Ben Kell 'Zak'

[Outlawjc]

Summery of Ben Kell's adventures (so far...)

Working his way to Cali from NY Ben ran into some trouble but nothing to much. Once in Cali he set up his "base" in the spare room in the Kim's resturant. Soon he met Lisa the Niece of Mr. Kim and they began to hang out and become friends then bf/gf. As days went by Ben got into the Kims business of doing underground deliveries of special packages.

The last week has been the wildest for Ben. He got cought by someone who knows who he is as 'Zak' (Ben's alter ego and one of the top hackers in the U.S.) he had aparently made her lose a great deal of money and is being forced to help her repay it. He ended up in L.A. at Lisa's cuz's house and is now back at the Kim's resturant right in time for the Lunch rush.

Contacts made: Bill Kim (oldest of the Kim sons), Ally (friend of Lisa), Lisa Kim (girlfriend of Ben flirt), Mr. Kim (the boss), Mr. Kim( old lady scary), No name lady but pretty (Ben's new boss for which he owe's 13.6 millon)

Other contacts: Peter Milzik Vladavostok Imp.; Ikedo Sura Hindo Ind.; Sunflower Games Yoa Sun(Founder) Peter long (Lead Prog.); Huna Provence (Realistate "fake"); Picific Oil (Manmor); J.D Williamson (Techtight).

[Outlawjc]

Ben and Lisa made it back no problem and delivered the case to Mr. Kim. Bill and Ben go on a mission deep undercover to steal some evidence in the process Ben trips some sort of a server and has to shut off the computer. As the whole thing unraveled Bill kills 2 guards and Ben breaks into a computer and steals two hard-drives. They make it out and back to the house and Ben begins the long process of breaking into the hard-drives.

[Outlawjc]

Ok So Ben gets his car ready for some off-roading, and gets soem new computer parts ordered only one problem he got put in Jail. The details are great for his to sue the police department no video of the event only bruises and an audio tape. He is also in jail with some nut case Indian who is trying to break out and my guess is he can't speak english at all. At least he hasn't spoken english to me while we have been in a cell he has only made trouble trying to get out. I have the right nerve to just sock him one but that would only hurt my plan to get out of here. I might try and help him too but i don't know so far i would rather let him rot here.

[Outlawjc]

All right so Ben has been taken to prison thats right not jail as previously thought nope hard butt prison and i do mean hard but hehe. Some guy tried to poke me put i gave him something along the lines of an iron spike right up between the legs. Though i tried i got my ass knocked out when i woke up my mystery girl who finally gave me a name to go by (Ruth) as she wants to be called saved my ass again and we had a talk about whats going to happen to me and where i will be going and all that good stuff. At the end of the talk I felt like i needed to let her in on the last part of me she didn't know about the part that creates objects out of metal. She didn't seem suprised but she did say she would help me figure it out alittle more i'm not as worried about her any more as I am with the other people who are after me. Well now i'm in a hotel waiting to be moved to my main "safe house/ base of opps.)

[Outlawjc]

ok so lets see where we left off...

Ben got into trouble with the China government his contact now known as Ruth is his only outside link right now. He showed her his power and got stuck into some program for the "talented" people most of which are kids his age. He dislocated his shoulder, got hospitalized from some sort of a 3 inch stinger in his back and now is expected to continue his physical training with stiches in his back...joy.

[Outlawjc]

Its been a while...

Ok so Ben continued his training and all seemed well for a while, until he is laying in bed and he begins to become dizzy soon finding out that Giant cockaroachs (on a stick) want to stick him with what ever those needle things were. He passes out and wakes up in the hall have another stinger in his leg.He is moved from the facility and taken to some unknown place by the military. that is under the sea in a sea lab base. oh joy. Svetlanna and Ben stay in the lab for about a week or so before a sub comes to take them to a place of undisclosed location. On the way there they are attacked in a mini sub by ALIENS!!!!!!!! and ben goes all zak and trys to make sure the situation doesn't go too far out of control. by using his powers he makes a sphere around the inside of the sub to keep everyone safe. He then passes out from the strain. he awakes somewhere in Asia and is heading to his new semi-permentant location with Svetlanna.

[Chris Chandler]

Alright - this is a good start.

The van is uncomfortable and cold. You sleep alot, as does Svetlana. You really lose track of time. There is ocassional food and water - moldy rice and fish broth, tiny bits of meat (you don't know what type), and dried pears. It is not very tasty at all. At the end of what might be days, might be a week, you finally stop at your destination -

The compound, at least what you see of it, is small, utiliarian and in the middle of nowhere. Permanent buildings are tin roofed huts, but there are many building that are not much more than large tents. It is very cold, in fact, too cold for what you are wearing. The group of you rush into the first building, which looks remarkably like an airplane hanger for a little prop plane, and the doors close behind you. You've never been so cold as the dash between van and hanger doors. The cold burns.

Inside the hanger, a few men in simple, but functional uniforms - long brown coats over olive drab pants. Stiff fur boots and thick hats bring you clothing - thermal underwear, two pair of socks, solid form hard rubber boots, two pair of pants, a thick shirt, another shirt, and undercoat and an overcoat, with cut out gloves, leather gloves, and mittens. You also get some goggles. You don't know if you could even put your arms down wearing all this stuff. Svetlana looks right at home, and smiles at the clothing -

I love woolen socks, they remind me of home.

[Outlawjc]

I give her a smile and a slight laugh,"I don't think I have ever had to put this much clothing on. Where do you think we are that it is so cold?"

I get dressed even though it is most likely going to be a laughfest for the doctor and svetlana.

[Chris Chandler]

About midway through, one of the guards stops you, and, muttering something in some language, he helps you get dressed. Svetlana is the only one that laughs.

He said that if you kept going, you'd have gotten killed. You have to dress just so.

[Outlawjc]

"Geez nothing like the bitter cold that kills if you are missing a mitten. So why are we in the deep freezer?"

[Chris Chandler]

I do not know, but those trees...

She glances near the entrance of the hanger, then quiets.

A gentleman walks over. He is dressed similarly to the other men, though he is a bit older. He smiles and, in a thick Eastern European accent, speaks -

Welcome to Vladivostok. I am Dr. Pietrov, and this -

He waves his hand -

Is your new home. We like to call it, "The Crisper", because we stay fresh even in this cold, but you may have other words.

He stands, seemingly eager for a reply.

[Outlawjc]

"The Crisper so where's the fruits and Veggies?"

I give a slight smirk but nothing too cocky.

"So what are we going to be doing in Vladivostok? Besides become pop-sickles good Doctor."

[Chris Chandler]

Well, most importantly, we're going to keep you out of trouble. There's been a lot of... activity right now, and there are some talented people that seem to either be the cause or the target. So tell me, are you the cause, or the target?

[Outlawjc]

"Depends on what your talking about if it has to do with some visitors then I'm the target, I think. If its about an issue that is closer to home then I'm the cause, I guess you could say."

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana rolls her eyes as Dr. Pietrov laughs -


Goodness, this way please. Let me show you where your billet is.

He heads out through the back of the hanger, back out into the cold.

[Outlawjc]

I'll follow him out,"Whats so funny Dr. Pietrov?"

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, I've heard about your non-answers, Mr. Kell. You don't like to commit, is that right?




You quickly move from the hanger across the compound to a smaller building. Even bundled up, you are freezing.

[Outlawjc]

"No I do commit but in different ways. You see I like to have options when i need to have them so I try to think ahead and make sure I have a way in or out of a situation. So I can commit but still have a way to get out if I get in too deep.

so to answer your question, no i don't like to commit fully on anything and I can't its just my nature."

[Chris Chandler]

Comedy gold right there. Everyone's going to see this one.

Dr. Pietrov continues, only shaking his head. You make it to where it looks like you will be staying. It is similar in design to the Dome, but much roomier. It is not even thinking about being warm in here.

So, anything that you might be curious about?

[Outlawjc]

I want to check for bugs of all kinds and not he creepy crawly ones. As well as video cameras.

Also hows the bedding if there is any.

[Chris Chandler]

Let's see that smuggling roll, please.

[Outlawjc]

(beat skill by 7)

[Chris Chandler]

You're pretty much sure that you find all the bugs that you are meant to find. You don't see any cameras. You find about half a dozen pretty straightforward listening devices, none bigger that a pencil eraser.

[Outlawjc]

Is Svetlana in here with me or is it just me?

If she is..."Wow they want to know what we are talking about don't they?" I show her the bugs.

If she isn't I try to make the best of what I have to work with to keep warm.

[LadyGlutter]

She's there. She nods, saying, "It's quite possible. I don't know if those are all of them...." which, of course, you would agree with. "So, which bunk you want?"

EDIT: Duh, this is supposed to be the GM typing.

[Outlawjc]

"Be somewhat silly if I took the top bunk wouldn't it. So I'll take the bottom."

I give a smile and a chuckle.

"So you enjoy this kind of weather?"

[Chris Chandler]

Like I said, it reminds me of home. Though, I must admit, it never got quite this cold in Vilnius.


She jumps up to the top bunk, no sweat. As a note, she hops on the top bunk of one of four bunkbeds in here. It's big enough to house 8 people, even though you're the only two here.

[Outlawjc]

"So do you think we'll have company?"

I look over at the other bunks."

"Or will it be like the way over here, what do you think?"

