====================Session Begins==================== ===================Mission 4 Begins=================== * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUTSIDE ADAMANT HQ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The whole of your company, and another, save the commanding Lieutenants, are sitting on the grass-covered "front yard" to the Headquarters of all of Adamant Army. Most of the Privates are making no attempt to disguise their fatigue at this pre-game meeting. Looking around, however, you see one face missing -- that of "Gambit". After a prolonged period of waiting (during which the period of battle officially starts), the two Lieutenants step out of the double doors, nearly in unison. All four Sergeants immediately stand up and approach their commanding officers, who take them off to the side and begin speaking with them quietly. After a few minutes of closed communication, each platoon assembles independently. Following suit, Sgt. Warwick comes over to brief you. =Lieutenants Grand and Yunon are taking these two companies back to Alpha-1 to make "investigations". You'll be given information on a need-to-know basis.= =However, the four Sergeants, myself included, will be temporarily re-assigned to a different mission, which will hopefully not last the duration of this one. Until my return, you're directly under Lt. Grand's command.= He shakes his head. =That is all. If you've got any questions, ask the good Lieutenant.= With that, he departs in company with the other Sergeants. The two companies assemble and begin on the long trail back to Alpha-1. (Everyone let me know when you're finished reading that.) (Done) (done ) (done) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BACK AT ALPHA-1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The entire mass arrives back at the familiar Alpha-1 outpost, triggering the departure of another large body of Adamant troops back the way you came. The second Lieutenant -- which you presume to be Lt. Yunon -- gives a signal for everyone to sit down. The two then systematically begin moving throughout the group, giving instructions to small groups at a time. You patiently wait your turn. TIME PASSES . . . Lt. Grand finally approaches you, giving you your long-awaited briefing. He rubs his temples, apparently attempting to ward off the fatigue plaguing the entire unit. =All right,= he says, pulling himself back into relative alertness. =We have been returned to Alpha-1 to continue garrisoning it, but also to perform an investigation.= I raise an eyebrow, questioningly. =I cannot reveal the details of it at this time,= he says wearily. =Need-to-know basis, remember? Besides, they don't want you to end up prejudiced. We'll be looking all over the base for ANYTHING, and I do mean *ANYTHING* which looks even vaguely suspicious in any way.= He sighs, having gone through this conversation many times. =For organizational purposes, you've been assigned to look around on level three. Its a small level, so I'm just having you look around it so that nothing gets too crowded. Sgt. Warwick and Private Kustra will join you when and if they arrive.= He looks each of you in the eyes in turn. =This is top priority, unless we fall under attack again. You have authorization to look at ANYTHING which you find up there, no matter how confidential or private it looks.= He stands up again, and begins walking on to the next group, with only a =That is all.= over his shoulder. (Was that addressed to all three of us?) (Yes) =Wait!= I motion for him to come back. (anyother besides us?) He ignores you. (Just you three) =Sorry sir, but what are we looking for?= Annoyed, he turns back to you long enough to say =ANYTHING suspicious!= I sigh. =Ok, guys, let's go.= I approach the base, and start the climb towards the third level. I walk to level three. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUTPOST ALPHA-1, FLOOR 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You climb up yet another ladder, to find yourselves on the empty third floor. I look at the surroundings. I look around Making a cursory surveillance, you can find one of the base's small "rooms" in the center, with a heavy sheet draped over the entryway. The ladder comes up right beside the entrance. Moving around to look over the entire level, you can see three platforms extending out to the North, Northwest, and Northeast -- each supported solely by a single tree and with no railing or barricade. The platforms are about 3 feet wide, and each have at least one bend in them. (each have a what?) (Um . . . I guess that your program cut the message off earlier than mine.) xyzzy (The end of the message read: The platforms are about 3 feet wide, and each have at least one bend in them) (just type from the part where you say the platforms are about 3 feet ... ) (oh ok.) I look for containers or small objects. I enter the room in the center. I go into the room Adder looks around, but finds no significant objects lying around in the open. The interior of the room is extremely cluttered, but is notable as having a roof, unlike most of the "rooms", and is thus not very well lit. It it difficult to make anything out in the gloom. I go search another place. I follow them. (That latter message was for Smoky and Werewolf) =Guys, let's take this cloth thing down or something. There's no light in here.= =Either of you bring a flashlight?= I search around with my hands (The correct answer is no; but you can say whatever you want) (To the flashlights, I mean) I start to carry items out and lay them down on the platform outside. (So I can see what they are.) I try to take down the cloth. (In what direction to you search? Straight into the room? along a wall? (that was smoky)) (Tell you what, go ahead and tell me stuff this fast, but each person only do one thing until I resolve the last action . . . that way I can keep up) In the room, starting at the walls, moving inward (You're going to have to do better than that, Smoky. Its a square room. You want to feel along the walls? Along the floot straight into the room? What?) (Adder, you can't just start carrying stuff out because you can't see in there.) (Allong walls!!!) (So I'll just pick any loose objects I can feel and take em outside) Werewolf examines the cloth. There doesn't seem to be any way to take it down short of ripping it off. (Smoky: along left or right wall?) (WHO CARES?) (A WALL, geez) (Adder, you're trying to bypass the steps of finding things. You can't do that) Smoky grops along the interior wall for a few feet, but finds nothing. (I want to search along the third millimeter of the right wall for any types of dust specks, is that specific enough?) (hehehe) (oh, and on the floor, not the ceiling.) (Yes, but there's not enough light to tell whether there's dust ;) ) I try to reach the ceiling. (grrrrrr =) ) (that was sarcastic) (yeah, so was mine.) I walk out of the room, frustrated. (try to keep the rivalry to a minimum) Werewolf steps into the room and reaches up, and manages to touch the ceiling approximately 7 feet above the floor. It seems to be the same material as the walls. (rip the sucker down) Go out towards the NW platform. (I go out...) (Whoa, my character is tall) You tear the cover off of the door, and a ray of light shatters the darkness. In the center of the room, there's a small pile of Super Soakers with a note on top of them, and two flashlights to one side. You can't see anything else. (oh good, I found something. (er you did.) (Eh, 7 feet including reaching arms up isn't that tall) Look at note I go back to the place. (Sorry, I was thinking meters) The note reads: FOR THE INVESTIGATORS ON THIS FLOOR =Sounds like you guys found something.= Look at the super soakers (What kinds are the soakers?) You examine the Super Soakers. There appears to be a CPS 2000, 1000, XP 250, and two XP 110s. I grab the 1000. I take a flashlight and examine it. I take the 2000 I also take a flashlight. The flashlight is of normal design, a long cylindrical shape with a sliding trigger on the side. I turn it on. The second flashlight is identical, except of a different color. I start searching the north wall. near the floor. I take a 110 and check if it's filled, pumped and in working order. A ray of light from the flashlight pierces the darkness in the room. On the floor, you can see only the wooden floorboards. I look up at the walls. The 110 which you took is completely filled, but is unpressurized. You can find nothing broken. I search the room systematically, going from wall to wall, clockwise. Near the floor at first, then moving up. I put the 1000 on my back, and check and pump the 2000 Moving the beam of light along the wall, you find it more or less featureless. In the first corner you look in (adjacent to the door), however, there is a wooden chair with an oil lamp and a box of matches on it. (I already got the 1000...) (That's true, you've only got the 2000 so far) I go over there and confiscate the matches. I search the chair thuroughly. I walk over to the North platform. I take the lamp I put the 250 on my back =Put everything you get outside.