The Alien Wars 6: Da Capo

Session 662

Session Start: Mon Jul 17 12:12:47 2023
Session Ident: #TAW-Session662
* Now talking in #TAW-Session662
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<DeathStar> -0-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-654.8.2
<DeathStar> Location: Mansion Base
<DeathStar> *Cheryl leans back in a seat, flipping through files on Betas*
<Seraphna> **Angela grumbles a bit keeping Epsilon away for the time being**
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Like the old days, isn't it?"
<Seraphna> Angela> Right down to Cran messing with my family legacy. Well, the old evil one.
<Dias`> *Chad raises an eyebrow at that before grabbing tossing a file down and grabbing a new one*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "And somehow being a step ahead of us."
<Seraphna> Angela> At least Cheryl dear will get the therapeutic satisfaction of beating him up.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl grunts, studying everything about the Betas*
<Dias`> <Chad> You sure he'll give us that chance?
<DeathStar> *Zephyr works with old man Cran in the other room with the government takeover cube*
<Seraphna> Angela> Positive thinking only.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Mr. Winters, I know you're a realist, but let Cheryl have her dream."
<Dias`> <Chad> Oh, if given the chance I'd serve him up on a platter for her to beat.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> What are we talking about? *She finally looks up*
<Seraphna> Angela> Your upcoming chance to beat up an evil Cran. Find anything interesting in there babe?
<Xanatos> 6* Cole steps in, looking at his datapad, a look of frustration.
<Xanatos> <Cole> Duty rosters are so annoying. 6* He mumbles to himself before pocketing the datapad and looking around.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Just looking for weaknesses outside taking them all on at once. Can we introduce a virus into the Betas?
<Seraphna> **Angela huffs a bit** It’d be nice if I can use them when we’re done.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Well, just tie our arms behind our backs
<Seraphna> Angela> What we need to do is either remove his control or block it from the network.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "If they get smashed it. then use the opportunity to build something better."
<DeathStar> *Zephyr rolls her chair over* Cran there says he believes the cube is unlikely to be useful on Earth
<Seraphna> Angela> How he can control them over me is what I’d love to know.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "So where would it be useful?"
<DeathStar> *Aya peeks around her console* Well it was made for an era like 70 years ago
<DeathStar> <Cran> Tech that hasn't been updated yet. A colony most likely.
<Seraphna> Angela> That would have to be one of the outliers or the extremist colonies.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "And which one?"
<DeathStar> *Cran brings up on screen a dozen or so scattered around EarthGov's providences in Space*
<Seraphna> Angela> If he was going for Irony I’d say Pegasus. If he was going fit giving us trouble I’d say one of the religious anti-Alien ones.
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Oh now we just get to waste our time trying to find which one
<DeathStar> <Aya> Pegasus?
<Xanatos> <Cole> That's a lot of places to check, should we utilize reploid squads to help us search?
<Seraphna> Angela> One of the outer colonies. We have a history there.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "if it stands out, then its as good a place to start as any... unless Mr. Cran has a better suggestion."
<DeathStar> <Cran> I suppose it couldn't hurt.
<Seraphna> Angela> Well it’s also where me and my parents are from.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl sorts through the colonies based on importance then location*
<DeathStar> *Pegasus being one, then few colonies pop up being near the Guardian home world, then more pop up being near the Cartel worlds*
<DeathStar> *And a few near the Suisen*
<Xanatos> <Cole> Pegasus is on there.
<Seraphna> Angela> All decent targets. I only pointed out mine since the old Cran had a habitual sense of irony.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> *looks over at Cran* "Did you?"
<Dias`> <Chad> To answer your question on the virus part. Yes, we could I think. *He looks at the list of colonies* Do any of these house any of your old hide outs?
<Dias`> *he looks at Cran*
<Seraphna> **Angel sits back by Cran eyeing the screens**
<DeathStar> *Cran studies them, then shakes his head* Hideouts? No. Possible places to go and use the cube. I suppose the Pegasus theory might hold weight. *he studies the colonies near the Guardian Colonies* As does these. *motions* As does these if he knows about Erevis. *points at the Suisen ones*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> What a scummy answer
<Dias`> <Chad> Without knowing for sure what his end goal is, it's hard to decide which colony would benfit him. If it were me, I'd pick one that was the easiest to try the device out on. A trial run.
<DeathStar> <Darien> And what would be the best place then
<DeathStar> *Darien returns with food*
<Dias`> *Chad looks to see which systems are the most outdated.
<Dias`> *which colonies are the most outdated*
<DeathStar> <Aya> *props her head up as she watches Chad work8
<DeathStar> *it looks like even though the colonies closest to Earth are the oldest, they get the most updates for their systems and the ones further out are the most neglected. Including systems near the Cartel and the Suisen*
<Dias`> <Chad> Well that narrows it down some.
<Xanatos> <Cole> Just validated Cran's answer...really.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Again, we don't know what his goal is, so beyond relying on his senses of irony, we don't have much else to go on."
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> I suppose if he's going to do a test
<Xanatos> <Cole> I can talk to Blue to see how many reploid scout squads we can afford to send out.
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> He'll probably want to pick a colony that's a bit off the beaten path?
<Xanatos> <Cole> Then the core croup can go for the most likely option...which I guess is Angela's history time?
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> If.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Go for it, Cole
<Seraphna> Angela> The more we can narrow the better.
<Dias`> <Chad> If that's the theory we want to run with it would be...*He points at it* That one would take the longest for people to notice anything
<Xanatos> 6* Cole steps to the side to call her and see what they can do.
