Time Stamp: 10:04am local time.
Sophie sat in the captain's chair on the bridge of the Firestorm, watching the main viewscreen. There wasn't much on it, just the blue and purple swirls of hyperspace as Daxia piloted them through it towards their next destination, the planet of Carpatha IV. Yesterday the Black Steel had decided to try and track down a criminal named Varrus Elos. He was a Relexal wanted by the Relexal Empire for a string of violent murders on the colony world of Aipas. The Empire had put a bounty on Varrus, wanting him captured and brought back to Aipas to face criminal charges.
Theoretically anyone going after the bounty could bring him back dead or alive though they'd pay three times the amount if he was alive and not seriously injured enough to talk than they would if they brought back his dead body. As a result Sophie had instructed her crew that they were going to do their best to catch Varrus alive. A bit of snooping and discreet hacking of certain computer networks had suggested that Varrus had fled to Carpatha IV. It was a good choice as it was a remote world far from Relexal territory. Though technically part of the Genioset Republic it was a frontier world and a broad mix of species had settled on it.
It seemed to be the kind of place someone could disappear into the crowds. She straightened in her chair when Daxia transferred the Firestorm back into normal space and the viewscreen changed to project the current view. They had emerged from hyperspace on the edge of the Carpatha solar system and were just passing Carpatha VII. She tapped a few commands into the small computer hooked up to the Captain's chair and scanned the solar system. "Nothing unusual on sensors, carry on to Carpatha IV." She instructed. "Aye Captain." Daxia acknowledged from the pilot seat even as she began flying towards the one habitable planet within the system.
The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Crimson hummed along with a song while he prepared his little ship for a hyperspace jump.
"Reactors set, coils charged, jump point calibrated."
Crimson looked at the computer and punched in the last few numbers.
He was on the way to Carpatha IV for a bounty hunt, the target was someone named Varrus Elos, the Relexal Empire wanted him and the bounty was high enough to live quite a while comfortably so Crimson had decided to take on the job.
"Three, two one, engaging drive."
With a flash the ship vanished and seconds later it created another flash when exiting hyperspace, it had been a good jump, Carpatha IV was showing on the main screen, Crimson pushed the engine controls forwards and waited for the ion boosters to kick in, Crimson approached the planet and reduced speed while pointing his ship at his destination he activated the antigrav and flew carefully into the atmosphere.
Crimson only had to fly a few hundred miles and landed the AF-355 on a remote part of a space port, he prepared himself carefully, he filled a bag with scanners, hacking tools some cashs and weapons, picked up his helmet and gloves and walked outside.
"Reactors set, coils charged, jump point calibrated."
Crimson looked at the computer and punched in the last few numbers.
He was on the way to Carpatha IV for a bounty hunt, the target was someone named Varrus Elos, the Relexal Empire wanted him and the bounty was high enough to live quite a while comfortably so Crimson had decided to take on the job.
"Three, two one, engaging drive."
With a flash the ship vanished and seconds later it created another flash when exiting hyperspace, it had been a good jump, Carpatha IV was showing on the main screen, Crimson pushed the engine controls forwards and waited for the ion boosters to kick in, Crimson approached the planet and reduced speed while pointing his ship at his destination he activated the antigrav and flew carefully into the atmosphere.
Crimson only had to fly a few hundred miles and landed the AF-355 on a remote part of a space port, he prepared himself carefully, he filled a bag with scanners, hacking tools some cashs and weapons, picked up his helmet and gloves and walked outside.
""Revenge is a dish best served fried... deep fried!" (Alestorm)" (Alestorm.)
Cutthroat Coffee, The Pirate's Choice!
Cutthroat Coffee, The Pirate's Choice!
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Jessan scampered around a conduit as he performed some maintenance that needed doing. He decided while they were traveling through hyperspace that it would be a good idea to catch up on it, plus it would give him something to do since Squa was the main engineer and he was his assistant, which meant that Squa did the bulk of the work and Jessan mostly performed maintenance and worked the hours that Squa was off.
As he worked, he thought about how he came to be on the Firestorm. The last ship he worked for had also been mercenary, but they were more cutthroat and would take just about any cargo, legal or not. Usually it was not, which didn't set well with him since he had always been on the right side of the law.
Well, their cutthroat ways had caught up with them when they stopped at a planet to rest and have fun before they delivered the cargo of slaves. Jessan had been looking for this chance and had sent an anonymous tip to the law enforcement there, who immediately closed in on the other, who fled, and didn't wait for him, thinking he'd been captured. That was the last he saw of that crew.
After that, he'd drifted on the planet doing odd jobs to support himself, until, by chance, he'd met up with Sophie, who was in need of a backup engineer. She had been up front about sometimes taking on illegal cargo, but that it was only when she had to, and she never dealt in slaves. He figured he could live with the occasional illegal deliveries, as he'd found himself quite attracted to Sophie.
It hadn't taken long for the attraction to become mutual, and now the two were mated. He smiled as he thought about that, he'd never figured he'd fall for his boss, but there you go.
He continued to perform maintenance as they briefly dropped out of hyperspace to get their bearings and then resumed course for their destination, Carpatha IV, and Varrus Elos.
As he worked, he thought about how he came to be on the Firestorm. The last ship he worked for had also been mercenary, but they were more cutthroat and would take just about any cargo, legal or not. Usually it was not, which didn't set well with him since he had always been on the right side of the law.
Well, their cutthroat ways had caught up with them when they stopped at a planet to rest and have fun before they delivered the cargo of slaves. Jessan had been looking for this chance and had sent an anonymous tip to the law enforcement there, who immediately closed in on the other, who fled, and didn't wait for him, thinking he'd been captured. That was the last he saw of that crew.
After that, he'd drifted on the planet doing odd jobs to support himself, until, by chance, he'd met up with Sophie, who was in need of a backup engineer. She had been up front about sometimes taking on illegal cargo, but that it was only when she had to, and she never dealt in slaves. He figured he could live with the occasional illegal deliveries, as he'd found himself quite attracted to Sophie.
It hadn't taken long for the attraction to become mutual, and now the two were mated. He smiled as he thought about that, he'd never figured he'd fall for his boss, but there you go.
