Spectrum's Comments: Alpha Base is functional once more. However, an invading force has just arrived at the front door...
Lost Heroes #23 - "A Change of Luck
Eclypse and Number 6 take a seat before the defense controls. (It's large enough for both of you.)
Number 6 - "You bet we want to retaliate, computer! Hit them with everything you've got!"
"Engaging."
Eclypse - "Sh're, do you have anything to do with power being on in here?"
Sh're - "Me do nothing... Was like this."
Out in the hanger bay, Tarantula tries to get the elevator to open. The computer politely informs him that the elevator cannot open with the defense shield is up.
Rem and Terry join hands. Terry's mental eyes look out of the base, towards the attackers.
At the same time, Eclypse locates the controls for the view screens. After a moment to power up, they come to life.
Everyone in the control room can clear see what is happening outside the base. A small airship, very similar to the one used to bring the robots to the base many posts ago.
Eclypse - "Looks like our buddy Albert has come to visit."
Rem - "The vessel has more robots on it. Fire at will, guys!"
Suddenly, a laser blast is fired from the craft. Another screen shows that the laser blast stops short of the base itself, the force field holding.
"Engaging laser turrets."
On the screen, the vessel is hit by laser fire. It explodes in a dazzling display. Simultaneously, another explosion shakes the base. This one much more powerful then the first.
"Target is destroyed."
Number 6 - "That takes care of that..."
Before Number 6 can complete his thought, the computer speaks once again.
"Warning: Intruder alert! Intruder in the hanger bay!"
Rem - "Now what?"
On the view screen you can see a young woman. She appears to be very confused.
Woman - "Oh, god... I'm dead!"
Spectrum's Comments: The woman was a new PC.
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 09/05/89 S#: 812891
"What the... what now?"
"Computer, scan the intruder. I'd like a weapons and bio readout."
"OK people, we've got company."
Once I get the computer analysis, I'll relay the info to the others.
SUBJ: BRAWN FROM: N4SIR 09/05/89 S#: 11414
"On my way tin man. Rem scout ahead and tell me who and what I am about to run headlong into. You comin' with me 'Hairy' (meaning BT)?"
SUBJ: Sh're
'Ooooohhh, new person!'
Sh're flies through the blast windows and down to the hanger floor. She then proceeds to circle the woman. More than likely she is surprised to seeing an oval, floating blob of energy before her. She then hears a voice in her head:
'Me Sh're, will you be my friend?'
GM Notes:
The computer tells number 6 that the woman is unarmed. However, her readings to do not conform to a normal human. Of course, neither do anyone else's around here!
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 09/07/89 S#: 451905
--Great screens this place has. I hope it doesn't rain.--
"Computer, continue defensive scans."
"Eclypse, I'm heading into the hanger bay to see what's happening."
SUBJ: BT FROM: AREION 09/07/89 S#: 81284
"Right behind' ya Mighty Mouth" (meaning Brawn ;> )
"I don't think she's any threat, my danger sense isn't tingling" (Is it Mad??)
"Better safe than sorry though"
BT will take up defensive positioning setting himself up as an apparent 'easy target' to give Brawn a chance to clobber the bimbo while he dodges should she prove hostile. But will just as readily attack (straight forward punch) if she assaults anyone else.
"I believe there were other capsules down here aside from the ones that held us. Maybe she occupied one of them. Remember how disoriented we were when we first came too?"
"Ahhh...excuse me...you hoo, strange lady...who are you???"
BTW: as soon as this is all over, somebody remind me to make a new costume. I'm beginning to feel like a fruit running around in this stolen gown.
SUBJ: Wow.. FROM: Kityana 09/07/89 S#: 112823
::looks ar Sh're::
Am I dead? This certainly isn't what I expected heaven to look like...where's your wings and your halo?
::notices others approaching::
Nope this ain't heaven...
::takes a step back from those approaching::
Uhhh hi...er..how are you? Ummm would you mind letting me know where I'm at..
:: puts hands up to cover face::
How do I get into these things..
Thought a brief description would help :)
Bout 5'8, rather slender in build, black shoulder length hair pulled back in a ribbon, bright green eyes. She's wearing a black lose fitting shirt, black gloves, black pants and black boots.. and also a black studded choker which by golly resembles something like a cat collar.
