Session+9+-+Radio+GA+GA

**Session 9 – Radio GA GA** ** RECAP ** [17:16] <@ENGM> Last session the group split up. Nevka and Caleb stayed with the ship and supervised the refueling as well as watching their kids. Sam went to the station master to get some info on arrivals and departures and to make sure how long the ship had until the stations next jump.... [17:17] <+DirkVonTowers> ((and all the cool kids went back to the casino!)) [17:18] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Yeah, 2 cool 4 fuel)) [17:18] <@ENGM> The rest, Dirk, Thomas and Sebastian went back to the casino to investigate Dirks poisoning. They found the casinos security and managed to bribe the watch captain into giving them some security footage of the attack. There was only one angle, the assailant looked young with a 1" scar on his cheek.... [17:19] <@ENGM> but other than that you didn't get too much more. With that the group went back to the ship to sort out what they had just found. Sam had returned and he had a partial list of ships that had arrived since the Strike had set down and he also informed the crew that there was still 6 days before the station left. [17:19] <@ENGM> Questions? [17:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I suppose my camping crate got delivered?)) [17:20] <@ENGM> yes [17:21] <@ENGM> The fueling went smoothly. The ship is gassed and ready to go!
 * The Other Side of Nowhere**

** GAME START ** [17:22] <@ENGM> Everyone has just returned and Nevka has buttoned the ship up for the night. [17:22] <@ENGM> The time is ** 2200 ** hrs. STT [17:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Shall I begin the pre-lift verifications now or shall we depart the next day cycle?" [17:23] <+Nevka> "Are you all done with finding out who attacked Dirk?" [17:24] <+DirkVonTowers> "Well, so far. He didn't do me the service of having a face I could recognize, so maybe when we come back we'll have more." [17:25] <+SamuraiHanson> "Or they'll follow us and save us the suspense." [17:25] <+Nevka> "If you're sure, then we'll depart tomorrow." [17:25] <@ENGM>  Engineering is all checked out so we’re good to go any time." [17:26] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Very well, I'll arrange some supper then? Perhaps give a try to some of those cans we bought earlier." [17:28] <+DirkVonTowers> "Perhaps we'll avoid a revolt again." [17:28] <+Sebastian`> "Well you are the only passenger left on the ship to revolt." [17:29] <+DirkVonTowers> "I suppose we'll have to see then." [17:29] <+Nevka> "Let's try to avoid that." [17:29] <+Sebastian`> "Well Thomas it looks like Dirk gets to request what’s for dinner tonight" [17:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, it should not be too hard to cook, there are written instructions on the can.." [17:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, I can manage that as well." [17:30] <+Sebastian`> "Open can, dump in pan. Heat" [17:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "They also talk of a microwave device." [17:31] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "So what does your palate desires Dirk?" [17:31] <+SamuraiHanson> "Does it shrink the food?" [17:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "It talks of heating for a minute at maximum, so it must simply be microscopic heat waves." [17:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, this is a..venerable ship, perhaps it have that device in the kitchen area..half the things in there seems to have no purpose at any rate." [17:33] <+SamuraiHanson> "Maybe there's even a macrowave." [17:33] <@ENGM> ((there is a microwave or something that is similar)) [17:33] <+Nevka> "That's called the thrusters." [17:33] * +Thomas_J_Atkins gets into the kitchen area. [17:34] * +DirkVonTowers goes for one of the random foods. [17:34] <+SamuraiHanson> "I wonder how the early space travelers hold the cans near the thrusters?" [17:35] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks about and thinks he's got it "I think I got it...It has a windowed door, and I thought it was some decoration!" [17:37] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "So Dirk, you made your choice?" [17:38] * +DirkVonTowers ignores the peons and selects something edible. [17:40] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((a can of Cordon bleu?)) [17:40] <@ENGM> ((that would be awful)) [17:40] <+DirkVonTowers> ((naturally!)) [17:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((still, it got a fancy name, and what does he know, like he ever prepared his meal)) [17:43] <@ENGM> ((Thomas you braving the microwave or going another route)) [17:43] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I am using the microwave to eat up the food, yes.)) [17:44] * +Thomas_J_Atkins eats up portions of Raviolis for everyone and a seperate portion of small meatballs and round potatoes for Dirk, who insisted on having that. [17:45] <@ENGM> Thomas opens the can and sticks in in the mircowave. He manages to shut it off just as the metal can starts to spark. [17:45] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Hmm..perhaps the cans are not microwave safe after all..." [17:45] * +Thomas_J_Atkins dumps the food into bowls and try again [17:46] <@ENGM> On the second try Thomas manages to prepare Chef boy R Dee Raviolis for everyone including the girls if they're still awake. [17:46] <+Sebastian`> "Earth food." [17:47] <+Sebastian`> "Not sure if I have the pallet for it." [17:47] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, the old man on the can seems quite confident in his product." [17:50] * +Thomas_J_Atkins eats it. "Not something you get to eat everyday true." [17:50] <@ENGM> After an hour you all are fed or finishing up, the time is now ** 2300 ** hrs STT. [17:51] <+DirkVonTowers> "I wonder if he was ever real." [17:51] <+Sebastian`> "Captain