He continued to perform maintenance as they briefly dropped out of hyperspace to get their bearings and then resumed course for their destination, Carpatha IV, and Varrus Elos.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Kellen stood at the tactical station as they traveled to Carpatha IV, chasing down Varrus Elos, the Relexal wanted for a string of violent murders and who had a juicy bounty on his head if he could be brought back alive. Kellen wasn't under any illusions when it came to this bounty, he knew that it wouldn't be easy to capture, or even kill, the mark. Varrus was one sick piece of work to have committed those acts of violence and murder. And with such a high bounty on his head for live delivery he also knew they wouldn't be the only group after him, Kellen just hoped they reached him first.
When they briefly dropped out of hyperspace to check their bearings, he stretched and glanced around, then they were back on their way. If it was one thing one didn't do when they were racing for a bounty, it was waste time and let rivals get ahead of you.
T'Sarrina put away the last of the supplies that she had picked up from the last planet they had visited. Her parents had sent it ahead as per their arrangement and she now put the exotic medicines in their proper storage containers. Her life aboard the Firestorm since Sophie had saved her from a life of slavery, to her parents, no less, had not been dull. She smiled as she remembered that conversation and subsequent decision to fake their deaths and be reborn as mercenaries. Though she, as a Di'Lekk, had been raised to be very moral, she had learned over the last four years to bend those morals when the situation called for it. She had never been called upon to break them, but she was pretty sure that she would never have to.
She glanced up as she felt the ship leave hyperspace and then resume course for the planet where Elos was hiding. She wrinkled her nose as she closed the last container and went back out to the infirmary. A violent murderer...she would definitely not mind collecting the bounty on that one.
When they briefly dropped out of hyperspace to check their bearings, he stretched and glanced around, then they were back on their way. If it was one thing one didn't do when they were racing for a bounty, it was waste time and let rivals get ahead of you.
T'Sarrina put away the last of the supplies that she had picked up from the last planet they had visited. Her parents had sent it ahead as per their arrangement and she now put the exotic medicines in their proper storage containers. Her life aboard the Firestorm since Sophie had saved her from a life of slavery, to her parents, no less, had not been dull. She smiled as she remembered that conversation and subsequent decision to fake their deaths and be reborn as mercenaries. Though she, as a Di'Lekk, had been raised to be very moral, she had learned over the last four years to bend those morals when the situation called for it. She had never been called upon to break them, but she was pretty sure that she would never have to.
She glanced up as she felt the ship leave hyperspace and then resume course for the planet where Elos was hiding. She wrinkled her nose as she closed the last container and went back out to the infirmary. A violent murderer...she would definitely not mind collecting the bounty on that one.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Sophie answered spaceport control when they hailed the Firestorm and gained permission to dock in the main city of Gillu. She'd managed to squeeze a little extra profit in on the side by delivering a shipment of engineering tools to a local corporation. In addition to the extra profit it gave the Firestorm and her crew a legitimate reason to be on Carpatha IV. Now they could do their search for Varrus in peace. "We're to land in docking pad seven." She told Daxia then sat back in her chair while the Mikoatty pilot brought them first into orbit then down through the planet's atmosphere before coming down to land.
She had entrusted Ben the ship's quartermaster, Stiyl and a couple other crewmembers to oversee the unloading of the cargo they'd brought. It freed up the rest of the crew to begin searching for their bounty. Once Sophie felt the light jolt of the ship landing she stood up and stretched her muscles. "All right, let's get out there and begin searching." She instructed her crew. And with that she led them to the airlock, pausing only briefly on the way to stop by a weapons locker so they could arm themselves properly. And to message Squa to meet them at the airlock. Once at the airlock Sophie opened it and stepped out onto the spaceport grounds and looked around.
She wore a standard one-piece shipsuit that was a mild orange in colour, clearly marking her as a spacer. Stout leather boots protected her feet. Her blonde hair was woven back into a loose plait and in addition to her normal laser pistol she had a secondary one in a second holster attached to her leather belt and a knife tucked into her boot. Some of her crew had chosen heavier weapons but she preferred mobility. She watched as Ben and the local spaceport crew began work unloading the cargo from the Firestorm.
She had entrusted Ben the ship's quartermaster, Stiyl and a couple other crewmembers to oversee the unloading of the cargo they'd brought. It freed up the rest of the crew to begin searching for their bounty. Once Sophie felt the light jolt of the ship landing she stood up and stretched her muscles. "All right, let's get out there and begin searching." She instructed her crew. And with that she led them to the airlock, pausing only briefly on the way to stop by a weapons locker so they could arm themselves properly. And to message Squa to meet them at the airlock. Once at the airlock Sophie opened it and stepped out onto the spaceport grounds and looked around.
She wore a standard one-piece shipsuit that was a mild orange in colour, clearly marking her as a spacer. Stout leather boots protected her feet. Her blonde hair was woven back into a loose plait and in addition to her normal laser pistol she had a secondary one in a second holster attached to her leather belt and a knife tucked into her boot. Some of her crew had chosen heavier weapons but she preferred mobility. She watched as Ben and the local spaceport crew began work unloading the cargo from the Firestorm.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
After piloting and landing the Firestorm, Daxia followed Sophie out to the airlock as she was one of the usual 'ground team' the Captain favoured in bringing with her when she did jobs that involved leaving the Firestorm. At the weapons locker Daxia chose an assault rifle and a couple grenades as her additional weapons whilst planetside. She also donned a bulletproof vest which went over her pale orange shipsuit. Her trusty laser pistol was still safely tucked at her belt. In truth Daxia was still getting used to life as a mercenary after so many years as a police officer back on her homeworld.
Though they'd done nothing but good and legal jobs in the three weeks that she'd been part of the Black Steel she knew they occasionally did criminal stuff. She wasn't sure how she'd handle that. But then again since being framed and Disgraced her life seemed to be about how much she could handle the wild changes to it. Fortunately Sophie and her crew had been nothing but welcoming to her. She was the only Mikoatty aboard but they didn't seem to mind. They treated her like anyone else.
The crew might be two-thirds human but they treated the alien species just the same. She was still getting used to that. Before they stepped out of the airlock she adjusted her dark brown hair into a ponytail then followed Sophie out. Daxia too looked around although in this case it was for danger. She was determined to protect her new employer because her gut told her she wouldn't find a job much better than this in a hurry.
