Dot here.
The air rips at your jumpsuit as you fall. At 35000 feet, you will fall for 2.458 minutes, at least according to the calculations of the pointy eared Spock. Two and a half minutes is a long time to fall from the orbital injection craft. A long time to think about what got you into this mess. But the Director convinced you that this was important. That all life on Earth was at risk, and maybe life in the off-world Colonies as well.
Now you are HALO jumping onto Isla Nublar. Anyone who is paying attention has heard about the disaster that happened her a few years back. The disaster of Jurassic World, the complete meltdown of the park. Tourist lives lost, the park abandoned, dinosaurs on the loose.
Flashback: The man who briefed you is old, probably in his 70's, though his eyes suggest he might be older, or at least that he has seen more than a lifetime of problems. Everyone else calls him "The Director," but the strange yellow-silver head calls him "Dr. Jones."
"Listen," Dr. Jones, the Director, says."There is an outbreak of apocalyptic proportions occurring on Isla Nublar, commonly known as Jurrasic Park/World. We need for all of those 'animals' to be dealt with before any further contamination can happen. Find the problem and wipe it out.
She does not wear the goggles but instead falls gracefully her arms extended with a look of pure joy. Two minutes of remembering what it had been like to have wings was truly marvelous. Almost worth joining these mortals. Dr. Jones had known who she was. He had not told anyone but the one man he had sent to get her in Greece how to speak to her who she really was. The ancient painting with her likeness had been a nice touch to hang in his office. Flattery got you places with Greek Goddesses. He told her she would find use and not be so bored if she joined. It was the burning meat and herbs in sacrifice to her that had been in the room which convinced her to spare Dr. Jones and do this now.
"This method of insertion is remarkably effective, although primitive. At least we will be leaving no jet trail nor making significant noise"
Flashback
"We will of course deal with the problem and solve it. Hopefully with no loss of life, neither sentient not sapient. Do you have any further information on either the current situation or on the events preceding it that may have had a causal relation to the current crisis?"
Roland was dropping in the dark into what was for all he could see endless water, but this was Ka.
'And this my Ka-tet'
Bartimaeus flashes a smile back at Phoibe as he falls, unaided by any mortal equipment. He blows a raspberry at the more dour faced members of their crew, casually chatting as the sea below draws nearer. His current (and commonly assumed) form of a dark skinned boy, perhaps 10 to 12 years of age, adds to the incongruity.
"Jeez, lighten up a little you two. Our gal here has the right idea. It's when we hit the ground that we should start worrying. My track record with making friends with giant lizards is pretty spotty, I hate to admit. One of my few flaws: I'm just too charming* for their small brains to truly grasp."
*And humble.
Not that that stopped me from taking the job, mind you, much as I tried to convince ol' Nat** it was a bad idea. He disagreed, but I don't see HIM parachuting down here, do you?"
**My faithful servant and chronicler.
Flashback: You find yourself in a conference room styled in the fashion of a Victorian study or library. A truly immense round table composed of several beautiful hardwoods.Walls covered with wooden shelving and books. So many books. The director sits in a simple wooden office chair that looks like something from the mid 20th century, swivel, wheeled legs. On the table immediately to his right sints a wooden disk, and on the disk is a human head, looking almost like some sort of cheap Halloween decoration. It's skin is silver yellow, and its eyes a similar color, and its brown hair is swept back.
As Nemesis has noticed, the room has clearly been carefully prepared for your arrival. Unique items that might hold interest or meaning only to you dot the shelves.
At Spock's question, the head speaks, "In 2004, an archaeological team on an expedition in Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica discovered an extraterrestrial species of unknown origin. The alien creatures were responsible for the deaths of all but one of the team. The aliens were destroyed by a nuclear explosion. Another event occured in Gunnison, Colorado in 2007, leading to what is now known as the Gunnison incident. The general public believes that the explosion there was a nuclear accident, but in fact it was a deliberate strike."
Dr. Jones interjects, "That will do, Mr. Data. This time, we are going to get to these things first. We have resaon to believe that these creatures could threaten all life on Earth. We want to get a look at them before they get nuked again, and then we want them taken out. We don't want the government bombing Costa Rica or something worse."