<DeathStar> *Cole gets an earfull about Junior coming back to life and other people showing up that they know before agreeing to do it*
<Xanatos> <Cole> ....well she's in. Did you know some non-sin people are coming back to life? 6* He steps back over to the group.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Alright, if we're headed for Pegasus, I'll let Angela take point
<Dias`> <Chad> I've heard talk of it.
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> What is life, anyway, but a transition
<Xanatos> <Cole> ...Hm, seems suspicious. 6* He sends the Colony details over to Blue, noting they're likely going for Pegasus but waiting for the team to make the final call.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Sounds like everyone is having a fun time."
* Dias` stands up.
<Dias`> *Chad*
<DeathStar> *Cheryl eyes Angela* You ready to do this? We're following your gut
<DeathStar> *Aya adjusts her clothes* I'm beginning to wonder if we should throw a dart
<DeathStar> *Aya offers one to Cassandra*
<Xanatos> <Cole> Couldn't hurt
<Dias`> <Chad> Let's go to Pegasus then. Angela clearly wants to walk down memory lane.
<Dias`> *Chad he moves to get his gear*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Oh, now you're gung ho. *she studies Angela, then Chad*
<Dias`> <Chad> Longer we take, the farther ahead he is.
<DeathStar> *Cran gathers his supplies and puts them in a back pack with a little mascot on the back*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I'll go prep the shuttle
<DeathStar> *Cheryl heads down to the hanger*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "No darts today. We have a direction. Let's stick to it unless we hear otherwise."
<Xanatos> 6* Cole sends the confirmation to Blue and moves to go get in the shuttle.
<DeathStar> -TIME HOP-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-654.8.4
<DeathStar> Location: Pegasus Colony
<DeathStar> *As the shuttle approaches the shuttle, the team sees what looks to be a giant Angela, or at least a giant breasted blonde, greeting them like an ad, next to the colony*
<Dias`> <Chad> ....Is this why she wanted to come here so badly?
<Xanatos> <Cole> Uh.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl is facepalmed*
<Dias`> <Chad> Little vain, don't you think?
<DeathStar> *Aya is leaning down with her datapad while Cran shakes his head at Angela*
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> *takes pictures of it as they come in and arrive at the spaceport*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...what the hell was that?"
<Xanatos> <Cole> Yeah was that normal, or a taunt of some kind?
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Or was that the old Omega Products mascot?"
<DeathStar> <Aya> We might have gotten a report from that colony - there's been no communictations from it. Hopefully Blue's people will arrive soon to find out what is going on
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I have no idea.
<Dias`> <Chad> Which one? *He looks over to her datapad*
<DeathStar> <Aya> The one we predicted might have the test on it
<Dias`> <Chad> Let's hope it's just a fluke. *He looks at the others* So how do we want to proceed with this?
<DeathStar> *Cheryl exits the shuttle and looks around; outside the mascot the station looks rather normal.*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I don't particularly like being here
<DeathStar> *she leans back against the shuttle*
<Xanatos> <Cole> How should we do this? Walk around aimlessly until we see something weird?
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> I think that's code word for that's up to us to figure out
<Dias`> <Chad> If we come across a museum dedicated to her and her exploits. *He steps outside looking around a bit* Cran, remind me. Does that key need to be used somewhere specific?
<DeathStar> <Cran> All it needs is to be inserted into an EarthGov terminal to hack their systems.
<DeathStar> <Cran> It could be low level
<Dias`> <Chad> Aya, help me locate the low level Earthgov Terminals. *He pulls out his datapad and starts searching*
<DeathStar> <Aya> *mumbles about something, bringing up locations all over the station*
<DeathStar> <Aya> If we're going to check everyone, we'll tire before long
<Dias`> <Chad> Agreed. Maybe if we can get to one I can get in to the system and set a way to watch them all.
<DeathStar> <Aya> Alright, this way. *She walks along a path*
<Dias`> <Chad> ....*He clicks his tongue* That and I don't really like this idea, but we use the one we have to take this place over so we can monitor it all.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "And there comes the balancing act... safety versus rights."
<DeathStar> *Zephyr walks behind, looking around with a hand ready to form weapons; for the most part as they move along the spaceport, it looks like a normal one, having not even got into the main colony*
<Xanatos> 6* Cole looks to see specifically how the people are acting, looking for anything off
<DeathStar> *as Aya leads them to the spaceport security to get their IDs cleared to enter, she points behind the counter where they can do their first low level entry*
<DeathStar> *Also in the spaceport, Omega Coke is being sold along with mascot toys of Angela*
<DeathStar> *The people coming off their ships seem to mostly be tired and annoyed, getting past security*
<Dias`> *Chad moves to the terminal, hooking up his datapad to it*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "They still sell Omega Cokes here?"
<DeathStar> *A big bulky Security Man walks up behind Chad, cracking his knuckles* Excuse me
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> You should buy some
<Xanatos> <Cole> Is it bad?
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> I hear it tastes so good, you get addicted
<Dias`> *Chad glances back at the man and sighs as he motions to Zephyr to use her clearances*
<DeathStar> *Darien arrives with their suitcase*
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Should I buy us some?
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...its illegal in the erus Ascendancy."
<DeathStar> *The security man lifts Chad up like Bane*
<Dias`> <Chad> I swear. Look, you don't have to be all physical.
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Ah as fun as it would be. *Shows her clearance*
<DeathStar> *The man eyes it, then Chad, then sets him down - none too gently*
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> I'll explain it to your boss. *she heads into the office*
<Dias`> *Chad winches a bit as he rubs his back*
<DeathStar> *The large man eyes Chad, sullenly*
<DeathStar> <Aya> You going to be okay?
