Troubleshooters #5 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter Five"
Preparations for the upcoming mission are nearing completion.
At QC's question, Mr. Campbell replies, "Yes, we have a complete medical facilities on the estate, Mr. Peddlar. Why do you ask? Does it involve the weapon?"
While that is going on, Clint Hunter as volunteered to be the team leader. A few people have agreed with the nomination, a few are simply disinterested in the whole process.
GM Notes:
Very short post, but these issues need to be resolved before the team can travel to the ski lodge. I'll continue the post as soon as possible!
SUBJ: RC Moore FROM: GM Wolf 04/28/90 S#: 18841
RC glanced up and frowned, aware of the plodding pace of the others. He backtracked previous conversations absently then looked toward Clint.
"Leadership? You want it you can have it. I've no wish for it."
Reaching back, the young man pulled his cane from his belt and leaned on it. Throwing a glaring glance at Eliot, RC rubbed his lame leg.
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar FROM: GM Kill 04/29/90 S#: 793313
"Yes Sir, it does involve the weapon. I think I have an idea on how to examine it." I exclaim loudly, while walking briskly out of the room.
Once out of the room, I go down to the labs where we left the weapon, grab it, and head to the medical department.
Once there, I look about until I find the equipment I need. What I look for specifically is a fiber optic camera system, used in various medical procedures for exploring in the body without actually doing exploratory surgery.
I set up the equipment, and then run the camera end up the barrel of the weapon. The fiber optic camera is small enough to fit through arteries, so it should have no problems fitting inside.
"Hmmm..." I say as I start sticking the camera inside it. "I wonder if it's booby trapped?"
Before he left the dining room, since a few people were giving their backgrounds, I give mine as follows.
"Uh...hello everyone. My names Q.C. Peddlar. But, everyone just calls me Q.C." I say nervously.
"I'm knowledgeable in Physics, Computer Programming, Mechanics, and Electronics."
"And...Ummm...It's nice meeting you all."
With that, I nervously sit down, and get very quiet.
Then I suddenly realize that I forgot something and stand back up.
"Ummm...any questions?"
SUBJ: Michelle FROM: Micky 25 04/29/90 S#: 398224
"Mr. Hunter, I have no objections with you being our leader, I think you sound quite qualified."
"As for my weapon, I would like to carry my Beretta Model 950 .25 Cal. Automatic, with an eight shot clip. It fits quite handy in my bag and I have a garter holster for it, so I can carry it concealed. By the way, it's the only gun I ever shot."
"Sam, I worked in the field of Analytical Chemistry, doing research in mostly alternative fuels. And it would be an honor to assist any of you gentlemen with your scientific studies in regards to this matter."
"Elton, I'm glad you mentioned your second intelligence to us, I felt its presence and was going to ask you about it in private when we got a chance.
SUBJ: Milton Copper (R) FROM: INVADER1 04/29/90 S#: 440239
I think hunter, will be a good leader. He seems to have the most experience in field operations. As for the weapons Milton will take one of the colts and also a American 180 rifle "is it legal to hunt in aspen, just in case we get some free time of course" he also goes to check the library for any information on the wildlife near aspen and also if there are any archeological site that might be interesting. He also tells everyone that he is from "bushflat Texas" but mostly he tries to avoid too much conversation.
SUBJ: RC Moore FROM: GM Wolf 04/29/90 S#: 510151
"Garter holster?" RC throws Michelle a frank look then blinked and looked at Eliot. "Just keep that... thing...away from me." He scowled darkly.
Spectrum's Comments: That garter holster comment certainly got people's attention. All of the sudden the game got more interesting...
GM Notes:
In the Medical Lab, QC finds the equipment he desires. He carefully, if that is possible for him, inserts the camera. As it begins the journey into the gun, those present watch on the TV monitor.
The inside of the barrel is the first thing seen. Proceed a bit further; you come to what must be the emitter of the beam. Pushing the camera in further, it enters the main compartment in the gun. Unexpectedly, there are few parts to the gun. And those that are seen are not identifiable.
