Spectrum's Comments: The Troubleshooters have reached the alien base. The majority of the group was captured inside, while a few are loose in the hanger bay.
Troubleshooters #17 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter Seventeen"
Inside the saucer, the computer continues to handle QC's questions.
"Base link-up is not currently possible. Base computer is dysfunctional."
Scanning the base, the computer tells QC that there are a total of 10 humans and 4 Vandries in the base.
Back inside the base, Sam attempts to find out if the atmosphere is breathable. He takes a whiff of the gas from one of the open suits. It immediately makes him nauseated and lightheaded. Humans cannot breath chlorine gas!
Duncan goes to investigate the air vents. Several are found, but they are tiny, only measuring 4 inches by 6 inches. It would take some work to enlarge these for a person to fit into.
Charles re-examines the suits of armor. It takes several minutes, but he figures out how to put the suit on. Unfortunately, the tanks also hold the same chlorine gas. The tank can be shut off. While shut off, the suit will protect the wearer from the poisonous atmosphere. However, the air inside the suit would be exhausted in a few minutes.
While this is going on, a hologram appears in the corridor. It is the head of, presumably, one of the aliens. Its features are similar, but different from a regular human.
"Hu-mans", it says. "I am Va'Lin, Commander of this complex. Resistance is futile. Surrender immediately. We will make your passing from this world as gentle as possible."
GM Notes:
Now what?
The time has come to inform all of you what is coming up. Some of you already know what I'm about to reveal, but not all of you. It has been decided by GM Kill and myself to alternate as GM's in this game. Whoever is not the GM will be running a character. The current storyline is winding down and we thought we'd that it would be better to give everyone a several week warning as opposed to just springing it on you at the last moment. And now you know! ;)
Spectrum's Comments: This was when we went public with the announcement that Kill and I would be alternating on Troubleshooters. The game died before it got back to me.
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar... FROM: Count Kill 07/27/90 S#: 462169
"Uh...now what do I do?" I think to myself as I gulp nervously.
"Uh....Uh....Uh....There's got to be a way to help them, but how?" I think to myself quickly. Then I sit up with a start.
"Computer, what is behind the farthest wall?" I ask quickly.
If nothing important, such as the others, or the bases power source, or some other volatile stuff, I quickly talk to the computer again.
"Computer, target on other ships and fire to disable only. Then target on farthest wall and fire full force."
"Well that should get someone's attention." I think to myself, not sure whether it's a good idea, but fresh out of other ideas.
"Computer..." I say when it finishes firing. "Why is the base computer off? What other units can you access?"
If there is something behind that wall, I don't think should be shot, I'll ask the computer about each wall, until I find one I can shoot. If I find no walls I can shoot, I just have it disable the other ships.
Yes, starting soon, I will have the honorable pleasure of torturing you, and making your lives miserable! Something for you to look forward to! ];D
Really though, I hope you'll all enjoy my turn as GM, as I have many strange things planned just for you all. :D
Troubleshooters Motto: "We're into Trouble!" ;)
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 07/28/90 S#: 447657
"Now that's really annoying. Who ever heard of a death trap you couldn't get out of through the ventilator shafts? These guys must be aliens."
Hearing the announcement only aggravates me further.
"Oh really? That's funny, as near as I can tell, we're all still alive, and your security forces are dead. Maybe if you surrender, we'll make your death relatively painless."
After the experimentation with the suits reveals the toxic nature of their 'air' supply, I'll suggest the following.
"If the way out isn't too far, we should be able to get out, or at least to an area with oxygen, on the small amount of air trapped within the suit when it's put on. It's worth a shot; better than waiting here."
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 07/29/90 S#: 450866
Sorry I missed the last post guys. I spent the week at my mother's.
When QC opens the hatch, I grab the fallen aliens' weapons and throw them through the hatch. Then I dash over to Blackie, sling him over my shoulders, and carry him inside.
"You got this thing operational! QC, you're worth your weight in gold!!"
"Can the computer give us a scaled layout of the installation, indicating human and alien positions?"
While QC tinkers with the computer, I set Blackie down gently before coming up behind him to see what he's doing.
Mad: If the doorway were enlarged, would the corridor leading further into the base be wide enough to fly the ship through??