<Dias`> <Chad> Of course. *He smiles at her as he turns back to his datapad, wincing slightly* I'm not seeing anything in the lowest levels that are odd.
* Alicia has joined #TAW-Session662
<DeathStar> *Zephyr steps out* They've agreed to assist us
<Dias`> <Chad> I suppose we should've talked to them first.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "We tried the cloak and dagger approach, and locla security was actually competent."
<DeathStar> *so far it looks like nothing is happening, no intrusions; Aya grabs her datapad* <Aya> The team Blue sent has arrived at the colony. It looks like they experienced a complete take over by someone
<DeathStar> <Aya> The entire colony was hacked completely.
<DeathStar> <Aya> They said they're gathering information
<Dias`> *Chad get's a visible annoyance on his face* How chaotic is it?
<DeathStar> <Aya> Well, they're having trouble rebooting and getting systems back. They're completely locked out. It's become noticable. A little civil unrest, not too bad yet
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Well, that's something. Question is if Cran-B is there in person or just using it as a test site."
<Dias`> <Chad> Well someone has to be there in person to activate it. So unless he's got a Beta doing it for him....Aya, do you think we can find a way to scan for Beta's?
<DeathStar> <Aya> Well, the problem would be the cube has to be there to activate it and I doubt he would leave it behind.
<DeathStar> <Aya> So if he sent a Beta, it would activate it, then retrieve the cube
<Dias`> <Chad> And if he can make more than one?
<DeathStar> *Aya looks at the other Cran*
<DeathStar> <Cran> If he makes another one, I imagine he'll be removing the flaws of the current one to get rid of the limitations on it. Meaning, bringing down the firewalls of the current government
<Dias`> <Chad> Let's hope that's not his end game.
<DeathStar> *Aya muses* As far as tracking Betas
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Does he have the updated knowledge to pull that off?"
<DeathStar> <Aya> We only have one expert Beta person and that's Angela. She might could help. If she didn't go catatonic since arriving here
<DeathStar> <Aya> I don't know if Hotaru or Cheryl have that talent
<Dias`> <Chad> It's doubtful considering they were made by Angela. I know I've kept tabs on them somewhat. Destroyed one here and there but my knowledge isn't extensive. The best I could say if to scan the colonies for specific materials.
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Alright. So what's the play?
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Try to locate them or hope the reploids find them?
<Dias`> <Chad> I doubt we'll be able to get their in time to find them. The best we can do is have them monitor all and any leaving ships/transports. Is there a PAX teleporter on there?
<DeathStar> *Aya checks* Surprisingly other than the Guardian Colony in the area of these colonies, they do not have one
<Dias`> <Chad> So whoever's on their would be trapped essentially. I can't see them Cran risking it. So a Beta leaving would be the smart decision.
<Dias`> *He looks over at Cassandra* What do you think?
<DeathStar> *Aya looks around Pegasus with all the Angela stuff*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Your scenario is sound. Also it looks like there are no leads here. I suppose Angela may not be as improtant to cran as she thought."
<DeathStar> <Aya> We are hacked in right now; if we're wrong, we can return
<Dias`> <Chad> Id, monitor the colonies systems. Keep yourself seperated if something happens.
<Dias`> <Id> Understood. *Chad unhooks his datapad*
<DeathStar> *Aya brings up a map of the colony that was hit and it's far away location, monitoring the colonies that might be hit somewhat nearby*
<Dias`> <Chad> If they did escape, they may hit another on the way along. Try and keep everyone focused on the chaos behind them.
<Dias`> <Chad> Which one would be it...*He looks at the map as they walk*
<DeathStar> <Aya> We slowly have Blue and Cole's fellows moving toward the colonies in the area, but nearby is the colonies near the Guardian Colony and the Suisen
<DeathStar> <Aya> They'll probably be situated before we arrive
<DeathStar> *Cheryl looks up with Angela and Hotaru/Michi as they return*
<Xanatos> <Cole> Some are still on route, a few are just arriving.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Did you find something?
<Dias`> <Chad> So Erevis or Ariel....*He looks up at Cheryl* We picked wrong.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Hm. *She sits in the pilot seat, powering up; Zephyr sets an Omega Coke in Angela's hands*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Alright. So, which of the two do you think is more likely. *Cran gets in the back*
<Dias`> <Chad> He knows the key works. Which would have the most impact. *He crosses his arms as he sits down* I assume all of them have access to the PAX Teleporters?
<Xanatos> <Cole> Was Erevis even around when Cran was getting up to his shenanigans?
<DeathStar> <Aya> Oh yes.
<DeathStar> <Aya> As for the teleporters, only EArth teleporters on the colonies, the Guardian Colonies specially had the PAX Teleporters installed by Erevis
<Dias`> <Chad> Each one gives a nice stepping stone to something potentially bigger.
<Dias`> <Chad> Something against the Guardians or something against the Suisen Empire. *He closes his eyes as he starts tapping his finger against his arm* Cassandra, what are we missing?
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Alternatively, his choice of targets at this stage could be a feint."
<Xanatos> <Cole> Guardian colonies have PAX and Earth teleporters? Could get around to a lot of places if they did.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> True. My knee jerk reaction is to say the colonies near the Guardian one
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Hack them and use them to get to Ariel's people
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> But...
<Dias`> <Chad> Contact the colonies. See if we can get access to their sensors and teleporters. If we can find anything enroute to a colony or that has had a telport recently we can try and focus on. Someone tell the Guardian Colony to be on alert.
