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Post by Art Teach on Jun 1, 2014 8:46:26 GMT -6
The Muvon drops out of hyperspace with what you are sure is a groan and into real space. Gabby and Dasha meet you at the jump point to escort you to the planet. As you make the 20 minute trip you begin the scan the planet and comms for information.  You jumped to the point nearest Kolatill. Gabby explains that the Imperials had a blockade destroying vessels at all of the points. Gabby and Dasha are patrolling the point as you arrive. There are also two merchant vessels a Wayfarer and a HWK that are moving toward the planet. Dyson's sensors reading pick up debris from another freighter and 8 TIE fighters. "Area looks like it has seen some action. What is the SITREP on the X-wings and the Aegis." "Ciro and Wingripper went to clear the other jump points." Dasha responds."We have a couple of X-Wings that needed repairs and stayed to protect this point. Gabby will escort you to the planet. Heads up the Kolatill Government has a half dozen TIE fighters under it's control. Please don't shoot them we are just making friends. The Aegis is on planet taking our a Imperial battalion or some such group. I don't believe they have secured a site for you yet, but the head of the Kolatill defenses may be able to advise you on a safe spot." The Head of the Defense Force is Councilman Kause. From the communications I have been listening to Domaz was hit hard but the rest of the population centers have been left intact. The rest of the planet seems to sitting and waiting to see what happens in Domaz. From reports there are roaming gangs and Imperial Insurgents in the Capital, fires and buildings still collapsing or just blowing up from gas leaks. I've spent a day just listening to people suffering and waiting for you to arrive. Oh! The Councilman and the population are very disappointed we are not the New Republic Fleet." As you approach the planet Dyson continues his scans and feed the information to the Muvon's monitors.  The Mines are all imperial controlled and would have at least a token Imperial force. Domaz is the center of the action.  A scan of the city shows the damaged areas of the city. Red zones are bombed, burnt, or currently burning. Like most cities in the Kathol sector they have a central zone and then separate manors for the noble houses. The Karadol holding is not scanning well. It must have a energy field around it interfering with scans. In a half hour you are approaching orbit. A solo TIE fighter approaches. "FarStar vessel it is good to see you," The pilot of the TIE is very informal and sounds quite young. "Bree meesaa good to be hearing you... ahem It is good to hear from you again?" Gabby voices goes an excited high to a lower voice as she catches herself. 'This is LT Phillip Slyer commander of the FarStar medical relief team. Where is a secure area we can set down to begin operations soldier?" "Sir, We have set up temporary shelter and a triage center in the Riverside Park. It has a group of troops protecting it and is as safe as anywhere in Domaz." Bree explains. "I will inform The Councilman help has arrived." Slyer starts to consider his options, "Everyone our orders were to await for the Aegis group to secure the area. Do we play it safe or trust the forces of Domaz to protect us?" |
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Post by hcook on Jun 3, 2014 16:30:33 GMT -6
"Our mission is of more importance than the medical attention of these citizens. The area may be hostile. There are too many unknown factors. We should hang back, hail the Aegis, and ask them how long it will take for them to arrive."
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 3, 2014 19:13:17 GMT -6
OOC: Head on over to the Aegis mission and post a comm to them asking when they will be ready to secure your landing.
Brophair looks up from the pilot's chair. "Those are people dying down there."
Thane moves forward,"The media will know we have arrived. It can be a PR problem if we delay our landing to long."
Lt Slyer is in the co-pilot seat looking out at the planet,"Would be a bigger PR problem if they are dragging our bodies through the streets and hanging us around the broken statue of the Emperor. Dyson how is the scan of the planet progressing."
"The planet is mostly untouched except for the Capital. There is no sign of radiation. The Empire used conventional munitions, but about 10% of the bombs did not explode. They are just sitting in all over the capital. Most buildings are heated and use natural gasses for utilities. This has created a situation where building are catching fire and exploding throughout sections of the city. Most of the citizens that are too old or in-firmed to leave the city are staying at the tent refugee village in the park.
Communications networks are telling stories of swoop gangs, attacks, missing people, and people still trapped in collapsed buildings. The Noble house seem to be helping their own, but the 20% or so of citizens who are not part of a house are on their own." Dyson's deep voice shows a note of concern.
Thane adds,"I have been monitoring political reports and it seems the normal political rulership is a council of the five major noble houses. Currently only three houses have a leader in position. The Councilmen of house Brakia and house Shador were killed in the bombing. The Councilwoman from House Karadol is calling for a vote of surrender and return to the Empire."
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Post by kyquell on Jun 3, 2014 20:58:00 GMT -6
"Regardless of whether or not people are in need of medical aid, our facilities will be largely irrelevant if those explosives activate."
Sivu points out the Riverside Park. "The refugees are camped in the park, so that will be the best area for us to land when we do so. However, it would be a poor choice to land before we can ensure the area is clear of the bombs. While the area looks undamaged, that could indicate that the bombs set there did not detonate, and could go off at a moment's notice. Unfortunately, in this instance time is not on our side. Every moment we wait is a moment that a bomb could reactivate, which has the potential to kill all of the camped refugees, and from this distance may even pose a threat to the Muvon."