[Chris Chandler]

Your guess is as good as mine. Every facility we've been in since Dr. Mudaliar's compound has been much larger than its population.

[Outlawjc]

"I don't remember what time it was when we came here, do you? or was it even lightout?"

I sigh and lay down and twist under the covers," At least it is warmer under the covers."

[Chris Chandler]

"No, I don't know what time it was, but it may be in an area where light doesn't tell what time it is. It's cold enough out that I think we may be near the Arctic Circle."

[Outlawjc]

"At least we're getting a free trip around the world."
I speak with some enthusiasm but also a hint of sarcasm.

I sigh once more and continue in a normal tone.
"So you just going to go to sleep and see what happens when we wake; or do you want to continue talking with the guy that got you into all this?"

[Chris Chandler]

I think we should bother to put forth the actions of going to sleep, so that they, at the very least, leave us alone for just a few minutes.

She covers up and does just that.

[Outlawjc]

i do the same
(and I'm out as well I got to catch up these 8am days are killing me night all)

[Chris Chandler]

(Have a good night, Outlaw. Be safe in the snow!)

[Outlawjc]

I wake up and wonder when breakfast is going to be

[Chris Chandler]

Actually, when you wake up you feel very well rested and at ease, if a bit cold. Svetlana is not in the building. You don't have a very good sense of time here. You really have no idea of how long you've slept. You are hungry, though.

[Outlawjc]

I get up and begin the search for food.

[Chris Chandler]

Great, now Ben (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068264/)really is a rat, foraging for food.

You'll clearly not find any food here, and so dress up and head out into the cold. It is not storming, but you can tell that it is about to - the wind it picking up, and it shears right through your clothing. Through the pain of the cold and the snow getting kicked up, you can see, in one of the buildings, smoke billowing from a chimney. The building is lit up. It is still dark outside - perhaps Svetlana is right - maybe you are above the Arctic Circle.

[Outlawjc]

Onward towards the building with the smoke and the lighting. Forget the cold well... at least try to forget the cold.

[Chris Chandler]

You enter the building and are greeted with relative heat. This is a mess area, common area, and general living area, it looks. There are a few old couches, a small TV showing a grainy picture of a show you don't recognize and can't understand, but most importantly there is food, glorious food! This looks rather... military - there is hash and mashed potatoes and "steak". If it can be frozen, freeze-dried, or dehydrated, you'll find it here. It actually smells pretty good, though you certainly would be hungry.

There are about a dozen people in here, including the man who greeting you and, of course, Svetlana.

[Outlawjc]

I'm getting in line or whatever I need to do to get the food then I will worry about other things.

when I'm done eating I'll go to Svetlana, "What time is it? this place throws off my clock."

I image that she is still doing just fine as this place looks like home for her but I feel like a fish pop...

[Chris Chandler]

You are a meat Popsicle, that much is true. Now then, you'll find Svetlana sitting at a card table with another young woman, seemingly European, though you haven't heard her voice yet. Svetlana's speaking as you approach- in fact, she would have beckoned you over.

... I was telling you about. This is Ben Kell. Have a seat, Ben, warm up a bit. The food is better than it looks.

The other woman, taller than you but not "tall", with chestnut hair tied back into a ponytail. Her green eyes gauge you with scrutiny. You can tell, from her olive skin, that she'd have a dark tan now if she didn't have to hide all the time under a coat. She's sipping on some coffee, listening to Svetlana.

Like I was saying - the real issue isn't the load, but the structural integrity of the vehicle. You can't have too rigid a chassis, or you'll crack it. It's too cold -

You 'ave no idea. I've never been so cold, but I still got to be up at the blind crack o' dawn an' grease axles and whatnot. I don't know what I can do 'bout building a new chassis, right?

She's English, and not some mid-town londoner, either. Her accent sounds more from the western coast, Liverpool, Birmingham, perhaps. She's the daughter of a factory worker, not a clerk, you can tell.

Svetlana laughs - We'll see what we can do. What do you think Ben, can you give us a hand today?

[Outlawjc]

"Yeah, I'll help, from the sound of it shouldn't be too bad. I outfitted my jeep that is who knows where right now *Sigh*. But I have a bit of skill with machines nothing that rivals a good grease monkey but I have some."

[Chris Chandler]

Who're you callin' grease monkey? I am a mechanic. If ye note, I'm missin' a tail.

She sits up just enough for her she wiggle her butt at you.

[Outlawjc]

Well....just going to have to keep my mouth and other extremities in check with her.

"Not calling you a grease monkey just using that as a general term, forgive my Americanization."

I give a slight smile, I go get some food and come right back, unless for some reason there was a plate in front of me already that was mine or there was some sort of delivery service.I look to Svetlana then to the English chick, "Just let me get a bite to eat and perhaps a name to go by for your friend here."

As for my facial expression and thoughts, I look as pleasant as I can without being creepy, my thoughts....
WHYYYYYY do they want me to go outside and fix a car *mental Sigh*

[Chris Chandler]

Y'can call me Martha. I'm a bit o' the compound fixit, but, from what I here, you've got a bit o' talent in that area yerself, hm? I'd fancy a go with ye, but we gotta wait 'til it warms up!

There are a few folks that, apparently overhearing the conversation, laugh at that last comment.

[Outlawjc]

((umm i used the wrong words in my last post i ment to say a bit to eat or a bite to eat but I forgot to type it....><))

"So Martha what exactly happened to the car?"
I smile and look back to Svetlana, "Are we suppose to be doing anything while we 'lounge' here?"

[Chris Chandler]

We are, apparently "doing it", as you say. I'm not sure, but it seems we've been assigned to this outpost -

Compound, dear.

Compound, which is a scientific research post, correct?

Yeah, that's it.

Here - there's some information Dr. Pietrov left for you, well, he gave it to me to give to you - he's out at the site right now.

She hands you a sealed manilla envelope with "KELL, BEN" on the outside of it.

From what he said to me in my letter, we'll each have a "site duty" and a "compound duty". My site duty is part of the excavation crew, but my compound duty is "patrol". What's your site duty, Martha?

Who, me? Oh, I'm a driver and mechanic both places. Can't have too much of a good thing, eh? How about you, Ben. Whatcher assignment?

[Outlawjc]

I'll open the envelope and expect something to do with computers or grease.

[Chris Chandler]

You pop it open. There's a nice letter, mostly boilerplate, from Dr. Pietrov, discussing the Novastar project, etc. etc.

Wait - Novastar? What happened to NOVA? It certainly sounds like a related entity. The letter's not the same, and the way it's worded you are pretty sure that the writer is not a native english speaker (it helps that English is not your first language).

This assignment, apparently, will be more or less permanent (looks like you got drafted, mate), and you have been relocated to Vladivostok, Primorsky, Russia.

Russia is so annoyingly big that it's hard to determine locations for places, and you really don't know your geography too well. You could be on the coast, or you could be in the middle of the country. You really do not know.

Your duties, though are outlined.

Site Duty - Mechanic, Excavation
Compound Duty - Mechanic, R&D

[Outlawjc]

"Well it looks like I'm going to be with both of you... Mechanic both places and excavation for my site and then R&D for my Compound Duty."

I look up to gague their reactions to what I got assigned too.

Well well I get to be with both of them and it appears I'll get to see martha's skills after all.

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana frowns when she hears that you won't be right next to her for compound duties.

I can only assume that they've taken our... situation into account?

Situation? Whatcher on about?

We've, well - you want to explain it?

Svetlana looks to you expectantly.

[Outlawjc]

With a sigh...

"Well have a little problem with that we can't be too far apart. The reasoning might sound strange but maybe not; we have something left over from the NOVA project that was insurance that we wouldn't run from the place that we were at. In essence we can't be farther than 40 yards or we will start feeling the effects and any farther well it could be bad for the both of us. I am guessing they would know about it though Svetlana and that your patrol won't be too far from the R&D, but then again you never know. Wish they were abit more detailed with where we are going."

I take a huge breath after saying all of that...

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana nods, though her brow is furrowed. Martha looks incredulous.

Nova? Just Nova? No idea what that might be, 'less yer talking about Novastar in shorthand... Patrol means gettin' in one of my vehicles and heading out off the compound - way farther than 40 yards. Might want to talk 'bout that with Dr. Pietrov.

[Outlawjc]

"We might want to do that now before you have to go on patrol Svetlana unless we want an unspeakable to happen... and the bad thing is I can't remove them they arn't a type of metal most likely they are just straight carbon and I can't pull out material just yet.

And yes just Nova Martha it is a bad thing and I don't know if we should be talking about it in here maybe in private but definitely not in a public place. I could tell you later if you really want to know about what is going on.

But yea Svetlana we really need to find someone before you go on patrol."

I have a serious look and I'm looking around to make sure no one is listening in or trying to be subtle about listening.

[Chris Chandler]

Luckily someone finds you.

Dr. Pietrov approaches.

Good evening everyone. I trust the beds were springy and unsupportive?

He smiles good-naturedly.

I see that you've taken a look at your assignment. If I understand it correctly, your, shall I say, last host, informed you of some sort of condition - a virus, or something similar?

[Outlawjc]

I raise a brow at the guy and then nod

"Yes they did say something to that effect though I have not tried to test to see if it is true or not. But supposedly we aren't able to go beyond 40 yards with out some sort of repercussion. Unless somehow the virus or what ever it is has been destroyed we are in a slight pickle."