<Dias`> <Chad> That would be a revenge thing correct? *He clicks his tongue* We're missing too much information still.
<DeathStar> *Zephyr moves to begin contacting; Aya joining her*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Problem is alot of these colonies are a bit isolationist. When I put my infrastructure rebuilding program through, alot of these isolated planetary governments opted out."
<Dias`> <Chad> Independence and all that.
<DeathStar> <Cran> Many of them would declare independence if they knew they could manage it
<Seraphna> Angela> Not that they could last independent.
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Oh look, one of the two spoke. Now it's Hota's turn
<Dias`> <Chad> And if enough were to band together even if forcefully.
<DeathStar> *Zephyr puts an Angela hat on Angela*
<Xanatos> <Cole> Angela did you pose for all of this Omega Coke ads?
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "As long as there's not another galactic conflict, I don't see why they wouldn't last."
<Seraphna> Angela> I do seek to be a brand here. But no I don’t think I did.
<Dias`> <Chad> So let's go with the theory he's going to hit as many of these colonies as he can to "Grant" them independence.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Either way, we have three options. We pick the colonies near the Guardians, we pick the colonies near the Suisen border, or we remain solid until we have more evidence
<Dias`> <Chad> Then they can't be to spread out. The Guardian colony is located where again...*He looks at the map
<DeathStar> *Aya points at the map* They're spread out along the Guardian Colonies here
<DeathStar> <Aya> A little bit away from the test colony
<Xanatos> <Cole> I really feel like Guardian is the route to go.
<Seraphna> Angela> Feels that way too.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Yeah, knee reaction goes that way too. But Cran might be being too obviou
<Dias`> <Chad> Here's my thought. Last thing you want to be is surrounded by someone you just gained freedom from. If you're along the edge of another's territory, like the Suisen Empire, than you can stake out independence easier.
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "I just wonder what the endgame is."
<Dias`> <Chad> My guts telling me the ones near the Suisen Empire.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> *studies the map* So we got two groups split down the middle
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Since the Guardians while close to the Suisen, are further in somewhat and not as near the border
<Xanatos> <Cole> Chad makes a good point, if it matters I'll switch to agree.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Alright. I'll go with the Suisen. Lets head out
<Dias`> <Chad> Someone talk to the Suisen Empire, see if anyones heard rumblings about someone about to declare independence and wanting recognition.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Finally. It was reminding me of a cabinet meeting."
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> By the time we arrive Blue's team will have arrived at both sites anyway.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl hands a comm over to Hotaru* Contact the PAX
<Xanatos> <Cole> Oh shit, I'll update her that we're moving.
<Alicia> * Hotaru does so
<DeathStar> *Cheryl takes off while Hotaru gets in touch with Ao*
<Seraphna> Angela> Those efficient and timely dudes.
<DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<DeathStar> Date: 10-654.8.5
<DeathStar> Location: Outer EarthGov Regions, Suisen Border
<DeathStar> *the shuttle arrives as they get a message*
<Xanatos> 6* Cole checks the message
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "LEt's hear it."
<DeathStar> *it seems to be from the Reploids below*
<DeathStar> *stating that all is clear right now*
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> What do we make of that?
<Dias`> *Chad stands up as he stretches slightly
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...either the test has ended, or the reploids were compromised."
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I'll bring us down and see the situation
<DeathStar> *she brings them down to the spaceport, where the colonies have no Angela stuff and look like a normal EarthGov colony*
<DeathStar> *waiting for them are 3 Reploids*
<Dias`> *Chad moves to walk down the ramp, studying the 3 Reploids.
<Xanatos> 6* Cole steps off and nods to the reploids.
<Xanatos> <Cole> What's the situation?
<DeathStar> <Reploid A> So far all has been quiet. <Reploid B> They claim there has been no hacks sir. <Reploid C> No birds singing!
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Chad, can you get into the local holonet feed?"
<Dias`> *Chad pulls out his datapad, and goes to access it*
<DeathStar> *it indeed seems to be all quiet and cheerful. Cheryl crosses her arms, standing behind Angela and Hotaru.*
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Well, at least everything is calm
<Xanatos> <Cole> Thanks for the work, we'll have to decide what to do from here so fall back to stand by.
<Dias`> *Chad rubs his face sligthly* Either we got here early or I guess wrong.
<DeathStar> *The three reploids bow and back up*
<DeathStar> *suddenly, Chad's datapad beeps with an incoming update*
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "Should I be scared?"
<Dias`> *Chad glances down at it*
<DeathStar> *Cole gets a message from his reploids in the colony next door and the one next door to that*
<Xanatos> 6* Cole checks his messages
<DeathStar> *it talks about how EarthGov Colonies and their ships have begun to fire at nearby Suisen ships and colonies*
<Dias`> <Chad> ...We need to get to an access point now.
<DeathStar> <Reploid> Sir, this colony has suddenly begun to be invaded by Betas who are --- *he screams and the transmission cuts off. In the sky, Betas begin to swarm in*
<DeathStar> <Cran> ... That is odd.
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "...that poor reploid."
<Xanatos> <Cole> Look alive, we're about to be hit too.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "If we're lucky, they have the cube with them."
<DeathStar> *Cheryl eyes the Betas flood in and begin to connect to things all over, including the reploids outside and one goes for Cole. Outside in space they hook up to the ships and begin to pilot it out*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> In multiple stations at once?!
<Xanatos> 6* Cole points over to the three and shouts for them to take cover, his katars forming as he slashes out at the ones coming for him.
<DeathStar> *Zephyr forms her gun and begins to weapon to fire at the Betas*
<DeathStar> *Cole slashes the Beta*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...tell Angela that I am goign to recommend to my daughter that her betas be retired."