what are the plans for tomorrow?" [17:51] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I find your lack of Faith in Chef Boyardee disturbing)) [17:51] <+Nevka> "We'll get the jump coordinates locked down and leave after breakfast." [17:52] * +Sebastian` nods "Very Well." [17:52] <+Sebastian`> "I'm going to retire then if that is alright?" [17:52] <+SamuraiHanson> "You got it, I'll make sure we're ready to go then." [17:53] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I will have the check-up completed by then as well." [17:56] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "If there is nothing else, I shall get some rest for now, 'be up and early tomorrow." [17:57] * +DirkVonTowers shakes his head. "Nothing here." [17:57] <+SamuraiHanson> "Likely do the same if we're going to be flying out." [17:58] <@ENGM> ((forward to tomorrow?)) [17:59] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I’m all set, go for it)) [18:00] <+DirkVonTowers> ((fine here)) [18:00] <@ENGM> It's now ** 0700 ** STT [18:00] <@ENGM> Caleb has been in engineering since ** 0500. ** [18:00] * +Sebastian` is up and in the lounge [18:00] * +Thomas_J_Atkins is busy with the non-pilot pre-flight check. [18:01] * +SamuraiHanson is in the cockpit running through some of the pre-flight checks. [18:02] * +DirkVonTowers leisurally gets out of bed when he can. [18:02]  ((lol and Dirk wonders why someone’s trying to kill him)) [18:03] * +Thomas_J_Atkins gets on the comm "Everything is green below Samurai." [18:03] <@ENGM> ((Nevka?)) [18:03] * +Nevka will make sure the girls are in their jump seats before heading ot the bridge [18:04] <+Nevka> "Are we all ready?" [18:04] <+Sebastian`> "Check" [18:04] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "All Green for me." [18:05] <+SamuraiHanson> "Looks like everything is checking out so far." [18:05] <@ENGM> Sam goes through preflight. The ship seems ready to go! [18:07] <+Nevka> "Lucky Strike to Traffic Control, we are preparing to depart." [18:06] * +DirkVonTowers gives the security officer a call to see if he found anything else. [18:08] <@ENGM> His phone rings and you get a recording #This is Security Captain Julius Norris. I'm off duty at the moment please leave a message. If this is an emergency please call the Station police.## [18:08] * +DirkVonTowers hangs up and gets ready to fly! [18:09] <@Traffic_Control> ##Lucky Strike prepare to launch in 15 minutes.## [18:09] <+Nevka> "Fifteen minute countdown, aye." [18:10] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Oh- when does our fate reloads?)) [18:10] <@ENGM> The bays lights start to twirl and the bay starts to lock down to depressurize for space. Soon the bay doors will slowly open to the black of empty space. [18:10] <+DirkVonTowers> ((when it runs out of bullets)) [18:11] * +SamuraiHanson gets on the ship's com and advises everybody to get into their jump seats [18:11] <@Traffic_Control> ##Lucky Strike you have the green light. Please proceed to the bays exit## [18:11] * +Sebastian` is strapped in. [18:11] * +Thomas_J_Atkins sits down and straps himself in. [18:11] <@ENGM> ((fate is reloaded)) [18:11] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((fate speedloaders are ok?)) [18:11] * +DirkVonTowers makes sure he's strapped in. [18:13] <@ENGM> Sam lifts the ship off the tarmac and gently guides it towards the open bay door. Soon you are leaving the asteroid ship towards open space. [18:13] <@Traffic_Control> ##Lucky Strike, you are on your way. We will send you a signal when it's safe [18:14] <@ENGM> You see the bay door slowly start to close after you exit. [18:14] <+Nevka> "Roger that, awaiting jump signal." [18:15] <+SamuraiHanson> "Thomas, did you leave the meter running on that rejuvenation pod back on the station?" [18:15] <@ENGM> Sam has no trouble guiding the ship to the jump point. It takes a few hours. Soon you are contacted by the Station. [18:15] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "The rejun..I am not quite sure what you mean Samurai." [18:16] <@Traffic_Control> ##Lucky Strike you are free to jump. Good sailing to you. Crazy Ivan out" [18:17] <+SamuraiHanson> "That massage chair, or whatever that new fancy word is." [18:17] <+Nevka> "Roger Crazy Ivan. Jumping in 5." [18:17] * +Nevka nods to Sam [18:18] <+SamuraiHanson> "Jumping in 3... 2.... 7... 1... Now." [18:18] * +SamuraiHanson pulls the lever. [18:19] <@ENGM> You all feel the familiar pull in your stomach when going into jump but it is mild as Sam guides the ship effortlessly into the void. [18:19] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "OH..yes, that chair..well, it was a demonstrator, so leaving it on would technically be free of charge." [18:20] * +DirkVonTowers thinks its not a bad effort considering some of the other jumps. [18:20] <@ENGM> The crew is now able to settle into their normal routine. [18:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "That and I timely left my identification cards on the ship, so I only paid a flat 100 credits for the time I used it." [18:20] <@ENGM> ((who’s on what watch?)) [18:21] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Also, damn nice rolls Sam, like a pro)) [18:21] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I can take 2nd.)) [18:22] <+SamuraiHanson> ((it pays to be good at something)) [18:22] <+DirkVonTowers> ((I'll take first)) [18:22] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I'll go first watch)) [18:23] <@ENGM> Dirk are you tagging along in engineering again? [18:23] <+Nevka> (3rd for me then) [18:23] <@ENGM> I assume Sam and Nevka are splitting the bridge [18:23] <+Nevka> yeah [18:24] <@ENGM> that leaves Thomas and Sebastian in the galley, lounge etc. [18:24] <+DirkVonTowers> ((Sure, sounds good)) [18:24] <@ENGM> unless youre going three shifts. [18:24] <@ENGM> then Sebastian will take the bridge too.

