Ben Kell 'Zak'

[Outlawjc]

Once back into the cart I'll press/pull to go to the Turbine area.

[Chris Chandler]

It will not take you long to reach this area, and, as you approach, you have immediately start smelling salt-water and you can feel the temperature rise (from relatively mild to close to the ambient temperature outside). Likewise, you can hear the drone of machinery as well.

When you arrive, you will see a large open area - high ceilinged and scaffolded with catwalks. On one of the upper sections of the scaffolding, you can see a control room, but you can't see in the windows from this angle. You see a large central turbine and an enormous pumping station. It looks fairly state of the art. The turbine is running comfortably, and you'd estimate that this likely powers the entire compound, and can probably power even more.

At this moment you do not see any people out and about.

[Outlawjc]

I look to the girls then back to the area,
I don't see anything that we can do right now in this area, I say we move on maybe the command center.

[Chris Chandler]

Martha looks at you blankly and then shrugs.

That... sounds fine.

[Outlawjc]

I look back at Martha as I'm walking back to the door.

"What is it Martha, something bothering you?"

I'll then turn to face her, brow raised.

[Chris Chandler]

Well, y'wanna head to the command area, which is likely t'be bloody swarmin' wif those folks we've been runnin' from, but here -

Martha waves her hand toward the turbines -

Is the nerve-center, you big-headed wanker. We tap into things here, and we can go to that old command center at our leisure.

[Outlawjc]

"I see your point, guess I got a little to anxious... Suppose we should try and gain control of the control room, and go from there."

I'll look at the girls then back up to the room, "any idea's my head is fried right now."

I close my eyes and scrunch my face as if I had looked into a bright light coming from a dark room, just for a second, then let out a soft sigh.

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana points to the scaffolding and then to the open area in the middle of the room.

We need a distraction to draw out any guards down in that control room. We don't need to be seen, but that door needs to get open. I will -

She points to the edge of the wall, behind a number of deisel generators and a large transformer.

- move to the back, behind the equipment, and I'll take Samm with me. You three make a distraction.

She takes the box and prepares to head out.

((sorry for the delay - thought I'd answered. My fault.))

[Outlawjc]

"Sound good to me, and I think I have just the thing to do it too..."

I reach in a pocket and pull out a black smoke grenade, pull the pin, and toss it as best I can to a turbine; trying to get the effect that it's burning up.

[Chris Chandler]

((Good thinking))

Okay, you take a deep breath as you pull the pin and take a short moment to aim. You can see that Lisa is about to shriek, but Martha elbows her to cool it.

To be fair, you are a terrible athlete, so you're making a slow underhand toss and it makes an audible *clank* as it hits the edge of the intake and rattles going down before making a *whoosh* and billowing smoke.

It takes no time before two workers come out of the office. You barely see Svetlana make her move to get inside before the door closes. One worker moves immediately to the turbine in question, grabbing a short ladder along the way. The other worker is heading in your general direction (though he can't see you yet), muttering something under his breath. It's likely he's planning on using the tram.

[Outlawjc]

Find a place to hide behind, be it a nearby turbine or going around a corner when he does to stay out of sight. Hopefully he'll be more concerned with trying to get where he is going rather than people being in the area.

I whisper to the girls," Follow me quickly."

I'll try to duck and cover around a turbine before he sees us.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay this is a matter of a split second, because, while the worker is focused on getting to the tram, you are three not-exactly-stealthy folks ducking for cover. Luckily the place is noisy - that will help you.

Collectively the three of you move like frightened rats and crush behind the nearest turbine. The worker glances up just as Lisa gets her butt hidden and moves away, boards the tram and heads off.

The other worker has set up the ladder and is latching on his tool belt. He'll be climbing up in a moment.

[Outlawjc]

Once the guy is on the ladder we'll try to skirt around him as best as possible. If that just isn't going to happen, we'll just wait for a few to see what is going on.

[Chris Chandler]

Yeah, it is not going to happen immediately. The worker is messing around on the surface of the turbine, and is in the process of trying to shut it off, but the smoke is obscuring his vision. You are still too close to his vantage, however, to make a clean break. You can see shadows from the office indicating movement, but you do not see Svetlana.

Eventually, the worker shuts the turbine down and he starts unlatching the vent plate. It looks as if he's planning on at leave climbing halfway inside to see what's going on.

[Outlawjc]

Once he is in we'll try to make a break for it.

[Chris Chandler]

A break for where?

[Outlawjc]

The control room. Where I'm hoping Svetlana is at.