"I propose that we have the Muvon patrol the area and scout out the inactive explosives, and we then send a small team to permanently disarm them. While it would be safest for us to wait for Specialist Boom to arrive and disarm them, we cannot take the risk of waiting, so I will volunteer to be our demolitions specialist until he can aid us. If we follow this path, however, I will likely need further assistance on the ground to maintain security in addition to the Muvon's air support."
"With this plan, we can minimize the potentially massive loss of life these bombs would cause, ensure the safety of the Muvon, and garner favorable press for our work protecting the people of Domaz. There is risk involved, but risk is involved in any military operation, and I believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, I understand this is not my decision to make, so I will follow whatever path my superiors choose."
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 3, 2014 21:25:40 GMT -6
OOC if you dropped them off to investigate a bomb Lt Slyer, Jessa, HG-72 are possible security with The scientist Hasselok to provide assistance investigating and defusing the bombs.
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 4, 2014 7:31:58 GMT -6
LT Slyer combs through his hair with his fingers and straightens his uniform top as he watches the news reports from the planets. The crawl on the bomb asks again and again where is the New Republic Fleet? He finally turns to the group. "We need to do something to divert the attention and I don't want to risk the medical team." We will drop HK-72, Sivu, and Hasselok at a bomb nearest to the park and let them investigate. I will cover them with the ventral turret."
HK-72 looks to Thane from his spot in the corner of the cockpit and Thane nods acceptance to him.
The Muvon calls for clearance and moves into the atmosphere. In 10 minutes you are dropping from the ramp onto the broken ground with a 2m high bomb staring at you. It has flashing lights placed around it and a circle of law enforcement beams from flashing light pole to light pole that you know will sound an alarm if crossed.
AT the park you see thousands of people trying to share less than 100 tents and impromptu shelters. At points around the people are pairs of stormtrooper. 2 of the troopers are approaching you as you land. You note that one of them has his helmet off, and neither have their weapons pointed at you. The helmetless one is a grey old and weathered face that reminds you of what Blu will look like in 30 more years.
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Post by hcook on Jun 5, 2014 1:38:09 GMT -6
Jessa calls the Councilwoman from House Karadol.
"This is Lieutenant Dajus of the New Republic FarStar. I'm sure if you look out the window now, you will see the devastation of the Empire. Under their rule, this is what happens when they deem you useless to them. We cannot surrender. You must fight for your freedom, because freedom isn't free. The New Republic is here to help. The worst is almost over. If you surrender to the Empire, we will lose progress. We will lose what we have fought for."
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 5, 2014 5:51:03 GMT -6
Jessa searches the comm link index and finds the address for The Lady Tamayra Bildrusor. After talking through a number of support staff she is finally able to get a transmission straight to the Councilwoman. IN the holograph Lady Tamayra sits on her thronelike chair looking down at you.
"This is Lieutenant Dajus of the New Republic FarStar. I'm sure if you look out the window now, you will see the devastation of the Empire. Under their rule, this is what happens when they deem you useless to them. We cannot surrender. You must fight for your freedom, because freedom isn't free. The New Republic is here to help. The worst is almost over. If you surrender to the Empire, we will lose progress. We will lose what we have fought for."
"Lieutenant Jessa Dejas as the hound of Sarne you are the last person I expected to see pushing the cause of this new republic. I voted against this seperation from the legitimate government of the Empire before and I will do so again. Do you really think the Kathol Sector is ready for freedom? Next these rabble will want equality. A place of leadership next to us who are truly worthy to rule. Then democracy and the order of our society trampled beneath their dirty peasant feet. You may keep this republic you suddenly fight for. At least as long as you and your rabble draw breath."
With that she cuts the transmission.
Thane looks over to Jessa."Okay, She does not seem to be a vote we can get. We still have Councillor Krause of House Ik’Tal who is Head of Planetary Defense on our side. The third living councilman is House Kathor. Lord D’Gara Mang is a CEO type more than the old school noble like Lady Tamayra. He also is a guest professor at the University of Domaz and has a Doctorate of Business from the Trade Guild Universities. Then their are who will fill the two other house seats. Brakia is currently voting in a new leader from the 'blood' of thir house. Shador has been reported to not have anyone who is strong enough in 'blood' to hold the spot. Most of their nobles are slaves aboard the Rockport mining station or at the Smelting Station of Koltal II."
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 5, 2014 6:01:49 GMT -6
HK-72 has his rifle out and is targeting the troopers as they walk up to the group. The rest of the tent dwellers are gathering and watching but keeping their distance.
"Relax clanker," the old trooper states,"if we wanted you dead we would have taken you down with a PML on the way in. You go poking around in that bomb and a lot of citizens could have a really bad day." As he get closer you notice his sleeve of his armor is painted with a makeshift flag of Kolatill. He stands before Sivu with hand extended. "I am Commander Theta formally of the Empire and currently head of security at Riverside Park."