[18:32] <@ENGM> The trip is quiet until the last day. You start to hear noises in engineering simiolar to the wierd sounds you hear on submarines kinda like metal groaning. [18:34] * DirkVonTowers sits up and takes notice, looking over the various dials and bits to see if anything is different. [18:36] <@ENGM> twisting the dials doesnt stop it. it just stops by itself. [18:37] * DirkVonTowers hmms and makes a note of it in the log and calls Sebastian to let him know. [18:39] <@ENGM> Caleb hasnt heard any noises that arent normal in engineering. Sebastian informs you hes heard some during the trip. [18:40] * DirkVonTowers makes a note of that in the log and lets him know that it stopped on its own seemingly.

[18:36] <@ENGM> Your first watch on the bridge is very weird. You start hearing static coming from the various appliances like the microwave, over and various other appliances eve the toaster. The chatter never lasts long but you can never make it out. On the 6th day you are surveying the cargo bay and you start to feel a little weird. You look towards the bay doors and you notice that there appears to be a strange fog blocking it. [18:37]  ((The doors leading out or to some compartment?)) [18:37] <@ENGM> the bay doors leading out to space [18:40] * Thomas_J_Atkins checks the cargo bay door's status. [18:41] <@ENGM> gpoing up to the doors or checking the consol on the instrument panel? [18:42]  ((Let's start with the console first.)) [18:42]  ((if there's anything to be detected.)) [18:43] <@ENGM> panel seems to be fine. Door is locked down. [18:43] <@ENGM> fire systems are on stand by [18:44] <@ENGM> fog is still there. its about 3x3 meters [18:45] * Thomas_J_Atkins gets on the comm to the bridge "Atkins here. There's a fog in the cargo hold, near the bay doors."