Though they'd done nothing but good and legal jobs in the three weeks that she'd been part of the Black Steel she knew they occasionally did criminal stuff. She wasn't sure how she'd handle that. But then again since being framed and Disgraced her life seemed to be about how much she could handle the wild changes to it. Fortunately Sophie and her crew had been nothing but welcoming to her. She was the only Mikoatty aboard but they didn't seem to mind. They treated her like anyone else.
The crew might be two-thirds human but they treated the alien species just the same. She was still getting used to that. Before they stepped out of the airlock she adjusted her dark brown hair into a ponytail then followed Sophie out. Daxia too looked around although in this case it was for danger. She was determined to protect her new employer because her gut told her she wouldn't find a job much better than this in a hurry.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Jessan glanced up when he felt the ship land with a bump, and then Squa was paged to meet the ground crew at the airlock. Since he was rarely part of the ground crew, he slid out of the conduit he'd been working on and started looking over the engines while their engineer went to meet the others. If nothing, he'd have the Firestorm ready to leave at a moment's notice if he had to.
T'Sarrina felt the Firestorm bump to a landing on the spacedock, so she holstered the laser pistol that she always carried and only used to defend herself if violence was her only option. She then slung the medical pack she was also never without across her shoulders. She then joined Sophie and the others at the airlock and walked off when Sophie told them to spread out and look for their mark. She walked with Sophie, as always, and kept an eye out for danger.
Kellen waited until Daxia brought the ship to a landing before he stretched again and went to the weapons locker with Sophie to arm himself. He, like Daxia, chose a heavy assault rifle and some grenades to attach to his belt. In the unlikely event that they ran into heavy trouble he liked to have some things that exploded to get them out of it. Once they left the airlock, he walked with Daxia and kept an eye out for danger, knowing the quarry they were after would probably do just about anything not to get caught.
T'Sarrina felt the Firestorm bump to a landing on the spacedock, so she holstered the laser pistol that she always carried and only used to defend herself if violence was her only option. She then slung the medical pack she was also never without across her shoulders. She then joined Sophie and the others at the airlock and walked off when Sophie told them to spread out and look for their mark. She walked with Sophie, as always, and kept an eye out for danger.
Kellen waited until Daxia brought the ship to a landing before he stretched again and went to the weapons locker with Sophie to arm himself. He, like Daxia, chose a heavy assault rifle and some grenades to attach to his belt. In the unlikely event that they ran into heavy trouble he liked to have some things that exploded to get them out of it. Once they left the airlock, he walked with Daxia and kept an eye out for danger, knowing the quarry they were after would probably do just about anything not to get caught.
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RJDiogenes
- Posts: 15093
- Joined: December 9th, 2007, 12:21 pm
- Location: Boston
- Contact:
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
A writhing mass of purple tentacles passed through the engine room, touching Jessan briefly on the back of the head as it went by in a gesture indicating a departure with eventual return. The tentacles, which were topped by an oval head, went by the name of Squa Tront, a being who chose to live among aliens as part of his journey of observation. The awkward bipedal aliens and their technology-- which was as hard as the continents on which their ancestors had evolved-- held an exotic fascination for him. He sought fluidity in their brittleness, but found himself absorbed in their angular lives.
He had been in his darkroom, tending to the polyp network whose mitochondria supplemented the quantum computer of the bipeds, when the primary biped sent him a communication. After having been among the pattern of the ship for several recurring currents, he understood it easily and went to join her. He stopped at the weapons locker on the way and picked up an energy weapon that had been modified for his use and placed in it a tool belt wrapped around the plinth of his third pseudopod. The hardness of the alien device against his limb excited his anticipation for the day, for in it he felt his distance from home.
Today's sub-journey, as he understood it, involved the collection of a morally malfunctioning member of one of the bipedal species. They were to constrain his freedom temporarily in order to transport him to the more permanent restriction of the bipedal authorities, who would enact upon him the consequences prescribed by their laws. In return, some measure of economic wealth would be transferred to himself and his consortium. In the bipedal culture, economics and ethics were often entangled in interesting ways.
He had been in his darkroom, tending to the polyp network whose mitochondria supplemented the quantum computer of the bipeds, when the primary biped sent him a communication. After having been among the pattern of the ship for several recurring currents, he understood it easily and went to join her. He stopped at the weapons locker on the way and picked up an energy weapon that had been modified for his use and placed in it a tool belt wrapped around the plinth of his third pseudopod. The hardness of the alien device against his limb excited his anticipation for the day, for in it he felt his distance from home.
Today's sub-journey, as he understood it, involved the collection of a morally malfunctioning member of one of the bipedal species. They were to constrain his freedom temporarily in order to transport him to the more permanent restriction of the bipedal authorities, who would enact upon him the consequences prescribed by their laws. In return, some measure of economic wealth would be transferred to himself and his consortium. In the bipedal culture, economics and ethics were often entangled in interesting ways.
And check out Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Jessan merely waved without turning when he felt the touch on the back of his head. When he first started working on the ship, he'd been totally surprised to meet the engineer, and the first time he had touched him like that had nearly had him jumping out of his skin. Now though, he'd gotten used to the touches, as Squa very rarely spoke.
He went back to his job while Squa went to meet up with the group.
He went back to his job while Squa went to meet up with the group.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Sophie smiled slightly when Kellen joined them outside the airlock. She always felt safer when she had him and Daxia with her as part of the ground team. Both were tall and armed with assault rifles and had training. She nodded to Squa when he arrived to acknowledge his presence. With the group assembled she led the way out of the spaceport onto the streets. Being a newly constructed city it was all sleek metal and concrete with hovercars flying at various levels overhead. The lights and signboards were bright and illuminating. As they walked down the streets she got out her communication device and called Jessan.
She'd hired him on as a secondary engineer and had found him attractive from the start. But she'd been surprised when she'd found herself falling for him. Still, she was happy to be in a relationship with him. "Hey Jess." She greeted him once he answered his communicator. "Can you use the Firestorm's sensors to sweep the areas outside the city for Relexal lifesigns please?" She asked. It would make things a lot easier if Varrus had chosen to camp in the wilderness outside the city. If not they would have to either check the local hotels or hack into the Central City Computer to find out where he was staying. She hoped they wouldn't have to do anything illegal. Since quitting the life of a criminal four years ago to save T'Sarrina, she found things were much more satisfying if she could get it done the right way.