An odd green energy pulsates within then gun.
Gonna test fire this thing, take it along or just leave it here?
SUBJ: Micky (R) FROM: Micky 25 04/30/90 S#: 82967
RC, There is a difference between a garter and a garter belt. A garter fits around the thigh only, its round and elastic with lace trimming. The holster is attached to it.
SUBJ: RC... FROM: GM Wolf 04/30/90 S#: 512589
...knows what a garter holster is, thank you very much.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 04/30/90 S#: 40913
I perk right up at the discussion going on between Michelle and QC.
"I think Michelle should be leader. Any lady who carries a gun in a garter holster has got my support."
Spectrum's Comments: See what I mean?
SUBJ: Micky (R) FROM: Micky 25 05/01/90 S#: 81546
Sorry RC, I thought you were confused. And Duncan thanks, but no thanks. Besides RC, wasn't it kind of fun listening to me explain the difference? Just to clear the air I'll also tell you I prefer pantyhose to garter belts. Would anybody like to see my holster? If so, I'll pull it out of my bag and show you.
Spectrum's Comments: I bet you were all thinking that she was already wearing it...
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar FROM: GM Kill 05/01/90 S#: 92741
Looks at the monitor, and decides that if anyone expects to find out what it does, it's going to have to be test fired. So, I scoop up the weapon again, and head outside.
"Well, let's see what it does." I say softly to myself, as I point it at a tree and press one of the buttons gently.
If I survive that, I'll make notes into my portable recorder, and then press another button, and continue in that fashion until all the buttons are pressed.
Probably something like the Ultimate Nullifier! ;) )
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar FROM: GM Kill 05/02/90 S#: 513127
Runs back in, and quickly corral anyone lounging about waiting to go.
"I've got this weapon figured out!" I yell loudly, while slipping on a throw rug, falling on it, and shooting across the slick floor and smashing into a couch.
"Fiured ot!" I say excitedly, while trying to talk with a couch jammed in my face.
After standing back up, I explain how the weapon works.
"You have to hit the Bottom Left button first, as it activates the others. After that, the three buttons left work, but each has a different lethality." I say excitedly.
"I still don't know what type of energy it uses. But, with more detailed study I could possibly find out."
"It did blast a nice size hole in one of the trees though."
"Mr. Hunter, do we want to take it with us and possibly have a use for it against the aliens, or leave it here for safekeeping?" I say while handing him the weapon.
"I'll show whoever wants to use it, how to work it if you want me too, Mr. Hunter."
GM Notes:
Looks like you're almost ready to go! Any last minute questions before going? This post will close midnight Saturday, new post on Sunday!
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 05/04/90 S#: 844134
Provided I am elected leader, I'll answer QC's question.
"Good question! True, we may find a use for it if we bring it along...I don't think that it would the wisest of moves. We only have the one, and we know very little about it...on top of that, we're going into a totally unknown and potentially dangerous environment. I wouldn't want to be responsible for losing it back to the before we've found out all we can about it. Besides, I doubt any of us could fire it with any degree of accuracy."
"Since we're not taking it, there's really no reason to take the time for a full demonstration. However, you and Micky CAN throw together a quick file of everything you've found out about it for Mr. Campbell's technical team. Perhaps they can continue studying it while we're in the field. I'm particularly interested in finding a suitable shielding from the energy it emits."
I start to hand the weapon back to QC then think better of it. Instead I hand it to Mr. Campbell directly.
"Oh...and by the way Q.C., the name is Clint... my father is Mr. Hunter." :>
SUBJ: Milton Copper FROM: INVADER1 05/05/90 S#: 126390
"Mr. Campbell?" "What type of critter is that guys invisible intelligence anyway?"
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 05/05/90 S#: 512143
After pondering for a time, Clinton approaches Mr. Campbell with a list of requests.
"First, does the team have an expense account? If it does, would it be possible to get a major credit card in each of our names. If not, can one be set up?"
