The Long Night Ends (A Traveller T20 Game) (Inactive)

Game Master mdt

Heeetheee home planet is an inhospitable planet heavy in boron, with a reducing atmosphere heavy in hydrogen sulfide. The planetary biosphere is extremely hostile to carbon based life. Heeetheee survive the acidic atmosphere by fixing silicon, iron, and other metals into their boron exoskeletons. Heeetheee exoskeletal structure is almost as hard as tungsten alloys of the same thickness, but remains flexible.

Heeetheee do not breath, their bodies using anaerobic rather than aerobic methods for energy promulgation. They do communicate using sound, but generate the sound by rubbing their mandibles against each other or striking them against each other.

Despite the hostility of the Heeetheee biosphere, Heeethee brains are more similar to silicon based systems than carbon based systems, and their biology leaves them with very few extreme emotions. While capable of violence, Heeetheee are inherently a highly calculating and rational species. Culturally, Heeetheee find most carbon based lifeforms to be insane. Heeetheee are very mathematical in their outlooks, and as a species guage everything from natural phenomenon to social interaction in degrees of probability.

Heeetheee find humans, especially, to be racially suicidal, even while they find individuals have varying degrees of sanity. Heeethee believe humans are unique in that other races show rationality in groups that they do not show in individuals, but humans show insanity in groups and rationality in individuals.

Heeetheee find human methods of exploration and research insane, with little or no safeguards taken. However, they acknowledge that humans have advanced faster with their insanity than Heeetheee have with their careful and considered research. One reason the Heeethee gave for requesting a full alliance was to offer humans 'rationality' in exchange for human 'insanity creativeness'.

Holt stands and moves towards Annara and Fernán, shaking both of their hands as she says ”Thanks to both of you for your help on this. It was a pleasure. But if you’ll please excuse me, I must relinquish my rank and return to my duties.” A huge smile on her face, Holt moves to her room, changes back into her jumpsuit, grabs her tools, and heads out to meet Specialist Miller and the rest of her unit. Sure, the jumpsuit isn’t quite proper for her rank, but it is so hard to get oil stains out of a tie.

- - - - -

Ophelia had been pulled off of repairs for debriefing, and she hadn’t exactly been happy about it. She had already sent in her report, but the brass had wanted to directly question her. A couple of hours of reviewing everything that happened, in excruciating detail, later she was released and given time to rest. She had intended to spend that time working on the Dawn’s hull, but the repairs had been done. The welding of one of the new recruits was a little shoddy, and Ophelia had the crew rip the panel off and do it again.

With the repairs done, Ophelia decided that what she really needed was another evening behind the shop, just like back with Durant. Not exactly having an ‘outside’ to do that in on the spacestation, she instead found her way to the ‘designated meeting lounge’: it was a small room that was supposed to be for visiting dignitaries. But because it was one of the few rooms that could handle smoke in the air scrubbers, it mostly ended up as a smoking lounge by the crew.

Ophelia had only been there a few times before, and everytime it had been fairly full for its small size. But it was almost empty now, with all of the various crewmen under emergency procedures. Reaching into her pack, Ophelia withdraw a pipe with a dark wooden bowl and a long steel stem engraved with vines and flowers. Pulling out an airtight tube of tobacco, she examined the pipe while packing it.

I remember when I made this pipe. Durant had told me that there was no way I could make a steel stem that wouldn’t cool the smoke too much and lose the flavor. And he would have been right, had I not baked a ceramic layer on the inside. I can still remember the look on his face when he asked by I managed to bake the ceramic and not melt the steel and I told him I did very thin ceramic layers and coated the steel in chilled mud before baking it. I felt so proud, so satisfied, like I had accomplished something amazing.

Taking out a match, Ophelia holds the pipe between her teeth while she starts to cherry the tobacco. She pulls in a mouthful of smoke, and coos just a little at the tastes of spice and citrus. Melting back into the chair she’s claimed, she slowly lets out the smoke, watching it slowly, heavily swirl through the air.

But this mission, what we did over the last couple of months, it hasn’t satisfied me. No, instead, it has just gotten me started! Before, going out to explore those distant stars was little more than a dream. But with this… there is so much more now… But we are not there yet. If seeing that ship showed me anything, it is just how far behind we are… But we’ll catch up… I’m sure of it!

Ophelia continued to watch the swirling smoke, like nebulae swirling in space, trying to imagine all of the things that are to come.

- - - - -

In the following months Ophelia and the other crew of the Dawn had become like minor celebrities, with lots of requests for interviews and statements and even product endorsements. Some of the other crew seemed to like the attention, but Ophelia found it fairly embarrassing. The only two interviews she did were one for a press conference that the Navy asked of her, and the other was for the local newspaper in her hometown.

When she returned for leave, her hometown even held a festival in her honor, unveiling a statue of her to sit in front of the library. The newspaper sold her story as that of a small town girl that, through courage, perseverance, and curiosity, risked her own life to bring the planet out of a modern dark age. Ophelia thought that this was all over the top, and continued to insist that her role was not nearly as influential as they said.

She enjoyed most of that night: getting to see her parents again, seeing Durant, who was getting older but still seemed quite fit, and enjoying some of the small country luxuries that she had missed. But that night she still heard whispers between people who talked of the greater war going on. And at one point a pair of drunk men approached her, telling her to remember that she was personally responsible for any blood shed if an invasion were to occur.

Ophelia wasn’t sure how to feel about those sentiments. She had heard the same idea said in the news, but this was the first time that someone had said it directly to her. She didn’t believe it to be true, but she still felt bad about it, worried about what she may have indirectly released upon them.

And while she put it out of her mind, part of her prayed that she would never be made to regret what she had participated in.

- - - - -

The University was abuzz with renewed interest and with mounds of research to do, especially when the Navy started farming out research projects. Ophelia wanted to get as deep into these new techs as she could, and that just wasn’t going to happen maintaining the ISS Telthani. So Ophelia applied for an extended sabbatical to attend The University.

Normally, sabbaticals were only for a year, maybe two, but Ophelia was asking for four, enough to get her Doctorate. The Navy command, seeing this as a great way to use Ophelia’s newly gained reputation to lure in new recruits and gain some good PR, decided to approve her sabbatical. But one of the conditions of her sabbatical is that she act as a Naval representative, reporting her research directly back to the Navy.

She was made the research assistant of Dr. Timur Alkaev, an intelligent man that had spent a lifetime studying the ISS Telthani and the method of its construction. He also had been unable to keep a research assistant for more than a year or two due to his abrasive personality. Ophelia was intimidated, but excited to study under one such as him.

