Transformers: Aeons of Steel

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Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

In Space, Noone Can Hear You Slam

When you are a sledgehammer, everything looks like a nail. Or a spike. Or a wall. The communications dish is all sorts of dented, dinged, warped, and banged up. While the rotational gimbles work just fine, that messed up dish is in need of percussive maintenance. With a twist and a wrennnnch and what surely would have been a squeal of metal, Slam manages to twist and unfurl the dish into its proper shape. Unfortunately, Slam is a force of nature unto himself. Since every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and Slam is quite the agent of action, his wrangling atop the ship has set both it and him into a light spin! Good thing he grabbed that Energon that was about to shoot off into space!

1 Energon because Slam!

# ? Nov 11, 2018 05:56

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# ? Apr 25, 2024 06:32

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Returning to a stable orbit around the hull of the Solstice, Shadowcaster assumes a role that would be best described as ... quality assurance? Tempting (and feasible) though it was to effect repairs himself, it seemed far safer in the long run to let the others do the bulk of the legwork. His rough calculations suggested that while it might indeed be more efficient to handle all of the repairs personally, that would have left the crew feeling idle and directionless -- essentially, 'hoping for the best' rather than taking charge of their own destiny. Idle hands could be dangerous on a starship, and never moreso than during a time of crisis. As a result, although he didn't love the role, in order to ensure morale continued on an upward trajectory, and to mitigate the risk of calamity bred from boredom, he needed to keep them all busy. Unfortunately, he also needed to double-check their work. It was, truly, an unpleasant job.

Plot posted:

... clearing off most of the hydrocarbons from the exterior of the ship ... the ship's Energon reserves now show an increase of 5% - enough for a jump and more than enough to maneuver around.

He was surprised to learn that the work could also be quite rewarding, however. He had always taken a certain pride in doing his own work well, whether it was scientific research, monitoring of communication bands, or the jigsaw puzzle that was decryption of enemy signals. It was a different sort of feeling to observe his crew as they conquered their own challenges, but he found it quite rewarding in its own right. As the last of the hydrocarbons were scraped off the hull, he considered what to say to Flashdrive that might best acknowledge his accomplishment. By the time the compressed hydrocarbons were scraped into the starboard engine, and the fuel reserves rose by nearly five percent, he wasn't even sure the right words existed.

Pinging an update to the task lists on the monitors throughout the ship, Shadowcaster notes, 'Objective number one completed by Flashdrive. Hull exterior is clear of hydrocarbons. Fuel reserves have increased from 20% to 25%.' The update to all of the monitors was short, professional, and what he considered 'expected' of a commanding officer. Formal, but not overly so. He does, however, elect to send a private message to Flashdrive directly, 'Impressive work. You calibrated that laser diode perfectly.'

Plot posted:

... a twist and a wrennnnch and what surely would have been a squeal of metal ... Slam is quite the agent of action, his wrangling atop the ship has set both it and him into a light spin!

He was, of course, not surprised to learn that although it apparently had high points, the role would also have lower ones. He sends a similar update to the task lists on the monitors as the dish is realigned, offering, 'Objective number five appears to have been completed by Slam. Running a final diagnostic on the system as it comes online.' He also adds, in a ping to everyone but Slam, 'Be advised that the weather today calls for a slight chance of Slam ... uh ... slamming into the side of the ship. Recommending someone catch him before that gets out of hand. Also, that 'wobble' you're feeling is the ship ever so slowly spiraling out of control. Luckily, we're in the infinite void of empty space, so there's nothing for us to crash into. You might find it a bit disorienting until corrected, however.'
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (21)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Hydrocarbon Analysis / Hull Repairs / Engine Repairs / Mining Equipment / Communication Repairs / Debris Storage / Corpse Storage / Seatbelts

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (pending diagnostic test) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (25% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

Waador fucked around with this message at 03:21 on Nov 12, 2018

# ? Nov 12, 2018 03:06

Potsticker: Jan 14, 2006

Spinout

Looking over the list, Spinout didn't see her own name on the tasks. She drug a finger down the monitor to end of the list and read aloud, "Floating debris and spare parts must be securely stored-- Secure storage or an alternative solution-- Magnetic clamps suggested, alternatives likely viable. Hmmm." All of these things were were connected, and they were all about connecting. Even Spinout could see a common solution for all of these issues. Straps. Lots of straps. With maglocks to keep the loads securely bolted to the walls.

Heading to the nearby cargo bay where Sidewinder had emptied the various container, Spinout began sorting through looking for any sort of cords, tie-downs and netting that could be used to wrap up and secure themselves and their fellow bots who were still in stasis or had been lost. There were some of the crew still in stasis lock, right? Spinout hadjust assumed that there were, but as she thought about it, all the bodies she'd seen so far were clearly husks without sparks that had taken far too much damage. The thought that they were the only ones that had survived set her sparkplugs tingling.

And of course they'd need the maglock connectors! Work thoughts took over dwelling on the terribleness of the situation. Even though it was all just sort of busy work and not too technically challenging that made it the perfect task for someone like Spinout who wasn't the most technically minded of the crew. And of course, all the stuff Sidewinder had left just tossed around needed to be cleaned up too, so as she gathered what she needed Spinout made sure to put all the assorted junk back into whatever open drawers and boxes she could find. Someone could sort through all this stuff later, but for now making sure it didn't create a problem when they leaped to light speed was a far greater concern.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}

After working for a while, Spinout began to collect the husks of inert metal bodies from around the ship, using the various nets and buckles, cords and hooks to drag them about in a macabre train to herd them all into a central location: the cargo bay. As she gathered the bodies of their fallen comrades, Spinout made sure to keep an eye out in case anyone had a helpful tool or weapon. Like a grappling beam, laser winch, arc spanner, magna-stapler or just anything that might potentially be useful, even things that she wasn't quite sure what they were or looked like they might be too damaged went into a bin to look through later.

Dicebot posted:

@Spinout (Potsticker): 1d20+4 Courage roll to search = (11)+4 = 15

@Spinout (Potsticker): 1d6 glitch = (3) = 3

"Sorry guys," she apologized as she strapped the nonfunctioning frames down and locked them securely to the side of the bay wall. "Looks like this ended up being a pretty rough trip. We might still need your help though, so--" Spinout looked around for a second to make sure no one was watching her talk to the dead before leaning in and whispering, "Don't be too sore, okay? If it was my spark instead of yours that got snuffed I'd hope you'd do the same thing."

"Okay then!" Spinout announced loudly, dipping into the bin of odds and ends she'd collected. "Let's see what we've got..."

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}
Energon: 16

Potsticker fucked around with this message at 11:47 on Nov 12, 2018

# ? Nov 12, 2018 06:03

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Starfire

Starfire broadcasts, "Roger. I will retrieve Slam en route to making the repairs on the engines."

Quickly gathering together the panels he salvaged earlier, Starfire transforms and launches out into the inky darkness of space. It's a simple enough matter to position the scrap by the engines � though far enough away that the spin wouldn't cause additional collisions � before jetting back to intercept the larger bot. Transforming back, he grabs onto Slam and begins arresting the tumble with judicious use of his maneuvering thrusters. He asks, "Are you alright, Slam?"

# ? Nov 13, 2018 07:17

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

Corpsepicking

With enough restraints to keep the functioning crew in one (relative) place during the travel, Spinout sets about the grim task of salvaging what was left of those whom did not make it. The pickings are pretty slim, with most mainly packing blasters or various melee weapons that weren't much better than what everyone was packing anyway. Still, the melee weapons could be haphazardly welded as weak beams to shore up the strength of the hull. Amongst the chaff, though, is an electrochemical laser rifle, known for sustaining a beam for as long as one holds down the trigger. A useful find in the right hands once someone removes the solid Energon wedged in the barrel!
Elsewhere, the recovery of the spinning Slam seems to go according to plan, any flailing from the ankylosaur notwithstanding.

The Electrochemical Laser Rifle grants a stacking +1 Firepower bonus for every round of sustained fire on a target. One Energon to Spinout!

# ? Nov 13, 2018 15:34

Potsticker: Jan 14, 2006

Spinout

Spinout looked over the electrochemical rifle, "Hey, could we use this for drilling?" she asked aloud, wandering back into the cabin, hefting the large weapon up for any who were around to see-- which was maybe Sidewinder and Flashdrive, given that the rest of the surviving crew was out side of the ship at the moment. "The cargo in the bay is all cleaned up, secured and ready for transport," she reported in, pinging everyone on the common channel, "I've got spare cables and maglock connectors for the rest of us to strap down when we're ready to head out."

That being done, she returned to the list of tasks, finger on the monitor again to direct her reading.

Solstice -- FTL Preparation Checklist posted:

Risk --- Required equipment not visually confirmed.
[4] > Asteroid belt will require a mining laser and at least one smelter. Confirm prior to departure.

"I'm going to make a couple more passes around the ship," she announced, taking a datapad out from a storage slot and bringing up a blank list, "make sure everything's cleaned up and double check to see what we have. Take a little inventory and then you guys can look it over for anything useful, even just for spare parts." And with that she headed out of the cabin to take stock of whatever large equipment and useful facilities they had remaining.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}
Items: Electrochemical Rifle (+1 Firepower bonus for every round of sustained fire on a target)
Energon: 17

# ? Nov 13, 2018 16:09

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Spinout posted:

Straps. Lots of straps. With maglocks to keep the loads securely bolted to the walls.

