<> <> <> (I sell Mars to the space chickens and retire to sleythin, the end.) (Welp. I guess it's time to talk to Galreg and give them the bad news.) (I'd like to do it from a few systems away with a big fat space chicken check.) (Alas, your check is filthy, and they will kill ye.) ("What is this." "Chicken feed." "LITERAL chicken feed.") (Are Duekti at risk of drowning in a rainstorm?) (No wonder the bugs took those planets down.) (It's not bad that we were making uncontracted jumps, right?) (Two of them were contracted!) (But even if they weren't, it's okay. It's your money.) (Can I ask a strange question.) (What are people setting their thermostats at.) (65, right now) (Same.) (Hm.) (Maybe I just need more layers.) (I think Josh was wondering if it'd be a problem to Galreg, but if not, hooray.) (Right, that's what I meant.) * Tomas plops on the couch in the lounge and glances at the clock below the viewing screen, "Let's hit up Gal Reg. They'll want to know to cordon that area off and I doubt they'll care about the time." I want to know how they're doing that. I don't like that they can just... shut off nullspace that way. It's worth thinking about, but I agree with Thomas; right now, what's important is that they can. * Zeke looks to Tomas, along with his birdsect. "The larger concern is the trend of apparent approach." If they are heading towards this system, it represents a significant military concern. ( I ain't aimin' ta lose TWO species this decade.) They still don't strike me as conquerors. If anything they'll just view another species as a sort of unfortunate speed bump. (Ha ha.) <> * Zeke looks to Hestia. "That remains a significant concern for large portions of the beings in this system." I'm not saying it's not a concern. I just think preparing for the Great Interstellar Poultry War is a little pre-emptive. * Zeke frowns. "I do not think the alternative is safe. But Galreg and the corps will dictate the system response." Yeah, we can't fight a war here, the gotta handle that if they want to. * Tomas nods, "But if we tell them now we risk being grounded again while they investigate." * Lexi shrugs. "And if we don't tell them we risk Mars being vaporized by space chickens without anyone having time to prepare." * Zeke nods slightly, then says, "I do not think that Noelle Antima will treat us negatively." * Hestia raises an eyebrow. "Since when is saving the universe our job? I signed on this gig to see interesting things, maybe make a little money on the side. Why not let people who get paid to fight... giant pissed-off space chickens do that?" * Tomas shrugs, "Just sayin'. I think we should warn them." * Lexi shrugs. "That's what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting we tell other people there are space chickens to fight so we don't have to. Besides, Mars is where all my stuff is. I like my stuff." * Kyle thumbs-up. (And so we fly back to Mars! Bada bing bada boom, explosion montage, still shot of Chako, Isis, and Charlie eating drumsticks, the end.) (You're already at Mars.) (We're around Mars!) (Then we can go right to the explosions!) (Sweet.) (* Taluun`tzo goes space-surfing) (rather than sit here saying 'let's tell people' 'okay' 'yep, definitely should tell them' 'i agree' 'any minute now. telling them' *sip tea* 'we should tell them') * Zeke heads to communication land to contact Galreg... well, okay, Antima. <> (Zeke calls her personal phone and she appears on screen in a sleeping mask.) (a Noh sleeping mask.) (Only if I have it! Otherwise, I'll just have to talk my way through the drones again.) (Zeke needs to have a rose in his teeth when initiating the call.) (Since he has a holo-face, it'll be in the display, of course.) (It's just taped on.) (Ha ha.) ("Hola." *eyebrow waggle*) <> "Hello and thank you for calling the Galactic Registry. If you know your party's extension, please enter it now. Otherwise, please indicate whether you'd like to enter the automated TVNet data system, or if you'd like to speak to an operator." * Zeke enters the extremely cryptic extension of '1' into the phone system, as his birdsect swishes its tail back and forth behind him. "I'm sorry, Director Antima is not in the office at the moment. Please state a short message so I may tell her you called." * Zeke frowns, then states, "This is Zeke Chezik, and a significant issue has come up." <> "Hello, Zeke Chezik. Transferring you to Director Antima's personal number. Please hold." <> * Zeke starts to continue, "I recommend--" and is cut off by the PI. He looks at the screen oddly a moment. (oh no she didn't add you to her personal number filtering system, you casanova.) (I really need a picture of Zeke, because I tend to picture him kind of like Gameboy from Captain N) (I picture him like the robot from Superjail, but with corrugated