So, having been given her orders, she packed her things and flew back to Telthani University.

- - - - -

Two days after she had arrived on campus, Ophelia dressed herself in a very professional skirt and blouse and made her way through the, at this point rather familiar, Engineering campus. Entering into one of the lab facilities, she took an elevator to the fifth floor and slowly walked the hall until she found the door she was looking for. She knocked and heard a rough ”Come in...”

Entering, Ophelia observed the man in front of her. He was older, somewhere in his sixties, and had a smattering of white stubble. He wore khakis and a button up shirt, though the sleeves were rolled up and his collar was open. Overall, his demeanor gave the impression of one who was proper, yet comfortable, of one who was in control of the situation… and that didn’t need you mucking it up. The silence having gone on a touch too long, he looked up from his papers and said, irritated, ”Yes? May I help you?”

Ophelia blushed and smiled, held out her hand and said ”Dr. Alkaev, hi, I’m Ophelia Holt, your new lab assistant. It’s a pleasure to meet you!” But he did not shake her hand. Instead, he looked her up and down for a moment before returning to his papers.

There was silence between the two of them for what seemed to Ophelia like hours. Finally, he looked back up and said ”No, you must be mistaken.” before returning to his papers.

Ophelia, a confused look on her face, replied ”Oh, I’m sorry, are you not Dr. Alkaev? Because that’s what it said on the door...”

Without looking up, than man replied ”Oh no, I am Dr. Alkaev, but you can’t be my assistant, because my assistant is actually expected to work, not to sit there and look pretty, and therefore, would not be wearing anything like what you are. Ergo, you must not be my assistant. So, unless you have any actual business, I suggest you leave.”

Ophelia turned red in the face and her jaw dropped, stunned at the mans words. After a moment, she managed to stutter a reply ”I-I’m s-s-sorry Sir. I j-just wanted to m-make a good impression.”

Without looking up, then man replied ”I don’t care if you’re sorry. You showed up on the first day unfit to work and, therefore, are fired. The only good thing about this was that you were only going to be wasting less than two minutes of my time.” He glances at a clock on his desk, and adds ”But even that is gone now.” before returning to his work.

Ophelia took a few deep breaths to steady herself and gather her wits before replying ”Dr. Alkaev, my name is Ophelia Holt. I’m your new research assistant. And I am ready for work.”

He looked up from his paperwork to examine her again. Standing from his desk, he started to walk out the door and said ”Ok then, let’s put you to work. Follow me.” Ophelia did as told and rushed behind Dr. Alkaev. Having trouble keeping up, she quickly removed her heels and followed barefoot.

Arriving at one of the labs, Alkaev began to examine a large machine that looked like a large cylinder with a series of pneumatic arms inside of it. With a flick of a switch there was a slight hum and the arms began moving. ”These pneumatic arms drive vacuum pumps that circulate a coolant through the outer shell. It is a section of machine that will become an orbital particle collider. One of the undergrads helped design it and has been uselessly tinkering on it for weeks to work out a little problem.”

With the flick of another switch there is a loud hum and the entire cylinder being to rotate, while a monitor displays RPM’s and pump pressure. As the RPMs increase the pump pressure decreases. Alkaev looks at Ophelia and says ”You have a day to figure out what is wrong with it… oh, and you’re not allowed to leave the building until you do or give up.”

But even while he is talking, Ophelia approaches the machine, nearly putting her head inside of the spinning unit. She calls out to the Doctor, saying ”Can you slowly increase the rotation please?... More slowly…. more slowly… like that.” Spending a few moments rotating her head around the opening of the thing, she finally steps away and says ”Will you please stop it and point out where the wrenches are?”

When the machine is stopped, Ophelia retrieves a wrench and moves over to the machine. After checking the temps on the pneumatics, she begins to drain the hydraulic fluid from them. Going over the the storage cabinet, she retrieves a bucket of silicon oil. She begins to fill the pneumatics with that instead.

Finished, she turns to Dr. Alkaev and says ”Will you turn it on now, please?” He does and soon the machine is whirring and spinning, the monitor reading a constant pump pressure.

The Doctor smiles, especially at the oil coating her hands and says ”Very nice, but care to explain why that worked?”

Ophelia smiles and says ”Well, the rotational force was compressing the hydraulic oil against the sides of vessel, which causes uneven pressure. And the faster it rotated, the more condensed and uneven the oil became. But silicone oil becomes less viscous with the application of force, so as the rotational force is applied it becomes easier to pump, canceling out the effects of the density change.” Grabbing a rag, Ophelia begins to clean her hands, and a couple of spots on her skirt.

Dr. Alkaev nods, stroking his stubble, and asks ”And how did you know that is what was wrong?”

Again, Ophelia smiles and says ”Oh, I could hear the pitch of the hydraulics change. It was a little difficult with the hum of the rotational motors, but the sound was quite distinct if you know what to listen for.”

Dr. Alkaev nodded and was quiet for a minute. Finally, he looked up and said ”Go home. We’ll start work proper in the morning. And be sure to come dressed appropriately. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I have an undergraduate assistant to berate.”

- - - - -

Despite their rocky beginnings, Dr. Alkaev and Ophelia made a good team. Not that he got any nicer, but a form of respect developed. And Ophelia felt like she could see past that rough exterior to the kinder man, full of curiosity and awe, that he hid inside. It may have just been a delusion, but it still made her feel better.

The two of them spent most of their nights reviewing designs in the drafting room or trying to reverse engineer the black box components of the Lightbringer in a lab. But Ophelia was particularly excited when they were given the project to construct some of the first Jump Scan Drones.

The project took a few months, especially as Ophelia had to quickly learn astrogation techniques from some fairly old textbooks, but in the end they managed to put together a cost effective drone. Ophelia even managed to reduce costs further by finding a lightweight method to keep the circuitry warm, reducing the necessary fuel load.

And when those probes were launched, well, that was a proud day for Ophelia Holt.

- - - - -

Student life was different this time around. Ophelia’s time in the Navy had exposed her to a lot more variations in design and architecture, both in theory and in practice. As such, she found herself struggling far less with her classes, despite their more advanced nature.

However, due to the excess attention she received from the other students, and the social events that she was forced to attend for the Navy, she still ended up spending most of her time tinkering or studying. And this was doubly true once she had access to the new Solomani tech designs.

