Trinity Universe: Holo Lives

[ezekiel]

"Could one of you take a look at this hole in my armor? It doesn't look too bad from this angle, but diagnosing yourself is never a good idea..." 

"Yes, sorry, of course"

Talvin takes his medkit out again and handles Tiger's wound

"Don't tell me - it came as a shock when the shooting started? Please...  we all knew what we signed up for. Generally I'd rather describe myself as a good husband & father of two, but right now I'm a soldier - & so are you

During this particular mission, I will defer to your, and others, expertise. But please do not insult me by presuming to tell me who or what I am."

Taka's smooth voice rolls in calmingly, affected by neither the belligerent cynicism nor the controlled fear. "This is not the time. Mr. Harker's dedication and loyalty are not in question."

"No it isn't. - Looking at Hastings - I'm sure you are a good husband and if anyting happens to you, I promise that I will personally convey your love to Robert and Juliet. - Turning his gaze to Harker - and I know you can shoot and defend yourself. No insult was intended, I'm sure. - In Hindi he adds to Daniel - If your focal crystal is more than decoration you can communicate with me as you head on. I will periodically check your progress. May the Zikkir be with you. "

If not, I will take your place with Tiger and Harker in the raid on the captives.

"and me..."

[Asbjørn]

"Speak for yourself...", mutters Hastings quietly

Giving the englishman a cold look, Tiger thinks to himself *I said we, asswipe. We're a team, remember...?.*

"If not, I will take your place with Tiger and Harker in the raid on the captives."

"and me..."

Turning to Talvin and Harker Tiger says. "While the top dogs figure out who of them's going where, why don't the three of us do a weapons check. How much ammo, grenades, expolisves and other stuff do we have?"

Doing a quick count of his own equipment, he shares with the others and distributes evenly.

[i don't know how exact numbers Knave wants to work with. Either way is fine by me, really, but Tiger is the kind of guy who likes to know exactly how much ammo he's got. ::rolleyes As long as I know we're all covered and that the characters are in control, that's all I'm asking.]

[knave]

Taka

[How much traffic? Enough that it would be unreasonable to expect to leave no survivors?]

[The problem – as described by one of the clears (I hope ::tongue ) is that the passage that you must cross is quite straight and wide and has a fairly steady stream of chromatics heading back and forth along it. One or more passes the intersection every minute or so, but it takes longer than that to get out of line of sight]

Chrome Prime: More Tunnels

Tiger

Talvin takes his medkit out again and handles Tiger's wound

The pain rapidly vanishes as Talvin applies the stimulant infused dressings, and is replaced with a feeling of euphoric power.

Talvin

If your focal crystal is more than decoration you can communicate with me as you head on. I will periodically check your progress. May the Zikkir be with you. "

Daniel nods and replies in Hindi, ”Thank you. I will see you soon, I am sure. Please, take the rest of the explosives with you, I would rather not collapse your way out.”

Tiger

Doing a quick count of his own equipment, he shares with the others and distributes evenly.

A quick assessment shows that the group still has an easy two thirds of the weapon ammo, but is down to half of the explosives and chromie smoke grenades.

[i’m not really an ammo tracker (yet), but I’ll let you know when you’re running low. If you disagree with the above assessment, then feel free to correct me with actual numbers : p]

Ways Part

The group breaks with Caroline Hsu and Daniel (and ?) offering to take the Chromatic out. Ms Hsu adopts a grim expression and checks her L-K auto-shotgun in a businesslike fashion. ”We will manage. Do not worry.” she says as her group breaks off.

The Rescue Attempt: pt1

Talvin holds up a hand to stop the group as it nears the busy corridor that Harker described. He indicates that they should wait for a while, he leans against the wall…

Time passes…

An hour or so later, Talvin gets up from his crouched meditations and motions for everyone to proceed quickly. The group scampers through the (mercifully clear) intersection with the wider corridor – which is well lit with electric power cables running between mesh encased lights every ten meters or so – and hurries down the continuation of their tunnel. A further fifteen minutes worth of trekking through tunnels, now with Talvin in the lead constantly and actively drawing on his gifts to avoid the slightly more numerous Chromatics that inhabit these stretches of tunnels and caves. Finally the group secrets itself in a small, dark disused cavern near the tunnel branchoff to the guard room and prison beyond.

