Setting his tactical computer to the problem, a unique idea does come to MINOTAR, but he doesn't know how his companions will take it.
"Suggestion: Perhaps if we can take over the controls of this ship, we can then use 'it' to take out the 'master' ship?' Does this seem reasonable to you all, or ludicrous? My computer model says the tactics are sound and that we have the resources to do it."
"I doubt we can take fly and fight with this ship if the crew is trying to stop us. No offense, but you guys really don't seem that familiar with the tech. I think we should go for the big cheese and take the master ship."
MINOTAR nods.
"Explanation: We would only have to hold the ship long enough to get to our destination and take out our target. However, you are also correct. My tactical algorithm says our chances are about 50% plus or minus 20% due to unknown alien factors."
"I think that the big ship is the best choice. They'll figure out that this ship is down. If we take out a second, then they'll definitely be working on a reaction. The big ship may be the best defended, but we only need to take one out."
Ghost nods. "My thinking exactly. Let's figure out which one is the master ship. MINOTAR, let's get to work."
"Understood."
Minotaur tries using this ship's systems to locate the main enemy ship.
Looking at Hydronaut and then the others, MINOTAR points to the location on-screen.
"Query: Can you get us there, or near there with your abilities? Also, if we leave this ship, should we blow our planted explosive first? Disabling this ship might cause a big enough distraction to allow us a better surprise upon reaching the other ship?"
"Yeah, I like the idea of blowing something up. That always gets attention. "
Ghost pulls out the detonator. "Okay - I'll go last, since I can phase through the explosion if need be. Take MINOTAR first so he can work to secure the immediate area."
Nodding, MINOTAR agrees.
MINOTAR signals to Hydronaut that he is functioning properly and waves for him to keep with the plan. He then proceeds to scan for the easiest way out of the tank, or the easiest way to create an opening out of the tank.
MINOTAR points to the door.
"Emphatic Warning: From here out, if this is truly their lead vessel, things will only get worse. I suggest you all prepare for more determined enemies, possibly even elite troops or a general. Time to set off the blast then I think, and move as quickly as we can to find the communications controls in this vessel."
"Sure thing." Ghost presses the detonator to set off the explosion on the other ship. "Should Isikos and I scout ahead, or should we stay together?"
MINOTAR seems off-put by the size of the explosion, however his voice is unwavering in his view of the current situation.
"Shocked Analysis: My calculations must have been off by a larger margin than predicted. I was only attempting to disable the ship, not destroy it completely. However, this could still work to our advantage. We should continue quickly now."
Raising his acquired weapon, MINOTAR moves to enter the passageways away from the water storage unit and his best guess toward the enemy communications station in the ship.
"Nothing wrong with a big boom to get attention. " and he will grow to size and head out.
"If it draws more people between us and them away, I'm all for it. Let's go."
Ghost moves to keep up with the others, going invisible to peek around corners ahead of them.
MINOTAR keeps silent and stays near the rear of the group. His opinions remaining only his own, for the moment at least. Keeping his sensors and and internal radio link on standby for any sign of a communications spike, physical hub, or junction box while the others forged ahead worrying about the enemies.
|
The group moves out, finding the layout of the vessel similar to the previous one. The explosion of the other vessel seems to have stirred up a hornet's nest or activity. Avoiding patrols is difficult, even with the aid of Ghost and Isikos. If you take your time, you can make it to the control room in 1 hour and avoid patrols and unnecessary encounters. This assumes that you are hiding in empty rooms, around corners, etc. If you want to get there quicker, you can go the direct route, taking only 10 minutes, but I will check for encounters on the way.
"Okay, let's disarm any lift traps that may be set."
Ghost attempts to examine the lift and disarm any traps that are set - like the electrocuted floor.
Straightjacket waits for the inspection, having been burned before.
MINOTAR moves to the back of the elevator, knowing he takes up the most space and weight. He then readies his grip on his stolen assault blaster for the next phase of their journey, pointing it at the ceiling for basic safety.
Ghost gets in the elevator, ready to phase as needed should it become necessary. They had to strike quickly - subdue the bridge crew and guards, then disable the jamming and contact the League.
Straightjacket will shrink to human sized so he fits in the elevator and then enters.
Isikos will slide in and stay on the elevator wall. Being two-dimensional has it's advantages.
Once the door shuts, MINOTAR starts talking without any prompting or even moving a metal muscle.
"Combat tactics: If the door opens on a large enemy group, let me get a shot off with my grenade launcher, if I can get it to work. Isikos, move to flank any leaders and keep their attention. A distracted leader is no leader at all. Hydronaut, how slippery can you get? Have you tried sliding under the enemies feet in order to reduce friction and cause them to fall? Enemies on the ground, usually can't fight nearly as well. Straightjacket, move to the weakest or most wounded enemy, and begin removing them from the equation. Reducing their numbers fast will multiply our chance for success with each enemy put down for the count. Ghost, try to find the communications' controls as soon as possible. Try to avoid combat if you can, unless a good opportunity simply presents itself to take out an enemy. Once we have engaged, I will take shots at the best targets as they present them selves, or move to melee as needed. If anybody needs help, call out 're-group' or 'Omega'. Do these tactics sound reasonable? We must learn from our previous error and try to plan ahead if possible."
Ghost nods. "Sounds good to me. I'll get ready now." Ghost fades from view as he turns invisible - he'd teleport to the communications console, then deactivate the jamming. He just hoped it was all laid out the same as the other ship.
|
|
Ghost has a round of actions before the others arrive. The room is not unlike the one that you were in before, except that there are two guards, a massive humanoid male, a human woman, and something that is best described as an alien officer present. The alien officer is standing before the controls for the jamming.
"One of them is here! The others are in the lift!" the woman exclaims. There is no surprise round. Ghost, so far as you can tell, they can't see you, but she can sense your presence. You have one round before your allies arrive.
The woman (Lady Seven) holds her action, readying an attack if Ghost should make himself known.
INITIATIVE
Lady Seven
Hydronaut
MINOTAR
Ghost
Straightjacket
Isikos
Soldiers
Star Boss
Major Rall
Ghost freezes, making sure they can't see him. He knows they can detect him, and that the others are coming. Still, the presence of the Human woman concerned him - a conspirator? A traitor? What was she doing here? He decided, for the moment, his best course of action was to wait, listen, and prepare to move when the moment is right.