[Chris Chandler]

Ah, okay. You take an agonizing two minutes to wait until the worker is in the turbine, and then you head past him quietly as you can and reach the staircase. The three of you ascend the stairs quickly enough and reach the control room just as the worker clambers out of the turbine, smoldering grenade in hand. As you enter the control room, you see the senseless form of another worker on the ground, and Svetlana sitting at the control desk. Samm is on top of the console. You can tell that the worker is trying to work a walkie-talkie.

I've jammed the signal. No one should be able talk for the time being, at least on their regular frequency. If they have an emergency frequency, I can't find it yet.

Svetlana is looking at the meter readout.

Most of the areas show what looks like normal power consumption, except for right here -

She points to a digital readout, designated as E-3. It's power requirements are ten times any other area.

[Outlawjc]

"Which means its something special, no doubt. We'll we've gone this far lets just follow this rabbit hole to wonderland." So where would this E-3 be on the tram or do we have to go though the hallways?"

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana walks over to the prone form of the worker as Samm continues her scanning. Svetlana frowns -

No map.

Samm perks up and says -

Okay, there isn't a schematic of this place in this isolated system. It's like they aren't networked on purpose, because I can see that there is the infrastructure to do so. It just isn't connected. I have the routes for the tram, though. The area designated E-3 can't be accessed by the tram. It's listed as the "lower level." This is called the "main level" and the surface is called... the "surface".

She pauses for a moment -

Ah. Okay, the tram doesn't go to the lower level, but it does travel to the cooling station. I bet we'll find passage down from there.

[Outlawjc]

Then lets go there before these folks catch us.

I'll look out the window/door to see what is up with Mr. Fixit down in the turbine.

[Chris Chandler]

He's shaking his radio, wondering why it's not working. He's likely cussing as well, but you can't hear that from here.

All the ladies are in agreement, but you do have to worry with the worker, and procuring a tram (or finding an alternate route to the cooling station without a full map).

[Outlawjc]

"so we need to get past the goon down there... or at least the ability to get around him so we can get to the tram. unless there is another way to get to the cooling station, air ducts maybe, but the tram would be easier."

[Chris Chandler]

Martha shrugs -

Well, the other worker has the tram right now.

Samm interjects -

I can't retrieve it, either.

Svetlana-

I can knock him out from here if you like... probably...

Lisa -

Maybe I could go and distract him?

[Outlawjc]

"I have a simpler idea that will keep him out of our way for a few hours."
I reach into my pocket and pull out a tranq gun fully loaded.
"Anyone able to be accurate with one of these."
((2 gadgets left from my 10 til we get some damn sleep))

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana nods and smiles.

Short range though. I'll need to be a bit closer. Be right back.

It doesn't take long. You see the worker fall to the ground and you see Svetlana appear next to his body and wave you down.

[Outlawjc]

After we get down there, I'll search sleeping beauty for anything that could come in handy, keys, tools, weapons.

once that is done,
"so lets start looking for a way to get to the cooling station ,Svetlana be ready with the tranq gun."

[Chris Chandler]

He has a set of keys, but they aren't labeled. His toolbelt has a variety of simple tools. screwdrivers of different designs and sizes, a few wrenches, a small hammer, and a pair of pliers. He has no weapons.

Lisa looks down the tram track and Martha looks the other direction. Svetlana hops the tram rail, where there is a small platform and searches there. Samm is scanning, though her personal range is either deep, but narrow or wide, but shallow.

Lisa calls out.

I see what looks like a small door about thirty yards down.

Martha speaks up -

I see th' same, only this way.

Svetlana responds -

There isn't anything over here. It's an electrical closet.

Samm responds -

The two doorways are access panels, but I can't tell where they lead.

[Outlawjc]

"I say Lisa's way."

I'll grab the keys,the hammer, and pliers.

I'll look at the girls and start heading that way not really waiting for a response.

[Chris Chandler]

They gather up the rest of the tools between them (you never know, right?) and follow you quickly.

The short door is, indeed, an access panel, and it has a padlock (a keyed Master Lock).

[Outlawjc]

I pull out the key ring and stare hard at it for a second before starting the testing. I'll go as fast as I can to find the right key. I'll look for brand first then see if there is a labeled one.

[Chris Chandler]

Good - looking for a type of key trims down the time considerably. You only go for small Master Lock keys and the fourth one fits. Nicely done.

You open the access panel and it automatically illuminates after you open the door, dimly lit fluorescents unveiling a short landing and then a ladder going down.

[Outlawjc]

Mmm going down. I'll start the climb, trying to be as quite as I can.