Monitoring the interior of the ship was a bit of a pain, but a healthy dose of x-rays never hurt anyone, right? Between the occasional active scan, and the information that internal sensors were able to provide, Shadowcaster kept an eye on the cargo bay as things slowly returned to some semblance of order. Pinging an update to the task lists on the monitors throughout the ship, Shadowcaster notes, 'Objectives number six, seven, and eight essentially complete, courtesy of Spinout. All personnel requested to kindly refrain from making any new, non-essential messes.' He also elects to send a private message to Spinout directly, 'Don't let the others trick you into doing cleanup duty forever. Thank you, though.'

Starfire posted:

... position the scrap by the engines ... far enough away that the spin wouldn't cause additional collisions ...

It was, admittedly, somewhat amusing to watch Starfire attempt to arrest the chaotic flailing of a space-bound Slam. The necessary materials had already been gathered -- though from precisely where he had no idea -- and he suspected the two would be able to effect engine repairs without much difficulty once the larger bot was properly wrangled. Things did, indeed, seem to be coming together.

That said, he knew full well it would be unwise to power up the communication system before running a complete diagnostic. Slam had 'fixed' it, to be sure, but that didn't mean a few circuits might need to be rerouted to avoid an overload. Interestingly, there was the possibility that a backup system might have kicked in at some point during their millennia adrift. He wondered, if he took a careful look at the buffer, might he find a message in a bottle? Or perhaps more interestingly, had any secret communications from Cybertron been received prior to their disastrous encounter those many years ago? If there had been any encrypted communication directly to their original command crew, he wanted to learn what he might before the buffer had to be purged upon reinitialization of the module.

^{>> Skill 28 >> communication system diagnostic and calibration.}
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (21)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Hydrocarbon Analysis / Hull Repairs / Engine Repairs / Mining Equipment / Communication Repairs / Debris Storage / Corpse Storage / Seatbelts

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (pending diagnostic test) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (25% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

# ? Nov 13, 2018 23:26

Inkspot: Dec 3, 2013; I believe I have
an appointment.
Mr. Goongala?

Sidewinder

With the mess cleaned and the fallen stowed, Spinout leaves to make one last tour of the Solstice. Amidst the salvaged pile of component parts are replacements for the control panel, which is looking manageable but rough. Identifying what he can, because electrical repairs were never his strong suit, Sidewinder grabs a handful of tools, boards, and wires and sets to work under the detailed instruction of Flashdrive. The remaining hull and engine repairs would have to be for those capable of flight. No need to repeat Slam's zero gravity ballet so soon.

Interface Cables Do What Now?: 1d20+5 = 10 1d6 = 6

Inkspot fucked around with this message at 19:01 on Nov 14, 2018

# ? Nov 14, 2018 15:27

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

The Energon Flows

The work on the Solstice fast approaches its end, with things being even more stable than could be considered reasonable under the circumstances. Shadowcaster's investigation proves that Primus must have had an eye out on the remainder of the crew, as the communications system, after Slam's steel-wrenching contribution, is, minus a few superficial stress fractures in the metal, as good as new. It will take some time, and likely a few jumps, to triangulate the signal back to Cybertron, but the system was more than capable of sending and receiving signals with any civilization capable of doing the same. While the system should not have had any buffered messages, the device does pick up a few signal echoes. The data is rather corrupted, as much time has passed, but there are a few bits that can be strung together.

pre:

Message 1:
-to all        vessels, Cybertron Actual reports        , by Primus, we just might do this.

Message 2:
          team, RTB ASAP. Advancing           crossing projec^{ed path}, please re_spond

Message 3:
      've had to assume that all hands            If any         . We're so sorry. Primus guide you all.

Not much to go on, but it's something.

As for the interior, Sidewinder manages to clear off some of the cosmetics of the control panels after millennia of gunk and idleness. Nothing substantial, but hey, there was some solid Energon in there!
Not much left to do before making the jump! 2 Energon to Sidewinder for a positive glitch on something ultimately superficial, and another Energon to Shadowcaster for blowing away his comms check. Fragments of the past, onward to the future! Let me know if there's anything you guys want to do in the area, and chime in when you're ready to jump!

Rhyos fucked around with this message at 19:25 on Nov 14, 2018

# ? Nov 14, 2018 19:21

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

The message fragments were ... interesting, if not immediately useful. At the very least, it helped to assure him that he wasn't missing a major puzzle piece. As things started to come together on and around the ship, he sends a ping to everyone, 'Repairs and other key tasks are nearly complete. I will begin the process of spooling up the FTL drive and making the necessary calculations for our jump. Once Starfire and Slam have finished with the engine nacelle repairs, I would ask that you all strap yourselves in. We will seal what remains of the hull breach immediately prior to departure, but it is likely to be a bumpy ride.'

^{>> Skill 15 >> Solstice FTL engine jump calculations.}

Spooling up an engine that hadn't been powered for nearly a million years was, as you might expect, a delicate operation. On the bright side, calculating an FTL jump wasn't particularly challenging when they were starting in an empty void, and were heading in a straight line for a single sector's worth of distance. Hoping to avoid any complexities, like jumping into the middle of a planet, Shadowcaster opts for the safer choice of jumping into the edge of the Perithir system. They would need to slowboat from the far edge of the system towards their destination, but they couldn't afford to risk any complications at the moment, and quite frankly jumping into the middle of an asteroid field would have been rather likely to complicate their lives.
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (22)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Hydrocarbon Analysis / Hull Repairs / Engine Repairs / Mining Equipment / Communication Repairs / Debris Storage / Corpse Storage / Seatbelts

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (25% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}
:bandwagon:

Waador fucked around with this message at 19:51 on Nov 14, 2018

# ? Nov 14, 2018 19:47

Potsticker: Jan 14, 2006

Spinout

Shadowcaster posted:

He also elects to send a private message to Spinout directly, 'Don't let the others trick you into doing cleanup duty forever. Thank you, though.'

"Oh, I'm fine," Spinout replied, marking off on her list the various combiner kibble that she'd just found in the machine shop. "Plus, it helps keep me from going crazy until we land somewhere I can really cut loose and feel some dirt under my tire treads."

Finished with the room, she moved on with her inventory until the call came in to strap in. Returning to the cabin, Spinout placed the datapad back into the storage receptacle and helped make sure there was enough straps and that everyone was securely maglocked to a sturdy surface or at least able to handle the job themselves before locking herself in place as well.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}
Items: Electrochemical Rifle (+1 Firepower bonus for every round of sustained fire on a target)
Energon: 17

# ? Nov 15, 2018 04:04

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Starfire

After a moment, Starfire calculates a trajectory that will send Slam back into the ship and tosses him with the aid of a precise thruster burn. Rescue completed, there remains only one task that needs doing before the mission can proceed: the repair of the engine nacelles. Between his own weaponry and the emergency adhesive launcher that he's since added to his arsenal, he expects little trouble in completing the spot welds and adhesive shielding within a centicycle. Less, even, if his calculations were correct and the scrap undisturbed.

As calculations play out over his field of vision, he quickly falls into a pattern of welding, gluing, and maneuvering improvised panel assemblies into place. It's hardly Cybertron's finest craftsmanship, of course, but he sees no issue with the repairs when he does a final inspection. It should easily suffice until the ship can be drydocked for a full overhaul.

GLOO together the engine plating!: 1d20+5+1 24 1d6 4

His assigned tasks complete, Starfire transforms into his jet mode and zips back in through the hull breach. He broadcasts to the team, "Starfire, reporting. Engine repairs have been completed and Slam retrieved."

# ? Nov 15, 2018 05:29

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

3

Were there an atmosphere, a hilarious series of PLOOMP-SPLORCH-BLRRRRT noises would be heard as Starfire bloomps the GLOO across the engine manifold housing, then again from the interior of the ship, finally sealing off the cabin from the hard vacuum.

2

Though it took some extra time (and belts) (and the promise of snacks) to get Slam buckled back in after his wild drift session, Spinout's tidying up made sure everything was packed and stacked, tray tables were in their upright and locked position, and all weaponized automata strapped in and ready for takeoff.

1

Between the coordinates provided earlier and the directional scans, Shadowcaster is quite certain that the crew could make it to the Perithir system without any trouble. With nothing in the way, a straight line of travel, and coordinates locked, and Flashdrive in the Flashdriver's seat, all that was left was to -

_BLINK

We have officially left the tutorial. 5 Energon for everyone! Changes have been made, discussed, and locked in - one of which is the following chart!

Please roll (including glitch die!) and talk it through as we head to the Perithir system. The search for the Artifacts of Solus Prime begins in earnest!

# ? Nov 15, 2018 08:57

Potsticker: Jan 14, 2006

Dicebot posted:

Gonna choose Sidewinder for my roll.

@Spinout (Potsticker): 2d6 Getting cramped = (4+5) = 9

@Spinout (Potsticker): 1d6 glitch = (2) = 2

Spinout

As the Solstice blasted towards Perithir the restraints were able to be loosened and removed so that everyone was able to move about freely. Spinout had a little trouble getting out of hers and was soon floating through the empty space in the middle of the room among the tangle of belts she'd used to stow herself away.

