The Alien Wars 6:
History Logs
Part II: Two Worlds
Arc Two:
Session 127: The Corporate Remnants
6.1.5991
Kumen – The Club
As the Tech Team becomes accustomed to the addition of Logan and begins searching for information tied to his past indiscretions, Jelly showing the first signs of getting over a past traumatic experience. While Asarar discusses the recent proposal between Wolfe, Jan and Riki, Ymir arrives to check up on her friends and relay a request for a meeting with Tora. When the team arrives on the main floor of the Club, they’re met by Hood who tackles Max and without prompting deduces Luci’s pregnant state; a future meeting agreed upon to discuss baby names.
The Aquarius
The usual antics erupt on the bridge between Yuki and Cookie over the knowledge that Wolfe is getting married and has puppies on the way; Yuki getting flustered and succumbing to tickles while comments come forth about copulation. Gor, with Kitty missing, burying himself in work and being watched by Mireille. After a while they head off to join the meeting that Tora has called for.
CoreSec Complex
In the meeting with Tora and the other Corporate CEO’s it’s revealed that Cloud Starkiller has woken up and been questioned by Sen; whether the Dragoon will fully recover from the injuries she sustained in Session 120 still dubious. However news that the Corporate Rebellion seems to have originated in Quad 5 fourteen yearsearlier sparks suspicions of Maxwell Terran’s involvement with the Hi’um’s and the origination of Ylva. This information, as eye opening as it is, is nothing in comparison to Cloud’s revelation that portions of each of the Rebel Corporations were ‘given’ to the Hi’ums as hidden assets; and Drek Hi’um had spoken of his own “Ace in the hole”.
Agreeing to work together, the Aquarius will start investigating the top level of the Colony as well as the Net while the Tech Team will look into the Lower and Middle levels. First though, Asarar decides to make a stop at the CoreSec Medical facility. Getting past security they head up planning to check on Cloud Starkiller, when they arrive they’re alarmed by the lack of medical staff; the few present seeming to ignore them and pushing equipment towards a stairwell. Sensing that something’s wrong, the Team springs into action; finding dead bodies behind the nurse’s station. Wolfe, Max, Luci and Logan heading into the stairwell after the nurses while Jelly locks out the stairwell so that it can’t be escaped from.
With trapped assassins crushing cyanide pills to kill themselves and a dying Cloud upstairs, the Tech team rushes to stabilize both a former CEO and a potential information source. While an antidote is looked for, and a medicine pantry assaulted, the military police storm the building and secure all who are present; taking over the care of both Cloud and one of the remaining assassins.
The Aquarius
As the Tech team is released, the Aquarius crew considers the fact that a move was made against Cloud; the best assumption being that somehow information has made its way to Drek Hi’Um that she had survived the fall of her corporation and was talking. Yuki brings up a potential lead for them to look into on the Hi`Um’s that goes back 14 years.
6.3.5991
Kumen – Top Level Corporate Area
The Aquarius Crew investigates the lead that Yuki discovered at the end of Session 127, a moderately sized business in Quad 5 that has been shut down for over a decade. They’re joined by Vyvy and Shade who are along to answer questions specific to Vyvy’s past, and why she was targeted by the Hi`um’s so long ago. The building it turns out is held in retainer seeing as the previous owner was assassinated…Vyvy’s former bonded Catherine Snowden. After forcing their way in and subjugating the AI controlling the facility, they head up to the penthouse floors to investigate the location of the shooting.
When they review the buildings security recordings they discover that Catherine wasn’t the target of assassination, she was collateral damage; the real target had survived being shot through the eye…Vyvy. Finding a recorded message in the Facilities AI leaving the business in Vyvy’s hands in the event that something happens to her, they decide to continue to investigate the business’s connection with AniMon. Moving to check out the apartment building where the shot had come from.
The Club
Having been looking for connections between AniMon and NueAge, Asarar is surprised when a request comes in for the Tech Team to speak with Shiki at the Macross HQ; Jelly showing a new appreciation for the finer points in life, namely the beauty of the opposite sex. At the meeting with Shiki it’s revealed that she had been bugged with a leading edge device that could re-position itself and mask its presence, being discovered the device almost destroys itself before its stopped by Ylva; the device seeming to have traces of Spirit-like energy.
Leaving the device with Jelly to discover its secrets, the group continues discussing the possibilities of who planted the device and their connection to the Hi`um’s.
