Vash'elie pauses slightly as she examines the latch, momentarily lost in thought. Snapping to she is quick to recover her sences and opens the latch after disarming the self-destruct mechanism. 'Can it be?' "Why do I feel like I built this thing?" She asks, slightly nervous.
Vash'elie opens the hatch and looks upon the contents of the asteroid.
It is eight industrial standard cases, black armourplast casing with high tensile steel trimmings.
There are no identifying marks on the cases but they appear to be large luggage suitcase in size and shape.
"Ok guys, we've got luggage. Help me get this to the KingBadger."
Vash'elie reaches into the asteroid and begins extracting the cases and loading then into the KingBadger. Working quietly she tries to sooth her rising feelings of apprehension, wondering what coud be in the cases.
"Do you guys think we should check the cargo?"
"Ok guys, we've got luggage. Help me get this to the KingBadger."
Vash'elie reaches into the asteroid and begins extracting the cases and loading then into the KingBadger. Working quietly she tries to sooth her rising feelings of apprehension, wondering what coud be in the cases.
"Do you guys think we should check the cargo?"
Reacting to her own question Vash'elie places her hands over the box and shouts, "NO! No don't!"
Calming herself she tries to explain, "I got a seriously bad vibe from the thought of opening the boxes. Let's just load them up and get them back to the station."
Clanking along as his magnetic feet attach to their vessels, HK helps manoeuvre the cargo into the back of the King Badger.
Clanking along as his magnetic feet attach to their vessels, HK helps manoeuvre the cargo into the back of the King Badger.
You have no trouble maneuvering the cases on to the King Badger.
You start to handle the cases and your sensors start to feed you conflicting information. Your processor records that the case hasn't changed in weight since the last time you handled it. Yet, you have no recollection in your memory bank of having handled the case. Is it a fault in the sensor routine or a ghost of information that wasn't wiped from your memory?
While you are loading the cases, you get the strange sensation in the force that you are not alone. Somewhere, not far away you have the feeling that people are watching.
"Statement: I do not know what this means, but a gap in my circuits makes me feel like I should remember this cargo... Theory: Perhaps Vash, you did indeed build this."
|
Kiddrik shares a meaningful look with Vash, She senses it, too. Knowing they're being watched, and also knowing they're not using a pre-secured commLink channel, Kidd approaches each person individually and motions to his commLink while speaking a new comm channel into their mind.
Once they are all on the new channel, "We're being watched. If they were monitoring our Comms, it shouldnt' take them too long to figure out that we've switched frequencies, so we should decide on our next steps quickly if we don't want them listening in."
That's fine.
"I sence it too. Let's just load up and move out. I'll call up a ship while you finish with the crate."
"I sence it too. Let's just load up and move out. I'll call up a ship while you finish with the crate."
Something more.
Something primitive and twisted is out there.
Memories flash of teeth and claws. And Hatred. Violent hatred for all things living.
Your leg twitches briefly at a momentary muscle memory of some wound that you didn't even know you had.
Something bad happened to you. Something very bad and what is out there was part of it.
Now that you have had a bit more time to focus on your feelings you realize that there is something in that presence.
Something strong and old, yet, twisted.
It is a primal hunger that lives to devour and chew things up. The Dark Side is strong in this presence.
Even worse is that you know in your gut you've encountered this presence before.
Not only do you recall this presence but a memory flashes through you as your chest twitches with remembered pain.
You recall strips of your chest be ripped open by bear like claws and calling for help.
What's worse is that you can feel that the thing knows you are here and has tasted your blood. Having tasted your blood it hungers for more.
Kol frowns and glances around uneasily.
"OK, let's just follow the plan; but pick up the pace a little. I don't feel like spending any more time than we need to in one place."
"Humph. Always makes me nervous when people start complaining about being watched and presences. Am I gonna have to trank you lot?"
Despite his concern over the mental stability of his teammates, Doc revs the engine and moves into open space to await a ride.