Spectrum's Comments: Kitty also played Strikeout in Crusaders and Arafel in the Frontier. Unfortunately she didn't hang around very long.
SUBJ: Eclypse FROM: Panther13 09/10/89 S#: 840277
"Well, she doesn't seem to be much of a threat at this moment."
Eclypse will continue to monitor the computer system to make sure that nothing else bizarre happens, and act accordingly.
"I think we should question this newcomer, to learn her story. Keep an eye on her, until we can be sure she means us no danger."
Also, when the introductions are finished, we can tell the young lady our story. It is unlikely that it would be detrimental to do so. Finally,...
"Now that the excitement is over, I must remind everyone that we have a few other tasks at hand. I suggest we continue on them as soon as possible."
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 09/10/89 S#: 456745
Upon entering the hanger, and noting that our new visitor is apparently harmless, I'll approach the group gathering about her.
"I doubt she came to be here in the same manner as most of the rest of us, BT. If she had been in a suspension chamber, it is unlikely she would just suddenly pop up in this location. Still, I have more important things to attend to. Why don't you and Brawn stay here and find out her story. Eclypse, Sh're, and I still have to check out the power center and the medical labs. If you get bored, you might go outside and fetch the wreckage of that tinker toy Dr. D sent against us. I'd like to check out what kind of technology he has a hold of. For a guy with his rep, he's been sending some pretty lame stuff after us so far."
I'll return to the defense console, and see if I can get directions to the power center and med labs.
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 09/11/89 S#: 434390
Gee another beautiful woman. Well if we do have to repopulate this planet at least it won't all be on my shoulders.:)
REM will join the others in going out into the hanger to greet the stranger. She will, however be distracted by her fascination with those planes. **Gee if we were attacked by an airplane, maybe these will fly now? I wonder?**
**Number 6, this is REM. Is it possible somehow that the satellites no longer work? Maybe that explains the sudden power here and the reason that we were attacked by those robots again.**
REM will then climb into a vehicle and start to play around with the controls (making sure that she doesn't suddenly turn on the vehicle and fly through the roof just in case)
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 09/11/89 S#: 844563
"That would seem to be the most likely answer, Rem. It would also explain why we had no trouble powering up the defense shields here. I've mixed feelings on the matter. I personally prefer the energy-draining field gone. However, I would have liked it to be us who had done the job. Now we have to worry about who did it and why. We can check that out after we're finished here."
Lost Heroes #24 - "Friendly Fire"
The attacking robots have been efficiently destroyed thanks to the base's defense system. Moments later, a woman, all in black, appeared in the hanger. After a quick scan to determine if the woman was unarmed, Brawn and Tarantula approach her. Sh're, having completed her examination, returned to the control room.
The woman takes several steps back as the men approach her. She appears startled at the sight of Brawn: a nine-foot tall man in a black and red costume. His face is covered by a hockey mask. The other man wears a flowing robe that does not become him.
Back up in the control room, most of the others are at the Defense Controls.
Number 6 - "Computer, provide me with directions to the power center and the med labs.
"To reach the Power Sphere, enter the elevator and push level four. To reach the Medical Sphere, get off on level three and take the southern tunnel."
Terry - "Hey, guys, take a look at this."
Terry holds up a piece of paper.
Terry - "I found this on one of the desks."
It reads: "Alpha Base, this is Gamma Base. The last shuttle has taken off. The alien will be here in moments. I cannot get reach Mindkeep. Can you-"
Eclypse - "Interesting."
Number 6 - "Nonetheless, a worry for another time. Let us check out the power center."
Terry - "I'll man the fort. I'm also gonna call Beth and have Val get her over here. Our new arrival might need medical attention."
Number 6, Eclypse and Sh're then leave the command center and enter one of the elevators found earlier. Inside they press the level four button. The elevator begins a quick, but smooth descent. Upon reaching level four, the door slides open.
Before you is a short corridor leading to another door. A small sign says that proper security clearance is required to pass. The red security card allows you entry.
Beyond is a gigantic room filled with machinery. Most of it appears to be in operation.
Back up in the hanger, Rem has entered one of the aircraft under repair. She pretends to be flying the craft. As she 'flies' along, there is sudden a spark in the control panel. Several screens in the cockpit activate. Words appear on a screen: "Attack mode activated".
Weapons drop out of concealed slots in the ship and open fire! The lasers shoot out in the general direction of Tarantula, Brawn and the woman in black....