When she needed a break and did make it away from the lab or her apartment, she would fly out of the city until she found a nice open field. There she would touch down, have a nice quiet meal, a smoke on her pipe, and she would lay back and watch the birds that flew by, remembering how she started down this path so long ago.

- - - - -

Preparing her dissertation, Ophelia had spent months examining the material properties of the debris taken from the errant vessel years before, and she had seen some very unusual crystalline properties in the metals. And no matter how she had tried to forge similar properties, she just could not get the substructures in her own alloys to have the same perfect alignments. Slowly, she managed to determine several environmental conditions that were causing most of the flaws.

With a week left before she was to give her dissertation defense, she worried that she might have nothing to show. Needing to clear her head, she left the lab and laid back on a bench outside, and prepared her pipe. And as she laid there, watching the smoke linger and swirl in the air, she was inspired.

After a call, and some serious pleading, she was scheduled on the next shuttle to the ISS Telthani.

- - - - -

It was the day of her dissertation defense and Ophelia seemed rather confident, a rather different image than she had been projecting over the last month. She stepped up to the podium, and addressed the crowd of Professors and Navy personnel in attendance. ”Thank you all for attending. As you all know, I have been studying the application of the crystalline perfections found in the material substrates brought back several years ago. Here on the vid screen, we can see the property models generated both from tests conducted on the materials, as well as simulations based on those results...”

Ophelia continued with her practiced speech, discussing the enhancements in tensile strength and the ability spread shear forces across the materials without deformation. In general, the theoretical results were impressive. But as her explanations began to wind down, one of the Professors spoke up, saying ”Ms. Holt, this is all well and good, but we have read your reports. And the results of your simulations are indeed… interesting. But any student could have generated these results from the same labs you have run. Unless you have something new and unique to show us, I’m afraid that this is a waste of our time.”

Ophelia was slightly taken aback by the sudden interruption, but she smiled and replied ”Thank you, Dr. Bronson. I know that discussing these properties is a little underwhelming. But if you will please turn your attentions outside the eastern windows...”

This was a very unusual request, as was obvious from the whispers amongst the reviewers, but Ophelia’s request was honored. Outside the window was a small crane and a large block that was attached to the crane hook by a loop of metallic cable no thicker than a man’s pinky finger. Ophelia smiled and said ”That block is solid osmium and its mass is the equal to the maximum safe dynamic load of that crane.” Speaking into a small comms unit, she continues ”Please turn on the crane...”

The blocks rises, suspended from this small cable, until it is high into the air. Ophelia speaks into the comm again, saying ”Initiate dynamics...” The blocks drops and is stopped suddenly, causing it to bounce and swivel, but the cable holds without changing shape.

Ophelia grins wide and says to the crowd ”If everyone would please turn your attention to the vid screens again, I will discuss the forging process. Three days ago, I managed to recreate the crystalline structures found within that debris. There are three primary factors that have to be negated for the replication. The first, is pressure. Originally, I had attempted to forge these alloys in a vacuum chamber, and this eliminated around 30 percent of the structural defects.”

Bringing up images of the equipment that she had assembled, she continues ”The next factor, is gravity. I set up a forge in a small craft tethered to the ISS Telthani. This was promising, at first, but even the microgravity exerted by the planet was affecting the structures. So I modified a grav system to cancel out the gravatic effect of not just the planet, but other local masses around the the interior of the forge. This, combined with the vacuum, eliminated 90 percent of the structural defects.”

More images slide by. ”Originally I had used electromagnetic fields to superheat the materials to allow their substructures to reflow. I realized that this, combined with the natural magnetic flux of the flowing substrates, created their own imperfections in other sections of the material. So instead of using fields, I switched to heating pockets of ionized gas and using the resultant plasma. This meant no longer using a true void, but it got me closer, and eliminated 97 percent of the irregularities.”

A diagram of a complex algorithm appears on the vid screen. ”The last few perfections arose from a small pressure exerted by the gas, as well as the electric fields naturally generated when it was heated. Here, we see an algorithm that will determine the positions in which to heat the gas to cancel out the effects of any generated electromagnetic fields, given the composition and shape of the input materials. This managed to eliminate nearly any impurities in the substructure, leaving a perfectly aligned crystalline field.”

Looking across the crowd, Ophelia saw the smiling face of Dr. Alkaev. Finishing, she said ”Currently, the process is slow and expensive. But given what I have laid out, it should be possible to greater automate the process. In time, and with more research, it may even be possible through the use of better grav systems to eliminate the need for the forging to take place in space… Any questions?”

- - - - -

It was not long before Dr. Alkaev stepped out of the review committee room, a frown on his face. This worried Ophelia greatly, and she could feel her stomach turning and knotting. Dr. Alkaev turned to face her, placed his hands on her shoulders, and said ”I have terrible news. Apparently, I’m going to have to deal with a new research assistant Dr. Holt.”

Ophelia’s grin stretched ear to ear as she literally jumped for joy. Dr. Alkaev was still frowning though. Settling down, Ophelia asked him ”What’s wrong Doctor?”

Looking up at her, he said ”I already told you, I’m going to have to deal with a new research assistant.”

- - - - -

As Ophelia put on her dress uniform, she thought back on her graduation. It had been a wonderful day, seeing her family and friends again, even Durant had shown up in his dress uniform. But probably the most touching point had been when Dr. Alkaev had given her a graduation present.

I’ll never forget that. He said ‘I have dealt with the Navy before. And if your experiences are like mine, you’ll need this.’ and then he handed me a bottle very fine brandy.

Ophelia checked herself over. Her hair had grown longer, but as long as she pinned it up during formal dress, it was still within regulations. Her outfit was clean, and there was not a trace of oil or grease on her, surprisingly.

Ophelia put on her cap and walked out the door, looking forward to what the future will hold. And completely unaware of the grease on the back of her neck.

Docking
As the Dawn came into Dock, Annara was having a five way discussion with the Fleet Commodore, the Navy Commander and two members of the council. She cut the sound to hear what Captain Halt had to say. She told them Sorry but I need to disembark once I am done we can talk more With that she cut them off and headed off ship. Stopped by Halt to say Thanks for the help
She congratulated Halt on a job well done.
The next few days Crew Debriefings, her own debrief had been simple, the facts and her views of events. Then a second with a Psy-corps rep, that was harder. What she has done and what she had felt. But she did as ordered; such was the life of an Agent.