Talvin

Daniel’s Crystal - ”We’re out! Finally out! It’s really cold!”

[Archer21]

As they make their way through the tunnels, Harker takes advantage of Talvin taking point, saving his psychic reserves. Once they've stopped in the empty cavern close to the guard room, he makes his way over to Talvin. "I'll take over scouting from here, let yourself rest. Considering the possiblity we'll be down here for awhile, we should probably take turns; make sure the other doesn't wear out. Agreed?"

[ezekiel]

As the groups part Talvin grabs any expendable food and sidearms from the escort team. Some porters may be able to use a weapon and they'll definitely appreciate some food (even if it is just glup...)

As they make their way through the tunnels, Harker takes advantage of Talvin taking point, saving his psychic reserves. Once they've stopped in the empty cavern close to the guard room, he makes his way over to Talvin. "I'll take over scouting from here, let yourself rest. Considering the possiblity we'll be down here for awhile, we should probably take turns; make sure the other doesn't wear out. Agreed?"

Talvin nods warily as he sits down leaning his back to the rock

"I am a bit tired..."

He fumbles through his pack and takes out a small bottle. He shakes a pill into his hand and chugs it into his mouth before washing it down with some water and resting his head back, eyes closed, a slow sigh escaping his lips.

"Water anyone?" He offers the canteen to the party.

"Dey are out now, Daniel tells me it is cold...The op team clear, Alex, tells me they are occupied. - Talvin frowns a bit while keeping his eyes closed - They are causing an insurrection he says..The chromatics have been lied to by deir leaders he says...Perhaps we could use dis? I will ask for more details... "

Talvin opens his eyes and looks at Harker as he shares some Glup around

"What do you see Harker? How many guards are dere? How are dey set up? How are de prisoners?"

[Archer21]

"What do you see Harker? How many guards are dere? How are dey set up? How are de prisoners?"

Harker grins. "I'll let you know in a second..." The grin slips, and his eyes go out of focus again as he concentrates on the guardroom nearby.

[knave]

The little guardroom in Harker's mind

Five chromatics sit on their haunches around a roughly oval, flat piece of obsidian. Holo projections, similar to, but brighter than their normal speach flicker between them, and every few seconds one of them will slam a claw down onto the table at which point the others will each shift a small bit of gravel in his (or her - you suspect that one of them is female) direction from their own small piles.

The wall opposite the group (of chromatics) is lined with five very bulky biotech vests with several rather invasive looking sharply pointed (and grimy) attachments hanging from each. You realise that anyone wearing such a thing would be incapable of moving without assistance. There is also a biotech display screen type comms unit, very similar to the one in the 'witness room', in a recessed laser cut alcove on this wall.

Immediately across from the entrance to the guard room is a door - large, oval and made of steel with a hinged doubled mesh sectiion across the center. The door is about six inches thick and has what appears to be an ancient Noir Holo style twisting safe lock on it.

No other Chromatics appear to be in the immediate vicinity, but there are nine in nearby caverns that you would guess could be here in under a minute should some sort of alarm sound.

[Archer21]

Viewing the room remotely, Harker gives an account of what he sees. "There are five Chromatics in the guard room. Looks like they're playing some kind of game; they don't seem very watchful. There's a thick metal door across from the main entrance, probably leads to the holding pit. Big, strong lock on the door. There's also a comm unit just a few steps away from the table they're sitting at."

Eyes narrowing, he scans the surrounding area. "There are also nine other Chromatics in caverns close to us. Any sort of alarm, and they could be on us pretty quickly."

[ezekiel]

Viewing the room remotely, Harker gives an account of what he sees. "There are five Chromatics in the guard room. Looks like they're playing some kind of game; they don't seem very watchful. There's a thick metal door across from the main entrance, probably leads to the holding pit. Big, strong lock on the door. There's also a comm unit just a few steps away from the table they're sitting at."

Eyes narrowing, he scans the surrounding area. "There are also nine other Chromatics in caverns close to us. Any sort of alarm, and they could be on us pretty quickly."

Talvin nods as he listens to Harker's account of the situation

"Are de nine separated? We could take dem out, silently, one by one with de tranqs. Or we could try to lure de guards out of de guard room with de chromiecator and tranq them before they set off an alarm. [if Taka came along with Tiger] How fast do you think you can dispose of chromies wit your knives? Once I'm at de door I can try to determine how to open it."