<Dias`> <Chad> Fuck. I bet he managed to upload the keys to the betas themselves. Get me one somewhat intact. *He pulls out his pistol as he shifts infront of Aya and begins shooting at Beta's
<Xanatos> 6* Cole forms his minigun and tries to blast the ones off the reploids near if he has time.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Right." *moves and tries to neutralize (intact) the one on Cole*
<DeathStar> *Aya quietly preps a weapon as Cole blasts them off the reploids*
<DeathStar> *a flying one zooms to grab Hotaru, trying to plug into her*
<Dias`> <Chad> To think he found a way to update the code to work on Reploids and Dragoons.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "We need EMP weapons!"
<DeathStar> *While CAssandra stabs at one, pining it, Cheryl whips and tugs at htem, leading to Aya to crawl over to examine it and CAssandra's,while Zephyr dragoon blasts a bunch*
<Dias`> *Chad continues firing shots to keep them off the others, curving shots when needed to make them hit
<DeathStar> *Darien kneels and pulls out a little grenade, preparing it while Cran fires a red lazer at the one on Hotaru. A bunch of ones grab Angela and lift off*
<Xanatos> <Cole> Coverign fire, pull back to a secure location. Keep yourselves alive and don't worry about us. 6* He shouts at the reploids.
<DeathStar> *The reploids salute and head off*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "They grabbed Angela!"
<Xanatos> 6* Cole glances up and starts to prep a lightning attack to try and knock the ones off of angela. She might get some tingles too.
<DeathStar> *Angela is freed as she and the Beta drop*
<DeathStar> *A Beta injects something into Zephyr's arm as Darien EMPs the area, dropping Betas*
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> That thing BIT me...
<DeathStar> *Zephyr drops over*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Chad, scan Zephyr!"
<Dias`> <Chad> Id, scan her. *His Idlet drops from his belt and moves over, scanning her quickly.*
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "I hope it's not a virus."
<Dias`> <Id> Warning. Unknown Biological Virus...
<Xanatos> 6* Cole gets knocked out by the emp, a rebooting icon in his left eye
<Dias`> <Chad> Shit.
<DeathStar> *Aya takes note* the station is slowly being compromised from Betas still around
<Dias`> <Id> It appears to be code in nature...Perhaps an EMP will suffice at first.
<DeathStar> *Cran kneels as Darien prepares another one* You sure? Dragoons are barely phased
<DeathStar> *Cheryl grabs Cole and moves him away*
<Dias`> <Id> If you can find a way for me to connect to her mechanical side I maybe able to do something. But I am not sure.
<DeathStar> *Darien sets it next to Zephyr* <Darien> Alright hold on. *he sets it off next to Zephyr, who jerks*
<Dias`> <Chad> And of course our healer is out again. *He moves over, sliding his hand along his belt and pulls out a small stim and stabs Zephyr in the neck with it.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "How many Betas did Angela have stashed away? This was ridiculous."
<DeathStar> <Aya> Rumor has it a full ship
<Dias`> *Id scans again*
<DeathStar> *the progress has stalled*
<DeathStar> *Zephyr twitches, opening her eyes*
<Dias`> <Chad> And knowing her more than that. She went through Montana's like they were tissue papers.
<Dias`> <Id> Whatever effect that was corrupting Zephyr has stopped for now.
<DeathStar> <Aya> Did he corrupt the Montanas? If so we're in trouble. *Cheryl returns with Cole*
<Xanatos> 6* Cole's eyes blink on and he sits up.
<Xanatos> <Cole> Did they get me?
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> You're fine. Coding should be intact
<Dias`> <Chad> Didn't she claim they were more protected. She also had some cloaked ones. *He looks at Zephyr* How you feeling?
<Xanatos> 6* Cole runs internal diagnostics.
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "Not protected enough."
<DeathStar> *Zephyr stands up and looks woozy, holding her head* I feel like my skull is on fire. *She leans over and pukes* Ugh, god my head hurts.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Chad, pick a specimen." *sweeps a hand around at the fallen Betas*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> We'll make sure to get your head cleared later. Right now bare with it.
<DeathStar> <Cran> I take a look at Zephyr when we get a break
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Ew.
<Dias`> <Chad> We need somewhere safe for now. I can't look at this Beta in the open
<DeathStar> *The station jerks and begins to move, ancient thrusters being activated*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> That's no good.
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "Why do the Betas even have a back door like that?"
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...would resetting all systems get back station control?"
<DeathStar> <Aya> ... *Glances at Chad*
<Xanatos> <Cole> Might be a good idea to get a heading before trying to get control.
<Dias`> <Chad> It's hard to say, Cass. We can try and shut it down permanently at least.
<Dias`> <Chad> Just becase he has control of it now doesn't mean I can't have Id try and take it back.
<Xanatos> <Cole> Fly out there and blow some...oh wait I bet there's betas all around out there.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "We don't need this station being dropped on a planet."
<Dias`> <Chad> Can someone bring up the schematics of the station. We'll need to get to a high level security station
<DeathStar> *Aya brings up; the location being somewhere inside the station itself*
<DeathStar> *where the workers are located and the engines*
<DeathStar> *Cole's comm beeps*
<Xanatos> 6* Cole answers
<Xanatos> <Cole> *C* Cole here.
<Dias`> <Chad> Let's head that way.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "No time to waste."
<DeathStar> <Reploi F> Hey, We found your target! He's here in person in a giant mech and has a little partner. They seem to be here near the colonies near the Guardian Homeworld. They're taking over the station
<DeathStar> *Cheryl takes the lead when she hears that and pauses*
<Seraphna> Angela> Companion?