= =That way we can put all the peices of the puzzle together at once.= Ok, the two of you keep searching = Werewolf exits what passes at this base for a room and walks along the north platform. ( that was speech) (I know. However, you and Adder did a lot of dialogue and no action) I start hauling stuff outside (I do not accept implied actions) (everything) I search the whole floor. (how big is the room?) I look around. Smoky begins piling everything from the middle of the room outside the door, except what is being carried by the others. Adder casts the flashlight across the floor, finding the room to be about 20' x 20'. At the end farthest from the door, there is a large wooden desk. I run over to the desk. (tell me when I finish) I search all the drawers from top to bottom. When I'm done with those I look at the desktop. Werewolf looks around from his vantage point. With a cursory glance, he can find nothing significant either on the platform or in the surrounding trees. However, a large tree right at the end of the platform blocks a large range of view. I check the other two platforms. Smoky finishes bringing the Super Soakers outside. Did you want to start on the chair and lamp? (everybody stop and give the gm time to catch up on everything) Werewolf begins walking toward the other platforms. (yes) =Hey, put that lamp back in here! We do need light, afterall...= *** __K__ (Still@tacoma.clubi.ie) has joined #ss_rpg *** __K__ (Still@tacoma.clubi.ie) has left #ss_rpg (You know, this would go faster if you LIT the lamp) =ok, but I kneed a match to light it up= (But of course, Adder's got the matches . . .) I light the lamp with the matches in my pocket. =Just put it near the desk, let's search that.= I put the lamp on the desk A strong luminescence fills the room. Revealed is the large desk, another oil lamp hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room, and another wooden chair in the other corner adjacent to the door (but with nothing on it). I light the other lamp. The luminescence grows stronger. Then I go over and search the desktop. You examine the desk. I laugh. =I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed.= I check all the super soakers and begin pressueizing them Lying on top of it you can see the lamp you just put there lying squarely on the middle of a small square of paper, only just larger than the base. A few scattered, normal-size papers lie strewn beneath a small, spiral-bound notebook lying at the center of the desk with a pen beside it. (Hold on, more coming) (I've gotta go for 10 minutes (supper)) (ok.) (OK, I'll let them finish the room while you're gone) I look/read all the papers (and notebook) ALSO on top of the desk you can see two mugs, one filled with a liquid and the other with writing implements. I read the loose papers first, then the binder. I start with the binder The draws lead down either side of the desk facing away from the entrance, four on each side. The bottomost on each side has a lock. (draws????????) (Sorry, drawers) (oh) (You know, those little wooden things with handles you pull out of desks?) (is it possible to pause?) (I gotta eat right now) (OK, this is going to take a while for me to cover all the papers, but I've got to use the restroom first, so give me like 5 minutes or more to get stuff typed up . . .) (it's my sister's bday) (same) (Actually, if you've got to go, we'll take about a 10 min break. OK? (ok) (no prob.) (brb in 10) *** Chris (payoff@207-172-38-7.s7.tnt8.ann.erols.com) has joined #ss_rpg (Hi, 007!) (Everyone else is taking a break right now while I type some more mission up. Did you want me to work you in?) (Um . . . this IS the Chris who was playing before, right?) ((no not here)) *** Werewolf has quit IRC (Read error to Werewolf[ip166.net20483142.cr.sk.ca]: No route to host) (What?) (this is the first time ive Been here) (Ah . . . I used to have another player by name of Chris. sorry, my mistake.) *** Werewolf (~pirch@ip172.net20483142.cr.sk.ca) has joined #ss_rpg ((ahh i see)) (hi) (So . . . did you want info, or did you just come in to listen?) -> *Werewolf* this isn't the Chris who used to play) (info would be nice) (info please)) (This is an IRC-based RPG centered around the theme of Super Soakers. Extensive info can be found at http://www.mindflare.com/water/ ) (oh, did you mean him?) (Yes, I did) ((like the water guns?)) (Smoky and Adder took a break while I prepared more info about the desk) (Yes, like the water guns) ((cool)) (I'd offer to let you play, but you've got to go to the page and design a character before you can do that) ((yeah id guess that)) *** Chris has quit IRC (all in all your just another brick in the wall) (hey, wait, I just got back) (hi) (He was just some guy who stumbled into the room.) (Oh, I thought you started) (What happened when I was gone?) (Smoky, you answer that one, I'm busy) (k) (go to other window) Addar, you back? (We about ready to start again?) (I'm ready as soon as Adder's back) (Can you call him?) (All right, I'll try that) (...) (sorry, I gotta go...) (WAIT!) (welcome back) (yeah?) (Just let me deliver a little more text, you can read over it later!) (Deal?) (k.) (sure, go ahead.) Adder begins going through the papers on the desk, while Smoky moves around to the opposite side and sits down in the expected chair to begin studying the spiral notebook. As he sits down, his book bumps a wastebasket sitting under the desk, not visible from the opposite side. (NOTE: I am not cruel enough to put EVERYONE through reading all this stuff, so I'm using the /msg command to send it to each reader, and they can sum up for everyone else in dialogue.) /msg Adder You read the small square of paper under the lantern: /msg Adder Contact, /msg Adder I will arrive at the lobby at precisely 4127 GTT for a report. I will have only ten minutes to spend, so I'm not repeating myself. Be there ON TIME! (oops, sorry) -> *Smoky* You open the notebook and read the first page: -> *Smoky* 5.2.1 -> *Smoky* Under extensive protest, I have been assigned to lead the forces garrisoning this outpost, referred to as Alpha-1. In keeping with my tradition, I have started a new log for the duration of my assignment here. I must say, however, that I expect this to be one of the least interesting logs which I maintain during my career -- I absolutely despise garrison duty. -> *Smoky* The day was much less than satisfactory in terms of excitement, as can be expected. Sometimes I feel that it would be worth the degradation to switch to another army just so that the reputation for invincible borders doesn't prevent anything interesting from happening when I do get assigned garrison duty. -> *Smoky* To catalogue the actual events which did take place today, I arrived at the outpost, staked out the room on the third floor for my office and managed to get most of my things set up. I have left most of my things in suitcases in protected storage back at HQ, as it is my fond hope to not stay here long. Tomorrow I hope to whip the defenders into shape, they're really very lax -- I can't say I blame them, I would be too, but if Adamant's borders ARE going to collapse, I'll not have it on my head when it happens. -> *Smoky* With the busy events of the day, it is already late, and so I will have to cut my usually thorough log short, or I will be too tired to take any action tomorrow. -> *Smoky* There appear to be more entries of varying length on the next several pages. Do you want to continue reading? =====================Session Ends===================== ====================Session Begins==================== * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ADAMANT HQ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * <_Happy_> its got a bunch of diferent groups and stuff "Private" Aaron enters the Headquarters for all of Adamant Army, feeling somewhat intimidated at the sight. A famous Adamant ambassador to his previous army, Eagle Assault Force, spots him and steps over. =Hello!= he says warmly, offering a handshake. =You must be that transfer from EAF! Welcome!= (Everyone meet our new player! Since Warwick just transferred to EAF, I'm having Aaron enter from the same place as an officer exchange.) 11,12He continues, slightly more seriously. =For starters, you've been assigned to the platoon Sgt. Warwick left.