PVC tubing for legs.) (He's Master Chief only made of Tetris blocks.) (I always get this tinier Big Daddy vibe, crossed with those TV-headed dudes from CoH.) (In conclusion, Mecha needs to draw a picture.) (But those ideas are so hilarious.) (If I'd drawn a picture, you wouldn't have come up with them.) (And that would be tragic) (Doo dootdoot doooo dootdoot doooo dootdoot doooo dootdoot dooo dootdoot dooo dootdoot dooo doo doooooo.) (At least nobody is being amused in character!) <> "Hello, Zeke. What seems to be the problem?" (Ah... the future when you can no longer talk on the phone naked.) (There is no way someone this practical is an ATC NPC.) * Zeke looks back at her a moment of pause, then says, "Noelle." Another pause, then he decides to go with, "After two missions from ATC, and additional survillance, we have important information you should be aware of." <> "Uh oh. I don't like that combination of words, Zeke." (She is awesome and you shut the hell up.) Your concerns are well founded. (Is this how Zeke flirts?) (Zeke does think she's awfully sharp for a squishy.) (Hey baby. Those concerns look awfully well-founded.) (Extremely well founded.) (but they'd look better on my floor.) (I swear I will hunt you like an animal.) "What's wrong now?" * Zeke lays it out with, "With regards to the spatial disturbances that prompted the ATC mission to Epsilon Reticuli, it is now very likely that they were caused by Duekti 'interdicton devices', making it impossible to perform chainjumps into those regions of space." * Zeke continues, "Additionally, a Duekti ship appears to be approaching along the line composed by the GJ758 and Epsilon Reticuli systems. We confirmed this by going to the system, where a Duekti ship warned us off. The line in question would intersect the Sol system." <> "WHAT?" * Zeke manages a wan smile. "I told you that your concerns were well founded." <> "Duekti, coming here? What the hell is this, classical sci-fi?" <> "How many did you see? What were they - look, can you just send me all the data you're willing to?" * Zeke nods slightly. "Yes, Noelle." <> "Well, at least you only saw one of them. They can't be an invasion fleet with just one, right?" <> "Unless there are more coming. Wouldn't that just be special. I wonder how the hell they're travelling if they're locking down systems as they come? Or _why_, even? It's probably not just an ambassador, is it?" "Do you guys have any ideas? You're the only ones who've encountered them." (Can we see/hear this?) (That question makes me assume yes.) (I am assuming yes.) (Yeah, I didn't go to my room and dim the lights or anything.) (Awwwww yis.) (Well why not. This is why robots shouldn't date.) (Not when you're delivering bad news!) (What better way to soften the blow.) * Hestia waves a hand. "They're xenophobes. They literally blew up the last ambassador they sent. I doubt they even have a WORD for 'ambassador'. I expect they think of the current inhabitants of Sol as a sort of... inconvenience." * Tomas shrugs, "We weren't actually able to get to either of the worlds with nullholes. It's possible they're protecting whatever is there from jumpers." * Lexi nods. "My guess is that this is sort of a recon vessel to set up whatever protection they use and move a base of operations closer to Sol for when they want to attack." (fucking protosschickens.) (i say we zerg rush them with baby sleythin) (who in my head are exactly like WoW's baby murlocs -- http://www.wowhead.com/npc=25201#screenshots:id=105931) (snrk) "Thanks for the thoughts. And thanks for calling me personally, Zeke. Have you told anyone else yet?" * Zeke smiles slightly. "It seemed the best course of action, Noelle. ATC is aware of the results from Epsilon Reticuli, but not from GJ758 or the Duekti ship itself." They've got an established universe-saving under their belt, though, you might as well call them. <> "You ... didn't antagonize the Duekti at all. Right? You're saner than your reputation implies?" Thank you for that. * Zeke shakes his head. "No, we did not. We encountered them for a manner of moments, and immediately left the system." * Lexi jumps up. "Wait! I have a great idea. Let's go find that asteroid with the bugs from earlier, then we can sling that at the Duekti home system... and let them fight a war against the bugs! And then they'll destroy eachother! Two birds with one stone! Well... actually one bird... and some bugs... you know." Given past history, it seems unlikely that the Duekti would defeat a significant number of Bugs. "... most of you are, anyhow." (I...don't think we've mentioned the bugs to anyone.) (We mentioned them to Preston. I assume he mentioned them to other people.) (Er, yes we have. That was the whole point of kidnapping Smurfly McDrugsalot) (Not to anyone on a governmental