The Burning of Shinbone
Serenity : The MUSH
There is a rain that starts, and it falls very heavy this night as there's a glowing orange moon in the sky...and confusion running rampant. <English>
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BBoard: Cortex (IC) =>Global BBoard System<=
Message: 5/4 PostedAuthor
ATTENTION VERSE: Reaverite Wave Nov 27 2013 Dobson
There's a wave that filters onto many broadcasts, cutting through some and interrupting others as there's that terrifying Reaver scream before...a voice begins to speak: It seems you did not take us at our word. We gave more time than needed. As you wasted time with threats and challenges, you looked away from hearts we are bleeding. Like milk, each drop fills a bucket, until the red is deep. The red is deep in the core of the light that shines, illuminating your souls in the night. Now look up...as the dancers of Paquin take a deep breath and will see this light no more. 400,000 credits, per head...we can afford to pay, a credit for each person sacrificed as we steal away the night. An living offering must be made, the captains...of Mercy, Hope, Wolves, and Unity will be offered on Haven, or...we will use the tears of four more planets, to wash the feet of those worthy of our journey. They must surrender to the darkness until they cannot taste life...for their lies will be the undoing of all the verse. Because we know how materialistic the unworthy are before they learn the true way...we are offering 400,000 credits, per sacrifice. We are offering you the chance to make a sacrifice...to choose...1 life to save per credit, even four lives are less than those that will be lost. Now...look up. As salvation comes...to many.
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[100.00 MHZ] Axel says, "This is Axel Cho of Ricochet Arms calling anyone and everyone within earshot of Paquin. What the hell just happened in space above planet?" <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Cody says, "Did something happen on Paquin?" <English>
Ricochet Arms Armored Transport - 3193 disembarks from the Lapsed Pacifist.
Ricochet Arms Armored Transport - 3193 moves into the area with Axel driving.
VOS: Axel draws his RA Custom M2 Machine Gun.
[100.00 MHZ] Cody says, "I have no idea. Just picked up a transmission from Axel asking what happened in space above the planet." <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Axel says, "Looks like the boon got death-starred, Cody! I'm taking out the tank to go investigate." <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Cody says, "Puckernuts! that's just crazy." <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Axel says, "Yeah" <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Daisy says, "This is Daisy Morris of Guan-Yin II, on site. It's ah... raining. I can't see if Shinbone is still there or not. Not yet." <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Cody says, "We are on silverhold, let me know if there's anything we can do to help." <English>
Having been on Paquin for the last few days visiting a few old friends, Sypher can be found at the spaceport, a cup of spiced chai in hand and staring up at the sky with his jaw hanging open in amazement. When the rain begins, his mouth snaps shut and he starts to look for cover, after all, this can't be normal, right? <English>
Daisy Morris looks up into the sky, where Shinbone used to be (and hopefully still is) and sees the fireball there. "Qi yan fen tu ye". she curses and then steps back under an awning of a noodle shop as the rain begins to fall. "The..." but then people are about to panic, aren't they? She sticks her hand out to catch some of the rain, and then smells it. "Hmm. Doesn't seem different. Jus' rain?" <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Axel says, "Just get some med-staff ready just in case, Cody. I know that the People of Paquin and it's surrounding regions have seen their fair share of horrors and attrocities." <English>
Tara is heading back from work. At her side is her giant tibetan mastiff Chewie. In one hand she carries a bag, having picked up a few things. And in the other hand is her art case. With the others as the sky begins to shine she stops in stunned silence and watches, even as it rains. <English>
[100.00 MHZ] Daisy says, "Well, either the moon's gone or it's on fire. Either way, heading towards Paquin couldn't be a bad idea. Someone is going to need you either here or there. RIght now it's raining... maybe the shockwave pushed the clouds out of the sky, but there might be debris. That'll take a few minutes." <English>
There were definite benefits to being one of the premier weapon designers in the 'verse. It was always nice to be well armed, and even better to have layers of composite armor plating surrounding you in a vehicle designed for the harshest of environments. What might have started as a large hovermule has been transformed into a full-environmentally sealed tank. Axel's wife was out and about, and while his smartcomm was EMP shielded thanks to his days as head of R&D for the feds, that of his wife was not. All he knew was the wherabouts she had been moments ago, and now he was frantically searching.