[knave]

[The 9 are indeed separated - 2 groups of 2 and then singles.]

[ProfPotts]

Agreeing with Taka's suggestion (on the grounds that Taka himself can 'do what needs to be done' if it's more prudent to execute the hostages instead of rescue them ::sly ), Hastings heads out with Daniel & Miss Hsu.

... As the groups part Talvin grabs any expendable food and sidearms from the escort team...

Which - considering they're heading out onto the surface of a planet which is an enemy stronghold, & don't know how long it'll be before they'll be picked-up - is nothing. ::wink

[knave]

Chrome Prime: The Northwestern spur of the mountain.

Onward and upward the captive party move through the clear tunnels described by Talvin Sawney. Eventually icy air, with just a hint of moisture-fog to it, wisps its chilling way down the tunnel, hinting that the journey is almost over. The group reaches a shattered and crater-pocked entranceway requiring the kicking loose of a heavy, but twisted grating and pass into the full night of Chrome Prime. Freezing air slithers down the mountain behind adding a wind chill factor that pushes bitter cold to dangerous levels. Overhead the nearby asteroid belt glitters a beautiful pink with reflected light from the local sun, and unfamilar stellar bodies seem close enough to touch in this atmosphere. A cracked and broken maze of badlands and ravines lie at the base of the spur - apparently all the way to the range proper in the distance.

The Witness's breathing has already slowed and now its shivering is lessening also. Blatantly it will die of exposure very soon at these temperatures. The group's gear comes with heating, but anyone who gives up their own will suffer a slower more cruel fate than the cold blooded chromatic.

Caroline Hsu looks back at the mountain for a long moment, and then shakes herself free of whatever it is she is seeing. "We must continue. Build a fire at as low an elevation as we can."

[ProfPotts]

"We must continue. Build a fire at as low an elevation as we can."

Hastings frowns ::angry ,

"Are you telling me we're still within the range of whatever if 'jamming' Psion powers? Can't you call a Teleporter down here? Or, at least, a transport? It is kind of important to the war effort & all that..."

He holds the bound Chromatic close as he talks (& keeps walking), allowing it to share at least a little of his suit's warmth.

[knave]

"Are you telling me we're still within the range of whatever if 'jamming' Psion powers? Can't you call a Teleporter down here? Or, at least, a transport? It is kind of important to the war effort & all that..."

Caroline Hsu shrugs, suddenly looking very very small "My gift is gone... I am no more able to call for help than you. We must attempt to survive until Mkumba sends a rescue. Perhaps Mr Madina could try something with his biotech crystal. Perhaps..."

The group trudges its way down into the rocky badlands, and although the temperature warms by several degrees, the Witness's breathing becomes softer and softer - even with the added warmth from his bearer's heated clothing. Additionally, Daniel and Hastings are finding that carrying the creature is becoming harder and harder as they labour for oxygen and are forced to tap a breath from their supplies every ten minutes or so. On the bright side, the group does spot some dry tumbleweed like plants that would likely burn, as well as a few likely spots to make camp - out of the wind and sheltered enough to still hold some of the day's warmth.

[ProfPotts]

"My gift is gone... I am no more able to call for help than you. We must attempt to survive until Mkumba sends a rescue. Perhaps Mr Madina could try something with his biotech crystal. Perhaps..."

"Dammit! This is why I never trust anyone else to do their job properly. Bunch of flaming amateurs. Any idea when your bloody gift will re-surface?" ::angry

In any case, Hastings tries (with little hope) to raise their 'side' on the various comm's gear he has. Presuming he fails, he strips off his heated suit & wraps it around the Chromatic (taking breaths from the air suply when he needs them or, if that's impractical, using his mini-rebreather when absolutely necessary). Pulling his own finely tailored clothes tighter around himself, he (not in a mood to be messing around with the old 'rubbing two boy scouts together' or whatever it is), builds a small mound of dried plant-stuff, then produces a thermal cutter & starts a fire. With the remaining battery time in the cutter he heats as many rocks as he can (thank goodeness for that collection of antique Star Trek episodes he owns... ::tongue ). That done, he sets up his directional microphone pen facing the most likely direction that the enemy will approach from, & slaves it to Tink. Then he huddles down by the fire & heated rocks, & tries to not die - gun in hand, & scanning the area for signs of danger (as if dying from exposure wasn't enough... ::crazy ).