Quad 5 Top Level
Investigating an Apartment nearby, the Aquarius team finds a man watching the building where Vyvy spent her younger years with Catherine; taking him into custody and questioning him, Moko admits to working for a former Corporate CEO who was on the lookout for Vvy’s return. Once Moko shows that he’s no longer cooperating, he attempts to escape; triggering a couple of flash bangs before using fire to attack them as a group this triggers alarms and a call for Undine who floods the area to put out the lingering flames. Airym and Kaylin agree that a trip to the beach is next on their to-do list. Moko unfortunately has been lost.
The Club
By the time the Tech Team has returned to their base of operations Jelly has tracked down a lead on the beetle-bug, a business that is connected to Shiki has bought up a large amount of Spirit-Tech and shipped it to a warehouse at the resort complex. Asarar decides that they’ll take a couple of days to prepare and look into a few more things before heading to the vacation spot.
Session 129: Battle of the Spirit Runners
6.6.5991
Kumen – Tech Colony
While the crew prepares for its mission Yuki points out a concern, that they’re going into an isolated location that could be susceptible to a cracked dome. Noting that the only danger will come from those inside the dome it’s decided that Mireille will stay on the Aquarius and keep it ready to assist in the event that the dome is damaged.
On the Monorail to the Pleasure Resort, both the Tech Team and the Aquarius Crew enjoy themselves a bit; comm frequencies are exchanged in the event the teams need to get in contact with each other. Members of both groups enjoy the atmosphere and change into bikinis and swimwear…some more revealing than others. The Tech team at the warehouse where Spirit Tech has been stored encounters several Spirit Runnners guarding the equipment. After a bit of a tussle they start securing the building floor by floor.
The Aquarius Crew
Yuki, Erica and the crew head towards a residence listed as under the ownership of Catherine Snowden, Shade complaining about the bright sunlight while Kaylin heads off to find a spot where she can snipe from. When they get to the mansion they discover that there are almost a dozen individuals inside with spirit tech devices placed throughout set to explode. Once their presence is detected the crew is forced into action to neutralize the Spirit/Tech Runners guarding the home with Gor working in tandem with Mireille to connect with and disable the devices. As they tussle with the guards Airym is shocked to experience a new sensation, pain, when she is stabbed in the shoulder by one of the men.
The Tech Team
Working their way up to the upper floor of the warehouse they come to a back office where the Manager they’ve been looking for, constructing what appears to be a large Spirit-Tech Bomb. The remaining guards pose little difficulty despite their use of Spirit Magics, the Manager ends up impaled on Max’s giant sword; with a bit of luck they’re able to stabilize the man and loot several pieces of tech before they head out with the man…blowing the rest of the tech as they go.
The Aquarius Crew
Gor disables the majority of the tech-explosives allowing the crew to proceed inside to where they find Sicil Hi`um and a glowing symbol on the wall; using the symbol she affects the group and comments about them bringing Vyvy back. Gor triggers an explosion to one of the remaining devices and rocks the building, giving the team the opening to incapacitate Sicil. With Drek’s mate in custody they start heading back to consider the next step in combating their unnamed enemy.
6.9.5991
Geyze – The Academy
Miyuki, Isis and Shion are preparing for a short day-trip to the neighboring Tech-Colony on Kumen; Wolfe (aka Bigby) has asked for all of his family in one place. Boarding their shuttle, Shion leaves Liana in charge until Sasha returns from her visit to the Hapian Capital. No sooner has the shuttle disappeared and Unit 6 returned to their temple than they discover a group of elderly gentlemen waiting to speak with the leader of the team. The men, Senators from the Legion Republic, have arrived to speak with Mykel; hoping to gain his assistance in removing Jules from his position as Kaiser.
While the Senators wait for a decision, Unit 6 scrambles to gain some much needed information about what precisely has happened in the Legion that has incensed the Senate.
Kumen
Miyuki, Isis and Shion have joined the Aquarius Crew at the Club for a private party; the announcement of Wolfe and Riki getting married…and Isis concludes the truth; that Riki is going to have a litter. With Miyuki and Isis playing the part of doting mothers and even Su showing up to threaten Wolfe to ‘treat her good’, there’s a general sense of happiness and celebration.
Geyze
With the Senators impatient to leave and word from Qui coming back that Jules has been ruling fairly; Mykel swallows his pride and interest in getting the banishment lifted after there’s no guarantee that neither Jules nor Hapes would be harmed. He allows the Senators to leave without agreeing to assist them. It’s not long after that Sasha, Shion, Miyuki and Isis arrive to learn that Unit 6 is preparing to head to Pyyrhic to warn Jules of the threat. Qui coming with to act as liaison and spokesperson due to the relations that have been fostered still regards Mykel coolly and like he’s at fault.
It’s agreed though that Unit 6 will continue with their original plan to travel to the Legion…minus Mykel and Shion.