Running along beside the APC is another piece of Alliance-grade technology, Axel's prototype DAS-10 Bottweiller, Dioji. The dog was built specifically for search and rescue situations and while it no longer had the linkups to the Alliance databases, he was still well suited for helping his master find Tara, though the rain was definitely throwing off the readings on the bot's sensors. <English>
Esmail staggers away from the shuttle platform's resting area, an Icomm held close to his ear, though it looked oddly rough as if someone tried to open it and fiddle with the wiring hastily. Looking around shortly, still in a daze from what he is hearing from the normal waves. "A tank?" Turning his head he noticed a familiar face dip out of sight and into hold of a vessel. <English>
Making his way off the ship Maxim slinks quietly down to the tarmac. He keeps low as he looks out at the sky, and tries to keep out of the rain as best he can and looks about to see who else is there and if anyone has a clue what's going on. He really should check the cortex more often. <English>
Daisy looks to the sky again, thinking a moment. "You all should get under hard cover." she begins to advise people in her Alliance voice, the one meant to get people to comply... the one that suggests that Bad Things (TM) will happen if one does not comply. "Ma'am. Under cover... or better, go home." she says to one person, then another. Luckily, the ramen shop has a hard awning, and even a place to go inside if need be. <English>
People are starting to take cover now as the rain falls. It takes Tara a few minutes to realize what people are doing, and it's Chewie's woof that draws her attention from the sky. "Um.. oh!" Now connecting it all she turns to find a place but they are quickly filling up, and people are pushing. Graceful as could be, she even stumbles a bit given the massive amound of arms and legs that are pushing to find a safe place. Jarred to her knees she grumbles and then pushes herself up to standing, forgetting about the bag of items she was carrying. Brushing back red hair from her face big blue eyes manage to look around through the rain and people and just above them she sees the familar vehicle her husband drives. But given the hussle of everyone, trying to get anywhere is hard, and trying to call out is harder above the noise and cries of the locals. <English>
Dioji spots Chewie before Axel does, granted, the Tibetan Mastiff is easier to spot in a crowd than a lone woman, even if she is a ginger. Axel's smartcomm beeps and the small array of sensor screens inside the transport blink as the robotic canine links with the machine. The transport comes to a stop and the side door opens up. Axel jumps out a moment later and begins following Dioji through the rain towards where Tara and Chewie were finding shelter. "TARA!" Axel calls out towards his wife, he even gives a quick whistle to the family dog to get its attention. "Tara! Over here!" <English>
Esmail eyes the crowds almost trampling over each other he looks around before sprinting over towards the landing pads. Soon he makes way under the tail of a harpoon classed ship, where he slips his comm into a inner pocket of his jacket before trying to brush some of the rain out of his hair, though his eyes quickly return to the sky. Esmail strains his eyes trying to see anything was going to fall as well as checking if any ships were still attempting to land. <English>
Sypher makes his way casually through the panicing people, getting run into a few times but he manages to sidestep most of them. He takes note of the mechanical mutt, the woman who dropped her bags and gives a little sigh as he approaches the woman, picking up her bag and moving to act as a shield and maybe even a wedge to help her move without anyone running into her or knocking her over. "Looks like someone's calling for you. Come on." is all he says as he passes her to take up his place. He does however give a glance to Axel and clicks his teeth, transmitting over his coms - which have apparently been EMP shielded as well, perhaps a perk of working for one of the richest men in the verse? - "Might be better to double back and stay dry. No point in both of you getting soaked now is there?" <English>
It begins raining harder. A chicken looks very annoyed at it clucks and runs past. <English>
Maxim makes his way through the crowd, weaving through the people, an occasional gentle shove out of the way of anyone too frantically headed straight for him. He takes note of the commotion, and the tank. He sniffs the air and heads that direction, picking up the pace as the faces of the people involved seem familiar. He looks about at the others in the crowd, keeping an eye out for anyone who might do them harm. <English>
A Ricochet-marked tank and a giant dog are hard to miss, even with all this trouble going on. Noted, something useful for later perhaps. Daisy gives the tank a wave and then goes back to shooing people verbally out of the rain. "There's likely to be debris raining down soon, sir. Go home, really." Either the local law enforcement is hunkered down or they're busy elsewhere. "Go on. Everything'll be alright if you head home now." <English>
Thinking she hears her name Tara looks around. People like Esmail and Daisy are seen. Face she doesn't know. A familar one is spotted, which is Maxim. It's to busy and noise and so much is happening at once - and given that the sky lit up light fire, a usual 'hello' isn't offered. It's then that Sypher is there and she blinks at him a moment through the rain and offers a shy thankful smile as he steps in the line of people. "Would be my husband." Says the ginger to him and then she calls out. "AXEL!" To get said husbands attention. "There's no place safer than RA at this point!" <English>
No place safer than RA, except for maybe inside of the tank, loaded into the corvette, landed at the RA landing pad, which is the plan providing Axel can convince his wife to come along. He makes his way to her, letting Dioji lead the way, the robotic canine was once larger than the still-growing family dog that Axel had gotten his wife, but he seemed small in comparison now. "Thank the gods, baby," Axel says as he draws near. Giving an appreciative nod towards Sypher for what appears to be some assistance he offered. "It looks like the trouble in the Rim might have spread further in, I want to get you back to safety." He then looks about at those gathered, and takes a long deep breath.
"Attention!" Axel calls out, pausing a second, before continuing. "I don't know what the hell is happening, but we have to stay calm. Paquin has seen some of the worst things this 'verse has to throw at us. We'll persevere through this one. If shit hits the fan, make your way north along the shore. There will be safe refuge at the Ricochet Arms compound to those that require it. I can't promise privacy or great meals if we get a lot of people, but it's well defended," he says before looking up and wondering just what the hell he could do to defend against something nasty enough to explode a moon. Still though, he was a civic minded man, known for going the extra mile for his community. <English>
Its important to note that up in the sky..it really really looks like the Moon is on fire, burning red and orange. Reports over radios and broadcasts start coming in about a couple of shuttles headed for Paquin that have gotten stuck in orbit without engines and systems failing. <English>
Danee comes from the Romani enclave. She is looking up at the sky talking to a large dark man. He nods and heads off. Danee stands still looking up at the sky. <English>
Daisy rubs her face with her hands as the reports come over the Cortex screen inside the ramen shop, audible through the open window where they serve people at the walk-up bar in front. "This is gonna be bad. Mother of Mercies protect us." Another look to the sky. "I hope you're not up there, Heather. Jus' stay away this time." <English>