[18:32] <@ENGM> Throughout the retire trip you get chatter on the coms while you’re on the bridge. It never last long and you can never really make it out. It's like static from a radio [18:33]  Excellent, I'll make sure to pass that on to whomever comes to relieve me [18:35]  Otherwise, it's just coffee and stars for me [20:00] <@ENGM> A sudden loud noise blasts from the comm unit. The sound is so loud and forceful it knocks you from your chair. [20:02]  hmmm [20:03] * SamuraiHanson picks himself up slowly and calls down to the rest of the crew "Did anybody just try something? I just got thrown across the cockpit... by the radio..." [20:04] <@ENGM> no response [18:39] <@ENGM> ((ok everyone back to main)) [18:41] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I'm here)) [18:42] <+DirkVonTowers> ((back and the ship is still intact...mostly)) [18:42] <+Nevka> ((back)) [18:43] <+SamuraiHanson> ((mostly?)) [18:44] <@ENGM> All of you encounter some strange phenomenon during the trip. Weird noises, weird transmissions over the comm, instruments not working properly for no reason. [18:45] * +Thomas_J_Atkins gets on the comm to the bridge, ##"Atkins here. There's a fog in the cargo hold, near the bay doors."## [18:46] <+DirkVonTowers> "That can’t be good." [18:46] <+Nevka> "Suits on, everyone!" [18:47] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ##"It is hovering there, there's nothing on the panel that indicate it is there or it is radioactive."## [18:47] <@ENGM> ((It’s the end of the 6th day of jump when Thomas reports this)) [18:48] <@ENGM> ((Sebastian. Caleb and Sam are off duty. Do you rouse them?)) [18:49] <+SamuraiHanson> "Captain, should I drop out of jumpspace?" [18:49] <+Nevka> "...no. We won't have the fuel to Jump again." [18:49] * +DirkVonTowers heads for his suit. [18:49] <+SamuraiHanson> ((so is it fuel per jump? or fuel per distance? if it's per jump, right we'd be stranded, but if it's fuel per distance we could just as easily start the jump again)) [18:49] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Any suits in the cargo hold?)) [18:49] <+Nevka> ((technically fuel per distance, but you spend that fuel at the start of the jump) [19:00] <+Nevka> "Maybe an oxygen leak? Or a liquid hydrogen leak? No flames." [19:02] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "There's nothing detected by the system, the fire system is online, but still inactive." [19:03] <+Nevka> "Keep it that way." Nevka eyes the gas cloud. Is it settling, rising, and spreading out?" [19:04] <+SamuraiHanson> "Dirk, go head down to the lounge and make sure Caleb and the girls have their masks on. Just in case the air goes bad." [19:04] <@ENGM> ((Where is everyone currently. Has the rest of the crew off duty been roused?)) [19:04] * +DirkVonTowers nods and heads in that direction. [19:04] <+DirkVonTowers> ((Bridge, heading to the lounge)) [19:05] <@ENGM> Caleb will remain in the lounge with the kids. [19:05] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Yeah we're in suits, ship's alterted)) [19:05] <@ENGM> is anyone staying on the bridge? [19:06] <+SamuraiHanson> ((In a suit, staying on the bridge)) [19:06] <@ENGM> The rest of the ship seems fine. Atmosphere is normal all life systems functioning. [19:06] <@ENGM> even in the cargo bay [19:06] <+Nevka> "Whatever this is, it's not entering the cyclers...." [19:06] <@ENGM> Who’s in the bay? [19:07] * +Sebastian` will go where needed [19:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I am, in a space suit)) [19:08] <@ENGM> So everyone is Vacc suited up as a precaution? [19:08] <+Nevka> yep [19:08] <@ENGM> check [19:08] <@ENGM> Who’s in the hanger? [19:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((yup)) [19:09] <@ENGM> I got Sam on the bridge, Caleb with the kids. [19:09] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> I'm in the cargo bay [19:09] <@ENGM> Nevka, Dirk? [19:10] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I believe Nevka is also in the cargo bay, Dirk is heading down to the lounge to check on Caleb etal)) [19:10] <+Nevka> Nevka was outside the bay looking in. [19:10] * +Sebastian` head to the cargo bay with Nevka. [19:11] <@ENGM> Nevka sees Thomas through the bay doors at the control panel. [19:11] <@ENGM> you can’t see much on the other end without going in. [19:12] <+Nevka> yeah, she'll head in [19:12] <@ENGM> The doors aren’t on lock down, no alarms are sounding. Everything seems normal... [19:12] * +Thomas_J_Atkins is going from the panel to the fog, seeing it physically to check it's doings. [19:13] * +Sebastian` follows Nevka in [19:14] * +SamuraiHanson opens the suit's comm, "Thomas, Nevka, ship's sensors read the cargo bay as normal. Be