SUBJ: Number 6 (R) FROM: Deslock 09/12/89 S#: 106315
"It would seem that most of our job has already been done for us. Who did it is a good question."
I'll look for a computer terminal, to get a readout of the current power output efficiency, and get some diagnostics going to discover what still need repairs. I'll inquire as to the number of people in the base, and their present locations. I'm not convinced that we're alone.
Once things are running smoothly here, I'll move up a level and try to locate the medical center.
-- It's within my grasp. I'll finally be rid of this tin coffin. Nothing must interfere, NOTHING. --
SUBJ: BRAWN FROM: N4SIR 09/12/89 S#: 429901
Brawn's first reaction is to step into the line of fire to protect the girl and will attempt to push BT completely out of the fire arc (preferably tossing him straight up. Counting on him to use his bug abilities to stick to the roof and stop REM from Killing all of us.)
"REM shut it down, damn it!! BT this ride is on me."
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 09/13/89 S#: 102885
"Yeow! Hey these things are supposed to be dead. How is this one working?" REM will stare at the controls not quite knowing what to do. Then she comes up with an idea. She will search for Eclypse with her mind. **Eclypse I am in a cockpit of one of these planes and the weapons have started up all on their own. Here is an image of the cockpit. How do I stop it from blasting Tarantula and Brawn?**
Rem will then send the image of the controls to Eclypse.
GM Notes:
In answer to Number 6's questions, the computer will reply:
Power output is currently at 62% efficiency. Minor maintenance is required to increase efficiency rating. It will require 75 man-hours to bring this section back up 99% efficiency.
Overall the base is in good shape. However, the Biosphere is cut off from the rest of the base. Also, one of the laser turrets was destroyed in the battle. (This was the 2nd explosion that shook the base. The turret was jammed by sand and exploded when fired.)
And finally, number of people in Alpha Base and where they are at:
Hanger Deck - 5
Biosphere - 22
Botany Sphere - 17*
Medical Sphere - 7**
Power Plant - 2
*Unknown Life Form
**Readings indicate humans in stasis
There are also 2 total unreadable life forms in the base. One is in the power plant. The other is on Level 3, in a section of the base that was sealed off.
SUBJ: BT ... up,up and away!! FROM: AREION 09/15/89 S#: 826538
"Thanks for the lift, high pockets... Now look out for yourself."
Utilizing his inhuman agility, BT will perform an aerial flip while shooting a swing line to the ceiling. Will use my momentum to angle myself into a position to land on top of the vehicles cockpit, avoiding any stray weapon's fire that may be coming my way. I'll then tear my way inside (I hope) if there is no readily available entrance and begin smashing terminals until the weapons stop firing.
"REM!...Will you stop kidding around, somebody might get hurt!"
BTW: If there are any obvious clues as to which control shuts down the guns (Like a flashing red button that says 'WEAPONS SYSTEMS ACTIVAED') Forego the smashing and push the darn thing ;>
If things don't go that smoothly, keep trying along this line until somebody manages to stop this thing.
SUBJ: Sh're
I'll float overhead as Number 6 and Eclypse examine the equipment.
'What can me do to help?'
Upon hearing that there is an alien life form in this area, Sh're will begin to search for it.
SUBJ: Yikes! FROM: Kityana 09/17/89 S#: 453423
::crouches looking about...smiles::
C' ya
::shape changes to black cat and runs for cover dodging any laser fire (I hope)::
Spectrum's Comments: And that was her last post. That was quick!
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 09/17/89 S#: 798525
"Eclypse, it would appear that we've got company in here."
I'll bring the computer report to his attention, and then see if I can get a more precise location of the other alien presence. Once I get whatever response the computer supplies, I'll move off in search of the life form. My paramount concern is for the safety of the power center, all other considerations are secondary.
Lost Heroes #25 - "Tracking the Alien"
The sound of laser fire fills the hanger deck. Brawn picks up Tarantula and flings him into the air. A web line is shot out and BT swings away.
Brawn turns to shield the woman in black. She merely smiles. Suddenly a change comes over her. In a heartbeat the woman changes into a black cat. The cat scampers away, laser fire dogging it all the while.
Brawn stands there stunned at the sight of the cat. Laser beams blast him in the back, knocking him down.