Esmail shifts his attention and squinting glances between the two loud voices issuing orders, Daisy and Axel. Upon hearing the reports of additional shuttles being trapped in orbit he closes his coat up and makes his way closer to the group of panicked people, attempting to wade his way closer to Daisy, the leading voice without a giant dog and a tank. "And for those of us without homes here? You ain't getting me in a shuttle out of here, several are already trapped out there tryin'." <English>
Sypher gives Axel and Tara a faint smile and chuckles, giving a glance skyward into the rain before saying, "You two should get to safety. I'll see about routing people to your shop if you're sincere about offering aid." then, he brushes up the sleeve of his coat revealing (of all things) his smartcom and types something into it. What few speakers might be able to be anexed by a basic subroutine would crackle for a moment and begin to transmit as Sypher explains, "For those seeking shelter from the storm, follow the shore northward, you will find safety and warmth in the Ricochet Arms Compound." rather calmly. A quick prayer in Russian follows an then, back to english for a final, "For those of faith who seek the divine in this dark hour, a service will be held when we are settled in safely." <English>
Eyes continue to dart back and forth as the chaos barely seems reigned in. Maxim keeps an eye out, but seeing Axel and Tara reunited he seems to be a little more at ease. While they settle into getting back into their tank he starts to pull back, keeping an eye on them but looking for a spot to hide from the rain. <English>
At seeing her husband, Tara moves to give him a tight hug. "I'm okay are you?" Asks the ginger with a worried tone. She grins as Axel offers the compond for safety and looks to Sypher. "Thank you." She says to him with a faint smile, but the worry and pain is plain in her big blue eyes. <English>
Daisy looks to the sky again, thinking a moment. "You all should get under hard cover." she begins to advise people in her Alliance voice, the one meant to get people to comply... the one that suggests that Bad Things (TM) will happen if one does not comply. "Ma'am. Under cover... or better, go home." she says to one person, then another. Luckily, the ramen shop has a hard awning, and even a place to go inside if need be. <English>
The Lapsed Pacifist begins engine burns, the former warship begins to lift off, enroute to see about rescue operations in orbit above. Axel, in the meantime is addressing the crowds, giving a nod towards Sypher. "The man here knows the way if you don't, the Ricochet Arms compound is built like a fortress, if this is any kind of possible attack and not just some freak accident, it's the safest place to be if you don't have a home here." He then looks back to Tara. "I'm so glad I found you, my love. I've got the ship going to see about survivors, or at least get more accurate sensor readings if nothing else. I won't put the lives of the crew at unecessary risk, but if they can make a difference, they will." He gives his wife a hug. "You should get to safety too, baby. We don't know what's coming this way." He looks up to the sky and shakes his head before yelling out to the crowd. "Get indoors, people. Close your windows, fill your water bottles. We're a coastal city, you know how to prepare for hurricanes, get your shit together and prep for it as such." <English>
Daisy are seen. Face she doesn't know. A familar one is spotted, which is Maxim. It's to busy and noise and so much is happening at once - and given that the sky lit up light fire, a usual 'hello' isn't offered. It's then that Sypher is there and she blinks at him a moment through the rain and offers a shy thankful smile as he steps in the line of people. "Would be my husband." Says the ginger to him and then she calls out. "AXEL!" To get said husbands attention. "There's no place safer than RA at this point!" <English>
Danee finds herself alone in the crowd. The romani congress has moved inland to the rom foros, to family homes, to places that are considered safe. The Grandfathers have been moved to the mountains. It is unusual to see so few of the people about. She closes her eyes and is glad for the rain as it hides the tears falling. whe she opens her eyes she looks around to see if she can find someone who might have more information on what can be done. <English>
Daisy nods to the tall tanned man. "Yes, sir. I'm not from here either. I shouldn't expect any of us will be going anywhere for a while... not until system maneuvering is considered safe again." She's not dressed like a Purple-belly - just casual in a Blue Sun t-shirt, butternut trousers, boots, a belt full of pouches and a long coat over it all. No badges or anything. "I would strongly suggest you come in out of the rain. Anything coming in from Shinbone could be here anytime now." She looks back into the rain as mention comes over loudspeakers of heading towards RA. "That's pretty far away, especially in this downpour. Better to stay put for now." She looks back towards the shop, then to Esmail again. "You might want to go inside, sir. There's no telling what will come from Shinbone... it could be vehicles or machinery or whatever bits of people that haven't burned up completely." Grim but sadly true. <English>
Esmail raises his hand and waves it almost dismissivly. "If anything were to fall, the building around here would take heavy amounts of damage if not become tombs, help me out here.." He turns away from Daisy towards the crowd while beginning to walk backwards towards the shuttle bay, cupping his hands around his mouth he calls out, "Great idea but marchin ain't bright! If you can fly or drive a skiff get over here! We need to move everyone and -fast-!" <English>
For a long minute Tara holds onto her husband, then pulls away and nods. "I'll go help out at home. And get to cover. You be safe." A kiss on his cheek and with a final look around she is off with Chewie for said doings. <English>
While the Lapsed Pacifist was capable of handling the abuse that would be in space right now, it's LRS was all but useless. At least, these were Axel's thoughts as he put his smartcomm to his mouth and issued a few commands to the crew. It would be a few minutes, but soon the LRS SNAFU would be landing to load passengers for the short hop to the compound for those seeking refuge. As Tara goes to head off, he directs her to the armored transport. No way he was going to let her walk in this mess. "Be safe baby, I'll be home when I can." With that said, Axel begins motioning for people to get to safe cover. "I've got one shuttle incoming and they're trying to gather some other volunteers to start shuttling people to shelters. If you live locally, go home, prepare what you can. If you're an off-worlder, get to designated shelters," he calls out. <English>
Danee turns at the sound of Axel's voice. She moves in his direction. Moving around people and through small streams of water. She stops near him but not in the way. "Axel?When you have a minute?" she turns to look at the people on the landing area. She has to smile as she notices the vendors are already gone. <English>
"What he said, folks." Daisy says, adding her voice to Cho's. Luckily, people are likely to be complying. Surely they're not loitering in the awful rain. "Inbound shuttles ? Good news. Hopefully they can get people to the right places before something worse happens." She's a realist. Things are bound to get worse. And then Reavers lurking too. <English>
Axel looks to Danee, and gives a nod to her, as if telling her that he'll get to her in just a second. He makes a few more quick calls on his smartcomm and then looks back to Danee. "................................................................
