Troubleshooters #3 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter Three"
Things have settled down considerable in the dining room of the Campbell Estate. The threatening 'alien' has been dealt with and QC has been cleaned up.
While Sam and Micky examine the body, something strange happens. A glow comes over the body, quickly enveloping it. Everyone moves away.
In moments, the body itself cannot be seen. The glow quickly fades away. The body is gone. Only a blackened outline on the floor signifies that it was really even there.
"I do have security, Mr. Brent. This little episode only underscores the situation. I believe that the alien disguised himself as Mr. Peddlar to infiltrate this gathering. But it was an excellent test of the prospective members."
"Some of you have expressed doubts about the aliens. You have witness irrefutable evidence to my claims. Do you doubt me now?"
"After desert, I suggest that we examine this weapon."
While desert is being consumed, Mr. Campbell relates what happened on his son's skiing trip. [As told in the prolog of post #1.]
Analysis of the wine reveals nothing out of the ordinary.
At the conclusion of desert, Mr. Campbell speaks."
"You are all now aware of why I invited you here this weekend. The decision to remain or go your own way is now yours. I will not think any less of those who choose to depart."
"What is your decision?"
GM Notes:
The ball is now in your court. Looks like we've got all the characters in now. Here is a player roster:
Anthony Blade
Charles Brent
Clinton Hunter
Duncan Lansdown
Elton Ezar
Michelle Ryan
Milton C. Copper
QC Peddlar
RC Moore
Sam Sampson
SUBJ: Charles Brent FROM: Splatipus 04/15/90 S#: 497498
"I think I will stay for now seeing as this is may be a good opportunity for me"
"One request I would like to know more about the security of this place. I would also like to know if we will need personal protection or something seeing as the aliens know of us and by know of the death of one of their own."
"I would also like to request that we are well informed of everything you know about the aliens."
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar (R) FROM: Count Kill 04/16/90 S#: 444630
"He was posing as me." I say shocked. "Was it a good impersonation?"
While eating desert, I dip my napkin into my glass of water and start trying to wipe the lasagna stains from my shirt. Once I see everyone staring at me, I realize my social faux pa.
Once I get the story told to me, I sit there and think for a few moments. A Job, with unlimited laboratory access is the plus side. The minus side, aliens could kill me.
"Sure, I think it's a great idea." I say enthusiastically while knocking a glass of soda into my lap. "I'm in."
After I wipe off the soda, I bring my briefcase up onto the table. And pop it open.
"Now, let's examine that gun."
I put together a high-resolution magnifying apparatus, and start examining the gun with it. I pull out a pocket tape recorder and start making notes into it.
"Hmmm... Interesting." I say, just before I go to move the gun a bit, and put my fingers into the pate instead.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne (R) FROM: Deslock 04/16/90 S#: 847180
"Well, I've seen some odd things in my time. I'm still not convinced that that was ET who just went home, but I'm willing to hang around and find out more. Pay ain't bad, either."
While the others analyze the ray gun, I'll put the wine through some testing of my own.
SUBJ: Sam Sampson FROM: REM9 04/16/90 S#: 25941
"Interesting. It appears that the alien 'dissolved' for lack of a better word, from the wine. Although I think the complete destruction probably came from some device either on him or maybe from his 'space ship', but I would assume on the former. If they have some device that could disintegrate a person from outside a room, I suspect that we would all no longer be here. Perhaps even the remaining ashes may tell us more. Mr. Campbell, I am more than willing to help out in this matter. This is getting more exciting by the minute."
SUBJ: Elton Ezar... FROM: GM Elezar 04/17/90 S#: 400834
"This tale does indeed get more involved with further thought.. Aliens susceptible to fermented grapes.. Klutz impersonations.. Disintegration.. Dessert.. I think I'll stick around awhile to check out what happens next. You can definitely count me in.. Oh yes, Mr. Campbell.. You are offering unlimited lab access.. This I'm not interested in that much.. Will you be offering access to your library as well? I would like to look through your collection for topics that may interest me."
