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Ere they go, ere they go!

Only War – RPG/TRPG Session

Run by Will

Imperial Guards;

Baine Bravith – Jason (jymmijamz)

Father Deimos - Chris (alcoholandaphorisms)

Hans ‘Loki’ Lokisson – Me

Odetta – Tanja

(Write-up by Chris)

EPISODE TWO

A drop pod falling through the atmosphere. Door torn off by a krak grenade explosion to overrule a disruptive machine spirit’s refusal to open. An Ogryn, Baine unconscious in drug induced sleep within.  Father Deimos launching himself from the pod, grav chute in hand, followed by Hans Lokisson and their allies, Jools and Stoo. Falling towards the planet where battle awaits.

Thus remains inside the rapidly burning up pod, Odette, squad medic, hunched over the Ogyn, tying off veins and injecting incredible amount of stimulants with pneumatic powered syringes, trying to shock it from its slumber. Nervously RJ and Jops watch, unsure if they should leap to battle or stay to aid their fellow soldiers. Around them red iconography counts quickly towards zero.

 

Baine still doesn’t move, his system overpowering even the strongest stimulants.  Odette’s eyes flicker to the icons, so few left now, hands shaking so much that her next attempt misses the vein completely. Slinging the medi pack over her shoulder she waves to the others to aid her as she braces her shoulder under the creatures, slowly dragging it towards the open door. Hoping the shock of hitting the open air will wake it.

The steps are too slow under its bulk, each consuming another handful of counting icons.  Finally, on the cusp of the door way something gives. Muscles complain and ribs go numb, Odette barely slides out from under the bulk before it hits the deck. A crunch signifies she did not escape completely. Half under Baine, broken glass and twisted metal of what were once syringes let chemicals mix. Smoke and the smell of burning rising.

With a final, regretful, glance at Baine Odette knows she has done all she can. RJ and Odette hit the air, launching themselves from the drop pod before it is too late.

Seemingly alone, his system finally purging the sedatives, Baine sits straight up. Confused, enclosed. In a very small space. Wind rushing past him. Glancing at the source of the wind, he sees he is not alone, one man remains. The minuscule Jops jumping up and down, desperately waving towards the rip in the hull “We’ve got to get out of here. Now!”

Baine thinks languidly then replies “Slow down. I can’t understand”

“THIS! WAY!” Jops shouts and claws Baine towards the door. Baine does not resist the efforts of the minuscules man he trusts implicitly.  Air greats him, open air, not the wide open starship bays they tested in. Actual open air.

The eight person squad is falling through the air now, Drop pod tumbling and spinning, empty of its cargo.  Around them thousands more, falling spread eagle in X position,  swarm of grey and cameo against the sky. Grav chutes kicking in.  Baine plummeting past them until finally realising he has to activate the grav cute.

Below them the first sight they have ever had of another planet. The first sight of a non penal world.

Below them, grey clouds and rocky mounds.  Vast expanses of jungle. Vaster than any experienced.

Below them, only war.

Father Deimos lands first, robes billowing, nestled in the grav chutes waves, sinking gently to a halt.  Hans Loksion hits the ground next, rolling on impact, back up, las carbine snapping ready, iron sights surveying the LZ, a dust plume billows over them as Baine impacts with the ground, slamming to one knee, fist impacting floor. One by one the other crew, Jool, Stoo, RJ, and Jops fall after them setting up a perimeter. Structures, fingers to the sky reach up around them, thousands of floors high.  Imperial runes from across the ages emblazoned hundreds of meters high upon them, the particular markings tells of the era a particular floor was built.  Marks of the necropolis, the resting point for the holy martyrs of the imperium.  Outgrowths of trees tangle around the structures. Stoo pulls his uniform tight, the atmosphere far more temperate than he is used to and goosebumps raise upon his flesh.  Nestled within an alcove looking out upon the street, flamer ready in hand, Father Deimos glances out for any sign of danger.

Odette is missing.

Clicking the micro bead to the correct channel Deimos speaks “Medic Odette, can you read me?”

Elsewhere, Odette slumps against the trees around her, shoulder numb from impact. Her landing had been less than graceful, shoulder first to the ground, rolling with the impact to spare her partial dislocation but not bruises. Not lowering her las carbine, balanced against the tree, she flicks the micro bead to a ready position.

“I read. What is your location”

Deimos glances, looking for some useful meeting point “There’s an outcrop of trees fifty meters south of our position, we can rendezvous there, and start our crusade of flame against the xenos”

Odette looks around, at the mass of forested outcrops that litter the area and curses Deimo’s poor navigational skills. “Are the rest of you together?” she asks as she collects up her gear, tabbing from outcrop to outcrop, searching for her  squad mates.

“The emperor has ensured that we land together, even the mutant filth is here” Father Deimos says

Odette can almost hear the Ogryns mocking smile across the micro bead.

At the main LZ Deimos turns to Hans Lokisson “I spy no xenos here, no sign of war. Do you see any indication the landing zone has any hostiles in the area?”

After a few minutes reconnaissance Lokisson shakes his head “None”

Nodding, Deimos returns to micro bead “Medic Odette, the LZ is clear of hostiles. You should be safe to discharge your weapon in the air to allow us to establish your location”

As he talks he brings out his rosaries and the relic finger bones his commanding officer had ordered him to remove from his weapon. Wrapping them around his las carbine’s barrel he continues. “Remember, we are out from under the eye of our warden, watched only by the god emperor himself. I expect nothing less that gratuitous violence from the lot of you”

A las shot burns through the air in the distance cutting through the tree line. “Ohh pretty”Baine mutters, watching rapt. “bright light. Bright light”

With the position of their colleague established the squad sets off quickly down the alleyways, weapons up and corners covered.  Hearing them moving in the distance Odette grabs her kit bag and starts moving to meet half way, it is too open here for her liking. A few streets down she pauses, pattering of feet on the edge of her hearing. Not Ogyrn feet for sure, probably not even human. Sinking back into the undergrowth that breaks through the ground, she tries to scramble a tree that pushes through shattered concrete but its journey through the solid ground seems to have stripped it of any convenient handholds. Instead she sinks back behind the tree, cameo covered las carbine poking through. “Caution “She says sub vocal over the micro bead “something’s approaching. I’m the one behind the tree”

“Well what are you waiting for” Deimos replies” you have your carbine. Purge it from this holy world”

Odette goes silent. The movement she had heard has stilled. All of it. Peaking out from behind her cover, controlling her breathing to minimise the sound she looks for sign of any movement. Thirty seconds pass. Nothing. “I don’t know what’s approaching” She mutters in the bead “Something is. Be prepared for anything”

 

The main squad moves from cover to cover. Troop split between those who hold ready in cover and those sprinting over open ground to the next shelter.  Half way through his sprint, Hans spies a green mass of bodies suddenly visible. Small things rising from behind broken walls and debris. Charging towards the squad, weapons readied.  Halting his sprint, collapsing down to one knee, carbine braced against his shoulder Hans Lokisson locks down the trigger into the centre of the mass. Two of the small green creature snap back, dead. Another drops rolling in agony. Cross fire burst out from the tree-line as Odette spies them, a las shot transfixing another thorough the neck.  Another stumbles as its kneecap disintegrates in a burst of energy.

Finish his sprint to cover Deimos slides the last of the distance behind granite pillars, leaning out, evil smile on his face as he unleashing the flamer into the alleyway. Scream come out from the midst of the flame, half seen figures staggering around in panic and pain. One falls consumed by the flame and most of the rest stagger as flame licks at their bodies. A few slugs spit out from the centre of the flame, trying to claim their assailants, most bounce harmlessly off brickwork but a single round catch Lokissons shoulder, punching clean through.

The burning greenskin’s pain does not last long, Baine, standing shoulder width apart, ripper gun braced against his body fills the alleyway with a hail of shells. By the time the barrels spin to a halt there is but a mushed green mess and a giant grin on the ogryn’s face. A non committal grunt over the micro bead from Deimos could potentially be interpreted as grudging respect for the dead the creature has inflicted.

Lifting himself from behind cover, Deimos moves amongst the faller figures, slamming the butt of his rifle upon the heads of any that could be faking their deaths whilst reciting a psalm about the Imperial Saints carving a beachhead in war out of the flesh of the fallen.

Glancing at Lokisson’s wound, Odette takes a deep breath.  The wound looks pretty bad, potentially an amputation case. “ I feel fine” Hans says with a shrug “Some burning but that’s it”

“Probably shock.” Odette replies “That’s a pretty bad sign. Not much I can do with the wound in the field.  I’ll try and keep it clean until we can do better”

“No really I’m f…”

Lokisson’s comment is cut off by a subhuman booming voice in the distance “Where you you, you filthy lot? Get back here before I fucking flay you”

Deimos quickly drops back into the shadows of the alcoves that line the streets. Carbine up and ready. Silently he motions Lokisson to an area opposite, but forwards slightly to prevent crossed fire arc.

Not catching the attempt to set up an ambush Baine stands right in the middle of the street, Ripper Gun ready, impromptu bait for the trap.

“Fuck. Mutants messed up. Wait for the greenskin to go for him and when it does we both spray it in the back” Deimos mutters to Lokisson.

The thumping of feet comes closer, giant slabs of meat that carry bulk and muscle. A seven foot, tusk toothed beast of muscle steps amidst the hidden guardsmen “Where the fuck are you, useless pieces of shite” it booms, head swivelling round and searching with beady eyes for its lost gretchen.

“Right. I’ve had enough of you. I’ll just say I killed you all” As it finishing saying that it steps into the clearing, spying the mess of burnt and shattered greenskins. The Ogryn right in front of it.

“NOW!” Lokisson mutters over the microbead and two las carbines open up at point blank range into the massive greenskins back. The first rounds rake its leg, tearing out chunks of flesh and muscle, the guns’ kick pull them upwards the energy heating the beast’s armour until it bursts into flames, the last rounds scorching its skull, stunning it and pitching it forwards into the waiting Ogryns burst from its Ripper gun.

Seeing the beast, somehow still alive, grunting in pain and lifting itself from the ground, Lokisson unslings his flamer and piles the flame on the enemy as Father Deimos approaches pulling the activation cord on his chainblade, smoke and noise pouring out as it roars to life. A single swing takes the creature’s head from its body and finally the creature lies still. A roar of victory hits the air, Deimos head back and shouting to the sky with the thrill of the kill.