[Chris Chandler]

It's a pretty easy climb. You estimate that you've gone down another two levels. Each 15 feet or so, the lights glow on and the ones about you dim out. You reach a landing after a climb of a couple minutes. The door that you reach is barred from the outside. If it's like upstairs, there's a padlock on the other side.

[Outlawjc]

I look up to the girls, as I imagine this place isn't big enough for us all to stand in at the same time,
" Doors locked from the other side, unless we can walk though metal doors then we need to find another way..."

[Chris Chandler]

I bet you look up, you cheeky monkey. Svetlana and Martha fit down here with you, but Lisa is still on the ladder.

Martha just sighs at you.

Move out of the way dummy.

She looks up at the door, smiles, and takes the extra screwdriver (then one you left behind) to the hinges of the inward facing door. She pops the hinges and she and Svetlana shift the door in and then ajar.

Did y'never watch a single spy movie?

[Chris Chandler]

((bump))

[Chris Chandler]

((bump))

[Chris Chandler]

((Bump))

[Chris Chandler]

((Bump))

[Outlawjc]

"No, I done watch spy movies. I prefer scifi "
Ill smile at her then look out the door just enough to see each direction then lean back in so we can decide which direction to go.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, down here it's a bit more open. After everyone steps out, Martha wedges the door shut in such a way that you believe that the only way to return would be with a blowtorch.

This section of the compound is almost open air, through a tremendously high ceiling, likely reaching to the surface. There are some seriously large machines, sections of machines, partially built machines, and other components in a number of small service bays, scattered throughout the area. The area is full of noise. You don't see many guards, but you do see a number of folks in white jumpsuits, wearing gloves. Martha whistles under her breath and mutters -

Oi, lookit that. Any one of those would be a right proper shop.

You see a few small sectioned-off offices along the far wall, and what looks like the chamber continuing on past a few obscuring service bays.

[Chris Chandler]

((Bump, like, for serious))

[Outlawjc]

Oh geez sorry...

Okay, I'll head on down the chamber- even though I'm with Martha on wanting to see the shop- heading down past the the service bays.

making sure to try and not draw attention to us ( wanting to be stealth)
I'm mainly looking for away out but I doubt there will a door marked EXIT...

[Chris Chandler]

Besides the door marked EXIT between two of the main bays, there aren't any doors that say that. It's a fire door, marked clearly with a sign that says that an alarm will sound if the door is opened. It even has the stick figure guy running up the stairs from a fire.

As you continue down the chamber, you'll note that, for the most part, people are not working on entire machines (like, say, an entire vehicle for an example), but rather individual components of a larger machine. As of yet, they don't notice you.

[Outlawjc]

I'll keep going down or look for another stair well to enter if it seems there is no real exit that isn't rigged to alarm if opened.

[Chris Chandler]

You look carefully around, and you don't see any immediate exits, though there are a few open elevators (wire cage types) in the middle of the complex. These look like the means for most folks enter and leave the area. Past that, there's the maintenance door that you already used, and that's it. As a note, the elevator goes up and down at this level. There is apparently still something at a lower level.

People aren't really paying attention to you at this point, but you have been noticed. These are all scientists and mechanics doing their work. They aren't too concerned about you. It's the squad of guards that you spot (before they have an opportunity to see you) that you should probably concern yourself with.

Five guards are sitting in an empty bay, having turned it into an ad hoc guard station. There are three rectangular card tables set up, one with another terminal, one with both a TV (displaying a baseball game) and a dry-erase board that has a rough map of the complex, and another with their gear, including some anti-riot materials (tear gas and the like), firearms, and walkie-talkies.

They are alert and one of them is working on the terminal. Two are talking about... well, you guys, and the other two are looking over the map. They have yet to notice you.

[Outlawjc]

To the girls quietly,
" Lets head up, I don't think down is a good option anymore we need to just get out of here."

I have a feeling that Martha is gonna wanna keep going down and possible Samm or Svetlana.

[Chris Chandler]

Well Lisa's ready to surface, so that's something. Samm and Martha want to find out what's going on, that's true. Svetlana's ambivalent.

So, are you going to open the emergency exit?

[Outlawjc]

Well I'm in two camps, but tempting fate isn't my specialty so we're gonna see if the Elevator goes to the surface if it doesn't then I guess we will continue to see what is going on down here.

[Chris Chandler]

So, you are going to use the elevator in the middle of the chamber?

[Outlawjc]

If it looks like it goes all the way up then yes, if not we'll keep looking around down here.