"Second, I'll need a detailed map of the area, it should at least have nearby hospitals and police stations listed... in case of emergency. I could also use a floor plan of the Ski Lodge if you have one available."
"And third, we could use a portable, self-contained computer with modem, if you can get us one."
"Also, several pair of binoculars, an infra-red scope or two and a parabolic microphone may come in handy."
After finishing his requests, Clinton goes over the situation one final time in his head, before letting it stand.
"One more thing...Mr. Campbell, may I have access to one of your computers?"
If this request is granted, I'll make contact with the news wire services and try to tap into the local police computers (i.e.: Ski Lodge vicinity) looking for any reports of UFOs or alien contacts within the past few months.
Before leaving Clinton will take both Super Comanche's, one stuffed in his boot, the other in his shoulder holster and one of the Remington's, placed under his belt and covered by the back of shirt. (I believe in being prepared!! ;> ) Also, I will be sure to pack the remaining radiation detector, as well as some warm clothing, and a heavy coat. My 'secret weapon' stays at my side, as always.
Troubleshooters #6 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter Six"
SUBJ: Pre-Departure... (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/06/90 S#: 499459
Clint Hunter has been selected as leader of Troubleshooters.
QC has figured out the operation of the alien weapon to a degree, but Clint decides to leave it behind. It is too valuable to lose.
After making several requests, Mr. Campbell speaks.
"As interesting as the conversation between Michelle and RC is, let us get down to business. I was unaware of Mr. Ezar's 'familiar', but it appears to have been noticed by Michelle and RC."
Mr. Campbell reaches into his desk, and pulls an envelope out, handing it to Clint.
"Of course you have an expense account. I have had Troubleshooters incorporated and here is you business expense card. Purchases are naturally to be business related. Not to worry about a credit limit. It is rather sizeable I sincerely doubt that you will ever approach it. There are two cards. I suggest that you put one away for safe keeping in case the first is lost. You'll receive you personal expense cards after this mission."
"As for information on the area, I'm ahead of you on that one."
More papers are pulled out.
"The lodge itself is rather isolated. The nearest sign of civilization is 15 miles away. There's a ranger station there. The nearest hospital is in Aspen itself."
A floor plan to the lodge is included. It is a large two story 'A' frame. The first floor has a large den with a fireplace. The kitchen, pantry, dining room, bathrooms and laundry are on the first floor.
The second floor has seven bedrooms. Some of you will have to double up! Each of the bedrooms has bunk beds.
Mr. Campbell continues: "As for the computer, it's already on the jet. It will tie into the main computer here at the mansion. The other equipment will be on the jet."
"I have already gathered the information that you requested, Mr. Hunter. It is in this file."
With the preparations complete, the team rides to the airport, boards a private jet and flies to Aspen...
SUBJ: Arrival... (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/06/90 S#: 501315
Next day, the team pulls up to the ski lodge in a trio of Broncos. Equipment is unpacked and you settle in.
By studying the file, Clint begins to see a pattern. Odd events have been happening with surprising regularity. What appear to have been an odd event reported by different sources becomes clear when put together.
The unusual events, strange sightings, disappearance and other odd happenings, appear to take place every eight weeks. In three days, Jason Campbell will have disappeared exactly eight weeks ago...
SUBJ: Charles Brent (R) FROM: Splatipus 05/06/90 S#: 523742
To Dm: Do these events occur around here? If so in this area or close by?
If it does then this is what I will suggest to our leader: I suggest we lay a trap for the aliens. If the information is correct than we will expect them to show in 3 days.... If we are to believe they will show up here than we can split up the team.... One party can look out for the others if they do decide to show by being hidden near by. If the pattern leads to show a next target for the aliens I suggest we go there to learn from them and to observe and in an extreme case engage them.... I do not think we can afford to take chances if they show up here and I suggest that we arm ourselves a little better than what was supplied. We could use the Expense account to upgrade our defenses.
All I have to say for now :)
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne (R) FROM: Deslock 05/07/90 S#: 13641
"So, the Klingons keep to a time table, eh? No, wait a minute; the Klingons are good guys now, aren't they? These guys must be Romulans."