= He leans forward and whispers into your ear =Just between us, Adamant Command is planning on promoting someone in the platoon to take Warwick's place in the near future rather than transferring someone.= He rights himself and smiles again. =There's just an investigation going on right now, probably a good place for a new Private. If you follow the road outside straight North, you can't miss Alpha-1 . . . . um, which is where your platoon is. My, I'm getting ahead of myself!= =Anyway,= he continues, somewhat more soberly. =You should get there as soon as possible, everyone else started early today.= With that, he immediately turns and plunges into conversation with another person, whom you do not recognize. (So that you know, Happy: action is normal text, speech is enclosed in ==, and out-of-game comments in ()) (Let me know when you finish reading that, Happy) * _Happy_ heads north towards Alpha-1 <_Happy_> im done (You don't get to use /me) (Action is normal text.) <_Happy_> oh <_Happy_> i get it <_Happy_> thanks (Talk with out of game comments like this) (am I playing right now) (And out-of-game comments like "I'm done", "Oh", and "I get it" should be in parantheses) <_Happy_> heads toward Alpa-1 (like the last 3 lines you typed would be this <_Happy_> (oh) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUTPOST ALPHA-1, LEVEL 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (To refresh your memory: Werewolf is looking around on the various platforms which extend from the central platform with the "room", and Adder and Smoky are going through the papers in the room. Adder just finished reading the loose papers and Smoky is working on the log.) (Aaron has not arrived yet.) <_Happy_> (sorry) Suddenly Smoky looks down at the watch around his wrist. =Shoot!= he yells. =I've got to go!= With that, he runs out of the room, raises his arm, and taps his wrist. Werewolf interprets the sign and races over, and they both descend the ladder. =Aw, Man!= =Where are they going now?= I sigh. =I just got important news, guys.= <_Happy_> is walking up the path towards Alpha-1 (Um . . . they're gone.) (I know, you don't need to tell your actions unless you're present in the current scene.) (I'm messed ... can someone explain what's happening here?) (Anything else, Adder, or just waiting?) (yeah, someone explain to gambit.) (brb, real quick) (No, use dialogue to explain once he gets there.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NEAR OUTPOST ALPHA-1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Aaron stumbles onto Alpha-1, surprising the Adamant soldiers. Lt. Yunon quickly intervenes to prevent a confrontation. =Excuse me,= she says, not unkindly. =But could you please identify yourself?= <_Happy_> =Im new= She raises one eyebrow. (All the info you need was in the first scene at Adamant HQ) (tell her you're a transfer from the EAF or something...) (but where am I?) (You're . . . showing up soon, don't worry) <_Happy_> =I believe im assigned to the plantoon that arrived yesterday+ (You'll arrive soon after Happy) (the 69th adamant platoon) <_Happy_> the 69th i think She chuckles quietly. That could be any of 3 platoons, and none of them are here NOW (That should have been before you said 69th) She looks you up and down, appraising you. Why did you say you were here again? (Sorry, The second sentence should have had ==) (you're not using ==, gm) =Why did you say you were here again?= <_Happy_> ==Im part of the 69th adamant plantoon that arrived yesterday+ (say "I just got transferred to the 69th adamant platoon from the Eagle assault force") <_Happy_> (thanks) (tell the guy you're here to help with the investigation) (er the girl...) ( n/p ) =The 69th Adamant Platoon arrived TODAY. No one here was here yesterday.= <_Happy_> =I just got transfered to the 69th adamant plantoon from the Eagle assult force= (Touch typing: an incredibly useful skill ;) ) She looks backward at Lt. Grand as he scrambles down the ladder of the base. =Did YOU hear anything about a officer transfer from EAF?= He smiles. =As a matter of fact, I did. You must be Private Minnick.= He sighs. =I'd love to give you a detailed overview, but this mission is mildly classified and everyone's rather busy, so just go up to the third level of the base and let the people up there fill you in.= With that, he quickly turns and re-ascends the ladder, disappearing into the base. <_Happy_> ascends the ladder up to the third floor * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUTPOST ALPHA-1, LEVEL 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I look at the new arrival Aaron steps off the ladder onto the third level of Alpha-1 and looks around. A cursory glance reveals only a heavy cloth draped down next to the ladder, but after moving to the side he manages to get a good glimpse of the base -- the "room" at the central platform (one wall of which had hindered his view a moment ago) and the three "arms" extending outward to the North, Northwest, and Northeast. Gambit steps onto the platform behind him, having just come up the ladder. (You're still inside the room, last I checked.) =Hi Gambit. Who's this guy?= =Some newbie to the force ...= Thinks. =Oh yeah... Lt. Grand told me you'd be coming.= =Yeah. He's supposedly not bad.= <_Happy_> =im new transfer from eagle assult force= (Guess what? ADDER gets to fill everyone in on what's going on!) =Nods.= (I'll assume that was supposed to be action) =Ok, guys. Anyway, we're doing an inspection of this level.= =We're looking for ANYTHING suspicions.= (oh, yeah, sorry.) =Like what, a bomb?= Snickers and laughs. =I just found something. Here...= Hands Gambit the notebook. =Read through this, see if you find anything.= Take notebook and opens it up. Looks at Gambit. =Heh... nope, just letters and stuff. I think we have a traitor on our hands.= =Whoa!!!= (Since only you are reading it, /msg me once and I'll start pasting information to you) Looks at happy. =Ok, basically I've found some notes, on this guy's desk. It has a lot of very weird stuff.= <_Happy_> is taking mental notes on the situation,hes sure he could learn from veterans! =We've gotta be at the lobby of the Adamant HQ at precisely 4127 GTT.= (Actually, they don't have much more experience (except RPG-ing) than you) =There's gonna be a meeting.= =Someone high up is a traiter.= (Um . . . where did you hear that?) =We can't just let that go!= (Both of you?) I let everyone else read the nots. (in other words, just paste that information up publically.) (Hold on, let me retrieve it) (ok) =This is what I've found. Could I see that notebook, gambit?= You read the small square of paper under the lantern: (you catching on, happy?) =Yeah, sure.= Contact, I will arrive at the lobby at precisely 4127 GTT for a report. I will have only ten minutes to spend, so I'm not repeating myself. Be there ON TIME! <_Happy_> (ya think so) You read the first of the three other sheets. It appears to be a list, and the first four items are crossed off and illegible. The remaining are: (that's good, always hard being a newbie.) - L.A.I.R. * North Backup 1. Company - D.E.A.T.H. * Double shift * Non-N Watch The second reads: Dear Adamant Command, I wish to protest once again that my services are wasted at this outpost, where there is no potential for attack and only the most basic command is needed to actually keep the troops physically present, which I believe could be best done by a Sergeant, not a Commander. Therefore, I would suggest for the role whichever Sergeant is newest or least talented, and I request to be reassigned with my former Batallion to the attack of Ground Thunder, which must be continued, regardless of what your so-called "advisors" tell you. The leadership of such a proud army cannot be (NOTE: The text actually stops there, after "cannot be". Its not just because it was truncated.) =I don't even wanna know what this stuff is, but I have a feeling we have to.