Danee sees he's busy and waits until he has a moment. "..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................." <Romani>
Axel takes a deep breath, and a moment to light a cigarette as he listens to Danee speak. He takes a long drag before responding. "......................................................................................................................................................................................................" There's a pause as he chooses his words as millions of thoughts are coursing through his mind. "........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................" <Romani>
Danee sighs and shakes her headand says with disgust, "................................................................................................................................................" She turns and starts to move away from Axel. She stops and turns. ".................................................................................................................................................................." now she does turn and heads for the ... again she stops and has no clue where to go or what to do to help. <Romani>
Esmail doesn't wait for very long for any of the others from the crowd to follow him before returning to the shuttle station. "Listen up! If you already didn't hear, Shinbone was attacked hard and pieces of it, ships and gods only know what else are going to hit atmo soon. Get every shuttle prepped to ship passengers to Ar-Ai headquarters. We don't want much time, or do you want blood on your hands from just sitting on them?!" As he talks he continued to walk down the length of the area, trying to have as many people there come into ear shot of his message. <English>
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BBoard: Alliance News Network (IC) =>Global BBoard System<=
Message: 8/67 PostedAuthor
Shibone Disaster Nov 27 2013 A nearby holoterminal
Alliance News Network reporter Sally Sparrow is on the screen with a serious expression on her face:
"A situation is developing rapidly in the Red Sun situation. Shinbone, the moon orbiting Paquin, is suffering some kind of natural disaster or attack. The atmosphere appears to be burning up, completely enveloping the moon. No more details are known at this time whether this is some kind of horrible teraforming disaster, the moon has been struck by an asteroid, or if this was an orchestrated terrorist attack. The Alliance Navy is already mobilizing to bring security and relief to Paquin and Shinbone, as well as tripling patrols and defenses around the Core."
An image is displayed showing the fiery ball that is Shinbone at present, the moon looking like a bright, burning orb on a black star field.
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"Danee," Axel calls out to her. "I promise, that as soon as I am able, I'll run ops to Shinbone personally, but right now the focus is on those closest that can be helped now," he tells her before looking towards the others. "Get to the shuttles, people. There are shelters scattered around. You may not have all the comforts of home, but you'll be safer there than out in the open." <English>
The others seem to have this well in hand, so Daisy goes back to watching mode. This is time to _see_ things. There may be people on-planet up to something nefarious. It COULD be a huge distraction. Who knows? <English>
When the shuttle lands, Axel begins motioning people towards it. Since it wasn't going to be leaving atmosphere, he was packing it as full as possible with people to be taken to shelters. "Anyone who doesn't have a place to go, load up," he calls out, motioning to both the shuttle and the hovertank, though the latter can only hold a handful inside. Other shuttles are loading for RA and other designated shelters scattered about as well, and a few brave souls with MULEs and other conveyances are offering rides as well. "Next time my ship lands, I'll go up personally to scope out the damages above." <English>
Danee turns as Axel calls out the her and she nods acknowledging that she heard him, "............................................................................................................................" she knows he knows her secret and of what use it could be. She moves towards the Shuttles not to board but to help others get on board. eventually she head back to the Caravanseari. <Romani>
Regardless of what Axel knows, it may or may not be something he truly understands, but he nods to Danee. ".........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................." <Romani>
'First in, last out' is Daisy's motto when it comes to crises. And so she doesn't bother to take up a spot better used for someone older or younger or less healthy. She waits under the noodle place's awning, still ready to do what is necessary as the excrement strikes the ventilation apparaus. <English>
"....................." Axel asks as he nods towards Esmail. ".........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................." As he speaks, he types in a few things in his smartcomm to have the Lapsed Pacifist come back to the landing pad and offload anyone it might have picked up while out there. "....................................................................................................................." <Romani>
Esmail squints as he noticed Axel turn towards him, but when the other man's mouth opened only gibberish was understood. Tilting his head to one side, puzzled confusion was written all over his face. "What they heck are you trying to say? Something fall through atmo and hit ya in the head?" <English>
"Any other volunteers?" Axel asks as he nods towards Esmail. "Right now, I'll take all that I can get, especially those skilled in EVA and good with a gun in case we run into problems. I can't guarantee your safety, but I promise that we'll be as safe as we can be to save those that need saving." As he speaks, he types in a few things in his smartcomm to have the Lapsed Pacifist come back to the landing pad and offload anyone it might have picked up while out there. "Only running a skeleton crew right now, so if you know cap-ships at all, I can put you to work while we're out there." <English>
The old woman's granddaughter was looking as well. Once the two are united and are in the lines to board the shuttles, Danee moves back out of the crowd. Standing in the pouring rain looking around for something else. it is just so over whelming. The rain. the people. the red flames in the sky. She closes her eyes and just stands there for a long moment just feeling for something, someone. <English>
Daisy considers a moment. "Maybe I should go along. If Temperance comes along they'll do something stupid like tryin' to interdict traffic." and she moves towards Axel and his tank. "I can be a gun-hand if nothin' else. Where're we goin', Cho?" <English>
Axel nods to Daisy and points up, "Shinbone if we can get through the mess. The Lapsed Pacifist is on its way back down once it finishes with this last shuttle haul in orbit." He then looks towards Danee. "You want to come along, Danee? We're going up, at least as best we can. Can't promise we'll get to Shinbone, but we'll do what we can for anyone in trouble up there." <English>
Esmail pats his chest lightly, his fingers brushing against a black band that was normally used to carry rifles. "I fly transports, not war ships. I'm a decent hand with a rifle, or a shot." Looking around, he began to walk through the almost depopulated plaza checking for stragglers. <English>
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BBoard: Cortex (IC) =>Global BBoard System<=
Message: 5/5 PostedAuthor
URGENT NEWS: PAQUIN MOONSCREWED Nov 27 2013 Dobson
Military, Personal, and Other Resources have failed to communicate with the colonized moon of Shinbone, leaving the planet of Paquin and the Universe in a bit of a panic. There was a large explosion in the sky, followed by extreme weather conditions on the planet of Paquin as their only moon appears to be on fire, burning like a ball of orange and red fire. vessels nearing Paquin from space have been cautioned to stay far away from Paquin and its burning moon, as sensors don't seem to be able to pick up the Moon at this time and the gravitational/orbital fields around Paquin are off. There are already reports of shuttles and ships experiencing engine and system failures and challenges when veering too close to the planet, and those already close...have gotten sucked into orbit whether they intended to do so or not. Some shuttles have fallen/crashed into the oceans after their engines have failed. One thing is for certain, people know this 'rumored' Reaverite threat is moving further in towards the core and...nobody is safe. At this time, the only official report about the state of Shinbone is that it appears to be burning, all information gathered is Visual as seeing venturing too close to the moon, causes an EMP like shut down of systems that take up to 30 minutes to reboot. It is indeed...a Moon on Fire, the atmosphere...is on fire. Officials have yet to confirm this was the direct result of the promise or threat made by the cultist Terrorists being referred to as the Reaverites. (+bbread 5/4 Reaverite Wave For More Information) More information to come soon.