[phoenix]

How fast do you think you can dispose of chromies wit your knives? Once I'm at de door I can try to determine how to open it."

Taka draws his vibroblades to consider.

"A couple of seconds. Do you think it would be a mistake to use this, then?" He holds up his flechette.

[ezekiel]

Taka draws his vibroblades to consider.

"A couple of seconds. Do you think it would be a mistake to use this, then?" He holds up his flechette.

Talvin shrugs

"If you tink it can take one down in one go..we just need to take dem out one by one with out alarming de others."

[Umoja]

((OOC- Sorry y'all "Junior Year Stress" is weighing down on me. I can get back to regurally posting fortunately.))

Daniel coughs a bit, tapping his Oxygen supplies for the sweet taste of earth like air. Daniel fumbles through his stuff. "Bio-tech..." He pants for breath. "Crystal... I have one, but I really don't want to even think about psionics right now.... What did you need... huh?" He wipes some beads of sweat from his forhead and glances to the sky for a second before continuing to trudge along with Hsu.

[Archer21]

"Are de nine separated? We could take dem out, silently, one by one with de tranqs. Or we could try to lure de guards out of de guard room with de chromiecator and tranq them before they set off an alarm. [if Taka came along with Tiger] How fast do you think you can dispose of chromies wit your knives? Once I'm at de door I can try to determine how to open it."

Harker nods. "That sounds like a workable plan. Take out the stragglers in the other rooms, then lure the guards out. I can configure the Chromiecator to output some specific signals, almost like an injured Chromatic pleading for assistance. Should I start on that?"

[ezekiel]

Harker nods. "That sounds like a workable plan. Take out the stragglers in the other rooms, then lure the guards out. I can configure the Chromiecator to output some specific signals, almost like an injured Chromatic pleading for assistance. Should I start on that?"

Talvin grins and nods

"That would be perfect. Just try not to make him too desperate. We want to lure dem out, not alarm them."

[knave]

Chrome Prime: Out in the cold

Hastings

"Dammit! This is why I never trust anyone else to do their job properly. Bunch of flaming amateurs. Any idea when your bloody gift will re-surface?" ::angry

Caroline Hsu shrugs and makes a small noncommittal sound, and keeps trudging.

Daniel coughs a bit, tapping his Oxygen supplies for the sweet taste of earth like air.  Daniel fumbles through his stuff.  "Bio-tech..." He pants for breath. "Crystal... I have one, but I really don't want to even think about psionics right now.... What did you need... huh?" He wipes some beads of sweat from his forhead and glances to the sky for a second before continuing to trudge along with Hsu.

”Try to… contact the ship…let them know where to find our… us.”

Later, after the group has trudged down into the gully and found the best shelter they could.

Robert experiences a frightening moment as he tightens his warm jacket around the unconscious chromatic. The ‘Witness’ isn’t breathing! Listening more closely Hastings finally hears the creature’s shallow breaths. Fortunately the cold is keeping the smell from the creature’s chest-maw to a minimum. He then has more trouble keeping hold of the cutter with his hands having developed a shiver so bad that his numb fingers fumble over the device. Finally, after what seems like an age he manages to get the hot rocks scattered about properly and starts ‘feeling’ again. He is busy slaving the microphone to Tink when the fairy herself appears. ”Hey! You look cold! Umm… I’m picking up a satellite signal. Your lips are blue. Don’t say anything I’ll just put it through, Ok? Don’t answer – here we go!”

A new projection replaces the zipping fairy. A grim Commander Robert Lindsey Marsden appears before the group. ”To those of you stranded on the ground, we will be back for you even if I have to get out and push to make it happen. Go to ground, but stay out of those damn chromatic tunnels. If you have to move about, do it at night as much as you can. Avoid using any communications that isn’t tight beamed to this Geosync satellite. Trapped weapons and supply caches have been left in various locations. Encryption keys required. Godspeed to you all.” ”Hey! I’ve got the nearest Cache – it’s back toward the mountain, round close to one of those bombed factories. Seven kilometres and fifty-seven meters to go. The cache manifest lists portable shelters and a hyperfusion generator. It might be worth the walk.”