I look to Svetlana with a half smile, half this might not be good smile. Then I give a glance toward Martha then back to the Doc.

[Chris Chandler]

So I see. Svetlana, by my watch -

He very quickly glances at his watch -

You are late for patrol. Be a good devochkaand meet up with Miss Smythe and Mr. Davidovich. They'll get your gear.

He looks back toward you, Ben, but not before glancing at Martha and giving her a tiny little smirk -

And you sir, you're needed in the shop! Martha, I understand that the commons are a comfortable spot for orientation, but surely your new mechanic will need to see his tools, yes? Off with you both, now go. And no more talk of nano-viruses and other insidious plots to keep you cowed. My goodness and the very thought.

He turns on a heel without even the thought of someone wanting to discuss the issue with him.

Martha looks toward Svetlana, then to you -

So... he thinks it's all gash, then. All right, come on you. Let's head to the ol' Shop, if'n yer head doesn't explode, right?

Svetlana, for her part, stands, but uneasily, and gives you a worried look before heading off. She glances back just before she heads through the door, pulling her hood over her head.

[Outlawjc]

When Svetlana give me the look I nod and give a worried smile. Once she leaves I stand,

"Sure lets get going this will either kill us or make us more confident. Lead the way I'll follow your 'tail'."

I wink at Martha then chuckle a little,

Damn it, if this kills me I want to at least go in a good way. Though he does bring up a good point we have yet to test the whole situation out guess now is better then never... *Gulp*

[Chris Chandler]

She gives you a nice wink just before she gets ready to head out. You both move to a rather large building, with large bay doors, four of them. You enter in through a small side door.

So, the Shop is pretty nice, all things considered. It's a fully stocked auto shop, with two hydraulic lifts, an expensive assortment of power tools, as well as a wall covered with hand tools. It looks like you could fix, or build, pretty much anything that could fit through the bay doors, which could include a fair-sized plane.

Y'lookin' pretty good fer a dead guy walkin', don'tcha think? Now, to it - there's a rover comin' in with a blown axle. That's you, got it? I'm rebuildin' this engine. You can come on with that once the axle's done. After lunch we'll head to the site, okay? Look around an' get cozy. You've got about 10 minutes.

[Outlawjc]

"Not too bad yourself for a monkey without a tail" I smile, "I'll stop with the monkey jokes I'm done now."

I look around the shop and wonder somewhat about if they removed the viruses or if it never existed.

"I've fixed axles in my sleep, and engines are not problem as well this shouldn't be too hard; especially since I don't have to make my tools or parts since it looks light everything I will ever need is in this building."

I turn in a circle as I talk my eyes looking at all the tools then when I get around to her I stop on her and smile once more. For the remainder of my time until the rover arrives I'll gather some of the tools that I know I will need such as jacks, axle puller, and the parts that I'll need for the repair I want tot try and finish it as quick as I can while still doing a good job.

[Chris Chandler]

You can tell that she is watching you, and she smiles as she sees you on top of your game. The rover (take an old Hummer - the HUMV military vehicle, give it 6 wheels instead of 4, and give it a bigger payload) comes in with a blast of frigid air (even with a blower trying to keep it out), clearly limping. The center axle is out of commission, though, as a testament to the vehicle, it managed to make it back here without a tow.

When you started digging for parts, you noted that there was basically a small warehouse of parts in a second (much colder) area of the shop. There are enough parts here to build four rovers from scratch, and still have leftovers for what clearly are common problems (such as your axle). You'll note some unusual hardware in here, as well - vehicle mounts, armor plate, no weapons per se, but certainly whatever you'd need to mount, from an light machine gun to anti-aircraft, to one of those rovers, or another vehicle.

You lift the rover up and take a look. The axle is bent bad in one spot, which led to some shearing close to the wheel. It's in bad shape. It will completely break if it's still used, even if you can get it straightened out. The good news is that you don't have to fix it. You can replace it.

Let's see a good Mechanic roll (make sure to list your skill too, please).

[Outlawjc]

With a crack of my knuckles or at least the motion I start the process.

Skill
Mechanic-13
roll of: 6

[Chris Chandler]

It's slower going than you would hope, seeing as you are by yourself, but the tools help alot. You pull it out and and get the replacement in with relatively little trouble. The real trick is dealing with the suspension, as you're unfamiliar with this particular type. It doesn't take too long, though, and it's finished. You lower the rover, and give it a quick test. Good job!


Do you go ahead and help out Martha, or do something else?

[Outlawjc]

Yea I go see if Martha needs any help with the engine. And gauge her reaction on my rebuild.

"So need anything else?"

[Chris Chandler]

Well, here - take a look.

She has the engine on a block - it's a big gas powered monster, and pretty modern.

There's a problem wi' th'cooling system, and I'm worried that it might broke somethin' in the block. Whaddya think?

[Outlawjc]

I'll take a close look at the block to see if I see any cracks or anything that looks like a potential crack.

[Chris Chandler]

((clearly, let's see a mechanic's roll here))

[Outlawjc]

skill 13

roll-8

[Chris Chandler]

You don't really see much of anything that might indicate a cracked block, or another way the cooling system might leak into the engine proper.

Martha shrugs -

I don't either, which worries me. Ima not gonna use this block - we'll break it down proper, but tomorrow. Let's clean 'er up, then get ready for lunch.

[Outlawjc]

"Sure better safe than sorry. So what brought you to where ever this place is Martha?"

[Chris Chandler]

You'll need to put a few pints in me for that answer, cutie. C'mon, let's clean up an' see what's up for lunch.

[Outlawjc]

I'll raise a brow and smile,

"I'll make a note of that. so um where exactly is the washroom?"

I'll look around the shop hoping that I do not have to go outside covered in grease and oil nothing like frozen oil and grease to give the frostbite some flavor...

[Chris Chandler]

((sorry, thought I'd posted this already))

There's a sink here in the shop, and she'll join you with scrubbing up.

This uses up a bit o' yer water ration, so don't be persnickety 'bout getting under the fingernail and such. That's good.

You both dry up, bundle up, and head back over to the common area.

[Outlawjc]

"eh I'm use to grim and dirt nothing new. So whens a good time to get pint in you and ask why you came out here?"

I smile until that damn door opens and the arctic decides to join us.

When we get over there I'll see if I can find Svetlana after I get my plate.

[Chris Chandler]

She'll not answer as you brave the cold. Svetlana actually walks in at about the same time, with a group of folks, probably her patrol unit. She waves at you as you both get food.

[Outlawjc]

I'll wave back to Svetlana and smile I'll try to sit down with Martha or Svetlana; whoever sits first or if they sit together.

[Chris Chandler]

They make it easy on you and make a Ben sandwich (Martha actually cozying just a bit), together with two of Svetlana's patrol team, a young man, maybe a little older than you, with long brown hair back in a ponytail and a full beard, and a middle-aged man, his head shaved, with bright blue eyes. They sit on the opposite end of the table, and give introductions, first the ponytailed youngster -

I'm Gavin, Gavin McGee, out of LaGrange, Texas. I'm here t'blow sh -

He's a munitions expert, Ben.

Yeah, that's what I was about t'say, Svetlana. I make the stuff go boom! Pleasure, man.

He speaks in the laid back tone of a perpetual slacker, and offers to shake your hand. The middle aged man waits patiently, then greets you in turn -

Colonel Messer, USAF, retired, and resident flight jocky - If it goes up there -

He points to roof, indicating the sky,

I can bring it up and bring it down. Pleased to meet you, er, Ben, right?

He also shakes your hand.

You'll be billeting with us, now that you've had a day under your belt. We're in Charlie, right near the entrance. Decent group of guys, as long as you don't mind swamp life.

He's exaggeratin', man. We keep it pretty clean. So, Svetlana here tells us you're Mr. Fixit. How'd he do today, Martha -

Passin' fair, I suppose. Fixed the axle on that rover busted yesterday, an' he helped me t'salvage the motor for that truck we picked up last week - had a bad cooling system -

Cooling system? Man, have you been outside?

That just means the antifreeze can't do it's job, man.

I'm just playin' Martha. Now then, what's yer specialty, Ben?

[Outlawjc]

I smile as I am squished.

When the guys arrive i listen intently and I do shake Gavin's hand.

"yes Ben is right Sir." I shake his as well too.

"well its going to be clean anyway I'm a slight neat freak when it comes to personal space..." If I could have a twinkle in my eye I just did;and not that sexy kind but a I have a mission kind.

"Well, I do a fair bit on auto's I fixed up a jeep for my personal use. But I really prefer electronics mainly computers and gadgets, I made a few robots a while back as well nothing much just simple dishwashers."

I feel kinda long winded after that and a little awkward. I give a glance to the others to see what their expressions are.

[Chris Chandler]

The colonel nods and Gavin smiles -

Gadgets, eh? You like robotics? You'll just love Sam, then. We'll meet him when we go out to the site.

Colonel Messer rolls his eyes, and Martha laughs -

He'll love t'hate Sam's what you mean. Speaking of, how was patrol, mates?

Gavin shrugs -

I think we saw another one - we're being scouted out Ben - but we weren't able to pursue. Those rovers are decent, but they really just can't fly very good. The Gorge stopped us cold.