= The third is blank. Takes the notebook and reads it. (please post that up to...) (You mean you're reading it out loud?) (sure.) PAGE ONE: Under extensive protest, I have been assigned to lead the forces garrisoning this outpost, referred to as Alpha-1. In keeping with my tradition, I have started a new log for the duration of my assignment here. I must say, however, that I expect this to be one of the least interesting logs which I maintain during my career -- I absolutely despise garrison duty. The day was much less than satisfactory in terms of excitement, as can be expected. Sometimes I feel that it would be worth the degradation to switch to another army just so that the reputation for invincible borders doesn't prevent anything interesting from happening when I do get assigned garrison duty. To catalogue the actual events which did take place today, I arrived at the outpost, staked out the room on the third floor for my office and managed to get most of my things set up. I have left most of my things in suitcases in protected storage back at HQ, as it is my fond hope to not stay here long. Tomorrow I hope to whip the defenders into shape, they're really very lax -- I can't say I blame them, I would be too, but if Adamant's borders ARE going to collapse, I'll not have it on my head when it happens. With the busy events of the day, it is already late, and so I will have to cut my usually thorough log short, or I will be too tired to take any action tomorrow. (If you want to keep reading after that, let me know; be forewarned, the entire notebook is VERY long!) (yeah, I want to read the later pages.) (tell me when you guys are done reading.) <_Happy_> (uh oh) (Yeah, say when you're done reading -- or you could use in-game action to try to silence Adder ;) ) (what's uh oh?) <_Happy_> (im done been done) (Gambit?) <_Happy_> (Its VERY long) (yeah...) (I'm done.) PAGE TWO: 5.2.5 I cannot imagine where I should begin today -- the entire day has been one problem after another, and most remain unsolved. I suppose I should start at the beginning of the fighting period, since this is a military log. When I arrived at the base earlier this afternoon, I found only half the normal number of guards, below the minimum requirement for a front-line outpost -- and this is Alpha-1! My new first officer demonstrated his worth -- the one shred of good fortune I have been allowed today -- by finally managing to get out of one of the Privates that this is because they are "scared" of me after yesterday. And so, of course, TODAY, not tomorrow as would be traditional, is the day that they send someone to come see how I'm settling into the base. The *&#@*&-able luck of it! And so after one of my Privates finally blurts out that I scared everyone else off yesterday, they tell me that they don't have any troops to spare to go around to peoples' houses or make phone calls to get my soldiers back here, or even to bring the base's defenses up to minimum! And, of course, this is going into my record -- and if there are any attacks made against the base before I get those soldiers back it'll qu it'll quintuple my trouble! But even the Privates still here too scared of me to go around and bring their friends back tomorrow, so the entire task is left up to the officers -- none of which are willing to put in enough time to get their equal fraction done. How did such undisciplined troops get to this base anyway? And then, just after the inspector leaves (they missed each other by two minutes!), a messenger comes with an order from headquarters to send any and all troops not absolutely necessary for the defense of the base to the Gamma border to defend against the Red Herrings. I cannot imagine how furious command will be when they take the aftermath tally and find out that not one troop from my command was sent to help them! To top the whole day off, the grand finale, three messengers came from Ground Thunder with various threats against the base -- and they expected ME to give a response! How could I, with less than half the defenders they expected sitting at the base? I'm convinced those "messengers" were only sent as a means of ascertaining the base's readiness -- it seems that I delayed them at the base long enough to prevent an attack today, but its a good bet they'll be swarming over the base tomorrow. =I think that's enough for now ...= (That's the end of page 2) =Adder, let's let the staff figure the rest of this out.= (Um . . . you *ARE* the staff . . .) (sorry ... but still) =ok.= =The notes are traitorist anyway.= <_Happy_> = I think this guy is having a nervous breakdown while writing= (SOMEONE is going to say "prove it") =But I do want to be at adamant hq at 4127.= <_Happy_> =was that is= (Why is that?) =I have a feeling we'll have to catch whoever this is ourselves.= (Only because this is an RPG!!!!) =Let's go then.= (heheh, and the letters could be forged.) <_Happy_> =im in= <_Happy_> = lead the way guys= =Wait, when exactly is 4127?= <_Happy_> =oh ya= =I don't belive I've ever heard of a time scale like that...= =Good question ...= Laughs. (does anyone have any code breaking skills?) <_Happy_> =dont look to me for an answer= (No) (hmmm...) <_Happy_> (protocal???) (Besides, 4 digits isn't much to go off of) =Well, let's put out brains in gear.= I try to break the code. (No, "Cryptography") (heh, good luck to me...) =What's the current time?= (Um . . . even if you have a large sampling, code-breaking ususually requires skill, a computer, and at least several hours) <_Happy_> =does anyone have protocal skills= (The current time is 0925) (ok...) =Hmmm, we gotta find someone smart.= (Protocol skills is knowledge of army protocol) =Hmmm ...= (well, I have lots of interlligence so give us a break ...) <_Happy_> =maybe its a army time system......= =Nah, i have a feeling it's a code...= =What if you divide it in two to get a time?= (Sorry, but breaking a code in a few hours is already incredibly generous, assuming a simple code) =Simple ... but it might work.= <_Happy_> =what time was that again?= (Doesn't cut it in half, breaks it down some) (Besides, the only way to know whether it's a code is if someone who already knows tells you) =Nah... How bout multiplying it by 2?= =Hmmm ...= =That would make it about 2053= =8:00.= <_Happy_> (brb) =er, 8:53= =then again, why would it end in an odd number?= =To throw us off?= =Maybe ...= <_Happy_> (im back phone call) (ok.) =We need something more solid. We can't miss this meeting.= =Anyone know someone we could talk to ...= <_Happy_> (didnt mision 3 end in a war???) =Or we could try and find whoever wrote this.= (Here, let me repeat the message:) I will arrive at the lobby at precisely 4127 GTT for a report. I will have only ten minutes to spend, so I'm not repeating myself. Be there ON TIME! (yeah.) =Hmmm ...= (Consider the entire message.) =Anyone know where the lobby is?= I go outside and yell to Lt. Grand. =Sir, I need your help. We've got something important here.= (Just to let you know, nothing I put in that message was mystyped in any way) Within minutes, Lt. Grand ascends the ladder. =What have you got?= =Traitorous notes.= =We need help decoding it.= =And a diary or something with a bunch of wierd stuff.= <_Happy_> =sir, weve got a problem figuring out a code= =Can you assign someone to break it?= He raises an eyebrow. =Who would be stupid enough to leave obviously traitorous notes lying around? Do you really think the Commander would do that, if he was a traitor?= =You're talking about someone framing someone else?= He sighs. We don't have a cryptogaphy staff. (oops) =We don't have a cryptography staff.= =Well, I don't know sir.= =I only found the notes.= =Um, one minute. Could you excuse us Lt. Grand.= <_Happy_> thinks this is not a good start with the officer in command He nods his head, then steps back down the ladder. (you're probably right.) Whispers. =Yeah?= =What is he's the traitor?= (sorry, replace is with if) =He's pretty evasive about this ...= <_Happy_> =I kinda thought that when you called him up= =Lt Grand?= Lt. Grand yells up from below you. =Should I wait here or get back to my work?= =And someone out of 100 people someone must be good at breaking codes.= =Well, who's office is this, anyway?= =It's alright sir, thanks for everything.= I yell back. =Yeah, we'll tell you if we find anything, sir.= Lt. Grands heavy footsteps lead away, one level down. <_Happy_> =hmmmmmm........= =What do you think?= (By the way, the army actually has over 600 people) (The problem is, virtually no one is an adult) (sorry ...) =This is all very confusing.= (Its YOUR steam of consciousness!) =We've gotta figure out what this stuff means.= (I've said less than anyone except Happy for that last several screens' worth) *** Billy-Gun (vcsinc@mtv7.kih.net) has joined #ss_rpg (Time-out) (May I help you, Billy?) (k) (Billy-Gun???) *** Billy-Gun (vcsinc@mtv7.kih.net) has left #ss_rpg <_Happy_> whispers= I think we ought to find out whos office this is= (time in.) (Typical. Resume.) =Good idea.= I look all over the place for a name, anywhere. (darn, I wanted to slap him around with a fish fro a while) Especially around the desk. <_Happy_> 9lol0 (OH YEAH) <_Happy_> (opps) You look around inside the building, but fail to find any name or title. I open the drawers, starting at the top and going down to the bottom. =I got an idea.= <_Happy_> =what?