In the mountain

The conspirators plot and scheme to end the lives of the nine.

[phoenix]

Taka slides noiselessly down the caverns, one vibroblade humming silently to life as he attempts to hear, or see, his target before he considers attacking. Nevertheless, his right hand hovers, frozen inches above his tranq gun, in the case of a botch..

[Archer21]

Having completed the modifications to the Chromicator, Harker follows slightly behind Taka, doing his best to emulate the silent steps of the asian in front of him. Gripped tightly in his right hand is a long, inwardly curved knife with a pointed skullcrusher pommel. To most, Harker's grip on the knife would be considered unusual. The knife is held point down, the edge-in towards his own body...the arm holding the knife is tucked in tight against his side; his left arm is lifted against his chest in a guard position.

[ezekiel]

Talvin readies his tranq gun and follows the trio (Tiger's in there as well) closely, ready to shoot if they encounter the least bit of resistance.

[Asbjørn]

Half asleep during the clairvoyant scans of the tunnels and subsequent discussion, Tiger immediately gets up and follows Taka down the tunnels when he finally moves, blade in hand. Subvocalizing over the comm, he says

"Is there a plan, or do we just all jump them? Are we headed for a pair or a loner first?"

[ezekiel]

"Is there a plan, or do we just all jump them? Are we headed for a pair or a loner first?"

"Taking out pairs is more likely to be noisy, we should take out de loners first...I'll stay behind as backup with de tranquiliser gun. I believe Taka is fastest so he should probably go in first. It'll get more touchy with de pairs."

[knave]

Chrome Prime: Caverns

The group passes like shadow down ill lit passageways and quickly reaches the room holding the first of the nine. An odd purring hum coupled with flickers of strangley refracted multicoloured light flicker through the small cavern's entrance...

The plays of light fascinate Harker... he can't help but watch as they flicker back forth this way and that as they change colour. Unbidden, and with no effort whatsoever, Harker's mind's eye opens and he sees.

Within the small irregual cavern a chromatic twists slowly back and forth in some sort of slow ritualised dance over a slab on which rests the prone corpse of another. The dancing beast's chest-mouth proves to be the source of the deep purring hum with which it keeps time, whilst it flickers out light into a large crystal formation that covers part of one wall. The light is reflected and refracted back across the cave in a myriad of colours and patterns. The body on the slab has obviously sufferred incredible damage, but has been cleaned and restored and now seems to be lying in state.

The creature has its back to the door and seems completely unaware of the group's approach.

[ProfPotts]

”Hey! I’ve got the nearest Cache – it’s back toward the mountain, round close to one of those bombed factories. Seven kilometres and fifty-seven meters to go. The cache manifest lists portable shelters and a hyperfusion generator. It might be worth the walk.”

Hastings manages a small smile,

"Good girl Tink, at least I can count on you. Keep us pointed in the right direction, okay?"

Hauling his freezing body to it's feet once again, the Englishman announces that they're moving out, grabs his kit & the Chromatic captive (holding it close to try & gain some warmth from his sacrificed suit), & gets moving as quickly as possible towards the cache. As they go he mutters through chattering teeth,

"Brilliant planning on this mission, we get a zillion Clairsentients, & not one God-damned Pyrokinetic..."

[phoenix]

The group passes like shadow down ill lit passageways and quickly reaches the room holding the first of the nine. An odd purring hum coupled with flickers of strangley refracted multicoloured light flicker through the small cavern's entrance...

Crouched behind the last corner before the entrance, Taka coolly, slowly rotates his head to face Harker. He raises an eyebrow, waiting for a cue...

[Umoja]

Daniel glares into the crystal. "Our Group. Here." He mumbles. Short and Sweet.

He follows behind Caroline into the moutain, and remains quiet at the comment about Clairsentients. Air is far more important then his pride right now.

[knave]

Chrome Prime: The cold mountainside

The group continues its seemingly endless trudge guided by the ever cheerful voice in Hasting's ear. Robert finds the going hard, especially with the load that he must share with Daniel who is experiencing a near similar level of difficulty, although he still has the warmth of his jacket. The Briton actually finds himself clenching his jaw to stop his teeth from chattering.