Pyyhric
Upon their arrival, Unit 6 is astonished to find that Qui’s endorsement of Jules’s actions is for good reason; several laws have been changed since his ascendance to Kaiser, women have been granted the right to own businesses as well as land. It seems this is the cause of the Senate’s unrest as is evident by the sneers and contempt directed at the women in the eyes of the older men they come across while approaching the Kaiser Estate.
When they arrive, there’s a tense greeting due to Alita and Ceilia’s presence, but without Mykel there the banishment order seems to be overlooked and they’re able to warn Jules of the Senate’s actions. A letter from Mykel is even offered up which Jules reads over; with the news delivered, and their willingness to assist evident, Jules offers them the opportunity to spend the night and rest. The chance to rest is warmly welcomed and Alita tries to mend the relations between Jules and Mykel.
6.10.5991
Geyze – Pyyhric
Unit 6 enjoys a nice private breakfast while acting the part of visitors, discussing amongst them what their next step is. Qui suggests that this is a dangerous game they have entered into, one that she can’t participate in due to the alliance she has with the Legion and the goodwill that has been fostered with Jules. They consider several offers from the local nobility to meet with them as well as the possibility that the threat to Jules hasn’t ended; finally agreeing to split their focus and keep tabs on Jules while looking into the absence of both Ceilia and Maeryn before a duel begins between Salamander and Inferno with Vyvy on the line.
Sasha, Simon, Ellie and Talia head off to check with the Senators while Gwen, Alita and Liana stay with Jules; when they arrive at the Senate they find Shion already there and proceed to speak with a handful of the nobles. They learn that while Mihil is still against Jules politically, he hasn’t taken any further steps nor is he responsible for their missing members. Once they have left Sylph reveals that she has found their errant colleagues in the Senate’s basement area; they find Ceilia and Maeryn unconscious, and Sasha takes the opportunity to slap Maeryn awake. Once she’s aware enough to speak she describes the person who abducted her.
At the Kaiser’s Palace Hapes has arrived with his new betrothed Contessa to join Jules in viewing the Spirit Duel; together with Alita, Liana and Gwen they head off to watch and cheer on Salamander. Shortly after the fight begins, Shion, Sasha, Simon and Ellie appear and start barging their way towards the Kaiser’s platform, Shion arriving ahead of the others and tackling Hapes without a second thought. Reacting and standing Jules immediately wobbles as if poisoned, Alita being directed to heal Jules while Shion explains that Maeryn had described the person who kidnapped her as Hapes.
It’s recalled that Hapes had reached over and touched his brother earlier, with his left hand which bears a crystalline ring; removing it shows that it closely resembles the Shards that have been encountered several times now. As they quickly bring Jules back to his home it’s suggested that they might be able to reverse the effects by using a pure Crystal, Alita who has stayed by Jules’s side is witness to a simple request of the Kaiser “Tell Mykel”. It’s realized that the Senate will likely take this opportunity to remove Jules from the position as Kaiser and the only choice is to call in Mykel and use Mihil’s own plan against them.
In the Spirit Duel Salamander schools the brutish Inferno about the proper use of Fire and how physical strength isn’t the only factor in a battle.
Session 132: The Shield Comes Down
6.10.5991
Geyze – Pyyhric
With Jules being brought back to his home, Alita and others try their best to keep him alive and buy them time to figure out what to do. Maeryn proving that her disposition is less than amiable after she’s been knocked out. Shion heads back to the Academy along with Sasha and Maeryn while Undine is called in to try her hand at healing Jules; they’re concerned though that they’re going to be too late though.
The Academy
When they arrive back at the Academy with Salamander’s assistance they disturb the nude sunbathing Lumi; Shion heading off to contact the Aquarius for Airym’s help and to recover a Shard that was kept in reserve. Mykel is brought up to speed by the others and Talia makes a comment that sparks Shion into action; that Jules’s death could throw all of Geyze into chaos, wasting no time they return to the Legion with Mykel simply saying to hell with the banishment hanging over him.
Pyyhric
Simon along with Qui and Gwen head to speak with Hapes regarding the ring while Undine discovers that Jules is being rewritten by the contact with the ring, Alita and Undine doing everything they can to buy Jules time. Hapes suggesting ten names of senators who would be supportive of Jules as Sasha, Shion, Mykel and Maeryn arrive; time only to discuss what has been learned in the short time away before Vyvy, Sasha, Shion and Maeryn head to the Volcano to find Inferno and the Spirit Shield and Simon, Gwen and Mykel head off to deal with the Senate.
