849 réponses à ce sujet

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"Besh, I am a xenobiologist," Lauren said with concern. "I am going to use my omni-tool to run a medical scan of you. I would like to use this for a base line for our records. It might assist us in our investigation. And I would like to ask you a few more questions."

 

She raised her omni-tool and scanned, the scan returning the Vorcha's biosigns. She examined them briefly then gently began questioning Besh.

 

"How long were your friends in the mine separated from the main part of the colony, and was that normal?"

 

"No contact for two weeks Parasc time.  We wait for you to investigate.  Besh is worried, but finds peace in prayer."

The problem with xeno-biology for a species like the vorcha was, while they were simple, it took referencing against a database if the knowledge wasn't first hand due to expertise.  That was the issue Lauren ran into.  She knew vorcha adrenaline glands were larger than most species, but she couldn't tell if Besh's were abnormal, or within a normal range.  They seemed smaller for a vorcha if she took an educated guess, but that still left them large.  Some time sitting down with a good search would reveal the result.

However, what her scan did immediately reveal was that there was no foreign substance introduced into Besh.  There were no outside chemicals, ruling out the theory that the way Besh acted was due to some controlled substance introduced into his system.  Besh was, aside from whatever adaptations his vorcha physiology had granted him, a normal, healthy vorcha.

 

"That is understandable for you to be worried," Lauren replied. "Did Koehler's Brigade have anything to do with the Vorcha while they were in the mines?"

[Kel Riever]

"No," Besh answered.  "They come with you, just before you, same day."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"And then they leave? Do they bring you food and stuff? Or do other vorcha?"

[Kel Riever]

Besh seemed confused, but gave the answer he thought Lauren wanted.  "Red mercs bring in food like everyone else with their ship, but that is normal.  We always need supplies.  Mostly they come with your ship though.  All good.  Brigade here to stay with you.  They come same time as you.  They were not here when we lost contact."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"Thank you. That is important," Lauren turned to Kamau. "That rules out the brigade, but there's one other thing I'm wondering about."

 

She focused on Besh again. "What kind of protective equipment do you wear in the mine?"

[TheMajonese]

In Cadi's room

 

When Chris laid next to Cadi and felt her warm body right next to him, he realized once more what was missing in his life. At this moment, he didn't want to let her go and he even less wanted to leave her and the rest of stormhammer behind. It certainly was one of those moments that had to end way too early.

 

"Duty calls again...", he said with a sigh. "And I really appreciate your offer..." He kissed Cadi on her forehead. "But I think your place is here with the others. Don't worry, we'll be alright."

 

A bit reluctantly Chris rolled aside and stood up. While he began to put on his clothes again, he couldn't help but glance at Arcadia. Her seductive body still caught his eyes. "I'm not going to tell anyone about this here because Naomi would kill me. But could it get you into trouble if anyone would know about this?"

[Kel Riever]

Besh explained to Lauren a bit about the equipment that was used for internal work, outdoor work, and what was known as  full exposure gear, which involved heavy pressure suits that were almost like a cross between a heavy suit of armor and a mini-mecha.  All of it was information that she wasn’t familiar with, but it did help her understand how the miners got their work done.  Plus a bit about the hazards that they faced, which were substantial.

“Lady human, you have been very kind.  Besh must get on as our schedule is very tight today.  All here should know that you have my admiration.  Do not think more of these men from before.  There is no need for further strife.  They have gone and what they did will not matter in the end.  Perhaps they will see something from this.  Besh believes they will.”

With that, the vorcha would not answer any more questions.  He bowed to each of the three he faced and made haste to get on his way.  The only other person to see Besh before he left was a thoroughly soaked Naomi who spotted the vorcha hurrying along to his next destination.

[Kel Riever]

Arcadia said last to Chris.  “Only I answer for my actions, and what is the trouble in that?  Still, yes, your sister…this will be kept between us.”  Cadi watched Chris until he had left.  He was able to leave without witness.

It wasn’t for another half hour before Arcadia emerged, as if nothing had happened.  By then, those who had been out had returned.

~ ~ ~ ~

At the appointed time, the message went out by omni-tool from Vihaan for the team to assemble.  Saba had returned, looking the same as she had when she’d left.  This time, present company did not include either Cadi or Kamau, but did include Vihaan and for once, Major Reith.  The Major was clad in basic olive T-shirt, fatigues and boots, but notably wore a pair of dark protective eyewear, much like sunglasses.

