Lost Heroes #2 - "Datalore"
Dr. Beth Williams sets down before the one active computer terminal. There are three other terminals in the Cryogenics Lab, but they are all inactive. Less than half of the ceiling lights are on. Only some of the equipment is active.
Eclypse - "This here appears to be the best way to start finding answers to our questions."
The computer keyboard is of standard design. Beth taps several keys and the screen suddenly changes. It reads: "Please insert security clearance." An on screen arrow points towards a narrow slot below the monitor.
Beth - "Security clearance?"
Eclypse - "It figures. All the doors I've encountered required some sort of security clearance. Something the width of a credit card would work. Perhaps there's one in this lab.
Everyone spreads to search the lab, while Beth tries other methods to enter the mainframe. On one side of the room, Number 6 and the Black Tarantula find a piece of machinery in operation.
Tarantula - "What's this doohickey?"
Number 6 - "It's a seismograph. Apparently it's recording an earth tremor right now. Very mild.
Meanwhile, Officer Terry makes a discovery in another desk.
Terry - "Is this what you're looking for?"
She holds up a piece of yellow plastic. It was slightly larger than a credit card. There were symbols etched into its surface.
Beth - "Let's find out."
REM - "I'm hungry! Where can I get some food?
Brawn - "You should know where it is kid! You're in on this joke, too!"
Eclypse - "Perhaps you should take a look around out there. This situation is very real. That might convince you of it.
Tarantula - "I'll join you. I need a drink."
Beth accepts the yellow card and slides it into the computer slot. The screen changes once more.
"ID verified. Good morning, Dr. Howard."
Beth - "Bingo, we're in!"
Brawn, REM, and the Black Tarantula spread out in the hallway. Further ahead on their right was another lab. The door said 'Biology' on it. On the left hand side, there was a door with the word 'Security' on it between the labs. Shortly after that a passage led away to the left. More doors were further down the hall.
Brawn stood in the middle of the hallway shouted for Rogers once more. Incredibly, Rogers appeared before him!
Brawn - "You did this to me! Why? Tell me or--!
He reached for Rogers, but his hands passed right through him! Rogers than disappeared
REM - "You've been complaining about him for so much, I'd thought I'd give him to you.
Tarantula - "You did that?"
REM - "I saw it in his mind. Hey! There it is!
REM ran forward to a door that bore the word 'Cafeteria'. Leaving behind a very confused Brawn and slightly amused Tarantula.
Unlike the other doors, this one did not require a security clearance card. The inside of the cafeteria was as one would expect. Numerous tables and chairs filled the room. A large machine dominated one wall. On the left of it was a stack of trays. A nearby cart held silverware.
Tarantula - "Well, I'll be..."
REM - "Do you know how to order, mister?
Tarantula - No... Can't be that difficult."
REM grabbed a tray and moved in front of the machine.
REM - "Service please!"
Several lights on the machine glowed as if it understood. A small door on the machine opened. Inside was a dish with steam rising from it. It held a greenish/brown offering.
Tarantula - "It's hot, whatever it is."
REM - "It smells okay. I'm gonna eat it.
Tarantula - "Wait! You don't know what that is. It might be poisonous. You better have someone test it first.
REM - "But I'm hungry! And they're hungry too!
Tarantula - "The others?"
REM - "No, I don't think it's them... They make no sense, but they are hungry."
Beth - "I think that this is what we are looking for. It's the last entry made by this Dr. Howard."
Eclypse - "Let's see what the good doctor had to say."
After a couple of keystrokes, writing began to fill the screen....
"All six are now secure in the Cryogenics chamber. It is a miracle that they survived all this time. So few survived the black years...."
"The six subjects in question were all found in a state of suspended animation in submarine at the bottom of the pacific ocean. We don't know how the sub ended up there."
"Records aboard the craft gave us a few clues. The vessel was the property of an organization known as PSI, Paralogical Studies Institute. Each of the six possesses abilities or powers that would be useful to this organization."
There were a few notes about each of the six.
"Barry Brine, alias Black Tarantula. Spider powers."
"Mary Sue Terry, NYPD, psionic: ESP, Empathy, Pyrokinesis."
"Dr. Henry Driscoll, alias Number 6. Scientist/cyborg."
"Susan McDonald, alias REM, psionic: Telepathy, Mind Scan, Illusionist. Very valuable."
"Patrick Wilson, alias Brawn. Super strength."
"Dr. Mary Beth Williams, scientist, replicator."
Beth - "No! I'm a doctor! Nothing more!
Number 6 - "Beth--?"