The Volcano Shrine
The usual attendants are found unconscious, and Salamander is immediately put to the task of trying to calm the lava that is threatening to explode. Searching the immediate area yields no clues as to where the Spirit Shield is, Salamander finally revealing that in the caldera there’s a place where it could be, but to get there they will need to tempt a blind teleport.
The Senate
Gwen, Simon and Mykel arrive at the senate building in time to see an attempt to vote Mihil into the position of Kaiser; before the vote can be taken Mykel heads onto the floor amidst glares and visible threat of following through on his banishment’s punishment. Despite exposing the Senator’s complicity in plotting against the Kaiser, the majority of them seem to ignore Mykel’s statements and try to go off to a more private area to vote. Gwen and Simon using the time to talk with some Senators who are against the change in leadership and learning that without proof of Hapes being controlled they won’t have any choice but to remove Jules…and time is running short.
Mykel will have to fend off the armed guards and keep his head attached while keeping the Senate from voting to give Gwen and Simon as much time as possible to track down the evidence.
The Volcano Shrine
Finding the steaming remains of Inferno at the top of the volcano along with the Spirit Shield Generator in full overload, Salamander doing the only thing she can think of to save the entire city and trying to teleport out with the cobbled-together generator. Sasha, Shion and Maeryn having to defend her from the appearance of one of the Bone-faced figures who tries to kill the Spirit; Shion suffering a cut to her arm that leaves it numb before the figure is disabled and Salamander teleports away with the generator.
The Senate
Gwen and Simon return to the Senate building to find a political nightmare occurring before their eyes, or normal Legion Politics depending on who’s judging, Mykel arguing with Mihil with several guards lying unconscious on the senate floor. With their arrival they bring forth evidence supporting the theory that Hapes wasn’t in control of himself, Senators who have supported Jules jumping at the opportunity to investigate further and hold off Mihil’s attempt to grab power. As the tension builds between Senators Jules arrives with assistance of Undine, Airym and Alita; putting to rest any move to oust him from being Kaiser.
Session 133: Warnings From Faraway
6.13.5991
Kumen – The Aquarius
The Aquarius is in the midst of a large overhaul; systems being added, replaced or removed all together. Experimental technologies and storage areas for Cryogenic chambers, radiation shielding, a new Computer AI, Spirit housing areas as well as new hangar spaces for shuttles and Combat Gears…the question is; why? Airym posing a theory that it’s for colonization bring alarm to Yuki and the need for speaking with Tora.
The Club
Asarar and Cypher call the Tech-Team together so they can reveal something they’ve discovered; CoreSec (Tora) has been buying up every space-worthy vessel the colony has as well as the shipyards. The sheer amount of activity piquing their interest and the decision is made to ask Tora directly since they aren’t able to hack their way into the files about what is going on.
Presidential Tower
In meeting with Sen and Tora, the groups are astonished to learn that the force that has slowly been making its way through the Crytok Empire and converting entire worlds seems to be on its way to Kumen and Geyze. An armada of ships made of Centerpoint-like crystal is days away, and the President has been preparing to evacuate as many people as can safely be sent on the vessels that have been secured. Tora hoping that if the Aquarius can get away from Kumen that they can devise a way to combat the ships and the suspected Bone-Faced aliens. With a countdown set, the teams are left to wonder about the impending doom and just what they’re going to do.
Session 134: Countdown to Arrival
6.15.5991
Kumen – The Club
The Tech-Team members are making preparations for the upcoming arrival of the Alien Armada; Max and Luci packing up things they’ll need, Asarar backing up files, Jelly studying information Sen sent over, Wolfe consoling Jan and Riki and coordinating for a place for them on the Aquarius. Finally Asarar reveals her own plans, that she’ll stay behind and use the Alien’s own portals between the realities to affect a change in some fashion. Several members deciding to join her in this despite the risks, even Jelly with his aversion to ‘death defying crap’ agrees since he’d miss out on pettings.
The Aquarius
The refurbishment of ships systems has drawn to a close, everything is ready for the evacuation. Ymir revealing a new function to Erica and Yuki that has been set up; the Aquarius can remotely control 20 other vessels. It’s mentioned that the Aliens will target and kill Spirits, and concern shifts to the Academy and Geyze, Yuki pulling up communications and making a call.
The Academy
With Salamander playing and even making her own power base at the Academy, and Shade showing signs of pregnancy, the overall sense is that things are calming down and it’s time to relax and enjoy life. However the joyous atmosphere is swept away after Shion is alerted by Yuki to the impending situation, word given to students, faculty and Units alike that they can choose for themselves what they’ll do and where they’ll go; an Aquarius shuttle will be on hand to evacuate anyone wishing to go with them. Individuals moving off to consider their options, contact family and prepare.