level, I didn't think.) * Lexi shrugs. "We'd still be out one xenophobic alien species. Oi... I need a martini." "Anyhow. I had to ask, but I'm gratified in the answer." <> "Thanks for coming to me first, Zeke, but I've got some unpleasant phone calls to make now." * Zeke nods and says, "I understand, Noelle." He is silent a moment, then just finishes, "I will leave you to your task." * Lexi nods. "Nice to meet you N-Cat." (SOLVE FOR N-CAT) (Where does she come up with these? Who knows.") "Thanks. Talk to you later. Nice to see the rest of you again as well." <> ...well. Message delivered. Now what. * Zeke shakes his head slightly. "Other than communicating the results of the second mission with ATC, it is... not supposed to be our concern. That is what you said, yes?" * Hestia stands up and stretches. "Yep. Trying to figure out what I want to do now." <> (... god dammit.) * Tomas starts to say something about the list of planets we still have from ATC, but answers his phone instead! (You can't possibly have not seen this coming.) * Hestia looks around. "...really? Did I jinx it?" At least it is now likely you will not be bored. * Lexi blinks and answers her phone. "Lexi Calhoun. How can I make your life more enjoyable?" (That is quite the salutation.) * Hestia checks her caller ID first. <> (I was going to say "How can I make your 'night' more enjoyable" but that sounded uh... too dirty) (It's already pretty bad.) (Oh, that's your limit, is it.) (At least she didn't say, "It's 4.95 a minute, and the clock is running!") <> (it's hiding something. i shoot it.) * Amadeus furrows his brow, looking at his phone too. * Tomas shrugs and holsters his phone, "We do have the list of other planets from ATC which we're to investigate." * Lexi blinks and her eyes go wide... "Uh... heheh. Sure. I can do that." She goes and hooks her phone up to the ships communications. "Ahem... There ya go, Ronnie. Better?" (Crapsticks.) (ABORT ABORT ABORT ABORT) (*dives out a window*) (Too alte, cap'n.) (YOU'RE IN ORBIT) (I'M IN A SUIT) (IT'LL BE FINE) (pressure suit.) (Except for that whole re-entry thing.) (In retrospect, this makes Lexi's salutation even more funny.) (Plenty of time to bail before the gravity well pulls us in.) (I am waiting for Ronnie to appear onscreen for the first time.) (Am I wrong?) (Bad 80s 3D rendering of a woman.) <> "Good evening. I've been led to understand we have an incoming problem of the extraterrestrial variety, which makes me just about as happy as the time my R&D department came up with "gum massaging implants"." <> "So since you're the only ones who've seen or talked to the damn things, I thought I needed to call and introduce myself. Hi. You know who I am, I know who you are, we've all been on TVNet together. Let's talk poultry." (Typings, sorry.) * Amadeus starts and drops his phone. "Er." He goes about picking it up. * Lexi nods and clears her throat. "Well... what do you want to know?" * Zeke crosses his arms as he looks back at her. "As we informed Noelle Antima, our encounter this time was short and resulted in little information. You have all other information observed in the previous mission." * Lexi nods. "Except that their ships are shaped like croissants. We didn't know that before." "I'm more looking for information on their disposition. It's pretty clear they're warlike, but it's equally clear they had problems with Bugs. I'm having trouble squaring an all-powerful race of space chickens that couldn't deal with a Bug invasion properly. You found ruins on their planets, right? What were they like?" (It is STILL SNOWING) * Zeke states, "It appeared that the bugs used a weapon of intense heat to defeat them, to the point of possibly melting their armor." * Tomas nods, "There were puddles of metal all over the place." I still don't think they're warlike. Ah. The ruins themselves were primarily pyramids, much like those from Old Earth in the Americas. They appeared military in nature, with what we've identified as likely barracks and hangars. * Lexi nods. "T has a soft spot for poultry. Misunderstood Meats and all that." <> "Not warlike? Why not? Those exosuits are clearly intended to look dangerous." Right. That's exactly the point. * Hestia starts ticking off points on her hands. "They didn't blow us up. They said 'leave or we'll kick you out'. They didn't fight off the Bugs, they hunkered down and survived. They're so xenophobic they'd kill the one of their number who actually SPOKE to us for being unreasonably tainted. They're genius terraformers. We're ascribing motives to them out of fear." I'm not saying they're not dangerous, but they're not *warlike*. They're not conquerors. We just happen to be in the way and like any obstacle, removed. It's like someone yanking a pebble out of their shoe. <> "So more like the Borg