Once the have secured the combat zone Lokisson moves across the bodies, securing firearms and ammo and tossing the bodies onto the burning pyre the flamer has created. The weapons are odd, slug throwers, but the construction just doesn’t look like they should even work. Baine lifts a large chopper from the large greenskins body, hefts it with a smile and slings it across its back. Once they have finished they turn to see Father Deimos, the Xenos’ head burning and impaled upon a staff, an impromptu banner for the shock squad.

“The xenos filth said he would tell the others” Deimos says “He came from that direction, so in that direction there will be more to burn”

They follow the trail for about a hundred meters before it gets lost within the looming architecture that surrounds them.  Deciding a higher vantage point may allow them to reappraise the situation Deimos asks Baine to watch the entranceway while Lokisson and he manoeuvre up the the buildings.

Using bags weighed down with rocks, the two toss an impromptu trap activator down the corridors while they shelter in cover. Aware that any of rooms could be layered with trip wires.  The area is clear however and they make prompt progress up the first six floors of dank and musty corridors.

The rooms are crypt like and cold, dusty nooks and crannies leaving many possible ambush points as they move through the domed gothic rooms. Lokisson glances down at the floor, some broken stone shards have been shifted to conceal spent food tins. Residue of human habitat most likely. Seeing no evidence of humans themselves, they move out to an balcony, cherubim hanging from above, and testimonies to the imperial saints etched into the sun bleached stone.

The forest opens up below them into a massive expanse of jungle.  Towards the rising sun they can see an area, lit by a massive blaze, and a set of smoke belching wheeled machinery tearing a swath through the jungle as it heads towards the flame, where sounds of fighting can be heard.

 

Deimos looks to Loksion “The battle continues without us, shall we head for the battle or the machinery do you think?”

“May be worth heading to the machine as they are closer” Lokisson replies.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the street the Ogryn stands guard while his comrade Jops bitches about the recent events.

“What the hell was that? What was that? Drop pods exploding! They can’t expect us to work in something like that. Emperor on the throne this is fucked up. Who the hell is in charge here anyway!”

“Never liked drop pods anyway “Baine replies

“Yeah, well, but that’s just your…condition”

“Never trust dark holes”

“Yeah, well they at least shouldn’t blow up on us” Jops says

“Baine shrugs “I woke up. You shoved me out the door. Still don’t know how we got here”

Jops muses a second “It was all nice and relaxed. Honest”

Baine pauses, spying something unusual at the edge of his sight. An old lady, half crouched below the banners hanging down marked with flickering hologlyphs, hand partially extended in  wave. Trying, simultaneously, to be noticed and yet hidden.

With a big teethy grin the Ogryn waves back, the old lady flinching away back into her cover. After a few moments her head pokes out again

“Are we safe now? Have you killed them?”

“Who?”

“The xenos. The greenskins. Alien scum”

“We killed them” Baine says

“All of them?” The lady says, incredulous.

“Yeah”

“You have to help us then! Do you have any food? We have refugees from the city, Xenos have overrun it. Do you know anywhere safe for them”

“Dunno. We’re new here” Baine rummages through his bag and offer a ration pack, gratefully received.

“Is there anyone else we can talk to”

“Yeah. Loony priest is upstairs. Through door way , up the stairs.”

“Thanks” the lady says, somewhat warily at the mention of “Loony priest “, as she starts to hobble to the door she pauses again

“I’m Yutter. Yuttel Val”

Firing People At Planets

Only War – RPG/TRPG Session

Run by Will

Imperial Guards;

Baine Bravith – Jason (jymmijamz)

Father Deimos - Chris (alcoholandaphorisms)

Hans ‘Loki’ Lokisson – Me

Odetta – Tanja

(Write-up by Chris)

EPISODE ONE

It has been one month. One month since the penal colony Hadean 013 gained what appeared to be a new moon in the form of the miles long recruitment craft. One month since hundreds or thousands of souls were scooped up,willing or unwilling, by “Recruiters” and pressed into service.  One month. Each day just another day in the Imperial Guard, where every meal is a banquet and every night sleep in the clasp of the god emperors arms.

One month repeating by rote the rituals of arming and unleashing of the violent machine spirits of their las carbines under the distrustful eye of the tech priests. The machine men watching to ensure no misuse of their holy charges or heretical dissemination of knowledge.  One month of running the endless decks, of learning how to fall from space, how to burn the xenos and how to sustain oneself on pure hate.

This is the Imperial Guard. The same dull rote monotony that they faced mining upon their penal planet, but with better food and less likelihood of death in acid lakes.  That is about to end.

 

Two weeks ago the rhythm, the heartbeat of the craft changed.   The shambling flesh an bone layered over pure steel, the servitors that maintain the ship now roll and hiss with renewed vigour under the tech priests eyes.  Arcane rituals repeated throughout the ship with the hum of static prayers to the machine god. Numerable teams of bureaucrats of the imperium break and wear away the archaic pens with florid handwriting over meter long sheets of regulation paperwork, wrapped in scrolls and stored in the info tombs at the depth of the craft. Cargo is dragged day after day from one end of the craft and back. The rumours rise. War is coming.  A battlefield awaits them.

The days are filled with rumours, but the nights are empty of dream. Exhaustion from the days drills gives no such luxury. Klaxon’s therefore break the troops  from oblivion of sleep, snapping them awake.  Stacked in tiny holes one above each other in the barracks. A heaving mass of humanity that staggers, jumps and rolls awake ready for inspection.

Hans Lokisson and Father Deimos are the first to the ground, standing to attention. Hans Lokisson, weapons specialist and notably scruffy amongst the guard. Black hair shoulder length and a day of stubble against regulations, even in a regimented line up he manages to slip into the background watching without betraying intent.  By comparison Father Deimos, the squad priest is an overt sight, garbed in ecclesiarchal robes, despite the best efforts still speckled with dried blood from self flagellation before the emperors shrines, scars upon his blade shaved head, and marks up the arms from self inflicted knife cuts to purify his flesh, his eyes instead burn to reflect his inner fire.

Moments later the two are joined by third squad member, Odette, Squad Medic.  She holds herself with quiet confidence against the  two squad mates. Professional, tidy, medium build. No element standing out, a slick trained conformity. Finally, slow, a muscled grey mass rolls from the sleeping hole thudding onto the floor. Big, muscled, grey and mean. The mutant Ogyrn Baine Bravith shuffles slowly to his feet just in time to come face to face with the entering Captain Atheas.  Finally standing to attention the Ogryn looms over the unimpressed Captain.  For a moment Captain Atheas looks like he is going to scream in the Ogryns face, bawling him out, but he holds back.  That is not his role, it would demean him to show such a response.

Instead the Captain smiles “Bravith. What is your drill sergeants name?”

The Ogryn looks confused for moment then grunts “Sergeant Vorgyn”

“Private Bravith” the captain says, hard emphasise on the first word “Be good enough to march over to Sergeant Vorgyn’s barracks right now and call him a useless shite waste of space”

The Ogryn blinks twice as thoughts try to line up in its head
“THAT’S AN ORDER PRIVATE!”

Finally comprehending Bravith shambles from the room to where Drill Seargent Vorgyn is preparing in his quarters
“Erm. Seargeant” the giant Bravith mumbles “Captain Aethis has a message for you sir. Says you’re useless sir sergeants sir. Sir.”

Almost visibly chewing upon an imagined cigar in his mouth the muscled drill sergeant squarely matches the Ogryns eyes, unimpressed “Is that what my captain said?”

“I believe so” The  mass of muscle across Bravith’s back rippled in a shrug “He said to come across to  you with the message…that you are a useless piece of excrement”

Neck muscles tensed, and veins bulging upon his forehead  the Drill Sergeants face slowly runs from the pale white of a void born to beetroot red, arms tensing and flexing. Lungs filling ready for release. “ARE YOU TRYING TO UNDERMINE MY CAPTAINS COMMAND MAGGOT? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING YOU WASTE OF UNIFORM? JENKINS! GET TWO DRUMS OUT ‘ERE. BIGGEST DRUMS WE GOT. WE ARE GOING TO CRUCIFY THIS MOTHERFUCKER.”  Spittle flies and two uniformed men run out, dragging metal drums which they set up nearly three meters apart. The Ogryn obediently lies out upon the drums, muscles taut, arms outstretched by the side

“Right. You are going to stay there. You are not going to move a muscle. If one muscle moves you will have wished to had been granted the emperors mercy rather than incurring my wrath. Do you understand maggot?”

Gritting his teeth  to keep straight Bravith replies “Sir. Yes sir”

Meanwhile the morning inspection continues, the wailing klaxon finally silenced. The soldiers are teamed in pairs, with only the Ogryn’s minuscule parter left standing alone in Bravith’s absence. A single servitor, metal skull head staring blankly, it’s rib cage wired expanded open, wires over steel to accommodate a massive vox caster build into the exposed cavity, echoes the captains words to all assembled.

“You may have been wondering what has been happening on this ship the past week. We have been descending to a solar system, to maintain its safety for the emperor’s loyal subjects.  I do not have either all the information or the clearance to give you the full information on what we will face. That is the job of the ships commander.  You should prepare to drop onto a planet filled with the enemies of the emperor. We will be making the drop in two days. During this time your squad should prepare for its likely role in securing the landing grounds for arriving imperial forces.  As a drop squad we expect you to act as the shock troops, landing where the enemy leasts expect it and destroying what is in your way. Present yourself to the quartermaster, and address any queries to him regarding available kit. Dismissed”

Elsewhere, the returning drill sergeant’s face twitches momentarily with disappointment,a  grunt escaping as he spies the Ogryn Baine, aching but unmoved still balanced painfully over the heavy drums. It may be a trick of the light but a mocking smile may have ran across the muscles of the hulking mutants face.

“Right” mutters Sergeant Vorgyn, before raising his voice again “Seems like we got a  smart one on our hands. Someone who thinks they can do what they like. Boys, ere, bring those weights. No, not those, the big ones. You’ll need both of you to carry them. Higher. Lift ‘em higher” The Ogyrn sags momentarily as something cold and metal sinks into its lower spine before pushing back, proud and braced against the pain once more.

“Right, lets see how it does with all this” Vorgyn says before leaving the room, empty once more.