[Chris Chandler]

You make your way over to the elevator and quickly hop in and look at the controls. The console shows a "Surface" button, and 13 other floors. The last three require key access. It looks like you are on 11.

You press the button for the surface and it starts going up, and the guards sprint to your location. One quickly moves to the outer controls and releases the manual override. The elevator stops and starts coasting slowly down. From your vantage you see four sub-machine guns aimed in your direction. You are about 20 feet up, and slowly descending.

[Outlawjc]

"Well crap that didn't work well at all," I'll see if there is an emergency stop or something on my end that could stop this thing from going down.

If there is I'll press it to buy me some more time if not I'll put up a barrier around us all (that can stop those SMGs) and prepare to talk it out.

((you can roll it I need a 14 to activate, control is at a 10, I have 7 points useable))

[Chris Chandler]

((Let me get this straight - you want to barricade yourself in the elevator? you'll easily be able to do so.))

[Outlawjc]

pretty much yes. As the last guards who saw us tried to kill us on site. So...

YES

[Outlawjc]

bump

[Chris Chandler]

((DANGIT))

Okay, again -

You wrap yourself up in metal, sealing the group of you inside the elevator. You can hear the muffled sound of the guards approaching. No one's shooting. You can feel the elevator slowly continuing down, and you hear one of the guards say -

Okay, you go notify Dr. M. He'll want to know about this. Sanchez, take Miller and head down - make sure they don't try and escape by going down.

[Outlawjc]

I look to Svetlana, " There will only be two of them in a second, think you can take down one or both? If not I can seal the other guy in a box for a moment, that should give us some extra time to at least hit the Emergency Exit and try to escape."

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana nods and then says -

wait a good solid few minutes. SAMM, can you patch into the security cameras?

SAMM answers -

Uh... ye... yes. Got it. They are following what they've said, breaking up and heading out. Okay, there are only two guards left, but they are armed with sub-machine guns.

[Outlawjc]

"I don't think we can be fast enough to not get shot. Maybe I can mess up the guns."

my plan is to use some of my created material to encase the barrel of the guns to keep them from actually shooting the bullets. So that Svetlana can attack them and maybe I'll help if I don't flunk this.

[Outlawjc]

bump

[Chris Chandler]

You get nervous shrugs all around, but they leave you to it.

You make your move, trying to encapsulate the weapons, and you halfway succeed, in that you manage to do so with one of the weapons, but not the other.

Now you're getting fired upon, and the guard with the encased gun actually tried to take a few shots - he's holding his hands in pain right now.

Svetlana leaps and takes out the wounded guard, but takes a few shots from the other guard for her trouble. She's hurt!

What now?

[Outlawjc]

o.o shit

"Damn it,"
I'll run at the guard that shot her, and try to gut check him. I'll also, if able, get back my metal including the now probably broken gun from the other guard for defense if this guy tries to fire at me.

[Chris Chandler]

He is focused on the scrambling form of Svetlana as you knock the guard down, and pull back your own metal. You see a ruined hand with a ruined firearm, so your suspicion is correct. The guard you knocked down still has his own weapon and turns and pulls the trigger -

Nothing happens. He curses and then gets an Estonian boot to the temple, and he crumples.

Svetlana falls to a knee, clearly hurting, but she's mobile.

Martha and Lisa hop down (Lisa grabbing the firearm from the fallen guard). Martha has a bit of sweat on her brow, from unseen exertion.

So, what now?

[Outlawjc]

I turn to Svetlana, "How bad is it?" a slight panic in my voice, I can't really do anything though (( no first aid, unless she was a computer, can't really react until I know how bad it is.)).

Either way bad or not so bad, she is still mobile.

I look to the Emergency exit, and sigh, I'll also do a quick look around for a first aid kit, shouldn't be to hard to find the giant red cross...

If there is one,
"I'll get the first aid kit, you girls head to that exit we are getting out of here, now!" I'll bolt in a sprint for the kit and then to the door with the girls, trying to get the heck outta dodge.

If not,
"Let head for that exit. Can't be any worse than it is, maybe the small panic the alarm makes will help us."

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana shakes her head with a smile -

The bullet went right through. I'll be okay.

She glances over to Lisa, and she nods. All of you are moving in the same direction, as the first aid kit in next to the emergency exit and a fire extinguisher. Lisa grabs the First aid kit and expertly takes a bandage and wraps off Svetlana's shoulder, on the move. Lisa smiles at you saying -

Pre-med. I'd rather not be useful like this, though.

Martha grabs the extinguisher.

SAMM remarks -

We'll need to move quickly - they know where we are. We'll need to evade.