She'd hired him on as a secondary engineer and had found him attractive from the start. But she'd been surprised when she'd found herself falling for him. Still, she was happy to be in a relationship with him. "Hey Jess." She greeted him once he answered his communicator. "Can you use the Firestorm's sensors to sweep the areas outside the city for Relexal lifesigns please?" She asked. It would make things a lot easier if Varrus had chosen to camp in the wilderness outside the city. If not they would have to either check the local hotels or hack into the Central City Computer to find out where he was staying. She hoped they wouldn't have to do anything illegal. Since quitting the life of a criminal four years ago to save T'Sarrina, she found things were much more satisfying if she could get it done the right way.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
When Sophie asked Jessan if he could detect Relexal lifesigns around the city, he smiled. "Sure, Sophie." He said. He then scampered over to the sensor panel in engineering and set the outside scanners to scan for the required lifesigns. Within moments, he had his answer and called her back. "I have the Relexal." He said to her. It's faint, but it's outside the city. He's definitely trying to hide, he's in a cave." He then gave her the coordinates where he detected the lifesigns. "Happy hunting." He told her.
"The wilderness." T'Sarrina commented as she listened in on the communication. That would make things better, they wouldn't have to scour the city to find him, and hopefully they could get him. At least she wasn't unfamiliar with wilderness trekking and her envirosuit was the sturdiest she could get, thanks to her parents, who had sent it to her when they found out she was alive and they had conspired to provide them with needed medicines.
"Happy hunting indeed." Kellen said. He hefted his assault rifle against his hip as he waited to see what kind of plan Sophie was going to come up with. It certainly wouldn't be easy to get to, Elos would certainly have fortified his position, maybe even laid a trap or two and would be on alert. Especially if he knew about the triple bounty on his head if he was brought back alive.
"The wilderness." T'Sarrina commented as she listened in on the communication. That would make things better, they wouldn't have to scour the city to find him, and hopefully they could get him. At least she wasn't unfamiliar with wilderness trekking and her envirosuit was the sturdiest she could get, thanks to her parents, who had sent it to her when they found out she was alive and they had conspired to provide them with needed medicines.
"Happy hunting indeed." Kellen said. He hefted his assault rifle against his hip as he waited to see what kind of plan Sophie was going to come up with. It certainly wouldn't be easy to get to, Elos would certainly have fortified his position, maybe even laid a trap or two and would be on alert. Especially if he knew about the triple bounty on his head if he was brought back alive.
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RJDiogenes
- Posts: 15093
- Joined: December 9th, 2007, 12:21 pm
- Location: Boston
- Contact:
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
As Squa exited the ship, he saw that Sophie inclined her head toward him, since she was unable to change its shape, by bending the semi-flexible stalk which connected it to her torso. He understood this to be an acknowledgement and greeting. He intertwined the tips of his first and eighth pseudopods and pushed in her direction, then repeated the greeting in a circular fashion to include the rest of the bipeds. This confirmed his acknowledgement of their depth pressure and his solidarity of purpose.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
As he sat back after giving Sophie the coordinates of the cave, Jessan couldn't help but worry about them. The monster they were after was a real sicko. He'd killed six or seven people that they knew of and he did it in a really nasty manner. He used an electroblade and cut through the arteries, while at the same time he would shock them. And he would keep shocking them while they bled out. Jessan didn't know what would motivate an ex-cop to kill like that, but he sure as hell didn't want any of their team, especially Sophie, to come under that knife. "Be careful too." He said into thin air after ending the transmission.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Kellen leaned against the wall while Sophie decided on their game plan and he idly studied Daxia. He'd never met a Mikoatty before, even a Disgraced one, and he couldn't help but admire the gold-toned skin. It wasn't the golden-brown one got from sunning, but it was actually a shimmering golden color. She was at least as tall as he was, and he even liked the pointed ears. He didn't know what she'd done to get Disgraced, but he did hear that almost any misstep could potentially do that, something he didn't really care for.
"Gonna be a big payday." He commented to her. "Bigger than most. Everyone will net at least 50k. Though 10k isn't anything to sneeze at, which is what we got on the last mission."
"Gonna be a big payday." He commented to her. "Bigger than most. Everyone will net at least 50k. Though 10k isn't anything to sneeze at, which is what we got on the last mission."
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
"Thanks Jessan." Sophie was a little surprised that they'd managed to pick up a Relexal lifesign despite his attempts to hide. She made sure that the Firestorm's technology was relatively up to date so the sensors were decent. She wanted to act quickly because if they could detect what was probably Varrus' lifesign then other bounty hunters with relatively good sensors could do so too. Yet she didn't want to rush in. He was trained. She ran the coordinates that Jessan had given her through the communication device's computer.It was several miles beyond the city limits and would be several hours' walk by foot.
She didn't like that idea as it would mean they'd be a long way from help if they got injured. Varrus had probably set traps. "Okay." She said out loud as she turned to her ground team. "We're going to hire a small skitter craft and fly out there. We'll land at a discreet distance from the coordinates so Varrus won't see or hear our approach. We can also use the craft's sensors to scope the area and see if we can spot any traps and decide the best way to take him alive." She decided. "We'll also need to collect some specialized equipment from the Firestorm." Sophie added.
She didn't like that idea as it would mean they'd be a long way from help if they got injured. Varrus had probably set traps. "Okay." She said out loud as she turned to her ground team. "We're going to hire a small skitter craft and fly out there. We'll land at a discreet distance from the coordinates so Varrus won't see or hear our approach. We can also use the craft's sensors to scope the area and see if we can spot any traps and decide the best way to take him alive." She decided. "We'll also need to collect some specialized equipment from the Firestorm." Sophie added.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Daxia turned to Kellen when he engaged her in conversation while they waited for Sophie to decide what they were going to do. It looked like their bounty was hiding out in the wilderness. She blinked her greenish eyes when Kellen told her how much they were expecting to get each if they completed this mission successfully. 50k would certainly solve a lot of financial problems for her. She barely had 3k credits left to her name which meant that in a few weeks she wouldn't even be able to chip in to the general food fund that the Black Steel used as a system.