careful." [19:14] <+Nevka> "And I'm wondering if this is related to that static we keep hearing on the radio." [19:15]  You all see an indistinct patch of gray fog more around 3x3 meters square hugging where the bay door would normally be. The perimeter is hazy and ill-defined. It seems dimly illuminated by a light of its own, giving it an unreal appearance. It doesn’t cast any shadow and when you shine a light on it the light doesn’t make it any brighter. [19:16] * +Sebastian` looks at Nevka and the Captain. [19:16] <+Sebastian`> "Thomas the panels all read normal?" [19:16] <+Nevka> "That's....not any kind of gas leak from the ship systems..." [19:16] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "They do." [19:17] <@ENGM> Static seems to be coming from the patch. [19:18] <@ENGM> Nevka you can almost hear voices or a signal from where you are but you are a bit too far away to make them out. [19:18] <+Sebastian`> "Should we go to engineering and get some instruments to test it?" [19:19] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Dirk explodes the engines)) [19:19] <@ENGM> ((too late!)) [19:21] <@ENGM> ((your guys move)) [19:21] <+Nevka> "This is like one of those old, stupid ghost stories...." [19:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Whatever it is, it hasn't moved yet, but it does give me a sour feeling." [19:22] * +Nevka will move forwards. [19:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Are you sure of what you're doing?" [19:22] <+Nevka> "No, not really." [19:22] <@ENGM> Nevka can start to make out the beep beep beep of a signal. [19:23] * +DirkVonTowers watches from the monitors after checking on Caleb and the kids. [19:23] <@ENGM> Still can’t make out exactly what it is. [19:23] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((at least we're not gonna fly into a black hole)) [19:24] <+Nevka> "There's some kind of signal coming from it..." [19:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Signal?" [19:24] <+Nevka> "Radio waves or something." [19:24] * +Thomas_J_Atkins advances, cautiously, near Nevka and listens to the fog. [19:25] <+Sebastian`> "Does the ship have any portable comm equipment or a probe of any kind? [19:25] <+Nevka> "Just handheld radios." [19:26] <@ENGM> Thomas it seems like the transponder code of a ship. It cycles on a loop. [19:28] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Hm..Yes I can hear it now. Similar to a ship's transponder. It is repeating itself." [19:28] <+Sebastian`> "Can you make anything out Thomas?" "Name, registration number?" [19:28] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I suppose yes?)) [19:28] <@ENGM> how close are you? [19:28] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((near Nevka)) [19:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((beside her I’d say)) [19:29] <@ENGM> So how far away? [19:29] <+Nevka> about 1-2 meters [19:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((couple of meters, yeah)) [19:29] <@ENGM> Do you want to advance? [19:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((If that would give a more clear signal, and/or more info)) [19:30] <@ENGM> It might. [19:31] <+Sebastian`> "Nevka how sensitive is the comm equipment on the bridge? Can it be focused to the bay?" [19:32] * +Thomas_J_Atkins leans forward a couple of feet closer to the fog, in case there's more to hear form it to closer one gets. [19:33] <+SamuraiHanson> ((If the suit's radios can pick up this signal, they might be able to route it through the suit comms to Sam's suit, and from there to the bridge computer.)) [19:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((blargh, what a waste of fate.)) [19:33] * +DirkVonTowers continues to watch and listen. [19:34] <@ENGM> You catch a member being repeated. It seems like an S.O.S followed by I.S.S PL-07734-9 [19:36] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I hear more now..S..O..S..I..S...S..P...L..dash..0..7..7..3..4..Dash..9..and it loops from there." [19:36] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "ISS PL-07743-9." [19:36] <+Nevka> "Imperial star ship? Some kind of distress beacon?" [19:36] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "ISS PL-07734-9." [19:37] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "And PL..the class or type perhaps?" [19:39] <@ENGM> Nevka was right. ISS does stand for imperial star ship...that’s the normal designation for any ship of imperium charter. [19:39] <@ENGM> The PL stands for Private liner. [19:39] <+SamuraiHanson> ((Nevka's mind is a waterfall of invention cascading into an infinity of creative alternatives)) [19:39] <@ENGM> The number is the ship itself. [19:41] <@ENGM> Nevka knows the following legend...