= (what guns do we all have?) You examine the dresser's six drawers. As you noted earlier, the bottom two (one on each side) have keyholes in them. The other four appear to have no locking mechanisms. All six drawers each have one handle and appear to be of equal size. The upper left-hand drawer contains a large pile of college-rule, lined, yellow notebook paper (WITHOUT three holes in the margin). At least the top paper is blank. The upper right-hand drawer contains several pads of post-it notes, a handful of various writing implements, erasers, and white-out. The vertically-centered left-hand drawer contains a Super Soaker 25. It appears to be arrayed to be easily taken out. What appears to be a custom-designed belt is present in place of the one which came with the weapon. The vertically-centered right-hand drawer is empty. The lower left-hand drawer is locked. The lower right-hand drawer is locked. (is there a locksmith skill?) (lol) (what guns do we have?) (I don't think so, that would be a Special Interest) (Hold on, let me check the logs) =Anyways ... we have two options.= (I have a 1000.) <_Happy_> =what= (er, maybe it was a 2500, one of those 2) =Yeah?= =We can either break open these drawers ... we should be strong enough to do it.= Smiles, and flexes his huge biceps. =I know I am.= <_Happy_> =Im unarmed= There appears to be a CPS 2000, 1000, XP 250, and two XP 110s. =Or we could soak this place like crazy and see who comes to fix up their office.= <_Happy_> (lol) Jon already has the 1000 =Well, I'd say we better not break anything.= <_Happy_> =i agree= I look around for a key. In the drawers first, then on the floor. then on the desk. (Probably won't find anything, but why not try?) You search the drawers but fail to find a key. (PAUSE FOR A MINUTE!!!) (PLEASE!!! (I double check everything 3 times.) (Sure....) (GIVE ME A MINUTE!!!) (Let us know when you're ready) (K) You search the floor and desktop but find nothing. Er, no key, that is. <_Happy_> =i think it may be with the officer= (If anyone has to go, we can stop. Otherwise, we'll keep going) (ollright, I'm fine, let's keep goin...) (I got pretty much all night.) =Then let's go with option number two.= =Let's soak this place.= I go back outside, and yell. =Lt. Grand, sir, I need know who's office this is.= <_Happy_> =ok= =no!= =Guys, that's never gonna work. Whoever this is isn't coming back to this base.= You race outside and call you. A gruff voice replies, =What for??= =At least he probably doesn't.= (Sorry, "call OUT") =Is there a reason we can't know, sir?= =You're supposed to be unbiased and get only what information is crucial!= <_Happy_> grabs a 110 and pumps it casually I sigh. =This is crucial, sir. Could you please come up here?= <_Happy_> =option2??= =Let's go.= =Guys, the Lieutenient wouldn't like that.= Heavy footsteps return to the ladder and Lt. Grand ascends. Grags the 2000 and starts pumping. =Umm, hello, sir.= <_Happy_> =ready when you are Gambit= =Ready for what?= <_Happy_> =oops=hides the gun I look back. =Guys, don't pull the drawer open.= hides the gun. (I try to con the lt into thinking they were just trying to get the drawer open.) (You're SUPPOSED to have access to the guns for base-defense) =Well, there's a lot of suspicious notes in here. We think there's something in those drawers.= =What in the name of sense did they think they could do with two Super Soakers to get the drawer open?= <_Happy_> =Sir,we need to know whos office this is= =Nothing, there's just a scratch on the 2000, and we didn't want to get docked for it. We'll buy you a new one, sir.= (I'm a good fast talker.) He folds his arms. =I can help you get the drawer open, but why do you need the name of the officer who uses this room?= <_Happy_> (lol) (QUICK, SCRATCH THE 2000!) =Well, come to think of it, it doesn't matter who it is. It just matters about what they're doing.= <_Happy_> =Were giving him a birthday card,Sir He stares at you for a moment, then chuckles. =I wasn't born yesterday, Private.= Looks back at happy and winks, then turns to an annoyed expression. <_Happy_> =Thats why SIR= =Happy, this is not stage acting class.= =And you still haven't answered my question: WHY DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?= =The bottom line is that we think whoever it is, they're a traitor.= =Ah . . . and why is that?= =I'm not coming to conclusions, but we've found a bunch of notes with wierd stuff on it. Would you like to see them?= <_Happy_> = no really i want the officers name because im gonna give him a card <_Happy_> =REALLY= =All right, let me see those notes.= (I accept no implied action . . . give them to him.) <_Happy_> hands him the notes =What do you think, sir?= =I'm sorry, we've been terrible confused this morning. Everything's just very bizzare.= He looks them over, then sighs. =First of all, this is circumstantial evidence. Second, you could argue that they don't even SUGGEST that the writer is a traitor.= =But . . .= he looks at the small square note again. Smiles. <_Happy_> grins =This might be something!= He taps the paper near the top. =Do you know what GTT is, sir?= =We sure don't...= =GTT,= he continues. =Usually "Ground Thunder Time".= Eyes widen. =Of course!= =I can't believe we missed this.= =Is there anything else?= <_Happy_> =gentelmen, weve got a traitor= =Well, nothing else we've seen... except...= <_Happy_> =No,SIR =The locked drawers.= <_Happy_> (youre vere good Adder) (hey gambit, you've been awfully quiet, are you even there?) =Ah, yes . . .= he steps into the room. =Traditionally, command-level officers hide the key . . .= (Thank you, happy. you're pretty darn good for a newbie yourself.) He walks behind the desk, picks up the trash can, and upturns it in the center of the room. Smiles. <_Happy_> (beams) Several papers fall out, but no key. He sighs. =So much for tradition.= =We already searched the room high and low, and found no key.= =All right, I'm going to put this in the evidence file. Let me know if you find anything else.= <_Happy_> =I think the officer has it, SIR= =Um, sir, what time would 4127 GTT be our time?= He shakes his head. =I have no idea.= =I think it would be a good idea to check out that lead.= He walks out of the room, and descends the ladder again. =Well, somebody's GOTTA know...= (Yes, but they're probably not on your side.) =Would you be able to help us find someone?= [IRC server suddenly shut off here, severing communications] ====================Session Begins==================== * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUTPOST ALPHA-1, LEVEL 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (To refresh your memory: Gambit, Adder, and Happy are present in the room/office on this floor looking for more clues. Werewolf and Smoky had to leave for some as yet unknown reason and have not returned yet.) Werewolf, followed closely by Smoky, ascends the ladder just outside the room (and on the side). As soon as they are up, Adder climbs down the ladder without a word and disappears from sight. (Just as a side note, if possible, before any time you have to leave in mid-game, have your character execute actions which temporarily put them out of action.) You look around the room, the small pile in the center of the room resulting from Lt. Grand upturning the garbage can which lies next to it catching your eye. The wooden chair in one corner of the room remains unmoved, and the light yielded by the lantern hanging in the center of the room is supplemented by a second, identical lantern placed on the desk. The bright room grows dimmer as the lantern hanging in room's center sputters and dies. <_Happy_> =seems to me this tratior has got to be found <_Happy_> + <_Happy_> (oops) =I agree ...= (I know what you meant) <_Happy_> (OK) I hang the second latern up, and take the first down <_Happy_> (I hope we see some action this time) (Define "action") <_Happy_> (war) ( ;) ) (can you give us a hint in the right direction?) <_Happy_> (hehe) (Well, let's be systematic . . . what have you NOT looked at yet?) I put the first lantern, the one that died, on the floor in a corner. <_Happy_> +maybe its under the furniture+ Looks around the room for anything they might have missed. (this is where you tell me what I see :-) (There's a room description up there. It covers pretty much everything) <_Happy_> (sorry capitalized =) (do I still have the same gun I had last time?) (Sure) Looks in the garbage can for any papers. (Actually, no, Smoky) (Gambit got it) (Last game) (Negotiate with him) You examine the pile of papers on the ground. There is one full sheet of paper, two half-sheets, three crumpled balls of paper (slightly torn), and a pile of paper strips from a shredder at the bottom. I go and take it from him. (Want to read the papers?) (If so, out loud or silent?) (You were supposed to mail them to me) Reads papers out loud. <_Happy_> =I think that chair looks suspicious= The sheet of paper reads: Delta Epsilon Sigma Kappa Upsilon Nu Delta Eta Rho Sigma Iota Delta Eta Chi Lambda Iota Nu Gamma Sigma Kappa Epsilon Yod (Scroll to top to read that) <_Happy_> =its under the DESK= I grab the key =Interesting ... hey wait - look at the first letters of each word. It spells Desk Underside Clings Key.