The quartermasters area is sill nearly empty. A skinny, lean muscled man in open chested fatigues and sweat stained string vest, dog tags upon his chest mans the area, more interested in the innumerable meter high stacks of paperwork than any visitors. Hans Lokisson glances at the area as he waits, spying chattering difference machines spooling out sigil covered sheets that collapse onto the paperwork piles, adding to the drudgery to be done.  Eventually the quartermaster looks up

 

“First of the new lot are you? Bit keen.”

“What’s wrong with that” Hans says as he looks down his nose at the quartermaster in contempt. “I came early as I want your best stuff”

“Really?” The quartermaster says, before coughing with heaving chest “As good as that? Name and rank then son”

“Private Hans Lokisson of Hadeon 013”

“Fresh from fourth barracks huh” The quartermasters sniffs “No problem, general issue then. Right, one micro bead, don’t forget to set the right frequency. One uniform. One grav chute. One batch Frag grenades. No primers yet do don’t get cocky son. One set krak grenades. No primers again, not that we don’t trust you before the battlefield.” The quartermaster goes down the list, piling them high upon the arms of Lokisson “Right. That’s it. Any thing else you fucking need?”

“How about a woman for tonight? “Hans says with raised eyebrow under his non regulation length fringe

“From what I hear there’s plenty in the barracks…charming..man like you should be fighting them off with sticks”

In the aforementioned barracks Father Deimos has yet to leave. Blood spatters on the cold metal floors as he drags a scarification blade across the back of his arms , muttering prayers to the holy god emperor and spittle spilling from his lips “We have been led by our Captain” he say to the watching crowd “Shown by example as he cast out the mutant from amongst us. Sent the beast to insult out honest, pure, human drill sergeant so to raise his hatred for the other, and then forced the mutant to be cast down before that pure human hatred. Remember this example as we set upon the Xenos below, that hatred shall keep you pure as we purge the xenos with holy flame!”

Odette rolls her eyes at this, but the blood of the rest of the barracks raise in fire. Chants to the god emperor echo amongst the vaulted racks where they had been sleeping but moments before. As Odette slips out towards the Quartermaster, Father Deimos watches distrustful. She seems insufficiently pious, almost heretically open minded maybe. She must be watched lest she leads other to temptation.

Odette finds the stock quarters busier now, Bionic eyed corpses mounted upon tracks shuffle around. Buzzing from vox casters and pumping sheets of computational data from typewriters mounted in their sides as they distribute equipment to the waiting squaddies. A warm oily smell oozes from the one nearest Odettte as she waits, tapping her foot impatiently.

“Hold out your arms” Comes the Servitors hissing vox tones. As Odetta complies, it shifts placing item after item upon her arms “Do you require any other equipment?”

Odetta lists a complex set of medical kit that would be of aid. The simple machine spirit of the servitor whirs, and looks blankly before rolling off. Moments later it returns an presses a sledgehammer upon the top of the pile. Ignoring Odetta’s objects it then rolls off to process the next waiting serviceman,

After long hours of waiting Father Deimos finally reaches the front of the queue. His arms filled with his official robes and chainblade of purification.” Anything else you fucking need?” the quartermaster mutters.

“Yes.” Eyes still filled with the energy of his recent speech Father Deimos continues “I need the emperors purifying flame. Prometheum to fuel my flamer. The planet will be riddled with Xenos scum and I shall not be denied the chance to send them back to whence they came in his name!”

The quartermaster shrugs and makes a minimal attempt to look for prometheum canisters.  He is about to turn back with unconvincing apologies when he spies two directly beside him Still surprised he presses the two canisters to the top of Deimos’ arms.  “Huh, our supply line is barely set up, didn’t think we would have that”
“The emperor provides flame to match the fire in my heart” Deimos says, before departing to the weapons chapel cathedral to prostrate himself before the effigy of the emperor in thanks for this bounty.

Hours later the Ogryn, muscles taunt and burning, collapses to the ground. Barrels, heavy though they are, bouncing away from under its bulk. Their metallic clang echoing around the cathedral like room.

“WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?” The Drill Sargent booms, satisfaction finally in his voice after the lengthy wait he has had “What do you think this is? A girls camp? Sleeping on the job? GET UP SOLDIER!”

The Ogryn pulls himself slowly up, expression attempting for nonplussed despite the pain.

“Well? What are you just standing there for? Have you no work to do?” The sergeant shouts

“But, you told me to stand?”

 

“Your entire regiment has gone to the quartermaster already and you just stand here. You going to just stand there when shooting starts? MOVE YOU WASTE OF SPACE!”

Unquestioning Baine shuffles off to the quartermasters.  The crowd is dispersing now and the quartermaster turns to go back to his chair, instead coming face to chest with the massive Ogryn. Taking several steps back the quartermaster looks up. “So, you been in this game long?”

“We’re playing a game?” Baine smiles

The quartermaster sighs “Name and rank..”

Everything presented is Ogryn sized.  A massive reinforced microbead. Bulky ripper gun. A tent like length of cloth that counts as a uniform dragged by three privates into the Ogryns waiting arms”Oh god….”Mutters the quartermaster “Wet weather gear’s next….”

Confused at the seeming despair at such normal kit the Ogryn grunts “Got a bigger knife?”

After a lengthy search that turns up nothing, a large weighty stick is dumped onto the top of the Ogryn’s pile and the staff depart quickly before they are asked to provide anything else

Now equipped the squad return to barracks. Lokisson sat apart from the other, polishing the las carbines barrel.  Father Deimos, flak armour now strapped over his ceremonial robes, wraps his rosaries through a relic from his home planet, finger bones of children who died before they could serve the emperor.  Wrapping them around the barrel of his las carbine, around the purity seals on the weapon, Deimos gains the attention of their Captain who strides amongst them
“What are they?” Captain Aethis says, pointing at the relics, distaste in his voice

“How observant sir” Deimos smiles with disconcerting glee “These are the relics from my home planet, the finger bones of those who never had the chance to pull the trigger on a weapon. Their purity now set to war?”

For a moment the Captain is wrong footed by the response “Relics? Like that of Saint Drusus?” He shakes his head clearing the thought. This is no high ranking member of the ecclesiarchy, but a common penance world priest. “LISTEN YOU TWERP!. YOU MAY BE A PRIEST BUT YOU ARE STILL IN THE GUARD. TAKE THAT TAT OFF!”

“Sir. Yes sir” comes the reply. Deimos slipping the rosaries and relics into his pockets for later. The Captain is no different to any other warden, and when they are out from under his eye the relics can float free again in the emperors name.

The rest of the day is taken up with soul wearying exercise and sleep numbing rote repetition. Klaxons again break them from dreamless sleep in the morning. Hans Lokisson on deck and saluting before he is even fully awake, ready for inspection. Deimos moments after, then Odetta.  Finally the Ogryn slumps down again, sluggish and still unsure of where he is.  It is inspection time, new weapons and uniform have been issued and if they are not polished and shining then the men are ordered down to do hundreds of press ups. Spared punishment this time, Baine leers a sarcastic grin at the Captain’s departing back mockingly.

Finally the Captain settles at the end of the room, Drill Sergeant by his side and a warped servitor, vox unit breaking from its chest and carried upon two withered leathery arms.  As the Captain speaks his voice booms out from the servitors grill amongst hissing and static

“Today. Today men and women of the Imperial guard. Today events have moved up. You will be proud and honoured to know that your time of service is soon at hand. Each of you will now make your way in orderly and correct fashion to the antichamber to the left of these barrack. You will make your way in an orderly fashion right now!”

In lines the troops wheel out the door, merging in with the precision of a processional march. Lokisson hesitates a moment, unsure if he is following correctly, but quickly joins the line, Deimos, led by the emperors hands steps in fluidly, part of the machine, leaving Baine stood blinking and confused momentarily before just following those in front to wherever they may go. The procession of bodies goes smoothly, no showy flourishes,  just a natural rhythm of progression.

The mass of human bodies fill the designated room. An empty void of a chamber, vast and unadorned.  No few remember the fighting pits of their penal home world. Though those chambers were more acrid with the drippings of acid from their daily toil. Here servitors shamble and more experienced guard watch from railings and guard ways high above. Teams of servitors in ragged unison heave forwards, wrapped in chains around their bionic limbs, each step dragging a vast tablet from the ground, an image flickering across its surface  On each side more chains wrap giant vox casters that hum and spit. The wrath of the machine spirits within evident in their discordant feedback.

Upon the railings above, and simultaneously upon the screen a uniformed man appears. Embroidered bespoke uniform, double breasted jacket hanging over his shoulder, pocked by medals of past campaigns and adorned blade by his side.  The Regiment Commander Casmirre himself.  As he starts to speak the vox casters let out a high pitched whine of pain that falls to a rumbling groan that echoes with the commander’s voice.

“For many of you, this is the first time you have seen me, and for many of those, also the last. For those of you who have taken your training aboard this craft seriously, who have the emperor in your heart,  you shall see me again many times. Of that I have no doubt.”

“Our mission, sent from the high lords of Holy Terra itself, is to defend but one planet from Xenos scum. This planet, this one small planet, is a great and powerful necropolis world, part of the imperium and its right to claim all that it lays its eyes upon. The honoured dead of the imperium are buried here. The foul creatures have attacked this place and it is our duty to defend it!”

 

“You will be glad to hear, that we are not the only regiment against this force, we are merely the shock troops. The forefront of the assault.  The regiment colloquially know as “Tommy’s Scouts”, a mopping up regiment, will be here soon”

“But…”

“They will arrive after you have caused absolute chaos amongst the xenos scum,. Have no illusions, the Tommy’s are fine warriors, but also vain glory seeking boy scouts and farmers from a fat and weak world. They would take all the glory from those who truly earned it”

“I for one, do not intend to let them take one single ounce of glory or pleasure of the kill from my men! Your allies in this war will be here soon with their fancy weapons and hellhound tanks. Here a full week after you are dropped to the planets surface.”

“I don’t intend to give them anything to mop up.”

“We shall destroy every stronghold. Every foul Xenos. Every being that stands before us before they even arrive.. They shall parade and prance as they dance around, but shall they have the glory?”