Floating past Sidewinder it seemed that he was having some issues himself. "Um, hey, can you, uh...?" he asked, realizing that his arms couldn't quite reach the release lever on the strap that ran across his torso.

"Just an astrosecond--," Spinout promised as she careened right into the nearby bulkhead, causing the onlooking Sidewinder to flinch in shared pain.

Picking herself up off the ground and away from the mess of straps, Spinout vaulted back towards where Sidewinder still waited. "So, a couple of astroseconds then?" he joked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Spinout claimed, slapping her palm on the maglock release that held Sidewinder strapped in place. With a mechanical click the connector disengaged it's magnetic hold and reversed polarity, sending Sidewinder crashing into Spinout and the two of them making even more of a mess as they floated into a crate of spare cans of headlight fluid.

After spending a moment righting themselves up and putting away the straps and maglocks, Sidewinder helped Spinout clean up the scattered cans and get them back into their crate. "Do you..." he started, "Do you really think the Artifacts of the Primes will help us? If they're even, you know, real, I mean?"

Spinout stopped, can of headlight fluid still in one hand as she tapped her mouthplate with the other. "The Artifacts, huh?" she repeated, thinking it over. "Honestly I'm not sure. Flashdrive and Shadowcaster seem to think so, and if they think they're real, that's good enough for me." The blue bot returned the can in her hand to the crate. "If the Solstice's chronometer is correct, we were in stasis lock for a long, long time. I'm not even sure if I believe in that. My diodes are still blinking and my turbocharger is still ready to roll. That is what I'm sure of. That you're here, and that I'm here, and if we're going to see the light at the end of the tunnel then we're going to have to do so together and count on each other." Spinout shrugs and takes the final cans that Sidewinder had picked up to place in the crate and close it back up. "If the Thirteen left stuff out here for us to find and they can help us fix things or whatever, then that's great. But until I see that stuff with my own optics I'm not going to be a believer."

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}
Items: Electrochemical Laser Rifle (+1 Firepower bonus for every round of sustained fire on a target)
Energon: 22

# ? Nov 15, 2018 17:26

Inkspot: Dec 3, 2013; I believe I have
an appointment.
Mr. Goongala?

Sidewinder
Energon: 17

Cramped Quarters: 2d6 = 4 1d6 = 1

"Ugh. You make it sound so-- You all--" Sidewinder stops, emitting a tinny sigh. "What am I even doing here?" He gestures absently to the rest of the crew, wherever they are throughout the ship. "You all have it so... figured out. Even if you don't! And you...". He sits back down in a huff. "I just don't see what I add to the mission. Especially now. It was a wild stargoose chase before we were a million years late. And now we're stuck here. Now."

Sidewinder fiddles idly with the maglock.

"I need a drive to clear my head..."

# ? Nov 16, 2018 15:16

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot posted:

_BLINK

A common misconception about faster-than-light travel is that it is, well, fast. No matter how you shake things out, interstellar travel takes time. Even under ideal conditions, a jaunt to a nearby sector would have typically taken the Solstice about six days. Add in the fact that their navigational charts were decidedly more than five years old, half the ship's engines were literally missing, and the half that did remain were barely at half-capacity themselves ... well, it all added up to a journey a bit longer than the blink of an eye. Compounding this was the fact that Shadowcaster was not willing to take any chances with the navigational calculations, and was at least twice as unwilling to 'put his foot on the gas' to get them there a bit quicker -- fuel being the rarity it was at the moment, he hoped few would begrudge him electing the safer route.

What he didn't share with the crew was the table of risks to which they were currently exposed. The odds of a catastrophic dimensional energy incursion were ... not zero. Despite his careful calibrations of the navigational system and the engines, it was impossible to know if the ship's sensors or circuits had been damaged in some way that he couldn't see -- it was entirely possible the ship's sensor readouts were lying to him. If that were the case, they could very well emerge dangerously close to a star, several sectors away from their intended destination, and the resultant energy surge would very likely destroy the ship's engine and nearly all of its subsystems. Generally speaking, not a desirable result. Thankfully, while not zero, the odds were relatively low. Far more likely was that a power surge would overwhelm a specific system. While that could well be tremendously undesirable depending on the system, it would just be another problem to solve, and once they got to the asteroid field it could be added to the list.

One thing he did have going for him was a second pair of hands to rely on, though. He hadn't been well acquainted with the bot beforehand, but since their awakening, Flashdrive had proven to be a reliable companion, and an obvious peer-level skill when it came to a variety of technical knowledge. Simply being able to trade off in navigational duties and the monitoring of the ship's sensors was invaluable. After a day or two of travel, and twice as many shift rotations between the two of them, Shadowcaster eventually strikes up a conversation...

"I ... don't think we ever really got to know each other before all this. You're obviously skilled, though. Where did you study?"

A ping was sent. "Came from JAAT. Had some ability prior, but sponsor came along. Grateful for opportunity."

Admittedly, Shadowcaster found that interesting. "You were a gifted youngster then, hm? That makes sense." He inquires, "Was the campus ... pleasant? I never found the time to visit it, which seems like a rather poor excuse now."

Another ping. "Time was well spent. Megacycles were chaotic but... at the time before mission, same could be said for Cybertron. Gave direction for future."

Flashdrive was, obviously, not a socialite. That was a plus in his mind, truth be told. He decides to refocus the conversation on something more practical, "The mission ... I didn't mention it to the others to preserve morale if it doesn't pan out, but the data indicated there might be a lead in the asteroid belt we're headed towards. If we had to choose to follow a lead towards a specific artifact, and could only find one, which would you choose, and why?" He also inquires, having almost missed the lead, distracted as he was with navigation, "Also ... a 'sponsor' came along? Anyone in particular?"

A longer pause followed. Lights blinked on and off. Then another ping. "...Mission data had been corrupted after data transfer. Acting CO Shadowcaster is only unit in possession of cleaned data." Another ping followed a little quicker after the last one. "Do not remember name, but actions. Cared for less fortunate units, self included. Indicated that sponsor could do much. Before arrival at JAAT remember sponsor saying there was something to prove with admittance. Unsure about reasons, but cannot ask sponsor now. Not sure if sponsor did the same for others."

Shadowcaster considers his companion's response, largely in silence. It was easy to forget that the crew had been through much, even before the crash. Traumas during the war, experiences before it ... and now this, of course. Data corruption and memory issues were terrifying, even in the best of circumstances. With all that was going on, it was easy to focus on the mission ... he wondered, was there a danger in losing sight of what really mattered -- his crew? The mission meant nothing if they didn't survive to bring back hope to Cybertron. Might they need a processor health specialist to help manage the stresses that would surely accompany this mission? Perhaps a morale officer? He considered several options, before catching himself, and responding to Flashdrive, "I understand. I am ... glad to have you with us, Flashdrive. There is a monumental task before us, but with your help, I honestly believe we can achieve it. You should consider taking a break, though. I can watch the helm for a while. You need to keep your energy levels up, perhaps grab a snack? I wouldn't want you to overclock yourself on my account."

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}
Some time later...

Sidewinder posted:

Sidewinder fiddles idly with the maglock. "I need a drive to clear my head..."

His earlier conversation with Flashdrive still weighing heavily on him, Shadowcaster is already ... primed ... to spot signs of emotional disturbance among the crew. Sidewinder's outburst, already hard to miss, prompts a reaction. With hull integrity in such a precarious state, and the potential complications upon transwarp travel if the hull were to be even remotely breached, an accidental bump or even the wrong kind of vibration or jostle by an emotionally distraught motorcycle could be disastrous for all of them. As steward of the crew, he had to step in to prevent the risk. However, he couldn't simply forbid the activity, either, as that would do little good for Sidewinder's morale, or anyone else's for that matter. He offers an alternative. "Sidewinder, I can appreciate your ... restlessness ..., but even the slightest vibration could open a tear in some of the more ramshackle parts of the hull. If you can keep your tires on for a cycle or two, I think I might have an alternative solution, though. Meet me in the cargo bay later?"

^{>> Cramped Quarters 5 >> vs. Sidewinder.} :negative:

Some additional time later...
The task was simple enough, at least in theory: all he needed to do was craft a functional space to facilitate exercise for his ground-based units. There was, really, only one problem ... they didn't have any raw materials. Well, except for corpses. Never one to have a weak stomach, though, Shadowcaster was more than willing to melt down a few spare parts, and thankfully someone had filled a storage crate with blasters and other firearms that could be modulated to enable some minor smelting and construction. With any luck, Sidewinder would never realize that he was treading upon the bones of his fallen comrades. Failing that, well, hopefully he'd be okay with it. Even if he wasn't, better to replace one problem with another, rather than let the existing one fester, right? That was mostly how science worked.