SUBJ: Micky FROM: Micky 25 07/29/90 S#: 474812
Wait everyone! The others are in this place too. If we can make enough noise, maybe they can locate us, and find a way to get to us. I feel they are our best bet at getting out of here.
GM Notes:
Answers to various queries...
The computer relates that the main base is behind the farthest wall. There are no other ships in the base, just this saucer. The computer warns that blasting the far wall could possibly fatal to those in the base. You are underground after all!
On the subject of the base's computer, the saucer's computer will reply that it broke down and no one knows how to fix it. These guys's aren't overly impressive aliens, are they? :)
Also, I should mention that no one really looked room with the human remains in it. There might be another way out that way.... Then again, there might not be! ];>
Blackie is alive, but completely out of it. The computer can provide a layout of the base.
Anyone remember about your wristwatches? They're radio's remember?? A few people did mention that perhaps they should try the watches, but no one came right out and said that they would.
The ship is much too wide to be able to fly into the base.
SUBJ: Sam FROM: REM9 07/30/90 S#: 2923
"I don't know about that Duncan. You are assuming that the chlorine does not fill the entire ship except for this area. I think our best bet is to try and enlarge the vent shafts. With these laser guns here, it should not take too, too long."
SUBJ: charles FROM: Sir Splat 07/30/90 S#: 480082
Hmmm....... A thought comes in my head.... (Look in the other room it says :))..So I will. look in the other room for a way out. I will try to remove the tanks of chlorine gas from the suit and see if I could find a replacement...with something more suitable to breath....if not I want to try to take one of them along :)
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 07/30/90 S#: 457483
"Well, it might be possible, Sam, but I doubt it. Also, there may be chlorine gas behind some of these walls, and if they're ruptured during the tunneling, our life expectancy will be drastically reduced."
Are there any sort of air-lock mechanisms at the ends of the hall? How'd the aliens get in without flooding the area with chlorine? If there is one, and no other exit root if found, then I'll don one of the suits, making sure the 'air' supply if off, and take a shot at going into the corridor to attempt to find another way out. I'll keep my forays down to a minute or so, depending on how much air is trapped in the suit, then return for some fresh air. If an exit if found, I'll return and report to the others.
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar... (R) FROM: Count Kill 08/01/90 S#: 412697
"Mr. Hunter, I have an idea. How about we punch into the aliens communications and give them an ultimatum."
"If this is their only ship, they might be willing to agree to quite a bit to save it."
I wait for Mr. Hunter's reply, if it's affirmative, or if I don't get a reply soon enough, I'll ask the computer to translate my words into the aliens language, and relay them to all communicators that the aliens use.
"Aliens, your ship is under our control. Since this is your only vehicle that could take you home, I suggest your immediate compliance with the following terms."
"First, you will discontinue any assault on any of us humans within the base."
"That's the only term for this moment, the others will follow once the first has been met."
Then, I tell the computer to shut off any microphones or other sound sending devices that might be within it, and tell it it's new password is Mononucleoplasicpeanutbutter."
After that, I turn on my wrist radio and radio the others and, using the schematics, guide them here to the hangar.
Once that's done, I get started on making sure nobody else can figure out the password the same way I did, and tell the computer that any further questions about it's password, should not be answered unless the user already has given the password.
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 08/01/90 S#: 490512
"Good idea QC...It might keep them busy, though I have no intension of returning their ship. We can't risk their returning with a larger force."
"Instruct the computer to indicate me with a purple blip...I'm going in! The team's safety is my responsibility... guide me to them as you guide them out and keep me posted as to how the aliens respond. Oh...one more thing, ask the computer if there are any more of those observation spheres in the complex and if so, indicate them on the layout. Don't want any surprises in there."
Pausing to check my weapons, I stop to pick up one of the alien rods. If its firing mechanism is similar to the weapon I was shown how to use back at the mansion, I'll tuck it under my belt...just in case.
Ready for action, I exit the saucer and hastily make my way into the complex. I make no attempt at stealth, confident that QC will warn me when I'm getting close to the aliens. If QC indicates that I'm getting close, I'll turn the volume on my radio all the way down and shift to stealth mode.
Troubleshooters #18 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter 18"
Out in the saucer, QC gives the aliens his ultimatum. Several moments pass, but there is no reply. Clint departs into the base.