“SIR NO SIR!” comes back the cry. In the midst of the screaming Lokisson shows less enthusiasm, fading to the back, away from sight. As the commander steps aside, he allows the Captains below him to meet the screaming hordes of Imperial guard, to give them their orders for the coming war. Sargent Vorgyn steps up to the squad “our task is to outfit and man drop pods 18-43. Get moving lads”

Chanting psalms of the saints of the imperium and the holy war against the Xenos Deimos  is first to the drop pod, a cramped ball, barely big enough for the group. Red hot pipes running though the gratings above, and ice touched shafts amongst the enclosed floor. As the men approach the metal affixing the drop pod to the ship creaks and groans, the pod itself rattling disturbingly.

The squad quickly goes through the motions, ignoring the flickering led sigils and technological runes that are etched into the drop pod, items that are under the purview of the Tech Priests. They strap themselves into the cramped alcoves that await them.  Calming his mind, and that of the squad Father Deimos recites a psalm of the joys of ignorance and how it shields you from temptation.  A single figure however has not joined them.

Paused hesitant at the entrance to the cramped chamber the bulky Ogryn Baine shakes its head.   The space is too small, some primal part of its brain refuses to move into what could easily become a cage.   Servitors shuffle around him, moving into the craft, matching dials and gears in auspicious alignment for the crafts release. Still The Ogyrn just stands looking in.

Finally Father Deimos snaps “Get in you mutated filth. The emperor has granted you a chance to redeem yourself in death. Get in here! Do not succumb to cowardice in the face of the xenos”

Confused the Ogyrn looks on
“GET IN NOW OR WE SHALL CHARGE YOU WITH DESERTION AND BURN YOU AT THE STAKE”.

Baine nods. Whoever is thinking of deserting is obviously bad and Deimos should shout at him.  He, however, is still just standing here outside the tiny death trap. He’s not dumb enough to go in such a small place, not dumb like whoever has annoyed Father Deimos.

Minutes pass and the dark interior of the drop pod suddenly is filled with new shadows cast by the dancing light of flame and the echoes of the rush of gas pouring loose. “Very well” mutters Deimos, unlatching himself from the drop pod, his flamer ready and primed in hand. “I should have expected nothing more from a mutant”

Deimos strides from the craft, lifting the bulky flamer with both hands “Final chance.. get in or I will burn you were you stand for defying the emperors will!”. Moments pass, Baine staring, realising finally the meaning.  He looks to the flamer, and ruminates that he is fairly sure that Deimos won’t pull the trigger.  Fairly sure. The Ogryn flexes its muscles and the priest finger slowly tightens on the trigger. Finally Baine looks at him, blinks, then sinks to his knees and then slides prostate to the floor.  The priest is momentarily impressed by the Ogyrns piety until he spies a servitor behind the creature, a now empty syringe at the end of its mechanical arms. A sedative syringe enough to put out an elephant, recently emptied into Baine. Disappointed , Deimos returns to his place in the drop pod, blowing out the Flamers primer, and returning the pod to darkness. “See, this is why no succour must be given to the mutant. Their very existence spits at all that is pure in the human form”

From outside the pod, the drill sergeant speaks “What about those who would not help lift their drugged colleague to their seat”

Father Deimos hides a frown in the darkness, then places the flamer pack by his side, and returns to the Ogyrn “I am just ensuring the sacred Prometheum is not spilled by the filthy mutant breaking its casing”.  His college Jools  runs out to help him drag the Ogryn in, but even between the two of them they barely manage to drag the bulky creature to the doorway. Exhausted Deimos looks in at the sat Imperial guard. “Am I to castigate this creature myself. Come lay your hands on the mutant and punish him for his failure?”. Their battle squad-mates, Stoo and Jops  disengage from their seats and help drag the bulky creature to the wall, putting the odd boot in on the way.

With everyone strapped in, more servitors come in, lights shining from bionic eyes, encompassing the room and confirming its state. Tech priests follow in their red robes of the Adeptus Mechanicus, sacred unguents puffing from their mechanical limbs that refract as rainbow slick oil against the lights.  Chanting the rituals “Turn the affixed gear sixth way, strike twice with the ritual spanner.  Place the activator in the slot of entry” they run through the final preparations of the drop pod.  Finally done, all but the squad depart. Chains dragging down the metal slab to shut them in. Isolated and alone.

Runes appear, counting down from a hundred. Lokisson stares into the middle distance, calm as he can in this strange and exotic machinery.   Acrid steam fills the chamber as the pod rattles and disengages, a sudden shock of movement, harnesses tight against their bodies, falling through the void. Smooth movement settles in for moments, before turbulence signifies their entrance to the atmosphere.  The runes the Tech Priests had been administering turn red, one by one. A red light fills the pod, growing brighter and brighter. The machine spirits moan through the vibrating shell of the craft.

“Though we walk through the valley of death we do not fear. We follow the example of our emperor and take the lives of the impure, adding their lifespan to our own “ Deimos mutters in the glare.

A hiss of static warps into a vox synth voice “The buckle and holy retention valves must be released at this time”. No one responds, the secrets of the Adeptus Mechaicum are not for them to know and the words mean nothing. Long seconds passed followed by the same synthetic voice “The weakness of the flesh is to remove itself at this time. By decree the doors and holy portal of drop pod 843-793 are to be opened. Release the holy doors at this time”

Lokisson glances to the door, seeing a set of numbers glittering above it “Detonation countdown initiated”. Releasing the catch on his harness Lokisson pushing himself across to the portal. The sacred rituals of opening are a guarded secret of the tech priests, but he pushes against the door, trying to move it through strength and will. The shaking of the door stills in response, the portal jamming fast and the countdown runes quickening.

Eyes still down, Father Deimos mutters “Do you have Krak grenades my son? Those idiotic tech priests have not taught their insubordinate machine spirits their place in the plans of the god emperor. Do the emperors will and destroy them to show that his will shall not be defied and the Mechanicum be damned”

Hans Lokisson nods, bringing two of the small and focused explosives from his satchel, afixing them to the door. Moments later their senses blink out. Eardrums recoiling, and eyes blinded. Wind slams them back in their harnesses. As their senses slowly return from the blast they see the success of their actions. The door ruptured to clear sky, and rapidly approaching ground.

Lokison, braced against the wall, glances over to where Baine still slumps, the drugs still leaving him unconscious. Before he can move to aid his comrade Father Deimos stands, robe billowing in the wind.

Without a second though Deimos casts himself through the open hatchway into the air, activating his grave chute as he falls to the ground, the words shouting from his lungs
“FOR THE EMPEROR!”

Below awaits for them, only war.

Mutant Chronicles RPG

Modiphius Entertainment are going to be creating a new Mutant Chronicles RPG, a re-boot if you will and a full rewrite, making this the 3rd edition.  And they have asking all their fans, and fans of RPGs in general to take a look at a survey they are holding on their website, to gauge the level of passion for the game and what people would or wouldn’t like.  Here is a direct link to the page so any interested can help by filling in the survey.

Also by filling in the survey you may be asked to help play test the game.  If you are interested that is, you do not have to playtest if you so desire.

“Grab your massive guns, strap on your shoulder pads, this gargantuan engine of destruction is purring away like a hot rod on the Martian flats and there’s a legion of Necromutant’s waiting to taste hot lead!”

Our Weekly Game Update

This post is to let everyone know what the situation is with our weekly game sessions, and how the write-ups for the games we play have stalled for now.  I usually add a tweet on Twitter as to regards with this, when I can, but not always get a chance to write a full report for the blog.  So please follow me and the blog on Twitter for an additional coverage and what not.  And while we are on the subject, you can also find us on FaceBook, so again please like the blog on there too.  Many thanks for your support through these social networks.

This past Thursday evening we have finally got to play another game called Only War, a roleplaying game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, were the players are in the Imperial Guard.  This game will be run by one of the regular players, and the usual GameMaster will sit in as a player.  I will not be writing this one up, as this will give me a break from the pressure, and will hand it over to Chris who did a great job on the write-up for the Rogue Trader game he played in, and whose write-ups appear on this very blog.

The Tribe 8 game is still put on hold for now, but this will recommence again come this summer.  We are itching to get back in and see where the story takes us, especially as it was left at a critical moment.

We have also rolled up and created a character for the old Games Workshop roleplaying game of Judge Dredd, so this is on standby for a one shot or so.  This will be run by one of the other players.

For those who are desperate to know what has happened to the Orpheus game write-ups, not to worry, the game will carry on as and when the GM has a chance to get back to the game, as he is overloaded with work at the moment.  But do not fret it will continue, hopefully soon.

The time given to me from not having to worry about a write-up, will hopefully give me more time to get a game together that I will run, as I have been itching to run a game again for a while now.  Too many ideas not going anywhere.  I may also have more time to add additional posts of a different kind to this blog, along similar lines to previous posts.

A New Steampunk RPG Kickstarter

While on Twitter I came across a tweet that was intriguing so I took a look.  What I saw was definitely interesting, as it was a link to another Kickstarter for a new roleplaying game.  And as there are many fans of RPG/TRPG on here, and no doubt a lot of you are fans of Steampunk too, thought this was something that you may all find of interest.  The Kickstarter was by a new company called Caelestis Designs, and the new game and world is called Edara: A Steampunk Renaissance.

Caelestis Designs is a new gaming company created by two college roommates from Indianapolis, IN, with a passion for games and an abundance of creativity.  They have been gaming together for over five years and have created countless tabletop worlds and campaigns.  Edara: A Steampunk Renaissance is their first attempt at commercially publishing a piece of their work because this is the world and game that they are most passionate and excited about.  If everything goes well here, expect to see even more entries from Caelestis Designs in the future.  Click on the following picture to head on over to their website.

The Steampunk Renaissance describes the cultural movement currently happening in Edara. For the past few centuries, Edara has been steeped in violence. Religious leaders from both the Black and White Bands believed their Primarchs to be at war and carried that spiritual battle to the physical fields of Edara. This lead to closed borders, division between the mortal races, and an air of tension that lasted for hundreds of years.

With the discovery of Steam Technology, all of this changed. Suddenly, there was hope. Green Band Inventors and Red Band Engineers went to work harnessing that power and creating Gadgets that make life easier. Roadways were built to connect cities that had never been connected. The first Cross-Realm railroad has been completed and steam powered Zeppelins roams the skies. The world is smaller than ever. This allows for an exchange of ideas and culture that had long since been forgotten. Now the focus is on the inventors, artists, and musicians who are slowly removing the blanket of fear from Edara. The world is ripe for travels and adventures. Edara is open once again.