^{>> Skill 10 >> Construction of an exercise ball for Sidewinder ( Glitch Die -- 6 ).}

The result is ... actually pretty serviceable. Installing shock absorption pads all around the ball was his first priority, to ensure that no stray energy or emotion from Sidewinder (or anyone else) might make its way into the hull. It was probably in extremely poor taste to use spare tires from the fallen for that purpose, but he didn't have anything else to work with, and you couldn't exactly melt that down and repurpose it easily. Going without wasn't an option, either: it was extremely unlikely, but a key screw or bolt knocked loose from regular vibration could indeed be deadly for them all. He sends a ping to Sidewinder in due course, "Sidewinder, if you're free, the cargo bay is ready to receive you."

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Hydrocarbon Analysis / Hull Repairs / Engine Repairs / Mining Equipment / Communication Repairs / Debris Storage / Corpse Storage / Seatbelts

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (25% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

Waador fucked around with this message at 20:28 on Nov 16, 2018

# ? Nov 16, 2018 20:22

Potsticker: Jan 14, 2006

Spinout

Spinout was dumbfounded as Sidewinder took a bit of his frustrations out verbally on her, but all she could do was just sort of stand there like an aluminum and steel wall as he said his peace and then stormed off. Poor bot is going crazy being cramped up in here, she thought to herself. He sounds pretty young, I wonder how long he was operational before getting on the Solstice? She crossed her arms and glared after him, He's going to have to get his fan belt out of that twist right quick, though. Still, despite that type of thinking Spinout was still concerned and headed off to follow him.

Seeing Shadowcaster stop and talk to Sidewinder gave Spinout pause and she watched from a distance as they exchanged words. Hoping that perhaps a chat from the CO would help, Spinout turned to find something to busy herself with. And even though it wasn't common, being honest with herself she could use a good drive too. Just burning rubber on an empty stretch, wind whipping over her hood. The thoughts helped lighten her mood. Flashdrive's probably hard at work, let's see if I can spy what Slam and Starfire are up to, she thought, her attention turning instead on snooping on what was going on with the rest of the crew.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________}
Items: Electrochemical Laser Rifle (+1 Firepower bonus for every round of sustained fire on a target)
Energon: 22

# ? Nov 16, 2018 21:11

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Starfire

Getting Cramped: 2d6 5 1d6 4

After the jump to FTL, Starfire finds himself tracking down the largest and most reticent member of the surviving crew. He's assigned himself the task to ensure that temporary, uncontrolled egress into space did nothing to damage Slam. He finds him a little afterwards, still in the grim (though now strapped-down) room full of corpses. Starfire struggles to find a topic to broach a conversation for a moment, then finally asks, "Slam. Pardon the interruption. I was just wondering..." He pauses, recalculating, then settles on, "What did you do before the war? Before all this?"

quote:

Slam is a little surprised when during the travel Starfire asks what he did before the war. He is quiet for a while before he begins to speak. "Slam...slammed. Smashed other bots. Slam was gladiator. Slam was big Slam was strong. Slam was used to entertain Quintessons. Slam forced to fight for their entertainment. For Slam's life. Slam slammed others, crushed them between Slam fingers. Slam experience useful when war started. Then Slam slammed Quintessons." He then grows quiet. Dwelling on the past.

Starfire is quiet as he hears that. He'd had friends, comrades, taken to the pits in those dark times, but he didn't think that any had made it out. How many had found their end, had their sparks snuffed entirely between the fingers of Slam? Eventually, he manages, "Ah. I can imagine." He excuses himself quickly after, returning to the relative privacy of the wrecked-up weapons assemblies. There were many, many calibrations to make before they'd function once more and, indeed, it provided an excellent reason to be alone with his thoughts. Perhaps he could even repurpose one of the arrays as an impromptu mining rig.

Spinout surely notices that Starfire seems in a bad mood from the prior conversation as he cuts through the corridors.

Calibrations: 1d20+5 20 1d6 2

Tricky fucked around with this message at 08:02 on Nov 19, 2018

# ? Nov 19, 2018 02:13

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

Sector 0604, Perithir Star System, Asteroid Belt 14169 Jama

In spite of rising tensions among the crew, the Solstice blinks out of its spike jump into the Perithir system. A relatively small star system, consisting of mainly rocky proto-planets and one gas �giant�, initial scans show that not much has changed since they departed Cybertron. Of note are the obvious asteroid field, but there also exists a terrestrial world. Basic observations show a thick atmosphere, though it does prevent any visual observation of the surface.

As for the Solstice itself, the repairs appear to have held through the spike jump. Another matter altogether is the firing up and in-system use of the damaged engines. A slow burn leads to some rumbling, but a weird cross-connect has the maneuvering jets firing each time the main drive adjusts its thrust, placing the ship in a slow, but erratic roll. Navigation through the system can work, somewhat, but the ship is certainly in need of some attitude adjustment. Fortunately, something seems to have jostled loose in the ship's systems, and the fuel readings show a solid 10%. Enough to putter about the system, but not enough for another jump.

# ? Nov 19, 2018 14:36

AnAnonymousIdiot: Sep 14, 2013

Flashdrive - Energon: 13

During the blink, Flashdrive had time to clean up the corrupted remnants of the data from the Solstice. Navigation was fortunately easy, and Flashdrive was thankful for that after the initial disaster.

pre:

AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 6:25 PM
Alright. Time to make rolls.
/r 1d20+9 #reclean corrupted data
DicebotBOTToday at 6:25 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d20+9 reclean corrupted data = (13)+9 = 22
AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 6:26 PM
/r 1d6 #glitch
DicebotBOTToday at 6:26 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d6 glitch = (6) = 6

The jump completed and the system space seemed quiet. No sign of infrastructure, no obvious satellites or tranceivers. Could mean mining the resources could be a quiet task. It would depend on whether or not any other travellers would be in the area, but things looked promising. But for now Flashdrive had the task to move the Solstice through system space without trouble. Too fast or to sudden a move could either drain the power, or undo what repairs were done to the ship.

pre:

AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 6:28 PM
...
To keep the ship together.
/r 1d20+9 #piloting the ship
DicebotBOTToday at 6:28 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d20+9 piloting the ship = (13)+9 = 22
AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 6:28 PM
/r 1d6 #glitch
DicebotBOTToday at 6:28 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d6 glitch = (4) = 4

A ping goes out to every bot.

pre:

We have arrived in Perithir Star System.

# ? Nov 20, 2018 02:47

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot posted:

... the Solstice blinks out of its spike jump into the Perithir system ... relatively small star system ... rocky proto-planets ... one gas �giant� ... obvious asteroid field ... a terrestrial world ... thick atmosphere.

Shadowcaster felt a wave of relief wash over him as the spike drill came to a close, as it meant that immediate, potentially mortal danger was ending with it. Ramshackle as the repairs to the hull had been, he had been expecting at least some complication from the turbulent dimensional shear, though he was glad to have gotten through that particular gauntlet relatively unscathed. In any case, they had arrived at their destination, and a cursory analysis of the system by the ship's sensors seemed promising. As Flashdrive pings the crew, informing them that they have arrived at their destination, Shadowcaster follows up, "You may now unfasten your maglocks. Preliminary scans of the system using the ship's remaining sensors are showing positive results. I will disembark shortly in order to begin a more thorough scan of the asteroid belt."

^{>> Intelligence 13 >> Performing a preliminary survey of the asteroid belt.}

Plot posted:

As for the Solstice itself, the repairs appear to have held through the spike jump. Another matter altogether is the firing up and in-system use of the damaged engines. A slow burn leads to some rumbling, but a weird cross-connect has the maneuvering jets firing each time the main drive adjusts its thrust, placing the ship in a slow, but erratic roll. Navigation through the system can work, somewhat, but the ship is certainly in need of some attitude adjustment. Fortunately, something seems to have jostled loose in the ship's systems, and the fuel readings show a solid 10%. Enough to putter about the system, but not enough for another jump.

Observing the ship from the exterior, it was clear that there was something wrong with the maneuvering jets. He assumed Flashdrive was already aware, but decides to ping the crew anyway, beginning to build out the list of tasks they would need to accomplish for this leg of the journey.

pre:

Solstice -- Perithir System Checklist
Risk -- Engine malfunction.
 [1] > Maneuvering jets appear to fire whenever the main drive is active. Analysis required to determine if repairs are feasible.

Objective --- Asteroid mining.
 [2] > A survey of the asteroid belt must be conducted.
       Note: Shadowcaster en route.
 [3] > A mining laser must be configured and modulated to facilitate asteroid mining.
 [4] > A smelter must be assembled to facilitate the processing of any ore we are able to collect.

Objective --- Fuel source.
 [5] > Energy reserves are at 10%. A fuel source must be identified within the system before our next jump.

Additional tasks forthcoming as system scans develop and more information becomes available.

^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Engine Malfunction / Asteroid Belt Survey / Mining Laser / Smelter / Fuel Source

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

Waador fucked around with this message at 03:28 on Nov 20, 2018

# ? Nov 20, 2018 03:25

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

On Approach

What would have been a maddening nuisance were the ship under any sort of manual control, Flashdrive is able to simply plug in and handle the maneuvering issue like a champ. Essentially like walking forward with one's head tilted, Flashdrive's direct control of the ship works wonders in keeping it limping on course to the asteroid field. However, while the ship's engines could move more mass, Shadowcaster was comparatively small, and could move much quicker. Observation from the exterior shows a weird singed look to the adhesive holding things together, but structurally, the ship wasn't on the brink of breaking apart. At least, any more so than when they had left. Shadowcaster's multi-spectrum analysis finds traces of various structures of ice, iron, ore-13, and an assortment of precious metals, but a greater sense of things would be gained from a closer look. Either way, it appears that there are plenty of resources to at the very least convert to Energon or use to patch up the hull further. With the calibrations expertly handled by Starfire, melting and extracting the appropriate ores would be a far simpler task. All they needed was a little Energon and a lot of luck.