Each crewmember either outright bought their own food or they chipped into the general fund. Sophie subsidized the rest of the funds. It was cheaper than buying all her own food and in exchange they told David the chef what kind of food they wanted to see on the menus each day. It was an arrangement that seemed to work well for the Black Steel. Daxia had been assured by Sophie that if she didn't get paid before her 3000 credits ran out she could eat for free for a while then pay it back after the next job. Still she didn't want to have to resort to that so she really hoped now that this mission would be successful.
It seemed like a good system that each member of the Black Steel was paid a percentage of what was earned per mission. At least it was an arrangement the Mikoatty pilot was prepared to accept. "So you're saying we get paid between ten thousand and fifty thousand credits per job?" She asked Kellen. She took a bit longer to study him for he really wasn't bad looking for a human. Indeed he was easy on the eye. She didn't take her eyes off him even when Sophie announced their next steps. It seemed like a practical next step and so she approved.
Each crewmember either outright bought their own food or they chipped into the general fund. Sophie subsidized the rest of the funds. It was cheaper than buying all her own food and in exchange they told David the chef what kind of food they wanted to see on the menus each day. It was an arrangement that seemed to work well for the Black Steel. Daxia had been assured by Sophie that if she didn't get paid before her 3000 credits ran out she could eat for free for a while then pay it back after the next job. Still she didn't want to have to resort to that so she really hoped now that this mission would be successful.
It seemed like a good system that each member of the Black Steel was paid a percentage of what was earned per mission. At least it was an arrangement the Mikoatty pilot was prepared to accept. "So you're saying we get paid between ten thousand and fifty thousand credits per job?" She asked Kellen. She took a bit longer to study him for he really wasn't bad looking for a human. Indeed he was easy on the eye. She didn't take her eyes off him even when Sophie announced their next steps. It seemed like a practical next step and so she approved.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
"Basically, yes." Kellen said in answer to Daxia's query. "Although 50k is the high end. Generally we can expect no less than 10k each per job. The usual range is 10k to 30k. Each" He'd been listening to Sophie as she explained that they would be getting a skitter, along with some specialized equipment from the ship, which he approved of. Apparently she'd had the same idea he had, that there would be traps. The Relexal was a serial killer, and a sadistic one, and he wouldn't want to be taken back alive, if at all. He was probably a masterful stalker and even better at hiding.
He had also been studying her while he talked and listened. She didn't seem to be as 'superior-minded' as he'd heard the Mikoatty could be, but there were exceptions to every species. That she didn't ignore him when he spoke to her was very encouraging. "Well, we'll have to catch him alive to get the million." He amended. "If he's killed the bounty is cut by two-thirds. Still not bad, but I'd rather have a mil."
He straightened and got ready to head back to the ship to help collect the equipment they would need to insure the best chance of catching the guy.
"A skitter sounds like a good idea." T'Sarrina said when Sophie finished speaking. She moved one of the mass of tentacles on her head back when it slipped in front of her face as she glanced around. She was very uneasy about going after such a horrible piece of sentience, but if anything happened to one of them, she would need to be close to render aid. That was the only reason she went with them, to render any medical aid needed since she wasn't quite as capable in a fight as the rest of them were.
He had also been studying her while he talked and listened. She didn't seem to be as 'superior-minded' as he'd heard the Mikoatty could be, but there were exceptions to every species. That she didn't ignore him when he spoke to her was very encouraging. "Well, we'll have to catch him alive to get the million." He amended. "If he's killed the bounty is cut by two-thirds. Still not bad, but I'd rather have a mil."
He straightened and got ready to head back to the ship to help collect the equipment they would need to insure the best chance of catching the guy.
"A skitter sounds like a good idea." T'Sarrina said when Sophie finished speaking. She moved one of the mass of tentacles on her head back when it slipped in front of her face as she glanced around. She was very uneasy about going after such a horrible piece of sentience, but if anything happened to one of them, she would need to be close to render aid. That was the only reason she went with them, to render any medical aid needed since she wasn't quite as capable in a fight as the rest of them were.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Crimson made his way into the city, usually he'd find a bar there but this time he was actually looking for the nearest law enforcement station.
Carpatha IV had the usual equipment that was found on many planets, big corporations rolled out entire police forces including equipment and training per contract which was cost and equipment efficient and usually good enough to counter the standard variety of crimes and emergencies.
However, this was to the advantage of the more hardened criminal and Crimson someone fitting that description.
He placed a frequency scanner near the law enforcement station's antenna arrays and within the minute it told him which corporation had provided the equipment and where to find the nearest alert station.
Crimson looked for it and found one in a convenient corner of a rather run down street, it was surrounded by abandoned crates and garbage, Crimson found a acces port and connected his hacking gear, with codes he had purchased on the black markets around space he found his way into the system and searched for the ships that had landed on the space port the last few months, he also added the information from the bounty board and now the mainframes of the police helped him search for Varrus.
It took a few minutes but the computers found what he was looking for, Crimson got several back logs from where Varrus had been including some sporadic camera footage from the city's security cameras.
Crimson let the machine search for Varrus's current location which it did find out.
"Ah ha.. sneaky bastard, hiding outside the city."
Crimson got back to his ship quickly and was pondering about flying to Varrus's place with his ship but the planet had annoyingly strict rules for planetary flights.
"Bike it is then."
Crimson walked to a door inside the cargo bay, it gave acces to a room where several motorcycles were stored, Crimson found a large all road machine and packed the gear he needed.
He started the moderen fuel cell driven machine and drove down the cargo bay door which closed after a signal from Crimson.
After a short trip through town he found a dirt track into the wilderness.
"This will be fun." He grinned.
Carpatha IV had the usual equipment that was found on many planets, big corporations rolled out entire police forces including equipment and training per contract which was cost and equipment efficient and usually good enough to counter the standard variety of crimes and emergencies.
However, this was to the advantage of the more hardened criminal and Crimson someone fitting that description.
He placed a frequency scanner near the law enforcement station's antenna arrays and within the minute it told him which corporation had provided the equipment and where to find the nearest alert station.
