Head for Cover, March 3, 1999
Telgar speaks to the group, "Alright team, I think we
need to accomplish a few things. We're going to need to set up some
sort of temporary camp to gather our things and take inventory of what's
still usable. I suggest that Kah'Liss, Lyrium, Roleigh, and Rolgar
stay here to find a suitable spot to set up while Brenon and Zhirzhh come
with me to check out that well structure over there." He turns to Kah'liss,
"I shouldn't be gone too long; could you have some medical stuff ready
to patch me up when I get back?" He turns to Brenon and Zhirzhh,
"Let's go see what we can find, shall we? I have some things I want
to talk about on the way too..."
Zhirrzh steps firmly in front of Telgar's path.
"Impetuous as ever. The first thing we're going
to do is see to the equipment and our injuries. You're not in good enough
shape to go anywhere at the moment. After our injuries are taken care of
and Brenon has a chance to take a look at the radio, then we'll go see
about the well."
Telgar talks to Zhirrzh in a fashion as to not incite
a heated argument or attract undue attention, "I admit that I am not in
the best shape and neither is the equipment, but we are on a foreign uncharted
planet where a team has disappeared previous to us. We don't know
what might be out here or even if those pirates have friends down here.
I thought that four would be enough to check our gear's condition while
the other three of us went scouting to see what our surroundings have to
offer in the way of temporary supplies or resources as well as cover.
I may be a little edgy, but I've been chased all over this galaxy by enemies
of all sorts and I don't like being somewhere that I have no knowledge
of. We came here to rescue the other team and do recon, and I'd feel
better if we did some recon around our little area before diverting our
attention to things that others are plenty skilled enough to do.
I hate to be the reason for another team having to come rescue us.
If I must, I'll concede to staying here if you believe I'm not up to venturing
out because of my wound, but I think that you and Brenon still need to
go check out that structure out there. There may be people or equipment
we can use, or we may find that we need to get out of this area, but I
think it would be in our best interest to go check it out while the others
take care of logistics."
Zhirrzh frowns and shakes his head. "Always splitting
the team." he mumbles.
Out loud he says, "Very well. If you think we need
to check the well out that quickly, then it will be done. However, I'll
do it alone. You're not in any shape to travel, Brenon should probably
take a look at the subspace radio, and Raleigh should probably take a look
at the Explorer. That just leaves me."
Zhirrzh turns to Kah'Liss. There is a definate edge
to his voice, but his tone is even. "If you would be so kind as to treat
my burns, I'll be on my way."
Raleigh had been watching the exchange and decided
it was time for his interjection. "Ok, you both took sharp blows to the
head cause youre making no sense now. We, gents, are on a hostile
world. Weve all been through enough combat in the last hour to hold
us over for weeks...although I'm sure we will see more. That burning
wreck over there is nothing more than a giant signal flare for every indiginous
predator and prey
within fifty miles and you two want to venture off on a boy scout trip?
"I have a better idea. You combat types should
work out a perimiter and check gear, Kahliss and Lyrium can tend to the
wounded, and I will see what kind of damage Zhirrzh did to my once beautiful
explorer. In my opinion, we need to get the gear checked, salvage what
we can, and pack up and head for a safer area. God knows what kinda nasties
are out here and if they dont come looking I can gaurantee that once the
pirates finish up with the show upstairs this'l damn well be the first
place they come looking for us!!!"
Kah'liss listens to the
debate, then makes his own suggestions."I believe we should make this as
quick as possible, we may have company very soon. Any one nearby
should be arriving in an hour or two. "Gentleman,
this has been a very hard time for all of us. The current reactions
being explored are expected reactions to two near death experiences in
a 24 hour period. Perhaps a more analytical approach would
be advised. Each of you has a point, but is not solely correct.
If it were up to I, I would do things as follows:
First I would devide the teams into two. Lyrium,
Raleigh, and Zhirrzh
as team one, and Telgar, Rolgar, Brennon, and I for the second team.
The
first team would be tasked to scout the well. In a hostile environment
as
we are in, water is the primary need. Any additional water we
can gather,
due to the possible loss of our own supply either in part or whole,
will
insure our survival. I suggest the members for the following
reasons:
Lyrium specializes in biology and botany. She could accurately
determine
the pottability of the water. Raleigh's and Zhirrh's skills at
weapons
usage have already been accurately proven, and we will need exactly
that if
trouble arises. Zhirrzh is also a rated Explorer, such skills
can be useful
in an information gathering mission in ways we may not yet know.
Team Two's members were decided on the following
reasons: Brenon knows
how to drive the Explorer, he is one of the best shots we have which
will
give us an added advantage if we are attacked as securing the Explorer
and
it's supplies is as important as obtaining new water supplies.