So if you find all this interesting yourselves then please take a look at their Kickstarter page.  Kickstarter

Introducing Magic Madhouse from the UK

It is with great pleasure to introduce to all of you my dear readers, an online business which will be featuring on this very blog.  I would like to introduce Magic Madhouse.  This company will have a link on the ‘Sponsor Link’ section, as they will be providing to you my readers a code at the end of this feature, so that every one of you can use as a discount against a purchase.  This redemption code is a once only, per person 10% discount on buying from their online shop.  Also in the near future they will be providing more as prizes in possibly a monthly competition.

Magic Madhouse is an online store based in the UK, who dispatched worldwide.  They are the UK’s biggest online stockist of Magic the Gathering cards, both single and packs.  Magic Madhouse also stock other card games and boardgames, this they will be growing over the coming months, along with accessories.  All this you can see when you visit their website here – http://www.magicmadhouse.co.uk/

I am in talks with them about where we can go from here, and I will let you know as and when.

And here is the free introductory code for you to use and the details of use.

Code – GAMETALES10

Value – 10% off http://www.magicmadhouse.co.uk/board-games-c1302

Use – Once per customer.

Deadline – Only runs out once it has been used.

So please enjoy and I hope it is of some benefit to you all.  Game on!

A long overdue update to my gaming collection

It has been a while since my last update, showing you guys (& gals) what my recent pick ups and buys have been.  First off here is a picture showing all of the goodies together, (except one item.)  Right at the end of this post I will put a picture of the backs for you to take a look at and read if you like.

Now to begin with, I was given several months back, in the later part of last year, a little gift from a friend who saw this next item in a charity shop, and for some reason thought of me and bought it.  Now skip some months, and I find myself in a charity shop and find the same item and thought I would buy it.  Now you see my friend doesn’t live so close and hadn’t gave me my gift yet, and then I went and forgot he had it for me.  Well I now have two of these, but never mind, it just means more dice!

Next is the items you saw in the first picture, which I had bought only very recently.  First I bought these next three items from the same shop.  First is the Carcassonne dice game.  Now I love playing the original board game, and even have it both on my game console and my mobile phone.  And as some of you may have guessed, I do like my dice, so this version seemed like a must buy.  As yet I have not sat down to play, but it does look simple and straight forward.

Then we have my next weakness, and that is for Mr. H. P. Lovecraft’s cuddly baby sitter and all round friendly sea sleeping God, Cthulhu.  I have not ever got around to buying or playing the original Fluxx, but as this one was Cthulhu Fluxx, well I just had to buy that one and see what the game is like.

Now on to the last of the first three games I bought from the same shop, and that is a booster to another of my favourite, and fun games, Munchkin.  Now this booster is usable for any of the Munchkin games, even though the card backs are for the original.  And as you can see they made it a seasonal themed booster, covering the time of the year when I had actually bought them.  Munchkin Easter Eggs.

Now on to the next three gaming books which again I had bought together from a different shop, this shop is a lot more out the way and further for me to travel to, but I really enjoy going in to and browsing, especially as they have second-hand, pre-owned roleplaying books.  The first one I will cover is a companion book for an old Games Workshop RPG that I still own and enjoy playing.  I felt that this was a great little find, even though the condition was not very good.  The corners and spine was tatty and broken, and even some of the pages were stuck together!  However it was a fair price and was a book I do not have, or had found.

Then we come to another source book, this one for a Palladium Books roleplaying game called Beyond the Supernatural.  Again this book I had not come across before, and as it was at a good price, thought it would be a good addition to my Palladium Books (& RPG) collection.  It contains six new adventures, as well as having additional monsters and rules.  Again this one was not in a good condition, a bit dog-eared on the corners, but was better than the Warhammer book.

And then finally on to my last item.  This one I had once before in my collection, but it had been one of the first to go when I needed the space and money.  However seeing it sat there on the shelf at a bargain price, and as I had never got around to running or playing it, I thought what the hell.  This RPG is set in the Babylon 5 universe, and at the time I really enjoyed watching this series on the TV.  (I have not watched it since, so I do not know how well it stands up now.)  This book was in near perfect condition.

And now I will finish off by leaving you with a final picture of all the items as I said at the start, but this time the backs.

What To Do?

Conspiracy X – RPG/TRPG Session

Run by Will

Investigators;

George Winston – Jason (jymmijamz)

Ray Winters – Me

CHAPTER FIVE

Commander Connolly feels like he may be losing control of things as he watches both, George and Ray take stock and charge of how ‘they’ want to handle things.  Both of them always having quiet words together.  Connolly straightens his mind and resolve and begins to feel like he is still in charge.

Ray turns to the commander and asks if he has a room or bunk, some sort of containment area, where they can place all the components of the crashed aircraft.  Connolly looks over at George still using the mobile phone, which he is now putting back in to his pocket, feeling he should reprimand him, but thinks better of it.  He looks back at Ray and states that they seem to be the experts on the mess that is unravelling within his base, and wishes to know what they are advising.  Again Ray asks Connolly if there are any secure bunks in base.  Connolly thinks for a moment before answering.  He informs them that unofficially there is no such facility, but however they do have secure underground bunks for the computer equipment, unfortunately there is not a lot of space.  He then mutters how the crash investigator is going to rip him a new one for moving the craft.  Ray speaks up and states that it is better that then to lose more men.  “We are not destroying it, only moving it.  That would be the last result if we can not contain it securely.”  Connolly perceptively straightens himself upon hearing this.  “We best get this thing moving then.  But I don’t believe this will all fit down there.”  He also suggests that they had better take note of where everything is positioned.

They make sure that all the notes that are already taken is in place and show positions, and they also take more notes and photographs to double make sure for later recreation.  A group of Connolly’s men come in and begin to move the consignment of parts over to the elevator and take it all, or most of it down to the bunker.  George and Ray notice that the lift seems to travel further than the floors that are shown.

Back in the medical building, Mortimer is attending to his large quantity of patients, none of which seem to be getting any better.  Many of them still muttering nonsense.  By the time they have more or less finished loading most of the aircraft down in the bunker, George receives a call on the Aegis phone.  Tim Jenkins greets George on the other end of the line.  The same man who saved his life over ten years ago, and is now his boss back in MI5.

George greets him friendly, saying he is a little busy right now, and asks what he can do for him.  “AWOL again?  Don’t worry, don’t worry.  I can tell when things need to be done.  What I would like to know is how I can tell where you are?  Morocco isn’t it?  I know we have been able to work well together and very efficiently, to which I am very grateful, but something is going on down there.  The problem is I can’t concentrate on my work.  Is…is there anything that needs to be done?”  George tells Tim that he needs to have a quick word with his colleague, and then take the phone down from his ear, using his hand to cover the mouthpiece.

George tells Ray about his boss, and how he is offering to help.  They have a quick talk about what could be done, Ray making sure that this Tim guy can be trusted.  George assures Ray that Tim is above board and trustworthy.  Ray suggests that they could do with a containment flown in that can easily contain say, a radioactive materials, lead-lined that sort of thing.  George agrees and goes back to the phone to word careful the question.  Tim doesn’t ask any further question, but does stammer at the implication.  He tells George that MI5 doesn’t have access to any containers within Morocco, but he can fly one out to them, it shouldn’t take any more than a few hours coming from Spain.

George discusses with Tim the necessary requirements of the consignment, assuring no haz-suits are needed, and the outbreak is contained.  It is suggested that the container is dropped off outside near to the military base, where it will be retrieved.  Tim assures George that he know that something is going down that he is not telling him, and asks for an off the record explanation when he gets back.

Going back in to the hanger, which is now virtually empty in comparison, George shares the news of the arrival of a containment container being flown in to commander Connolly, confirming an ETA (estimated time of arrival).  Connolly looks pleased at hearing this, even through his stern expression.  A technician can be seen sweeping the hanger with a handheld meter, which is giving off beeps and click sounds.  Connolly sends the technician out and turns to George.  “This is clearly not a radiation threat to my men and base, but this is what you are telling me, that it radiates?”  A puzzled expression crossing his face.  “It is the best way that I can describe it.”

“It is the most logical, easy way for the human mind to understand it.  Yes.”  Ray adds to George’s explanation.  Connolly looks sideways at Ray, “Was that an insult?”

“Not at all, it wasn’t you it was aimed at, but merely a generalisation.”

“Much like the description.”  George adds.  Ray assures Connolly that his men and his base is his main concern, and this is what he and George are trying to help him with.  Reminding him that this threat goes beyond his base and men, and they are trying to help as best they can.

Connolly moves on to the problem with his men, now that the aircraft is secured in their bunker, his men are still no better off.  He tells them that Mortimer is wanting to get some serious surgeons in to operate.  George and Ray show concerns of having more people come near this problem, and the threat it may give to them too.  But Connolly assures them that it is the only way, and that he will give them the option to leave when they arrive, before entering.  He also worries how these men may also be attacked trying to make it to the military base.  Ray agrees with this, saying that it is not something that they want to get in to the hands of someone who could potential use it as a weapon.  Weapon research of some kind, so it would be better to destroy it than get in the wrong hands.

Next Connolly asks how they are getting on with finding out who it was that had attacked them.  Ray shares that they are still none the wisher at this time, all they know is the vehicle is registered to a local legal firm.  However they are not sure whether this is a front or a stolen car.  Connolly says to leave it with him and walks off.  After a while the technician comes back in and carries on with his sweep, using his Geiger counter only wearing his short sleeves and shorts.  George and Ray leave too, heading back over to the medical building to see how Mortimer and his patients are doing.

There are no more patients on the beds, within the medical room, in fact there are fewer due to deaths.  The patients look a lot more haggard and drained, but more mental than physical.  Mortimer comes over to them as they enter, asking George if he has any news for him.  George tells him that they believe it to be the aircraft that is the cause of the illness.  Mortimer looks confused with this conclusion, stating how can this vehicle cause the anomaly to his patient’s Vertebrae.  Especially as it would have had to have been surgical procedure.  However there are no signs of any scars.  Ray assures him that they are looking in to all the possibilities and can only come up with this conclusion currently.