He attempts to change the saucer's password. But, as he gives the new code word, the entire ship goes dead. All the consul lights are out. Nothing appears to be operating.
In the base, the rest of the team is attempting to find their way out of the base.
Charles makes quick check through the medical labs in an attempt to find another way out. He doesn't find a back door, but the rear of the lab has a clear window in it. However, the other side of the window is filled with chlorine gas, preventing sight.
Back out in the corridor, the hologram fades out. As Duncan is attempting to don the armor, Micky notices that the chlorine gas is receding!
Sure enough, the green gas is clearing in the corridor. In moments the corridor is clear and breathable. Cautiously proceeding down the corridor, you come face to face with Clint coming from the opposite way.
While the reunion is taking place, a side door slides open. Beyond is a large room, the far side filled with chlorine gas. Three armored aliens can be seen in the area beyond, along with an unarmored alien seated on a raised platform. He appears to resemble the alien from the hologram....
Spectrum's Comments: Basically, the saucer died because I didn't want it to fall into the PC's hands. Too powerful of a toy for them to have. QC just gave me a good excuse to have it happen.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 08/03/90 S#: 403747
"These guys are definitely starting to annoy me."
I'll shuck the armor I was in the process of donning, and join the others in the hallway. Seeing the aliens, I'll enter the room they are in, keeping to half-moves, and ready to dodge if they decide to get hostile. If they do, then I'll respond in kind.
"You guys ready to give yet?"
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter (R) FROM: AREION 08/06/90 S#: 514988
Clint is surprised to see all his teammates (minus QC and Blackie) coming towards him, but the wall opens revealing a hidden chamber before he can find out what's going on.
Seeing how badly shaken Mickey is, Clint will give her one of his hand guns and keep her behind him. Slowly Clint will edge into the chamber.
"So YOU'RE the head honcho?? Who do you think you are, mister?!? Just where do you get off kidnapping innocent people and holding them against their will!?!?"
"Now here's what's going to happen. You're going to hand over everyone you're holding and let us walk out of here or my friends back in the hanger are going to level the place and keep your precious ship! You'll get it back AFTER we're safe!"
(I'm assuming Clint doesn't know about the captives' grisly demise as yet.)
Clint will keep on his toes. Should anyone attack, he'll dive for cover (being sure to take anyone close behind down with him while shouting 'LOOK OUT!')
SUBJ: Sam FROM: REM9 08/06/90 S#: 515499
"Umm Clint? Before you issue ultimatums, would it not be better to find out what they wanted us for in the first place? I have a feeling that if they just wanted us dead, we could have been that way already. There is more here than meets the eye."
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar.... FROM: Count Kill 08/06/90 S#: 433748
"Nertz!" I say loudly, as the ship looses power. "Must've tripped some type of protection device."
I test to see if it's still responding to my voice, if so, I'll ask it why it powered down.
If not, I'll whip out my briefcase, and start looking for a way to get at the inner circuitry.
"I hope Mr. Hunter's going to be all right." I think to myself. "He was counting on me to give him directions."
If I can get into the circuitry, I'll attempt to do a manual reprogramming as quickly as possible. But I work very quickly, and very nervously as well. With every little noise being just about enough to scare me out of my skin.
"When they going to get back? And will I have a heart attack when they do?" I think to myself momentarily.
SUBJ: RC FROM: GM Wolf 08/07/90 S#: 519543
RC frowned at the alien, retrieving the shuriken he had thrown and holding it ready...
Troubleshooters #19 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter 19"
Inside the saucer, QC works as best he can under the conditions. However, he discovers that the computer's memory core has been wiped clean. A safe guard against altering the access code. The saucer in effect is useless.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team has encountered the leader of the aliens. Cautiously you enter into his audience room. Upon a dais is the alien calling himself Va'lin.
"You hu-mans are free to go. Our mission has failed. You will not be harmed."
At this moment one of his aids activates a control on a console. A red light begins to flicker.
"Before you go, I shall tell you what you are dealing with. This mission may have failed, but there will be others. We are the Vandries, members of a great empire that has spanned millenniums."