“Come with me,” was all that Saba said before leading everyone across to another part of the complex.  There was a set of heavy double doors that once the group passed through, revealed a more industrial area.  Vorcha moved about in either work clothes or occasionally one of the outdoor suits that Besh had mentioned to those he’d met.  Stepping into a large room, the group got its first view of the outside since they’d arrived, through large, protective ‘glass steel’, the stuff used for windows on starships.  The gray outside could be seen again, but this time one of the large earth movers dominated the view, and an enclosed gangway was connected to its cab, or bridge.  There was a control panel near the window, and a vorcha with a headset talked, likely with the vehicle.  He pointed to the left where an airlock had a green light lit above it.

“You will board through that lock and I will wait here for your return,” Saba instructed.  “On that mover, you’ll meet Hestyas, who will take it from there.”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"It sounds like the miners are well cared for," Lauren said. "I had been wondering if there was a gas in the mine or perhaps a mineral dust that could have been causing the problem. Any ideas, Kamau?"

[Kel Riever]

Lauren looked around, remembering that both Arcadia and Kamau had stayed behind on this trip.  Vihaan, however, was there and volunteered an answer.  "Every mining operation has its possible disasters.  Flammable gasses, equipment malfunctions, cave ins.  The disappearance of an entire mining crew, however, would have to be a monumental disaster, if that crew were anywhere near even a fraction of the size of this established hub.  That would register on some sort of readout, wouldn't it?"

Saba at least answered that question.  "Yes, it would have.  Chances are, as well, that there would be little explanation for the disappearance of our first recovery team.  Now, get aboard.  There will be time to explain more from someone who is head of our mining."

With a gesture to the vorcha at the controls, Saba directed the airlock to be opened.  The Stormhammer group passed inside, and once again the airlock was designed to be a back up as the interior of the gangway was completely pressurized.  After a short travel down the passage, the group spotted another vorcha who guided them inside the lock of the vehicle.  

Everyone found themselves stepping onto what could have easily passed for a wide bridge on a starship.  The vehicle's window was broad, giving a view of the landscape for all aboard.  Control stations and readouts were everywhere, and a crew of six vorcha manned them.  Standing at the center of the bridge,  and turning to meet the group, was another asari.  Dressed in a worn and stained, brown work suit that was reminiscent of a spacer outfit, she seemed to be almost the antithesis of Saba's perfect and pristine presence.  The asari grinned widely and greeted the new arrivals.

"Welcome aboard!  I'm Hestyas, in case you were still wondering.  Good to meet the people who are going up to figure out what happened to our operation.    We're going for a drive, have to keep working, you know.  But this is a chance for you to see what's going on around here.  Educational at the least, but the knowledge might come in handy so let's get rolling!  And I do mean rolling.  Vehicle this size is cost inefficient to have be straight anti-gravity.  But make no mistake; we've got an eezo powered mover, and certainly make use of mass displacement.  Don't touch anything, buckle up or stand like I do, and enjoy the show!"

[TheMajonese]

Naomi stood close to the windows. "Honestly...this is f*cking awesome!" Fascinated she watched how the giant vehicle started moving.

 

Even though Cadi's plan to give Naomi a reason to blow off some steam had failed, the past few hours seemed to have changed Naomi's mind, so she now gave up her hostile behavior towards everyone. While she had told her brother what had happened at the pool, Chris of course said nothing about his time with Cadi. But Naomi was surprisingly indifferent to how her brother had spent his free time before the mission. At the same time she wasn't going to tell anyone about Liz' strange warning. She doubted that it would matter much.

 

Hestyas didn't seem to be as uncomfortable to speak with as her sister was. "I have to say, I'm quite impressed by the way you handle this colony", Chris approached the asari. "At first I somehow doubted that it would be possible to suppress the vorcha's violent nature, it seems to work though. But I'm wondering...any chance that there had been a violent outbreak at the mining operation?"

[Kel Riever]

Hestyas, did, in fact seem not only much more comfortable speaking, but actually enthusiastic.  She had smiled at Naomi's exclamation, and only passed a serious look over her face when Chris made his speculation.  The six vorcha also passed concerned looks between themselves but said nothing.