= The sheet of paper reads: Delta Epsilon Sigma Kappa Upsilon Nu Delta Eta Rho Sigma Iota Delta Eta Chi Lambda Iota Nu Gamma Sigma Kappa Epsilon Yod =Open the drawers.= (oops, sorry) You look at the underside of the desk, but its pitch black <_Happy_> (WE know!!!) I grab the key from under the desk You feel around and find a small metal key attached to the desk via chewed gum. <_Happy_> (he must love MECHWARRIOR) (what?) =Open the locked drawers!= (?????????????????????????????????????????????) (Yep. That's where I get the rules for this game.) (It's an RPG made by FASA) <_Happy_> (NAV pionts from MECHWARRIOR) (Um, no. Greet letters -- except for Yod) I unlock the drawers! Upon unlocking the lower left-hand drawer, you see two Super Soakers: XP 20 & XP 70. Upon unlocking the lower right-hand drawer, you see a thick spiral notebook with a black cover and no visible markings. There seem to be other things below this, but you can't see them without removing the spiral notebook. (There all GREAK letters) <_Happy_> (Thats where they got them) (greek letters) Takes out the notebook and opens it up. <_Happy_> =LET ME SEE= It appears to be a log. (Now we're getting somewhere) I look at whats under the notebook! (YEA! ANOTHER one!) Reads the log. Below the spiral, you find that there are several identical ones, filling the drawer and totaling 7. =WHOA!= -> *Gambit* /msg back once to open up the message window. <_Happy_> (holy gwakamoly) (A very diligent log-writer, wouldn't you say?) I take one of the notebooks and start reading it. <_Happy_> deviously says =LETS READ= (HOLD ON ONE SECOND, PLEASE) I steal the CPS 2500, that WAS mine from Gambit as he reads the notebook. (It was a 2000, and you already did) (lol) (YES!!!!!!!!) (How do you want to deal with the notebooks: everyone reading out loud at once would be a jumble) Looks in the notebooks for a location or name of some sort. <_Happy_> (one reads them all) I go and sit in the chair. (what was the time again? you said it last sessson) (Sometime in the early morning) You fail to find any name in the notebooks. <_Happy_> (1478 or someting) (and a location ...) (Everyone DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO PROCEED READING. Don't forget there's the original notebook too, which you could read) (?????????) (What do you clasify as "a location"?) (Do you eaven know 24 hour time) <_Happy_> (Someone reads them all) I it read in my head. -> *Werewolf* /msg once back to me to open up a window to post it to you. (YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO MAIL IT TO ME) <_Happy_> =WHO wants to read them to us= (I decided that you don't get to enter a timewarp between missions and read that much ;) ) I read the book to everyone else, all of them. (Starting with which one?) (do the first one) <_Happy_> (the first) (Which one do you consider "first"?) (The origional) (The one which wasn't in the drawer?) (Yes) <_Happy_> (NOOOOOOOO) (the one on top of the drawer) (the first one in the drawer) 4.3.7 Finally, they accepted the application, and I'm in! I'm actually quite surprised that all of this worked out, I half-expected to suffer the Thunder's internal spy punishment when the security forces of famous Adamant Army caught me -- I suppose I will have to develop faith in the unseen workings which GT puts forth . . . . actually, I'll also have to steal that technique from them and use it in certain other places . . . . . In any case, I've finally entered, and I start my training tomorrow morning! This is only the first step on a long road, but at least its a step in the (the top on in the drawer_ <_Happy_> (Im with Gambit) (oops, never mind that) The first page of the one at the top of the drawer reads: 5.1.31 Finally, a change of luck favors us! I have been assigned to command Outpost Alpha-1, right at the center their border with us! Perhaps the great static borders of Adamant shall finally fall, with history recording Ground Thunder as great victors! Planning, of course, will be crucial. Currently my plan is to act annoyed at the transfer (even though I made several unofficial requests of "HQ" for this transfer), and yell at all the troops, lower morale to the point where the fortifications will provide no advantage -- GTHQ is amassing a force which we'll be using hopefully (The other one I accidentally posted was from one Werewolf read) *** Mulder (~Jiu-Jitsu@200.211.130.117) has joined #SS_RPG (TIME OUT) May I help you, Mulder? I don't speak english! 1,8:( Then ... * Gambit slaps Mulder around a bit with a large trout Sorry ... *** Bishop (Bishop@STLSB110-19.splitrock.net) has joined #ss_rpg Coudn't resist Only those four words? mulder change your nick here we go again . . . <_Happy_> DOUBLE TIME OUT *** Mulder is now known as Hole Oh, more peoeple to slap around ... * Gambit slaps Bishop around a bit with a large trout LOL I gotta go eat supper. Would either Bishop or Hole please explain what you're doing? * Bishop Takes out a bat and smacks Gambit head off flying out into space! I'm masachistic right now. *** Bishop (Bishop@STLSB110-19.splitrock.net) has left #ss_rpg *** Hole has quit IRC (G-lined) <_Happy_> this is a private RPG if you wish you may spectate!! I gotta go eat supper. (Well, if Smoky has to go and Werewolf's leaving soon . . . do we end now? Continue? What?) End End =====================Session Ends===================== ====================Session Begins==================== * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUTPOST ALPHA-1, LEVEL 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (To refresh your memory: Gambit, Werewolf, Smoky, and Happy are present in the room/office on this floor, and just found 7 spiral notebooks full of log entries.) Adder climbs up the ladder onto the third floor. Smoky, Happy, and Gambit leave. *** Tactician is now known as Gamemaster -> *Adder* We started . . . -> *Werewolf* We started . . . Looks. =Where are they going? (Werewolf just said "connection", which I interpret as having tech difficulties) Picks up a notebook and begins reading it aloud. (Never mind) (right) (oh ok) (Any notebook in particular?) (one that we haven't read yet) 4.6.1 After nearly three months' logs, I have finally switched journals, and I'm putting the first into safe keeping. But with this new journal, I find myself at a loss. I suppose I should sum up what happened in the first log. I have begun my career in TI, infiltrating Adamant Army to try to work up through the command structure and finally corrupt their borders enough to destroy (or at least to penetrate), and after two and a half months of training (extended due to my incorrectible tendency to reflexively give orders, derived from my rank in Thunder), I was finally given I was finally given the somewhat anticlimactic rank of full PRIVATE, "with all the privileges and responsibilities which go with that rank," and assigned to their border with the newest enemy, Delta, specifically Delta-4, to guard against the "*#$@ insistant" threat of the Freedom League. Imagine -- they've got four manned outposts against the FREEDOM LEAGUE while we prepare for full-scale invasion! They deserve to fall. And my service at Delta-4 hasn't been all that interesting either -- its commanded by an officer of rank "Lieutenant" who seems to feel that all of us new Privates are purely for attrition and not really useful. It's going to be a long ascension. =Here.= Grabs notebooks. =Let's go see if we can figure out who knows what GTT is.= =This is completely obvious. The notebook says it all.= Leaves the room and motions for werewolf to follow. Follows. (You know that was dated almost a year ago?) (I grabbed all the evidence, the notebooks the note and everything, slinging my 1000 beside me.) (oh... hm...) (Am I holding a gun?) =That log was from a long time ago, that guy probably has already done some damage.