"I sence it too. Let's just load up and move out. I'll call up a ship while you finish with the crate."
The ID codes continue to work their magic and you find another freighter that has just cleared hyper and is awaiting an inbound lane from SoroTransit Control.
It is listed as inbound from Dantooine with foodstuffs. It is an Amalgamated Hyperdyne 632-K General Freighter. The 632s are based upon the success of the 578 Space Transport's modular design. The modular design makes it a popular choice for mechanics that have trouble finding parts. Unfortunately, it suffers from the same production problems that plagues the 578s which was high production and low inspection. A brand new 632 is often referred to as a moving coffin by pilots in bars.
Owners appreciate that the high production rate and modularity of parts have kept the price of units low. Bad reputation in the industry has also made these ships the owners favourite and the pilot's worst date.
The K variation takes advantage of the modularity of the design to replace the general hold with space purpose built for handling foodstuffs including a variety of stasis holds, freezers, water tanks, livestock pens, and carbon freeze units.
"Here's our ride. Let's burn fuel." Vash'elie follws impatiently as the groups pilots direct the latching on to the freighter, her attention more on the watching precence than on the manuvering of the hoppers.
"Here's our ride. Let's burn fuel." Vash'elie follws impatiently as the groups pilots direct the latching on to the freighter, her attention more on the watching precence than on the manuvering of the hoppers.
Gol follows suit and maneuvers deftly away from the rendezvous spot and into the space lane to get picked up.
You maneuver your podhoppers on to your ride and keep a watch for the presence in the dark.
Distance helps.
Whatever is out there, it doesn't choose to follow at this point. It continues to stalk the blackness searching and waiting.
The return trip is fairly standard. When you get close to Sullustan Space Station VI, you have no trouble releasing from your ride and mixing with the general flow of traffic around Sullustan, the Space Station, and the ship yards.
We'll go back to our secret cargo bay hideout.
There we'll unload the cases and examine them carefully first.
"So this is Snow White eh?" Kol frowns, thinking.
"And the instructions are:
'Black Valkyrie will secure a safe location to awaken 'Snow White'. Further instructions will be contained with 'Snow White''. Unless there are instructions on the outside somewhere, looks like we gotta open 'em. Vash, can you check 'em for booby traps?"
We'll go back to our secret cargo bay hideout.
There we'll unload the cases and examine them carefully first.
"So this is Snow White eh?" Kol frowns, thinking."And the instructions are:
'Black Valkyrie will secure a safe location to awaken 'Snow White'. Further instructions will be contained with 'Snow White''. Unless there are instructions on the outside somewhere, looks like we gotta open 'em. Vash, can you check 'em for booby traps?"
Staring at the crates, Gol nods at Kol's suggestion. "Yup, check 'em for traps." he mutters.
Yup, the gang is still here. Doc can certify that they should remain unconscious for another 18 to 19 hours.
Figure that getting to the point that gave you the message to take a ride to the hyperlimit, going to the hyperlimit, getting the cases, and returning has taken 4 to 5 hours of time.
You started on a Friday night at around 7 pm meeting at the Aquarium and spent around an hour there and getting to the cargo bay.
You did a bit of shopping and research for the gang to be hit and set up your ambush. You then did the ambush, brought the podhoppers to the cargo bay where you checked them over. Figure around 4 hours for that.
It is around the equivalent of 5 to 6 am on Saturday when you return to the cargo bay.
You could drop the crew in refuse box or cover them with a tarp if you don't want them seeing what you're doing.
"You know what I miss about civvie life? Sleep..."
Doc verifies the state of the gang members, then covers them up with a nearby tarp.
"Alright then. If we're going to do this, we should do it now. Let's see what's in there."
"Instruction: Awaken Snow White," HK tells them, throwing a spare tarp over the prisoners, "we should proceed as planned."
The cases are scanned and security detonation sensors are located and disarmed. The blasts were aimed inward to incinerate the contents of the cases. All the cases were linked together; so, if one case was opened without all the cases being disarmed then all the cases would be incinerated. An extra special to prevent people from learning from their mistakes.