"I can't tell you how much an idea like that worries me," Hestyas said.  The asari had a very round, open face with large, indigo eyes to accompany the wide grin that she generally wore.  Her skin was a deeper blue tone than that of either her mother or Saba, and her whole image seemed to be enhanced by a series of very rounded, light brown facial markings.  "But these fine miners are the descendants of generations of peaceful Siarists and I put my faith in them.  Haven't had what you talk about happen anywhere on this planet for at least four decades.  I understand that an outsider might have fears, but we're different here.  It takes some adjusting to, I know."

Then the smile returned to Hestyas.  She walked past Major Reith with a nod, up to stand next to Naomi, her loose toolbelt making a jingle with each step.  "You like the view?  That's a lot of stories between us and the ground.  More impressive though looking at it from up here, right?  You get a better sense of how high up we are."

Hestyas then pointed out and around through the window.  "We move a lot of rock, and I mean a lot since this is what we call a cut and fill operation.  The bottom of where we're mining is reached first...hold on her, you can see we're going right down...."  She paused as the mover trundled around a mound and a gaping, finished tunnel immediately came into view.  The dark maw was only lit by occasional emergency lights, and the vast majority of the illumination was provided by powerful and huge lamps that shone out from the vehicle.  "Cut and fill means we extract the ore we want at the bottom of the mine, then we fill it with waste rock and sand.  In fact, we're hauling down that waste rock right now, and we'll be bringing back up the valuable ore, which we then extract the Palladium from.  To give you an idea of how much work we do to get what we want, globally we're shipping out three hundred thousand kilos of Palladium.  This operation isn't the smallest on the planet but we're responsible for about 15,000 kilos annually.  So we like to joke that you're probably going to get more blood from a stone than we get Palladium."

The vorcha were clearly busy, though they were quiet.  Their eyes were locked on their readouts now, and the one who was responsible for driving gave all his commands by keyboard. Hestyas went on.  "Ninety five percent of our mining is automated and that's a generous number for us people.  Automated drillers handle the digging, even this mover is being mostly run by the VI.  But move a meter in the wrong direction, which isn't a lot at our size, and you could have a disaster on your hands.  These fine people on the machines here are looking for any sign of trouble, and their role is the most important.  Having said that, we have to give some credit to the fine equipment.  Safety is the top priority, and our sensors are as much designed with that in mind as with production.  If you ran out in front of this machine, it would come to an immediate stop, provided the stop wouldn't cause even more damage.  And we have the most advanced crash control software on board in the galaxy.

"Havent had a death from an accident in two years and my mother will be happy to let you know that's the best safety record on Parasc. Now, I'm not going to bore you with all the ins and outs, but I'll be providing you with some uploads for your Omni-tools on our operations for reference, and it may be useful when you head up to the site you are investigating.  What I want to let you know the most is that everything where you're going is shut down, or if for some strange reason its on, you aren't going to have to worry about being run over or crushed by it.  It's safe around here if it isn't moving, and if it's moving you should see it coming slow, so you have plenty of time to get out of its way.  Now we've got a couple of hours for the trip here, so go ahead and ask your questions if you got em.  Otherwise, if I told you all you need, it is a lot of fun up here if you like big machines."  Hestyas smiled at Naomi specifically and said, "I always wanted to play with the big stuff.  That's why I do this job.  It's the best one on the planet!" 

[Kel Riever]

Vihaan was scrolling through the information provided by Hestyas on his Omni-tool.  As Menos was nearest to him, he showed him what he was looking at while he expressed to the rest of the group present.  "The equipment specs provided here, which are true to Palladium Controls records, not just manufacturer data, show a remarkably low incident of failure.  Of course, we don't know what happened at the site, but from a probability standpoint, disaster as a result of equipment failure would be statistically inconsequential."

[Cknarf]

Whether it was going to be pest control, or just cleaning up bodies, Kurik still failed to see the need for calling in forces from offworld, especially considering Khoeler's Brigade was more than capable of handling such tasks.

 

"What kind of resistance could we be expecting?" Kurik asked plainly, checking over his equipment, that included several hand grenades.