"Well, I don't know why you contracted our services specifically; it's a bit out of our area of expertise. But if matters are as dire as you say, we'll offer any aid we can."
Bartimaeus looks up at Nathaniel's words, jogged out of cleaning his fingernails in boredom.
"Wow! You're coming too? I didn't know you had it in you. Heading to an island infested with giant killer animals to search for some alien thing that's killed everybody that's ever come in contact with it? you've got more spunk than I ever gave you credit for!"
Nathaniel's already pale skin pales further and grows green at the tinges at Bartimaeus' words. He clears his throat.
"Ahem. As I was saying, Bartimaeus will be heading to the island, while I provide support form here. I offer my knowledge and expertoise, should they become necessary."
Bartimaeus grins widely (more so than he should physically be capable of, and puts on an air of mock disappointment.
"Aww, you'll really be missing out, Johhny boy. Whatever would I do without you complaining about the mud and mosquitoes all the time and clinging to me whenever the waste material hits the proverbial fan?"
Giving a long suffering sigh, Nathaniel pointedly ignores the jab.
After all these years you'd think I would have learned not to let him bait me.
tell me Dr Jones, how it is you came to identify me and who these others are whom you think I will require as team mates and how you selected and identified them? Phoibe says.
Flashback: "We don't have time for all that, Ms. Rhamnousia. It'll have to be enough to know that each of you have a unique set of skills, and more importantly, most of you lack certain attributes that might make you susceptible to being compromised on this mission."
Flashback: "If it is Ka that I help slowdown this world from moving on I will
He looks at the people in this room and thinks of Cuthbert, Jamie & Alain and his hand reaches to reverently touch the Horn of Eld.
Flashback -
"Is this the head of one of the aliens? And do you have any of there technological artifacts for me to study? Or, at the least, descriptions of their technology? It is conceivable that I have heard of them"
Assuming the head IS the alien does Spock recognize it? I need to finish off creating my character but he would have at least a +10 or so off the cuff and would be able to augment that with data records once he got a chance.
Edit: In finalizing my character I realized that I have no idea how to build the following. Spock would logically have a fairly good database of information on Earth, the Galaxy, etc. Obviously with lots of gaps. Do I buy this as just equipment (computer)? Or, given that lots of this information is NOT available do I need to build it as a power? And, if so, what? :-(
Also, how do I do the near omni-competence that is Spock and knowledge skills? Buy lots of Expertise skills? Buy an Int of 10 and just rely on Eidetic Memory?
Flashback -
"Is this the head of one of the aliens? And do you have any of there technological artifacts for me to study? Or, at the least, descriptions of their technology? It is conceivable that I have heard of them"
Assuming the head IS the alien does Spock recognize it? I need to finish off creating my character but he would have at least a +10 or so off the cuff and would be able to augment that with data records once he got a chance.
Edit: In finalizing my character I realized that I have no idea how to build the following. Spock would logically have a fairly good database of information on Earth, the Galaxy, etc. Obviously with lots of gaps. Do I buy this as just equipment (computer)? Or, given that lots of this information is NOT available do I need to build it as a power? And, if so, what? :-(
Also, how do I do the near omni-competence that is Spock and knowledge skills? Buy lots of Expertise skills? Buy an Int of 10 and just rely on Eidetic Memory?
Depends on whether you want part of those abilities to be in a device or you want it all to be from his head.
I would build all of this as his brilliance. Pile on the Intelligence, take Eidetic Memory, and Jack-of-all-trades are probably the most efficient way to go. Take Ultimate Effort: Science, and some ranks in the Luck Advantage to be able to re-roll if you tank something you really wanted to make.
You could save some points by putting some of those advantages into a portable database.
Others might have different opinions.
I have all the time in the world Dr Jones, so I will expect an answer after the mission is completed. Phoibe says
The steel in that voice remind Roland of Susannah.
'Who is Susannah?'
Flashback: "...most of you lack certain attributes that might make you susceptible to being compromised on this mission."
"And, eh, what attributes are those? Far be it from me to judge by appearances, but Grim face, Pointy, and Haughty* over here all look like they're made of flesh and blood."