My bet is that they have a base down in the gorge.

Well, our foot patrols that've gone down there have -

I understand that. It's a gut feeling.

Well, if I can cobble together a somethin' a bit more mobile - a small chopper maybe - would that help.

Sure, I suppose so.

I know I'd be more comfortable with another aircraft. The plane's really too big for what we need. What can you put together?

Martha looks back at you -

We'll think o'somethin', right?

[Outlawjc]

I am beginning to have that feeling that I will be with Martha more then I will be with Svetlana, hope she doesn't mind...

"Yea we'll think of something to slap together. And parts wont be the problem just the time and know how and I think we have plenty of that.

I look to Gavin, I don't really care if they hate the guy; hell I might hate him too, but if he knows about robotics I would enjoy a conversation.

"And who are they anyway? or is it a question of what instead?"

[Chris Chandler]

Gavin looks at the Colonel, who nods -

We're still working that out. We'll catch a glimpse of what looks by all accounts to be humanoid, and we have also seen various... vehicles - flying craft, land craft. To say that they look unfamiliar -

They're completely alien is what they are.

You got that right -

We don't know that for sure. It could be part of something, but something down here, not...

They all, seriously, look up to the ceiling. Gavin shakes his head, laughing nervously -

Truth is, we don't know if it's a what or a who, but we haven't been able to make any sort of contact with them, peaceful -

The colonol rubs his forearm absently, as if remembering something -

or otherwise.

Tsk - Buncha wankers. C'mon, eat up. We've got to get to the site 'fore it gets cold.

That elicits laughs from all around.

[Outlawjc]

"Oh I've made contact and it wasn't peaceful... I'm pretty much done eating so whenever your ready."

I laugh as they make the cold joke, if they look at me when I say I have met them I give them the Zak side of Ben with a you better damn believe it look.

I look over to Svetlana as well and give a semi worried look. but shake it off with a chuckle and a smile.

[Chris Chandler]

The trip to the site is worse than bumpy. There isn't exactly a road to where you all are going, but, rather a few sections where the trees are a bit wider. In fact, you'll need to give me a HT check to see how you come out of it. When you finally reach your destination, what you see looks like a cross between an archaeological dig and a strip mine.

[Outlawjc]

roll of 13 HT is 9

[Chris Chandler]

So, that would mean that you get sick, we'll say about mid-way in. Martha, for her part actually blows it off saying that it's uncommon but not unheard of. They'll pile out and a young man with a crash kit comes over and looks you over. After a few minutes he lets you head out.

So, where to?

[Outlawjc]

Well I guess we'll head directly to the thing that is at the sight or if that isn't able to be accessed, to the creator that it made if it did crash. Lets see if I know what these things might be or if its another can of worms.

[Chris Chandler]

Wait, what? I tell you what - I'll ask you tomorrow. It'll be better F2F.

[Outlawjc]

-OH... i got ya, ok i know where I am now...-

"Um lets see go down into the site if we can, and what are we here for the in first place? The ride in made me forget about the job and more about holding on."

[Chris Chandler]

(Or, perhaps, this coming Friday...)

[Outlawjc]

(lol ok then >< so confused)

[Outlawjc]

Ok to get back on track,

Ben ends up in a whole/ mine in the Earth after meeting a chick that is going to be the leader of the trip. He is pared up with Martha for the buddy system. When they get down there and after a while of driving down a narrow passage they get to the spot that they are suppose to be Ben notices something about the rocks that sends the 'Oh shit' wheel flying in his head. The rocks are circuitry and he gets a funny feeling when he holds one. Martha has no Idea about what is going on but Svetlana has seen the look before on Ben's face and knows what is coming up next. Ben freaks out and pretty much goes into Zak mode.

((I had more but I hit the back button that is on my mouse >.<))

[Chris Chandler]

((Stupid back buttons!))

You toss the rock back, and the supervisor smiles.

I can't hold 'em - they get too warm in m'hands. Seems to react just a little bit differently, depending on... well, it's different with most everybody.

Now, yer job today is to collect what pieces that you can from this area. Most are going to be smaller than a dime, and it's darker than the pits of hell down here, so take it slow. There's not a quota.

I'll seeya in 'bout 8 hours. Food an' drink is in the chest o'er there -

He points to a beat-up Coleman ice chest.

If ye start t'wig out, someone please have the decency to knock 'em out. There's what y'need in the first aid kit.

He turns, and hooks himself to the line again -

Later!

Martha laughs and Svetlana looks curiously at the pile of rubble. The other man (Gavin, remember?) quietly begins the task, seemingly familar to him. Martha moves over toward near the chest, beckoning you toward her.

Right - now let's see. Supe's gone an' left us t'sweep behind diggers. What you think you can whip up wif this 'ere?

She points down behind the chest - a metal detector.

Now, that stuff ain't ferrous, an' I know this don't work as is, but I'll wager y'can get it to where it looks for this, eh?

She picks it up and hands it to you.

((before you even say it - it's more than a roll. Think about it.))

[Outlawjc]

I look at Martha, "You know that is going to be easier said then done, right?"

I look back down and look for a chunk of the stuff even though it freaks me out, "I need to find some sort of composite that I can Identify with so I can change the frequency that the metal detector works on, though its going to be a job to just find the frequency that the stuff will reverberate with, to start off. Then I don't even think it is safe to do that kind of work down here and I doubt that they will let me take a sample of this material so I can figure out what it is. Then to top it off even if I could work on it down here or take some of it out of here for personal use, I don't know if we have the tools or the 'know how' to even do something that complex but won't know until you try,"

Under my breath I mutter," though that is what got me here in the first place."

"I really would like to know what this stuff is though I really know that I don't want to know."
I'll looking and seeing what Svetlana is doing, and though I don't want to think about it I might have to find a huge piece of this stuff, by huge I mean a quarter or half size of Ben if there isn't something that large the biggest chunk i can find and...touch it/examine it closely to find out what this REALLY is.

[Chris Chandler]

The biggest chunk is not much larger than a softball - much smaller than a soccer ball.

Martha sits down with you, watching what you do, but is otherwise not bothersome.

You pick up the chunk, and hold it. It vibrates uncomfortably in your hand
, to the point where you almost drop it. Martha comes over and places a hand on your shoulder. You got a good first impression from her, sure, but she's actually making it so that you can hold the object.

The buzzing is inaudible, but is strong enough to vibrate your ribcage. The actual chunks look very similar to this:

http://www.galleries.com/minerals/sulfides/stibnite/stibnite.jpg

Though with the lines of a circuit running down the spines.

[Outlawjc]

"Has anyone figured out why this stuff vibrates so violently?"

I'll give a second for someone to answer me before I go and do something stupid. I'll look back at Martha and smile then turn back to the material.

Ok I know that I can change the shape of metal but I don't know if there is metal in this stuff it may just be all crystal so I'm going to try and remove the circuitry from this piece and hold the stuff in my hand I am going to be as careful as I possibly can so I do not break the surrounding crystal. I am thinking its going to be like pulling a splinter out of your skin. So there is an escape spot but it takes effort to remove it.

If it has metal in it I can continue getting the information I need from it to make the detector work on the metal, if there is no metal well back to the drawing board...

[Chris Chandler]

As you begin your procedure you encounter a few issues. The first is, clearly, light. The second is that what you are holding may or may not be metallic (which you surmised). The third is that the circuitry is inextricably part of the greater mass, that is, the mineral and the circuitry are one and the same. It isn't like pulling some gold off of some silicon.

With that knowledge, what is your next step?

[Outlawjc]

"Has anyone taken this stuff out into the sunlight? Martha, this stuff is amazing it's all one structure mineral and metal so I really don't know what I can do since I don't know what kind of metal this is or what mineral this is. For once I am stumped on what to do right now so it would be easier to just do the job by hand until I can figure out what this really is."

I give a hard sigh then stand up (if I'm not standing) and go to pick up the tools to start getting this stuff by hand.

If I have my coat on or any pockets I want to grab a small chunk of the stuff and try and conceal it on my person. I want it small enough that it won't bulge a pocket. I want a piece of this for later, which is most likely going to get me in deep shit.

[Chris Chandler]

That won't really be a problem - most of the pieces that you find are no larger than a dime.

You go grab the tools.

So, you're just going to start excavating?

[Outlawjc]

Yes until I can figure out what this stuff is and how it works I am just going to be doing it the hard way.

[Chris Chandler]

The slow dig takes a long while. There aren't picks-a-flying, there isn't actual digging. The work, on a micro basis, is not strenuous, but over the long term it is exhausting, mentally and physically. You pocket your artifact and the four of you finish the excavation of this area after a long shift - it might be 8, 10 hours, you really aren't sure. Everyone is tired, and Martha, after you turn down her suggestion of working on the detector, is upset for about half the shift, and cools down once noticeable progress is made.

A crew comes in, a middle aged woman leading them and you silently rotate out - you're almost too tired to speak.

Is there anything that you want to do between the site and hitting the sack?

[Outlawjc]

Nope nothing that...well yea there is but that wont happen right now:D

when get out and get back I'll just take a shower and crash...if there are showers. Then if I have any energy left I might try and do a few things with me rock.

[Chris Chandler]

Very well -

You can't even feel the water as you shower off.

Gavin and Colonel Messer are already in bed - the former reading a novel - Still Life with Woodpecker - and the latter darning his socks.