SUBJ: Elton... (R) FROM: GM Elezar 05/07/90 S#: 79350
"Cute, Duncan. I personally like the Orions though."
::Checking in on the info as well::
If there's any specific area that the disappearances are happening from, I'll set Gritch of to scout the area seeing if there are any residual traces of landings, disguised aliens, or any other peculiarities in the area. If not, I'll jus' send him about to look for anything that might be of interest to our cause to report back to me when/if he finds something.
As for setting up, I've not much to do there.. I'll toss me gear in a room with whomever and get to reading up on a few things while I wait for the others.
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/07/90 S#: 502179
The incidents have occurred in this part of the country. Within an area of 150 miles. If you were to plot where all the happenings have taken place, the center would be about 3 miles to the north.
Gritch scouts the general area of the lodge. He gets an odd feeling from an area in the front yard. Strangely enough, it is all ice; frozen into a large, bowl shape. There are also minor traces around the lodge itself.
SUBJ: Micky (R) FROM: Micky 25 05/08/90 S#: 452351
Gentlemen, Hope you don't mind if I take a private room? After unpacking and freshening up I roam the grounds around the lodge, taking notes.
SUBJ: Elton (R) FROM: GM Elezar 05/08/90 S#: 789154
After being told of the area of ice by Gritch, I ask QC to accompany me and head out to the yard. Walking almost directly to the area, I look it over then take out my lil meter and check for any radiation etc. If QC has accompanied me, I'll start asking a few questions. :)
"What do you make of this? A place where the snow has obviously been melted then allowed refreezing. Have any ideas on what size of object it might have been or any other details that might be pertinent? Gritch seems to find it a bit strange, although he won't explain why."
Should QC not desire or be available to accompany me, I'll go alone and try to determine the answers with my limited magical abilities (checking the area for any spirits, elementals, or implings that might have been in the area when the depression was made) or my basic scientific knowledge.
Elton
SUBJ: Charles Brent (R) FROM: Splatipus 05/08/90 S#: 460817
I suggest we split up.... We should check out the center as it was plotted it is only 3 miles away and shouldn't take more than a few hours.... Also we should think about posting Guards at night, as you know the aliens know of us and that we are looking for them. Also I think that I should go if we go to investigate the Center, I am an experienced Outdoorsman and should have no problem getting there and back.
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar (R) FROM: Count Kill 05/09/90 S#: 796548
I stagger into the airport, carrying this large suitcase in one hand, my briefcase in the other.
"Whew!" I say, as I put the suitcase down for a moment.
"YEEEAGH!" Some elderly gentleman screams as I put the suitcase down on his foot.
"Oooppss, sorry." I say, as I quickly pick up the suitcase and walk away, as the man hops about on one foot.
On board the plane, I try to find out as much as possible from the pilots about the plane, it's engines, it's controls, etc.
Thus I spend hours on end, boring the pilots with lots of questions, and still wonder why they ask if I'd like to try and find out if opening the door in mid-air would cause decompression. They say I can go back into the Cargo Area, and they'll open the doors so I can find out.
But, I assure them that my Physics courses taught me that the cargo area would indeed decompressurize, and I didn't need a working example.
I am touched by the fact that they are concerned enough about my education to be disappointed by my answer, and thank them for the opportunity anyway.
"Ugh" I say, while lugging my suitcase from the Bronco. "Maybe I shouldn't have packed my Jim Nabors tape collection after all."
While making my way to the house, I slip on some snow, and fall onto my suitcase, which promptly begins sliding down the hill.
"AAAUUGGHH!" I yell, as I go Suitcase Sledding down the hillside for about 40 feet before I hit a tree.
I lay there for a few moments, trying to salvage my wounded pride, before I get up and start lugging my suitcase back up the hill and into the house.
"Actually, that was kind of fun." I think to myself as I climb upstairs to the rooms.
"This room looks good." I say as I lumber into it and set down my suitcase.