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A viking comes out of the shuttles that happen to land on the planet. Conoger seems to be lookign around, moving forwards through the crowd and seeing what has happened. The rain seems to come down but he is determined to see if there is any damage done to Paquin. " Oye, anything happend here, what is going on, anything anyone can help?" yup, he continues to move along, obviously looking to see if there is any organization around here. He grumbles and keeps on moving as he manages not to push anyone over as he moves along. <English>
Danee turns and nods, "I would appreciate it. Thank you" she wipes the rain from her face and looks around before starting in Axel's direction. The farther one gets from the shuttles the fewer people one sees. The Grand Carnival is totally empty. <English>
This is when Sypher pauses in his sermon and glances to Axel, musing, "I'm a fair shot with a gun and have a bit of experience with cannons as well." with a slight smile, then closes his little black book and slips it into his coat, giving a bow of his head to a few people he'd been praying with before their intended departure turning his attention back to Axel. "If you wish, I am at your service." <English>
The large shark-class corvette comes in for a landing, a bit rougher than it likely would land normally, but these were far from normal conditions. It's powerful upgraded engines one of the only reasons it was as smooth as it was. "Everyone who's going, let's get going. If you don't have a gun, I'll loan you one. Ship serves as a lab and a showroom and right now I don't care much about doing background checks." With that said, he motions for the APC's copilot to load the armored transport onto the Shark and then makes his way there as well. <English>
I didn't bring anything, nothing to shoot and less questions that way. Daisy advises as she moves to follow the other onto the ship. "Hopefully there won't be hostiles on top of all this. But, if so, we'll deal with it." <English>
"I have a fully stocked armory," Axel tells Daisy as he boards the ship. He wasn't sure if they'd be able to get anywhere or do anything worthwhile, but the man wasn't going to stand by and do nothing, it just wasn't in his nature. This was his home, these were his people, he had to do something. "Sypher, ship-based weapons are illegal, you know that. I'm a law-abiding citizen. That being said though, if the shit hits the fan, go to the engine room and through the door labeled high-voltage. I'll do the rest from the bridge." <English>
Danee moves along behind the others heading for Axel's ship. She is not sure what good she'd be but if chances came her way to help she'd be there. <English>
Conoger continues to move through the rain and starts to look around for people he knows, though with the rain happening, it is hard to notice anyone he may know. Though he did notice a ship land not to long ago and so he heads in that direction, perhaps they know something. " Excuse me, walking through, anyone, hello, moving, excuse me...viking walking, hello..." but continues on his way. <English>
Conoger tests his Spot against a 70 difficulty. The result is successful (60).
Sypher gives a slight bow of his head, then starts walking towards the specified ship. Yup, it looks like he's intending to go where there might be a reason to shoot at things. He goes give a glance to Axel and gives a simple smile, "Aah, perhaps they are but that doesn't mean I'm not skilled in their use. My employer required me to study in their use and even practice in simulators as a precaution." he gives a little smile, then adds, "Being prepared for anything and all, you know?" <English>
Esmail begins to back track towards Axel's vessel until he hears a familiar voice and sighs at the sight he sees, two large horns. "Ai ya.. Conoger, get over here!" Shifting his left hand to his left hip, his right hand soon follows to his waist and unbuckles something. His left hand raises, holding a long scabbard holding a blade. He waved it from side to side, trying to signal the viking, the blade staying in place from a loop latch still in place. <English>
I don't see nothin'. Daisy says. "If some hostile ship takes damage... well, it must've hit some debris. I'm not in Interpol anymore anyway. I think we're in good shape if it comes to shootin' or otherwise." <English>
Axel nods and motions people to the ship, giving Esmail a moment to get his viking friend onboard before closing the doors and signalling for the bridge to launch. <English>
Conoger spots someone he knows as he see's Esmail waving a sword around like a maniac. He grins and starts to head in that direction, sure wondering what is going on but follows suit. " Hey, whats going on, what happened?" then he looks around some more and then goes quiet, looking at Danee. After a moment of staring he looks away and clears his throat. " Where we going?" as he looks around to see who is in charge. <English>
Danee stands just inside the bay dripping water into a puddle at her feet. She has her arms about her middle to stop the shivering,which does not seem to be doing much good. Her teeth are biting into he rlower lip and she waits to be told what to do next. She is very careful not to touch most surfaces. <English>
Esmail quickly begins sprinting to get on board, not bothering to try to reset the strap and belting as he moved. "Nutters, sounds like the ones I told you that hit Haven. Noone gave them heads.. so they blew up the moon! We're going to rescue those we can. Caught up now?" He looks back for a moment to make sure the viking was still following him. <English>
Axel makes his way towards the bridge, with anyone who wishes to join allowed to come along, others are shown to his acting security chief who was ready to hand out Zeus Carbines and Ares pistols. The ship is airborn before Axel makes the trek all the way to the bridge, but he takes the captain's chair quickly while the bridge crew feeds him reports.