than the Klingons, huh." <> "Sorry, floating in memories. So do you think we could bargain with them in some manner? Or are they just likely to ignore us?" They were unwilling to communicate. It is unclear how communication channels could be reopened. * Lexi shakes her head. "It would be somewhat akin to bargaining with the lava flowing out of a volcano. You might make some good points, but it's still going to turn your house to glass." Oh, agreed. You might as well talk to a toaster. I just feel like calling a spade a spade. Fine. But this spade is still going to plough through my stuff, and I'd like to avoid that. Could always blow up one of their ships. Provided you were prepared for the consequences. Other than chicken suit, I got nothing. Anthropology isn't my thing. * Lexi nods. "So... Ronnie. What do you think? Is there anything ATC has that can deal with them?" <> "Okay. So. Implacable, powerful, xenophobic, almost certainly not thinking like a human would, and possibly damageable by extreme heat but other methods are uncertain. Yeah, that's a nice hat trick. I don't know, Lexi, but if you're right on where they're headed, we'll find out." <> * Lexi drops her head down. "Oh for fucking space fuck's sake." * Kyle looks back at the crew. "Hey guys, we got company." "What, it's there? Now?" * Lexi shakes her head. "I'm never getting that martini." * Lexi checks outside the ship. "We got SOMETHING here." <> * Lexi nods. "Yep. We're fucked." Hey guys! Guess what!? The Duekti decided to join us for dinner. * Tomas dashes to a weapons console, knowing how fruitless that will be. <> "Right. I'll get reinforcements to your location. Hold on until they get there." <> Zeke, you ready to rock? * Lexi sighs. "Well this has been a fantastic day." What does she mean, 'reinforcements'. Hell if I know. (More duekti!) * Zeke nods to Kyle. "I am prepared, as always." * Lexi heads to the cockpit. "Probably some Interfaith Ministers to perform our funerals." So... what do you guys feel like doing? You want to start firing at these things or you want me to just fly them in circles, or what? I'd like a magical unicorn full of rainbows to fix the whole situation, which is why I'm going to find a bottle of scotch. Excuse me. What? No. Let's not fire on the crazy advanced alien race before we have to. Hey, can you get me one?.. two? It seems most productive to listen to their communications and prepare to attack them if necessary. * Kyle nods. Be ready to fight or run. (Hows about some passive scans on the Duekti ship) (I know! Let's overload the dilithium crystals and then fly the ship directly at them and warp out at the last second!) <> "ATTENTION. ATTENTION. This one has been assigned to this star system in pursuance of Duekti goals. Current goal: suppression of native travel and/or space combat systems. Know that even as you die, it is cleansing to you and your species." * Hestia returns with the scotch and starts to pour, then thinks better of it and swigs. She seems nonchalant but it might be a (very good) act. "Told you. S'not about war." <> * Zeke replies, "I do not believe anyone is arguing with you." Well... Fuck. * Lexi nods. "Well you're right. Congratulations." She tries to keep her distance from the Duekti ship. "Man... ATC better show up soon." And do what? Give it a stern warning or a parking ticket? * Lexi shrugs. "Whatever our "reinforcements" are supposed to do." <> Well... Fuck. It is likely that ATC's research segment has large scale space weaponry prepared, as the alternative would be to ignore the strong possibility of a second interstellar war. The alternative would be-- We're getting targeted, get us outta here Lexi! * Lexi shakes her head. "Well... fuck." She goes into evasive manuevers! * Tomas laughs, ~Seems it's time to start firing.~ * Amadeus decides now is a great time to hold on to DEAR FUCKING LIFE. And his datapad. (If I can manage it while Lexi is evading, I'll line something up on the spot where the booms came from.) (Do we have force fields or no? Heck, I'm just gonna get everything up and online.) <> (I'm finding it now) ( http://eck.chamelaeon.com/atcdex/index.php5?title=The_Ship ) ( Who wants to HERF it? ) (That's the directed EMP?) (I assume Tomas is on the Ion Cannon or Railgin?) (Yeah.) (Totally.) * Hestia does not... appear to be taking this well. The scotch probably not helping. "Don't destroy telecom infrastructure, space chickens. It's rude." (I'll be on the rail gun, going for their weapons.) (I'm fine with HERFing, assuming Kyle's on the ion? Or vice versa?) * Lexi nods. "You tell 'em, T." (I can't aim worth shit, but I'll arm the weakest gun.) <> (Kyle's on the Ion, then!) (Since I figure that hitting with the HERF is a big deal.) (What is that, exactly?) (so uh, somebody tell me what to roll, because idkwtf) (Just piloting.) 