In the cockpit, Rem stares at the controls, not comprehending their function. She concentrates and attempts to contact Eclypse. Another message flashes on the battle screen: 'Targeting Computer Activated'.
Laser fire follows Tarantula as he swings towards the ship. Abruptly his swing is stopped as a stray burst of laser fire snaps his line. He plummets to the floor, but lands safely.
Finally he reaches the ship, enters the side door and into the cockpit.
Tarantula - "Stop kidding around, Rem! You could hurt someone!"
Rem - "But I---"
BT stares at the control panel. He doesn't immediately find an off button, so he gives the thing a swift kick. As suddenly as it turned on, the ship's weapons deactivate.
Meanwhile, down in the power plant, Number 6 questions the computer.
Number 6 - "Can you give me any more information on the second alien?"
Eclypse - "Sh're, you can stop looking around. I believe the alien presence the computer mentioned was you.
Sh're - "Gee."
"Insufficient data. Life form matches no known bio-file."
Number 6 - "Let's investigate."
Sealing the power plant behind them, the trio re-enter the elevator and travel to the 3rd level.
The elevator opens up in a large, circular intersection. Eight passages lead away. Each passage is marked with a sign. They are, in clockwise order starting at north, Bio-Sphere, Rec-Sphere, Receiving Sphere, Manufacturing Sphere, Medical Sphere, blank, Quarters, Botany Sphere.
An area of to the left has motorized carts in it. Boarding one, the party drives down the blank tunnel.
In moments the passage ends at a door. The door appears to be heavily reinforced. A sign above it says, "Warning! Do not enter this area!".
Back in the hanger deck, things have settled down quite a bit. Brawn picks himself off the floor, no worse for wear.
Up in the control center, Terry lowers the defense shield long enough to let Beth and Val enter the hanger via the elevator.
Beth - "What in the world is going on here?"
Beth makes a quick examination of Brawn. Satisfied that he is unharmed, she turns her attention to Terry.
Beth - "Where is the newcomer?"
Terry - "Over here. She...ah... turned into a cat and ran for cover."
Beth - "Oh, really?"
The cat is quickly located under another ship.
Rem - "There she is."
Beth - "Here, kitty, kitty..."
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 09/22/89 S#: 75542
"Well, I'd say that was pretty explicit. I personally have no interest in exploring this at this time. Whatever this alien thing is, it's lasted hundreds of years without our help, a few more weeks more or less shouldn't make a difference. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a prior engagement in the medical sphere."
That having been said, I'll turn and fly off toward the medical facilities with all the speed I can muster.
--I don't have time for this, not when I'm this close. I've got to get to the medical sphere. I'm going to get out of here.--
SUBJ: Beth
'Boy, gone for a few hours and look what happens! Where's Number 6 and the others? How come the power is on in here and where did that cat come from?'
Beth will go and see that everyone is all right and then turn her attention back to the cat.
'No need to be scarred kitty... I know that Brawn can be frightening to look at, but he doesn't bite... At least I don't think he does.'
Beth will try to coax the kitty out into the open and find out who this mysterious tabby is.
Looks like the doctor is back! ;)
SUBJ: BRAWN FROM: N4SIR 09/29/89 S#: 85260
I don't know why I bother. Every time I turn around someone is doing something to get either themselves or the rest of us Killed. Eclypse as an old family friend come calling. Tarantula wanders off and tries to get eaten by a horde of spider women. Then REM shoots me in the back from a flash Gordon movie serial. If this weren't happening to me I wouldn't believe a minute of it.
Where did that stupid cat go?
"Tarantula, are you OK?"
Brawn gets up brushing himself off. Trying to look at his back where he was hit.
(Part of the above text is grumbled and not meant for anyone's ears in particular.)
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 09/30/89 S#: 126255
"I didn't do it Tarantula can you get me out of here PLEASE?" REM has her hands straight up and refuses to touch any part of that plane. "Sorry Brawn, I didn't know it was loaded. So what are we going to do now? Where's everyone else? Hey where did that cat come from?"
Lost Heroes #26 - "Legacy"
Number 6 turns away from the closed off tunnel.
Number 6 - "I'd say that was pretty explicit. I personally have no interest in exploring this at this time. Whatever this alien thing is, it's lasted hundreds of years without our help; a few more weeks more or less shouldn't make a difference. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a prior engagement in the Medical Sphere."
Number 6 flies off, towards the Med-Sphere.