Caroline Hsu is doing even less well... Even with all her warm clothing she is flagging. Her feet seem to catch on nearly every rock and find evey bit of uneven footing in her path. Hastings can see and Daniel just plain knows that sooner or later she will fall... and she finally does. After nearly an hour over the rough terrain Caroline falls tearing open her left knee and shin on the sharp edges of the ubiquitous white rock. She gets to her feet without making so much as a whimper although the torn flesh is visible through her shredded trouser leg. She looks down at the leg, and back up toward the shell of the factory in the middle distance, and continues on...

Chrome Prime: Outsite the Factory

The smell of burnt flesh rides weakly on the icy air.

The factory was fairly obviously grown; it has (or at least had) the dark, hard-shelled look of biotech that has not been specifically designed to appeal to the senses rather than revolt them. The main building was perhaps once the size of a hanger for several large aircraft. Now half of it is a complete oozing mess of bio-rubble and the rest has been gutted by fire, but several of the smaller ancillary buildings still stand.

The the group approaches the site and Tink pops up a targeting reticle on Hasting's HUD to indicate the smaller building that is emitting the signal. This one is the size of a large two story house, and its chitin-like exterior is only mildly riddled with gunfire. The broken pieces of the chitin door have been propped back up in the main doorway.

With eager thoughts of the warmth within, the Daniel starts forward... but then stops... Something is wrong. He is not sure what, but he knows. Looking about, he finally realises what it is. He can hear something inside humming at a very high frequency. The generator...? His already acute senses sharpen and home in on the shards of the door. Half way down one he can clearly see the bloody imprint of the four finger tips of whoever put this door back in place. The blood is fronzen but it did not dry first. Someone entered recently!

[ezekiel]

Talvin nods indicating his readiness as he checks one last time his tranq gun. He waits for Harker's signal...

P.S. If it takes this long for all nine chromies we're never gonna leave here...

[Archer21]

Crouched behind the last corner before the entrance, Taka coolly, slowly rotates his head to face Harker. He raises an eyebrow, waiting for a cue...

Harker holds up a hand, motioning for them both to stay where they are as he takes another moment to observe the Chromatic ritual. With a painful effort, he wrenches his curiousity away from the scene, and gestures to Taka. He holds up one finger, indicating how many, then with another series of hand movements, indicates that the single Chromatic has its back to the group. Locking eyes with the asian man, he nods towards the chamber.

[phoenix]

As Taka receives Harker's signals, he again turns to the chamber, and readies his weapon. Statistics flash before his eyes as he prepares.

Chromatic physiology could be described as 'somewhat redundant'. Eg. destroying most of either brain will kill a chromatic, but destroying part of either will result in an extremely aggravated berserker.

In summary:

Weapon / Estimated effectiveness compared to level against humans.

Laser / 20-30%

Kinetic Discharge / 80-90%

Plasma / 65-80%

Sensory Overload (flash) / 50-60%

Sensory Depravation (smoke) / 120%

Cryokinesis / 150-200%

Taka moves silently, glacially into the room with perfect calm and perfect balance.

They also use baited traps. In these cases the ‘bait’ is normally a chromatic ‘pack leader’ who the others seem to view as heroes.

His back is to the others, so they do not see his eyes widen by millimeters.

Chromatic skin is dotted with motion and heat sensing eyespots giving it an apparent 360 degree awareness.

Taka is already moving, lunging for the Chromatic, carving an arc through the air that would cut sever his victim's head and part of its upper torso. As he attacks, he rapidly scans the room for other entrances..

[Umoja]

Chrome Prime: Outsite the Factory

The smell of burnt flesh rides weakly on the icy air.

The factory was fairly obviously grown; it has (or at least had) the dark, hard-shelled look of biotech that has not been specifically designed to appeal to the senses rather than revolt them.  The main building was perhaps once the size of a hanger for several large aircraft.  Now half of it is a complete oozing mess of bio-rubble and the rest has been gutted by fire, but several of the smaller ancillary buildings still stand.

The the group approaches the site and Tink pops up a targeting reticle on Hasting's HUD to indicate the smaller building that is emitting the signal.  This one is the size of a large two story house, and its chitin-like exterior is only mildly riddled with gunfire.  The broken pieces of the chitin door have been propped back up in the main doorway. 