(On a side note to the rest of the party.. )
"Should we decide to go after these aliens, I suggest we bring along a suitable supply of either the wine or some other liquor.. ::chuckle:: We may use it in two ways.. #1, as a weapon.. #2, for the victory celebration when we're finished... A suitable 'container' would need be built of course.. But that shouldn't be terribly hard."
Elton Ezar
Spectrum's Comments: I have to confess that I recall very little about this game. I've gone through the old Q stuff several times over the years, but never did re-read Troubleshooters. So much of this is new to me as well. Because of that, I don't have much in the way of insights as in the other games. GM Elezar I do know about. He also ran a character in the Frontier game and even played an enemy force for me in Sword of Doom. All of that still lies in the future of those games.
GM Notes:
The mansion security consists of indoor and outdoor cameras. The indoor cameras are equipped with infrared lens and the outdoor cameras have ultraviolet ones.
A staff of 32 guards patrols the mansion. They work in shifts of eight.
Mr. Campbell will admit to not knowing much more about the aliens then you do now. He suspects that they have been behind several recent accidents, but has no proof.
You go to examine the alien gun. It is four inches long, oblong in shape. What appears to be barrel comes out the end. On top are four small buttons. They appear in a box pattern.
Sheryl will comment that the alien did a very poor imitation of QC. Didn't knock anything over! She also suggests that they purchase some squirt guns for the wine! ;)
SUBJ: Clint Hunter (R) FROM: AREION 04/17/90 S#: 494735
After finishing his dessert, Clint wipes his mouth before replying to his host.
"I've spent several years of my life training to be a special's operative, even been behind the iron curtain... But I've never seen ANYTHING like this!"
"I have certain 'problems' with the department... my presence would be sure to bring unwanted attention from the agency..."
Clint rises abruptly and thrusts his napkin to the table. "...But I'm in if you'll have me!"
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar FROM: Count Kill 04/17/90 S#: 793669
I look up as I hear Elton's words.
"Klutz imitation? I'll have you know I'm not doing a klutz imitation! I don't know where you would even get an idea that I'm a klutz!" I say loudly. Of course, I then realize that he never said it was me that he was talking about and quickly quiet down and start looking at the gun again.
"Well, if I expect to get inside this thing I'll need to take it to one of the labs." I say, while taking apart my magnifier and packing it away in the briefcase again.
With that, I close my briefcase, stand and walk out of the room, feeling embarrassed by what Ezar said to me. About this time I realize that I don't know where the labs are, and sticky head back into the dining room and ask.
Once I find out, I'll head there posthaste and examine the gun more thoroughly with the more advanced equipment.
SUBJ: Anthony 'Blacki' Blade FROM: NightStlkr 04/18/90 S#: 814480
After the defeat of the alien assassin, Blacki returns to his seat at the table for dessert. You notice something odd about the way he's eating; he's using chopsticks to eat lemon meringue pie. He looks up every so often to see people staring at him, but simply shrugs it off and continues to eat. When he finishes, he turns to his host:
"From the way that alien almost succeeded in snuffing you out with all of us right here, my dear Mr.Campbell, I believe you are going to need all the help you can get. I would be honored to join your 'Troubleshooters' team; count me in."
SUBJ: RC Moore FROM: GM Wolf 04/21/90 S#: 497673
He glances up from where the alien laid, a half-smile on his lips.
"Count me in..."
Spectrum's Comments: GM Wolf on the other hand I don't recall at all. It's very possible that our times as GM's overlapped only slightly. Perhaps Kill has more details about him.
Troubleshooters #4 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter Four"
Several days have passed since the encounter with the alien over dinner.
Further examination of the weapon has been fruitless. The material used to construct the weapon cannot be identified. It simply does not exist on Earth. No way has been discovered to open it. No one has tried to test fire the weapon yet.
Examination of the aliens remains meets with more success. Those cells uncharred are of an unearthly configuration. Stranger still, the remains emit a mild type of radiation.