Beth - "This isn't fair, this just isn't fair! Why me? What makes me so special? Nothing! That's what!"
Eclypse - "Doctor, you're becoming hysterical."
Beth stands and faces Eclypse. Tears are streaming down her face.
Beth - "You damn right I'm hysterical! Just how are you? Huh? Why aren't you in that file?
Eclypse - "I've already explained how I arrived here."
Beth - "How do we know you were telling the truth?
Eclypse - "Because I have no reason to lie. You have a special talent, Doctor. All of us do. Why are you ashamed of it?"
The Doctor slaps Eclypse across the face. He doesn't even feel it.
Beth - "Damn you!
She falls into Eclypse's arms. He holds her as she weeps.
Eclypse - "That's right. Get it all out."
The large crevice loomed before REM, Tarantula and Brawn.
Tarantula - "You can't possible believe that this is also a practical joke, can you?"
Brawn - "I don't know what to believe."
REM - "They're down there. They're hungry."
Tarantula - "I'm getting a bad feeling about this. Let's get back to the others."
Almost unnoticed, something moved in the crevice....
Once more in the Cryogenics Lab, Beth has regained her composure. Number 6 and Officer Terry are at the Seismograph.
Number 6 - This is very odd.
Terry - "What's the problem?"
Number 6 - "It is still reading a minor shaking in the Earth. And if I'm reading this correctly... Eclypse, could you step over here?"
Eclypse - "What have you found?"
Number 6 - "There's been a minor earth tremor for quite sometime now. According to this it's also getting closer to this place!
Eclypse - "Could it be someone tunneling? As far as I know, we're underground.
Number 6 - "That is possible."
Brawn - "Did you say that someone is tunneling towards? Rescuers!
Eclypse - "Perhaps. Perhaps not."
Tarantula - "I have a nose for trouble, and I'm smelling trouble."
Beth - "What are we going to do?"
Spectrum's Comments: While that was all very interesting, perhaps it would have been nice to let the players do some things too. This was still the early days and I was too used to writing stories rather than game posts. I hadn't learned the 'let the characters do the action, the GM just does the resolving' lesson as of yet.
SUBJ: BRAWN FROM: N4SIR 04/09/89 S#: 417887
"Look REM I haven't forgotten your stunt in the hall earlier and I will get even, but if you say whatever is down there is hungry and if it is heading this way... Then we're faced with two options 1) We stay here and fight it or 2) We try to out run it. Either way REM you lose. Because you and ROGERS still have to deal with me, you got that CHUM." Brawn says Standing over her.
"And as for you Tarantula, I haven't forgotten your role in all this. I haven't quite figured all this out yet but I am ready to destroy something and whether it's all of you and ROGERS or Whatever That thing down there is I don't much care."
SUBJ: Black Tarantula FROM: AREION 04/09/89 S#: 830611
"You still think this is some kind of joke?!?! I give up! If you want to think this is all some elaborate charade, I'm tired of arguing! One of these days, MAYBE, you'll grow up!"
"I say we stand and fight! There have got to be some weapons around here somewhere. Wasn't one of those doors labeled 'Guards'? Maybe in there, I'll check it out.
Walking past Rem, the ebon clad arachnid flashes a quick smile beneath his ask. Kid's got guts, taking all this right in stride. Must've had some life to leave behind!
I must be more careful, there are women present! Freaking out like that is unforgivable. I can't afford to leave myself too open!
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 04/09/89 S#: 426840
"Listen Brawn you big cutie you. My mother told me how to handle guys like you, but I'm to much of a lady do say those things in the presence of a true gentleman like Tarantula."
(REM winks at Tarantula)
"But as for now I suggest we get out of this room fast. I sense MANY mouths coming this way and they don't seem to particular what or whom they eat. Although I think they would think twice if they tasted you Brawn."
She then blows Brawn a kiss. "Alright food-a-rack-a-cycle let's see what you can do. Give me everything that you have. I'm real hungry."
After REM starts this crazy contraption (or the pac-man monsters get to close) she then starts for the door calling for the others after her.
SUBJ: Brawn FROM: N4SIR 04/10/89 S#: 844904
Brawn Stands there. Amazed at the kids moxie. But slowly anger begins to grow. Although Brawns next act is somewhat immature it does protect the others from the awesome might of Brawn. To say that the room was rearranged by Brawn is an understatement. When Brawn leaves it looks like the room was picked up and everything slid against one wall. Brawn is now somewhat sedate when he leaves the room. He will then move outside not speaking to anyone.