<Dias`> *Chad pauses as he looks at Cole than Cheryl*
<DeathStar> *he begins to send an image of a reploid/dragoon companion, the prototype*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> *looks at old Cran* "...if he cloned a miniture Venerator."
<Dias`> <Chad> We need to get his place secured before we can go after them.
<Xanatos> <Cole> *c* Send me the coordinates and get to cover, watch those Betas they can do a virus thing.
<Dias`> <Chad> Hopefully the Guardians took our warning and are prepared.
<Xanatos> <Cole> Sounds like our Prince is in another castle. We should deal with this as quickly as we can if we want to get to him in person.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Right. Let's move out."
<DeathStar> *Cole receives the colony he is on currently out all of of them* <Cheryl> So he's near the Guardians after all, but still hit the Suisen side and is sending these colonies to attack them.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> What is that play here
<DeathStar> *as she hurries to the hallways, which has been busted in by Betas, allowing them to just walk on in*
<Dias`> <Chad> Distraction. Focus Earthgov on preventing a misunderstanding and keep them tied up from dealin with the Guardian issue.
<Dias`> <Chad> Or maybe he's just doing it to prove he'll always be one step ahead of us. *He clicks his tongue thinking on something*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Of course, Andrea is president now, and she is crafty. Younger Cran may not be counting on her to do soemthing unexpected."
<Seraphna> Angela> I’m gonna beat his skull in.
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "I'm so glad Andrea's around."
<DeathStar> *as they walk along the hallways, seeing security laying around they arrive where the engines have been corrupted by Betas, who are dug in*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Like a swarm of ticks."
<Dias`> <Chad> Take them out quickly and at the same time. *He raises his pistol* Id, get ready to hack in to a terminal as soon as you can find it.
<Seraphna> **Angela tries to override a few**
<DeathStar> *However, something strange seems to be going on as well. The engine room, the engine seems to be overheating faster than it should - which would be a deteriment to the Betas, since if the engine overheats, it'll explode and wipe them out and strand the colony. The Betas sem to be trying to figure out how to stop it*
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "Okay, something is wrong here."
<DeathStar> *a few drop due to Angela, losing more in the attempt to stop the engine*
<Xanatos> <Cole> ...did they fuck up?
<Seraphna> **Angela blinks** They’re in repair mode…? The engine is overheating.
<Dias`> <Chad> Hold up...*He moves over to a terminal and hooks up his Idlet to it.* Id, status.
<DeathStar> <Aya> I'd need access to the terminal which they're protecting
<Dias`> *Scratch that*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Or a third-party is at play."
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Do we kill them?
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Or what?
<Seraphna> Angela> **focuses and has hers help again, transmitting her own expertise into them**
<Dias`> *Chad eyes a Beta to see if there's an easy access port to it* If we kill them we have to move quick.
<Seraphna> Angela> Let’s see…
<DeathStar> *the Betas rejoin in stopping the engine overheat*
<Seraphna> Angela> We could use ice or water reploids too.
<Dias`> *Chad takes a deep breath and slowly moves towards the terminal, watching the Beta's by it to see how they react*
<DeathStar> *The Beta guarding it watches Chad*
<Xanatos> <Cole> I just make things explode....though if you need juice I can shock soemthing.
<DeathStar> *allowing him to touch it for now*
<Dias`> *Chad holsters his gun as he holds his hands up to look non threatening. He starts typing on it as sweat begins to pour down his face from the heat*
<DeathStar> *The engine slowly begins to return to normal*
<DeathStar> *As the engines slowly begin to spin more normally*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> They're almost done! *She shouts*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Get back control..."
<Seraphna> Angela> Yep… now for a surprise… **she starts focusing more on her three as she begins to set up something**
<Dias`> *He then quickly hooks up his Idlet to it and starts typing away furiously*
<DeathStar> *The engines begin to resume normal function*
<DeathStar> *the Betas turn*
<DeathStar> *The Guard Beta lifts it's hand above Chad*
<Seraphna> **Angela uses hers to try and unleash a control override**
<DeathStar> *Zephyr aims at the one over Chad, her arm jerking a bit and she has to grip it and shoots the one behind Chad*
<DeathStar> *Id and Angela manage to knock the Betas on their backs*
<Seraphna> Angela> Time to ban Cran from the chat.
<DeathStar> <Cran> Pardon?
<DeathStar> <Darien> It means get out of here
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> *aims with her railgun, just in case* "We need a name for Young Cran."
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> We have company coming
<Seraphna> Angela> Not you. **she focuses and starts relaying signal blocks and shutdowns**
<DeathStar> *She turns and a moment later, doens of noises an be heard*
<DeathStar> *Betas coming down the hall like the Aliens*
<Dias`> <Chad> I think I've almost got control back over.
<Xanatos> 6* Cole spools up the miniguns on both arms and begins blasting down the hall.
<Alicia> * Hotaru holds the line, carving up any that get close
<Xanatos> <Cole> Game over. Punks.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> *turns and fires down the corridor at the bigger Betas*
<Seraphna> **Angel cracks her knuckles and forms a hyper blade, then starts darting about to slice and disable**
<DeathStar> *Zephyr hurks and pukes as a few fall to the virus, some falling to the miniguns and others carved up to Hotaru. Cran and Darien fire down the hallway*
<Dias`> *Chad glances back at Zephyr* Aya, cover her.