The Aquarius
The Aquarius begins to play host to some of the civilians who will call it home, the Corporate CEO’s. Ymir being dragged off by Ylva and told in no uncertain terms that she will be coming with them and not staying behind on the planet; later that day and the next will include a form of Lottery to choose the people that will get to go on the transports.
6.16.5991
Kumen – The Club
The club sits closed for a private party, the members of the Tech Team along with crew from the Aquarius have come together to celebrate amongst themselves the time that they’ve shared and in hopes of reuniting in the wake of the Alien’s attack. While Asarar and Kira, Chelsea and Cypher, Twilight and Ylva, Yuki, Erica and Saoirse spend their time in private rendezvous’ the others talk and drink the night away.
6.17.5991
Geyze – The Academy
The day of attack has arrived and with it the Academy is sorely lacking in staff and students, most having chosen to return to their loved ones. Unit 6 remains with Miyuki, Shion, Isis and Lumi as the Spirits gather to what is expected to be ground zero for the Alien’s assault. Due to concern for the cubs Isis is warped out with them to a safe location, Miyuki resigning herself to an upset kitty when they meet back up. Plans are made that Summoners will back up the Spirits and everyone else will work to protect the buildings as much as they can.
Kumen – Presidential Tower
The Tech team stands in watch with Tora and Sen as an armada of 40 alien ships arrive, 10 of them splitting off and heading towards Geyze, unfortunately there’s nothing that can be done besides powering up the few defensive satellites and hoping to buy enough time for the transports to evacuate. The only advice given is that for those who believe in a deity to start praying.
The Aquarius
The bridge is filled with the command crew watching the aggressive fleets activities while boarding is still under way, worried when the alien ships launch what appear to be dozens if not hundreds of fighters ahead of them. Erica decides that in order to give them the best opportunity to evacuate the most people the Aquarius along with several other ‘war ships’ to launch early and provide cover to the colony. Ships energy being diverted towards combat systems in preparation for an all-out slugfest as the ramps are closed and Mireille comes up to power the Spirit Systems. As they launch Erica orders simply: “Fire at will. Liberally.” A small transport vessel is launched towards Geyze to facilitate the extraction of the Academy forces.
Presidential Tower
The President and the Tech team sigh in relief as they watch as waves of enemy fighters are engaged and annihilated in short succession by the Aquarius and its warships, the time they have to evacuate increasing with each explosion. Sen recalls a bit of old technology from the colonies early days; a giant shield system that could be activated and buy them even more time to evacuate. The only problem being that it’s powered by three generators located in separate quadrants of the colony. The team agrees to split up and head for the locations before going to hideouts where they might survive the coming crystallization.
Geyze
The ten vessels that broke off from the main fleet arrive in the skies above the Academy turning the bright sunny day dark before it begins launching large devices towards the surface. The Spirits launching attacks against the vessels trying to protect their world and starting to make a dent before the device starts to burrow itself into the ground. Vyvy, in concert with Spira and Shade, takes her dragon form and tries to stop the device; unfortunately triggering it early and getting herself caught in an explosion of crystal and turned into a giant dragon statue. The others strive to protect the Academy but quickly realize that it’s a losing battle; Volt being killed and his core absorbed by Gnome. When another of the devices pierces the main temple Celsius flies in to disable it, succumbing to the crystallization just like Vyvy had. Miyuki orders a full retreat to the forest where the Aquarius Shuttle has landed; noting the absence of several of those who had stayed behind like Liana and Qui. Qui is found with her leg caught beneath a giant chunk of crystal which is slowly transforming her leg, Miyuki freezing the leg in order for Kasha to amputate it and save Qui’s life. With the team gathering at the shuttle and leaving Miyuki heads off to find Liana, Maeryn’s pet panther joining her before getting whisked away into shadows by Rain.
Kumen – The Aquarius
With the defensive satellites destroyed along with the vast majority of the Aliens fighters, the Aquarius is left with little choice but to enact their own retreat with the transport vessels. Gathering the transports together and having the shuttle from Geyze return a final salvo containing the full brunt of Spirit-Tech Powered weaponry is unleashed at the closest of the Crystal ships. With astonishment they watch as the attack splinters to 5 of the ships and utterly obliterating them; Airym voicing the conclusion that this explains their hatred of Spirits, they are clearly vulnerable to the Spirits.
As the Tech Team heads to their separate quadrants of the colony and the generators, they find the machinery in underground caverns and get them to turn on. Heading towards the safe houses they watch as an alien weapon strikes the Presidential Tower and reduces it to rubble; the hope that Tora was shielded from the blast is answered when the shield activates around the colony and gives them a few more hours.