Crimson looked for it and found one in a convenient corner of a rather run down street, it was surrounded by abandoned crates and garbage, Crimson found a acces port and connected his hacking gear, with codes he had purchased on the black markets around space he found his way into the system and searched for the ships that had landed on the space port the last few months, he also added the information from the bounty board and now the mainframes of the police helped him search for Varrus.
It took a few minutes but the computers found what he was looking for, Crimson got several back logs from where Varrus had been including some sporadic camera footage from the city's security cameras.
Crimson let the machine search for Varrus's current location which it did find out.
"Ah ha.. sneaky bastard, hiding outside the city."
Crimson got back to his ship quickly and was pondering about flying to Varrus's place with his ship but the planet had annoyingly strict rules for planetary flights.
"Bike it is then."
Crimson walked to a door inside the cargo bay, it gave acces to a room where several motorcycles were stored, Crimson found a large all road machine and packed the gear he needed.
He started the moderen fuel cell driven machine and drove down the cargo bay door which closed after a signal from Crimson.
After a short trip through town he found a dirt track into the wilderness.
"This will be fun." He grinned.
""Revenge is a dish best served fried... deep fried!" (Alestorm)" (Alestorm.)
Cutthroat Coffee, The Pirate's Choice!
Cutthroat Coffee, The Pirate's Choice!
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Pedras V'kona glanced across the control deck of the small ship he shared with his colleagues, Berek and Honus S'taris. The twins were almost finished with powering down their small ship, the Achoria, which they'd landed not too close to the city of Gillu on Carpatha IV. "You two ready yet?"
"Yeah, we're coming, Pedras," Honus answered. "You got the gear ready?"
"'Course I have - scanners, weapons... food and water rations just in case..."
"Hopefully it won't take that long, but good thinking." Honus pressed the panel that lowered the ramp and opened the airlock. "Let's move!"
The trio slowly made their way down the ramp, scanning everything to make sure they'd not inadvertently landed in the middle of a trap. Once they were on the ground, they closed the ramp behind them.
"My information said west of here," Berek said, pointing the way. "Not sure how accurate it is, though."
"If it's not Varrus himself, you can bet it'll be a trap or something like that. We will, at least, be one step closer to him," Honus answered.
"We've been over this fifty times, you two - let's get going," Pedras complained half-jokingly. "If we spend all day rehearsing the plan, Varrus will realise we've found his hidey-hole and escape."
"Yeah, we're coming, Pedras," Honus answered. "You got the gear ready?"
"'Course I have - scanners, weapons... food and water rations just in case..."
"Hopefully it won't take that long, but good thinking." Honus pressed the panel that lowered the ramp and opened the airlock. "Let's move!"
The trio slowly made their way down the ramp, scanning everything to make sure they'd not inadvertently landed in the middle of a trap. Once they were on the ground, they closed the ramp behind them.
"My information said west of here," Berek said, pointing the way. "Not sure how accurate it is, though."
"If it's not Varrus himself, you can bet it'll be a trap or something like that. We will, at least, be one step closer to him," Honus answered.
"We've been over this fifty times, you two - let's get going," Pedras complained half-jokingly. "If we spend all day rehearsing the plan, Varrus will realise we've found his hidey-hole and escape."
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Time Jump: A few hours later.
Time Stamp: 14:17
Sophie stepped out of the skitter after the human pilot had successfully landed the aerial vehicle in a small clearing. It wasn't far from Varrus' hideout but it was far enough that he couldn't have heard the soft hum of the skitter's engines. Hopefully had no idea how close some of those hunting him really were. She stretched her muscles before turning to the skitter's storage unit and getting out a protective light armoured vest. It protected her from most projectile weapons and some laser weapons but it was light and flexible.
A Mikoatty invention-she'd been lucky Daxia had been able to arrange for the Black Steel to be able to buy some. She also armed herself with a stun pistol in addition to her normal laser pistol and four grenades. Two were normal explosive grenades and the other two were 'stun' or 'flash' grenades designed to stun an opponent. She also put on a small, compact backpack that carried a limited amount of food, water, supplies and equipment. Finally Sophie checked that her hair was securely plaited before turning to the other Black Steel mercenaries that were with her. "Is everyone ready?"
She asked and counted several nods plus a tentacled gesture from Squa. "All right, let's spread out in a loose V formation. Stay alert for any kind of danger. Remember that we're likely not the only people hunting for Varrus. And he himself has likely set several traps to catch out the unwitting. Let's move out." Sophie took the lead point in the formation she'd ordered and got out a little hand-scanner. It had a short range but it would pick up other lifesigns, energy signatures or objects that appeared within range. She travelled slowly through the forest. She made very little noise as she moved as she'd been trained how to move stealthily. As had her crew. She was pleased that she could barely hear any rustles from her crew as they travelled either side of her through the forest.
After a while she stepped out into a forest clearing, her scanner picking up additional lifesigns just as she saw the individuals that those lifesigns belonged to. Ahead of her, slightly to the left was a large human male. And ahead of her slightly to the right were three Prakeshi. Reflexively Sophie drew both of her pistols and held them ready in case she needed to fight. "Easy there." She said cautiously to what she assumed were other hunters for the bounty. "Hopefully we can talk this through." Although the Black Steel had the advantage of numbers and perhaps an element of surprise if neither the human male nor the Prakeshi could see some of the rest of her team, Sophie didn't want to get into a fight.
Time Stamp: 14:17
Sophie stepped out of the skitter after the human pilot had successfully landed the aerial vehicle in a small clearing. It wasn't far from Varrus' hideout but it was far enough that he couldn't have heard the soft hum of the skitter's engines. Hopefully had no idea how close some of those hunting him really were. She stretched her muscles before turning to the skitter's storage unit and getting out a protective light armoured vest. It protected her from most projectile weapons and some laser weapons but it was light and flexible.
A Mikoatty invention-she'd been lucky Daxia had been able to arrange for the Black Steel to be able to buy some. She also armed herself with a stun pistol in addition to her normal laser pistol and four grenades. Two were normal explosive grenades and the other two were 'stun' or 'flash' grenades designed to stun an opponent. She also put on a small, compact backpack that carried a limited amount of food, water, supplies and equipment. Finally Sophie checked that her hair was securely plaited before turning to the other Black Steel mercenaries that were with her. "Is everyone ready?"