Inside the cases appear to be eight mouse type maintenance droids. They are in storage mode; so, their normal small size has been reduced to tiny.
In the inside lid of one of the cases is a small memory chip.
You again get the sense that you had worked on the security for these cases. The placing of the sensors and disarmament were done for a person that wasn't sighted but for a person that 'saw' with the force.
You have a vague flash of memory on seeing the droids displayed. You remember an argument between HK and Vash saying something of it being impossible. It can't be done. You remember your own words saying, "Yes, it can".
Kol rubs his head. "I think I rememeber something..."
"I think Vash and HK were argueing about something being impossible; and I said something like yes it can. And it has to do with these mouse droids." He frowns looking at the droids.
"But I can't remember what."
"Ain't no time like the present to find out what. Activate the damnable droids and let's get somewhere when an old man can get some sleep. Wake up, Snow White!"
"First check what's on the memory chip. That might have further instructions."
Vash'elie spits as a frown flashes accross her face. "Now I know I built this. The traps were made by someone who saw through the force so i could only be disabled by someone who sees through the force. And I get the sence I worked on this stuff." sh says through clenched teeth, frustrated with all the questions runing through her head.
"HK! Memory chip!" she barks.
"Mockery: Now now force monkey, don't get your undergarments twisted." HK drawls, moving over and taking the chip to read it.
Musing aloud, Kol asks; "Does anyone remember... snow? Ice? Man, these memory fragments are annoying."
"Mockery: Now now force monkey, don't get your undergarments twisted." HK drawls, moving over and taking the chip to read it.
HK inserts the chip and again his system starts to process.
You find that you have the cipher key for this chip stored amongst the data that appears to have been loaded with the first six chips.
'Mission Balmerion's Fire variant Zeta Four'
Stage Three
Objective: Insert 'Snow White' to SoroTransit Control.
Area of Operation: SoroSub Spacestation VI to SoroTransit Control.
Resources: Black Valkyrie personnel along with their cached equipment. Podhoppers acquired in Stage One. Snow White.
Support: Mission data for SoroTransit Control contained in Appendix A. Schedules for vehicle routes to SoroTransit Control in Appendix B.
Mission Plan:
Part A: Captain Kol aided by First Lieutenant Gor will need to develop an entry plan on site. Appendix C contains proposed entry plans but Black Valkyrie will need to adapt and refine the proposed plans. Black Valkyrie will gain access to SoroTransit Control aka The Spike.
Part B: Black Valkyrie will deposit 'Snow White' inside of the maintenance access ways for SoroTransit Control.
Part C: Snow White will proceed to programed objectives. Snow White will compromise SoroTransit Control.
Part D: Black Valkyrie will return to Sullustan Station VI to await the arrival of Red Valkyrie.
Rules of Engagement: Mission Security is primary concern to mission success. Lethal Force is permitted if it furthers the success of 'Snow White's' mission. Mission personnel are expendable to achieve mission objective.
A new file has become available in your memory that didn't come from the chip. It is entitled, 'Double Cross'.
Whirring mechanically, HK begins to announce the next mission briefing...
"Recitation: 'Mission Balmerion's Fire variant Zeta Four'
Stage Three
Objective: Insert 'Snow White' to SoroTransit Control.
Area of Operation: SoroSub Spacestation VI to SoroTransit Control.
Resources: Black Valkyrie personnel along with their cached equipment. Podhoppers acquired in Stage One. Snow White.
Support: Mission data for SoroTransit Control contained in Appendix A. Schedules for vehicle routes to SoroTransit Control in Appendix B.
Mission Plan:
Part A: Captain Kol aided by First Lieutenant Gor will need to develop an entry plan on site. Appendix C contains proposed entry plans but Black Valkyrie will need to adapt and refine the proposed plans. Black Valkyrie will gain access to SoroTransit Control aka The Spike.