Telgar, my
friend, you are not in any condition to travel, and your skills at
firefights will be useful if we are attacked. Rolgar and I will
stay
because we have fewer better places to go. I can also treat two
of the
injured.
While Team Two explores forward, Team One will repack
all potential
items, confirm the lack of damage to the Explorer and make all needed
repairs to the Explorer. This is necessary, as if something was
damaged, we
could very well ruin the Explorer by running it before fixing the damage.
While we repack the items, we can do a quick inventory and determine
what
supplies we do have. When we finish, and I do suggest that we
make it
speedily, we can join the team inspecting the water supply. At
that point,
we can determine what to do next.
As was suggested, we will want to do this with all
do haste, as time is
of the essence. We do not know who will come to explore here.
They have
had several hours to track us. Either no one will come, or they
are on
their way now."
Kah'liss looks between the group and then turns
to begin repacking the
vehicle...
Brenon strongly urges that
you move the Explorer and ourselves to cover and fortify our position.
"We'll need several people to follow behind the explorer and cover any
trail. Right now we're a sitting duck, next to a bon fire that's signaling
who the hell knows from the surrounding areas let alone any craft seeing
our plumes of smoke." He urgently suggests you move to a secure location
at least several hundred yards from the crash site, cover ourselves and
fortify our position where you can then safely assess damage and take inventory.
Zhirrzh begins looking around the immediate area,
taking special note of the rock outcroppings that litter the desert. "Yes,
Brenon, we're in the open now. Not good."
Kah'liss firmly pressures for the Explorer to be
examined before it is moved anywhere, and Raleigh agrees that it would
be practical to have at least a once-over before moving it. He grabs his
Techkit and crawls underneath the Explorer, checking some of the electrical
systems for damage.
Zhirrzh nods in agreement with Raleigh. He
grudgingly acknowledges Kah'Liss as well.
"We may yet split into teams, but for now, I agree
that we should find more suitable cover."
Zhirrzh points out a large mass of rock about 50
yards away. "That should provide us with enough cover for now. As soon
as Raleigh gives the ok, we'll move the Explorer. In the meantime, I suggest
we gather the supplies that were tossed from the shuttle and prepare to
go."
Zhirrzh turns to Kah'Liss. "I believe it would be
best if you treated Telgar while Raleigh sees to the Explorer and the rest
of us gather up the supplies."
Kahliss nods, in full agreement with the current decision.
He beckons Telgar and prepares his Medkit for some pretty heavy treatment.
During the course of packing, Brenon taps Zhirrzh
on the shoulder and pulls him aside, out of earshot of the rest of the
team. Brenon and Zhirrzh start a whispered conversation with Brenon pointing
to the spot Zhirrzh mentioned and then to the wreckage of the shuttle.
Zhirrzh nods his head in apparent agreement. Brenon then makes a side-to-side
sweeping motion as he mentions something else to Zhirrzh. Again Zhirrzh
shakes his head in agreement. Zhirrzh then points to the rocks, back to
the shuttle, and then to his chronocom as he quickly explains something
to Brenon. Brenon shakes his head in agreement as well and the two walk
back to the rest of the team.
"Team, " Zhirrzh begins, "it is certain that 50
yards is not far enough away if a search party arrives. Brenon and I have
discussed this and we feel that moving the Explorer to behind the rocks
should only be the start of our concealment. We'll move the Explorer to
behind the rocks where Raleigh can certify it for distance running. I don't
think I can cover the Explorer's tracks for several hundred yards, but
I do believe I can cover the Explorer's and everyone else's tracks for
that distance. From there, we'll move to a spot several hundred yards farther
where we can complete inventory and formulate a plan of action."
Zhirrzh holds up his hand to stave off any immediate
responses.
"There's one more thing. I believe one of us should
remain in the rocks to watch and wait while the rest of the team moves
to a more distant spot. That member will keep in contact with the rest
of the team via chronocom. If anyone does arrive, the rest of the team
will get advance intelligence about what we're up against."
Zhirrzh pauses a moment to allow the team to consider
what he said and then adds one more comment. "I'm nominating myself to
remain in the rocks for a few reasons. I'm best able to conceal myself
while I wait and, if I should be found, I can make myself all but invisible
with my holo screen as I make my way back to the rest of the group."
"Any comments?" Zhirrzh finally asks.
Telgar speaks again, "Good
idea Zhirrzh. You would definitely be the best choice for lookout.
I'm fine with the current plans."