The girls have a different bunk, now.

[Outlawjc]

I just go to bed yea I know all manly like but hell I'm tired and could careless what they have to say.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay - you sleep hard. The days, you are told by Gavin, are...

going to be pretty routine - you'll be working with Martha keeping the machines in check, occasionally actually building something, and rarely going to the site to fix stuff there. Afternoons are different - we only go underground once a week, really when a digger crew finds anything, otherwise we work topside or in the grotto at the site.

Now then, Ben, you'll have some set, structured time during a day, and also some down time. We'll leave the evenings open. Now, what are some of your goals, intents, actions going to be? Give me some bit of detail, so that I can plan accordingly.

[Outlawjc]

First off my main goal is to figure out what this stuff really is that is in the mines. Secondly I need to try and get away from here now that I know that the nano-machines aren't really in my system or if they were they are not there anymore. I was only playing by the rules because I was dealt a shitty hand.

So... on my down time, when people are around me and I'm stuck in a room, I want to try and figure out what the crystal is. I want to try and find out where here is so I want to explore the station when I'm not confined to a room. Once I find out where I am I can further my plan to escape the deep freezer. I want to keep Svetlana and Martha close but not to the point that I think Martha wants; I just want allies not girlfriends. I don't think I'll have to worry about Svetlana, but Martha is a different story.

I want to try and keep a tab on supplies coming in and going out. I might be able to sneak myself out of this place and back to somewhere that isn't hell frozen over. Supplies will have to be brought in at some point, I can only assume that they show on a very scheduled basis, so I need to figure out this schedule.My final goal is to get back to being 'Zak' maybe on a different continent as the US government knows about me as is or if I can only get back to the U.S I need to lay low and not be around the Kim's area of operation.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, now that is pretty good - that gives us some stuff with which to work.

Now then, let's deal with the easiest, if not the most immediate question you have: Supplies will come in weekly, on military trucks. Your expertise does not lie in that arena, and you don't know what the writing on the vehicles says, but it isn't in romantic characters, kanji, chinese, or in korean calligraphy. It is is Cyrillic characters. You know that the Russian alphabet is Cyrillic, but there are other countries, as well.

We'll go from there.

[Outlawjc]

OK well is there a flag anywhere on the trucks to I.D. the country if not I'll just have to ask Martha if she knows where int he world we are. If the stuff comes in on military trucks then sneaking out on one of those is out of the question they would find me too easy and I'm not military size...

so scratch that one for now. Guess I'll ask Martha the next time I see here as to what nation we are in.

[Chris Chandler]

No, they are otherwise unmarked.

Martha will look at you funny -

We're in a joint venture with Russia, love. Di'nt you get the memo?

[Outlawjc]

"I just wanted to make sure, people don't like to tell me things, its gets me into trouble or I get trouble started..."

Ok, so I know where I am...sort of... I need a map though a map of the area or a map of the roads that lead to civilization besides this ice box... I'll check around the shop and inside the vehicles that we have to service. My plan is to, once I get enough information to head South then East. Unless we get moved before then. But i doubt that the government is going to move us so soon, unless someone informs them of what I am plotting.

"Hey Martha, how long have you been here again? I don't remember if you told me or not. And do you know when you are going to be able to go back to your home?"

[Chris Chandler]

Well, I've got... 8 months left on my tour, then it's back t'Londontown. Why? When'd you sign up?

[Outlawjc]

"Um I accually didn't sign up I sort of got pushed into it. But what can you do against super nations. Not that I haven't tried."

That last part is whispered more so for myself then here but if she hears o well.

"I just want out of here I would rather take my chances how I was then be here. This place is too mundane not much is exciting."

[Chris Chandler]

Wait - what're on about? You never were enlisted?

[Outlawjc]

"You could say I was involuntarily enlisted due to some not so savory things that I have done that my government looked down upon but I don't want to go any deeper into it."

[Chris Chandler]

Well, if yer as good as y'think, how'd you get caught, 'cause clearly yer hands got dirty.

[Outlawjc]

"made a deal with the wrong person and they were not a clean as I was with their operation, that will put it very simply. That and damn Aliens that seem to have taken a liking to me and they are the main reason I'm here. If you don't believe me you can just forget everything I said..."

I look very serious, if Ben could look serious. It would probably make it look more like he's slightly crazy then anything else.

-Oh where are we at, While I'm talking to her?

[Chris Chandler]

You'd be in the commons.

I'd say "serious" Ben looks like a cross between constipated and crazy, so she does seem a bit uncomfortable at this juncture.

Well, Aliens is th'whole reason why any of us're here. Not everyone is talented, y'know, just exposed.

[Outlawjc]

-:? Ah....*runs around the room screaming and wailing* *heavy breathing continues running and screaming*-


-Ben-
"So what your telling me is that everyone here has had some close encounter , well at least most of them? Well this new for once I don't know what to think or where to go..." Ben looks slightly pale from the new, its like a punch in the gut. Its easy to see Ben is thinking, he is looking down and to the left then to the right then back to Martha and repeats about three to four times.
"So are you here because of an encounter?"

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, quite, deary. I suppose 'twas just over a year ago, in Hedwall - that's Merseside, well, Wirral to the point... er, northwest England - a little town up near the Mersey river. I was still in University at the time.

[Outlawjc]

its obvious that Ben is pale now and looks like he is about to toss whatever he had to whatever the last meal was. He sits down right where he is and closes his eyes trying to over come the sickening feeling that washed over him. It will take him a few minutes but when he does calm down from the overload to his brain he gets up and looks to Martha.

" I have GOT to get out of here, I can't do this anymore its just too much. It was easier in the states just waiting for them to come back at least I didn't know when they would be back but here... with ... with all of this crystal tech. and... and... the stuff that we shouldn't have but do have and..."

He is just going to keep on about all of it if he doesn't pass out from saying a term paper in one sentence.

[Chris Chandler]

Wait - do what now? Wait for them? Dear, we're looking for them. Don't you want to be part of the biggest thing that's ever been?

[Outlawjc]

"What!?" hearing that will make Ben loses his lunch. Once he is finished and does all the nasty spitting and snorting and hacking snot he looks back up to Martha," Lo...ooo..oking for them"Ben goes wide eyed and begins to panic," No I can't, we can't, they do things to you, they almost killed me twice, I don't want any part of this I want to go back being who I was it was better than looking for my death!"

[Chris Chandler]

Now that you know what you know, how likely is it you'd go back to, what, normal?

She tilts her head in such a way that you can tell she's not trying to be mean. She smiles sweetly.

[Outlawjc]

I know she is being nice but she doesn't understand what I went though in the place.
"Look I've been poisoned twice by those damn cockroaches and looking for them isn't in my best interest. Now if you can give me a good reason to stay and not break out of this place I'll stay but other wise I'm getting the hell out of here."

[Chris Chandler]

Her smile maintains, but her eyes have a glint of mischief. She starts to pull off her shirt -

Hey - it's not like that - eyes in front, Gavin!

Gavin, sitting a bit off, smirks, but still tries to sneak a peek.

She pulls up shirt and quickly turns around, so that all you see is a pleasingly athletic back and set of shoulders, oh and a long, perfectly straight scar, shiny and smooth, about two centimeters wide.

That's 'cause I ducked, dear. You saw a... big roach, yes? We've got information on those, to be sure, but what I ran up against was some tall blue woman, so tall she looked stretched out. I was in a crossfire 'tween herself and what looked like regular folks. She pulls out some sort of weapon and I hit the ground. Had it been a firearm, I'd been fine-

She pulls her shirt back on.

... but y'can't outrun the speed o' light. Where do you think you can run to, dear? Every one of us here is either talented, been poked, prodded, had tea with or been stolen by something from out there, or any combination above. Think about it.

[Outlawjc]

-What time is it?-

Well first off, Ben's eyes get wide and his mind trails off until she starts talking and turned around.
"Wait there are more than just one kind great, I feel like dirt in a can of worms... I guess it doesn't help that I'm talented and have been in contact with things, and I don't know if what they put in me is out or not since one of them was in for about a few days."
Ben sighs a heavy one and if he could he sits down in a chair or on the ground or something.
"So no escape, no point in running, I'm going to run into something that wants to kill me, stick me with things, or experiment on me no matter where I go might as well know when its coming."
He shakes his head and chuckles, a laugh of relief more than anything; at himself and all the drama that he just pulled off.
"I'm sorry about that earlier I get a little carried away with situations that have some sort of unnatural component in them."

[Chris Chandler]

Hey don't we all. There's a right good reason that we 'ave beer here, though I've always been a vodka girl m'self.

Svetlana ambles over with some cookies on a piece of foil -

I managed to get some of these before the rush -

you'll see a few folks making a dash to the kitchen.

Martha smiles -

You know the way to my heart, dear.

Svetlana sits next to you and gives you a friendly elbow -

So, has Martha told you of her encounter yet? I found out last night.

[Outlawjc]

"Umm yea I just found out too," I give Martha a raise brow and a smirk."Oh, Svetlana did the Doc ever tell you anything about what was put in me it has been bothering me that I've been stuck with whatever those things did to me. Its happened multiple times and all it has done is make me in pain for a few hours and I'm pretty sure that's not all that stuff is going to do."
I don't take a cookie I want to stick to my diet and try to lose some weight.