Figuring that this is a possible method to detect the aliens, a portable radiation detector is set up to this particular band of radiation.
It is Monday afternoon, and everyone has been summoned to Mr. Campbell's private study.
"We are now ready to begin your first mission. The task is to determine why the aliens have kidnapped my son and his friends. Why they are here on Earth. And to deal with them as necessary."
"My suggestion would be investigate the ski lodge that my son rented. Perhaps some clues can be turned up there. Or perhaps you might have another place to begin. Please discuss this amongst yourselves. Once you leave the estate, you'll be on you're own."
"I have a helicopter ready to fly to Aspen when you're ready. Here is some equipment to aid you in the task ahead."
Sheryl walks the room, handing each of you a hatbox-sized container.
"What you hold in your hands is the state of the art."
The first thing you notice in the box is a black shirt. A watch is also noticed.
"That material is Kevlar, capable of stopping bullets. My labs specially made the watch for me. Apart from being a timepiece, it has built in radio and direction finder. The radio will permit two-way communication for a range of ten miles."
"It might be advisable to elect a team leader or spokesperson. You're choice."
GM Notes:
In addition to the gadgets mentioned, several weapons are offered to the team. First come, first choice will be used in distributing this items. The guns are from the Danger International list in case you don't recognize them. Damage ratings are listed.
# Item Damage
2 Colt Pythons 1.5d6 KA
2 Remington XP-100 1.5d6 KA
2 Llama Super Comanche 2d6 KA
1 Walther PPK S 1d6 KA
1 SKS Carbine Rifle 2d6 KA
2 American 180 1d6 KA
5 Concussion Grenades 2d6 KAEX
3 Fragmentation Gernade 6d6 EX
Mr. Campbell does not condone killing, but you might be under circumstances where you have no alternative.
In addition, you have three radiation scanners to trace the aliens. List any additional equipment you want, apart from the obvious, i.e. food, winter clothing, etc.
SUBJ: Charles FROM: Splatipus 04/21/90 S#: 800258
I will take the Walther ppk for myself :)
As for the rest I put on the watch and go to my room to change and put on the shirt under my cloths.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 04/22/90 S#: 28683
"Well, can't say the shirts my style, but if it stops bullets, I'm not complaining."
I'll pick up one of the Colt Pythons, inspect it, and then holster it. After determining how the watch/radio works, I'll place it on my right wrist. Tossing the shirt over one shoulder, I'll head to my room to get into my travelling gear: denim pants, new Kevlar shirt, leather boots and jacket. I wear the Colt on my right, and a bullwhip on the left.
Returning to the meeting area, I'll wait for whatever inspired ideas arise. They can pick most anyone they like as leader it won't bother me much.
SUBJ: Elton.. FROM: GM Elezar 04/22/90 S#: 507872
...looks at the items within the box, and shrugs.. putting on both the watch and shirt, then pulling his old clothes on over them.. Returning from his rooms, he looks distastefully at the weapons, and passes them over to take one of the Radiation scanners.. "I'll not be a part of your careless butchering, of aliens or otherwise, yet I will come along.. hopefully to prevent some of the possible catastrophes.. " He then whispers something into the air, seemingly talking to himself.. and heads for the lab to pack a few bits of electronics gear, as well as several books on the place's computer system..
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 04/22/90 S#: 786911
"Well, Elton, I'll keep your comments in mind if someone's about to gun you down. Wouldn't want to upset your sensibilities by saving your life."
SUBJ: Clint Hunter FROM: AREION 04/22/90 S#: 30370
"As far as a team leader goes, if it is deemed that we do need one, I believe I can handle the job, and will list my qualifications upon request. I'm not saying that I'm the best man for the job, or even that I WANT it, but simply that I'm a viable candidate if it best serves the team."
"As for my personal opinion, I think we do need someone to be officially in charge. If we don't have one capable person to make decisions in a crisis situation, I fear that we won't live too long."
"At the moment, I'm more concerned with our safety in the field than I am to the election of a leader. I feel that there is a definite need to know as much about each other as possible. We're a team, and we're going to have to act like one if we're to survive!"