*One of the upsides of skipping introductions: I get to improve on whatever names their boring, unimaginative parents inflicted on them.
"I understand that humans seem to have a pathological need to inflict strange appellations upon others. But my name is Spock and calling me by that name is more likely to elicit a positive response. I am indeed made of flesh and blood. Of a kind."
"Woah woah, hey. I know some guys who would blow up on you for an insult like that. Literally. I'm about as human as the half-ripe coconut on the table over there. Lucky for you, I'm a forgiving soul, I understand the limited capacity of the mortal mind and perception."
"Fascinating. You are saying that you are not a member of the species Home Sapiens Sapiens. What species DO you belong to then?"
"I am an exalted djinni, a noble spirit of great and terrible power! You're very pleased to meet me, I'm sure." Bartimaeus says, puffing his chest out.
Phoibe looks at the boy after a long moment and says a spirit of earth or fire, wind or thunder?
And then she turns to Mr. Spock and says I am not a homo sapien nor am I mortal Mr. Spock.
Her eyes flash of lightning and upon her head her crown of horses lies, the swift sword of vengence in her hand, her clothing of ancient Greece, and her wheeled shield. She stands before the painting of herself behind her the aegus of her godhood glowing around her.
look upon the goddess Nemesis, goddess of Vengence and balancer of blessings. Shall I show you more, Mr. Spock or are you satisfied? Speak and write to me the language of your people Mr. Spock and I will speak and write it also. Attend to me in bitter battle and I shall size you up like a fish is sized by the fisherman and gut you where you stand.
"Fascinating. I have met Apollo a long distance from this place. He had informed us that all of the Greek Gods had left Earth some time ago. It appears that he was mistaken.
If your powers are similar to his then there is no need to size me up. You are indeed far more powerful than I am. I readily concede the point"
"I am indeed very pleased to meet you, noble Djinni. I had thought you a myth. It is always greatly gratifying to realize that the Universe holds secrets previously unknown."
"I should return the courtesy and identify myself. I am Commander Spock, of the Federation of United Planets. I am from the planet Vulcan, the people of which are generally known as Vulcans"
Looking towards the hosts
"It would seem that you have managed to collect a very extraordinary team. At some point I would like to know how we all came to your attention, and how many others similar to us exist. But now would not seem to be the time for that discussion"
Flashback:
The gunslinger watches the others, locks eyes with The Director and makes a twirling motion with his fingers. 'move it along'
The noise of the wiping air fill Roland's world but his bombardier's eyes an begin to see the outline of Isla Nublar rushing up to him.
At Nemesis and Spock's flamboyant introductions, his eys light up. He grows to a muscular, demonic form and begins in a booming rumble: "And I am-"
"NO! No, no, stop, we're not going through all that again. He's Bartimaeus, I'm John Mandrake, and that's all that needs to be said. Director, when can we begin?"
"For those who need them, suits are already on the plane. Commlinks too. Head out now."
The tropical beauty of Isla Nublar grows larger and more defined as you plummet. Your parachute opens automatically, bringing you to the mainstreet of the park. The park has not recovered from the events of the massive security breach and dinosaur escape.*
*See Jurassic World.
right after Phoibe hits the ground she yanks the parchute off and her crown and sword appear once more her eyes flashing with dangerous malice looking left and right for the enemy or threat.
She says in Vulcan to Mr. Spoke Mr. Spock, what is the name for your home in your language. Vulcan is a very human centric Greek name
"The name for the planet is Ah'Rak.
The name of the inhabitants is vuhlkantra"
As he lands Spock takes a strange box from out of a pouch and stares at it intensely.
He will start scanning for life forms, followed by scanning for energy sources.
Spock scans the area, detecting hundreds of carbon based life forms in all directions, mostly matching what you would expect from the genetically engineered dinosaur forms on the island. There is also a scattering of something else. Something mostly saurian but also alien, something Spock hasn't seen before. There seems to be a concentration of these alien life forms within the pyramid shaped pavillion nearby.
As for energy, about 4 miles to the northwest is what appears to be a functional geothermal energy plant. The transmission lines are not carrying power to the surrounding buildings, but the plant is functional.