Famous
Then down to waiting world, that madness that was the Press Horse and pony show. There others had only the Military PR guys, she was meet by the Company team. Bearings ready, she was told who was hostile and not in the press. Soon every one of the crew had their faces plastered from every Vid Screens to bus sides. Most of the others kept out of the lime light but she, she was trained for this stuff. She became the defactto speaks person for the mission at the Press conferences. Then the Chat-shows, News interviews, articles, even a book deal. It was like this for weeks, then the story moved on. The political fighting from the Gate-Closers as they came to be known. A few bits of Scandal dug up from this or that crew members past, nothing more than a red-top tail. The others got parades, statues and gigs opening schools and hospitals some even got streets named after them. She did hers, she would forever be Famous like the others, and as a noble, she add dinner parties and gatherings to attend. She had not just become a hero to a world but also a class. She was the Noble lady Annara, of one of the founding family’s leading the world to new hope. She knew she was being used, when you’re a 1% you know how the game is played. But It did ware thin fast. So after two months she headed for a few weeks on the family estate with mother, father and the rest of the family. There talking over the business opportunities and the debates in council.

The Proposal
She had only been there 4 days when they came to see her., A delegation from the Army and Navy. They had a proposition for her and the Family; It was proving hard to get the new Marine Corp
Selling the idea to the general public was not going well, all the press was talking about was higher taxs. They reminded her it had been her suggestion to one Admiral on the council to make a marine Corp. She doubted she could lay credit to that one, but they wanted her to know they would if she did as asked. They needed a role model, someone the press could talk about, someone willing to show everyone was pulling as one. In short they needed her to sign up to train in the Marine Corps while being filmed. For that she would be paid well and her family would be given preferential treatment when bidding for government contracts. She spent a whole week thinking about it, really she just wanted to time to get back to work with the family, but after a full board meeting it was agreed she would. So 1 day late she walked into a small town recruitment office with a camera crew and signed up for 4 years.

Boot camp.
They hated her, the nob who spent more time in make-up than in mud. But she did try, the crew was not with her all the time. She had signed on as a trooper but past the officer tests with flying colors. That meant now she had a platoon under her who also hated her. That Changed in the war games. Her team had been set up to fail, but she had two things on her side. One she was Psionic and two Gomez. She had pulled some strings to get him into her barracks, The Film crew lived the idea that not one but two of the Dawn crew where training in the Marinas. He was her eyes and ears and he was good at spotting problems. She kept him close, and then when the war games started they had gone just outside of camp. They were to be the target of a simulated attack. They had to hold while a much larger team attacked. So they had set up and waited. Around midnight the shelling started, they could see flashes of light by the camp but none close to them. It was Gomez who came over and told her they were real rounds and someone was attacking the camp. They had to act, find who was firing on the camp and stop them now.

The raid
She knew only one way to find the attackers, she sent her mind out and there down the valley they were. She pointed this out. Gomez suggested flanking at speed, she agreed. He would lead a flank left, she would lead a group to sniping flank right, she would engage 1st then he’s force would hit them . It would be simple to say it worked, but lives were lost, mistakes made in that raid. But in the end they tuck out the howitzers and halted the attack. That gave the Camp time to group and attack. After they were lorded as heroes all over again, but the brass wanted it to be her victory, so against her protests Gomez part went untold. She felt bitter about that, She had been clueless until he pointed out what was going on. She was promoted and got a medal; At lease she made sour he got one was well.

Marriage
The family had arranged a marriage, a company merger and all in all a vast money making deal. Thing was she thought her new husband a chinless wonder. Her time in the marines had changed her. The little spoiled girl had gone and now a woman who had seen death and war stood in her place. He was good looking, rich and dumb. It was a fine wedding the event of the year. Two months later she found out about the cheating and drugs. All fine she was at camp or at her family’s company’s but then he started to hit the casinos. Spending her money and making a laughing stock of her. After the Raid she had headed home, a call it was the family PI, a story would was to brake, A girls name, she had been 12 a family members. When she got to the house she find him drugged out of his head and in bed with two girl must have been young . She had hidden until he had gone to the bathroom, there she waited. With some shock he looked at her. “Send the girls away , now” her voice one you did not disobey. He did, wads of her cash in their hands. They left the house taxi speeding off. He came back to her in the top bedroom. “Girls gone, Annara, shame would could have had some fun with them, me and you them, but what the hay, so how about we have some fun now we are alone.” He came over trying to put his arms around her. It happened so fast she read his mind, then just did it on reflex. One moment he was coming at her then next he was on the floor, head off at an odd angle. “You perverted piece of &#^#^!!” She took a deep breath called and old friend, then rolled the body of her late husband out the 3ed floor bedroom window. Then left, he was found the next day by the pool guy, the police said he had turned off the House Cams and jumped. Then had found two girls who had been with him that night, lots of drink lots of drugs and them him sending them away. She thanked them and when asked said she had been in a bar 50km away drinking with old crew member.

Today.
Her late husband rank made her a baroness, her rank in the Marine Corp was 1st lieutenant, she's famous her late husband infamous. Today she is waiting to muster out and get into the family business and out the lime-light. She eqievered in her will her title and estate to her 12 year old niece. She lives on her own, she likes it that way. as an Psionic that was topical, its hard to be around others when you can feel what's on their minds. Also She's older, colder, harder than she was,

The offer
The Vid-Phone rang, it was her commander,
"1st lieutenant as ease, Annara, news thier going to send the ITV Lightbringer with a full crew to Milthana. History says several freighters had been there to pick up ore before the warp points died. They need a psionic on the crew your names on the list. So just a heads up."

She nodded, they agreed to meet in a week to talk over some other business and he hung up.

About time

was the single thought that crossed her mind.

The sergeant is yelling too late, of course, to save them. The sound disappears, as the world blossoms into a ball of fire, only to be replaced by a deafening ringing.

Dumb luck, it's dumb luck really. Taras Tikhonov - "T.T." in their training group -saves him. His body blocks the blast, partially disintegrating but holding together enough to absorb the shrapnel. The adrenalin kicks in, and Fernán starts crawling for one of the concrete bunkers. The sound of staccato machine gun bursts starts echoing throughout the valley.

I'm an airman; this isn't supposed to happen he thinks, but he pushes the useless thought from his mind and focuses on crawling. The only thing is the door.

Someone cries out from behind him, Ricky's voice maybe. Fernán ignores it; he reaches the wall. He reaches up, pulls the door open and rolls through.

"Thump-thump-thump" the wall rattles as bullets splatter against it, but it's quieter in here. Radio... he runs for the radio.