[Kel Riever]

"Resistance?"  Hestyas seemed to be caught a bit off guard from the question, possibly explained by how much she was delving into the technical talk of mining.  She shrugged her shoulders.  "We don't really know what's happening.  I'm personally hoping there's some easy answer, or at worst, it is clear enough to get up there, take care of whatever happened, and get production back up to full.  I really don't want to consider the scope of a tragedy but we have to be prepared for everything of course."

Kuric was near enough to Reith that he noticed the Major turn his head slightly in his direction, an indication that he might be thinking along the same lines.  It didn't seem as if Hestyas was withholding anything, or covering up.  Not unless she was very, very good at it.  But she seemed unwilling to contemplate the worst outcomes of why a mercenary force would be needed.  It was true that sometimes rescue involved military personnel, able to handle a wide variety of problems.  And when there was no standing military, such as with Parasc or in the Terminus Systems in general, often that did fall to merc forces.  Stormhammer might be less capable of full rescue, and more capable of scouting.  Perhaps that's why they were going up first.  But Hestyas came across as not wanting to dwell on what could be more than a one-time disaster, if that's what was occuring.

Reith said nothing, but it was clear he was thinking.  Hestyas spend the trip down talking more about the capabilities of the mover, from weight displacement, to the power of the individual motors moving the wheels, to the monitors and pretty much any technical aspect.  Only too happy to give everyone present a heaping of mining data, Hestyas didn't spend any more time talking about the Stormhammer mission without prodding.  The mover unloaded its waste rock onto a massive conveyer, had an automated machine load it with valuable, mined ore, and took a looping tunnel that sent it on the path back to the surface. 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"I would suggest that everything in that region of the mine be shut down so we can get some readings," Lauren said. "We need to know exactly what is going on down there. The miners are protected. The only things I can think is some sort of anomaly. We need to be cautious and take sensor readings.

[Kel Riever]

"Oh, it's all idle up there,"Heystas assured.  "If there's no one in monitoring positions, all heavy equipment will cease to function.  Everything is either off, or if it is on, is in rest mode.  Power is still running we know, and that is an independent generator up there.  But if anything, you'd have to get to Central Control to get anything activated again.  CC is marked on the map of the facility on your omni-tool now, by the way."

[TheMajonese]

Naomi glanced at Kurik and shook her head. "Come on, I think you worry too much! It might be something completely harmless like...I don't know, maybe a communication blackout?" It didn't sounded really convinced but Naomi wasn't too pessimistic about the situation. Either Liz' words were going to turn out wrong and there was more than 'nothing', or this whole mission was just a waste of time. She liked to think that the latter was the case. "Maybe the vorcha there were so obsessed with their work that they forgot how the communications work in the first place."

 

Her brother certainly didn't share Naomi's optimism but Chris said nothing.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"That they forgot how communication worked and went violent?" Lauren asked. "I don't thinks so. These vorcha aren't the type to go violent. The way the Asari have nurtured them uplifted them from the barbaric levels of their civilization. They're far more intelligent than we give them credit for being. There's obviously something down there that caused this. Quite honestly, I'm scared."

[TheMajonese]

Naomi rolled her eyes and turned back to the windows. "Stop sh*tting your pants, Lauren! What do you think happened to them? They turned into zombies?" She noticed the warning glance that her brother gave her and snorted but stopped talking. For now.

 

Chris sighed and turned to Lauren. "We're only here to investigate anyway", he tried to calm her down. "It's not our job to fight through the whole facility in case there is something hostile waiting for us." 

[Kel Riever]

The round trip took just over four hours.  Coming back to the surface seemed to take a lot longer than descending, for whatever reason.  There were only a few manned stations throughout the trip:  The bottom of the mine where work was being done, a mid way check point and rest area, and a gondola on a ceiling track at one section that headed off to a different part of the mine where the mover was not intended to fit.  And only at the bottom of the mine did the number of workers significantly increase to two digits; at the two other locations, there were three, maybe four vorcha at each.

On returning to the complex, the design showed the mover was actually parking in a dug out driveway so the bridge was on the same level as the building, which sat atop a cliff.  The three grizzlies Stormhammer arrived in were now located near the building, likely the branch nearest where the group stayed.  Hestyas was happy to exchange any friendly farewells, and waived to the group as they headed out.  

Once back in the control room of the complex, Major Reith said in his gravelly voice, "Hope you all got some rest.  We're packing in those Grizzlies and starting our trip in an hour and a half."