 * LIBRARY DATA: **** LOREANS ECLIPTIC: **

The Loreans Ecliptic vanished in 1085. Lanth System Control recorded nothing unusual as the starship maneuvered out and tumbled into jump. But it never emerged at its destination, D'Ganzio. All its passengers and crew are presumed dead.

This 600-ton, subsidized liner was constructed in 990 and operated in the Spinward Marches by Tukera Lines. The ship served only 10 years before Tukera sold it for reasons not made public. It sat idle at Rhylanor a full year before being purchased by Gredig Harper, a former Tukera deck officer turned free trader/adventurer. Harper purchased the Ecliptic after suddenly coming into a substantial amount of money.

Zhodani authorities accused him of stealing several Ancient artifacts from a low-tech world in the Consulate. These might have brought a high price on the illegal market. His profits from the Ecliptic, however, were always marginal. Since his assuming the captaincy, the ship had a history of unfortunate events, including piracy, attempted hijacking, and an assortment of murders. The liner developed a poor reputation, making it difficult at times to turn a profit. Harper killed himself in 1026.

During Harper's last flight, the jump drive experienced a failure as a result of blatant neglect. The intruding chaos actually dissolved some of the drive section, turrets, and many of the ship's extremities. The Ecliptic made it through the jump, but three passengers were seriously injured. Harper jettisoned himself through the upper air lock before a craft from the Denotam Starport Authority could rendezvous with the liner.

Violent events aboard the Ecliptic still occurred even under other captains to follow Harper. However, some owners used its history and reports of ghosts as a gimmick to attract passengers. The Ecliptic hosted many high-class social events desiring a "Spookyn atmosphere, and secured profitable special charters. The disappearance of the Loreans Ecliptic in 1085 did not end its story, however. People travelling from Lanth to D'Ganzio periodically claim to have dreams or visions of the Ecliptic. There are even reports of hearing its radio beacon in jumpspace, and some insist they have boarded the lost ship.

From 'Lost Treasure Ships of the Abyss Rift by Enli Iddukagan.

[19:42] <@ENGM> ((you get all that?)) [19:43] * +Sebastian` looks amazed. "You do realize this the Ecliptic is one of the biggest mysteries of Tukera lines and the Abyss Rift, that has never been solved?" [19:44] <+Nevka> "Yes..and despite appearances, we still haven't solved it. But it looks like..it's still stuck in Jump?" [19:45] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "More like stuck between real space and jump-space to me." [19:45] <+Sebastian`> "No but until now everything I had ever heard were just drunk spacer stories" [19:46] <+Nevka> "I wonder if any of those Ancient devices might have left something behind." [19:46] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, no ship can be turned into a small patch of fog, conveniently appearing in our cargo hold?" [19:46] <@ENGM> The fog is still blanketing the bay door and the signal is still transmitting [19:46] <+DirkVonTowers> "Shame about the neglect. It could make a nice weekend sailer." [19:47] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Can we see the bay doors?)) [19:47] <@ENGM> no [19:47] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I will need a security harness." [19:47] <@ENGM> At least not the center where they open. [19:48] <+Sebastian`> "Why?" [19:48] <+Nevka> "Lock down everything in the hold, and then we're going to leave the bay and open the door." [19:48] <+Sebastian`> "That makes more sense" [19:48] * +Sebastian` exits [19:48] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "If the closer we get, the more information we can receive, then going inside the fog may prove fruitful." [19:49] <+Nevka> "I'd rather not have you go mad staring into jumpspace if there's nothing out there." [19:49] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "But If the Zhodani are involved, who knows what can happen." [19:49] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Perhaps throwing out that fog is not the solution." [19:49] <+Nevka> "If I'm right, the fog won't be thrown out." [19:50] <+Nevka> "if I'm wrong, whoever's in here when the door opens could see things the mind is not built to see." [19:51] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "At least let me try to get closer, before we attempt some depressurization in jump-space." [19:51] <+Nevka> "All right." [19:52] * +Sebastian` pokes his head back in the cargo hold. [19:52] <+Sebastian`> "Are we leaving?" [19:52] <+Nevka> "Thomas is going to try something first." [19:52] * +Thomas_J_Atkins harness himself. [19:53] <@ENGM> ((to who or what?)) [19:53] <+DirkVonTowers> ((insanity)) [19:53] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((To a cargo ring, there should be those around to secure cargo.)) [19:53] <@ENGM> There are places to hook in cables on the floor and along the walls [19:54] <@ENGM> How close you hooking in? [19:54] * +Thomas_J_Atkins hooks himself 2 meters from the fog. [19:54] <@ENGM> how much line you giving yourself? [19:54] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> 3 meters. [19:54] * +Sebastian` shakes his head. "Are you insane?" [19:55] <@ENGM> Thomas hooks himself 2 meters from the anomaly. [19:55] <@ENGM> That allows him a meter of slack when he reaches the wall [19:56] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I have 3 meters of line, so I can only got a meter deep." [19:57] <+Nevka> "Right." [19:57] * +Thomas_J_Atkins then goes closer toward the fog, stopping a feet from it and listening.

01[19:58] <@ENGM> Thomas stands a foot from the fog. The signal is louder here. He can hear the beep beep beep like Morse code then the transponder number. He can even start to make out someone saying "mayday" over and over again.