At the end of Zhirrzh's instructions, Brenon promptly
turns, heading towards the Explorer. "Let's load up people and get some
distance between the crash site and us". Brenon picks up a few items that
were scattering; tossing them onto the Explorer. He then makes way to the
drivers side of the Explorer, a little reluctant to get behind the wheel
due to his recent driving experience, Brenon defers to anyone else wishing
to drive.
Zhirrzh nods to Brenon and Telgar, confident that
everything was under way. Walking as close as he dared to the back of the
burning shuttle, he begins clearing the Explorer's tracks.
Raleigh listens intently to the conversation, growing
increasingly nervous as he watches the shuttle blaze away into the morning.
"Listen, I like Zhirrzh's idea of the lookout. Whats say we all get
the Explorer to a safe zone and play our cards out from there. I
think we need to appoint a leader but it needs to be a well thought
out decision and I cant think right now with that shuttle inviting
a bunch of beasties to dinner! The Explorer will need some work - some
of the electrical systems were damaged by the oven it was in, but she's
good enough to find some cover. Let's go!"
I minutes, the Explorer cranks and heads to the
agreed upon rock formation. Zhirrzh remains behind, covering tracks and
keeping an eye on the crash site, now a smoldering pile of twisted metal.
------------------------------
"Make it quick, Kah'liss, I want to check out that
well!" Telgar prods, impatiently waiting treatment. Although still very
weak and in pain, this was a terrible annoyance that the wounded man could
not wish away quick enough. "And get that arm fixed, would ya?"
"You, are going to sit down and let me work on you
the way I require," Kah'liss begins matter-of-factly, going over the severely
wounded arm with his medic CAS. "You may not want to admit it, or show
it, but you are very close to over excerting yourself, if you have not
already. You need rest and recovery." After he is complete with the diagnosis,
he shakes his head in dismay. "My friend, you are in need of surgury. A
hospital with its proper sanitation is what we need, but in our obvious
situation, we'll make do with what we have." He motions to Lyrium, who
is learning what she can from the medic (OOC: and will make sense with
her XP spent on Medical 1), and the two begin preparing the inside of the
Explorer for treatment; better there than outside in the sandy, windy desert.
Once set up, the two begin treatment...
------------------------------------
{DieRoll Kah'liss}
MEDICAL TREATMENT - Telgar
Medical Treatment - Wounds III (skill level +1 = Column 2)
Roll = 35
Yellow Result = Successful
* 50 * points healed, restoring
Telgar's stamina back to original value of 62.
5 doses of Biocort used. (32 remaining)
2 doses of Anaesthetic used. (17 remaining)
Special Note to Telgar
Note the rule dealing with Special Damage (i.e. your right arm) :
A deep cut may be healed in this
way, but it takes 1d10+1 days until those penalties are nullified.
{DieRoll Telgar}
1d10
= 8
+1 days = 9
9 days until you have full use of your right
arm (I will break the Penalties down; +1 CS every 3rd day)
Note also that with Wounds III, you suffer -1CS for all actions for
1d10 days:
{DieRoll Telgar}
1d10 = 1
For 1 day, all actions are
-1CS.
---------------------------
While the surgery is underway inside the Explorer,
Raleigh is busy underneath, checking out the vehicle. He has identified
a problem with the mounting - The extreme heat and the bumpy ride caused
some problems, but they aren't anything that should cause that big
an issue...
{DieRoll Raleigh}
Vehicle Repair (Skill Level = Column 1)
d100 = 7
Cobalt result = Success
"No Problem," booms a muffled voice from underneath
the Explorer. "Give me a few hours and she'll be ready to go."
--------------------------
Rolgar and Brenon take the time to take inventory
of what was lost and what is salvagable. Almost everything survived the
fire. Unfortunately, most of the bulky water packs were stored on top of
the vehicle, and some were destroyed in the fire. The two, particularly
Brenon, make an anxious and solemn inventory...
15 Water packs destroyed. (134 remaining) --- {60kg
lost}
2 Parawings destroyed. (1 remaining) --- {6kg lost}
2 Infla-Tents destroyed. (6 remaining) --- {60kg
lost}
.....While Zhirrzh covers the tracks, recons the crash site, and makes
his way back to the new temporary camp.
========================
Referee's Note:
The time is now around 11am or so -- crashdown +5 hours --- The heat
is overbearing. The inventory did not take all this time; I assume Brenon
and Rolgar reconned a small perimeter around the Explorer. Everything looks
nice and quiet. No signs of any life (save for the small lily pad looking
patches of plant scattered occasionally about). The few outcroppings of
rock blocks some of your view, but everywhere you can see, in any direction,
is the yellow sands of desert. Using a pair of magnigoggles, you can determine
that the well-like structure lies approximately 8 km East of you.