I straighten up and turn around to examine the room, and see Micky sitting there looking at me oddly.
"Oh sorry." I say nervously. "Was this your room? I didn't mean to come in here, where your feminine person was. Honest."
I quickly turn, bend over, pick up my suitcase and start quickly moving out of the room. I run into the wall, and then back up and go through the doorway.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, Ma'am." I say just before leaving.
I then wander about until I find another room.
Once Elton gets me, I step outside with him and go over to examine the ice.
"Hmmm... this is interesting."
I put my briefcase on the ground, and pop it open. Elton can see that the case is filled with strange equipment, which I start to pull some of out and snap together. Each piece has a separate place in the case, and is protected from each other and any jarring of the case, by foam rubber dividers.
I put the pieces together into some sounding equipment to tell me how big the hole is, and it's exact dimensions, and then do the same with the other smaller holes.
Then, before I go in, I break off a large piece of the ice and take it in with me. Then I give it to Micky.
"Could you see what the chemical content of that stuff is? It may give me a better clue as to what made the hole."
Then, sitting down at the computer, I input all the information from the soundings, and try to figure out how much force would be necessary to make a hole of that size, and from what angle the force would have to be exerted.
While that's running, I quickly sign on to Q-Link, and post a question on the Strange Phenomena board asking if anyone has any other info on UFO sightings, or strange craters that match these configurations.
"Mr. Ezar, I'll let you know what I get as soon as I get it. Thanks for finding this."
SUBJ: Micky (R) FROM: Micky 25 05/09/90 S#: 76502
After I finish my observations of the grounds I start heading back to the lodge. Just as I was about to enter I heard QC shouting to get my attention. I was sure he was going to apologize again, but instead he handed me an ice sample to analyze.
After doing the tests on the sample I hurried to find RC.
"I found the usual Carbons, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in the sample QC, but also there were some elements I was unable to identify. I'm not saying they are not of this earth, just elements I don't have sufficient enough equipment to determine, although QC I'm not ruling anything out just yet. Also you should know this ice was not formed by weather shifts, its more like the bonding of ice crystals that form due to sudden heat exposure, then cool down. I was able to save some of the ice sample in natural form, it's in a container in the freezer, the melted ice I have in vials in a test tube rack on my dresser."
SUBJ: RC Moore (R) FROM: GM Wolf 05/09/90 S#: 20963
(This 'RC' and 'QC' is going to get confusing...)
After noting the rooms Elton and QC have chosen, RC chooses his own, as far from Elton as he can manage. After unpacking, he returns downstairs and slips outside, circling the house once to get the 'feel' of the place, keeping an eye out for the unusual. Returning inside, he declines the request for volunteers to search the woods and instead starts up a fire in a fireplace. Stripping off his leather jacket, he settles down on the hearth, his lame leg nearest to the fire, looking thoughtful.
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 05/10/90 S#: 469054
"OK, I want everyone to bunk up...for your own safety no one is to take a private room, well, except for you Mickey. And take the time to familiarize yourselves with all accessible exits in case of emergency."
"I'll work out a schedule for a 24hr watch."
"That's something I was about to suggest myself Charles, though I'm glad you mentioned your outdoors-man skills. Looks like you're the man to place in charge of this recon team."
"Blackie, you go with Charles and take any equipment you might need...who else wants to volunteer?"
"QC, you stay here. I want you to make contact with all the relevant BBS's you can. Maybe the aliens monitor those things. If so, I want to broadcast where we are...draw them here to face us on OUR terms."
"Oh...one more thing. Do you think you could throw together a long range homing device? Magnetic base ranged firing system for delivery and remote On/Off capability. Alien crafts have been known to knock out terrain technology. I want to be sure we can reactivate it should that happen."
"Be careful out there Charles...and stay in radio contact. Remember, this is a seek and observe mission. Do NOT engage the enemy except in self-defense! If there are any complications, radio for further instructions."
"Well Peddler...looks like I could use a bunk-mate! Think you can go three days without beating the s**t out of me?"
Clint gives QC a broad smile.
