Heroica: Glory Amongst the Stars - Mission #7: My Bleeding Hart

[KotZ]

Varen quickly checks himself for injuries. Pleased to see none, he says, "I'm all good here. As Kirwin asked, will there be anything to worry about? Gas leak possibilities? Is there any codeword we can give survivors to let them know we are friendly and not some space pirates?"

[The Legonater]

1 hour ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin says "No casualties is always a plus in my book! Anyway if we need to access the cargo - shouldn't we be told if there are any surprises in the cargo? So we need to worry about dangerous animals or materials or items if we will be messing around in there?"

Unfortunately, Hart policy is to keep cargo delivery tight-lipped for customer privacy. That said, if you can get to the bridge, there should be a cargo manifest. From there, you ought to be able to see what's on board, and where it is. 

1 hour ago, KotZ said:

Varen quickly checks himself for injuries. Pleased to see none, he says, "I'm all good here. As Kirwin asked, will there be anything to worry about? Gas leak possibilities? Is there any codeword we can give survivors to let them know we are friendly and not some space pirates?"

Tell 'em not to shoot.

Tell them Hart sent you, and you should be okay. If you really need a codeword, mine is Chiron, but I'm not exactly in Mortizar's inner circle, so I'm not sure how much weight it would have to most crewmen. 

[Zepher]

Merei gazes out the windows at space, unable to tear her eyes away as she speaks softly. "Any lay out of the ship that you know would be helpful. Where can we go to complete the jobs we will have to complete?"

[The Legonater]

2 hours ago, Zepher said:

Merei gazes out the windows at space, unable to tear her eyes away as she speaks softly. "Any lay out of the ship that you know would be helpful. Where can we go to complete the jobs we will have to complete?"

Right, of course! Jace steps into the cockpit and files through the various pamphlets and maps stashed in the front console. He returning with a digital sheet, handing it to Merei. Alright, this should be it!

This is the standard model for a Hart tug freighter like Valencia. The cargo containers will be a little more straightforward. The easiest hub for any information like the manifest or such will be the bridge, but you'll have to access the containers themselves through engineering. From there you should also be able to judge how plausible flying Valencia out of this sector is going to be. I can't really predict anything beyond that, I suppose it'll depend on the condition she's in.

It certainly looks like a rough one...

The heroes crane their necks, and can at last spot their quarry through the viewport...

There she is, but she looks a little worse for wear. Looks like containers Epsilon and beyond got lost in the storm, and something has beat the stars out of the starboard dock.

Then we'll hope what we're looking for is in one of the containers that's still in one piece. 

 
The pilot closes her eyes for a moment, head bowing towards the controls. When she straightens, a rare concerned expression crosses her face. 
I can't hear anyone in the freighter... it's almost like static. That's new.

By now you've already been privy to Alexa's special tongues spell. It's a neat little trick, kind of like a personal version of one of those big communicator rigs they put on ships. It should allow us to contact you from out here, so long as all goes according to plan. 

I'm going to bring us in and dock on the portside. I can use our thrust to try to anchor Valencia while you heroes explore inside.

I think that should be all. Are you folks feeling prepared?

[Zepher]

“Alexa, are we able to respond to you when you contact us? Other than that, no questions, I am prepared to board.”

[Kintobor]

Looking over the map, Zaria's interest is piqued. She'd only really been in a few spacecraft, and nothing this commercial.

"I am to assume that the grey lines denote rooms or walls, correct? When we dock, will we be closer to Ext. Services, or the Sick Bay. Also, what is in Ext. Services, Hull Acc., and The Head? I can make some educated guesses, but I would prefer a direct answer from one of you two."

[The Legonater]

3 hours ago, Zepher said:

“Alexa, are we able to respond to you when you contact us? Other than that, no questions, I am prepared to board.”

If I reach out to you I'll make sure to listen for a response. If you ever need to contact me, just make enough mental noise and I should be able to pick it up.

2 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Looking over the map, Zaria's interest is piqued. She'd only really been in a few spacecraft, and nothing this commercial.

"I am to assume that the grey lines denote rooms or walls, correct? When we dock, will we be closer to Ext. Services, or the Sick Bay. Also, what is in Ext. Services, Hull Acc., and The Head? I can make some educated guesses, but I would prefer a direct answer from one of you two."

Jace looks over Zaria's shoulder at the map.

The green lines denote walls. Anything grey is a surface you can walk on, be it a room or a corridor. Meaning you'll be between Exterior Services and the Sick Bay.

Exterior services is basically just outdoor access for refueling and space walks, nothing you should need to worry about. Similarly, hull access gets the crew down into the bowels of the ship's hull for any interior repairs. As for the ship's Head, it's ah, the freighter's relieving station.

It's the bathroom. Every ship needs one.

[KotZ]

"Well I'm relieved we cleared up that confusion." Varen chuckles and takes a swig from his flask. "Alright so we tell them not to shoot, or Chiron."

He looks at the map more closely. "May I suggest we try to hit the sick bay first? hopefuloly some survivors are there and can give us the rundown."