Sh're - "Me look!"
Sh're shimmers and passes through the reinforced door.
Eclypse - "Sherry! Wait!"
However, Sh're is gone.
Up in the hanger deck, things have quieted down. Beth arrived and once making sure no one is hurt, turns her attention to the mysterious black cat.
Beth - "Here kitty, kitty..."
The tabby pokes her face out from underneath one of the aircrafts in the hanger.
Somewhat miffed, Brawn comes over.
Brawn - "Where did that damn cat go!?"
In another plane, Tarantula lifts Rem out of the cockpit and out of the plane.
Rem - "I didn't do it... Sorry Brawn, I didn't know it was loaded. Hey, where did that cat come from?"
Tarantula - "I think that it was the girl in black..."
The cat comes out from underneath the plane. It's form shifts to that of the woman in black.
"I'm afraid that I might be responsible for the machine going crazy. My name is Jinx. Where am I?'
Meanwhile, Number 6 has reached the Med-Sphere. With much anticipation, he explores the sphere. It is essentially a small hospital complete with labs, operating rooms, recovery rooms, a nursery, etc.
In one of the labs, he finds seven status tubes, complete with seven people.
Back at the reinforced door, Eclypse has been trying to force his way through. Suddenly there is a low rumble that is felt through out the entire base. The already weakened door explodes outward, glancing off of Eclypse. Looking down the passageway, he can see a strange, bluish glow in the distance.
Then a voice is heard in his head, in everyone's head.
"FREE!!! After all this time free! Free to carry out my vengeance!!"
Spectrum's Comments: Finally, that strange mental presence that's been mind blasting Rem appears!
SUBJ: Number 6 (R) FROM: Deslock 10/02/89 S#: 68154
--Here I am, at last. There's nothing to stop me now. Now to find an active terminal.-
During my search of the lab, I come across 7 more suspension tubes.
--What have we here? More Popsicles. Well, they'll hold too. I've got more important matters to attend to.-
Finally locating a terminal, I sit down and begin to call up information on the Mendelson rewrite, as it pertains to my own condition, and preparing to begin the process. Just then, a strange voice is heard in my head.
--What now? Can't they ever leave well enough alone? Well, they're on their own on this one. I'm not letting this opportunity slip away again.-
I go back to my preparations, beginning as soon as possible.
SUBJ: REM FROM: Lanceson 10/02/89 S#: 445402
"Oh NO!! Tarantula, Beth THAT'S HIM. That's the one who attacked me before. I sense Eclypse and Sh're are in terrible danger. We must get to them at once. Head towards the power core. Tarantula can you carry me so I can concentrate." With that REM will try to go into her trance once again and try to contact Eclypse (although she is more than a little timid of doing this with Big Brain around). If she reaches him, **Eclypse he's too strong. Don't try to take him on alone. Get Sh're and back up out of there. We're on our way.**
SUBJ: Beth
'It's that mental presence, Rem?! Sounds like something big is happening down below. We best investigate. Brawn, Tarantula, Val, if you would be so kind as to lead the way to this power core?'
As this is going on, Beth will turn to Jinx.
'Hello, my name is Beth. You are inside Alpha Base. This is the year 2689. The rest I'll have to tell you later. It appears that we have an unwanted visitor in the lower base.'
Beth pulls out one of the laser pistols from the armory. Checks to make sure that it is in working order and hopes that she won't have to use it.
SUBJ: *Black Tarantula* FROM: AREION 10/04/89S#: 824060
"You've got it little lady...hold on!"
Grabbing REM around the waist with one arm, BT will make a mad leap in the direction of the corridor leading to the power core. BT will press forward at top speed, using swing lines where the ceiling is high enough (Will have to rely on momentum & acrobatic flips to keep us airborne long enough between swing lines since I only have one arm free ;> )
"Hang on REM, we'll get there! Just don't do anything stupid...I have a feeling we're going to need all the firepower we have!"
"Don't just stand there looking stupid Big Guy...we need' ya...COME ON!!!"
SUBJ: BRAWN FROM: N4SIR 10/07/89 S#: 39887
:: Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret doing this?::
"I'm right behind ya Tarzan." Brawn will pull down the mask and head in the direction of the rest of the group. "Rogers if you can hear me where ever you are I am not enjoying this."
Spectrum's Comments: Next Time: the battle against the mystery mentalist.