<Seraphna> Angela> **keeps working on her shutdowns**
<DeathStar> *Aya does so as Cheryl uses her whip to break the Betas and soon they begin to fall down and thud*
<DeathStar> *leaving a deadzone in the hall*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> *Taps with her foot*
<Seraphna> Angela> Fuck this is a new use of the protocol. S-Sis you okay?
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> Just great. *she uses a terminal to stand*
<Dias`> <Id> That was...invigorating. *Id calls out from one of the Beta's by the engines*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Did this stop the other ships or jus this one?
<Seraphna> Angela> My command should be moving from Beta to Beta.
<Dias`> <Id> Only the ones here. They seem to be on seperate communication groups to prevent such a thing. *The Beta opens and closes it hand*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> *looks at Angela* Sorry
<Seraphna> Angela> I’m just gonna have to rebuild them.
<Dias`> <Chad> Seems he planned ahead. Again. *He sighs a bit as he steps away from the terminal*
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "So, we have to do this for every ship... joy..."
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I'll contact Ao and see if she can handle the ones that moved into Suisen space
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> They should be prepped ahead of time
<Seraphna> Angela> Granted this is why I moved Epsilon and the rest in it out of his reach.
<Dias`> <Id> To think your species enjoys walking around in this...cases. *The Beta slumps over and the Idlet floats away from the terminal and over to Zephyr, scanning her again*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "So how did he get control of all the Betas?"
<DeathStar> <Aya> There's some fun to it, Id. So what was up with them and the engine? Some staff member?
<Dias`> <Id> A protocol was activated that was recently put in place.
<DeathStar> <Darien> Hell of a protocol
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Protocol?"
<Seraphna> Angela> **muses, moving to Zephyr to heal her**
<Dias`> <Chad> The engines were set to overload and disable.
<Dias`> <Chad> Basically keep them from becoming floating weapons.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> If that's the case then the other ships might have disabled too
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "By whom?"
<Dias`> <Chad> It's possible. I think the only reason why these ones succeeded was because Angela assisted.
<DeathStar> *Zephyr looks tired, not even fighting the healing*
<Xanatos> <Cole> So we heading to the Guardian colonies now?
<Seraphna> Angela> Betas are only as good as their control module. I’m the only one with a PhD in Engineering.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Right, so I see two paths
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Head straight to the colony or head straight to the guardian homeworld.
<Seraphna> **Angela scans Zephyr to see what’s wrong**
<DeathStar> <Aya> I suppose if Cran remains on the colony and uses it to go the homeworld
<DeathStar> <Aya> AS a weapon
<Dias`> <Chad> Aya, work with Id and see if you guys can figure out a way to counteract or nullify the virus he created.
<DeathStar> *she seems to be infected by some new type of virus*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Cole, cna you get an update if Cran is still on site with his friend?"
<Seraphna> Angela> How… goddamnit.
<DeathStar> <Aya> Right. We'll get you fixed right up, Zephyr.
<Dias`> <Chad> Cheryl, what if some of the sins are working together?
<DeathStar> <Zephyr> You all need to becareful when he tries to get you next time
<Seraphna> Angela> This seems to be a virus.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> If they are, this next fight will be much harder.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> You're thinking Spade?
<Dias`> *Chad looks at Angela* Yes. She was infected by one of your Betas.
<Xanatos> 6* Cole tries to comm the reploid that he last spoke to to get an update.
<Dias`> <Chad> Yes *He looks at Cheryl* He stole some stuff too. If he gave it to him.
<Dias`> <Chad> It would explain why he's staying one step ahead of us.
<Seraphna> Angela> …Is they how he took control…
<DeathStar> *Cole gets a reply, but it sounds ... off. Like the Reploid has been changed* <Reploid F> Yes, sir... He is still here. And waiting to see you. *click*
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "He sounded... irregular."
<Seraphna> Angela> Well fuck.
<Dias`> <Id> You're infection has slightly increased. I recommend trying not to become to active, Zephyr. I'm afraid it will only cause it to worse.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...ah...perfect. I thought so. I need to throw Andrea a party. She was the one who had the safety protocols installed in the colonies."
<Seraphna> Angela> If he has a dragoon Reploid and viruses like this…
<DeathStar> *Darien taps his comm* A Suisen shuttle approaches
<Dias`> <Chad> Who's on it?
<DeathStar> <Darien> I'll go see
<Xanatos> <Cole> .... I'm going to warn Blue to pull reploids back if they can be taken over like that. 6* He messages Blue to give her an update.
<Seraphna> Angela> We need to keep an eye on the reploids. I think he’s infected them too.
<DeathStar> *Darien heads out*
<Dias`> *Chad glances at Angela* It's pretty obvious they can based on how they were targeted.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> AT this rare it feels like everyone but Chad, Cass, Darien and Cran might be at risk
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> *looks at Cran* "...do you have anything in case this happens to your reploids?"
<DeathStar> *Cran kneels and opens his bag, reaching and pulls out a serum of sorts, but it looks like red oil*
<DeathStar> *Cran handsit to Cole*
<DeathStar> <Cran> It's experimental
<DeathStar> <Cran> I can't promise perfect results from this Beta virus
<Xanatos> <Cole> What's the risk? Full shutdown?
<Seraphna> Angel> Damn. I better keep my distance.
<Dias`> *Chad glances at Cran before moving to meet the Suisen shuttle*
<DeathStar> <Cran> Something along those lines, or insanity. I made it after that Sigma instance.
<DeathStar> <Cran> But we never had another case to test it
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "...looks like you have your chance now."
<DeathStar> *Cheryl arrives at the spaceport, where a large man with helmet steps out*
<DeathStar> *inside is a mini PAX teleporter*
<Xanatos> <Cole> ...so risk it now or later?