Mail From: REM9 Date: Monday 10-Apr-89 21:21 EDT
WOW I sure got Brawn pissed. Ok while we are on the run, I will try to locate Beth with my mind and if I get her in clearly enough send her the following message, "Beth this is REM. Remember the movie called Aliens. Well they're heeerrrreee."
SUBJ: Eclypse
"Tarantula's right. We must see what this 'security' area holds. It is my belief that we must prepare to defend ourselves in both fronts. The things in the crevice being hungry, suggests an animal intelligence. They should be the easiest to drive off. The tunnelers concern me. What do they want? We have no reason to believe them to be rescuers. Isn't it odd that they are coming so soon after your awakening? No, they want something. I can feel it. We must prepare to defend ourselves.'
Eclypse removes the yellow card from the computer and walks to the security door. He slides the card into the slot next to the door, but nothing happens.
"Hmmm, this card does not open this door. Brute force shall have to suffice."
Eclypse strains, but the door refuses to open
"This portal is beyond my strength. Where's brawn?'
SUBJ: number 6 from: deslock 04/13/89 s#: 846384
"I'm not sure that the tunnelers and the hungry ones aren't one and the same."
With this in mind, I'll look over the seismograph readings, to see if they might correlate to the movements of the hungry things approaching.
"Beth, why don't you check the computer for references on 'black years' and 'PSI'. While your at it, you should check to see what it can locate some insulin, or what information it has on diabetes. I'd also be interested in any information it contains pertaining to neurological diseases and disorders."
It must be there. I had the answer once; with all the time that's gone by, there must be a cure by now.
SUBJ: Beth... from: Schar 04/13/89 s#: 509410
I'll take a look at the seismograph...
"I don't know, number 6. They might be two different things...."
Good idea about using the computer. I'll enter the hallway.
"Excuse me, Eclypse. I need the ID card to use the computer. Since you have no use for it any more."
Taking the card, I'll go back to the computer. I'll enter the mainframe and access the data number 6 requested.
If we do enter combat, I'm not sure exactly what I'll do.... I'm a doctor, not a fighter. I can defend myself, but that might be small comfort against the impending arrivals....
SUBJ: black tarantula (r) from: Areion 04/13/89 s#: 84239
Uh oh! She knew I was smiling. Red head's a telepath or something. I'm even going to have to watch what I think!
"Well, Eclypse, maybe neither of us are as strong as brawn, but maybe the two of us can get through that door."
Black Tarantula will begin hammering the door with full strength haymakers, in hopes a joint effort will prove effective.
SUBJ: miss terry... from: miss terry 04/13/89 s#: 440691
Terry listens to what the others have to say then she turns to eclipse.
'Could you have caused an alarm to go off when we were playing with the computer?'
Terry will also try to enter the area marked security, if there is trouble opening the door, she will try to pick the lock.
Lost Heroes #3 - "Security"
After a long period of inactivity, life had returned to Alpha Base. The action centering on the Biosphere...
Inside the cafeteria, REM activates the food processor once more. Dish after dish of food comes forth. She takes the dishes and places the near the edge of the crevice. If those things down there are hungry, perhaps this will take care of their appetites. Her task complete, REM sits and waits for their arrival.
At the door marked 'Security', Terry joins Eclypse and Black Tarantula.
Terry - "Excuse me, Eclypse, but is it possible that you caused an alarm to go off when you entered this base? Could we have caused an alarm to go off when we were playing with the computer?"
Eclypse - "That's a possibility I hadn't consider, Terry. If that is the case, I must speak with Number 6 for a moment."
Black Tarantula - "What about this door?"
Eclypse - "I'll only be a minute. I doubt that it's going to walk off on its own accord."
Terry - "Let me take a look at the door. Perhaps I might be able to assist."
Black Tarantula - "You?"
Terry - "Perhaps stealth might succeed where strength failed."
Terry pulls a bobby pin from her hair and starts to work on the lock.
At the computer terminal, Beth has made a discovery.
Beth - "Hey, everyone! According to this, the items we had with us when we were found are in the storeroom."
Beth points to the remaining door in the Cryogenics Lab. She crosses the room to the storeroom. The door slides open on her approach. Numerous accessories fill the room. In moments, Beth has located what she was looking for: her personal affects.
Beth - "My glasses!"
Donning the spectacles, Beth re-enters the lab.
Beth - "Humph! So that's what you all look like. Oh, well, back to work.
Officer Terry and Tarantula enter the lab.
Terry - "Sorry, but the lock was too tough for me. You found our stuff? Great!"
Terry enters the storeroom and locates her weapon: a colt python.
Eclypse - "Number 6, have you been able to determine from which direction the tunnelers are coming from?"