The telephone rings on Mortimer’s desk, which interrupts the discussion and Mortimer excuses himself.  Moments after answering the phone, Mortimer turns to look at George and Ray, placing the handset back on the cradle.  He tells them that it was commander Connolly, and he would like to see them in his quarters straight away.  “He has something import he wishes to discuss with you.”

Connolly stands at the window looking out across his base, telling George and Ray that he has been in talks with the local authority, and has managed to get some legal sway to investigate outside the base, as long as it is on the quiet considering that an ambulance of theirs was shot up.  He also tells Mr Winston that a man has rang up the base, knowing exactly what he has been up to there.  And tells Connolly that there is a plane coming within two hours.  George assures Connolly that everything is secure and above board, sharing with him that a containment unit is being flown in to house the aircraft.  He also asks Connolly if a location and time was given for the drop off.  Connolly unfolds his arms from behind his back and walks over to his desk, shuffling through some papers on his desk and handing over a sheet containing an ETA and drop off location marked on a map.

Connolly then hands over another piece of paper with the legal authority to do the investigation on the legal firm within the city.  He reminds them that they need to keep it quiet and out of the press.  All must be low key and above board, feeling that they would like to be the ones who investigate, otherwise they would have to give details to his men.  George and Ray agree and decide to head over to the legal building in the city while they have time to wait for the containment drop off.

****

The business district of the city is packet with cars and people going about their business at this time.  Ray drives their bullet-riddled car up to the address of the legal firm, finding it is a large high storey structure.  They see a secure van that disposes confidential paper pull up outside the building.  Rays turns to George, asking him to double-check to see if this firm is a front for IDD or not, just to make sure they know what they are about to get in to.  The information that comes back to George is that the firm has been around for several years, and they are a highly prized company.  The only thing that flags up is some odd stock sales that had gone on in the recent pass.  It seems to be showing signs of a hostile take over of some kind.  Otherwise the company is just an ordinary business going about its daily work.

They just sit there in their car looking at the coming and goings of the company.  There is a reception desk and security desk in the main lobby of the company.  After a short time of watching, they decide to go one over and enter the main lobby.  First they decide on how there are going to play it, and decide to use both George’s credentials, if needed, and the official paperwork from the Moroccan state, allowing an investigation in to a car crime.

There is a new carpet smell about the place, with a cool sterile air feel pumping from the air-conditioning.  At the reception area, two receptionists sit behind a large wide desk.  Seeing these two new visitors walk towards them, the female receptionists mutter something amongst themselves in Arabic and one walks off behind a partition.  The woman soon comes back and sits herself back behind the desk.  And soon after a smart dressed man comes from around the partition and walks up to both George and Ray, greeting them in a heavy accented English, asking how he may help them.

George takes the lead, being the man with years of experience in police type work.  He informs the smart dressed man before them, that they are there investigating a car crime.  They believe that one of their cars was involved in a car accident, and wish to check on their logs for the vehicle.  George shows him the paperwork.  The man tells them that all the paperwork will be downstairs, and offers to lead them to the room.  As he leaves he leans over to one of the female receptionists and says something in Arabic.  He then turns back to George and Ray and leads them off.  The woman behind the reception desk picks up the phone and begins to dial.

The smart dressed man leads them over to the security desk and asks for their names.  He then enters their names and gives them passes to clip to their jackets.  After this formality he leads them downstairs to the car pool, garage area, where he takes them in to the office.  There are a few black SUVs parked in the large car park, all looking identical.  And there are also several empty spaces.  At the end of the open area is a closed of section with doors, used for the maintenance.

The smart dressed man offers to help them translate the documents for them, as it is all written in Arabic.  George tells the man the incident happened that very morning, between ten and midday.  The man picks up a clipboard that covers that time and looks over the information.  He then tells them that only three cars are signed out for that time period, one of which has not returned and fits the description.  The man is surprised to see a signature he doesn’t recognise who had signed it out.  Checking the number plate Ray picked up on the SUV and the one signed out, he confirms that the vehicle is the one and the same.  The man looks genuinely concerned at this news and suggests he needs to get a hold of his boss.  He leads them back upstairs with the documents, leading them in to a private waiting room.  Where he leaves them and heads off to contact his boss.

While waiting, George sends off an up-to-date report of their findings with the legal firm so far, confirming it is indeed one of their vehicles.  Not long and the smart dressed man from the reception comes back, followed by a couple of other smart dressed men and a security guard.  One of the new smart dressed men stands at the back of the group taking notes.  While the other steps forward and greet both George and Ray, confirming they are there investigating an auto-crime.  He introduces himself as Ammar.

After the introductions, the man from the reception leaves.  Ammar assures George that the signature is forgery, and they will be looking in to it.  “I assure you it will not happen again.  Was anyone injured in the incident?”  George assures him that no one was harmed.  He also agrees to meet the counter signature, the head mechanic who signed the paperwork off.  Ammar tells them to wait there a little longer while they go off and send the mechanic up, thanking them for their time and understanding.  The three men leave, the man taking notes at the back leaves last of all, giving both George and Ray a once over, subtlety, before turning and leaving.  Ray noticed over the short conversation, that Ammar seemed to look over to this note-taking man occasionally as if checking he was saying the correct things, almost as if in a legal capacity.

While waiting once again in the room, Ray takes a walk outside and over to the reception desk.  He walks up to the smart dressed man that helped them earlier and asks if he could know who the other two men where that had met them.  The man apologises for not knowing the security guards name, but does give the other, the note-taker, as Aadhil, a member of the company’s legal team who deals with internal affairs.  Ray thanks him for the information, assuring him that he doesn’t want to speak with him, only wishing to know who else was in the room, especially as there were no introduced.

Several minutes later a man in stained overalls, and a failed attempt at cleaning himself up, walks up at in to the room to meet with George and Ray.  The man looks uncomfortable, and seems to have had a recent telling off from the way he is holding himself.  He greets them and asks them that there seems to be some problem with the vehicle he signed out.  The chief mechanic looks over the paperwork presented by George and thinks for a moment before agreeing that he does remember signing the SUV out, to a gentleman he doesn’t remember seeing before.  However the gentleman did have all the proper paperwork and ID pass.  The mechanic shows his for emphasis.  He believes he was working for one of the company executives.  “And it is not good to be in the way of one of the company executives, so I gave him the car keys.”

After some more questions and a description of the guy along with a clarification on the name given by the guy, the mechanic tells them that the SUV should be due back sometime later that day, as the paperwork is for the short use, not the over twenty-four hours form.  The company is due to close for the day soon, but the car could be due back anytime between now and first thing in the morning.  George and Ray thank the man for his assistance and allow him to go back to his work.

Back out in their car, George and Ray decide on what they need to do next, especially as time is moving on and the drop off will be due soon.  As they talk the Aegis mobile phone rings in George’s pocket.  This time the call is from the female cigarette smoking contact in charge, George details to her what progress they have made, and how they have a radiation containment container coming in.  The woman tells him that so far a lead-lined container has no effect on this kind of ESP (extrasensory perception) what so ever.  She asks how long they have know about the legal firm, and the possible connection, reminding him that if they are connected to IDD, IDD to have contact with the aliens, and there will be a possibility of some sort of equipment on site.  She also reminds him that they need to finish this off quickly.

Once the business hours have come and gone, George and Ray give a quick study of the security guards routine.  Also contacting the base commander Connolly, telling him he will have to deal with the drop off as they are still busy with the investigation.  The legal firm’s building is locked down, and the patrols are regular but with the occasional gap.  The guards use a swipe card which they swipe at certain points, registering their patrols.

Ray using his vast background knowledge of this sort of thing, he spies an ideal entry point, and suggests a window of opportunity to make their move.  Ray takes longer than he thought to pick the locks to the garage area.  The window of opportunity is short and they barely get inside in time.  George mentions the security cameras, but they are stationary with one blind spot they can exploit, along with the shadows and bright lights of passing traffic.  They find a shady dark corner behind some vehicles, and wait for a passing vehicle to use as a distraction to make a move.

Quickly they find themselves at a set of elevators and a door to the stairwell.  They decide to go down to the basement to start searching first.  Down in the basement they find it to be dark and dusty, with a lot of filing cabinets and paperwork.  All the details are before and up to the date when there was the ‘hostile takeover’.  There is also old video and office equipment scattered about.  However they do not find any sings of anything alien.

Next they decide to go to the very top of the building and work down from there, beginning with the top floor offices.  They use the stairwell to make their way up, knowing when to avoid any detection from the guards’ routine patrols, and hide in a store cupboard.  It takes some time to make their way up, but they do get there eventually.

The top floor holds the high-class, executive offices, with sophisticated security locks on the doors.  Luckily Ray has seen similar types before and soon has them open so they can venture further in.  Again the place smells of fresh new carpets and furniture.    The offices are sectioned off in to separate rooms, each with a stencilled name on each door.  All bearing Arabic names, but one does stand out that Ray recognise as the name he was given before.

Inside the office room they find a set of clothes that seem to have fresh dust coating, apparently the guy does spend some time outside the offices too.  At the back of the room is a locked cupboard and filling cabinet, and before this sits the plush desk which also has locked draws.  Ray caresses his fingers across the locks and soon has them open on the desk.  They find a handgun along with legal notepads and letterheads.  Also amongst this they see several USB sticks, along with the usual office desk equipment, like staplers, hole-punch etc.  Ray pockets the USB sticks, and then they turn to the cupboard.  Again Ray caresses the cupboard lock, sensing and feeling the craftsmanship of the lock, however this lock is a lot tougher to tease open, as it is a lot more sophisticated than the others.  It takes a bit more time, but Ray eventually pops the lock and the door clicks open.

Behind the door of the cupboard they find another room, a secret room.  The room appears to be half finished, and one installation of many.  There is lab type equipment placed around the room.  Most of which is of the physical science, but there are some common chemistry gear as well.  Probably enough room for five or so scientist to be stationed there experimenting on things.  As they investigate the room they come across more of the porous rock material like that of the aircraft at the military base.  It seems to be a handheld implement.  George picks it up to have a closer look, and he instantly has a feeling of bonding with it, a familiarity.  George tells Ray that this must be what they are looking for.