<DeathStar> <Cran> I'd hold onto it. You can probably get 1 to 3 shots
<DeathStar> *The figure removes the helmet, revealing Xevil, or Xvar; Cheryl recoils*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "How quickly can you synthesize more?"
<Dias`> *Chad eyes the large man with a helmet on then the mini pax teleporter* Xvar.
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> *just twitches at that*
<Seraphna> Angela> Oh hey Xvar.
<DeathStar> <Cran> If you want, I can return to Earth and work in Cheryl's mansion to make more now
<Alicia> <Hotaru> "Well, this is a strange development."
<DeathStar> <Cran> Give me a day or two
<Dias`> <Chad> And where's this lead to?
<Seraphna> Angel> We’d better get to work on a cure then.
<Xanatos> 6* Cole nods to Cran and secures it, then sends an update to Blue.
<DeathStar> <Xvar> I was told you needed backup from Ao. So I decided to aid you. Especially since I've been feeling dark pullings from all over
<Seraphna> **Angel leans on Cran** Need anything or do I teleport straight back, Alex?
<Dias`> <Chad> And the teleporter? *He motions*
<DeathStar> <Cran> Well. *he nods* If taht isn't for show, I'll use that. *Xvar glances at it* <Xvar> I brought it incase you need a quick get away.
<Seraphna> Angela> I like the helmet. Very shiek.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl turns to Chad*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Is it possible to use this to connect to the teleporters on the EarthGov colony?
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I could possibily do some engineering
<Dias`> *Chad crosses his arms as he thinks* I think so.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Alright everyone, get some rest then
<Seraphna> Angela> Assuming it connected to the base network it should.
<DeathStar> *Cran uses this moment to go before it's dismantled*
<Jackieness> <Cassandra> "Right. Is it alright to contact Andrea from here?"
<Seraphna> **Angel huffs at him using that, following**
<Dias`> <Chad> Angela, work with Aya and Id on finding a way to fight that virus. Cheryl will help me with this with Cass and Cole.
<Seraphna> **Angela nods**
<DeathStar> *Aya points at a terminal link*
<DeathStar> <Aya> Over there
<Dias`> <Chad> There's enough Beta's lying around for test subjects
<DeathStar> *Cheryl sits and begins to take apart the PAX Teleporter, working to make it into a teleporter that can forcefully teleport to the EArthGov colony, while Xvar shakes head*
<DeathStar> *Zephyr opts to find a spot to laydown while they do their work*
<DeathStar> -TBC/Minis Open-
<Dias`> *Chad sits across from Cheryl working on helping take it apart* It's been awhile since we've done something like this.
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> That is true. *She wears goggles* I think one of my last big projects was Asteroid C. And that was decades ago.
<Dias`> <Chad> I was more referring to us working on something together like this.
* Jackieness has quit IRC
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> That's what I meant. I think I kind of stopped being pushed. I'm sure Taiga and I would get along in projects but it's not the same
<DeathStar> *she hands him a tool*
<Dias`> <Cherl> I can't say this is any different than what I'm used to. I know I don't push out as many projects as I used to considering I have my hands full with so many other things but the last thing I worked on was supposed to something that I could leave behind for my family.
<Dias`> *Chad takes it as he uses it on something*
<DeathStar> *Cheryl considers and nods* That might be nice, to do a nice project to leave behind for everyone
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I might not look it, but I am getting older.
<Dias`> <Chad> Well, while she's my greatest creation. *He nods to Aya* Id is what I made to leave behind for her and the rest of my family. *He nods at the orb working with Aya and Angela*
<DeathStar> *Aya seems to be relentlessly torturing Angela - in the gun way as they look into the virus*
<DeathStar> *fun too
<Dias`> <Chad> Seems the older I get the more and more I flirt with death. So I figured I needed something to pass my knowledge on. And I don't like the idea of living forever. So compromise. *He takes a piece off as he hands her the tool back*
<DeathStar> *Cheryl takes it and works on the teleporter* Just don't do the thing where you sacrifice yourself and explode. I just keep forseeing Zephyr going out that way
<Dias`> <Chad> I'm not that noble of a person. *He glances at Zephyr and then at Cheryl* Most likely. She's lost a lot of her foundations. She's listless it seems.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl puts an apple on the teleporter and tests something, eyeing the readouts*
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I'll see to it Kiseki or Hope comes along, even if she's forbid them.
<Dias`> <Chad> Sure that's a good idea?
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> Hrm. Apple won't transport to where I want. *She huffs, whapping her plugged in datapad*
<Dias`> *Chad reaches out to take the datapad*
<DeathStar> *she hands it, the pad giving an error*
<Dias`> *Chad starts reviewing the code to find the root cause* Patience wasn't one of your virtues
<DeathStar> <Cheryl> I find fear makes electronics work. *as Chad finds the error*
<Dias`> <Chad> Explains so many things. *He eyes it then moves to the teleporter and starts adjusting some things.
<DeathStar> *Cheryl checks over things* Alright if my code works, the test teleport will send it to a location without having to worry about Cran, then we for the real deal we can sneak teleport into his colony. Problem afterward, if he controls the place, that teleporter will be compromised and it might alarm on us
<Dias`> <Chad> It'll throw an error most likely and he'll look in to it. The only thing we could do is maybe try and get it to cause any and all other teleporters to activate also. *He rubs his chin a bit* That and if he has a Beta on guard....I think no matter what we plan that we won't stay hidden for long.
Session Close: Tue Jul 18 00:00:00 2023