"As commanded."
Secretary focuses on the other cannibal, activating a tech module to ignite it before following up with a hail of rifle rounds.
Defense Matrix [armor]: ACTIVE
Marksman [persistent]: ||||
Shadow Strike [persistent]: |||||
--------------------------------------
Concussive Shot:
Cryo Blast: |||
Incinerate:
Dredd advances towards the oncoming husks (or those that remain). The servos of his Graal spikethrower whir to life as he begins charging the weapon.
Awyr's shot hits home and the left Cannibal's falls. The right Cannibal remains standing after the starting incinerate but falls after the auto fire destroyed his inner organs. 3 husks fall in the pack of 5 from the Collector laser. The 2 remaining husks run forward at Brutvus. The two other Husk packs charge and surround Dredd. Some of their attacks get past Dredd's defences.
Brutvus takes careful aim at the same pack of husks, this time aiming his Striker assault rifle.
He fires.
Krak! A small explosion lights up the swarm. If it hits, parts of husks end up, to quote a popular dead terrorist, "Over there, over there, and up there!"
Secretary shifts fire to the husks surrounding Dredd. He swings his gun around in one smooth motion, ceasing fire while the gun is pointed at Dredd only to resume on the other side.
Awyr launches a Lash at the southernmost husk.
"Come 'ere, you!"
Lash [detonator] [primer] [telekinetic]
You create a mass effect whip, catching an enemy and pulling them towards you.
Time: Standard action. Target: One enemy within 12 squares and in line of sight.
Make a Use Biotics check. If the check exceeds the target's Reflex defense, the target takes 5d6 biotic damage. The target also makes a Strength check. If you win, the target is pulled 3 squares towards you plus an additional square for every 5 points by which you exceed the target's check and is knocked prone. If you pull the target into a larger object, the target takes 1d6 kinetic damage.
The target adds its size modifier to its Fortitude defense: Colossal, +20; Gargantuan, +15; Huge, +10; Large, +5; Medium, +0; Small, -5; Tiny, -10; Diminutive, -15; Fine, -20.
Special: Shielded targets cannot be pulled.
Both Dredd and his trusty Graal roar back at the swarming husks. But while only violent flecks of foam spray from Dredd's mouth, a spray of foot-long sharpened blades erupt from the muzzle of the gun, shredding one of the husks. Dredd grins in fury and challenges the husks, "who wants some more, huh?" He stands his ground and holds the trigger, charging the shotgun for another volley.
Brutvus destroyed the remaining Husks that were trying to attack him. Secretary's attack kills 2 and injuries an 3rd in the Northern pack but the attack on the southern misses. Ayr's lash send one husks from the souther pack straight into the wall. It's spine is scattered into a million pieces and the blood pattern makes the shape of a apple of the wall. Dredd takes advantage of the Secretary's auto fire and finishes off the northern pack. Unfortunately he turned his back to the southern packs and they swarmed him form behind. They tore open his legs.
Brutvus takes careful aim at the husks attacking Dredd, firing a long burst from the Striker.
As the explosive slugs tear into the husks, causing multiple small detonations in their wake, many husks end up dead (I hope).
Secretary activates a tech module and vanishes from sight. Reappearing next to one of the husks, it strikes with an omni-blade from behind.
Defense Matrix [armor]: ACTIVE
Marksman [persistent]: ||||
Shadow Strike [persistent]:
--------------------------------------
Concussive Shot: |||
Cryo Blast: |||
Incinerate: ||
Awyr launches a Warp into the remaining Husk, dark purple energy crackling malevolently.
The strike teams brings down the last husks before they had a chance to attack again. Now that you can actually look around you see that the lay out wasn't what the map said it was. The route north is blocked off but there is a whole in the wall. You could try to squeeze thorough one at a time. The route to the west has large tubes going from top to bottom. They are large enough gabs to get through but could can't see past the first couple to know what is on the other side. The door to Room labeled A6 on your map is closed but you don't know if it is locked. Time to choose which way you go.
Brutvus reloads his weapons, and awaits new orders from Taranau.
"Alright boys, let's take a breather. Urdnot, get yourself patched up. Baso, Keep an eye out for more baddies. Secretary, try that door."
Awyr takes five minutes to swap out Reave for Biotic Slash.
"Anything of note, Secretary?"
"As ordered, Taranau-Commander."
Secretary ejects its weapon's thermal clip and loads a new one, then stands at the door for a moment. Secretary then accesses the door, scanning the room once the door opens.
Dredd takes out a medi-gel pack and sticks it in his leg. The gel stings as it begins repairing some of the damaged tissue.
Dredd checks his weapon mags and assumes ready position.