"Attention crew and guests," Axel calls out over the ship's intercom. "It's going to be a bumpy ride, so find a seat and strap in if you can, if you can't find something to hold and hold it tight. And for those who are guests, the citizens of Paquin and I'm sure Shinbone as well, thank you for your being here as volunteers. Also, I thank you." <English>
Danee stays with the small group. She tries to find a seat to strap into and has problems making her fingers work. Someone hands her a towel and she dries off bast she can. Then she just sits there and waits to see what happens. Her gaze goes to the Viking and his friend but then she closes her eyes and awaits lift off. <English>
Conoger looks around at the ones in charge and takes what ever is handed to him. " We expecting trouble?" as he taps his side and makes sure he has what is needed. Then looking around some more he does manage to see Danee shivering, but then a towel is given. As she glances his way he keeps on looking at her but manages to look away a bit, trying to focus on what is happening. Still he manages to look around, trying to see who and what would be the plan. <English>
Daisy is happy to take a carbine, pistol, and magazines, then she heads to tbe bridge to find a spot to settle in. "No need to thank us. What else are we gonna do? Let people get hurt? I work on a hospital ship! Which reminds me... they'll be on their way as soon as they can get underway, I'm sure." <English>
Esmail nods, accepting one of the 'zeus' Carbines and a pair of magazines taking care to reload it and make sure it was safety locked. Turning around he looks at Conoger, walking over to him pressing the carbine against the other man's chest. "Oi, focus. You know how to use these right?" He tilts his head to the side, peering at the viking face, wondering what got him stuck in a daze. <English>
The breech of Paquin's atmosphere was a bumpy one, even aboard a ship the size of the Lapsed Pacifist. Warning claxons go off and collision alarms as fleeing ships come a bit too close for comfort, though there are no impacts. "We're free of the planet's atmosphere," Axel says over the ship's intercoms as the ship swings around the planet, bringing Shinbone into view from around the curve of Paquin. "Holy hell," he says.
For those peering out the viewports, it's even worse looking from space than it had been on planet. Shinbone truly does seem to be burning.
Moving as fast as safely possible without afterburners engaged, the ship is closing distance with Shinbone. Axel looks to Danee, taking a deep breath before speaking to her in Romani. <English>
Axel says, "...................................................................................................................................." in Romani.
Danee pulls a rosary from her pocket and begins to pray. It is the fir:st chance that she has gotten since word came from Shinbone and the desolation of feelings flooded her. It will take time to get into the black and she can use this time more constructively. She did not accept a weapon, safer for those on her side that she didn't. After a few minutes she crosses herself in the eastern Orthodox manner and places the Cross and beads back into her pocket. She finds herself just sitting there letting her mind wander. Touching here and there with no real purpose. Her eyes jerk open and she looks at the Viking for a long moment. Swallowing hard and then taking a shuttering breath she lets her mind softly caress over his again before moving on. As the ship leaves Atmo she her gaze moves out of the shi and towards the demise of Shinbone. Tears flood her eyes she hears Axel's words. ".........................................." She says quietly in Romani. "......................................................................................" <Romani>
Axel listens from his seat as Danee replies, giving her a somber nod. "We'll get as close as we can, and see if we can help some of those trapped in this odd gravity pull," he adds, glancing to the others gathered around. "If you're experienced in comms, someone jump to the comm-station and see if you can raise anyone. We try to save anyone we can. I don't know how close we'll get to Shinbone, but we'll push as far as we can without blowing ourselves up. This is a mobile weapons showroom and lab, so we don't want to cook her too long." <English>
Conoger looks at Esmail as he hands him the zeus. " Aye, simple enough." his voice deep sounding for now, concern in his voice perhaps. Then as he see's the moon he is stunned, looking at what he see's and shakes hsi head. " What devastation." is all he says in a whisper to himself. Then looking towards Axel and Danee he can't help but listen and what he hears makes him frown. He quickly looks towards Danee, trying to see her face, trying to see how she is going to react to this news. It was the glance that makes him blink, he had been watching her and then he suspects it, he nods to himself. As Danee speaks he frowns and holds on to the zeus tightly, his knuckles turn white. " What kind of cold hearted...." he growls to himself, trying to maintain his anger within for now, though he may be failing. He looks to Esmail then. " I am going to go hunting...your training may be...delayed." <English>
How the hells is that even possible? Daisy asks. "How do you set a moon on fire?" She shakes her head and moves to sit again, where she takes the opportunity to check the borrowed weapons and to feel comfortable that they're in good working confition... of course they are. But, it's habit. Weapons stowed. "Ready to go." <English>
From somewhere in the ship, Sypher can be heard suddenly cracking up laughing. Eventually he'll stop and mumbling might be heard through the corridors. <English>
Esmail nods as he returns, requesting a second carbine for himself as he straps his blade back to his hip, securing it tightly. "Aye, we're all going to be hunting but first, we need to hunt for survives. While the moon's aflame, it doesn't mean those who might of taken to underground and still alive." Looking the weapon over in his hands he reloads the weapon, keeping the safety on as he tried to fasten it to the harness on his chest. "How long before you are within scanning ranges?" <English>
Danee takes a steadying breath as she realizes that most of the population is probly gone. Some survivors but .. she shove sthat thought away as she turns to the Viking. "When you go hunting. May I go with you? I have contacts in most worlds. My people are involved in just about every stratum of society. I knwo people in the underground, as well as in other places. I have a skill set that could help you." she knows this is not the time to give her resume out but if he is going after those who did this she wants to be a part of that. <English>
"A few minutes before we get close enough to engage the scanners, at least to any use," Axel says. "Comms, see if you can get any ground traffic," he adds, though it's only wishful thinking considering the flames he can see through the ship's viewport. "They had to introduce something to the atmo of the moon to do that, no way a planet's natural, or even terraformed....." His words catch in his throat as the engineer in him kicks in. "Daisy, remind me to pull the Alliance files on terraforming procedures for small planetoids. There might be something to that itself."