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 5, 2014 6:05:55 GMT -6
Jessa watching from the ship remembers Commander Theta and his men. They are original clones from the war. As they aged the Empire pushed them out to pasture in backwater worlds like Kolatill. Theta was always the kindhearted grandfatherly type. Far too soft to go anywhere in Sarne's plans and ended up local law enforcement on this planet for the last decade.
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Post by kyquell on Jun 5, 2014 10:45:55 GMT -6
Since he understands the benefits of humoring the trooper, Sivu shakes hands. "Ensign Sivu, Engineer with the FarStar. As a precaution, I would recommend using your men to ensure that the citizens are a safe distance from the blast zone in case I fail. Additionally, if you could make sure that the natural gas consumption is kept to a minimum in areas with explosives, that will drastically reduce their potential reactivity. Do not worry, while we may take precautions in case I fail, I can assure you I will not. A few primitive bombs are of little concern when one works daily with complex hyperdrive systems."
Sivu then quickly moves on to the location of the nearest bomb. He calculates that Theta will likely follow his orders to the letter. Most clone troopers appreciate direct, straightforward orders through a clear chain of command, so Sivu believes his direct method of delivery should mesh well and promote further synergy. This is most pleasing, since clone troopers, even aging ones, will be a valuable asset in restoring order to the chaotic city.
Still, despite his calculation, Sivu is still very glad to be done talking and starting to work on the bomb. Bombs are simple, you follow the connections to the detonator and merely have to disarm it. It is certain, with little up to chance if you're good at it. People have so many more variables involved, it is very exhausting trying to account for all of them in social situation assessments. Since Theta has left the Empire, he may be rebelling against his programming, causing the opposite effect than what was intended. Additionally, Sivu is uncertain about whether his assurance of success is inspiring confidence or arrogance, since people so unpredictably seem to vacillate between those assessments due to personal bias. Too many variables. This is why Sivu prefers to work alone.
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 5, 2014 11:09:40 GMT -6
As Sivu is speaking to Theta Dr. Hasselok is scanning the bomb area. "Sivu this bomb is dispersing some type of chemical." He continues to work with scanner and datapad.
Sivu knows that Hasselok is a biologist and chemist who was forced to work in the Imperial Bioweapons Division before defecting to the Rebellion.
"It is releasing a biocatalyst. It is not harmful to life forms, in fact we use it in the labs to increase the reproductive rate and life expectancy of simple and single cell animals. It does not have any hazards or harmful effects."
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Post by kinnison on Jun 5, 2014 11:34:21 GMT -6
A tight beam communication is coming in "Ensign Keeg to Lt Dajus, Remember that flying hunk of junk I shot down? Ned'lx is back and he says he has Food, shelter, fish and some medical supplies. I am sending him your way. Hopefully you can find him a safe spot to land, Ensign Keeg out"
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Post by kyquell on Jun 5, 2014 11:59:09 GMT -6
Sivu doesn't like the sound of that. "The biocatalyst itself may not be dangerous, but what is it catalyzing? If any of these bombs contain bioweapons, this catalyst would cause them to reproduce rapidly. We need to scan the area for any potentially dangerous biomolecules, we may be dealing with a plague of some sort. If there is, we need to make sure nobody enters or leaves the park, and we may need to establish a quarantine. If you find anything, immediately alert the medical team and get them working on a cure. I will scan the other bombs in the area and see if they are conventional or bioweapons."
Sivu was told that all the bombs were conventional weapons. This is a surprise to him. Sivu has an intense disdain for surprises. Fortunately, he realizes that if this is an airborne virus, his breath mask should keep him safe. This is why he always follows proper safety procedures.
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Post by Art Teach on Jun 6, 2014 9:17:48 GMT -6
"We don't need to quarantine the park. If it has been dispersing at this rate for days from every bomb it would be in the atmosphere for 20 km in all direction. Even moving the people will not help because it has settled in their lungs and is in their blood." Raso (with mask already placed on) holds his medical scanner before Theta,"Do you mind if I scan you."
"It would the least intrusive thing a doctors ever done to me." Theta replies.
Raso scans him as Sivu looks over the bomb. The scan of the bomb shows no other biologic or chemical agent. Sivu detects the bomb does have an explosive core and a self-destruct mechanism (2 Difficult 1 Challenge despair and it goes boom). If tempered with it will blow to a 20m radius impact.
"Yes, Just as I thought the catalyst is in your lungs and blood stream. Their is even some that crossed the blood brain barrier and is is in your cranial fluids. Everyone in this city and the surrounding area is a pro-biotic breeding ground for bacteria, virus, and other organisms." Raso explains,"A strong anti-biotic can counter it but we would need to ration what we have for those who show symptoms of something. We don't have the ability to give antibiotics to the 300,000 citizens of Domaz."
"So why would the Empire want us to be a giant petri dish?" Theta muses.
You begin transferring data from your findings to the medical team on the Muvon and wonder what the Empire is planning.
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