Thought it might and was waiting to see if it was even an option. Looks like it was! I'm enjoying the snipe hunt so far. Always enjoyable exploring and hunting.

[Grognardsw]

Ranger peered into the cave and something vaulted out...


With a roar it galloped into the mercenaries, slashing and gnawing!

Initiative (at a +2 for being ready) and actions!

[Bluehorse]

Initiative (at a +2 for being ready) and actions![/spoiler]

Initiative 11: [1d6]=3 +2=5

R-1 Levels his Rifle and flicks it into full auto: OPEN FIRE!!!

Mark VII Rifle Full Atuo [_3d20]=(3+7+8)=18 DMG [5d6]=11 [5d6]=24 [5d6]=20

He curses internally as his shots go wild and he begins scanning for proper cover. He's plenty big! Find a place to call back on where he will have trouble moving around! Don't depend on trees! Find something harder! Use the terrain! MOVE MOVE MOVE!!! Fan out! Don't get caught in a large group! We need crossfire! Harrison! Grenade!

[Grognardsw]

As the rock-skinned behemoth barreled down upon Ranger's men, the mercenaries scrambled. Ranger's Mark VII rattled three bolts of energy but the surprising speed of the creature and its unearthly hide combined to spoil the cyborg's attacks.

Among the eight mercenaries, six managed to get off shots with various guns. Two hit, a laser beam slicing into its left leg (11 HP) and another green bolt scoring a direct hit (30 HP) on the beast's right shoulder. The portly yellow alien Harrison couldn't get his grenade out in time.

The cave monster bellowed in pain and was then among three of the mercenaries. It swung right and left with menacing claws, striking Bajorin Magren across the chest (11 HP). Then it brought its head around where horn and maw struck the human Kendrik, blooding his left arm (14 HP).

Ranger and his mercenaries were wounded and sore from the crash, and the sudden attack had them off kilter. They grimaced and took better aim.

Initiative and actions! You can roll for Harrison.

- Cave monster initaitive [1d6]=4. Ranger's team wins.
- half a dozen mercenary attacks: [_6d20]=(6+2+4+20+2+12)=46 The 20 and 12 hit.
- Two successful hits damage [3d6]=11, [3d6]=15 x2 for critical 41 HP damage total.
- Cave monster c/c/b [1d20]=6, [1d20]=11, [1d20]=12 The 11 and 12 hit
- Cave monster c/c/b damage [1d12]=7, [1d12]=11, [3d6]=14 11 and 14 HP damage
You have the odds, if only the dice would cooperate

[Bluehorse]

R-1

Initiatives:

Harrison:
Initiative 11: [1d6]=6
Ranger-1:
Initiative 11: [1d6]=2

Harrison fumbles with the grenade at first and then gets a handle on it, tossing it a little high to try to avoid concussing his teammates and still getting the effect of stunning the much taller monster. Just realized there is not direct grenade in the book for what I was thinking since the Stun Grenade is more of a gas weapon. So I will roll a 1D6 and you can do with it as you wish or disregard.

Grenade: [1d20]=13 [1d6]=1

Meanwhile, R-1 is screaming orders, trying to maintain order in the chaos. You three! Strife Left! Someone Magren's group! Wheel right and spread out! Bunching up only makes you easier targets! Now fall back to cover as you fire!

Doing what he can to lead by example, he will try to also wheel around to an undefended side of the beast and lay covering fire for the others:

Mark VII Rifle Full Atuo [_3d20]=(13+4+9)=26 DMG [5d6]=11 [5d6]=20 [5d6]=16

[Grognardsw]

Responding to Ranger's orders, the mercenaries wheeled, strifed and fired. The cave monster was hit with five different blasts, the energy beams piercing the creature's tough hide. Purple blood spurted as the beast heaved, convulsed, raged in pain and collapsed dead.

The fight was over as quickly as it began. Ranger's men were pumped.

"Yeah, fuck that!"

"Bring on the dragons!"

Ranger's radio squawked. It was Elyse with a check-in. "How goes it Ranger? Nothing for us but forest, hills and rocks, but we spotted what we think was a flying dragon several clicks distant."

- Given its a group combat, I'll go with just one Initiative using the first one you rolled, a 6. Cave monster initaitive [1d6]=5. You won.
- The now-close melee situation disallows Harrison's grenade use, so he uses his rifle: Harrison rifle [1d20]=18, [1d20]=4, dam. [4d6]=10, [4d6]=13. The 18 hit for 10
- Ranger's team [_6d20]=(1+15+13+3+18+4)=54 The 15, 13, 18 all hit.
- Ranger team damage [3d6]=12, [3d6]=15, [3d6]=7
- Of Ranger's shots, one hit for 11. Total damage for all shots 55, plus last round's 41 equals 96. It is dead.

[Bluehorse]

Ranger's radio squawked. It was Elyse with a check-in. "How goes it Ranger? Nothing for us but forest, hills and rocks, but we spotted what we think was a flying dragon several clicks distant."

Ranger-1 was grinning as he high fived the squad members regardless of rank. It was a time for celebration, not regulation.

He looked around as the team waited for him to answer back. He smirked. Oh, you know... business as usual. Oh... and we just killed a cave troll. he releases the call button and chuckles drying waiting for her reaction.