[Cainhurst Crow]

"Good to hear..." Menos said as he stretched one of his arms behind his head, hearing a soft pop as he brought it to rub his neck, "Between all the speculations and even more of the non-information. I'm eager to get some concrete facts again..." He said with a nod to the captian and a look to the others.

 

Also he was glad they'd be going somewhere. With how much everything on this rock was the same, Menos could feel his patience, and sanity, slipping by with every passed acre of land.

[Kel Riever]

Twenty minutes later, Stormhammer was back in the wing of the complex designated for their use.  In a breakout room, with chairs and tables moved in ad hoc, Vihaan had set up a projection against one blank wall with a portable computer and his Omni-tool. Major Reith was conducting a briefing.

"Right now, we're based in what Palladium Controls calls their Hope hub.  The facility we're going to is number 7 of the seven mining operations run from this hub.  Hestyas has given us all access to the base with codes on our Omni-tools.  Nothing is off limits as far as they are concerned and are leaving it in our hands to find out what is going on.  

"As you might be familiar with by now, I have a practice of always leaving two of use behind.  That's usually me, or Arcadia if I am heading out, and one other to help me coordinate my work.  This time, Vihaan will be staying as both Arcadia and Kamau are needed up front with you.  Communications are clear and we will be able to be in contact, as well as either provide or get backup if you need it.  I will not presume this mission to be pointless or easy, with no unforeseen problems, and neither should you.  Take your own initiatives, but if you run into real trouble, I want to hear about it immediately.

"Now, there will be enough time before we leave her soon, and including the drive up to Hope 7, that you may make detailed plans if you wish.  This is the overview of where you are headed."  Reith nodded to Vihaan who brought up a map:



"The purple is the location of possible deposits of value, not important for our mission.  Security for the Complex is at Central Control.  This shows the last satellite flyover before people went missing at the facility.  Remember, what you see is the tip of the iceberg.  Most of the facility is underground.  But this will give you a place to start and you can plan an approach.  You're going to have Kamau moving ahead of you to scout the base.  He tends to operate on his own, has his own vehicle, but will be in communication, with the obvious intent of warning you if there is any trouble that he sees before you get there.  If you want to bring anything up now as a group in the same room, go ahead.  Otherwise, again, we'll be leaving shortly and we'll coordinate everything by com and Omni-tool." 

[Kel Riever]

The three Grizzlies were loaded up on schedule, though Reith and Vihaan were absent as they stayed within the complex, and Kamau had taken his scouting vehicle and was already on his way ahead. The seating was cramped as it was before, even more so in the vehicle with Arcadia and the twins. The good news, at least, was while Chris sat next to his sister, Cadi was on the opposite side of the passenger compartment.

A series of system checks were done to make sure everyone was linked up. There were small, angled display screens in the corners of the compartments so everyone could keep abreast of the operation without having to constantly keep their Omni-tools on. The trio of drivers were the same set of vorcha who had brought the group up to the complex, and they were just as quiet as before, though they did indicate once again that they would respond to whatever instruction the group needed. A few minutes into the trip, Reith came on the com, addressing Cadi but able to be heard by everyone.

"No protests on approaching up the main road so that's where you're going," Reith said, "That'll have you entering the facility from the south side. Kamau will have already scouted the base visually from a distance and be in position on the north side."

"Affirmative," Cadi answered, "That will put our estimated arrival two hours from now."

Most of the rest of an hour and a half passed quickly or slowly depending on what one was thinking about in the meantime. A half-hour before arrival, it wasn't hard to maintain interest any longer as Kamau came in, giving his initial report.

"Been here for a while, took a long perimeter examination. You can see the mine is recessed near the peak of a rise in the range. There are several large mounds surrounding the facility." Kamau linked footage from video he'd taken. "This is part of my observation. You are clear to proceed, but I cannot tell you where any of the people are. It is abandoned entirely from the outside. I see no movement in the buildings, no one is on the equipment, no one is outside. No bodies, either. As Hestyas said, everything is in idle or standby mode, the generator is still going, and life support in buildings is operational. You can roll in without incident if you wish, but you may want to consider stopping just outside the main entrance road and proceeding on foot with caution."

[Cknarf]

[grunting sounds]