[Zepher]

“Good to know. I have one more question. If the ship had taken on a prisoner, Viper, where would be the most likely place to store said prisoner?”

[Kintobor]

Zaria quickly realizes her mistake and crosses her arms in defence. "I do not need to excuse my behaviour or what I said. I cannot be at fault for not being able to comprehend this poor integration of technology and information. If this was a travel brochure or a travel guide, I would be spending my spare time in writing a lengthy litany of dissatisfaction."

2 hours ago, KotZ said:

He looks at the map more closely. "May I suggest we try to hit the sick bay first? hopefuloly some survivors are there and can give us the rundown."

"That is not a poor idea." Zaria comments. "It might also hold supplies for us to use should we need them. There are likely going to be some areas of the ship that we should prioritize investigating. After we search the sick bay, we should head to the Bridge. I feel like we will get some solid answers there."

[The Legonater]

3 hours ago, Zepher said:

“Good to know. I have one more question. If the ship had taken on a prisoner, Viper, where would be the most likely place to store said prisoner?”

Jace scowls momentarily at the question before answering it.

Hard to say, Hart ships don't usually come with a brig. I suppose they could have tossed him in one of the cargo containers?

42 minutes ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria quickly realizes her mistake and crosses her arms in defence. "I do not need to excuse my behaviour or what I said. I cannot be at fault for not being able to comprehend this poor integration of technology and information. If this was a travel brochure or a travel guide, I would be spending my spare time in writing a lengthy litany of dissatisfaction."

Er, no offense intended, Madame Kanara. I'll, uh, talk to Hart management after this is over and tell them their maps aren't to Varuth's liking. If you wish.

3 hours ago, KotZ said:

"Well I'm relieved we cleared up that confusion." Varen chuckles and takes a swig from his flask.

Alexa chuckles in turn from the cockpit.

[karmajay]

Kirwin looks at the map and then looks out toward the freighter "I'm ready for the next step in this adventure!"

[The Legonater]

16 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin looks at the map and then looks out toward the freighter "I'm ready for the next step in this adventure!"

Sensing a consensus, Jace nodded. Alexa put the shuttle through its cycles and affixed the ship to the side of Valencia. After a few moments more, a port opened up in the side of the shuttle, giving the heroes access to the freighter they had long searched for. 

Best of luck, out there. We're counting on you.

Trepidatiously, the heroes step from the shuttle to the freighter. An almost overbearing darkness quickly takes hold of them, and they pause a moment to let their eyes adjust before continuing. All the overhead lighting appears to be shut down, leaving the area lit solely by harsh red emergency lighting and a display panel at the far end of the corridor. A coldness takes at them, as it becomes that little if any energy has been dedicated to heating the ship as it floated in the expanse of space. The corridor splits off in two directions before them. The display panel, its glow reflected on every wall of the hallway, reads as follows:

<-- Bridge
Science Lab
Engineering-->
Sick Bay & Lounge 

What will the heroes do?

[Kintobor]

Zaria shivered. She had spent cold nights out in the desert, but it was not a comforting experience, and neither was this. She took out her holoscroll and invoked the first level of the Enhanced Vision spell written on it: Dark Sight. Her invocation, spoken in her native language, was delivered with clarity and precision as her breath became visible with every word uttered. "<Varuth, god of travels and knowledge, give me foresight to pierce this veil of darkness and proceed with safety. Grant me the gift of dark vision!>"

After finishing the incant, she placed the scroll away and re-equipped her googles.

"Best we make our way to the Sickbay? Or perhaps seeing if we can fix these lights might be a better option?" Zaria suggested.

[Zepher]

OoC: We're on the portside dock, right?

"I will admit, Varen, that I found your initial statement that we might find survivors in the sickbay dispiriting. I was hoping the ship was lost, not abandoned. But this cold and darkness do not inspire much confidence." Merei's flames burn low. "I think we must restore power to the ship, but if something has befallen the crew, that same danger may still lurk, and going to the sickbay may provide us with tools or clues. It is also close. I think moving slowly, carefully, and systematically will aid us greatly."

[The Legonater]

7 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria shivered. She had spent cold nights out in the desert, but it was not a comforting experience, and neither was this. She took out her holoscroll and invoked the first level of the Enhanced Vision spell written on it: Dark Sight. Her invocation, spoken in her native language, was delivered with clarity and precision as her breath became visible with every word uttered. "<Varuth, god of travels and knowledge, give me foresight to pierce this veil of darkness and proceed with safety. Grant me the gift of dark vision!>"

Zaria looks up and is able to clearly see the path before her. It comforts her to be out of total darkness, but the eerie silence of Valencia's halls do nothing to help her nerves. She can see clearly now that these corridors have been untouched for some number of days, possibly even weeks or more.

3 hours ago, Zepher said:

OoC: We're on the portside dock, right?

MM Note: That's correct!

[karmajay]

Kirwin looks around the cold, dark ship. They definitely remember times such as this on the space station. "I'm fine checking out sickbay first but then we need to head to engineering. Maybe I can do something about the lights and the cold. That would benefit us and any survivors we may find!"