"HQ - this is marine training battalion Zulu - we are taking fire." He squawks in a panic, repeating his please several times until realizes the line is dead. The power generator, they've hit the power generator.

He unlimbers his assault rifle and pops out the training ammo cartridge and racks the gun. He grabs a new cartridge from the table and slaps it in.

Fernán slowly opens the door and peers out; the deafening sound of mortar fire returns. He shoulders his rifle and looks through the scope; figures with camouflage gear and large crosses. He aims carefully, slowing his breath. One makes a run in the open, heading for a hole in the fence. A young woman with black hair in fatigues, armed with a submachinegun. She thinks she is saving the world; she thinks she is invulnerable. He slows his breath and pulls the trigger...

Fernán wakes up screaming. He rolls up onto the side of the bed, sweat soaked sheets. He reaches for a bottle of whiskey, but his hand grabs only empty air.
Right, señor said no more alcohol while I'm on the drugs. He walks over to the window and looks out the window.

Somehow the marines had taken him, despite his questionable past. Adventure; all I ever wanted was a bit of adventure. I didn't want to kill any stupid kids with head full of stupid ideas. I just wanted to go to the stars, and only the marines would take someone like me. He had joined the marine aviation group and studied gunnery. He was a good shot, and he knew how to work the bureaucracy. And here would be exploratory missions soon. He was going to head with them into the stars, one way or the other. They must find a place for him somewhere; after all, he was famous.

But oh god... the dreams. He didn't want the dreams of the raids anymore. The World's Salvation they called themselves; young idiots who thought they were saving everyone by stopping Telthani's expansion into the universe. They had failed, but there had been a lot of blood. Needless blood; too many people *he* had killed. But he was going to go to the stars. He had to; he had to make it all worthwhile.

Fernán slumps into a chair, takes out a cigarette and lights up. He stares out the window, watching the sun rise. I wonder what it looks like on a different planet.

His celebrity status worked against him during his tour. He always had to do things better than his peers, which he seldom achieved. His peers were younger, better in shape, and more eager to please than he was. When he concluded that his superior would not promote him beyond Private First Class, he started really enjoying his time: gambling and carousing. Evidently, his celebrity status prevented them from doing anything more negative to him than withholding promotions and decorations.

Vathan spent his shore leaves hunting and alone. While the outdoors reminded him of the vastness of space, he needed regular escapes from the tight quarters of the ships and stations.

He followed his fellow celebrities in the news and treated them well when they visited orbit. PFC Vathan always had secure quantities of high quality alcohol. He envied their success and made a fair attempt at alcoholism to compensate. But his attention to service and ambition to journey to the stars prevented the alcoholism from taking full control. One of his last fixes won him the lottery.

You guys post a lot. I'm not that prolific.

The presence of Agamemnon Kuuankashku Ziirkaa PhD is requested and required before the council of the planet of Telthani to receive the title of Knight of Telthani in the newly created Order of the Lightbringer for meritorious scientific service to the planet. You shall be invested as a Knight with all of the rights and responsibilities thereof.

Ziirkaa frowned. This letter was almost certainly the work of his sister, jockeying with her society friends for influence. Still, it could not be ignored. Resigned, he called up his digital assistant to schedule passage back to the surface.

A quick voice call later, the Doctor was more confused than ever. His sister swore that she had nothing to do with the Knighthood. Ziirkaa believed her, normally she was all too happy to take credit for her machinations. The rest of the family was unconcerned with public politics, they prefer the subtilty of wielding money behind the scenes.
Ziirkaa was even more supised when one of the petty officers arrived with an invitation to join the Station Commander in her office on the command deck.

”Doctor, Thank you for joining me.” Dame Commodore McTavish smiles. ”I noticed that you have made arrangements to return to the surface. I am going to assume that means you got the invitation.”

Ziirkaa looked up slightly startled by the chosen topic, ” Commodore, I’m surprised that merited your notice. I was under the impression you didn’t pay attention to politics that don’t effect the station.”

”Not entirely correct, but I have worked to make sure that is how I’m seen, Doctor.” She paused taking a sip on her Tal, “But In this case does apply. That invitation has a direct effect on the ISS Telthani. The navy is part of the coalition that is sponsoring both your Accolade, and the formation of the order of the Lightbringer.”

”Forgive me if I’m more than a little surprised. I didn’t think I was one of your favorite people.”

A wolfish grin grossed McTavert’s face.

“How I feel about you is immaterial, Doctor. There is a real chance we will be returning to the galactic stage, and that prospect is full of unknown unknowns. We need outside the box thinking, and all of the best minds we have on Telthani working on this project.

Naval Command has read all the reports from the mission. You acted bravely, and your performance and service was exemplary on the mission that returned the Lightbringer to Telthani, and regardless of your personal motivations, we need more people to act that way if this project is to succeed. So we created an order for distinguished service in Engineering and Science to end the Long Night.

”So I suppose the joke is on Naval Command. No one in the Ziirkaa family cares about the Imperial nobility. We are Vilanni, and have kept the ways of our people throughout the planet’s long night. Now that I know what this is about, I can politely decline.”

Dramatically, Ziirkaa rises from his chair bows deeply to the Commodore and turns to leave with a flourish. Striding confidently toward the door, and caught slightly off balance by the flourish, Ziirkaa pitches over his chair into a pile near the pressure door.

Doctor, surely you understand that half of leadership is about symbols and example. To be clear, Command does not care about the Ziirkaa family. This is not to get your family on our side, we already expect your parents and cousins will support our project. You want to get back to space. This is about a bigger picture.”

Ziirkaa pulled himself off the ground and looked sheepishly at McTavish.

“What Command needs is a lever to get Isolationists interested in the project. Some will be motivated by Knighthood. Sadly, You are the best example of what we need from the mission. You are an already known member of the academic community, not in a service nor already a noble. You were in the right place at the right time. My preference is you accept the accolade, but that isn’t why I need to talk to you. Sit down.”

Now even more curious, Ziirkaa stares at the commodore, ”This isn’t like you to beat around the bush, Commodore.” She waves her hand toward the chair with a glare that says You better sit down, NOW. The scientist slides back into his chair, now very uncomfortable.

[b]”Your contract ends in 2 weeks. I have a proposition. I called you here to invite you to join the Navy.”

Ziirkaa could not hold back his laughter. McTavish had expected this reaction, and it annoyed her to be proved right.

”When you are done. I will continue.”

Realizing that the Commodore is serious, Ziirkaa is cut short. She does not waste time, and if she thinks there is a point to this, he should really listen to her. ”Forgive my rudeness, but did I mishear you? You are asking me to join the Navy?” Ziirkaa finally responds.