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana shakes her head -

No, he never told me.

[Outlawjc]

"Damn guess well find out when we are going to leave this place when we leave this place...There has got to be something that can hold my interest, wait Martha you said that they have info on the aliens I ran into right? Is there anyway I could get a peek at that information?" I have a growing grin on my face and an eyebrow raises.

[Chris Chandler]

Svetlana looks to Martha who nods slowly.

Well, sure... but... y'know you'll have a chance yerself. Weekends're free, and the library's open to everyone.

[Outlawjc]

I blink in a little bit of disbelief.
"Oh okay well I guess I'll go this Saturday and look"

[Chris Chandler]

So, where's Ben stand now?

[Outlawjc]

Ben is going to stay put for now, especially since he can find out some information on the bugs that keep attacking him. he'll continue to do the work but still trying to figure out what the crystal could be used for is up on the list, I'll take that metal detector that Martha wanted me to tune to the crystals and find the samples piece that I took and try and tune in the frequency to the sample so we can use that like she wanted too in the first place. since the weekends are free I want to also train my powers on Sundays to keep them sharp and able.

[Chris Chandler]

That's a good place to start. You actually would have had the foresight to bring the metal detector back. Perhaps you can work on a side project tomorrow in the shop, assuming Martha gives you enough time?

[Outlawjc]

So first things first wait for Saturday to come so I can do some research

[Chris Chandler]

Um... it's Thursday. You're going to sit on your hands until Saturday?

[Outlawjc]

I'll work on the detector first off. Since I work with Martha I want to ask her more about her encounter.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, well, let's set up in the workshop, shall we?

You'll be able to spend a good chunk of the day working on the detector, as it's pretty slow in the shop. It's Martha's turn to be assistant, and she'll help you when you need it.

Now then, let's start the dialog, but let me also see a Mechanics roll, please.

[Outlawjc]

(Ahhh distractions >.<)

mechanics roll- 7

As we are working on the thing I glance over to her,"So what do you think about this place and what it's doing? I mean they are trying to mess with obviously very Intelligent life from who knowns where."

I'll just continue to work on the device as she answers me, trying to not miss a beat though I will probably stop when I hear something earth shattering.

[Chris Chandler]

(sorry, work got the better of me)

The logistics of putting together the detector is interesting, but not terribly difficult, now that you have the tools. Martha, once she sees the path you take in the conversion actually looks a little sheepish, in an "Of course that's the way you do it, had I bothered to think about the problem" sort of way, though she'll not say anything.

Conversationally -

It's hard to say. The folks her very really saved m'life. I'll be happy to move on to something new, right? But it's not so horrible out here away from things that are trying to kill you? Finding out about th'cosmos isn't such a bad lot, especially firsthand. I do think we're in over our heads though.

[Outlawjc]

" In over our heads is just the start of it, though I am curious as to what they kept sticking me with and why they did it besides to see me get ill... Knowing about them isn't that bad. Its just having them drop on you, thats the bad part, well at least for me it was. I've always been thinking that there was something else out there ever since I found out about my...."

I just trail off at the end forgetting that she doesn't know about my ability but if she does know then I don't know that she does and thats just going to be a headache later...

After a pause I start back up on the conversation,"If you don't mind me asking but how did you get caught up in the crossfire anyway? and sorry if you told me already I let some things slip my mind to easily."

[Chris Chandler]

(sorry for the delay - I need to start being more consistent with your game!)

Nah, it's alright. I toldja I met up wi'one of them aliens, but not the circumstances, right? Well, I was working onna school project, rebuilding a motor, and heard a right proper ruckus back in the scrapyard, behind the shop. Well, I seen rats the size of dogs back there 'fore, but never anything like them bugs...

She trails off for a moment, caught in the memory -

There were 'bout four, five of them... and... they were speakin' with a gent, and I mean that literally, too. Had 'is hair slicked back and big mutton chops, and was wearing a suit right out from back in the day when a man didn't leave his house without a suit - y'know, Edwa... I mean, turn o' the century - late 1900s... that sorta, right?

She starts pacing. You note that here accent gets really heavy when she's stressed.

Well, he's talking to these big ol' roaches like they're proper folks, and they hiss and he answers back, simple as you can be. I'm quiet as a mouse, but some other bloke, he sneaks up behind me - a big ol' bus of a man and grab ahold of me. This other man, he looks at me, smiles and wave bye bye. He, and I know how it sounds, he just disappears, in a flash, and so do those bugs. The big bloke, he whaps me upside the head, and I wake up in a hospital bed with a concussion and 3 lost days.

[Outlawjc]

(In Japanese)

"Shit, at least they let me keep my memory of it, and damn that's an accent"

(English)

"Ok so they didn't like you sneaking in on their talk interesting. Not like you could have understood them but still it must have been something important for that many of them to be there and what was with those other two men interesting again."

"But that doesn't give any information on what they really want and why they would... and why I would... and with my...." Ben is talking and thinking and leaving out a lot of words.

After a few moments of silence Ben begins to talk a loud and with slight confusion," But why would they want to use me as a test subject? Because of my power? or am I just unlucky doesn't make any sense just have to wait..."

He looks up to Martha with wide eyes he just let his secret out though he still didn't know if she new but it was too late now to take it back.


(and MJ says Hello)

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, she's smiling at you.

Knew you weren't just a tourist. You've got a talent, me boy.

She looks, wide-eyed.

Let me see it.

You know... you aren't really sure if she's meaning your power or not, with the tone in her voice. She's decidedly interested.

(Tell MJ to come on down and visit. We'll save her a seat!)

[Outlawjc]

"Well I've been showing you my talent the whole time I've been here; mechanics and computers are my talent." Maybe I can slide out of this or see if she picked up on the power part or not...maybe or maybe not that look in her eye reminded me of when I first found out myself.

" A tourist you thought that I was just passing though pshh... they brought me here cause those damn aliens come at me like I'm a damn magnet."
Which I am sort of.

>.<

[Chris Chandler]

Posh, you're a fair mechanic, but you aren't talented, least not that way. 'Sokay, you don't want to tell, you don't have to tell, sweet.

She smiles as she replies to your next statement -

I'm a tourist, Ben. Y'know, what's seen the beasties? You're a talent, but you're a tourist, too. Everyone here's at least a tourist.

[Outlawjc]

sigh, "So what if I did show you, what would you do? How would you react? its not something that I can just be ok with showing people, though I did it once before and thats more than not how I met Svetlana and most likely how I got my ass in to this place..."

(Japanese)
"How do I get myself into these situations o yea my damn over confident self thats how"

(English)
"Fine I'll give you a very small peak at it, just don't get too excited I haven't been working with it for a while since I've been here."Thats a total lie but maybe she'll be satisfied with just this much of it. Come to think of it I have yet to see Svetlana's power though I have seen her do some crazy strong stuff.

I make the standard large ball bearing then to it into a bunch of small ones then dissipates them.

-rolls- will of 13
6
10
7
11

[Chris Chandler]

You produce your ball bearing then break it down, and then let it go to dust.

Hmm...

She's gone completely analytical all of a sudden. Her brow is scrunched forward and her hand is covering her chin in thought.

That... explains how th'metal acted toward you, down in the mine?

[Outlawjc]

nodding," yea its weird and I don't know myself as to why . I'm normal until I pull the metals from my blood or the surroundings. And I don't know how I got this way from what I remember I guess I was born with it. What do you think?"

I raise a brow waiting for some sort of answer though I don't know what sort of answer I'm looking for or what to expect from her.

[Chris Chandler]

I think yer barmy, but I know that I am, right? Neeways, what's it done for ye, this control over metal you've got. Can you make more than a ball? Can you make a carburetor? Now that'd be handy.

[Outlawjc]

"So you think I'm a little off the deep end,eh? I don't think your crazy, haven't seen you do anything off the wall...yet."
I crack a smile and continue.
"Yea about that,I can make anything that I could wrap my mind around, at least from what I've tried, in mechanical process and structure of about a cubic foot of metal. So yes I could in theory but the problem would be if it worked or not. It may look like a carburetor, but it might not work."

[Chris Chandler]

Sounds like, then, you need a bit o' practice. Come on then. Try something simple, like a ball joint.

[Outlawjc]

I chuckle," Maybe if I wasn't out here, maybe in a room without me having to worry about where I pass out at... you see doing this for some reason pretty much wipes me out. And I really don't want to have to explain why I passed out in the middle of the shop."

"But maybe when we don't have anything else to do like on the weekend."

I smile to her and look back down at our semi-done detector."lets finish this then we can talk a little more, ighty?"

[Chris Chandler]

She frowns, but her eyes are still smiling -

Fine, then. Tell us about your widget then. Can you make it work?

[Outlawjc]

"Well the only thing to really do is to find the crystals frequency. Then it will be much easier to dig for the stuff."

I'll smile at her when she frowns,"Alright I think one use will be all right. So what will it be again?"

I know what I'm doing is probably going to get me into some sort of trouble but damn that face of hers...

[Chris Chandler]

Sucker -

She brightens immediately.

Make a ball joint for th'rover over there. That'd be quite lovely, yes.

[Outlawjc]

"Alright lets see what I can do."
I take a seat on the ground or in a chair and think for a moment to get a clear picture of what I want. then i'll go for it.