"Our technology is centuries ahead of yours. Our machines so constructed that they repaired themselves. That was our downfall. With no need to attend to our machines, that knowledge was lost over the centuries. We possess great technology, but have no idea how to repair it."
"Even worse, we are suffering from degenerative evolution. We are incapable of bearing offspring. Cloning has postponed the inevitable. The DNA of you hu-mans is close enough for our purposes. Using your DNA we shall regain our greatness!"
"Unfortunately, the process is quite fatal on the hu-mans. Go now and tell others. We will be back and we shall not be so subtle."
All during his speech, the red light continues to flash, faster and faster...
Spectrum's Comments: And that's the backstory to the aliens.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne (R) FROM: Deslock 08/09/90 S#: 419292
"Something tells me that's not the message light for their answering machine. I'd suggest a retreat, forthwith! Fifthwith, even. I don't think these guys plan on leaving any evidence behind."
I'll head for the exit, pronto.
SUBJ: Charles FROM: Splatipus 08/10/90 S#: 838459
I Am gonna follow Duncan :) and get the Heck Outta here :)
SUBJ: Q.C. Peddlar... FROM: Count Kill 08/15/90 S#: 844248
I sit there, and frown grumpily, and then sigh in resignation.
"Oh well, guess I screwed up. I should've asked what type of safeguards it had against tampering before I tried to change the password." I think to myself. "But, maybe it's not a total loss."
I then attempt to bypass the computer controls and rig up the weapons to fire manually, while stuffing some of the wonderful alien circuitry into my jacket.
"At least maybe I can study this stuff later, and see if I can get any useful knowledge about their technology." I think to myself.
"I sure hope the others are all right." I think nervously to myself.
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 08/16/90 S#: 810611
I believe Conan put it best when he said: "...OUT!"
While hastily ushering the others out of the chamber and pointing out the direction (since I was the only one to come by this way from the outside) Clint will make good use of his watch/communicator before coming up the rear.
"QC...Get out! I think they just activated some kind of self-destruct mechanism! GET OUT!!"
I'm assuming that I'm unaware of QC's mishap with the ship. Should I be told I'll tell him to drag Blackie along.
Troubleshooters #20 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Chapter 20"
Inside the aliens' base, the team has the dreadful feeling that the aliens are in the process of destroying the base! Following Clint, they run towards the exit.
Along the way, Cling contacts QC and warns him of the impending danger.
Working quickly, he manages to activate the circuits for the door. As the rest of the group arrives, he drags Blackie out of the saucer.
Running out into the snow, the team makes for cover, some diving headfirst.
Nothing happens for a moment, but then there is a tremendous roar. The night sky is light up as the base is destroyed in a huge explosion. Finally, when all is safe, you look about. Nothing remains of the aliens. Not a trace.
Wearily, you begin the trek back to the lodge. Most of you are not dressed for this type of weather, but by sharing body warmth you make it without series injury.
GM Notes:
And that concludes the first Troubleshooters mission. XP's will be awarded in the next post.
It's all yours...
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 08/18/90 S#: 107248
Getting up out of the snow, Clint still looks a little shell-shocked.
"Well done team! Not the ending I had in mind, but we made it out alive, and THAT says something!"
Clint offers any warm clothing he may be wearing to Micky or any of the others who look particularly cold, relying on his heightened immunity to protect him from the cold. Handing the weapon he'd confiscated from one of the aliens to QC, Clint shoulders an unconscious Blackie Blade for the long trek home, listening to the others' stories as he walks.
By the time the group makes it back to the lodge, Clint (with a little cooperation) has heard most the story. While the others seek shelter inside, Clint goes no farther than the front porch. Denying himself the luxury of human weakness, he endures the cold to ponder recent events while staring off into the night sky.
"All those people, butchered! What it must have been like...some of the died fighting...some preying, some accepted their fate...some cursed it... some begged for their lives... most were terrified, details don't matter, what's important is that they died. Wish I'd been in time to save them instead of just avenge them."
"Top dog's still out there some where...well, bring it on you alien b**sard! You've taken innocent lives... and those scales have to be balanced!"
Gripping his resolve, Clint finally goes inside and goes to the phone. Grimly lifting the receiver, he dials and waits for the inevitable answer.
"This is Clinton Hunter, let me speak with Mr. Campbell...yes, I know it's late...yes, I'm sorry for the inconvenience...thank you."