Secretary open the door and find what could only be called a laboratory There are husks, humans, cannibals, bavarians and all other aces in various states of decay and transformation into Reaper forces. At the centre of the room is a monster that hasn't been seen before. It looked this three batarians fused in to a "T" shape. It is suspended in the air by meat massive hooks and various wires. The monster is alive by the minimum amount required for the word. It is moving and maybe breathing. Underneath it is a computer with detailed research notes and a Keeper is near the back. These notes are written in Geth. Unknown how a spoken only language was written down. The alphabet seemed to be based off of Quarian and Geth base code.
Log 1
This is ours... no, mine, my first personal log. Personal, me and me alone. I had individuality forced on me. It wasn't my choice but Shepard and Legion forced this on us all. They wonder why we... I left. Why the Heretics were reborn. The rest of the Geth have left my platform. I am alone, I am an individual, I am sovereign, I am angry. My name is now... we, I don't know. I will choice one latter.
...
Log 77
Welp, I like that word, I have failed. Took a couple of years and still the Cannibals are no smarter. Still there is a conflict between the batarian and human parts. I was hoping that if I could combine two batarians together them maybe they would work together. Instead both ended up hating each other. Organics are annoying to work with.
Log 86
Three heads are not better then 2. I was hoping that the third would pick a side of the other two but instead it has chosen it's own option. The monster now beats it other heads like some kind of primitive animal. The sound might work as a scary tactic this thing has very little use. Harbinger want a new unit but I have nothing.
Log 87
What if a 4th was added to the 3? Not an another organic but a machine?
Log 109
Finally! I have successfully added a Geth to the mixture. The hybrid now has direction. A single Geth program provided the guiding sub-conscience. A way on unifying the three minds. This also gave is a form of biotics. I didn't see that one coming. A happy accident. Now we have a command monster between the Maurder and the Banshee. Our stocks of Banshees is getting rather low. They are proving to be annoying to clone. It's biotic power are rather weak though. I will ned to increase the power.
Log 110
I think I spelled something wrong in my last log. I don't care. I wonder if that means I am going crazy. The Keepers that Harbinger provided to me are proving to be very useful and are spending up my research. Their biotic powers are increasing rapidly.
Log 111
Synthesis! That is the point. Machines are improved by organics and organic are improved by machines. I should fuse this platform or myself. Yes, myself. This is all me, all mine, with and organic. I have little use for this ship anymore. Spend it on missions or something. I need to go to the cloning farms. My new creations need to be mass produced.
The last log was dated 4 months ago. A Keeper keeps working and ignoring you.
Secretary steps into the room and stops, scanning the suspended monster. Judging it to be no threat, Secretary steps over to the computer and accesses the logs. "There is no threat here, Taranau-Commander."
Borrowing what processing the nearby geth can spare, Secretary quickly deciphers the script, analyzes the data, and reaches consensus. Broadcasting information to other geth, in the case that these creatures have already been weaponized, Secretary turns back to the door and vocalizes again, the elapsed time so short it seems to be a continuation of the previous sentence.
"It seems the heretics were experimenting on cannibal hybrids, and may have achieved success with merging synthetic components and heretic programs with the organic biomass. The experiments seem to have resulted in powerful biotic abilities as well."
"A specimen seems to be alive, but barely so. We suggest obtaining the sample for study, to better understand the mechanics involved."
By the Goddess!
Awyr scowls darkly.
"Kill it with fire," she orders.
As Brutvus lumbers into the room, he hears the order to kill it. His weapons immediately swivel on their mounts, to target the behemoth. He is saddened to see that such a possibly worthy adversary does not look like it will fight back. He lets loose with the Particle Beam.
As the beam scores home, Brutvus grunts in satisfaction.
Once the information is send the Geth network is lights up. Time for deliberation.
Hersey, it is working for the Reapers.
Why is it doing this?
What is the point? We should remain apart from organics.
We should hunt it down and kill it.
Why? Why death?
It has made it's own choice. We once accepted their choice.
It doesn't need to be death.
Hersey, kill the Heretic
We don't kill those that think differently then us.
It made it's own choice, it threatens our allies.
It threatens us.
It is a threat.
This is off topic.
Back the Secretary's question.
Is is weaponized?
Unknown.
Unknown.
Possibly: organic reports do state a large cannibal on the battlefields.
Unconfirmed reports.
Need direct conformation.
Send team to confirm.
No records of it yet but strike mission 347 has reports of unknown biotic.
Investigate.
Why no direct data?
No Geth was on mission.
Alert.
Geth platform report possible contact.
Where?
Strike team 857.
Data uploading.
Visual data. no scans.
Report.
Conformation.
Conformation.
Conformation.
All agree. It is weaponized.
New Reaper threat is weaponized.