[19:59] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I can hear a mayday, an actual voice." [20:00] * +DirkVonTowers leans forward, studying the monitor. "Well, tha's somewhat insane." [20:00] * +Thomas_J_Atkins brushes his hand on the edge of the fog. [20:01] <@ENGM> it’s cool

[20:02] <@ENGM> All of a sudden a loud noise comes over the comm units of the ship. It doesn’t affect Thomas. [20:03] <@ENGM> The sound knocks you to the ground Nevka [20:03] <@ENGM> Sebastian manages to grab something before he falls [20:03] <+Nevka> "Ah!" [20:03] <+Nevka> "Ah!" [20:05] <@ENGM> Dirk wherever you are you aren’t affected. [20:05] * +DirkVonTowers winces at the noise but continues to watch (do I see Nevka knocked to the ground on the monitor?)) [20:05] <@ENGM> yes [20:06] * +DirkVonTowers triggers his suit's comm. "Are you alright down there?" [20:06] <+Nevka> "LOUD!" [20:06] * +DirkVonTowers winces and confirms that it was loud. He looks at Thomas to see how he's going. [20:06] <@ENGM> Thomas is just standing there unaffected. [20:07] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "That was odd. A good thing I did not enter it completely." [20:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "It felt cool to the touch, even though the suit I could felt it." [20:08] * +Thomas_J_Atkins sees Nevka "Oh dear, are you all right? What happened?" [20:09] * +Nevka slowly gets to her feet. "I wasn't expecting that." [20:09] * +Sebastian` is helping her up. [20:10] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "What happened? There was the cool sensation and some mild static, but what there something else I did not see?" [20:10] <+Nevka> "A loud burst of noise. I..couldn't make anything out." [20:11] <+Sebastian`> "The ships comms went haywire" [20:12] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Hmm..Then a propose we get the closest that we can from the fog and simply attempt to respond to their mayday." [20:13] <+Sebastian`> "Respond with what?" [20:13] * +SamuraiHanson comes running down the corridor, "What in the event horizons of hell did you guys do!?!? First I get thrown across the room by the radio and now the whole panel is as frozen as Thomas' sense of humor." [20:14] <+Nevka> "What do you mean the panel is frozen?" [20:15] <+SamuraiHanson> "The whole control panel is not giving any readout. Could have shorted out, or we might not be in space anymore, or just the after effects of that microwave doodad." [20:16] <+Nevka> "That tears it then. Thomas, try and respond with your suit radio." [20:17] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "All right." [20:17] * +Thomas_J_Atkins gets to a foot of the fog, and listens in to get that mayday once again. [20:19] <@ENGM> The signal is gone. [20:19] * +DirkVonTowers heads for the observation deck, just ot make sure we're still in space. [20:19] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I do not hear anything." [20:20] <@ENGM> Dirk can see the blackness of space. There's not much to see when you're in a jump pocket because you don’t pass any stars, planets etc. [20:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "The signal appears to be no longer emitting." [20:20] <+Nevka> "But the cloud's still here." [20:20] <@ENGM> The cloud is starting to swirl. [20:21] <+Nevka> "Everyone out of the bay!" [20:21] <+DirkVonTowers> "Well, everything seems to be fine outside as much as it ever is during a jump."

[20:21] * +Sebastian` exits [20:21] * +Thomas_J_Atkins gets out..but is suddenly stopped. [20:22] * +Thomas_J_Atkins then leaves the bay good last. [20:23] <@ENGM> you start to be drawn back to the fog.

06[20:23] * +Thomas_J_Atkins locks the suit's magnetic boots on.

[20:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Hm..a little help?" [20:24] <+Nevka> "Shit. Sebastian!" [20:24] * +Nevka moves to grab Thomas and pull him. [20:24] <@ENGM> Caleb suddenly appears at the bay entrance with the girls. "What the hell is going on here? I just saw a woman appear in the lounge. Sam told me to use code word Boyardee on the comm but the bloody comm isn’t working" [20:25] * +Thomas_J_Atkins tries to clip himself to the ground where he is. [20:25] * +Sebastian` rushes in and grabs Thomas. [20:25] * +Thomas_J_Atkins forgoes that and unlocks his boots [20:25] <@ENGM> Thomas manages to get to the bay doors with the help of Sebastian and Nevka. [20:26] <@ENGM> Everyone is on the other side now [20:26] <+Nevka> "Sorry dear. Is...is the woman still there?" [20:26] * +Nevka slaps the door lock shut [20:26] <@ENGM>  "She was there for about 30 seconds then blinked out" [20:27] <@ENGM> "I thought Sam was joking when he mentioned strange people on the ship" [20:27] <+Nevka> "No, it seems we're caught up in someone else's Jump mishap." [20:27] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Thanks for the help. If not for that clip I'd would have been far enough to get away from the fog's pull." [20:27] <@ENGM>  doesn't look happy

06[20:28] * +DirkVonTowers makes his way to the rest of the group now that things aren't about to blow up.