= You look at your hands and find that they contain an XP 110 (Specifically, a little over 10 months ago) Flips through the books to find the latest entry date. I hand werewolf the rest of the Notebooks we haven't read and tell him to read them to me and look for useful information, specifically the first pages. (BRB) You find that the latest entry is dated 5.4.15 It is located near the end of the most recent journal. I read that entry aloud. *** Smoky (~ledgerwoo@node61.net1fx.com) has joined #ss_rpg (Hi) (Um . . . hold on, I'll have to type it up. Use comments to fill Smoky in) ( you're late =) ) Smoky reascends the ladder and enters the "room" (sorry for being EXTREMELY late) (no problem, man.) =Smoky! Just in time.= =I guess you already read this stuff?= =We've just been reading the books= =Find anything important?= =The entry we read mentioned the assult from Ground Thunder.= Looks into smoky's blank eyes and chuckles. =You all here, man?= =Oh, good.= =Or intresting= =... before it happened.= =technically not= (whoops) =I think it was talkig about AN assault but not THE assault.= (n/p. mistakes make things interesting.) (Werewolf . . . did you still want to read aloud that most recent journal entry?) (what is the date in the game right now?) =Anyway, it's reasonable to believe that GT's latest attack could have been influenced by this guy.= (yes) =We almost lost that base. I was one of the last 4 standing.= (That date is April 16, year 5 LC) 5.4.15 After extensive planning, I'm going to try another attack against Alpha-1, this time with two full companies (which had better be enough). I've made sure there will be no reinforcements near the base, and I'm sending more than half our defenses on a suicide mission in preparation. I intend to wait in my office during the attack, I've got that 3000 in reserve which I can use to block any entry into my office. Hopefully THIS one will work. (Correction: the current date is April SEVENTEENTH) =AHA!= I grimace. =You think he works at alpha-1?= =He most likely works here, his books are all here.= Looks. =Wait a second... I GOT SENT ON THAT "Suicide" mission!= =That would probably be a fair asumption= *** chacal (TATY@200.9.55.152) has joined #SS_RPG (Time) hi Hello, may I help you? Laughs. =Some suicide mission. Only one of us got hit.= (game going on, please talk in parentheses.) (k) (chacal, we're in the middle of a sim. You may silently spectate if you wish) *** chacal (TATY@200.9.55.152) has left #SS_RPG (every time; a visitor) (Well, a lot of times, anyway. Continue the game) =Hmm, you guys remember who was in command of alpha-1?= Hushes. =Think we should tell Lt. Grand about all this stuff?= =I say yes= =I don't seem to remember that "suicide" mission, what happened?= (Want a suggestion?) (yeah.) (That was what Gambit got "killed" on) =Well, you weren't on it. The only one in our platoon who was there with me was gambit.= =I had to leave early. The other two guys survived.= (You might find out who this guy is, or at least his rank, by reading . . . oh, say, the first entry in this journal) (yeah, good idea.) I do that... (CORRECTION: Gambit was the only PLAYER in it, the other two were in the same platoon) 5.1.31 Finally, a change of luck favors us! I have been assigned to command Outpost Alpha-1, right at the center their border with us! Perhaps the great static borders of Adamant shall finally fall, with history recording Ground Thunder as great victors! Planning, of course, will be crucial. Currently my plan is to act annoyed at the transfer (even though I made several unofficial requests of "HQ" for this transfer), and yell at all the troops, lower morale to the point where the fortifications will provide no advantage -- GTHQ is amassing a force which we'll be using hopefully =Oh, ya.= using hopefully within the week. Perhaps the new year does bring good with a fresh start. Anyway, the messenger from GTHQ is waiting here for me to hand him my report, so I'd better finish and send him on his way as soon as I can -- we can't have everything ruined just because some arrogant underling of mine walks in at an unpleasant time! I will be officially moved to Alpha-1 in exacly 4 days -- I cannot wait! (don't see any name or rank...) =Uh oh.= Smils. =Don't worry.= (You're right, that one was less helpful than I vaguely remembered it) =That was dated 2 weeks ago.= (Um . . . no . . .) =We foiled his "huge" attack.= (That was dated two and a half months ago . . .) (er, oops...) I chuckle at Adder's math. (yeah, we're just full of errors tonight, aren't we?) (yup) I hit werewolf jokingly. =Don't laugh, I'm still not used to reading law command standard dates.= =Well, we gotta do SOMETHING.= (you asleep Smoky?) =Let's go tell Lt. Grand. He was at Alpha-1.= (All right, a hint . . . read the first entry in other logs) =He's bound to know something.= (nope) =Let's just read the first page of all the other ones before we go.= =Maybe we'll find something.= *** chacal (TATY@200.9.55.152) has joined #SS_RPG I pick up a book and read the first entry aloud. =Lets read the first entrie of the others= (I've gotta go) (Here we go again . . . chacal, we're having a sim, silently watch if you like) NEW JOURNAL RECAP (4.12.25): Christmas day . . . . a fine time to be awarded yet another promotion, this time to full Commander! My "superiors" actually wrapped it up and somehow got it under the tree without my noticing . . . Anyway, I'm on the Gamma border now, which I hear is not the place to be -- which is undoubtedly why my "superiors" went to so much trouble to honor me, trying to soften the blow. The Red Herrings are a formidable opponent . . . I'm not yet sure how I can fight them. I suppose I'll have to contact GTHQ and either get some advice, get some "coincidental" backup, or get them to intensify border skirmishes with Adamant to get me transferred over to Alpha border. 4.12.25 (ACTUAL ENTRY) Promoted to Commander, given day off (its a joke, everyone always gets Christmas off), and transferred to Gamma-1 . . . I'm doomed! (If werewolf has to go, I suppose we could end . . . or should I just walk your char off the scene?) what is this chanel about? (This is an RPG. We are ROLE PLAYING) (might as well not stop the session on my account) (bye) *** chacal (TATY@200.9.55.152) has left #SS_RPG (oh) Werewolf leaves the room and the base for some unknown appointment *** Werewolf has quit IRC (Read error to Werewolf[ip125.net20483142.cr.sk.ca]: Connection reset by peer) (stay till eight) (hm, oh well...) (why does everyone here always have tech problems but me and GM? ;-) ) (is that all?) (I seem to remember one session getting cut off because of the IRC server failing . . .) (That's all for the first entry of that journal) (jeff just exited perch (ICQ)) (What?) =Hmm...= Reads the next jornals alloud... (nothin...) NEW JOURNAL RECAP (4.8.15): It turns out that, in all honesty, this has actually been fairly exciting. Just yesterday, I was finally given my first promotion (which takes partial responsibility for my journal switch) to Sergeant -- finally, a command! There were actually benefits to being assigned to the Delta border, as well -- I was capable of exercising ACTUAL valor and skill against those who were my real enemies rather than trying to put up a fake performance for Adamant when the enemy was GT -- oh yes, and I finally gave in and adopted the abbreviation of GT, as can be see as can be seem immediatley previously. So, I finally get a command -- of new Privates, of course, but a command nontheless -- and I've been reassigned to Delta-2, which needs some reinforcement. The Freedom League is about to get more than it bargained for . . . . 4.8.15 (ACTUAL ENTRY) Assigned to a new base yesterday, Delta-2, which I will arrive at for the first time tomorrow. Today I spent sparing with my new troops (mine, mine, all mine!), which seem fairly promising -- but not too promising (hahahahahahaha). (which base is this?) (You are in Alpha-1, remember?) (oh yeah...) (this is the same base that came under attack the other day, right?) (right) (heh, I was confused for a minute. Ok...) (Except it was YESTERday . . .) (next entry?) (In this or another journal?) (another journal.) NEW JOURNAL RECAP (4.10.27): Ecstacy! I cannot believe it -- already, I have been promoted again! I now bear the rank of Lieutenant, commanding a full company -- and I was transferred to Delta-5. Its not as important an outpost as I was at before, but because of that I can command it! What a stroke of luck! 4.10.27 (ACTUAL ENTRY) Promoted, all the way to command of a minor outpost -- the power is nice, but even nicer is exercising it against a foe like the Freedom League. I may not be the most brilliant tactician in the world, but I can certainly cook up a battle plan good enough to waste these guys! I can't wait to resume duty, even in this cold! =It couldn't be grand, because he's only a Lt. and this guy is a commander.