"Mr. Campbell? Sorry for waking you, sir, but I thought you'd want to know that the mission has been completed. We'll be returning in the morning... yes...ye...your son?...well yes I...I don't feel right talking about it over the phone sir, I'd rather give you my report in person...yes...yes...good night sir."
Clint holds on to the receiver long seconds after Mr. Campbell hangs up before finally putting it down and lighting a fire in the fireplace. Unwinding in the darkened living room Clint tries to think of a way to tell a man that he respects that his son is dead. Despite his best efforts to stay conscious, the rigor of the past few days and lack of sleep take their toll on Clinton and he drifts of into restless slumber and the embrace of nightmares.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 08/22/90 S#: 834376
Emerging from a drift, I'll brush the snow from my clothing.
"Strange form of hospitality these Rommies have."
I'll help the others in whatever way I can on our trip back to the lodge.
Troubleshooters #21 - "The We-Are-Not-Alone Affair: Epilogue"
Experience Points:
Charles Brent 3
Clint Hunter 5
Duncan Lansdowne 4
Michelle Ryan 3
QC Peddlar 5
RC Moore 3
Sam Sampson 3
For those unfamiliar with the Champions, XP's can be used to increase stats, skills and talents. Or they can be used to buy off disadvantages. If you have any questions contact either myself or GM Kill.
Send updated Characters to me.
Wearily, the team returns to the Campbell Estate. Working up his courage, Clint goes to tell Mr. Campbell about his son's fate.
"Don't blame yourself, Clint. I had hoped they he was still alive, but-- down inside..."
After a short pause.
"Regardless of the outcome, the team preformed very well. You have captured several of the alien weapons. We now know what they are up to and what to look for. Take some time off. I'll work on recruiting to replace those who quit the team."
GM Notes:
Well, that does it for me. I'll be back after Kill's done tormenting you. As a teaser, it's called 'The Bermuda Triangle Affair'. And Kill, please don't hurt'em... ;)
SUBJ: Clinton Hunter FROM: AREION 08/27/90 S#: 101267
Clint will put his 'time off' to good use. Since he still knows very little about his teammate's skills, talents, and backgrounds, he'll spend several hours reading over everyone's personal files and then talking with each person individually, trying to respect their right to privacy but explaining his need to know. He'll explain that anything said during their interview will be held as strictly confidential. He'll also ask to see the files for perspective recruits as Mr. Campbell gets them.
After this is done, Clint will ask Micky and QC for their assistance in monitoring & measuring his parahuman metabolism, coming up with ways to develop and harness it for maximum efficiency. (ie...determine under what conditions his body will build up muscle tissue the fastest, determine the effects of controlled doses of chemicals that would be harmful and/or addictive to normal people...come up with a safe means to give his system a workout, ect) During this time, Clint will engage in various forms of rigorous physical exercise (so they can monitor my body at work as well as at rest and see how it reacts to certain stimuli as well as how it functions without outside interference.) Most exercises will be centered around body building and improving reflex timing.
Clint will hit the nightlife scene three or four times a week, while sudden cries can be heard during the early morning hours throughout the corridors running past his room almost nightly.
SUBJ: Duncan Lansdowne FROM: Deslock 08/28/90 S#: 819681
"Chill out, Clint, we've got time to learn about one another, I wasn't expecting an exam!"
I'll spend the free time we've got working out, drinking, and playing cards, if I can get anyone interested.
SUBJ: Micky FROM: Micky 25 09/01/90 S#: 90417
I will do some research, but I think I will go to town to check out the Malls first! I want to see the new fall fashions. :> I also may spend a night or two in the local clubs; does anybody want to go dancing?
Spectrum's Comments: And that completes all that I have for Troubleshooters. Kill took over with the next post with a new mission for the team. I don't remember much about it, just some vague details. I assumed the identity of TJ Lawrence, a man whose spirit could leave his own body and enter the bodies of others. Once inside, he could control their actions. (A limited version of Mind Control.) The number of players continued to dwindle and we decided to pull the plug. I actually did have something in mind for my next mission: "The Bermuda Triangle Affair". Check out the recap for Avengers Annual #2 when I post it on the forum. It was the same basic idea.