[20:28] <+Nevka> "I'll explain everything when we're clear of this, Caleb." [20:28] <+Nevka> "What's the fog doing now?" [20:28] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks through the window inside the cargo bay to see what the fog is up to. [20:28] <@ENGM> The fog seems to be stagnant again. [20:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "It is back to its' original position." [20:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Just..there." [20:29] <+Nevka> "How much longer till we exit Jump on schedule?" [20:30] <@ENGM> ((you are at the end of day six of seven)) [20:31] <+SamuraiHanson> "Less than 24 hours. Assuming our computer is still able to bring us out of jump space normally." [20:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "What other systems are offline?" [20:32] <+Nevka> "Okay...who wants to volunteer to go back in there and make sure all the cargo is secured? I think we're going with opening the cargo door next." [20:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I will go back in." [20:32] <@ENGM> ((did you have cargo?)) [20:33] <+Nevka> ((didn't we? Well, ship supplies at any rate)) [20:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((My camping crate...thought I suppose I did secure it already)) [20:33] <+Nevka> "Quick, in and out. No stops." [20:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I do not plan on taking the scenic route." [20:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Dry." [20:34] <+Nevka> "Good. Once you're back on this side of the hatch, we open the door." [20:34] <@ENGM> you cycle the door? [20:34] <+Nevka> Yeah [20:35] <@ENGM> The door cycles Thomas can run in. [20:35] * +Thomas_J_Atkins goes back inside the cargo hold and secure and check everything [20:35] <@ENGM> the mist starts to oscillate again. [20:36] <@ENGM> you feel the tug again but before you get to far in you're able to leap out the door to safety [20:36] <+DirkVonTowers> "Seems it wants passengers." [20:36] <@ENGM> Form what you can see nothing was loose but you only had a quick glance [20:36] <+Nevka> "Lovely....okay. Cycling the cargo door." [20:37] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Everything seemed secure, but I haven't checked it all correctly." [20:37] <@ENGM> The door cycles closed [20:37] * +Thomas_J_Atkins checks via the window. [20:40] * +SamuraiHanson puts a hand up against the glass viewport into the cargo bay: "Who was that? Thomas, did you see anybody else when you checked the cargo?" [20:41] <+Sebastian`> "I saw something too. Um Caleb what did this mystery woman look like?" [20:41] <+DirkVonTowers> ((Back. Oops. Just had something fall out of the freezer lol)) [20:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I saw nothing. What did you see?" [20:42] <@ENGM>  "Tall, dark hair, cold looking face, human but not imperium" [20:42] <+Nevka> "Sounds like a Zhodani." [20:42] <+SamuraiHanson> "A woman, just before she got sucked out into space." [20:43] * +Nevka will close the doors [20:43] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((there goes priceless treasures!)) [20:44] <@ENGM> For those who saw her, she didn’t seem to be sucked into space and she wasn’t affected by the doors opening. She was just there then disappeared. [20:44] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Zhodani you say.." [20:44] <+SamuraiHanson> "I'd almost prefer a stowaway from the Crazy Ivan to the alternative." [20:44] <@ENGM> nothing in the bay actually moved [20:44] <+DirkVonTowers> "there and then not. I didn't see her actually move." [20:44] * +Thomas_J_Atkins checks the fog. [20:44] <@ENGM> its stagnant again [20:45] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "The fog is still there." [20:46] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Did the woman told you anything?" [20:46] <+Sebastian`> "Not to me" [20:46] * +DirkVonTowers shakes his head. [20:46] <@ENGM>  "Me either" [20:46] * +Nevka checks cameras. Does the fog show up on video? [20:47] <@ENGM> no [20:47] <+Nevka> "It could be some kind of psionic imprint." [20:50] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ship with offline systems, magic fog, mysterious woman)) [20:50] <+DirkVonTowers> "Well, this is certainly interesting." [20:50] <+DirkVonTowers> "Well, this is certainly interesting." [20:50] <@ENGM> The fog seems to revert to the state you first encountered it in. It's still hugging the bay door even though it doesn't show up on camera. With that the crew has a decision to make. Explore the fog or wait til you hopefully come out of jump.... [20:51] <+Nevka> "I think our only option remaining is for a volunteer to go into the fog. Either that, or we hope it doesn't stop us from exiting Jump."

*** SESSION END ***