Flashdrive's work repairing the corrupted data, however, has born some excellent information, indeed! Not only was the corrupted information recovered, but additional insight as to the nature of the Relics, and into the locations listed.

Alpha Trion posted:

Commander, I cannot impress to you and your team enough the critical nature of this mission. As you know, our struggle for independence grows dire, the Quintessons' superior technology and sheer ruthlessness driving us all to the brink of deactivation. For the sake of our very sapience, we must explore all avenues to seek our salvation from this grave threat. It is for this reason that I entrust you with the knowledge of the existence of our most sacred artifacts, those of Solus Prime. In the days of Primus and the Twelve Primes, Solus created items of terrible power for use by the Twelve in their battles against the forces of Unicron. Though these items may have been lost to the ages, you are tasked with retrieving as many as possible. Through a meticulous combing of ancient and holy texts, we have discovered possible links to the very center of creation of these items, the Creation Lathe. Included are the potential locations to a space bridge leading to said location. If the whereabouts of these artifacts are listed anywhere, it would be here. As most of these locations are well behind Quintesson lines, the risk is tantamount to a suicide mission, desperate at best. Your bravery shall already be known to the survivors of this war, and, Primus willing, your return would be heralded as a moment of salvation. Forge on, brave Cybertronians, and build us a better future!

Shockwave Research Log posted:

After countless astro-cycles leafing through analog text and electronic archives, I have still only been able to glean the most general of information. Each of these relics are steeped in mythology and nearly impossible to discern in terms of their realistic properties. These effects are noted in an effort to aid in discerning the true from any fakes, and are as accurate as their corresponding texts permit. As is the nature of religion, this may not be much. Wisdom of Primus upon you all.

Star Saber - "The Blade of Blades", rumored to be capable of destroying stars and rendering entire planets to their component atoms.
Requiem Blaster - Drawing its energy from black holes, quasars, and the very background radiation of the universe itself, this colossal weapon is capable of scattering the very atoms of anything it is pointed at. Large enough to have its own gravitational field, it is likely far too large for a Cybertronian to wield.
Chimera Stone - A conduit for the Primes, this stone allowed one of the Twelve to channel their energy to any of the others, allowing them to think, fight, and act with a gestalt mind.
Apex Armor - In the form of a disc, this armor spreads to envelop the user in a shell that renders all forms of energy directed at it inert, be it kinetic, directed energy, or cosmic forces. Its wearer is functionally indestructible.
Infinite Combinatoric - As the Primes were capable of transformation well before Cybertronians manifested it, the Infinite Combinatoric is said to allow its wearer to assume any form it wishes. Texts state that it was used to create a physical equal to Unicron himself.
Chaos Edge - If the Star Saber can destroy anything, the Chaos Edge can simply nullify it from existence. Quite possibly the only counter to the Star Saber in terms of sheer power.
Cyber Caliber - Much like the legendary combiners of the early days of Cybertron, this blade can split into 5 components, said to permit one of the Twelve to repair or disassemble any machine in existence.
Quill - Combined with the Covenant of Primus, this may be the most powerful of the lot, as it is theoretically capable of literally rewriting history itself.
Zeonomicon - Known by many names, the Zeo/Xeno/Neonomicon is known to us as the Covenant of Primus, an analog text chronicling any event in the past its reader wishes to know of, and capable of predicting the future.
Terminus Blade - Capable of linking points in space, this blade (The Primes really, really liked their swords) was capable of penetrating spacetime, linking any 2 points for as long as the blade was present in the tear.
Enigma of Combination - Utilized during their final battle with Unicron alongside Primus, the Enigma was used to form any group of beings into a single gestalt being.

pre:

Possible leads within fuel range:
Anbiri XXIV - Bridge offline
14169 Jama Asteroid Field, Perithir - Bridge active, under observation
Faith 6, Manderi - Bridge active, negotiations necessary
Goo - Connection recycled
^Quintessa - Unreachable
Sector 0707 - Free-floating

This discovery changed everything, and with it, Flashdrive felt a surge in their very core.

Great work on that cleanup roll - way to turn a previous failure into a future success! 3 Energon for Flashdrive!

Rhyos fucked around with this message at 18:25 on Nov 20, 2018

# ? Nov 20, 2018 17:51

AnAnonymousIdiot: Sep 14, 2013

Flashdrive - Energon: 21

It took a few cycles before the data and their location hit Flashdrive all at once. They were all in Quintesson territory. Or what may very well be theirs. Primus had smiled upon the crew for staying undetected, but they only had so much time. The space bridge could be their best shot at escape if things went bad. But the one detail raised a question: Observation from whom?

First thing to do was ping Shadowcaster with the revised logs and message.

pre:

Recently salvaged data from Solstice mainframe�

Second task was to get the commsys turned on and listen for any transmissions, coded or otherwise. Time to listen in.

pre:

AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 1:21 PM
Okay in that case... I'll make the roll.
/r 1d20+3 #listening
DicebotBOTToday at 1:22 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d20+3 listening = (16)+3 = 19
AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 1:22 PM
1 more Energon to make 20.
/r 1d6 #glitch
DicebotBOTToday at 1:22 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d6 glitch = (5) = 5

There was the problem with the engines, but those repairs could wait. One more ping to all bots.

pre:

Suspecting that we may not be alone. Turning on commsys for any signals.

AnAnonymousIdiot fucked around with this message at 21:23 on Nov 20, 2018

# ? Nov 20, 2018 21:15

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

13 240 3 156 3 101 48

Flashdrive fires up the reception on the comm array and immediately picks up an outgoing transmission from a specific region of the asteroid belt. The pulses of data translate to a seemingly unending string of numbers being broadcast in all directions. While there is no discernible reason to the sequence, the signal comes in loud and clear, and appears to be the sole spacebound transmission in the system.

# ? Nov 20, 2018 21:48

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot posted:

... multi-spectrum analysis ... traces of ice ... iron ... ore-13 ... an assortment of precious metals.

Taking a moment to consider and organize the results of his preliminary survey, Shadowcaster finds himself relatively relieved. Although he had always considered a positive outcome to be likely, they had still taken a gamble coming to this asteroid belt, and he was glad that it had paid off. He establishes a point-to-point connection back to the Solstice, and forwards the data on to Flashdrive and Starfire, alongside a brief message: 'The results of my initial sensor sweep are attached. There appears to be more than enough iron in the belt to repair the ship, and the presence of ore-13 ... while unexpected ... should make it a simple task to bolster our energy reserves. Precious metals throughout the belt will also make subsequent trade with nearby sectors feasible.'

As the raw data from his sensor sweep compresses and transmits back to the ship, he takes a moment to consider the needs of the crew. Confidence was important to maintain morale and faith in the chain of command, but in his years he had seen far too many leaders incapable of doubting themselves. Generally, that overconfidence had led to danger, if not outright disaster. A balance would have to be struck, he supposed. When the transmission of the results of his multi-spectrum analysis completes, another message quickly follows, 'Flashdrive, when you have the time, kindly double-check the data. I am not too proud to admit that there may be patterns or outliers I haven't yet identified. A primary concern is that the presence of ore-13 could be the power source of a camouflaged structure or vessel, rather than a naturally occurring vein. If it is naturally occurring, please remind the crew that certain compositions of ore-13 have a tendency to ... violently detonate ... when exposed to blunt impacts, fractures, sudden temperature changes ... or, really, generally being looked at in the wrong way.' The message continues, 'That said, Starfire, please feel free to inform the crew of what is otherwise generally good news regarding the resources in the belt. An update to the mission parameters will follow once the data is more thoroughly -- ...'

Flashdrive posted:

Recently salvaged data from Solstice mainframe�

Received just as he was finishing his own message back to the ship, the contents of the salvaged data hit him like a freight train. Although it brought about a certain sense of nostalgia, the transmission from A-3 was mostly inconsequential. At the very least, it helped to clarify what they might find in the asteroid belt: a functional space bridge. The particulars of the various relics was interesting, but also largely inconsequential. It was true that some were steeped in mystery, but only insofar as their particulars. He had already categorized the relics from the initial list into three groups: 'huge gently caress-off weapons', consisting of the star saber, the requiem blaster, the chaos edge, the cyber caliber, and the terminus blade; 'turning point catalysts', consisting of the chimera stone, the apex armor, the infinite combinatoric, and the enigma of combination; and 'dangerous beyond comprehension', consisting of the covenant of Primus. It was true that he hadn't yet allocated the quill, being largely unfamiliar with its legend, though this latest update helped to firmly cement it into that last category along with the covenant. The part that really hit him, though, was the source of the information. He wondered, how had things gotten this way? Getting lost in research, losing track of time ... it was always one excuse or another, in both directions. Thinking about it pained him.

Plot posted:

Possible leads within fuel range: 14169 Jama Asteroid Field, Perithir - Bridge active, under observation.

