Star Trek: Valiant (Inactive)

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reason+science 10: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 17) = 20

Yesult takes a look at the thing from engineering to see what he can make of it

"Captain," Doctor Bhalla notes as she looks up from her preliminary scans of the hive-like structure, "it would appear that we are observing a living organism--one that serves as a host to other life-forms."

Garrett will send a message up to the captains chair indicating it is possibly techno organic as it has a great deal of organic mass

"Whatever kind of organism it is it is headed right for us," Thoss acknowledges, "Recommend we go to battlestations Captain."

Lance reviews the data as it streams in, looking for some indication of intent or capibities. If it’s rushing the ship, he wanted to know how to defend themselves.
Obtain information. Reason + science, tn 15: 2d20 ⇒ (10, 14) = 24
2 successes
Ship assist 10: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Three successes. Spending 1 momentum to ask 2 questions (plus a bonus question from studious), Nanking momentum for success 3.

1. Does the craft have any obvious offensive capibities? Things that look like gun batteries, torpedo ports, energy sources that could power a phaser, etc.
2. Does the craft have any obvious defensive capibities? Reneforced hull, energy disruptions indicating shielding, etc.
3. Does the craft have an obvious propulsion source? External engines? Fins that flap against vacuum? Some sort of wake trail etc.

1. As the hive approaches, you can see that it is bristling with long tubes. The tubes are connected to an energy network and are highly magnetic. You would guess that they are some sort of plasma cannon. 2. The craft doesn't have anything like a deflector or apparent shield generators, but the exterior is covered in thick metallic plating. 3. Lance suspects that craft could achieve high sub-warp speeds by directing plasma from the plasma tubes, much the way that your ion engines work. It is generating a warp field, but it doesn't have nacelles or an obvious warp engine.

"Yellow Alert," orders Reeves. "Evasive maneuvers."

"Can we hail them?"

"Aye, Sir!" Thoss activate Reeves pattern Delta 7 into his helm control.

Evasive maneuvers (Control/Conn) 14, Focus Helm: 3d20 ⇒ (3, 16, 8) = 27
Ship Assist Engines 10: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Looks like 5 Successes total, I'll bank 3 of them into Momentum.

Like that new avatar, Thoss.

There is no response to your hails.

"Shields up," says Reeves.

GM, does the hive move to follow us when we maneuver out of the way?

Garrett calls up to the bridge maybe try subspace vibrations? As it appears insectoid in nature perhaps start broadcasting through our array a wide variety of insectoid noises to establish rudimentary communication?

Momentum 5, Threat 8

Spending a point of threat to go first in initiative.

The hive matches your maneuvers, moving into firing range. Medium range

Plasma attack: 4d20 ⇒ (14, 15, 11, 10) = 50

Plasma attack damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 1) = 12

The hive launches high energy plasma at the Valiant. The plasma slams into the shields, causing very little damage to the structure of the ship, but causing a serious drain on the ship's power.

Resistance absorbs all of the physical damage, but the ship's power experiences a drain. The ship sheet is updated.

We are in combat, so you have actions to take. You may not wish to take combat actions, which is fine.

Lance begins compiling the information he analyzed earlier, looking for weak points in the armor.

control+science+testing a theory=14: 3d20 ⇒ (14, 10, 20) = 44
sensors + security ship assist=12: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Technical Expertise reroll the twenty: 1d20 ⇒ 18
2 successes, alongside some TERRIBLE rolls. Banking 1 into momentum
Momentum 6, threat 8

He passes the information to our targeting systems.

If this succeeds, then the vessel’s next Attack, before the end of the sensor operator’s next Turn, gains the Piercing 2 quality, ignoring two of the target’s Resistance per Effect rolled. Further, if any bonus d20s are purchased for that next attack, it inflicts +1 damage for each bonus d20 purchased.

Samuel's hands hovered ready for the order from his captain. "Captain do you want me to return fire or hold. Their attack did not penetrate our shields but it wont stay that way if they keep it up."

"Evasive maneuvers. Mister Thoss, now would be a good time to hit the gas and get us to the planet. Mister Kerensky, you may target them with phasers and fire when ready."

With the Captains order given Samuel punches in the command. He was very thankful for Kreskin sending the extra tactical data... if they had to fight better to have the upper hand.

Control + Security. 13. Focus Ship Board Tactical Weapons. Buying one extra dice with momentum: 3d20 ⇒ (7, 3, 6) = 16 4...
Weapons + Security. 10: 1d20 ⇒ 5 ...5...so banking 3 to momentum assuming standard difficulty 2.
Damage: 7d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 6, 6, 6, 1) = 25 4+1=5 Damage. 3 Effects rolls Piercing 2... so ignoring 6 resistance

Threat 8. Momentum 8

Yeeeeeeeehaw

Thoss waits for the phasers to lock on target and even as Kreskin opens fire, he puts as much power to the impulse engines as possible and sends the Valiant on a course to the planet.

Not sure if you want Thoss to roll again here.