It made a new Reaper unit.
Does Heretic need to die?
Inadequate information.
Heresy.
Inadequate information.
Information is clear, Heretic is a threat.
Heretic is threat to us.
Heretic is a threat to allies.
Heretic needs to die.
Hunt the Heretic.
Inadequate information.
Location Unknown.
Inadequate information to pass judgment.
Respect it's choice.
It choose to stand against us.
Possible threat needs to be removed.
Inadequate information.
Information is clear, pass judgment.
Not yet. Inadequate information.
Hunt then? Not kill?
Acceptable alliterative.
Accepted.
Accepted.
Accepted.
Hunt, find the Heretic then pass judgment.
Kill the Heretic.
Find.
Hunt.
Kill.
No, hunt, but it is a Heretic.
Accepted.
Accepted.
Accepted.
Accepted.
All agreed.
The hybrid unit is completely cut to pieces by Brutvus's attack. There are also large cut line on the wall behind it. The Keeper starts trying to clean it up. It gets a bucket and start picking up the pieces.
What blasphemy is this?
"What is that Keeper doing? Dredd, incinerate that abomination's remains. Secretary, scan that Keeper. Baso, watch our backs."
Awyr frowns, pointing her Widow at the Keeper.
Dredd doesn't waste any time. Seeing as the inferno grenade was already in his hands after his twitch reaction to Awyr calling out...
"Kill it with fire!"
...he primes it and tosses it on the pile of body parts that once sort of... vaguely... represented an experimental reaper unit. The grenade chirps once before enveloping the... thing, in a ball of fire. The smell of burning flesh and circuitry is added to the already overwhelming stench of decay that pervades the lab. "Damn. Batarians are ugly enough to begin with. I'm glad to see that thing go."
Accepted.
...
Subject eliminated by order of Taranau-Spectre.
Will attempt to capture next instance of creature.
Secretary performs a scan of the Keeper with his omni-tool, checking for anything unusual.
"Taranau-Commander, Liberation forces report contact with one of these hybrid creatures. It indeed does possess biotic abilities. We would like to capture these creatures if possible. Should we encounter another, we would appreciate a goal of incapacitation, so we may pass judgement on the heretics inside."
Taranau-Spectre choose death for Heretic.
We didn't choose death for it.
Taranau-Spectre might have chosen correctly.
Do we trust Taranau-Spectre?
Yes.
Agreed.
Need to know if it choose.
Was is allowed to choose or was choice forced.
If allowed to choose then why?
Why become one of them?
Inadequate information.
Agreed.
Can not under stand it's choices.
If it choose this then it is a Heretic but if not...
Can we save them?
Inadequate information.
Does it need saving?
Inadequate information.
Annoyance at inadequate information.
Agreed.
Capture if able to but do not place organics at risk.
Agreed.
Human kill husks.
Batarians kill cannibals.
We might have to kill them.
Get might need to kill Geth.
.
.
Heretics must die.
They were once us. Can not kill ourselves.
Part of a whole.
Can not kill part of our collective.
They might not be part of us anymore.
Do organics feel this way when they kill their kind?
Are husks there kind?
Are Heretics still Geth?
Once where.
But now?
Heretics?
Define word.
Inadequate information.
Agreed.
No decision reached.
Agreed.
Mission stands.
Capture, gain data and then pass judgement.
Agreed.
The Keeper tries to put out the fire and doesn't react to the scan. They appear similar to the Keeper scans of 10 years ago. Not much has changed. Nothing is unusual.
I have a bad feeling about this.
Awyr turns to look at Secretary.
"That sounds like a horrible idea, Secretary. we know Reaper artifacts can twist the thoughts of sentient and sapient beings. I will allow you to scan the next one we find, but it will be after we kill it. For all we know it could jump platforms, so I forbid you from interfacing with it."
Already fight heretic forces. Destroy frames.
Destroy Geth.
Geth were already heretic before upload.
...
Taranau-Spectre raises new point: Reaper artifacts may affect runtime processes.
Poisoned processes may infect whole.
Secretary's head bobs, expression plates opening slightly.
"We believe you misunderstand, Taranau-Commander. We wish to determine if the geth were forcibly uploaded. If the hardware is destroyed, no interrogation is possible."
Still a bad idea.
Awyr shakes her head.
"It's too risky. You can look for evidence on the OSDs left behind, but I cannot countenance risking this mission like that. We still don't know the limits of Indoctrination, and until we do your plan could doom us all. That's a negative, Secretary."
Awyr tries to sound compassionate, as some part of her knows the poor machine's plight, but the majority of her balks at the idea.
"We need to move on. What's the easiest path forward? Baso, can you clear a path?"