She asked and counted several nods plus a tentacled gesture from Squa. "All right, let's spread out in a loose V formation. Stay alert for any kind of danger. Remember that we're likely not the only people hunting for Varrus. And he himself has likely set several traps to catch out the unwitting. Let's move out." Sophie took the lead point in the formation she'd ordered and got out a little hand-scanner. It had a short range but it would pick up other lifesigns, energy signatures or objects that appeared within range. She travelled slowly through the forest. She made very little noise as she moved as she'd been trained how to move stealthily. As had her crew. She was pleased that she could barely hear any rustles from her crew as they travelled either side of her through the forest.
After a while she stepped out into a forest clearing, her scanner picking up additional lifesigns just as she saw the individuals that those lifesigns belonged to. Ahead of her, slightly to the left was a large human male. And ahead of her slightly to the right were three Prakeshi. Reflexively Sophie drew both of her pistols and held them ready in case she needed to fight. "Easy there." She said cautiously to what she assumed were other hunters for the bounty. "Hopefully we can talk this through." Although the Black Steel had the advantage of numbers and perhaps an element of surprise if neither the human male nor the Prakeshi could see some of the rest of her team, Sophie didn't want to get into a fight.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Once the skitter had landed, Daxia armed and equipped herself much in the same way that Sophie had. Only that the Mikoatty had a slightly larger backpack, had an assault rifle as her primary weapon and C4 explosives in addition to the grenades. When Sophie ordered everyone into formation Daxia chose to stand directly to the captain's left and rely on her to do all the scanning since her own hands were full carrying her assault rifle. Once everyone was in formation they began proceeding through the forest in the direction of the cave where they thought that Varrus was hiding.
She held her assault rifle carefully so that she was looking down the scope and was ready to fire in an instant if she needed to. Despite that she moved stealthily and kept every sense alert for danger. There wasn't any danger until the Black Steel reached a clearing at the same time as a human male and three Prakeshi did. Daxia stood cautiously as she assessed the situation. Obviously Sophie was visible to the other hunters, as was Daxia herself as well as whoever was directly to the Captain's right.
But the rest of the Black Steel, she didn't think the other hunters could see them further back in the undergrowth like they are. She hoped Sophie could resolve the situation peacefully but she wasn't sure. The bounty was very high and the other hunters might not like having to share it with so many other people. Either way the Mikoatty was confident that if it came down to a fight the Black Steel would emerge victorious.
She held her assault rifle carefully so that she was looking down the scope and was ready to fire in an instant if she needed to. Despite that she moved stealthily and kept every sense alert for danger. There wasn't any danger until the Black Steel reached a clearing at the same time as a human male and three Prakeshi did. Daxia stood cautiously as she assessed the situation. Obviously Sophie was visible to the other hunters, as was Daxia herself as well as whoever was directly to the Captain's right.
But the rest of the Black Steel, she didn't think the other hunters could see them further back in the undergrowth like they are. She hoped Sophie could resolve the situation peacefully but she wasn't sure. The bounty was very high and the other hunters might not like having to share it with so many other people. Either way the Mikoatty was confident that if it came down to a fight the Black Steel would emerge victorious.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
T'Sarinna hefted her backpack, which contained emergency medical supplies, along with some food and water once the skitter landed them close to their destination. She had already donned one of the lightweight vests, and she pulled her handgun as they started out. She walked on Sophie's right side, slightly behind her, moving as Sophie had taught her, quietly.
After they had gone a ways, they emerged into a clearing and Sophie stopped. T'Sarrina stopped as well, for there was a very large human to their left and three Prakeshis to their right. T'Sarrina knew that she'd been spotted, so she simple froze while Sophie indicated that maybe they should negotiate. However, her eyes kept skipping between the new arrivals and her tentacles curled nervously about her head. If a fight broke out she knew that they had the numbers, plus they could call on Jessan, who was standing by as always on the communications channel. Or they could call the skitter pilot if they needed extra help.
She didn't know if any of the others had been seen yet, though, and the element of surprise could come in handy if that were the case.
After they had gone a ways, they emerged into a clearing and Sophie stopped. T'Sarrina stopped as well, for there was a very large human to their left and three Prakeshis to their right. T'Sarrina knew that she'd been spotted, so she simple froze while Sophie indicated that maybe they should negotiate. However, her eyes kept skipping between the new arrivals and her tentacles curled nervously about her head. If a fight broke out she knew that they had the numbers, plus they could call on Jessan, who was standing by as always on the communications channel. Or they could call the skitter pilot if they needed extra help.
She didn't know if any of the others had been seen yet, though, and the element of surprise could come in handy if that were the case.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
Jessan leaned back in his chair as he monitored the communications channel that they always used when they were out on a hunt. He'd never had to actually go to their aid yet, but he wasn't about to get complacent. Regulations be damned, if Sophie or any of the others called and needed his help he was going to fly to their aid and worry about laws and fines later.
On the trip inside the skitter, Kellen had applied streaks of camouflage makeup to his face. He was also wearing green camouflage clothing and his pack was also camouflage. When the skitter landed, he slung the pack on after he donned the lightweight vest and holstered his sidearm in deference to carrying his assault rifle as they all formed the traditional V formation. He started walking to the left and slightly behind Daxia, who was walking slightly behind and to the left of Sophie, who made up the point of their V.
He moved noiselessly, as per his military training, constantly searching for anything that might be off in the jungle sounds, when he froze just before he would have been next to emerge into the clearing. However, Sophie, Daxia and T'Sarrina were already there, as were three Prakeshis to their right and a big human male to their left.
He moved silently behind a large tree, blending in almost perfectly with the undergrowth, and steadied his assault rifle on a low branch, aiming at the human, but also keeping an eye on the three insectoids. He sincerely hoped that Sophie could talk them into some kind of arrangement other than fighting each other, but that would be up to them, he would just back his team up and shoot anyone who made a hostile move against them.