Mr Garrett will attempt to reroute non important functions to the shields to repower them after the drain.

engineering bold and control 16: 2d20 ⇒ (5, 20) = 25 use a momentum to roll a extra and reroll one.

reroll: 1d20 ⇒ 5

extra dice: 1d20 ⇒ 1

six successes yippee banking three momentum to 10 and 8 threat total

"Captain, I would caution against firing upon an unknown entity." says Doctor Bhalla. "Just because we withstood an initial mild 'sting' to our shields, we could very well be provoking the proverbial 'bee hive'."

Phasers rake across the body of the hive, blasting super heated pieces into space.

Unexpectedly, as you disengage to head toward Coriolanus IV, the hive does not pursue, apparently happy to have driven you from the range of the Oort cloud.

"They're not pursuing. Use coming off better in that engagement might make them more receptive to diplomatic resolutions..." Kerensky kept tracking the hive ship.

"Let's hope you're right," says Reeves. "Keep scanning the cloud as we approach the main world."

As you approach Coriolanus IV, you find that the colony has been attacked by the same sort of plasma weapons that the hive was using. Scans of the planet are inconclusive, and scanners are unable to provide transporter lock. It looks like this investigation will require a shuttle or shuttles. At least the hive doesn't appear to be pursuing you.

"Commander Kreskin, I believe you requested to lead the next away mission. Choose your team and find out what's going on down there. Take Doctor Bhalla with you."

Aye captain.

Kreskin takes a shuttle pilot, four seasoned security ensigns, Dr. Bhalla and three medical personnel of the doctor’s choosing. After everyone is loaded up, he gives the order to take the shuttle down to the planet.

"Better bring full med kits as well as tricorders." Doctor Bhalla instruct Nurse Roberts and the remainder of her staff as the shuttle prepares to land. "We don't yet know what we will find down there."

Kerensky felt torn but decided not to volunteer for the mission, trusting in the judgement of his superiors. The men Commander Kreskin chose were all competent.

He might be needed here, and was satisfied with his performance in the previous engagement. Kerensky reviewed the sensor readings from earlier, perhaps he could find some weakness to avail of before the next engagement.

If we are only going to take two of the lead characters to the surface, this would be another opportunity for some supporting characters. Shuttle Pilot, Security, Nurse? Maybe someone who has a connection to someone on the surface. Just a thought.

The surface of the planet is fraught with electromagnetic anomalies that make communications difficult and transporters useless. Even a shuttle ride will be a bumpy proposition. The shuttle departs the shuttle bay, dropping into the atmosphere of the planet.

Difficulty 2 Control+Conn Task to pilot the shuttle through the anomalies. Additionally, someone on the ship can create an Advantage by using the sensors to map the disturbances. This is a difficulty 2 Reason+Science task assisted by ship's Sensors+Science (13). This Task could also be attempted from the shuttle, but the shuttle's sensors+science is only 5

Lance starts sweeping through the anomaly to guide the pilot down safely. His previous scans giving important context to the current readings.

Reason+Science=15, extra die from testing a theory: 3d20 ⇒ (16, 13, 6) = 35
Rerolling the 16 due to Technical Expertise: 1d20 ⇒ 11
3 successes
Ship's aid=5: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Banking the extra successes as momentum, plus an advantage for whomever ends up being the supporting character shuttle pilot

Knowing she could use additional flight time to maintain her shuttle credentials (and because the bridge crew always seems to be the ones at the helm) Doctor Bhalla man's the controls.

Control + Conn (12): 3d20 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) = 12

Three successes (with a Focus in Small Craft for what it is worth. Banking two Momentum.

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice. Something special happens when you roll a 1, right?

A 1 counts as 2 successes, so that puts 3 rather than 2 into Momentum.

13 Momentum, 8 Threat

The surface of the lifeless planet is barren and windswept as you come close and closer. At the sensors, Kreskin maps the electromagnetic storms, finding spots where the disturbances are not bad enough to damage the shuttle, and Bhalla expertly drops the shuttle through the gaps. As you approach, you detect a garbled transmission, too weak to make it through the storms, but intelligible now that you are close to the surface.

"....Deputy Director Elyse Russ...ksli..ordering retreat to the redoubt....power completely lost within the central complex.....life support gone......to any who can .....please help."

And, at the end of the transmission, a voice from off says, "They are coming in for another pass. We have to...." The message repeats.

Your mission briefing notes that the mining colony has a hardened redoubt built into a low hill, protected by phaser turrets and heavy blast doors shielding a small landing bay.

"Charting a direct course for the redoubt." Doctor Bhalla notes as she programs the helm console of the shuttlecraft, not awaiting any orders or directives.

Although she does not voice her concern aloud, the automated nature of the message gives her concerns that the crew has arrived too late to help the living.

As the shuttle changes course, Kreskin sees something odd break from the electromagnetic storm above. Two shapes the size of the shuttle approach at high speed.

Spending 1 Threat to take the initiative.

Ranged attack: 2d20 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6 3 Successes
System Targeted: 1d20 ⇒ 5 Engines.

I'll spend that extra success to do extra damage.