= (next...) 4.3.7 Finally, they accepted the application, and I'm in! I'm actually quite surprised that all of this worked out, I half-expected to suffer the Thunder's internal spy punishment when the security forces of famous Adamant Army caught me -- I suppose I will have to develop faith in the unseen workings which GT puts forth . . . . actually, I'll also have to steal that technique from them and use it in certain other places . . . . . In any case, I've finally entered, and I start my training tomorrow morning! This is only the first step on a long road, but at least its a step in the right direction . . . -> *Adder* (This one has a few more entries in it if you're interested . . .) (next) (in this journal.) 4.3.8 Started training today -- not especially challenging, but on the other hand, I'm already an officer in Thunder, so I shouldn't expect it to be -- or rather, should HOPE it isn't. I read the entry directly before. The annoying thing, though, is that we didn't even start drills until half way through the day (lectures . . .), and they are, so far, teaching only the most elementary theories which were old when the Law Command was written. At this rate, it could take years to get a command! Tomorrow, I intend to see whether they have an accelerated program I could use instead -- I'm not supposed to call too much attention to myself, but I am NOT sitting through another half-day of lectures! Sighs. =This is getting rediculous. Let's go tell someone!= Picks up all the evidence, journals, notes, etc, and leaves. Heading for Lt. Grand. You step out of the room and descend the ladder, finding yourself on a much larger floor overflowing with activity. I search for Lt. Grand. I scan the room, seeing whats all in there. (EVERYTHING) You (Adder) wander around the level for some time searching . . (Back to Adder in a sec) (ok) (Smoky:) You look around the room, the small pile in the center of the room resulting from Lt. Grand upturning the garbage can which lies next to it catching your eye. The wooden chair in one corner of the room remains unmoved, and the light yielded by the lantern hanging in the center of the room is the only source of light. There is also a desk with another chair behind it at the back of the room. (Anything as far as pens, matches, waterguns. ) (electronics of anykind) You search the room. There is a cup containing several writing implements on the desk, as well as several in the upper right-hand drawer. Adder seems to have taken the only box of matches (earlier), and the only waterguns still in the room are those in the left-hand drawer. (sorry, I was AFK and forgot to tell you.) (You'll recall you carried all the waterguns left for your group outside, except those equipped) You cannot find any electronics. I yell up. =Smoky, you gonna come down here or what?= Several people moving around you stop and look at you (Adder). I grab the writing utensils and go the the pile (Which ones?) (The cup on the desk?) (of waterguns) (All of them) I ignore them. Done. Adder continues searching but fails to find Lt. Grand in the general bustle of things. (What guns am I carring?) You find yourself to be carrying a CPS 2000 and a flashlight. (you've got a perfectly good gun, now c'mon...) I go to Addar You descend the ladder, but can't find Adder in the crowd. =Comming= I yell. =I' m over here.= Everyone looks over at you, then resumes their work, somewhat annoyed. I go to his voice You two locate each other. =Let's find the L-T.= =Ok, but we stick togather= I go up to the closest person. Addressing them as "Sir" if they're a higher rank, I ask =Excuse me, have you seen Lt. Grand?= He points toward one of the rooms on the level. =Thanks.= I go to that room, and knock on the door. I follow (By the way, you'll recall that all the Sergeants are gone, which means that everyone except the two Lieutenants equal your rank. ) You prepare to knock on the door, but find that where a door should be there is nothing but empty space. Lt. Grand, inside, sees you and motions you in. ok. I walk in. =More evidence?= he asks. Again, I follow. =Sir, we've got a lot of very dangerous information here.= He smiles. =Is there any other kind?= =Apparently, there's somebody who is a Ground Thunder spy. He's worked his way up in the rank chain and is trying to bring Adamant down.= =For GOOD.= Lt. Grand looks disturbed. He holds out his hand, palm up. =The evidence is in these notebooks. Trust me, I wouldn't lie about something like this.= I give him the notebooks and the letter. =We don't know his name, but we think he's a commander.= (Um . . . refresh my memory, WHICH letter?) (He already took the little square note.) (the one with his transfer request) =Acctually, were almost sure.= (Oh, OK) =Be careful, sir. There's a lot of deception in this.= =We'd like to volunteer to take on the case, if there is one.= He signals for two other Privates in the room to leave, and then puts the notebooks down on the desk and skims through one. I whisper to Addar =be right back.= =Ok.= He looks up. =Does that mean you want to go into counter-intelligence as a field?= I shrug. =Well, I dont know. But I really am qualified to take on this operation.= =Sir, I have to be exused for a moment= He nods at you. =He mentions a "Suicide" attack that I was sent on. I survived, as did 2 other members of my group.= I run back to the room. =Then he mentions the earlier attack on this base.= Private, technically to be qualified, except under unusual circumstances, you have to have a high level of security clearance for a case like this. (on the third level) (OK, you're there now) =The last notebook is the most important. It's the most recent.= I turn off the lantern =It ends 1 or 2 days ago.= He looks down at the notebooks. =Which one is last?= (Smoky, the lantern has been put out. The room grows very dark.) =The dates are in the first entry.= Then, using the flashlight, I get the guns from the desk. =We didn't read all of it, but we read enough to know this guy is genuine GT spy.= Smoky: you pick up the XP 70, but cannot carry the XP 20 at the same time with all your other stuff Lt. Grand begins looking at the dates on each first page, until he finds the "last" one. (I shove one in my belt/pants. ) OK, you do that, Smoky. I walk out to the pile. (Done . . .) =Well, if we're not gonna take this mission, I'd like to request another one...= Lt. Grand flips to the last page and begins reading from the end of the last journal. (Adder, remember to include me in whatever you do) Lt Grand looks up. Oh, right. Well, I think we've found what we're looking for, so I suppose there'll be a re-assignment soon. =But this guy's here... Somewhere. He was here VERY recently, and he is involved with that huge attack that ended recently.= (I won't forget.) (What am I carrying and where (pocket, hands, sholder)) I nod. =I hope you catch whoever you're after, sir.= Lt. Grand sighs. I know who this is, Private. I don't need you to tell me. (Oops, I forgot the ==) (You can figure out where they go, I presume) (it happens) =Am I allowed to know who this is, sir? Or would I be considered a security risk?= I look for some sort of string/rope He closes the journal. =You're allowed to know, Private, that you have done Adamant Army a great service and when this is no loner classified you'll be the first to hear the news.= (Smoky . . . um, where are you looking?) I nod. Lt. Grand waves you out of the room. (you're not trying to make a booby trap, are you? It'll probably never work...) (in the room, and around the third level, for anything that could be used as rope.) I shrug. =Thank you sir. Any new orders?= Lt. Grand sighs. =No, not yet. I'll let you know, but command functions are somewhat slow, and we could be at this for the rest of the day.= I nod. =Ok. Goodbye, sir.= I leave. Smoky searches the room with the flashlight. The closest thing you can find is the gum which was holding the key to the underside of the desk. (so that's how he did it... clever.) I shrug, and decide to start patrolling the base. I make counterclockwise circles, looking for any action. Adder trods off and begins wandering around. (Smoky . . . what are you doing?) (tell me if something happens... I can't think of anything else to do...) (I know, I'm waiting on Smoky) I use the key to cut a piece of the canvas off, about 1 inch thick, and as long as posible (off the bottom) Done. (Actually . . . how long a strip?) (how many supersokers are left?) I don't remember real well . . . about 5? (1.5 meters) (OK) (I wonder what he's up to...) (I'm making something so I can carry the guns around with me.) I give everything but the canvas rope i made to Lt. Grand =====================Session Ends===================== ====================Mission 4 Ends====================