Number 6 - "Yes. They and the things in the crevice are two different entities. The tunnelers are coming from the opposite direction as the crevice."
Eclypse - "That kills that theory."
Beth - "What theory?"
Eclypse - "Terry thought that we might have set of an alarm. The tunnel I awoke in was caved on one side. I thought that perhaps the tunnelers were from the rest of this base.
Terry - "Perhaps they are?"
Number 6 - "We shall see. I estimate that they will be here in about ten minutes."
Eclypse - "Then we best find out what's behind the 'Security' door. Where is Brawn?"
Black Tarantula - "He's out in the hallway sulking. Come on, perhaps the two of us can force it open."
Eclypse - "Let's find out."
The two men exit the lab and head back to the door. But Brawn is already there.
Brawn - "Has Rogers forgot to give you the security card for this Tarantula? Oh, that's right you don't know Rogers. I've got a deal for this crew. You keep the kid out of my head and I'll open the door. Oh, you also keep this refuge from Halloween off my back and I won't mop the floor up with him.
Brawn grabs the door and easily pries it open.
Brawn - "Now since we're going to fight bugs bunny or whatever is down there, I'm going out into the hallway. I'll have room to throw things there.
Brawn stalks off.
Terry - "Impressive. Let's see what's in here.
Back at the cafeteria, REM continued to sit and wait. Their thoughts were constantly getting stronger. They continued to come closer, but the closer they came the slower they traveled. She could feel that they were uncomfortable. Something was wrong. Only their ravenous hungry drove them on. REM shivered slightly. The room seemed colder than before...
In the Cryogenics lab, Dr. Beth Williams sat before the computer terminal. She felt virtually numb. The data on the monitor was that shocking.
Number 6 - "Beth? Beth? What's the matter? What did you find?
Beth - "Our salvation."
Number 6 - "What?!?"
Cautiously, Eclypse, Terry and the Black Tarantula entered the security area. Beyond the door was a 12' x 18' room. Two other doors led out of the room. The far door said 'Armory' on it. On one desk in the room was another active computer.
Eclypse - "The good doctor isn't the only one who knows a thing or two about computers. Why don't the rest of you see what else is around?"
Tarantula - "Check."
The unmarked door led into a barracks. Five double bunks filled the 12' square room. Another door in here led into a rest room. In the Security Office, Terry searched through the desks. Once more her instincts serve her well. A red ID card is found.
Terry - "Look what I found."
Eclypse - "Good job! That's probably what I need to access this computer terminal."
Terry - "I'm going to check out the armory first."
Followed by the others, Terry inserts the card into the slot. The door to the armory silently slides open.
Back in the Cryogenics lab...
Beth - "I accessed diabetes. It said something to the effect of 'Archaic disease. See Mendelson's Re-Write."
Number 6 - "Mendelson's Re-Write?"
Beth - "Yeah, so I did. And what I found was totally unbelievable...."
Number 6 silently read the screen.
"Mendelson's Re-Write is named after Dr. Alfred Mendelson, its creator. Conceived in 2247, this process has virtually removed all genetic defects known to man. The process is quite similar to a disease. The Re-Write invades the body, spreads, and Re-Writes the DNA molecules on the sub-atomic level. Genetic defects are literally written out of the body, in favor of its new matrix."
Beth - "Several more pages of data follow, but that is the gist of it.
The armory used to be a much larger room, but almost half of it had fallen into the crevice that neatly split the Biosphere in half. But not all was lost. On a small table were ten, hand-sized walkie-talkie like devices. A rack mounted on the wall held 5 large belts. Machinery was built into the belt. An open box held four grenade like objects, two red, two blue. A weapons rack held six pistol-like weapons. Two red, four blue.
After exploring the Armory, Eclypse sits himself in front of the Security computer. He inserts the red ID card. The message "ID Approved, Welcome Captain Carter" appears on the screen. This rapidly followed by another message. "Alert Status! Unauthorized personal approaching Biosphere! Activate defense shield (Y/N)?"
Eclypse - "Yes!"
He hits the key and the following message appears: "Defense Shields cannot be activated at this time. Insufficient power levels. Main power generator is offline."
Eclypse - "If we only knew where the generator was!"
Just then, a mental voice speaks to Beth.
Beth - "REM just spoke to me telepathically. She said 'Remember the movies 'Aliens'. Well they're heerreee..."
Number 6 - "Come on!"
Back at the crevice, the creatures have started to poor out. Ant-like was the best way to describe the. However these ants were the size of house cats! The also glowed a soft red. They quickly swarmed over the food REM had put out. But they would soon have that eaten.
Brawn appeared in the hallway.