”You heard correctly… and you are right... 2 months ago, I wouldn’t have considered it. Now. Things have changed. The Navy needs your particular skills, and I am prepared to play hardball to get them. I am expecting you will join, and join willingly.”

”Hardball? You can’t just shoot me, and I will continue willingly as a contractor. You don’t need me in a uniform to do my work.” Ziirkaa slipped comfortably into an adversarial relationship with powerful people.

”Perhaps. Research you will do without prodding, but we need you as a liaison to the greater scientific community on belhalf of the Navy. And to do that, command needs you in uniform, Doctor. The job is well within your skillset, research, correspondence, publishing in journals, lecturing, we need you to do all that. We want you to do what you do… but in our name.”

”You are dancing again, what is the hardball? Ziirkaa snapped.

”It’s Lightbringer. More advanced than any of the specifications included in the data packet. We as of this afternoon, we will be restricting civilians from the craft, and when your contract is up, I can personally restrict you from this station. I am sure you will find work, there is plenty of research that needs to be done. You will find a way to contribute. But I know you better than that. You can’t stand playing with anything but the best toys; So you want to have your hands on the Lightbringer. The Navy can arrange unrestricted access, but If you ever want to set foot on her decks again, it will be as a naval officer. McTavish’s Shark grin had returned.

”I will consider your offer. Don’t be surprised if I turn it down.”

-----

Three weeks later Sir Agamemnon Kuuankashku Ziirkaa PhD, Knight of Telthani: Order of the Lightbringer found himself looking out the window of a flyer, en route to navy basic training.

Three times in as many months, Ziirkaa nearly washed out of accelerated basic training. He was disciplined many more times than that, but he pushed through his punishments defiantly. When other cadets were given leave or free time, he would find his way to the library and catch up on the journals, so much was going on, and he hated missing it. Graduation from basic lead to navy technical school, but Ziirkaa’s advance degrees rendered the coursework trivial, and he could was able to spend time on his research again.

Once back on ISS Telthani, his situation returned to normal. As irascible and disagreeable as ever, Ziirkaa returned to his work almost inspired by the deprivations of basic training. Others had taken over his role of maintaining the aging station, so the Doctor continued the project of writing and refining software to allow autonomous craft locate hidden jump points. It was a pleasure to work with Holt again, even if it meant putting up with that blowhard Alkeave.

Holt had always taken the time to see him whenever Ziirkaa was speaking at the University, even though the subject matter was beneath her level now. Ziirkaa wished her well, and was pleased when he received the invitations to the defense of her dissertation, and then to her commencement. He packed his dress uniform and his academic robes and proceeded to the shuttle, preparing to set foot on solid ground for the first time in 3 years.

The greatest chock came when she was released to the general public. While all she could think of before was Telthani's new relation with the rest of the world, she wasn't prepared to deal with Telthani's new relation with her. Interviews and press meetings, camera filled echoes of the first days everywhere. Some people even recognized her on the streets! It was an ... interesting period. She couldn't wait to get back in orbit.

But her moment in the spotlight soon faded, her place taken by more colourful celebrities. Still, she was fairly certain of her spot in the Telthani history books - even if her and the crews discovery soon were to be overshadowed (hopefully!) by their return to the galactic society at large. For this very purpose, the Navy expanded greatly during these last four years. Satellites were commissioned, crews were trained all in preparation for what to come. The Marines were even resurrected from their ashes, a military branch of the Navy deemed necessary.

As such, Ceres had no shortage of things to do with her time. In between the occasional lecture or meeting, she spent the most of the time aboard the Lightbringer. At first the ship was in the clutches of the scientists, eager to study this marvel of technology. But soon she was allowed to roam the cold reaches of space within the Telthani system, preforming preliminary sweeps and deploying probes. The ship did, however, maintain a steady contingent of scientists trying to catch up and reverse engineer all the developments they missed during the last four and a half centuries.

When the find of the first Jump Point was confirmed, the bridge of the Lightbringer erupted into delirium. Their wildest dreams had taken shape! The future looked as bright as the ship promised and Ceres had only one nuisance on her mind, a very minor one. What the heck do I do with that ticket?!

her father looked over at the poster, no fading side of building across form them.

"You know I never thought I would see an Utoxier-Lee on public view covered in mud, reminds me of your 7th birthday and the party we had in the gardens."

She looked over at the poster.

"Hells that one, I hated that shoot, three days of arty times arguing over lighting and blood spatter. If only the masses knew that battle field was stage H in the capitals film studios."

They where sat in a family limo outside a run down area of north side.
Her farther had picked her up late yesterday saying little about why just they he wanted to spend some time with is most Nature loving child. A in family joke that seems out of place in today's world but made her happy. He had booked rooms for them in the best hotel, hers had been the size of a town codo. She slept as best she could, now and then she had bad dreams but she used her training to lock them away. Last hight had been nice, a change of speed. They had talked family no business. Over dinner the subject children came up again.

"Your mother said she meet with Marchesa Ziirkaa the others day, she was talking about her brother Agamemnon. He was with you on the Lightbringer was he not. She told your mother he's still single, and it would be a such a shame to.."

She had put her hand up to stop him.

"No, just no, tell mother thanks, but no thanks, I married a once for the family, don't even think about a second time. Also the good Doctor is married to science by all accounts so Tell mother no to any one she may have in mind now or ever."

She said this in a firm voice.

He had changed the subject, she had gone to be fuming, when would mother stop trying to sort her life out and just let her live the bloody thing.
She stopped herself, she was being to hard, they loved her and this was how they showed it.

When they got up Father was all secretive.

"Today I am going to show you something, you went as a child but I think you where to young to remember, Today your are going to meet your great uncle Peroneus"

"I thought he had passed away"

"No he just got older, you will see now sit back, this will be a long drive"

No here they where outside a run down area of North side looking at posters. Two men came over in suits and opened the Limo door.

"Come on, he's opened the place up for us."

They headed into an old looking building, some kind of old hotel. Must have been pre long night.

Once inside an old lift down, down a long way, 20 floors down.
"This place was built as a bunker over 500 years ago, by a mad family member, lots of unrest back then wile the colony was established. he wanted to keep the family sliver safe."

The lift stopped on the bottom level. there to meet them was an old fat man. uncle Peroneusm, he kissed her on both cheeks, then greeted her father.