A ping to Shadowcaster: 'Have picked up what appears to be a coded transmission. Numbers. No other signals detected.'

Mercifully, a potentially lethal risk emerged to demand his full attention. He quickly collates the information gathered so far, and runs a few dozen simulations in his mind to assess the risks and weigh their next steps. A summary is quickly sent back to Flashdrive, copying Starfire as well, 'Unknown transmission source is obviously coded, and may be a monitoring tool, or an early warning system. Sensor capabilities of the source are unknown -- recommending implementation of all reasonably achievable stealth protocols until mining activities are complete. Likely vectors of detection include thermal scans for energy emissions, monitoring of all short-range communication bands other than point-to-point bursts, and gravitational wave mapping to identify the buildup of a hostile force, as well as, obviously, visual monitoring protocols. Our dimensional shear into the system may have gone unnoticed, but further activity is likely to come with some risk. Flashdrive, recommend that the Solstice cut its engines and proceed into the belt using inertia alone before we are in range of any potential active sensors. You will need to collate the survey data, and find us a place to ... 'park' ... that is within or behind an asteroid primarily comprised of ice in order to obscure any activity from thermal sensors. We will need to find and manually mine a preliminary source of lead, tin, antimony, tungsten, or bismuth in order to construct radiation shields, which should help to camouflage us from any passive scans within the belt. Once constructed, we should be able to extract the resources we need with mining lasers, so long as we monitor our position relative to the source of the transmission, and carefully control the dispersal of heat when using the energy weapons calibrated for mining. Recommend that all nonessential systems be shut down in order to minimize our energy signature within the system until these objectives are complete.' The mission objective list is quickly updated as this new information becomes available.

pre:

Solstice -- Perithir System Checklist
Requirement -- Precautionary stealth protocols.
 [A-1] > Heat signature must be minimized.
 [A-2] > Outgoing communication system ban in effect. Point-to-point transmissions remain viable.
 [A-3] > Nonessential systems must be shut down. Visual observation should identify the Solstice as an inactive, derelict 'space hulk'.

Objective -- Preliminary manual mining.
 [B-1] > A source of material that blocks active scanners and radiation is required. Lead, tin, antimony, tungsten, or bismuth are viable options.
 [B-2] > Necessary materials will need to be extracted manually.
 [B-3] > Fabrication of enclosures to obscure automated mining via modulated energy weapons is necessary as a precaution.

Objective -- Primary automated mining.
 [C-1] > Iron ore detected in significant quantity. Material for hull repairs must be extracted.
 [C-2] > Ore-13 detected. Further analysis required on composition and nature before extraction as a fuel source.
 [C-3] > Precious metals detected. Material to serve as future trade goods should be extracted.
 [C-4] > A smelter must be assembled to facilitate the processing of any ore we are able to collect.

Objective -- Asteroid belt exploration.
 [D-1] > Transmission source detected. Further analysis required, extreme caution recommended.
 [D-2] > Preliminary scan of asteroid belt is complete. Further surveys required to focus our mining efforts.

Risk -- Engine malfunction.
 [E-1] > Maneuvering jets appear to fire whenever the main drive is active. Analysis required to determine if repairs are feasible.

As he considers the many vectors from which potential danger might emerge within the asteroid belt, Shadowcaster reflexively engages his null-field cloak, and takes up an overwatch position for the Solstice. Observing and scouting the terrain within and around the vessel's flight path, he begins to map the area for potential hiding places in case a curious observer happens to emerge from elsewhere in the system, and keeps a close eye on the belt to ensure he is able to warn the ship if anything begins to stir.

^{>> Intelligence 10 >> Overwatch position for the Solstice ( Glitch Die -- 6 ).}
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Stealth Protocols / Preliminary Manual Mining / Primary Automated Mining / Belt Exploration / Engine Malfunction

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

Waador fucked around with this message at 18:26 on Nov 25, 2018

# ? Nov 25, 2018 14:49

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

5990 17212 63973

Part of information gathering is observing everything possible. The environment, the empty space, the stars themselves, and most importantly the transmission of those random numbers. While plotting a course, Shadowcaster's EM sensors pick up 2 bright spots. A quick rotation and zoom shows an extraordinarily primitive satellite

in synchronous orbit around a very complex asteroid.

Whatever that satellite is, it's clearly not looking outward, but inward. There's no way it could be sophisticated enough to track a ship, especially in realtime, but monitoring a station is something else entirely.

# ? Nov 25, 2018 19:21

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot posted:

... an extraordinarily primitive satellite ... synchronous orbit around a very complex asteroid.

Aligning a point-to-point beam back to the Solstice, Shadowcaster forwards along a few images of his findings. He comments to Flashdrive and Starfire, 'A curious set of variables. The satellite is primitive ... perhaps launched from the nearby planet? The device appears to be monitoring an asteroid ... perhaps some sort of structure on its surface? There is a mystery to be solved here, though it seems unwise to disturb the area until repairs are complete and we're refueled to the point where an emergency jump is feasible. Thoughts?'
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Stealth Protocols / Preliminary Manual Mining / Primary Automated Mining / Belt Exploration / Engine Malfunction

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

# ? Nov 25, 2018 19:39

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Starfire

Starfire ponders the new data sent his way for a few millicycles, then replies to Shadowcaster, "It seems primitive, but additional scans from here are as likely to show our hand as they would provide additional information. Situations like this are my specialty, though, so I think I can provide a more detailed look at the installation without betraying our presence. My camouflage systems are capable of baffling Cybertronian targeting and sensors with ease, let alone those of a culture relying on such inelegant measures."

# ? Nov 26, 2018 06:17

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

In response to Starfire's suggestion, Shadowcaster admits, "A flyby visual inspection does seem like it might be the option least likely to be detected, all things considered." Inquiring primarily of Flashdrive, he offers, "I would likely feel more comfortable proceeding with that once we've been able to find a hiding place for the Solstice, though. Have we found any suitable locations to conceal our presence in the system?"
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Stealth Protocols / Preliminary Manual Mining / Primary Automated Mining / Belt Exploration / Engine Malfunction

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

# ? Nov 26, 2018 18:19

Inkspot: Dec 3, 2013; I believe I have
an appointment.
Mr. Goongala?

Sidewinder
Energon: 17

�It�s�� Sidewinder looks over the construction of salvaged scrap. �Thank you.� Shadowcaster�s gesture, while appreciated, is still terrifying. With luck, maybe the deathball can be quietly ignored. �I�m sorry I made such a commotion. It was� unbecoming. This whole situation is just a little overwhelming, and... I�ll try to be better.�

Having done his best to express gratitude for Shadowcaster�s "gift", Sidewinder takes to one of the Solstice�s monitoring stations and does what he can to assist in the current business with the asteroid and the satellite. Aerotriangulating a stereoplotted asteroid field is only slightly less engaging than tearing across a desert, kicking up clouds of dust, feeling the warmth of a sun... but there will be time for that later. Hopefully.

�Uh, Flashdrive? I think I've got something��

Find A Good Parking Spot: 1d20+5 = 11 1d6 = 3

# ? Nov 28, 2018 17:43

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

In the cold of space, ice is warm

With a quick pulse of the engines, the Solstice drifts its way behind a nearby asteroid comprised of mainly water ice. Close enough to literally peek over the edge for a visual on the satellite and more advanced asteroid, the numbers continue to broadcast, and the closer view allows sensors to pick up the presence of an electrical current on the more advanced asteroid. Whatever those systems are dotting the surface, they're active.

# ? Nov 28, 2018 21:25

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot posted:

... ice ... numbers ... electrical current.

As the Solstice settles into position behind the frozen asteroid, Shadowcaster beams a message back to the crew, 'Good form on your parallel parking, there. The ice in that asteroid should mask our heat signature if anyone does happen to have a more advanced sensor suite. I wouldn't do anything to draw attention to the ship, but we can probably get by without any additional layers of stealth protocol.' The mission parameters are quickly updated to represent the change in circumstance.

A second message is sent to Starfire, though the rest of the crew is included for convenience, 'There are two plausible scenarios regarding that satellite. The first is that it is exactly as it appears, a 'state of the art' monitoring station deployed by a local civilization. The second is that it was constructed to be intentionally primitive, perhaps to avoid setting off any security alerts or defensive batteries within the asteroid complex below -- basic threat level assessment and response doctrine management. Particularly for an automated facility, if you come in 'too low' on the threat matrix, you might be ignored if you don't cause any trouble. Which might mean that a defensive battery or twelve will blow something a bit more advanced out of the sky if it gets too close. There's no way to know for sure without actually getting closer, but a risk to be aware of, in any event. In either case, Starfire, I think the show is yours to steal now, as your optical camouflage might spare you from a dozen gun batteries if we happen to fall into that second category.' He also adds, 'Flashdrive, can you assist Starfire? If you can loop the feed on that satellite somehow, we might be able to risk a landing party if Starfire's reconnaissance reveals anything that warrants closer scrutiny.'

Shadowcaster also offers, 'As for myself, I am going to take a closer look at the other celestial bodies in this system. That satellite obviously came from somewhere. The terrestrial planet seems like the obvious answer, but its atmosphere is precluding any useful visual observation. I suppose if standard optical analysis isn't working, I might be able to punch through to the surface with something in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum ... failing that, a few short bursts of gamma rays have never let me down.'