Brawn - "The tunnelers have arrived."
The large man pointed into the Cryogenics Sleep chamber. Large cracks were forming in the far wall. Within moments whatever was behind the wall would soon break through....
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 04/14/89 S#: 428925
"I'm sorry Brawn if I have offended you in any way. I promise to stay out of your mind from now on. It's just that you were complaining so much I figured if you saw this Roger's fellow you would quit it."
--Yes Tarantula I can read minds. Don't worry I won't tell anybody what you're thinking.--
As you look at Rem you see that her face currently matches the color of her hair.
SUBJ: Black Tarantula FROM: AREION 04/15/89 S#: 399854
Muttering, "Damn it" I snatch up a walkie-talkie, gadget belt, and a red and a blue gun.
"I'll head down to deal with these 'Hungry ones' insect to insect"
Studying the hardware I've picked up as I go, I'll head briskly to the Cafeteria. If I meet anyone (who's on our side ;>) along the way who is unarmed, I'll part with one of the guns.
Upon reaching the swarming insectoids I'll take one of the red spheres from the open box on my belt. I can only assume they're some sort of hand grenade. If I can figure out how to set it off, I'll dump it into the crevice and hit the dirt, being sure to tackle any women near the blast area.
"GET DOWN!"
If I can't figure the thing out, I'll spray a web across the crevice, trapping a handful of the little uglys on this side, and quickly subdue them, while avoiding their hungry jaws.
Please inform me of anything I figure out about these weapons!
SUBJ: BRAWN FROM: N4SIR 04/16/89 S#: 128533
Hold it spider man I have an idea, Rem get back behind me and hold on," Brawn says. He then moves closer to the hole.
(Question: 1) is this a cement floor or tiled?
2) Could I grab a huge Chunk of the floor?
If Brawn can grab the floor and hurl it back into crevice he will do that. If not he will attempt to grab part of the wall and use it as a giant fly swatter if the ceiling depends on the wall Brawn will then use the security door(s) as a fan type device to blow ants back down the hole or will use it smash the insectoids in any case he will then attempt to seal the crevice as best he can.
"In case you hadn't heard from Rogers Tarantula I too was in the Major leagues," Brawn says.
"REM scan the Motives of the tunnelers OH and BT put those things away before you hurt yourself."
Brawn will then head back towards the direction of where the tunnelers are coming from.
SUBJ: REM (R) FROM: REM9 04/16/89 S#: 435026
REM quickly runs behind Brawn. "Roger wilko big guy. Will do. You can squish those guys to your hearts content. I hate bugs.
--Not counting you Tarantula sweetie.-
Yeach. Somebody get the RAID. Someone's knocking on our walls?"
Facing the wall, "Who is it?" Rem will then scan beyond the wall to find out who's there and what do they want.
SUBJ: Black Tarantula FROM: AREION 04/16/89 S#: 453071
"OK big guy, the best I can do is hold them off for a few minutes, if YOU can seal that crevice... I'll tend to our other visitors."
Considering Brawns argument, I stash the guns under the belt and the grenades in my boots. Don't want any misfires!
"No Rem! Not ROGER wilko...please!! Stay behind me!"
B.T. will lead Rem back down to the second battlefront, following her directions if she should indicate that the assailants have moved. If danger sense should flare will pitch her to the floor --Sorry babe, but better bruised than dead!-- and prepare for evasive HTH.
SUBJ: Mary Beth
It's nice to be able to see properly! As for what's going on in the corridor I'm not sure how much help I'll be. Like I said I'm not much of a fighter. However, I am fairly intelligent, so I am going to use it. Why don't we just use one of the security cards and all of us take cover. Let the ants and the tunnelers deal with each other? Instead of having us in the middle??
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 04/20/89 S#: 472239
--I don't believe this... it's happening again...-
Take cover if you will, Beth, but I have no intention of losing the information in this computer. Whatever the intention of those tunnelers maybe, THEY ARE NOT ENTERING THIS LABORATORY."
I move to the area that the tunnelers approach, preparing my armor for battle. There is nothing I will not do to stop them.
SUBJ: Terry... FROM: Miss Terry 04/22/89 S#: 408228
After finding her gun, she checks the ammo and then heads back to the security door, after Brawn opens it she searched the area and finds the red card, after opening the door she gets a few walkie-talkies and other things and takes them back to the others and hands them out so that we might all keep in touch and be protected, at least when we figure these things out.
Spectrum's Comments: And thus our bewildered characters find themselves dealing with two arriving forces on two different fronts. Caught between fiery ants and whatever it is that lurks behind the wall!