I'm not going to tell her that its only as permanent as I want it to be, but o well.
roll-
8

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, it's unadorned and all-metal, but you think that you get it right. It's pretty exhausting work, to be sure, but it's done. She immediately picks it up and tries it out.

Th... that's brilliant! How d'you do it?

[Outlawjc]

I'll look up at her once I finish with a damn that tired me out look.

"You know, I never thought of how I do it. I just think about what I want to make and visualize my hands making it. But like I said before I don't know if it is going to work."
I take a moment to admire my work then shake my head with a sigh.
"I think I got it but moving parts with in a part is a little hard still. I do know where most of the metal comes from but its a tad bit disturbing. "

[Chris Chandler]

She comes down off her cool-out high and notices your state -

Wow, you look positively wiped. I guess it takes a might out of you, eh? Well, one demonstration is enough for me.

She slips her arm into yours and guides you over to the workbench, the innards of the metal detector staring up at you both.

Now then, let's get this thing working!

[Outlawjc]

"ok lets see whats wrong with this thing. So we need to get the frequency of the crystal or would getting the detector to bounce off things that are the density of the crystal; like it does for metal. Either way would work just depends on method we want to take."

[Chris Chandler]

I like the frequency angle, to be sure. What do we need to do?

[Outlawjc]

"Well we need to get a good chunk of crystal and find its resonance then we can go from there with tuning in the detector so that the waves that bounce back will signal the bleeping and the light."

Long sigh,"I do miss being able to be on my own it was fun running everywhere and doing what I wanted..."

[Chris Chandler]

Well, there are some larger pieces in the archive.

[Outlawjc]

"Then lets head there and grab a chunk. The faster we get this done the better."

[Chris Chandler]

Listen at the bravery. A veritable blackguard he is! It's under lock and key, Ben. I'm sure we could go ask for a bit, but we can't just walk on over and pick 'er up, right?

[Outlawjc]

"Yea I guess doing it the way that wouldn't get us shot would be more preferable but not so much the usual way."

I chuckle,"So which way to get the permission?"

[Chris Chandler]

I never thought of it, actually. I suppose we can go to the command office and see what they say.

[Outlawjc]

"Well lead the way, if we can't get them I have another way of doing it but it wont be nice or legal but it would get us a nice size piece."

[Chris Chandler]

You head to the command office. A young man with Lieutenant's bars greets you an asks what you need.

[Outlawjc]

"We would like to Barrow a 6 inch by 6 inch or so chunk of the crystal that has been removed from the mine. We are trying to make a detector for the material and need a sample that is large enough to emit a frequency that the detector can pick up."

I'm going to flip if the guy asks what anything I said means... And if no is the answer well I can always try plan B.

I look back at Martha

[Chris Chandler]

The man looks you over, nods and goes back to his desk. He picks up a small portable file folder and thumbs through it quickly. He smiles, slams it shut and responds -

Ah, yes, Mr. Kell is it? You are one of our mechs and also one of the R&D fellows... Interesting - have you met Sam yet? No? Well, won't that be a treat.

By any means, I understand why you need so much of the, er, crystal, but do you understand what having that much of it... intact means? We have a sizeable amount of it, and you can use it. Please be judicious when using it. You'll most likely see what I mean.

He moves to the back. As he opens the door you see what looks like a small warehouse. He retuns some three minutes later with an aluminum crate, about a foot on each side.

Here you are. Have a good time playing with the alien bits kids!

[Outlawjc]

"I know what it means, Sir,"

I take the crate or Martha will which ever of us can carry it or might there be a dolly.

Once we are heading back to the garage I look at Martha,"I just realized how much this is going to hurt being close to this much of the material... Hope nothing comes out of it like an egg or something, though that would be my luck."

[Chris Chandler]

The box isn't heavy - maybe 15 pounds total. You get back to the shop and Martha pops it open.

You see an oblong fragment of the crystal. Seeing this much of it, you can't decide whether it is actually crystal, some sort of metal, or some sort of strange combination of the two. The color of it shifts slightly, almost like a ripple of color, as you look at it.

You feel warm.

[Outlawjc]

I'm going to regret it but I'm going to grab it... but I'll keep it in the box just encase I start convulsing or something. I'll then begin the process of tuning the detector.

"Okay lets get it over with."

[Chris Chandler]

Yeah, regret.

You wake up in bed, and you hear Gavin's voice -

... another thing - why even mess with it? I mean, it's freaking alive, Marty.

Sod off, Gavin! He was tryin' to help. Somethin' with frequencies and crystals. It've likely worked.

Oh, yeah, man, get a tuning fork for the alien.

Hush it! What? Oh, good news then. He's not fried his little brain, then, has he?

Martha hops over to where you are laying -

How are you then?

[Outlawjc]

"Can I blow it up now," I say jokingly, "figured I should have worn some sort of glove or let you hold it. Sometimes me being smart doesn't mean a damn thing.
And one more thing, Why the hell does that stuff try and kill just me..."

I sigh and try to move my arms over my face and rub it in frustration.

[Chris Chandler]

Your hand is covered in a thick bandage. You don't feel anything right now, you just feel numb.

Martha replies -

I don't know that it was... trying to kill you, exactly, Ben.

[Outlawjc]

"What, did it fuze with me..." I say this with the most sarcastic voice possible at the time.

[Chris Chandler]

Ah, yer hand'll be right as rain in just a bit. Now then, the good Lieutenant went and gathered that chunk back up, said that he'd like to have a, what now, a "plan of action" with the bleedin' thing, if we was to mess with it again. So, what's the plan?

[Outlawjc]

"Um someone besides me to hold it or hell no one really needs to hold it. I just wasn't thinking. All I need to do is find the frequency it can sit in the box for all i care; or it maybe some sort of cloth that wont interfere with the process."

[Chris Chandler]

I can build a box a box to let it sit and hold whatever 'scope you're going t'use.

[Outlawjc]

"that will work, can't believe I didn't think that it would do that to me." I go into thought before speaking again, " Yes I think that will do nicely I am hoping we get done with this by the end of the week."

[Chris Chandler]

With that things will progress more smoothly. You build up a frame with Martha, bring up a prototype of the device to find the frequency of the crystal in just a few days. Your days of mining are limited to above-ground removal of debris for half-shifts as you recover. You head back to the quartermaster to ask for the crystal again. He returns with the case, but his face is a stormcloud. He flips the case over, and you see a melted aluminum hole. The case is empty.

Do you mind explaining this?

[Outlawjc]

"Well, it looks like something got really hot about 1200 degrees hot to be exact. Aparently What Gaven said was true the stuff is alive."

Yes I am being a smart ass and I do know its more than likely going to get me in trouble but he asked to explain it.

I take another look at the case and a much closer one to see if something melted in or out of the thing, if he will let me of course.

[Chris Chandler]

It is clearly melted from the inside out.

The Lt. will hand you the case and head back to his desk - he starts typing on his computer. He otherwise ignores your comment.

[Outlawjc]

I look at the case then I look at Martha, "So I guess we gotta hunt for a crystal...thing. Or maybe it wasn't a crystal but an egg you know like the predator movies instead of people its a crystal. Or that could just be me going off the deep end."

I shake my head, "Nevermind lets go find that crystal."

[Chris Chandler]

Sure, sure, Ben, but how? What's yer first step? I'm not going to go outside yapping, "Rocky! Here Rocky Rocky Rocky!"

[Outlawjc]

"Well, you know it was in there when you returned it, and it was in there when we got it so it had to disappear while in the storage area. Maybe there is a clue in there."

I look around for a moment, " maybe it headed back to the mines where it came from."

[Chris Chandler]

Let's go ahead and see a Perception check.

[Outlawjc]

(rolled a 6)
So I look around! I hope

[Chris Chandler]

You'll be able to determine, loosely, the escape route of this... crystal. After leaving the box, you can tell that it traveled, along the floor and to the outer wall (also metal). You see a melted "mousehole" at the base of the wall.

[Outlawjc]

I'll look into the hole and see if it goes anywhere, flashlight if we have one, I'll also feel for a breeze. Depending on if I can see anything or feel anything determins if i keep going.If the hole turns in a direction I'll try and follow it along the walls.

"Well Martha Gavin wasn't kidding when he said it was alive the thing is moving like a superheated mouse."

[Chris Chandler]

No - the walls are so thin that you can see past it. It leads immediately outside.

Martha is already heading to the other side of the structure.

((In the future, when I flake, please just give me a "bump" post. I seriously just forgot, but a reminder would be helpful. Sorry!))

[Outlawjc]

I guess I'll book it to catch up with her. Though I might put a jacket on first:cool: then I'll follow her. No need in freezing my ass off and not like the thing has more than not a days gain on us.

"So Martha how we going to explain this one?"

[Chris Chandler]

Well, love - it weren't in our care now, innit? Come on, let's look around - It looks like it left a path, for a bit, leastwise.

[Outlawjc]

I'll look around to see where see is talking about then I'll start finding that wascally Wabbit er... wrystal. :D

[Chris Chandler]

Let's see that perception roll, if you please.

[Outlawjc]

(Well I get an Eleven. Darn those snowflakes in my eyes)

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, you follow a path that looks like a miniature half-pipe, due to melted ice. Martha is able to follow it a little farther than you can, but in short order, she loses it too. You both stop just on the other side of the mechanic's shop, on the outer wall.