"Interesting. There are some life signatures that I do not recognize. Saurian in form but also seemingly not of this Earth. There are several around, many within the pyramid pavilion over there. I suggest that we go in that direction.
No interesting energy sources that I see. The plant is still functional but the power lines are not"
prepare to do battle Nemesis says as she brandishes her sword and shield and walks confidently toward the pyramid structure.
Bartimaeus shifts into the form of a chameleon and follows the group incognito.
"Yeah, you guys have fun with that whole 'fist fighting hundred foot tall killer lizards' plan. Tell me how it works out." he says as he fades out of sight.
Roland takes care of his HALO gear storing it in case it is needed later. He then calmly removes his gun belts from the water tight bag he caries them in, he straps them on Right then left. once secure he inspects the Guns rolling the cylinder down his for arm. All of this is done without any of the flash of the 'gunslingers' of modern media.
Finally he loads each of the revolvers and looks up as the Goddess calls for battle. Catching the last of the Chameleon as it fades from site he chuckles 'As always a ka-mai'
"Lead on Mr. Spock"
"We have already established that you are far more powerful than I am. Therefore perhaps I should go in the rear and let you lead. In fact, I think Bartimaeus might have the right idea. I'll use our communicator to keep in contact"
With that Spock activates his suits Cpncealment function (vision only, blending).
"Left. Forwards 100 paces. Right at the rock"
Mr Spock, I am not Apollo of the Sun. What keeps me strong as I am I have thought often about, but I am only a shadow of what I once was she continues forward anyway taking lead.
You pass what was an information booth, one wall now collapsed and toy dinosaurs lying scattered from an overturned sales cart. As you approach, one of the tiny dinosaur toys leaps to life. A cat sized compsagnathus, long tail whipping. You make your way up the stairs in front of the pyramid shaped innovation station, the white stairs stained with blood and mildew.
The series of glass doors leading into the building are almost all smashed, though one has somehow survived. Beyond the doors, a wide entry hallway leads to an open central area. The ground is scattered with inblown leaves and trash. There is some light filtering from dirty windows set into the roof of the pavilion. Spock's tricorder detects 9 life signs within the central area.
From the entrance, you can see 5 leather pods a few feet tall in the center of the pavillion, about 400 feet away.
At the top of the stairs Roland holds up his right hand in a fist, assuming the others will know the sign for 'Hold'.
He kneels down and looks at the leaves, blood and glass hoping to get an idea of what happened here.
Nemesis halts and crouches down sword and shield at the ready looking left then right and back scanning the area for anything, letting her danger sense extend out seeking enemies... seeking foes.
There are signs of two altercations on top of each other, one between two three toed animals with feet that would indicate large dinosaurs, and another between a human wearing boots and another large animal with two clawed feet and two strange prints that might be knuckles.
Spock will definitely concentrate on scanning the pods, trying to determine what is inside them
Bartimaeus scouts around a bit, using his flight to get a better lay of the land.
"Never thought looking for dinosaurs could be so boring*." Bartimaeus says aloud, though none but he can hear.
*Not that I'm complaining, mind. I have enough things trying to kill me.
what do we see? Nemesis says looking back and forth.
"There where a couple of conflicts here, beast vs. beast, and man vs. beast"
He looks around for a moment, "That noise maker of yours telling you anything Mr. Spock?"
Spock finds the pods to be chitonous plates surrounded by an organic membrane. Within there is an 8 legged long tailed chimaeric organism. It isn't clearly of any particular genus, sharing DNA with a variety of species.
Bartimaeus can see several large herbivorous dinosaurs in an open field off in the distance. They amble calmly, not reacting to any threat.
"The pods contain an organism that I do not recognize. It is some form of hybrid of several different entities. It is most certainly not a natural occurrence, it is clearly the result of some form of manipulation at the genetic level. Most impressive."
Roland stands and looks at the pods, "More to the point, are they about to 'hatch'? Else-wise I think we should move on."
He waits a moment if the Vulcan does not interrupt he strides into the building keeping a weary eye open.
Nemesis follows after the gunslinger into the building her danger sense extended.... Seeking