On the trip inside the skitter, Kellen had applied streaks of camouflage makeup to his face. He was also wearing green camouflage clothing and his pack was also camouflage. When the skitter landed, he slung the pack on after he donned the lightweight vest and holstered his sidearm in deference to carrying his assault rifle as they all formed the traditional V formation. He started walking to the left and slightly behind Daxia, who was walking slightly behind and to the left of Sophie, who made up the point of their V.
He moved noiselessly, as per his military training, constantly searching for anything that might be off in the jungle sounds, when he froze just before he would have been next to emerge into the clearing. However, Sophie, Daxia and T'Sarrina were already there, as were three Prakeshis to their right and a big human male to their left.
He moved silently behind a large tree, blending in almost perfectly with the undergrowth, and steadied his assault rifle on a low branch, aiming at the human, but also keeping an eye on the three insectoids. He sincerely hoped that Sophie could talk them into some kind of arrangement other than fighting each other, but that would be up to them, he would just back his team up and shoot anyone who made a hostile move against them.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
After a few hours' hike, Pedras, Honus and Berek emerged into a small clearing in the forest. Berek silently indicated a temporary halt as he checked his bearings; Honus and Pedras' reaction was immediate, taking positions on Berek's flanks.
Pedras peered into the trees on Berek's left; for a few seconds, he thought the area was clear, and was about to signal as much to Berek. As he turned to do so, his peripheral vision caught a flash of movement, followed by the emergence of a human, a Mikoatty and a Di'lek, all female. He raised a hand to signal to Berek just as Honus' sharp whisper caught his ears - "One human to the right, heavily armed."
"Ambush," Pedras hissed, spotting a flash of purple in the shadows - that could only be a Gliesan - and several other sources of movement in the same area. Clearly Varrus had found them - the question was whether the strangers in plain sight were part of the ambush or had nothing to do with it.
The human, Di'lek and Mikoatty froze in their tracks; whilst they were clearly ready for battle, it seemed that they had not been expecting this particular meeting.
"Easy there," the female human called to them - and presumably the human male Honus had spotted.
Keeping one eye on the bushes and trees amongst which he knew an ambush may be under preparation, and trusting Honus to handle the human male, Pedras walked forward slowly, all four arms in view. "A pleasant day for a forest walk," he called, making sure his voice was loud enough for the would-be ambushers to hear.
Pedras peered into the trees on Berek's left; for a few seconds, he thought the area was clear, and was about to signal as much to Berek. As he turned to do so, his peripheral vision caught a flash of movement, followed by the emergence of a human, a Mikoatty and a Di'lek, all female. He raised a hand to signal to Berek just as Honus' sharp whisper caught his ears - "One human to the right, heavily armed."
"Ambush," Pedras hissed, spotting a flash of purple in the shadows - that could only be a Gliesan - and several other sources of movement in the same area. Clearly Varrus had found them - the question was whether the strangers in plain sight were part of the ambush or had nothing to do with it.
The human, Di'lek and Mikoatty froze in their tracks; whilst they were clearly ready for battle, it seemed that they had not been expecting this particular meeting.
"Easy there," the female human called to them - and presumably the human male Honus had spotted.
Keeping one eye on the bushes and trees amongst which he knew an ambush may be under preparation, and trusting Honus to handle the human male, Pedras walked forward slowly, all four arms in view. "A pleasant day for a forest walk," he called, making sure his voice was loud enough for the would-be ambushers to hear.
Re: The Black Steel RP. Rated R.
"Of course it never can go easy." Crimson thought while parking his large allroad.
While he wasn't all that keen on gadgets he had fitted the bike with scanners and other useful items and now there were several infrared signatures that annoyed him quite a bit.
He picked up a heavy revolver and an automatic shot gun, an old but seriously dangerous device which stored 12 large bullets inside a cylindrical clip which fitted underneath the barrel, he packed two more clips and packed another revolver, two knives and additional ammo inside a backpack, he also took a pack of something that looked like a stack of metal rods.
Crimson didn't bother with stealth or whatever, he could see his competition so they could see him as well, he walked passed a tree and made a rude gesture with his middle finger at the camouflaged man before he further ignored him.
There were two scenarios in a case like this, option A consisted of gun fire, lots of blood and most people ending up dead including the target, option B consisted of negotiation in which no one got shot or killed and still some money could be made out of it, he knew this, the competition knew this too.
Of course there was option C, which consisted of a lot of bluff and Crimson walking away with the money, it also would piss off the competition but he didn't care about that.
Crimson barged out of the woods and headed straight for two females, one human and one Mikoatty.
Crimson had holstered his revolver and leaned the shotgun over his shoulder so it pointed backwards, he held the stack of metal rods in his free hand.
"So, we all know the drill, lets bitch about money and so on, and maybe stay out the Prakeshi's line of fire." He said with the most friendly smile he could muster.
While he wasn't all that keen on gadgets he had fitted the bike with scanners and other useful items and now there were several infrared signatures that annoyed him quite a bit.
He picked up a heavy revolver and an automatic shot gun, an old but seriously dangerous device which stored 12 large bullets inside a cylindrical clip which fitted underneath the barrel, he packed two more clips and packed another revolver, two knives and additional ammo inside a backpack, he also took a pack of something that looked like a stack of metal rods.
Crimson didn't bother with stealth or whatever, he could see his competition so they could see him as well, he walked passed a tree and made a rude gesture with his middle finger at the camouflaged man before he further ignored him.
There were two scenarios in a case like this, option A consisted of gun fire, lots of blood and most people ending up dead including the target, option B consisted of negotiation in which no one got shot or killed and still some money could be made out of it, he knew this, the competition knew this too.
Of course there was option C, which consisted of a lot of bluff and Crimson walking away with the money, it also would piss off the competition but he didn't care about that.
Crimson barged out of the woods and headed straight for two females, one human and one Mikoatty.
Crimson had holstered his revolver and leaned the shotgun over his shoulder so it pointed backwards, he held the stack of metal rods in his free hand.
"So, we all know the drill, lets bitch about money and so on, and maybe stay out the Prakeshi's line of fire." He said with the most friendly smile he could muster.
""Revenge is a dish best served fried... deep fried!" (Alestorm)" (Alestorm.)
Cutthroat Coffee, The Pirate's Choice!
Cutthroat Coffee, The Pirate's Choice!