[Outlawjc]

"Hmm, This might be worse than we think if it kept heading towards the shop then..." I don't finish my sentence before I start charging towards the doors of the shop. I'm hoping that the thing doesn't have a taste for metal. I give a quick over view of the place to make sure nothing looks too different then I'll look for a whole where it might have drilled in at.

[Chris Chandler]

You do not see anything from your initial look. Gimme some specifics, and we'll go from there.

[Outlawjc]

I'll look for where the thing came in at or maybe another exit area. Anything that might mimic the damage that the case took. I'll also look for signs of burning on the ground and in the walls.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, you have smuggling - tell me what you make on a smuggling roll, then make a perception roll.

[Outlawjc]

Smuggling-8 of 13
perception-9 of 13

[Chris Chandler]

You start digging around and you may come across something. Tell me. If you were a superheated crystalline entity, where would you hide?

Seriously - think of something.

[Outlawjc]

"Martha if you were superheated where would you go, the Grease or oil or would you go for the snow." Before she answers me I'm going to open up the coolants and lubrication buckets and barrels.
"I have a hunch at least, I think I would try to cool off. If not that then my only other guess would be in the spare parts bin cause I would be hungry after traveling that far for being that small."

[Chris Chandler]

You think it's some sort of critter?

[Outlawjc]

"I think it is some sort of creature like being. Yes... I don't know if it needs nourishment or not though. And it depends on what you would call a critter and the criteria.... never mind, no need to go off on a tangent"

[Chris Chandler]

You are a tangent, love. Neeways, if this's a critter and it's hungry, I suppose this might a right place, if he can half nosh.

[Outlawjc]

I'm going to continue checking the barrels and tins in the shop as well as looking for any holes in anything that are about the same size as the one it made when it came in here.

"Hey Martha, I wonder if it would be attracted or repelled to my metal since I have such a strong reaction when I'm in contact."

I'll try and created a rod one inch thick and about four feet long.

If I make it I'll start poking around in things; barrels that flesh can't go in, air ducts or vents that are low enough, exhaust ports and drainage pits.I'll also grab a flash light if there is not one I'll use a gizmo and pull out one. It would be a windup one that is led.

[Outlawjc]

bump

[Chris Chandler]

((sorry))

You start rummaging about and, at first, you don't see much of anything, but when you get back into the recesses of the warehouse, you see that there has been some... activity back here - there is a box of parts on the ground, and the parts are scattered across the floor.

[Outlawjc]

I look for holes the size of the crystal and poke my created rod in them.( rolled 9 for create) I'll also rummage though the parts on the floor and any of the boxes that those parts came out off. I'll get on the ground and search under pretty much anything I can fit my head into.
" So Martha you see anything yet, I know this thing got a head start but this is silly."

[Chris Chandler]

You don't see anything that fits what you are looking for, specifically. The parts all look damaged, though - bent or busted. These should be new parts.

I'll keep on up here, dear.

[Outlawjc]

"Weird that all these parts are ruined, shouldn't they be new... Lets check outside around the building see if there is another path that this think might have taken or exited the building. From in here its going to be hard to find anything. We at least need to know if it has gone somewhere else or not."

[Chris Chandler]

You both head outside, but to no avail. Like a lizard running into the grass, your quarry has disappeared.

That can't be good.

What's the next step?

[Outlawjc]

"Well lets try the rabbit trap."
I look at Martha and smile,"So we need bait which i can supply something that that thing can't melt or eat through and time to wait. My plan is for me to set a few trails of metal balls, it looks like the thing eats, and lead them all to one trail that lead to the trap and hopefully this thing will fall for it. What ya think, otherwise I'm shot for ideas."

[Chris Chandler]

Sure, as long as it isn't going to take too long. We've got another trip into the mine today. How long will y'need?

[Outlawjc]

"well it shouldn't, I'll just be a second."


OK so i look around for something that this thing can't melt though glass might be good or Plexiglas, gotta be some around here. I just need to get enough to make a 4x3 box or so and leave a trail of my metal to it with a larger cash inside the box with a string trap door.

" If that doesn't work then i give up cause its gone."

[Chris Chandler]

You put the box trap together in proper fashion in relatively little time. Anything to do in the hour before your shift in the mine?

[Outlawjc]

Just rest up and get re focused on the coming events and try not to think about the crystal too much.:S

[Chris Chandler]

The hour passes peacefully enough. You then head out to the mine. Once to the surface camp you meet up with Svetlana. She genuinely smiles at you and pats your shoulder.

So, I hear we've got something on the loose, eh? Ah well. We're heading down, it seems, but you -

She gestures toward you.

Are meeting up with Sam. Over there, in the main building. Here.

She hands you a piece of paper and heads out with Martha and the rest of the crew.

[Outlawjc]

"Um..okay"

I take a look at the paper then head to where she pointed or said Sam would be.

I'm slightly puzzled at why and who I'm meeting. But not like i can go anywhere else right now. I could try and leave but I would die in the elements even if i got outside the compound.

[Outlawjc]

(a poke with a bump)

[Chris Chandler]

You enter the building. It is open like a warehouse, but smaller, and you see no one within the building. What you do see is a large archaic mainframe, probably 20 years old (not reel-to-reel old, but certainly out of date). There is a small terminal near the mainframe - an old monochrome monitor with a keyboard. The monitor flickers dark green.

So, what do you do now?

[Outlawjc]

well since you asked... if there is no one in the room that I can visibly see then I'll take a look at what is on the screen then I'll just have to see what is on the thing if the person takes longer than 5 minutes to get here... or maybe one minute; I really wanna know, its old and its cool and I'm a fan boy for mainframes.

[Chris Chandler]

You approach the terminal and see the blinky cursor on the screen. In a brief moment, in slow old-school text you see a phrase -

Welcome BenZak. I am happy to meet your acquaintance.

[Outlawjc]

O.o

"Holy Shit!!"

So this thing knows who i am interesting. Strange but I've had giant cockroaches, living crystals so why should this really surprise me.

I'll sit down at the terminal or stand either way and I'll type back to it...

Hello I take it that you are Sam


(( typing in green for the comp.))

[Chris Chandler]

Yes, I am Samm. I have heard many things about you. I take it you have found your stay comfortable?

[Outlawjc]

"how can this thing hear its a computer..."


It has been pleasant enough. I was told that to meet you today instead of go to the mines why is that.

[Chris Chandler]

You are not a miner. Did you want to go down into the earth and get dirty?

[Outlawjc]

Not really those crystals are weird and mess with me physically. And I prefer to be working on computers not mining in a hole.

[Chris Chandler]

I agree. I don't like mines. Now would be the time to outline your function during work hours.

A screen-sized schematic of the mines - nearly unreadable due to the scale displays on the screen (still glowy green). Points of interest blink on the map.

These points are particularly active crystal locations. We need to connect the dots.

[Outlawjc]

What if the dots were a map in their self.

I take a hard look at it see if there is a pattern or maybe a design in it.

What are those crystals? And why does it matter that we find that large one that got away.

[Chris Chandler]

That is a good idea. If it is, what is the pattern?

You can pull that image off an nice dot matrix printer - it gives you what you need - the dot formation on an ascii map. You can cipher it.

When you say "got away" what do you mean?

[Outlawjc]

One of the larger crystals reacted strangely with me and has escaped its container and has been going around burrowing through the metal sides of buildings and eating the tools. At least that is what I can tell.


Roll for deciphering

-5 not a crit. sadly

[Chris Chandler]

A... rock is moving about like a little mouse? You understand that what you are saying is impossible based on our current understanding of geology.

[Outlawjc]

Yes but this "rock" is a large chunk of the crystal from the cave with the circuitry embedded in it. It reacted strangely with my body I assume it has something to do with my talent.

[Chris Chandler]

I need to see a piece of this crystal. Can you bring me a piece?

[Outlawjc]

"Your kidding you want to 'see' the crystal..." I look around to see if the computer has some sort of optical system so it can see.

Um...I don't think the general will want that...but I did sneak out some in my clothing a while back I can get that.

[Chris Chandler]

That would be acceptable. You can take one of the rovers now and return. I'll be waiting.

[Outlawjc]

Am I wearing my Coat? If so then I have it with me, if not I'll go and get my coat and the piece of crystal that is with it. Either way I get the crystal.

[Outlawjc]

((a bump with a poke))

[Chris Chandler]

... *blink*

Sorry about that.

Okay, you have the crystal and bring it to the terminal. In a moment, there is a response.

Can you bring this over to the spectrometer. I'd like a closer look.

[Outlawjc]

I'll take the crystal fragment and put it into the spectrometer then go back to the computer.

"okay its in there, what now?"

I lean back in the chair I'm sitting in thinking about what is going on in this place. Creating a ball for me to fondle.

Create/control-
8
7

[Chris Chandler]

As you sit fondling your ball, the spectrometer lights up, and begins humming. The crystal is illuminated and seems to glow a warm blue.

This is fascinating. I can see the circuitry, as you describe, though it is not actually circuitry. It is more like... nerve pathways. The spectrometer is showing a great amount of sub-ultraviolet radiation being emitted, as well. The pulses are in a pattern. I'm not familia... Wait. Ben, remove it from the spectrometer, quickly!

[Outlawjc]

I'll drop the ball and let it disperse and remove the crystal from Samm as quickly as I can.