"I guess I'll start...My name's Clinton Hunter, my friends call me Clint. I'm twenty-five years old. I've had four years of training as a field agent for the CIA, graduated at the top of my class, and had eleven months of field experience in East Germany. I'm familiar with the world's spy networks and speak both Russian and German fluently."
"Now...ah...onto the unorthodox. I was born with what the doctors have termed a 'Para-Human Healing Factor'. My body replaces damaged tissue at a rate of four to five times that of an ordinary person's. The doctors speculate that my body can even repair damaged nerve tissue, though I hope I never have to find out for sure. This quality also makes me highly endurant and resistant to toxins and disease."
"Mr. Campbell, you've obviously been studying these happenings for some time. If you don't mind, I'd like access to any files you may have on the UFO phenomenon in general and cases of abduction specifically."
If there are no such files available Clint will have to make due with any books he can find in the library. He'll look for 'Communion' & 'Transformation' both by Whitley Streiber in particular.)
Clinton will take his Kevlar Vest and Gadget watch as well as one of the radiation detectors. He'll wait for everyone else to select weapons before taking any (Since I already possess my weapon of choice.)
Spectrum's Comments: And there we have the first of the groups unusual abilities revealed.
GM Notes:
Mr. Campbell will allow access to all files and books that he has in the massive library. The information that he has compiled doesn't give any insight into the aliens however.
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar (R) FROM: CountKill 04/23/90 S#: 821943
"Wow sir, you built these yourself?!" I say impressed, while studying the watch carefully. "This is a fine piece of work, sir. Mayhaps I could see some of your other inventions after we've finished with this mission?"
That last word sounds funny to me, and I run it through my brain again, and again. Thinking to myself: "Hmmm.. Mission. It sounds so military. But, I guess that's kind of what we're about to do. Something military."
"Boy, this is going to be exciting."
After a moments pause...
"Maybe it's not too late to back out."
I gingerly pick up one of the shirts, and put it one once in my room.
I look over the weapons, and notice a rather large one that looks interesting. I've never used a gun before, and look at them in awe. I look quickly to either side, and see no one looking at me, so I heft one of the larger guns up.
*** Bukchow ***
Gun firing accidentally
*** Kresh ***
Window opened by gunfire.
"Ooops." I say, as I quickly drop the weapon back on the table.
"Hehehehe....sorry." I say as everyone looks at me, with that exasperated look people usually give me.
"Think I'll just stick with my briefcase."
Spectrum's Comments: Q.C's special ability seems to be physical comedy. ;D
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar FROM: Count Kill 04/23/90 S#:789608
I listen to Clinton expound about how he should be leader, but only if people want him to be. I get slightly confused by his statement, but decide that what he said was obviously above my head, thus he knows what he's doing.
"Well, Mr. Hunter, I think you'd make a fine leader. That is if you want to be."
"Of course, that's only if everyone else wants you as well. And if you want them."
"But, you've certainly got my vote. If you want it. Or unless someone else wants it."
About this time, I realize that I've confused everything I'm saying, so I stop talking.
Once the butler I conked earlier comes into the room looking mighty peeved, I quickly decide to beat a hasty retreat.
"I think I'll go put this shirt on and see how it fits." I say while quickly exiting out the other exit.
Q.C. doesn't know what should be brought along for the mission, so he sees if he can get a lift home, and once there he packs a huge suitcase full of stuff.
"Gee, I hope it's enough." I say, jumping up and down on the top of it, trying to get it closed.