2d6+11 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Lexi (2d6+11) and gets a natural 4 for a result of 15. (Holy shit that sucked) (Got a DR?) (Nope_ (Awesome!) (Lexi is on (mind+?)piloting, Tomas is on ACV+ranged weapons, have no idea what spec.) (Piloting is average Body/Mind, actually) (Where's Jeff Goldblum when we need him.) * Zeke will attempt to carefully lay down an EMP shot towards their ship. It's a big shot! (Any mods on the attacks, Cham?) 2d6+7 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Zeke (2d6+7) and gets a natural 7 for a result of 14. (-3 to their defense.) (No.) * Tomas lines up a shot from the railgun on the Duekti weapon systems. 2d6+8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Tomas (2d6+8) and gets a natural 10 for a result of 18. (And if it hits, their ship has to make a resistance roll at TN 13, basically.) (if that's a hit, I believe it's 5*10+8=58 damage) (Okay, uh...) 2d6+10 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kyle (2d6+10) and gets a natural 10 for a result of 20. (Because the weapon's got a +3 bonus) <> (... made of paper.) <> (Everything's origami nuke's nowadays.) * Lexi shrugs. "Maybe they actually DO fly croissants." * Hestia is playing back the footage. She's not THAT drunk and data analysis is all she's good for in space combat. * Zeke looks at the explosion for a moment, then states, "That was... anticlimactic. Yes?" * Tomas hrms, ~That was too easy.~ (I'm just going to assume review reveals the object afte ra while since you just sort of brought it up.) (Oh, yes.) It's not over, though. * Hestia passes the footage in slow-mo replay off to the Maddenvision. "Escape pod, probably." <> "Uh. Fate Breaker, this is Red Leader. We were under the impression there was a bogey?" Je dodm (...wow what.) (WORDS) (Man...no. Stop that.) He didn't really say 'bogey', did he? He did. He so did. * Tomas raises an eyebrow, ~Why? That's the proper word.~ * Lexi nods. "Hey Red Leader. There was. It was taken down relatively easily... too easily. We're pretty sure that they escaped or something. Reinforcements will probably come." <> "That hunk of metal's it? Geez. Well, orders are to remain on patrol, so we'll be here if they come back." So... Did we just start an interstellar war? I am fairly certain that arriving with a plan to kill all humans in the system qualifies as 'the first shot'. True, we have recordings of that too. * Amadeus rubs at his temples. The stories he'll have to tell his colleagues... <> * Lexi answers it. "Yes. This is Lexi." * Lexi nods and hooks the phone back up to the screen. <> "What the hell was that?" (They were comin' right for us!) They targetted us for attack, and our initial counterattack destroyed their ship. * Lexi shakes her head. "Either something is up or they are the biggest glass canons in history." I vote the first. * Hestia shrugs. "Bravado IS a way to hide weakness. I don't buy it, though." Anyhow, your sudden decision to play Europa Team aside, it's not our problem anymore. Or my problem, anyway. We were being targeted by scanners. Did you see anything escape the ship, Amadeus? "I'm with Dr. Cheung. This seems very weird, and trust me, I know from weird." <> "But you're right. Scouts are one thing, but I've got to talk to Vincent and Noelle and get some kind of organized defense set up. Thanks for the answers earlier." Yeah, this is majorly fucked up. * Lexi nods. "Is there anything you want us to do in the mean time? We seem to be a magnet for these things." Maybe next time we run into them we blow'em up. "If you can manage it I'd suggest avoiding them, not engaging, but I don't pay your salaries except incidentally, so you'll have to figure out what to do on your own. I'll probably have a few more questions later, though, if you don't mind answering them." * Lexi shrugs. "Sure. Have a fun time talking to people about interstellar war." * Amadeus flicks his eyes, clearly accessing headputer things. * Hestia runs her finger around the rim of the scotch bottle, idly. <> (Sorry, got dragged AFK. I'm ready to close when you is!) * Lexi goes to mix a martini. * Lexi floats it over to herself and flops down in a chair. "Finally!" * Kyle goes to get some alcohol. Something strong. (Now I'm ready.) (Okay, this is kind of late, I guess, but.) Hm. Yeah. Something did escape from that ship. * Lexi sips the martini. "Hm?" (...I already said that ;_;) (Sigh, oh well.) (He was peer reviewing your statement.) (But presumably Amadeus may have a better shot of seeing what it was. With the supervision) (no, apparently I don't. :/) (It's fine.) Probably a probe back sayin' we fought back? (It's more a limitation of the cameras than your vision, Amadeus.) (It was a skip drone. Definitely a skip drone.) (Okay. it's late.) (Anything else?) (Nah.) <>