"Come come, all the lights are on, I wanted to show you Annara, the things I have here. Once your father told me of your need how could I say no"

Now she really was confused, then as she walked out onto the under ground bunker, she knew what her father had brought her here.

She sat at her desk reading the report, her orderly looking at her.

"And this is upto day?

"yes mama"
She shot back.

She rubbed her forehead,

"Thank you Tomkins, your dismissed"

he saluted and left.

The report in her hands as for one Marine, Private First Class Vathan. Her ex-body guard and fellow Light-Bringer. They had meet a few times over the last few years. Each time he has been civil but kept to himself. She feel a seance of guilt about him. It was not just the way she had treated him on the Dawn. Then the spot light of fame, was so outside his world she could seem him hating it. He was a mind of open spaces and wildness to be looked at, inspected but all the world. Even for a short wile. he had joined the Marines like her, but she did no do what she had with Gomez, the last thing he wanted was to be around her in her own ongoing spot light. So they had sent him to the ISS, where he had quit a record. The drinking worried her, but then again they had all from the Light Bringer had to find ways to cope. For her it had been the Marines, she liked the fact her class meant little to them. Merritt for more, they had looked down at her until the raids, now she was respected
not for a title but for what she had done in their ranks. that meant a lot. So she could feel what Vathan felt in some part. Then a lotto win, the new lotto was to raise funds for the fleet,

it was about time he had some luck.

She thought to herself, but that maybe his downfall, a better class of drink humm

They where going to send them out and they owed her, with his curnet record he would never have a change, but they owed her. Time to spend that capital for work done. She reached over and picked up a request for transfer form.

Well old friend let shake you out of that hole you have berried yourself in. Gods your going to hate me for this, but I need know knows on this and your own."

She started to fill out the form.

She had asked them to be sent to the ISS briefing room.
Feel I think you guys can talk before she some's if you like

Gomez and Vathan's hand been given there orders to meet her there.

She cames in and smiled at them. Annara is older, lines around her eyes, she looks harder. Annara is not the girl she was, now in her place is a military woman. On her dress uniform of 1st Lieutenant is the MCUF ribbon she got with Gomez in the raids. This woman has killed and was good at it. she dos not talk down to you as she once did, she's talking to you as fellow Marines with a job to do. She gets strait to the point.

"At ease gentlemen, on the screens in-front of you is our mission outline. I think we can do away with the meet and greet, we know each other even if some of use have not meet for a wile. I must add its good to seen you both and have you on the mission. Now this meeting is about suggestions and ideas for our mission. Load out, attics, security needs. We are a small security team so we have to know each others thinking. Once we are done will report to Capitan Viktoria."

She hands over two manifests then looks at Vathan.

"Vathan you will be in charge of Re-con, Demolitions, side arms, heavy weapons and Zero-G Combat, your calls count when in comes out our needs, I am trusting you in those areas"

Then she looks at Gomez.

"Gomez you will be in change of our Vehicles and ROV drones as well as all Technical stuff related to us. We will be taking an ATV, so that needs checking over with Vathan. Your also trained in ship's weapons so the captain may have you working on that as well."

"As for me, we will be taking an inflatable water craft, I'm trained in. Lazes, over all security matters and my other skills specialist."

She gets up and go's over for a coffee wile they read, once they look to be done she says.

"Line of command on this mission going down is The Captain, then me then you. Captains word is law. As we are undercover no talk of ranks on the mission. We all just have rolls and job titles. I'm acting diplomat on the horse and pony show. But I want to make clear that we maybe entering hostile territory from the get go, So lets be ready for that. now then any comments?"

She waits for them to talk.

Ok guys any kit you wish she will request, any idea's she will hear out and if agreed on and she is allowed, will act on.

PS
She's using telepathy to get a feeling of your feelings, not mind reading just empathy. If you would like to say how your PCs feeling feel free.

Smiling, her eyes shining, she says "And I just got done reading your paper on the theoretical effects of electromagnetic fields generated in real space by the decay of neutral mesons in hyper-space, and while I will admit to having trouble following some of the higher n-dimensional models and most of the hyper-physics, the whole thing got me thinking. According to the ancient texts on astrogation, ships jumping from even the same point, with the exact same settings, will arrive at different locations. Previously, this was though to be because of undetectable fluctuations in the hyper-space fields created for jump travel. So, after reading your paper I was wondering if you had thought about the possibility that the fluctuations might be caused by the decay of charged mesons generating electrons or neutrinos in real space. See, while the release of a photon generates no mass, the generation of a massive particle might mean a temporary collapse of hyper-space to a lower dimension for time required for particle emission. This time would be for fractions of fractions of a second, but it could impose real-space mechanical interactions for that time. And because meson generation is difficult to predict without controlling the environment, it could give the appearance of seemingly random fluctuations."

Holt takes a deep breath, seemingly having not taken one during that entire speech. Finally, she blushes and says "Anyway, the hyper-space physics is beyond me, so I apologize if I'm just spouting off something absurd..."

Just chatting a little. : )

Annara. Vathan’s good mood dissolved as the pit of his stomach plummeted toward planetside. How long would he have to be imprisoned with Her? And as his chief? Vathan could hear his commanding officers jeers and laughing behind him. After a minute, he finally collected himself to calmly return to his bunk for a drink.

Vathan is as tense as if in a trap that he could not avoid. ”Ma’am, three questions: can we increase our weapon and armor load? There appears to be some room left in the weapon’s locker. Second, who do you expect to be armed and armored at all times? Everyone, no one, us? Finally, do we need more explosives? Last time, Captain Ceres requested their use to prepare to win an argument with the ship AI. We probably need more plastique and expertise on their installation if we have to answer her request again.”

"Your 1st point, We have been given some space to add equipment Vathan. Three tones weight max to fit with in a small Armoury, the ATV plus our own lockers. For the record"

She leans over the desk to get closer to a mic that's there recording the meeting for posterity, she says into it.

"The Navy set the Marines budget for the added vitally needed equipment at just 25,000 credits"

She waits a moment, then leans back, you can tell there she may have had to fight some back room battles to get even this.

"So scrounge what you can, we will be relying heavenly on crews personal weapons. Its all got be look like a typical Trader ship, so very thing needs to be a miss match of stuff. I think that was their thinking then they made the budget so low. Vathan ill need you to get to me a full list of every weapon, side arm and blade that on the ship."