Once the recon team has left, Clint will throw his stuff in QC's room and set out to survey the grounds, looking for regrouping points should things go badly and suitable places to set up anti-personnel devices.
SUBJ: ::Volunteering:: FROM: GM Elezar 05/10/90 S#:393286
Elton watches over QC's shoulder as he logs on to Q-Link as well as a few other BBS's.. "Interesting set up.. I'll have to see about getting one of my own. They have anything on there about occult entities or anything?"
Later when Clint starts giving orders on the 'exploration team'... :)
"I'll send Gritch along with the exploration team. Although he can't tell them of anything that he might observe, he can act as an information relay back to here thus allowing us to keep aware of what'll be going on. For the future, maybe it would be a good idea to get some long range walkie-talkies or some other form of communication so that we can give other scouting parties up to date information on what's happening here as well."
Elton
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar (R) FROM: Count Kill 05/11/90 S#: 473243
"4.5 tons?! Whew, that'd be a big one!" I say excitedly.
I sign on to every BBS I know that deals with space phenomena, and try to track down some expert advice on what exactly we might be dealing with. I post all the information we currently have about their vessel, such as mass, size of the landing area, how the ice formed, etc., and see what the experts have to say.
I try to make the posts highly visible as Mr. Hunter said to do.
"Homing devices? Hmmmm.... I guess I could give it a try. I'll have to see what equipment we have here, and what I can do with it."
I'll work on homing devices, using my electronics, gadgeteering, and inventor skills. I'll try for the longest range possible, using the specifics Mr. Hunter wants.
"Beating the s*** out of you? Why would I do that, sir?" I say nervously, and then realize what he means. "Oh, the butler, sir. It was an accident, honest. I didn't mean it."
I also find Mr. Ezar and let him know what's happening, and I also let Micky know.
Then, I'll stay up all night if I have to, pouring Coffee down my throat, but I'll work on the homing devices, and once that's finished, I'll start work on using CAD (Computer Aided Design, for you folks unaware as of yet what it means.) And my engineering and physics skills to try and figure out a probable configuration of the ship, as well as what type of a power source would be necessary to run it.
I'll sign back onto the various BBS'es various times during the night, to see if my messages have netted any responses. I also try to find out about any simalar UFO cases that have been documented.
SUBJ: On Q... FROM: Count Kill 05/11/90 S#: 473260
As I tool around on Q, I get hit with a SYSOLM that says....
"Now meeting in the Phantasy Guild room in People Connection is the "GM Mad Roast!". C'mon over and fling mud at the Guild's favorite goofball!"
Hmmm... I think to myself as I F5 the screen, it does sound kind of interesting; too bad I'm too busy to go. I don't even go into the Guild, and I've heard what a goof ball this guy is.
];D
Hehehehe... just kidding Mad! Uh Oh, why do I see my experience dropping into the negative numbers? ;) )
Spectrum's Comments: Nah, I had a much better revenge. I tormented his characters for the next four years!
SUBJ: Charles.. FROM: Splatipus 05/12/90 S#: 39247
If we are to go to the center..... Then Before we go I think we should visit the nearest store to find some supplies... If it is OK with our leader than I would ask him to come and help get some things we might need. A short list :)
Snowshoes - if the snow is deep in this area it will help travel faster.
Backpacks - to carry some equipment with us.
Binoculars - need them to scout with like he said no contact and this should keep us at a safe distance
Weapons - was thinking that we might get some Riffles or Carbines in a Sporting goods store, we might need them and they are more powerful than our handguns.
Cloths - we might need some better thermal protection.
Camo - I suggest also with the close we pick up some artic white jumpsuits.
FOOD - almost forgot but do we have food?
Ammo - for guns
Camera - so we can recon and bring back some pictures we can study.
Film - for camera.
Infrared Scopes - If these Guys have body heat we will be able to see them coming+
Camping Supplies- Axes, Saws tents, and the like, flashlights ect....
+ Due to the nature of this Item we might not be able to find it..
Ok :) See you next post :)