^{>> Intelligence 23 >> Monitoring the other celestial bodies in the system, trying to find the source of that satellite ( Glitch Die -- 6 ).}
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Stealth Protocols / Preliminary Manual Mining / Primary Automated Mining / Belt Exploration / Engine Malfunction

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

# ? Nov 28, 2018 22:18

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

Pale Greenish Dot

While a visual scan is obscured by thick clouds, an ultraviolet and electromagnetic scan turns up some useful information on the surface.

The planet is quite warm, with a vast amount of rainfall. Buildings roughly the size of those on Cybertron dot the landscape, albeit far more primitive. Basic roads connect structures and cities, electric lights visible on closer inspection. While the inhabitants are a bit more difficult to see, what stands out is the complete lack of radio broadcasting. There is clearly an industrialized civilization, but the observation of an early launch site yields the only clear example of a radio receiver. Switching to a quick gamma burst, combined with the advanced (by comparison) Cybertronian optics and receivers returns a bit more information on the inhabitants, confirmed by old Quintessonian files cribbed by the Cybertronian rebellion:

The Aidhan were a sauropodian genus uplifted by the Quintessons as they spread throughout the sector. Consisting of multiple sapient species, their evolution slowed as their sapience permitted self-determination, selective breeding, and the general preservation of life that comes with civilization. With this stunting of the evolutionary process, the development of fine manipulators was slow-going, with certain species developing them (relatively) recently. Building a society without opposable thumbs takes a lot of time. For them to have advanced to the point of machinery, never mind rudimentary space exploration shows the persistence of sapient will! This would explain the crude construction - they were clearly uplifted to act as brute labor, and while physically equipped for such, fine manufacturing would be akin to Slam assembling a carbon nanotube lattice with his tail, blindfolded.

Ultimately, there is clearly civilization, in a primitive Space Age - so why are there no broadcasts?

Rhyos fucked around with this message at 00:31 on Nov 29, 2018

# ? Nov 28, 2018 23:49

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot (planet) posted:

... quite warm ... vast amount of rainfall ... buildings ... basic roads ... electric lights ... complete lack of radio broadcasting ... early launch site yields the only clear example of a radio receiver.

Plot (species) posted:

The Aidhan ... sauropodian ... uplifted by the Quintessons ... multiple sapient species ... the persistence of sapient will ... clearly civilization ... a primitive Space Age ... why are there no broadcasts?

With the veil quite literally peeled back with infrared and ultraviolet radiation, Shadowcaster finds himself presented with a treasure trove of information, as well as a handful of mysteries demanding further consideration. A thought exercise was always a tempting distraction for the bot, and he reflexively began to consider and map out the possibilities. The first step was to define the question, which was rather plain: why was radio broadcast technology not in place?

The second step was to develop broad categories of causes, so as to better visualize the problem. If one started with the basic assumption that a society will not ignore a useful technology unless there is a compelling reason to do so, there were four potential causes: technological limitations, biological considerations, ecological limitations, and self-preservation considerations.

The first bucket, technological limitations, was relatively easy to cross off the list. The satellite they had launched into orbit clearly had transmission capabilities, and the presence of at least one radio receiver on the ground indicated they were obviously aware of radio broadcast technology. If they hadn't simply missed the innovation on the tech tree as their society advanced, they had consciously chosen not to use it ... at least, insofar as planetary communications were concerned. Given that the technology was seemingly being used as a means of communication within their own solar system, perhaps it was a state secret of sorts? It was possible, but hardly plausible, as the technology was too easily discovered to remain hidden for long if that were the case.

The second bucket, biological considerations, might hold the answer. There was always one compelling reason not to propagate a technology throughout a civilization: inferiority. Radio waves allowed for communication over long distances, which was generally useful to any developing species. What factors might need to exist to render the technology unattractive, he wondered? Telepathy, or some sort of hive mind, was a compelling (if unlikely) candidate. A species that could already communicate with itself over long distances might have little need for technology that served as a poor substitute for an innate ability. Similarly unlikely, though he supposed not impossible, was that the costs of the technology vastly outweighed the benefits - if radio waves were somehow harmful to their species, in a way that many forms of radiation tended to be for other biological creatures, there would indeed be a compelling reason to carefully control the use of the technology. In such a scenario, it would be ... relatively ... safe to place a broadcasting station in space, and construct a single, well-shielded, out-of-the-way receiver somewhere on the planet to use the technology when no other substitute was viable. A measure of last resort, essentially. In his estimation, a biological reason for this unexpected variable was not likely, but he couldn't write it off.

The third bucket, ecological limitations, held what he considered to be the most compelling arguments. One didn't tend to invest in a technology if it was unreliable. A basic analysis of the planet had indicated that it was quite warm, with a vast amount of rainfall. The high frequency wavelengths used in advanced communication arrays don�t travel well through water ... essentially, because water conducts electricity, it can reflect radio waves. Water vapor absorbs the energy of radio signals, and turns them into heat ... the same thing that happens inside a microwave. Indeed, with the right planetary conditions, radio broadcast technology could well exist on a spectrum of 'unreliable and of limited use' with only a few transmitters, to 'literally deadly' if ubiquitous and powerful enough to otherwise overcome the natural signal dampening qualities of the planet. Fog and clouds were similar impediments, and were in no short supply across the planet. Below 2,000 GHz it wouldn't be a huge factor, but above that number, fog and clouds could seriously scatter a signal. High-speed communication bands operated at those higher frequencies, which would mean that anyone thinking about investing in the technology would quickly realize there is also an upper limit to its utility across the planet. With no blue sky possibilities in their future, it would indeed make little sense to invest in the lower tier stages of radio broadcast technology.

The fourth bucket, self-preservation considerations, also held some merit. As far as he could tell, the planet had constructed a single radio receiver, and the only radio broadcast in effect was far, far away from the planet. One could, theoretically, safely eavesdrop on any communications in their solar system ... but was there a compelling reason to institute a planetary policy of radio silence? It was possible. Given that their atmosphere obscured them from visual observation, a policy of not drawing attention to oneself on the galactic stage made a certain amount of sense. Radio signals degraded over long distances, but they could be detected. Given that the species had been uplifted by the Quintessons to begin with, they were presumably aware of other sapient life in the universe. Perhaps they had simply decided it was safer to keep their heads down and stay out of trouble, rather than risk drawing the attention of a nearby civilization or traveler passing through the area? Honestly, if that were the case, he couldn't really blame them. The other possibility in this bucket was grim, but also realistic: had the Quintessons placed some sort of limitation on the technologies their 'uplifted' servant race could adopt? It would make sense, at least to a Quintesson: a slave race could never be allowed to reach a point where it could threaten its master, after all. If certain technologies, like radio broadcast efforts, were a trigger for some kind of automated security response, the only way they could advance as a species would be a disastrous waltz of stepping forward, tentatively identifying whether a technology would throw them back a generation or two, and never adopting it again as they climbed the hill once more. While such an existence would be nightmarish, slow and steady advancement would be possible, once the majority of the live wires were identified. The stress such a circumstance might place on the psyche of a species, though ... he rather hoped it wasn't the case.

With more than a few possibilities, but no concrete answers, Shadowcaster decides to forward his findings and analysis to the others. "A curious situation, to be sure. I would suggest that asteroid mining and hull repairs remain our priority, though I imagine making contact with the locals can come later. Slam, Spinout, Sidewinder, can you begin the process of surveying and extracting resources from asteroids in ... whatever manner seems viable to you? Starfire, if you would like to execute a flyby analysis of that asteroid base, that could be interesting. Flashdrive, I imagine you are well positioned to assist the others in their respective tasks?"
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Stealth Protocols / Preliminary Manual Mining / Primary Automated Mining / Belt Exploration / Engine Malfunction

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

Waador fucked around with this message at 15:13 on Nov 29, 2018

# ? Nov 29, 2018 15:10

AnAnonymousIdiot: Sep 14, 2013

Flashdrive - Energon: 20

� Primitives?

Flashdrive figured the signal had to come from someone advanced enough to make a satellite. Quintessons maybe, or whomever were under them over the millennia. Not people who just figured out spacecraft. On one hand this was good since it meant they were the only advanced ship in the system. No interstellar surveillance from afar. Time could be taken to make repairs without discovery.

Of course the satellite came from somewhere. And considering the nearby planet, it didn�t take a genius to figure out where. That was fine, but� why?

These questions were set aside as new objectives came up and Flashdrive�s attention was needed.

Guiding the Solstice to the ice asteroid was easy, albeit delicate. Then came turning off all power. Everything but whatever Starfire needed to implement the stealth protocols. With the ship stationary, Flashdrive finally looked into the jets. Probably some loose Energon; probably a leak caused by the damage the Solstice sustained over time.

pre:

AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 4:39 PM
Time to make repairs at the ship's maneuvering jets.
/r 1d20+9 #fix jets
DicebotBOTToday at 4:40 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d20+9 fix jets = (2)+9 = 11
AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive)Today at 4:40 PM
Giving up 4 Energon to make it 15...
/r 1d6 #glitch
DicebotBOTToday at 4:40 PM
@AnonymousIdiot (Flashdrive):  1d6 glitch = (4) = 4

With that work finished, Flashdrive pinged all bots.

pre:

Standing by.