She makes a note of what she just asked

"Gomez, the Navy will be taking surveying kit, look it over and see if we need to add hostile environment and survival equipment on top of what they have. Also the Navy medical team, need to have medi packs ready for EVAs if we head down to the planet. Check they are Combat worthy, no setting up medical tents in a fire-fight. Once you both have an idea of what's needed, Make a joint list. Lets say you have 10kCr each for kit on top of what you can scrounge in the next few days. Remember get any and all equipment checked by the spooks for signs its from here, it has to all be traceless, that go's for our own equipment, so Booze with no labels"

She makes another not of that.

"Moving on, your next point. Do I expect to be armed and armoured at all times? Everyone, no one, us? . I think we can relax up to the Jump point here in system, but I will want one of us armed and on duty at all times. So 8 hours shifts rotating. Before we Jump we will all be suited up and armed for Space combat. Once in system we will take it form there, Open hostility's aside. Remember we have been told the new confederacy is fighting and unknown enemy that can attack at any time. So we have to take that into account, above and beyond this mean perimeters of this mission."

You feel that this again may be for the "Record"

"You last point Vathan "will we need more explosives?" Yes we will, as a surveying mission we probably be asked at some point to blow something up. A blacked pass, old buildings doors, taking down trees for a camp site. So yes more plastique will be needed, shaping charge rigs as well, Door cutters and the like. For the Record I was told the ships IA is being cooperative. But should we meet another ship and need to blow that AI to kingdom come, well we best be ready for that just in case.”

She makes more notes.

Then looks at Gomez.

"Gomez, do you wish to add anything?

Finally, she was called inside, and stood before a collection of Naval High Command officials. The leader of the summons glanced over some paperwork before looking up and saying "Ensign Ophelia Holt. You have come here to appeal a requisitions request for the mission involving the Lightbearer. Is that correct?"

Holt looked up, still a bit nervous, and said "Yes Sir, that is correct."

The man looked at her, and said "It says here that you requested tools and equipment sufficient for the repair and fabrication of both vehicle and simple starship parts, but were only granted your request for tools as they related to starship repair. Is that also correct?"

Holt, growing a bit stronger, said "Yes, that is also correct."

Again, the commander looked over her and said, "Please, be aware that these tools are both costly and in short supply given the recent upsurge of activity. That said, we are willing to hear you make your case."

Holt smiled softly, and began her speech "Thank you. This mission that we embark upon is the first to leave our solar system in 400 years. We are leaving upon an unknown vessel, who's design itself has only barely been gleaned despite intense scientific research these past four years."

Holt's voice grows stronger, more convicted, as she continues, "Indeed, we are heading into unknown territory, to face unknown circumstances. What we do know is that there is a war going on, and the possibility of far more than we could imagine. As such, it seems obvious to allow us the necessary tools to repair our ship. After all, if we are stuck on an unknown planet because of a hull breech, then we are benefiting neither the Navy nor our people. And I thank you, in your wisdom, for granting us this without question."

Holt's voice changes now, suddenly more pleading, "But as important as our exploration is, our mission is one of salvage and trade. It is no secret that there is little expectation to find much life where we are headed. Even now we prepare more for salvage than for diplomacy."

Holt takes a step forward, her body language showing that of submission before the collection of commanders, "And we have limited materials to work with. But upon that planet, a world filled with mines and ores, there are bound to be countless transportation vehicles in various states of disrepair. But even a half dozen, salvaged and repaired, could greatly enhance our ability to gather materials. We may even be able to have full stockpiles ready by the time the transport freighters even arrive. And wouldn't everyone see it as a great success if the freighter showed up both early and full to the brim with raw materials? These vehicles may even form the basis for a new colony, the first upon a new world."

Holt's hands come together. She is nervous and sweating, but she is also passionate about this, wanting this mission to be the best success it can be, for the future of everyone. She finishes her speech, saying "Please, I know that tools as specialized as this are in short supply, but can you honestly say that you have a more important task than this one?"

The commander looks at Holt and says "Thank you for the compelling information, Ensign Holt. We will deliberate on the matter and you will receive our decision within a few days. You are dismissed"

As Holt walked out of there, she only hoped that she had been convincing enough.

- - - - -

Holt smiled when she saw the piece of paperwork from Naval High Command that had been left in her quarters.

Ensign Holt,

We have reviewed your appeal and have found it to be both compelling and persuasive. Of course the Navy wants to do everything within its power to ensure the success of your mission. Upon further review, we have decided to accept your appeal and to approve your request for enhanced engineering stations. Please reserve room for the supplies and as you should be receiving the equipment within the week.

Make us proud, Ensign.

Holt grinned at the letter, and rushed off to the engineering station to discuss equipment and the storage of parts and materials.

Doctor Davidson and his lab boys where waiting for her as the car pulled up. There was a lot of activity on the range of late. With the Isolationist's attacks picking up this range was one of the few places that could be said to be safe. With over 200 miles of open desert all around it was a little hard to attack. The Army and Navy boys where here testing things. She got out the car and walked over to Davidson.

"Baroness it is always a good to see you, how is your father."

She winced a bit when he said her title.

"He's well John, look with the army boys here Davidson lets keep it 1st name."

he smiled, liking the dropping of formality's.
"Good Annara, and happy he is well, so lets get to it. We have done the alterations you asked for. I must say all this secrecy seems a bit over the top and way you would wish to have all manufacturing and identity markings removed is beyond me but its been done."

She looked over the tables of Weapons and other item.

"Need to know John so no more asking alright"

She winked at him, but her intent was clear,

Don't ask again or say anything to anyone or bad things etc.
He nodded.

"Well lets get started, now this I know you would want to see 1st, its the laser Rifle you asked us customise for you."

He picked up a bulbous looking weapon, A cable linked it to a back pack on the table. He took aim and pressed the fire stub. A near invisible beam shot out and it a water melon some 100m away. It Exploded as the been superheated and burned thought it.

"recycle time is 6 seconds so you may be better of in a fire-fight with that Heavy Auto-Pistol you like so much, but at range and with the scope, its the best we have."

She took it from his hand, it was Heavy, buts he could carry it.
"The back pack?

He passed it to her
"You will get around 100 shots from it before a recharge, witch is good. The bad news is, it will take around 8 hours to recharge so we have giving you 5 power packs and a rack charger."

She hefted it in her hands.
"Its heavy"

He nodded,
"That's light, we shave some weight of it for you, the production model that's going into full manufacturer for the Army will be 3Kg heavier. Its not something to take on a ling hike."

She put it back down and went over to the other item, this was going to be a long day, they had much to test and check.

"I have to be heading up to the ISS tonight, this is all coming with me. So John lets go the rest checked"