Out the viewport, Shinbone grows larger and brighter, looking more like a distant sun than a nearby moon. Gasps from crewmen and passengers alike can be heard, and even the ship's captain sheds a tear for the sheer loss of life. "Sensor range soon, everyone cross your fingers." <English>
Conoger looks at Esmail and nods but he definitely not going to be letting this go by the look of his face. " Aye, survivors." as he looks towards the moon and shakes his head, sadness in his eyes as well. Then Danee speaks to him and he turns to look at her. As he listens he nods, understanding how she feels. " Danee, it will be dangerous but I understand, only if you have concent from Fao." oh yes, he mentioned Fao to her. His eyes do not leave hers, not until she agrees. Though he does hear the man speakign about terra forming, he keeps his eyes on Danee, waiting on her answer. <English>
Will do. Daisy responds to Cho's request. "I'll see what Heather Jacy can dig up too... but I won't mention you." She considers Axel's comment about indroducing something into the atmosphere. "But what would be so flammable in small quantities... wouldn't they have noticed something else? Hmmm... maybe some system logs would give us some more information? Heather could to that at least." <English>
Esmail makes his way over to a view port, watching the flames only offering a low whistle as he searched to try and notice where any of the flames are beginning to die down. Turning around his eyes focus onto Axel before drifting to Danee and then to Conoger, this time staying silent as he watched the pair. After a while he turns back to Axel, "What are the chances this is only a upper burn and we could breath down below it?" <English>
The sensors are starting to bring in information, but not any definite readings. Seems the fire was distorting it. "Even an upper burn would suck the oxygen out from the people below," Axel says. "And sensors aren't doing any good at penetrating it at this range." He picks up the intercomm. "Attention those aboard the ship. Sensors can't penetrate the upper burn portion of the atmosphere, we're going to push in close. I am not a suicidal man, so we're only going to get as close as we have to in order to get some readings then pull away if it's too much for the ship to handle. If it's an upper burn only, we might be able to do something about it, I just haven't figured out what yet." With that said, he turns off the intercoms and says to those gathered near the bridge. "If you have a god, you might want to utter a prayer. Bring her as close as we can get, helmsman." <English>
Danee raises her gaze to Conoger, "I promise that I will get his permission. We lost almost 3 million on Deadwood not 6 months ago. We may have lost close to a million more on Shinbone" her voice breaks. It takes a moment to get control again. "I am not s sure how many have died on Haven or Whitefall, although we were not specifically targeted there. Alot of people have died. Someone is behind this. It is not just random violence." she hesitates for just a moment. "I am glad you are not dead. I nevr believed it anyway." As Axel begins to explain what is going on she grows silent. Her eyes close. She has no clue what to pray for and she feels like such a fraud sitting there praying to a pacifist god when she wants to kill someone. <English>
Conoger looks at Danee, nodding to her as she explains and then blinks and nods once again. " I had meant to visit, not like this." he says softly but then he looks towards Axel. " Axel, I am going to be hunting the ones who did this, any help....would help alot." then he thinks, obviously as he looks to his boots now. What he may be thinking, could be anything but it is obvious from his frown. Then he looks towards the planet, in hopes that they amke ti to make sure they go hunting later. <English>
Daisy is quiet again, her face impassive. Her lips move now and then, perhaps she's praying? In any case, she seems to be ready to go when there is something to do. <English>
Sensors begin penetrating the moon's upper atmosphere, but there's still too much garble to get anything clear. "Closer," Axel says, and the helmsman shudders a bit as he acknowledges the command and steers the ship closer.
The man operating sensors pipes up, saying he was getting a reading, just before claxons start going off. The heat coming off the planet was intense and was starting to be felt inside the ship itself. Sensors shut down and malfunction indicators flash across the screen before the helmsman pulls the throttle to full reverse to pull the ship away from the gravitational pull of the moon.
"FUCK!" Axel says, wondering what other than the sensors might have gotten overheated in his desire to get close enough to read. <English>
Esmail fixing his eyes onto Conoger again he lifts his head and calls out, "Thought you were only interested in redheads. What's got you extra pissed? Did you have family there or.." Staggering, he manages to grasp onto one of the support pillars lining the walls trying to stay upright as the chip suddenly began to shift directions to avoid over heating other sensors. <English>
Conoger looks towards Axel as he curses and he growls a bit, even as the ship starts to have problems. " Not the time Esmail." he swears under his breath. Though he can't do much at this time, he knows all he can do is wait and hope that they make it out for now. Looking at Esmail then. " Sorry." then goes silent, contemplating, watching others, watching Danee. <English>
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BBoard: Cortex (IC) =>Global BBoard System<=
Message: 5/7 PostedAuthor
Military DiscussionNov 27 2013 Jacy
We have with me in the studio retired Admiral Kirk T. James. Admiral, what are your views on the military options available now to the Alliance Navy?