With eager thoughts of the warmth within, the Daniel starts forward... but then stops... Something is wrong.  He is not sure what, but he knows.  Looking about, he finally realises what it is.  He can hear something inside humming at a very high frequency.  The generator...?  His already acute senses sharpen and home in on the shards of the door.  Half way down one he can clearly see the bloody imprint of the four finger tips of whoever put this door back in place.  The blood is fronzen but it did not dry first.  Someone entered recently!

Hsu falling, painful site for him. He says nothing though, letting her keep her pride and not dwell on the injury.

Daniel takes a gasp of air from the Oxygen tank before speaking. "Someone... See the blood? Someone went in recently.... To the factory. Hear the humming? Hear it?" Daniel pants a bit. "We.. We gotta watch ourselves."

[ProfPotts]

The the group approaches the site and Tink pops up a targeting reticle on Hasting's HUD to indicate the smaller building that is emitting the signal.

Too cold to waste time with his usual 'witty' comments, Hastings places the Chromatic prisoner gently on the ground, quickly scans the building with all the optics at his disposal (& a directional microphone), then (presuming no danger is detected) sneaks rapidly over & into the building, guns at the ready. If all is clear [like that ever happens... ::wink ] he'll fetch the prisoner & bring it inside, set up the survival gear (which is hopefully where it should be), get everyone warm, then have a look at Miss Hsu's wounds.

[knave]

Chrome Prime: A small chamber deep within the holy mountain

As Taka receives Harker's signals, he again turns to the chamber, and readies his weapon. Statistics flash before his eyes as he prepares.

As he attacks, he rapidly scans the room for other entrances..

The Nihonjin warrior flows into the chamber with all the grace of a hunting cat noting at some inner level that there are no other entrances. His attack is perfect.

Even so, his opponent is a being that has evolved on a harsh world. It is creature that is faster, and more agile than any human.

Taka Rochester is not any human. He is far, far more than that.

The chromatic spins from its dance, its lights flaring and changing to harsher colours even as the latter day samurai is entering the cavern. Its left claw flashes up to meet his lunge… Taka ducks under it - and blasts his weapon into the creature’s chest-mouth as he straightens, ripping the blade up into its primary brain.

The creature shudders on the blade, and suddenly its lights go out leaving the room in complete darkness… but for the shummering of the single crystal wall… and the corpse on the slab. That chromatic’s body is glimmering with a light of its own - a glimmer much like that left within the wall crystal.

Harker and Talvin can now sense a faint Psionic resonance within the crystal and within the body.

[ezekiel]

Talvin walks by Taka, patting his back in silent encouragement, and removes his gloves to touch the crystal wall.

[knave]

Chrome Prime: The shattered remnants of a decimated biotech factory

Daniel takes a gasp of air from the Oxygen tank before speaking.  "Someone... See the blood? Someone went in recently.... To the factory.  Hear the humming? Hear it?" Daniel pants a bit. "We.. We gotta watch ourselves."

Too cold to waste time with his usual 'witty' comments, Hastings places the Chromatic prisoner gently on the ground, quickly scans the building with all the optics at his disposal (& a directional microphone)

Infrared quickly detects warmth within the building – an almost stifling 33C degrees worth of warmth in fact. Also within is at least one human sized and shaped body. The human appears to be crouched next to a large semi-spherical object (about 1.5 meters high at its highest point and perhaps three meters across at the base) which has an even higher temperature than the rest of the building.

The directional mic picks up a strange high pitch buzzing followed by a deep, American-accented voice. ”It’s going to be fine. You just hold on, Sands. I’m right here… I’m just opening this med kit. I’m right here.”

A quick scan shows that the single broken door is the only entrance to this building. Hastings approaches silently, but quickly realises that the broken shards will not be moved without making some sound.

Meanwhile, Daniel slowly realises that residual amounts of taint, previously camouflaged by the biotech structure, are oozing through it walls.

”Why… are we… waiting” Caroline Hsu hisses to Daniel. Her shotgun is no longer idly attached to her belt.

[knave]

Chrome Prime: The crystal cavern

Talvin's eyes glaze over and a bitter-sweet smile slowly forms on his face.