They are suddenly both aware of quiet footsteps approaching the main office area.  Quickly they both decide to stay put and close the door to the secret room, hoping to hide in there undetected.  As they wait George can feel the alien object feeling warm in his hand, and as he concentrates on it, the vibrations harmonizing with him, he is aware of other presences that are distant and in distress.  Quickly he relaxes his thoughts and shares what he finds to Ray, suggesting that it may be the men back at the military base.  Ray thinks and offers that he try again and send calming, healing thoughts their way, see what happens.

As George concentrates once more, he has the same sensation but feels a confirmation that it is the men at the military base he is sensing.  He is not sure whether is feelings are doing anything or if it is just him projecting the emotion.

It has been a while now and Ray is unaware of anyone outside in the office, so he dares opening the door a crack and looks through.  Seeing that the room is in darkness and still hearing nothing, he opens the door fully.  Thankfully there is no one about and they can finally make their way back out.  They retrace their steps, making sure to avoid any patrols and camera surveillance.  Successfully making out safely, Ray making sure to lock the doors that were locked once again.

****

Now back at Fort Stanley military base, George and Ray find that the commander Connolly and his men are finishing off loading up the materials from the crashed aircraft.  Connolly stops when seeing them enter, asking how their findings had gone.  Ray tells him that they had a good look around, but are unsure what they have found.  Connolly leads them back down to the bunker.  As they walk Ray tells him that they may have something with some USB sticks they found, but they do not know yet.  Connolly offers them the use of his expert men and equipment on checking the stored data.

Connolly shows them how they have progressed with the loading of the aircraft parts, seeing that the container can hold no bigger than the size of a mid-sized family car within.  Seeing that they will not be able to fit all the materials in at the same time still.

While Connolly and Ray talk, George decides to try to concentrate on the alien object again.  Now back at the military base he is fully aware of all twenty-four military personnel and James Adams, on beds in the medical building.  But there is something else, some ‘other’ presence he can sense.  He narrows it down to the remaining rocks left in the bunker.  Them seem to have a sort of mind, a presence.  However one of them in particular has a stronger presence, this being the rock that they assumed to be the ‘black-box’.  This one has more metal and rock/coral mix, and of a larger size to the others.  George forms the words in his mind, asking a question out to the rocks.  “Who are you.  What do you want?”

The phone in Ray’s pocket rings and he answers it.  Mortimer is on the other end, saying that his patients are getting more agitated and distressed.  Ray relates this to George.  George again focuses on the alien object and asks again, picturing his question more this time.  “What do you desire?”  Mortimer tells Ray that the men which are calm become calmer, while the agitated one begin to babble nonsense and become stressed.  Again Ray relates all that Mortimer is telling him.  George tries again, using emotion and pictures to ask, focusing on need.  The stressed patients react with different answers such as food or drink.

George next switches tact and tries this approach on several rocks.  In his mind the rocks seem to merge and become stronger.  So much so that it becomes unbearable, and he has to tear his mind away, tossing the rocks to the side to break his mind link.

Ray seeing and hearing what is happening, suggests that they need to destroy the ‘black-box’ object at least and anything else they can along with it.  He sees how George feels about this and then informs Mortimer of their next action.  Mortimer agrees and tells him that he will authorise it himself if need be.

Connolly, George, Mortimer and Ray are now in full agreement as to what to do next, so they get to work on organising this action.  Connolly tells them that he has the experts who can set it up, and goes off to organise this while ordering his men to fill some containers with the objects.

Now all outside and in an open area, Connolly sets to, personally seeing to the operation.  He orders his experts to wrap some explosives around the small containers, and trace a wire over to a safe outside bunker where the trigger is set.

All standing behind the bunker, looking over at the charged objects, Connolly inserts the key in to the trigger box, turning the key and then lifts a safety cover of a button.  He looks over everyone they one last time to make sure and then ducks and covers as he presses the button.

It is almost like nothing happens to begin with, no visual signs or sounds, but then an intense pressure wave hits them, a dead silence all around them.  And then the sound rushes back, filling the void as dust particles begin to fall back to the ground.  George barely kept to his feet from the pressure he felt, probably more than the others.

Once they are sure of the safety, they rush back over to the medical building to check in on Mortimer and his patients.  There are a few more flat-liners, but the others are looking a lot healthier resting in their beds.

Commander Connolly soon comes over to the medical building, asking to no one in particular, how the higher-ups knew about what had happened already.  Telling them that the base is now in International quarantine, and he barks at George and Ray to leave immediately.  As they both leave, they receive a call from their female contact from Aegis.  She wants to know exactly what had happened, and what exactly the commander had to say, making sure they give her his exact words.  She also wants to know what if any parts are remaining and the exact location of those pieces.  This both George and Ray tell her, and once she is informed of everything she wants to know she just hangs up.  Mission end….

The Chase Is On

Conspiracy X – RPG/TRPG Session

Run by Will

Investigators;

George Winston – Jason (jymmijamz)

Ray Winters – Me

CHAPTER FOUR

George and Ray now find themselves amongst the patients in the military’s small hospital ward.  Doctor Mortimer is busy rushing around from bed to bed, giving each a quick check to see who is more critical of all his new arrivals.  Some still arriving as he goes about his duties as best he can under the circumstances.  One or two of the new patience even seem to be gibbering nonsense, as they are lead to a spare bed by a colleague.  Mortimer seems to be unaware and worried by this situation, but is performing in a professional manner.  Two low ranking medical helpers join him to help check on the growing number, and even take a look at the few that are now dead.

Mortimer looks over at both George and Ray, and barks out an order to them, asking for them to go and check on one of his patients.  George being more on the medical persuasion steps forward and goes over to the closest, un-attended patience, and begins to check the guy’s blood pressure.  Ray stands about feeling a bit useless and in the way.  He goes over to stand near the door, to assist by opening the door, and see who comes and goes.

After several minutes the sudden influx begins to slow and then cease.  The small medical area pretty much at its limits.  Ray engages in some small chitchat with one of the security guards that brings a guy in, asking if he knows what had happened, and maybe where it stems from.  Where the epicentre could be?

A Sergeant asks what Ray is doing there, and Ray turns his head, nodding over towards George, stating that he is with him.  He also shares that Connolly is aware of their presence on base.  The Sergeant suggests that if he has nothing else to do, he could help him to a search of the base to find any remaining personnel that are not accounted for, which may need assistance.  Ray agrees, glad to be of help where he can.

As the Sergeant leads them out from one building to the next, informing Ray that some area he will not be allowed due to security clearance.  Ray’s Aegis mobile telephone rings in his pocket, recognising the familiar ring tone.  Ray answers the call, being careful how he answers and replies.  The Sergeant not looking to happy with this infringement of possible security breach, but refrains from saying anything, instead turning his attention to the job in hand.

The voice on the other end of the call is the smoking, smart-dressed woman who is George and Rays contact with Aegis.  She asks if they are in Morocco, and wishes to know what is happening.  She instructs him that whatever is happening there needs to stop immediately as it is causing problems locally with their psychic operatives.  Also telling him that the military base in Morocco is lighting up like a… Ray confirms that the base is the exact location of where they are.  She also asks if any outside influence has made any effect.  Ray states that he will check with Winston, but as for himself, he is unaware of any as of yet.  The woman’s voice tells him that they believe it could have a grey connection, and asks him if he has seen any evidence of psychic activity.  Ray thinks and then tells her about the problem they had with James Adams.  She tells him to get him out of the hospital straight away, and then to take him and contain him at the military base.  They then must end this phenomenon immediately.  She then hangs up, and Ray turns the phone off and slips it in his pocket.

The Sergeant turns back to Ray and asks if that was a girlfriend or something.  Ray tells him that it was the ‘higher ups’ checking in.  “You know how it is?”  The Sergeant looks sideways at him but carries on.  “You do realise this IS a military base here, and we take security seriously?”

“Of course, I would not expect anything less.  I am glad to hear it.”  Not saying anymore on the matter, but keeping an unhappy expression, the Sergeant leads Ray in to a nearby barracks.  The living conditions are somewhat squalid.  The room is nice and spacious, but the furniture is somewhat rickety.  There is no one around, as everyone looks to have left in a hurry.

They give a quick check around the barracks to make sure that no one is left hidden on the floor collapsed.  Once finished, Ray tells the Sergeant that he needs to quickly report back to George Winston, and asks where he will need to head back to once he has finished.  The sergeant points over to another building, telling him to report to Briefing Hut 3.

Back at the medical building, some more medical personnel arrive and go over to assist George with the guy he is attending, as his vital signs are very weak.  George hears they talk about incident they have seen that involved nerve gases, but quickly dismiss this idea, as the symptoms seem to differ.  The patient is stable but his blood pressure is high, and heart racing.

Soon Ray returns and walks up to George, he tells him where he has been, and then pulls him off to one side, sharing what he has been told by their female contact.  After a brief discussion, they decide to both go to the hospital back in the city and get James Adams discharged in to their care.  They inform Mortimer what they are planning, George doing all the talking, saying that it would be good to contain him in the military base as well as it could be a connection between the two.  Mortimer offers them to give his name if they come in to any difficulty.

At the hospital, Ray did all the driving, not sure how well it would be for George after his little spell, they enter to find someone who they could talk with about discharging one of their patients.  They give the name of Doctor Mortimer from the Fort Stanley Military Base.  The guy goes off to find the woman in charge of the patient, Ray also giving her name too to make sure.

The female doctor looks confused at them, wondering why a military base would be involved with them if they are only on holiday.  George explains that they were visiting the military base when they got talking to someone there, and were told that they may be able to help with the unusual circumstance.  Again he gives the name of Mortimer, and this seems to help as she looks relieved to her his name.  She tells them to wait while she just goes to contact him to check the story

Soon the female doctor at the hospital comes back, just as orderlies are wheeling James Adams towards the ambulance loading bays.  James is still unconscious and not looking well, with a yellow, jaundice complexion.  He still seems to be muttering things to himself, much the same as when they had brought him in.

****

They allow the hospital to transport James Adams in the ambulance to Fort Stanley Military Base.  George accompanies James in the ambulance and to keep an eye on him, while Ray follows in the car.  As they are speeding along one of the winding and dusty roads towards the military base, they notice a large black SUV (sports utility vehicle), come from a side road and draw up along side the ambulance and keep up the pace.  Ray is aware that there is a number of men within the car, hidden behind the darkened windows.  Ray keeps his attention on this new sturdy car that has joined the journey, keeping his distance so he can watch both them and the ambulance.