Well, the Third Enforcement Fleet is way out in the Georgia system. They're fresh from their victory over the Reavers at the Angel Hair comet, but it'll take them time to reach Paquin and Shinbone. Still, they will be a faster and safer option than mobilizing the Core Defense Fleet. This all could be a decoy, and the Alliance will not want to leave the Core planets undefended.
And what do you make of rumors of a detachment of the 3EF leaving for the Haven system, Admiral?
That's a good question, Brian. The Navy will be wanting to attack on every front and leverage any kind of advantage they can over these animals, and a relatively small detachment can fight more flexibly and responsively than a large battle group can.
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What? How can it be so hot that reentry shields won't protect the ship? Mother of Mercy" Daisy exclaims. She thinks a moment. "Hmm. A probe is out, then. This is insane. We need to call in the Navy, I think. I don't understand this." <English>
There was a great deal of turbulence as the ship pulled away from Shinbone. "Holy hell," Axel says. "I hope like hell we got something on the sensors before the arrays melted," he adds. "Full damage report," he orders one of the bridge crew who lists off several minor systems that were showing signs of damage and a few major ones that were not running at maximal efficiency. "There is no way anyone above ground survived down there," Axel says in a somber tone. "Not with that kind of heat." <English>
Conoger grows at what he is hearing and looks towards Axel. " Could they have made it underground, bunkers or something?" he is looking around now, wondering if anyone knows if such a thing is on the moon or not. Though hearing the ship and seeing what they barely got out of his face looks broken, sad perhaps. <English>
Esmails eyes become unfocused for a time, twitching back and forth trying to think of a proper response. "Axel, are there any scan within range of any vessels, cargo vessels fleeing from this area? Something this large of a burn must have some transport that is still in signal range." <English>
They're probably already far gone by now, but it can't hurt to check. Daisy muses. "Damn. I hate feeling useless. I wonder how many..." and she sighs. She takes out her comm and tries to send out a message. <English>
"I don't know if there are any underground tunnels on Shinbone, and I have no way of finding out right now," Axel says. There's a bit of a sigh as he looks over the damage report that's showing up on his chair's screen. "Sensors are fried, comms are damaged, one of the landing struts is fused shut, yeah, it's going to be a bumpy flight back to Paquin and we're damn near blind." <English>
Conoger grows and just sits stunned and shaking his head. " How many did they say...400.000 thousand they mentioned....did it have that many on that moon?" he growls, his knuckles going white from the tightness on the zeus. " They will pay, I will find them and they will pay." Then his eyes look at Danee. " I promise you." then he closes his eyes, trying to clam himself down some. <English>
Well, maybe the perps will attack us jus' because they can't resist a crippled mark? Daisy suggests. "I hope so, then we can get some information." She perks up a little at that and rises to look out a port hole. "Mother of Mercies..." <English>
Esmail makes his way to the other side of the vessel's hold to look through to look back towards the planet. "Axel, do you still have any scanners working properly? There was word on vessels trapped in orbit about Paqin, have you scanned them yet?" <English>
Axel just curses a bit. "Right now we don't need anyone attacking us. I'm not sure the ECM systems will function properly." He just shakes his head. "My sensor array is melted, no it's not functional. Best we can do is wait until we get back planetside and download the log. My smartcomm can reach out pretty damned far so we might be able to talk to other ships who might have picked it up. Scarily enough, I agree with Daisy, we need to send in what we can to the feds." <English>
Conoger can only agree since he is but a passenger on the ship. Though as they start to talk about giving information to the feds he nods. "Would be much appreciated if I could have a copy of such things you found." though as he says it he starts to think a bit. He stays quiet now, keeping to himself for the moment, though he knows now what must be done. <English>
Daisy is thoughtfully quiet again, watching things happen on the ship, out in space, and so on. <English>
Axel nods to Conoger, "Yeah, you'll know. Hell, everyone will know. I plan on making everything I find out public knowledge." The ship is managing to fly back to Paquin, heading for the Ricochet Arms landing field instead of the public one this time. "Brace for a rough landing, we're one landing strut down and I'm not sure what kind of shape the re-entry thrusters are in. This ship glides about as well as a brick." <English>
Esmail looks at the view port before turning away, turning towards Axel. "Do you have any idea how far out the closest Alliance cruiser might be that could manage to piece those flames?" Blinking at hearing the other man's words he looks around, this time trying to find something stable to hold onto, not just a support beam. <English>
Conoger nods to Axel and then grins. " Ain't my first crash landing and if I survive, it probably won't be my last...lets do this." as he chuckles now, bracing himself for impact. " They will pay...most surely...they will." Though the weird twisted smile on the vikings face may have the ability to make people wonder about him, perhaps it's what he is trying to do. <English>
Daisy sits and straps in as soon as the call goes out for the upcoming landing. "At least you'll be at home if the other struts collapse." How opimistic. "This should be interesting." and she grins fey as she braces. <English>
"Paquin has a large Alliance presence, so I'm sure they've called for a cruiser by now. We're not that far from the core." There's a slight pause as he lights up a cigarette. "Re-entry in five....four...three...two..." There's a lot of bump and sway as the ship goes into rentry. "Brace yourselves," Axel yells. One good thing about being rich is that you can afford to hire good pilots. "I will at least be home," he says under his breath. A few moments later, the ship comes in for a proper landing, well as proper as one can be when leaning to the side due to a fused strut. <English>
Conoger simply holds on for impact, yup he is read yand all he can do is wait, how come it feels liek for ever. <English>
On the surface of Paquin, a young-ish looking man is pleasantly flying a kite. Suddenly, a piece of debris - presumably a bit of ship or something - lands square in front of him, sending up grass and dirt and the like into the air, "My kite!" <English>
Esmail unstraps himself from one of the seats and stand up, scanning the room to make sure everyone was okay from the all it it, awkward landing. "I wonder if anything fell while we were looking at things up close." <English>