[KotZ]

17 hours ago, Zepher said:

OoC: We're on the portside dock, right?

"I will admit, Varen, that I found your initial statement that we might find survivors in the sickbay dispiriting. I was hoping the ship was lost, not abandoned. But this cold and darkness do not inspire much confidence." Merei's flames burn low. "I think we must restore power to the ship, but if something has befallen the crew, that same danger may still lurk, and going to the sickbay may provide us with tools or clues. It is also close. I think moving slowly, carefully, and systematically will aid us greatly."

"Yeah. I'm not sure if I want to be right in finding survivors or not. If they're in bad shape, we're going to be slowed down against whoever or whatever caused this. If they're dead, well, that's that. If there are survivors, I hope they're able to move."

"I concur on the power situation."

[Kintobor]

“I think we have a consensus: we’re heading to the sickbay to look for supplies and survivors, and then to the Engineering to fix the lighting issue.” Zaria states. She draws her power khopesh from its sheath, illuminating a soft, insignificant blue glow. The blade thrummed in her hand. “I’ll take the lead. If anything should be reckless enough to charge us from the front I would rather be the one to shield us, frankly. Varen, you take the rear. Merei, Kirwin, you’re going between the two of us. Any questions?”

[KotZ]

"Works for me." Varen brings his rifle to low ready position and steps to the back of the group.

[The Legonater]

1 hour ago, Kintobor said:

“I think we have a consensus: we’re heading to the sickbay to look for supplies and survivors, and then to the Engineering to fix the lighting issue.” Zaria states. 

The party organizes into a line as they step around the corner to the right. Before them, the light from Zaria's khopesh is able to light up a pile of wreckage between them and engineering. It appears as if something has caused a collapse in this section of the ship. To their left, they see the entrance to the mess hall similarly destroyed. The arm of a Hart employee can be seen crushed in the ruin.

The heroes turn towards the med bay door and find it stuck ajar. Light spills out from inside. What will the heroes do? 

[Zepher]

11 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin looks around the cold, dark ship. They definitely remember times such as this on the space station. "I'm fine checking out sickbay first but then we need to head to engineering. Maybe I can do something about the lights and the cold. That would benefit us and any survivors we may find!"

"My only concern there is a potential danger. We still don't know what this ship was carrying, and what made it go dark. It is possible the two mysteries overlap. Access to anything the ship was carrying was in Engineering, and we would be going in blind."

5 hours ago, KotZ said:

"Yeah. I'm not sure if I want to be right in finding survivors or not. If they're in bad shape, we're going to be slowed down against whoever or whatever caused this. If they're dead, well, that's that. If there are survivors, I hope they're able to move."

Merei is taken aback by Varen's callous calculations, but does nothing with it now, storing it for later. "I hope they'll be able to move as well," is all she says. Seeing the door open, and the crushed employee, Merei calms herself. "Calm. Cautious. Careful. Zaria, would you like to lead the investigation into the medical bay? Kirwin can accompany me." Merei begins to, quietly, move towards the crushed body, taking out her Aether Terminal Disk as she does so.

[Kintobor]

Zaria looked at the corpse in front of her, grimacing. She bows her head out of respect and sighs. "May your journey to the afterlife be brief and comfortable. Though we did not know each other in this life, may our paths cross in the next. Ro uk fouso." She raised her head and took a moment before speaking. "Let us hope this not an omen of things to come."

Nodding in Merei's direction, Zaria attempts to open it with the door panel.

[KotZ]

Varen grimaces at the sight of the arm and crushed crewmember. "I'm not getting a good feeling about this."

He checks back down the hall where they came from. "I'll keep watch," Varen says to the others, keeping his weapon ready in case someone--or something--came down the hall for them.

[The Legonater]

5 hours ago, Zepher said:

Merei is taken aback by Varen's callous calculations, but does nothing with it now, storing it for later. "I hope they'll be able to move as well," is all she says. Seeing the door open, and the crushed employee, Merei calms herself. "Calm. Cautious. Careful. Zaria, would you like to lead the investigation into the medical bay? Kirwin can accompany me." Merei begins to, quietly, move towards the crushed body, taking out her Aether Terminal Disk as she does so.

MM Note: For clarity, are you using Healing Light, or are you just getting set up?

4 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Nodding in Merei's direction, Zaria attempts to open it with the door panel.

Zaria Coding Proficiency Check (DC 3) - 1, 5, 6 (Two successes)

Despite her unfamiliarity with the technology, Zaria imagines herself pretty competent with the door panel. She fiddles with the controls and manages to open the door another inch, but not before the panel shocks her, and she jerks away from the door. 

1 hour ago, KotZ said:

Varen grimaces at the sight of the arm and crushed crewmember. "I'm not getting a good feeling about this."

He checks back down the hall where they came from. "I'll keep watch," Varen says to the others, keeping his weapon ready in case someone--or something--came down the hall for them.

Varen Insight Proficiency Check (DC 7) - 4, 6, 5, 4 (Four successes)

Varen doesn't see anything of note.