After travelling for some time, parallel with the ambulance, the SUV accelerates and swerves in front forcing the ambulance to break hard.  The ambulance driver slams on the horn of the vehicle, giving his annoyance to the other vehicle.  Choice words coming from the driver and colleague sat in the front of the ambulance.  George barks out an order, telling them to put their foot down and speed past the vehicle as it stays in front trying to slow them down.  This distracts the ambulance driver who turns and doesn’t look to happy at George.  When he looks back to the road, the SUV has slowed considerably, swerving and forcing the ambulance to make a dramatic manoeuvre of his own.  The ambulance driver, with years of experience having to tear along busy streets in a speeding emergency vehicle, effortlessly avoids crashing in to the SUV, and instead swerves, clipping the corner of it as the ambulance tears out on to the desert surrounding the road.  Without a thought he carries on towards the military base rejoining the road.  The driver giving a quick snort aimed at George.

Ray seeing this, takes note of the SUV’s number plate and log it in to the Hermes database on his Aegis smart phone, seeing what will come up.  The plate is licensed to a local company that he has not heard of, a legal firm operating out of the city.  Now the SUV takes drastic action, turning and trying to crash in to the side of the ambulance.  Luckily the driver avoids this attack once again.  Ray phones in to the military base, warning them about the attack they are experiencing on their way to the base, telling Mortimer about a rogue vehicle trying to run the ambulance off the road.

Again the SUV tries another attack, this time speeding up to cut across the front of the ambulance, clipping the front as it does so, causing a headlight and front grill to be torn off.  This does however force the ambulance to career off the road and in to the desert once again.  This time the driver of the ambulance stays on the desert and aims towards the military base, cutting across and making his own route through the desert plain.  In the back of the ambulance the ride is not so comfortable, as equipment is being tossed and thrown about.  George having a hard time to stay on his feet.

George clambers through to the front of the ambulance, winding down the passenger window drawing his gun.  The driver was about to complain until he saw the gun, so clamps his mouth shut and focuses on the driving.  Ray hangs back but keeps them in view and turns off the road to follow both the SUV and the ambulance.  George fires off a shot, but it just goes wildly off, almost like a warning shot, not being used to firing his gun from a rough moving vehicle.

The black SUV spins off, the driver not finding it so easy as the ambulance driver.  This causes the ambulance to speed off in front, and Ray to draw up close to the SUV who turns to pursue the ambulance.  Ray speeds up to put himself and the hire car between the SUV and the ambulance.  Trying to cause as much difficulty as possible to the pursuers.

On this surface, the SUV has the advantage,  It manages to catch up and try to ram in to Ray and his car, but luckily Ray swerves avoiding the collision.  Another dust cloud begins to appear in front of the ambulance.  The SUV carries on speeding past Ray and towards the ambulance.  Two guys open windows and lean out of the SUV with guns in hands, aiming to fire at the ambulance tires.  Semi-automatic gun fire erupts from the SUV as Ray accelerates to intervene, putting himself as best he can between the SUV and the ambulance.  Most of the bullets go awry, but several impact in to Ray’s hire car, none hitting anything vital.

George climbs back through the ambulance towards the rear, and as he opens the door, gun in hand, he can see Ray positioning himself between the ambulance and the SUV, keeping himself in line of sight and making it hard for the SUV to get near.  However as time goes on and the distance dust cloud draws near, the SUV decides to veer off and turn back towards the road, heading off in the opposite direction.

Soon the dust cloud gets close enough to reveal a military vehicle that has come to meet them.  It then escorts the ambulance and Ray safely back to Fort Stanley military base.  And as soon as they stop within the confines of the base, they quickly stretcher James Adams from the ambulance and in to the medical area.  Leaving the ambulance to make its own way back.

****

The base Commander Connolly walks in to the medical area, straight past Ray, ignoring him, and walks up to George.  Looking extremely unhappy he asks him what has happened, and how it has some connection to his colleague James Adams.  George tries to pacify Connolly, sharing that it appears another organisation is trying to get involved, trying to capture their colleague.  Sharing that all the symptoms are exactly the same as the ones in the military base.  Connolly turns to Mortimer who nods a confirmation of this.  Then he turns back and states that he must close down the base, as he is not happy with an attack on his base.

Connolly questions George, asking what he knows, as he has been aware of this situation for about twenty-four hours.  Also wishing to know where the occurrence happened.  George says that he is unsure, but if there is a map he could point out the rough area.  So Connolly lead both him and Ray out and over to a briefing room in another building.

The briefing room is in a far better condition than what the barracks was.  With higher quality and better condition furniture.  A large map of the local surrounding area, and of the whole of Morocco, is fixed up on one wall.  While other maps unseen are busily been squirreled away from prying eyes.  George does as instructed, and points to the rough area on the map of where the problem with James happened, after taking some time to carefully look over the map as if unsure.  Connolly checks with George to see if it is the road that leads to the abandoned village.  Of course George denies know that there was an abandoned village there.  Connolly looks at him sideways and demands to know everything instead of holding things back.  George gives in and admits knowing about the village and the crash site, saying that the aircraft may or may not be emitting some sort of emanation that could be causing the health problem.

Connolly shares that the aircraft was shot down my a local force unknown several days ago, and is of an unknown design.  He then asks if George knows anything of the design, but George admits to not knowing.  When asks by Ray, Connolly shares that the local government has allowed him and his base to investigate the crash, but there was no crew that he was aware of at the crash site.  “It would be interesting to know why it was worth shooting down in the first place.  And now it seems to be the cause of the illness and deaths within my base.”

Ray asks Connolly if he and George can have a private talk for a moment.  Connolly agrees with a not too happy expression, walking on out towards the medical building.  They discuss whether to share more information with Connolly or not, and to state if it could be Alien or not.  Once agreeing on how to progress they go on back over to the Medical building, and ask to have a private talk with Connolly.  This time Ray taking on the role of expert and doing all the talking.

They walk off with Connolly to a private small office and waiting room where they can talk.  Ray warns him that they have more information that is very delicate, and a threat to national security.  It is on a need to know bases, and would have been better if he was not to know, but they feel that they need to share all the secrets they have to resolve the situation before them.  Connolly agrees and keeps quiet to listen to what has to be said, encouraging Ray to spit it out.

Ray confirms with Connolly that the aircraft is of an unusual design, something that has not been seen before.  Connolly confirms this is so.  Next Ray brings up the subject of the materials of the craft.  Connolly shares that most of the material are standard fare, except that is the internal, which seems to consist of some sort of porous rock.  But they have had difficulty analysing it.  Next Ray asks about a pilot or a navigation or computer system.  Connolly admits to not finding anything and believes it to be some sort of glider, possibly coming in from space.  He also confirms that it can’t be merely a shell as there was nothing else to find around the surrounding area.  When asked he shares that the aircraft was tracked on radar, coming in from the Atlantic, at a surprising low altitude, “Especially for something coming from orbit.”

“Orbit?  What makes you say it came from an orbit?”

“This is one of our very few guess.  It is something we have not seen before.”

Ray question if he knows where the epicentre may be, and whether it could be from the hanger with the aircraft within.  Connolly admits to not know or investigating it yet, what with all the casualties.  Ray explains that it may be a power cell that may have leaked from damage to the aircraft.  Ray then suggests that the three of them go to investigate the hangar with the aircraft.  Connolly agrees and got to a subordinate to order him to shut the base down for quarantine.

As they head over to the hangar, Ray shares that James is unaware of what happened to him and was unfortunately no hep as he was passing out, Which is why they rushed him to the hospital.  Once at the hangar they find all the windows blown out, but otherwise pretty much as they had left it.  George however begins to find himself all wheezy and light-headed again, but not as strong as before.  He is aware this time that it is coming from the aircraft, feeling like a repulsive psychic force.

They stand before the aircraft, looking at the metal and porous rock material.  Connolly asks what they are looking for.  Ray asks whether there was any sort of sonic weaponry found within the wreck.  Connolly states that they hadn’t found anything, and that everything is there for them to see.  Ray then notices that the damage only happened from the explosion within the hangar, happened only to reflective surfaces.  Like glasses and mirrors, even a mug of water and coffee.  And the epicentre is definitely the aircraft.  Also George has the feeling getting stronger, louder as he walks closer to the aircraft.

George goes to take Ray off to one side to talk with him, but Connolly protests suggesting that he needs to know too.  George rolls his eyes and says ‘fine’.  He tells them that a pressure is emanating from the aircraft, and it builds as he gets closer to the objects.

Ray asks Connolly what exactly his personnel had done with the aircraft when the incident had occurred.  Connolly points out all the documentation, saying that they had merely laid out the wreckage as they had found it.  George notices that there is a pressure in his mind coming from each piece of the wreckage.  However one piece is stronger than the rest, feeling it to be the important part of the puzzle.  George asks for the phone, and Ray passes it over.  George takes a picture of the wreckage for sending over to the Hermes database, cross-referencing what is stored there.  Ray seeing what George is proposing, he distracts Connolly so he is unaware of the activity.

The reply to George’s enquiry is ‘Image relates to Grey technology.  Psychic tool known to be used in abduction ships.  Possible link with control of subjects.  Abducted subjects are usually controlled by a receiver implanted in subject.’  George turns to Connolly and states that he wishes to go back to talk with Mortimer.

Back in the medical room, the patients are looking even worse for ware, but most are stable at the moment.  George asks Mortimer if he have an x-ray, suggesting that he to some exams with it on Mr Adams.  Mortimer protests saying he is in no fit state to move let alone have an x-ray.  When asks George tells him that he is looking for potential foreign bodies.  Reluctantly Mortimer agrees looking exasperated with the whole situation.

Within the hour, the results of the x-ray come back.  The radiographer running in waving the stills and stating that it is not possible.  He also says that he has tried it on three different plates, but all come back with the same results.  George demands for the man to spit it out.  The radiographer shows the plate of an x-ray of James Adam’s head.  There is a foreign body embedded in to the bone at the base of his neck.

“How is that possible?”  George asks no one is particular.

“Yeah I was going to asks that too.  Bone doesn’t work like that.  This man should have a broken neck at least, if not paralysed.  It appears that it has only recently happened, within the last six months.”  Mortimer scowls at George.  “What did you people do to him?”