Damage roll: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 4, 2, 5, 6, 1, 3, 5) = 35

10 damage and 4 effects. That damage wipes out the shields and causes 2 Breaches to Engines. The 4 effects drain 4 Power. Since the shuttle only has 3 Power, it is now at 0 Power. Note that that doesn't mean it is completely without power, it just means you can't spend Power to do things.

2 Breaches to the engines on a Scale 1 vessel destroys the engines. The shuttle is going down!

Plasma attacks much like those from the hive slam into your shuttle, draining power from the systems, collapsing the shields, and causing the engines to overload. The cabin fills with smoke as panels spark and explode.

Attempt a Difficulty 3 Task vs Control and Conn. This can be assisted by Kerenski as a commander and by the ship. If this fails, you will need to make a Fitness+? (Depending on how you react) Task to avoid personal damage when the ship hits the ground. You should have plenty of Momentum to help with these tasks and to purchase equipment that you might need to survive on the surface, which is, of course, already on the shuttle.

Bhalla, wait, it might not be...ah hell.

Prepare for a crash everyone. Soft as possible, doctor.

Kreskin begins hastily scanning sensor data to find a soft landing point
Assist. Reason+Science=15, spending 1 point momentum, extra die for testing a theory: 3d20 ⇒ (18, 17, 12) = 47

Thats 1...If Bhalla can score at least one success.

12 momentum 7 threat

Thoss turns to the Captain a look of concern on his face. "Sir, the shuttle has been struck by plasma fire. Appears to have originated from the electromagnetic storm. They are going down."

GMST: Any chance of tractor beam, or transporting them out?

I'd like to spend a point of Determination for Perfect Opportunity (CRB, pg. 87). I believe that Dr. Bhalla's flying the shuttle down safely following her efforts to take command of the situation (without orders) would invoke at least one (if not more) of the following values: Do No Harm, Be the Best, and Lead from the Front.

Realizing that she has an opportunity to save the shuttle crew and prove that she is not merely a damn fine doctor, but also a skilled piloting, Doctor Bhalla guides the shuttle down safely.
Control+Conn (12): 2d20 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Two successes plus any possibly two more from Perfect Opportunity, plus one from Kreskin, would be five successes!

The shuttle lands roughly, but the crew are all intact. Lights flicker as power switches to emergency batteries.

I'll accept the Determination. Environmental suits are available at an cost of 2 Momentum each. If they were required for the mission, they would be free, but since they weren't supposed to be required, you have to pay for them.

I think you are out of range for a tractor beam, and the whole reason for the shuttle was that transporters were dangerous. You could have tried it, but it would have been a very difficult task, 6 or so.

This is why I told the captain to stay on the ship...

He looks around the shuttle. Everyone ok? We’re going to have to hike out, I think.

He checks the supplies...nine crew, seven suits. Is life support holding, or is leaving people behind not an option?

the other systems other than propulsion are functional for now

"Do we have communication with the Away Team?" asks Reeves.

"Or a transporter lock?"

Lance sends a distress signal to Adam Roll? and gets on the scanner to try to locate the ship (or ships) that attacked them.

Control + science + testing a theory=14: 3d20 ⇒ (17, 8, 11) = 36
Shuttle assist, 5: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Rr 17: 1d20 ⇒ 4
If my planatary analysis focus counts here, that’s 4 successes. Banking excess.

Do I detect the hostile ships and their position?

Yesult will see if he can go to the transporters room and get a lock on the away team the transporters engineer stepping aside when he arrives, knowing the electromagnetic storm may make transporters impossible

engineer+control 15: 2d20 ⇒ (17, 16) = 33

Garrett calls up to the bridge

transporters can't get a lock captain.

sorry bad roll

Doctor Bhalla surveys her staff to confirm they are okay. "What is the old saying? 'Any landing you can walk away from is sufficient?'

"Thankfully, I had the foresight to stown a few environmental suits on board. If we cannot raise the redoubt through the communications system, I am prepared to lead a reconnaissance and, hopefully, rescue team to the signal location." suggests the doctor.

Without looking up from the sensor screen, Lance replies curtly Are you? Are you prepared to lead a reconnaissance and rescue team? Do you know where we landed in relation to the redoubt? Or how many hostiles are patrolling outside? You nearly killed us all rushing a landing, I’ll be damned if I let you wander into a shooting gallery. I’m only going to be able to take a few people to the redoubt. Can I count on you to follow my orders, or do I have to leave you behind?

Doctor Bhalla stares down the man whose life she just saved. "I am prepared, Commander." The reference to her superior officer's rank pours slowly off the tongue like acid.

Breaking eye contact, she swivels her seat away from Kreskin and rises to retrieve the environmental suits "And will follow orders." she adds.

Assuming the landing party can't get a signal through.

"Damn," breathes Reeves. "Keep trying, Thoss, and see if we can get a prediction about when there might be a break in the weather. I'm not going to send down another shuttle until we have some idea of whether they can safely land."

"Kerensky, man the sensor station and keep me posted on the whereabouts of the Hive ship."