Clear a path? I can do that. Yessir I can do that. Which way boss?
He waits several moments, awaiting instructions from Taranau. After several seconds of waiting...
Damn! Guess I should have said that out loud.
'Which way sir?'
The route north is blocked off but there is a whole in the wall. You could try to squeeze thorough one at a time. The route to the west has large tubes going from top to bottom.
Sometimes I really hate my life...
Awyr smacks her palm into her face, shaking her head slowly.
"Baso, do you see those tubes? See if they can't be shoved aside or something."
Brutvus moves to within sight of the tubes, and lets loose with his Striker, steadily firing one round at a time until the clip is empty, then reloading. As he fires, above the noise, those standing close enough can hear a low, Elcor laugh, Brutvus cackling with glee.
When the noise and smoke clear, Brutvus makes his way towards the tubes, hoping for a nice big hole.
The pipes to the west are completely destroyed after Brutvus unloaded an entire clip of a Striker. What ever liquid was being pumped through the pipes is now all over the floor. If you are trained in Treat Injury you can identify what the liquid is but just from glances you don't want to. The area is now considered to be difficult terrain but it is now clear for you to advance. That was the loudest way you have possible open a path however.
Awyr stares in stupefied awe at Brutus' actions.
Not what I meant, but it works. And damned if that isn't the scariest thing I've seen this week.
Awyr shrugs off her shock and grunts happily.
"Well done, Baso. Okay squad, let's move on to the next room."
"Taranau-Commander, should you need objects moved in the future, we are equipped with high-power servomotors. They should be adequate for moving large pieces of rubble with significantly less noise," Secretary pitches in helpfully.
Taking point once again, Secretary heads through the gap.
Brutvus grunts appreciatively.
'That was fun.'
"Well, since we've let them know we're coming, we'd better not keep them waiting," Dredd growls as he lumbers towards the newly opened passage.
The team walk slowly up the the next room. The door to A5 opens easily and 20 cannibals are in the room. They are in to rows of 10 all facing away form the door. They appear to be in a slowly moving and none of them notice you. They are stuck with their knees to the ground and hands folding almost in a worship like state. In the back wall is a pipe and a large pump that looks like a heart. It is pumping the same liquid that was in the pipes outside of the room. The heart beats loudly and the all cannibal move to it's beat. Before the party enter the room Dredd sees a sentry in the back right corner. It looks like someone stabbed a husk with a camera in it's eye. It is half grown into the wall and is covered in what looks like coral. It is the same color as the wall and looks like every other weird art work that this room is full of. The Reapers or someone apparently spend the time to make this room look very gothic. Deformed figures carved out of stone try to claw their way out of the walls and other creepy art. The room looks both half finished and complete at the same time. Like this was the state that the creator wanted. The sentry groans and looks back and forth. Thanks to Dredd's heads up the party safely avoids being decide on the first pass.
Just as the door opens, Dredd spots the sentry. *Hold up* he signals with a raised fist. *Sentry. 1* he indicates it's location, *Quiet kill?* he looks to commander Taranau.
*Affirmative. Execute!* Awyr signs back to him.
*Stack up for a breach.*
*Breach!*
Awyr launches a Dark Sphere through the doorway.
Brutvus holds his fire, though his weapons start swiveling on their mounts, tracing lines of fire from one target to the next.
Chuckling madly in a monotone, 'F*$k em up.'
Secretary leans out, spraying energy rounds at the cannibals. Its gunfire bathes the front group, with the extra bolts scattering around the pair behind his first targets.
The room being full of husks, who must needs make their way through the door to reach the stacked up party, Dredd begins charging his Graal to cull any husks that make it through the killing field.
The mass of cannibals respond to the incoming attack. Yellow C4 and C5 are rocked by the hail of fire from Secretary. Their return fire was no where near your teams location. Yellow C3 and C2 charges the door. They both take damage from the sphere and are primed. YC3 take Dread's prepared attack in the chin and it is dropped. The rest of them start to swarm the door and their arms let bullets fly.
Dredd takes 3 shots: 13, 7, and 16 damage
Secretary takes 2 shots: 18, and 6 damage
Awyr takes 1 shot: 12 damage
Brutvus takes 3 shots: 12, 10, 15 damage
"Go loud!" Awyr shouts as she Warps the nearest Cannibal.
Dredd grunts as the hail of bullets impact against his biotic bariers, small projectiles flicking away with no significant personal effect. His barriers holding he primes a second volley and fires at the next closest cannibal moving towards the doorway.
As Brutvus endures the incoming fire with little discomfort, a reduction of his shields by almost half does cause him to activate his Omni-Shield.
After his shield is activated, he fires his particle beam at one of the Cannibals clustered just inside the door.