# ? Dec 1, 2018 23:49

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Starfire

Starfire snaps off a quick salute, "As you say. I'll report in once I've scouted the area."

A few moments later, Starfire burns out of their increasingly less ruined ship. The asteroid base is off in the distance, outside of his fairly formidable sensor range, but that gives him as good an excuse as any to confirm the full functionality of his thrusters as he cuts through the dense field of asteroids. He dances between spinning, metallic ovoids with such ease and grace that one might be forgiven for thinking that he'd forgotten his duty in a moment of sheer, unbridled joy and freedom.

The shimmer of adaptive camouflage shimmers over his chassis, surely baffling any attempts by the primitives to notice the approach of foreign objects, and he quickly shifts into a tight orbit around the asteroid base as passive sensors begin to strip-mine data from the aether.

Stealth Recon: 1d20+10 22 1d6 2

# ? Dec 2, 2018 00:15

Ryuujin: Sep 26, 2007; Dragon God

Slam

Slam looks upon the asteroids. Looks upon the ship. Looks upon himself. And then he stands there for awhile thinking. After some time he goes about collecting cargo straps. He then goes about setting it up to link himself to the ship by the cargo straps so that he could leap to the asteroids, and carefully return. He then makes his way out of the ship. Walking upon the hull he lines up, kneels, and then leaps. Soaring through space he... well he misses. He reels himself in, and tries again, and again, and again. If anyone is watching he might look a bit comical. Eventually he does land upon an asteroid. Once he uses the cargo straps to help remove any errant spin the asteroid gained from his impact he begins to explore the asteroid. Looking for the resources they need. He then begins to slam the asteroid, gouge his fingers through the rock, and "carefully" excavate the resources.

Skill Casting the Slam line to the Asteroid 2 (with a 5 on the glitch die.)
Strength, stationary target, mining 30 (with a 6 on the glitch die, added into the total for stationary target)

# ? Dec 2, 2018 04:47

Rhyos: Jan 2, 2006; It's probably my fault.

In space, everyone can see Slam slam

With objectives in place, the crew of the Solstice sets to work. Flashdrive works overtime on repairing the maneuvering thrusters, separating their controls from the main engines. It's still only half a propulsion system, but at least it's now working as intended, which gives Starfire a smooth launch platform to get into the wild black yonder.

Aileron-rolling through space, clearing out those stiff afterburners, Starfire is able to drift right by the primitive satellite. Closer inspection shows it to be little more than an observation platform, a camera pointed directly to the complex "below". A closer look of the asteroid, however, proves far more interesting. The presence of solar winds precludes the same accumulation of interstellar hydrocarbons that gunked up their ship, but the dust-covered surface shows the facility to be truly ancient. EM scans show, however, that the platform is still very much active, but to what end is still unknown. Signified wide on the main platform is the following emblem:

While Starfire may not necessarily know the origin of that symbol offhand, cross-checking with the newly-found additional data that Flashdrive discovered shows it to be a sign of ancient Cybertron - possibly an insignia or marker of the Primes Themselves.

As Flashdrive continues his reconnaissance, a quick jolt rocks the ship before lurching forward. After a thud, it happens again. And again. And again. No warnings go off, sensors don't show any spacecraft or proximity alarms, but then optics roam to Slam. Bouncing like a paddle ball, he seems to be trying quite intently to reach for something - quite possibly out of cabin fever. With the help from Flashdrive's freshly-fixed maneuvering thrusters keeping everything steady, Slam finally manages to land on a nearby asteroid, and does so with cataclysmic force. In what could be considered a prosecutable violation of the laws of physics, Slam's two-fisted assault on the free-floating hunk of rock cracks the entire orb in half! While smaller pieces shower around, a light push is all that's needed to push the two halves apart, exposing a thick, clean iron "mantle" with a shimmering core of geodic ruby crystals. Clearly worth quite a few shanix back home, if shanix are still a thing after all these years, ruby crystals can also be converted to Energon in a pinch. Between the iron needed for the ship and a gorgeous energy-rich core, some light melting of the raw iron would make repairs nearly trivial.

Not long after this moment, however, a bright flash emits from the center of the installation, and in a flash, the observation satellite simply ceases to be, gone without a trace.

Decision time! First off, 3 energon to Slam for Slamming a Slam beautifully. The core is extremely valuable - it can be harvested as a resource, converted to Energon for the ship, or broken down into Energon for the crew. If broken down for the crew, it's enough for 5 Energon per member. If used to fuel the ship, it would be enough for 3 sectors-worth of jumps. A currency/utility/sales value would require appraisal.

# ? Dec 2, 2018 20:54

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Starfire

As data plays across Starfire's sensors, he considers playing it safe and heading back to analyze what he's already gotten. The Cybertronian emblem quickly puts rest to that idea. If there's a chance that this could prove a lead to the Primes... there's certainly no time to rest. Quickly plotting a course that should minimize exposure to outside observation, Starfire cuts in closer to the installation as he attempts to find a likely point of entry.

A closer look!: 1d20+10 19 1d6 :siren:

# ? Dec 3, 2018 02:38

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Apr 25, 2024 06:32

Waador: Sep 11, 2001; Smashin' down the light.; Pillbug

^Shadowcaster

Plot posted:

With objectives in place, the crew of the Solstice sets to work.

When the working day really gets into gear, Shadowcaster settles into position to perform the dual-purpose role of quality reviewer and safety monitor. He keeps a keen eye on the area of operations, both to ensure that the repairs are performed to spec, and to monitor the general well-being of the crew. He also resumes his post as announcer, doling out a mix of acknowledgment and praise as objectives are achieved.

Plot posted:

... Flashdrive ... repairing the maneuvering thrusters ... still only half a propulsion system, but at least it's now working as intended.

Flashdrive was among the first to deliver results. He amends the task list on the monitors inside the Solstice, and pings the others, 'Objective Epsilon One has been completed by Flashdrive. Maneuvering jets appear to be fully operational ... starboard, anyway.'

Plot posted:

... Slam ... asteroid ... cataclysmic force ... cracks the entire orb in half ... clean iron "mantle" ... shimmering core of geodic ruby crystals ... repairs nearly trivial.

He was ... not entirely prepared for what came next. While not quite accurate to say that it was done 'in a single stroke', given the ... warning shots? ... that had been given to the asteroid belt, Slam had managed to ~~cleanly solve~~ obliterate any need they might have had to perform a careful survey of the asteroid belt. He had admittedly intended to survey the belt with tools, perhaps the ship's scanners, but he supposed he could see the appeal of good old-fashioned prospecting. There was, it seemed, gold in them there hills ... or rubies, anyway. Either way, he announces to the others, 'Objective Delta Two has been claimed by Slam, and mining efforts can now be focused on the ... debris field ... to extract the necessary quantity of iron to repair the ship. Additionally, it appears the asteroid had a crystalline ruby core, viable for processing into either fuel or trade goods. All things considered, we should extract it into the cargo bay first, and consider how to process it at a later time.'

Plot posted:

... Starfire is able to drift right by the primitive satellite ... closer look of the asteroid ... the dust-covered surface shows the facility to be truly ancient.

As Starfire executes his flyby, Shadowcaster offers to the others, 'Objective Delta One is in process, courtesy of Starfire. Awaiting survey results before amending the mission parame--'.

Plot posted:

... a bright flash emits from the center of the installation, and in a flash, the observation satellite simply ceases to be, gone without a trace.

His thought is interrupted midstream, and he only barely manages to redirect his point-to-point message exclusively to Starfire, rather than to the broader crew, '--GOOD LORD! WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THERE?!' Reacting to the flash of light, Shadowcaster quickly focuses his attention upon the facility and its surrounding area, attempting to reverse engineer what just happened from any signs of trace radiation or gravitational shear. Had Starfire triggered a proximity alert of some sort? If so, had that satellite accidentally absorbed a blast meant for Starfire, he wondered? If so, what had the blast been? The satellite had disappeared without a trace, which meant it wasn't a run-of-the-mill particle weapon ... perhaps it was a defensive property of the space bridge they were seeking? He supposed it would indeed be an effective defense mechanism to randomly teleport any interlopers to a neighboring sector ... or worse, he supposed.

^{>> Intelligence 19 >> Investigating the satellite disappearance.}
^{__________________________________________________________________________________________

Status: Alt-Mode / Null-field Cloak / Jump Drive / Fuel Scoops

Resources: Energon (27)

Mission Log / Stellar Cartography

Mission Parameters: Stealth Protocols / Preliminary Manual Mining / Primary Automated Mining / Belt Exploration / Engine Malfunction

Solstice: Port Primary / Port Maneuvering / Starboard Primary (53%) / Starboard Maneuvering (60%) / Life Support / Communications (superficial stress fractures) / Weapons (30%) / Subsystems (47%) / Fuel (10% -- LOCKDOWN)

__________________________________________________________________________________________}

# ? Dec 3, 2018 22:02

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Traditional Games > The Game Room > Transformers: Aeons of Steel

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