SUBJ: Elton... FROM: GM Elezar 04/24/90 S#: 792393
"I think you might have misunderstood me, Duncan.. I personally don't believe in violence.. It's caused the world too many problems as is.. Your beliefs are up to you though, and I'll not stop you from what you feel you need to do. The main reason why I feel I should be along is simply to help as a support person.. You might find some of my talents quite useful.. Although not very direct.. "
"As to let you know what my particular talents are.. I'm a fairly accomplished programmer, having had several years (decades?) experience in the works.. But that isn't my field of expertise. I'm more of what you might call an occultist.. Although that term has several connotations that I'd rather not be placed upon myself. I do many things through the use of the magicks found throughout the field. One particular way that I might help this group is through the use of my 'familiar' as you would call him. Although he's not visible to you, I can see and hear through him as well as my normal self.. Thus allowing me to use him as a scout. This is one of the reasons why I think I'd be useful as a support person."
Spectrum's Comments: And there is a second one. Players could have unusual abilities should they so desire them. It was not a requirement.
SUBJ: RC Moore (R) FROM: GM Wolf 04/25/90 S#: 511006
RC looked up sharply at Elton's statement then shifted his gaze back to the weapons. Ignoring the guns, he picked up the concussion grenades and slipped two into various pockets, the others into the night case at his feet. He'd already changed into the Kevlar shirt, slipping a simple black shirt over it and his leather jacket over that. In a thigh pocket of his black jeans were a couple silver-plated shuriken and jutting from the top of a boot was the gold-cross emblazed hilt of a dagger. A jar of blackening was in a hip pocket, just in case he needed to blacken the brace he wore. His cane was presently stuck through them back of his belt.
Absently he studied the watch then strapped it onto his left wrist, pushing his sleeve down over it. The small overnight case, packed with a change of similar clothing, the extra grenades and various other items, rested at his feet.
SUBJ: Anthony 'Blacki' Blade FROM: NightStlkr 04/25/90 S#: 844859
"As far as appointing a leader goes, Mr.Hunter, you seem to be very well qualified for the position. Unless someone else feels his or her credentials are better than yours, I'd be honored to follow you."
As for a profile of myself, my name is Anthony Blade, but I prefer to be called Blacki for two reasons: I am a black belt in Ninjitzu, and I seldom wear anything that isn't black. I was born here in the states, though I was raised in Japan by my Japanese foster parents, who taught me much about the Oriental culture.
When I came of age, I was enrolled in a reclusive ninja clan where I was trained. As I entered the Final Level of my spiritual training and achieved 'The Glow', I learned that I was being trained to be the clan's top assassin. I defied their expectations of me and was forced to leave. I resided in Los Angeles until I was summoned by our host, Mr. Campbell."
"Normally, the only weapons I need are my ninja sword and my spiritually augmented skills, but confronting aliens is by no means, normal. I don't like using guns; my code does not call for it. However, I believe I shall be able to use these grenades. And as for this Kevlar vest, I won't be needing it; I have my own ninja suit made of light Kevlar."
Gm Notes:
"You misunderstood me, QC. I had the watches constructed for me. I did not make them personally. The labs should have more then enough equipment for you to borrow."
Mr. Campbell than whispers a few words to Sheryl. "Make a note. I want bulletproof glass installed in Mr. Peddlar's room while they are gone."
SUBJ: "Darn!" FROM: Count Kill 04/27/90 S#: 522766
I say, when Mr. Campbell tells me that he didn't actually make the watches.
"Say, Mr. Campbell, Sir, when we get back, could I take a look at the plans for these? Maybe I could make a few improvements on them."
"You see, in the March issue of Popular Inventor, they have a look at advanced cellular micro technology, and it's uses in communications, and medicine......"
"Wait a Minute!" I yell. "Sir, you said you have labs here, do you have medical facilities, and if so, how complete are they?"
"I think I might have an idea on how to examine that gun better."
In my oversized, and overstuffed suitcase, I have the following:
4 Pairs of pants.
4 Shirts.
4 Pairs of underwear.
7 socks.
1 Bottle Eau de Swamp cologne.
1 Portable 64 and modem
1 Q-Link Disk, and local access guide.
5 issues of Popular Inventor.
1 Tube toothpaste.
1 Toothbrush.
1 Microwave Taco Maker.
1 Box toothpicks.
And a whole bunch of junk that even I don't remember. ;)
Spectrum's Comments: Q-Link-- Don't leave home without it!