Part B: Black Valkyrie will deposit 'Snow White' inside of the maintenance access ways for SoroTransit Control.
Part C: Snow White will proceed to programed objectives. Snow White will compromise SoroTransit Control.
Part D: Black Valkyrie will return to Sullustan Station VI to await the arrival of Red Valkyrie.
Interjection: Aaah, and now my favourite part...
Continuation: 'Rules of Engagement': Mission Security is primary concern to mission success. Lethal Force IS permitted if it furthers the success of 'Snow White's' mission. Mission personnel are expendable to achieve mission objective."
It's quite obvious here that if HK had a face that moved, it would be beaming broadly.
"Observation: There seems to be nothing more we can do here, we should head to The Spike with all speed."
Anyone who has traveled through Sullustan space as a pilot or lived in Sullustan space for a period of time is familiar with SoroTransit Control AKA 'The Spike'.
The name, 'The Spike', was given for the SoroTransit Control's shape. A long needle like shape with a round like bulb one third of the way from the pointed end of the spike.
It is described as the most secure place in all Sullustan. Besides housing SoroTransit Control, it is the main base for SoroSecurity, and Sullustan Naval Planing, Logistics and Operations.
It is the central hub through which all the Sullustan Signal Arrays gather and process information to monitor, co-ordinate, and direct the Sullustan and Republic Naval Forces and Defense Systems in Sullustan Space.
Anyone who has studied computer security knows that computer core at the centre of the spike is impossible to slice. It is impossible to slice because it requires eight people working simultaneously to input information and have the core accept the update.
If you are not HK then why are you reading this?
You access the file 'Double Cross'. It contains a video recording of Kol speaking to you. The background is not really shown but it looks like some sort of generic board room on a station or ship. Audio sounds recorded but out of the human range of hearing would further suggest that this was recorded on a ship in hyperspace.
'If you are accessing this file then it means the plan is working and Black Valkyrie has been activated. I can only hope that it has happened before we have gotten too old and gray to appreciate it.'
'I know you are probably confused right now but it was the only way we could get out and change our lives like we promised on that day. No matter the cost we were going make a change that gave us a future.'
'The 'Snow White' plan stands as far as it goes. Unfortunately, it has to since I think Security is on to us and may plant one of their number among us. With the mindwipe, I can't even be sure if the face were to change on anyone that I'd be able to know the difference. Frag, I might even be replaced during the mindwipe.'
'The core of the Spike does more than govern the security array system. It also handles all the electronic recording and backup of financial information for the Sullustan System. If things work out as planned then during the chaos we'll be the new owners of billions of credits. Enough money to forge a future anywhere we want.'
'Of course, if we fail then we'll be lucky to end up on some frozen hell hole but then we've already been there and are never going back to it again.'
The message ends.
"Let m give the droids a once over befor we head out." Looking over the mouse droids Vash'elie makes sure she can activate them quickly before loading them into the smugglers compartments of the kingbadgers.
[b]"This here's gettin old mighty quick." drawls the Duros as they are herded yet again to another spot.
"Well 'Captain', 'First Lieutenant', what's next? Vash'elie says with a sigh.
"Let m give the droids a once over before we head out." Looking over the mouse droids Vash'elie makes sure she can activate them quickly before loading them into the smugglers compartments of the kingbadgers.
You, Kol, and HK have no trouble with the tools you have on hand to check over the mechanical structure of the droids and their internal cybernetic cores.
One of the cores is more advanced then the others. It clearly has a master core designed to run the other seven droids.
You open up the casing of the master droid and find packed in the storage compartment a remote control rig exactly as you would have designed it. It even has an initial password code written on a piece of tape on the back of it written in what appears to be your handwriting.
There is the standard need for cleaning of some preservation oil from the mechanics and updating of some of the software since the programs are almost five years old.
Most of the system though is ready to go.
"Hope you guys don't have work tomorow. This might take awhile."
HK is unusually quiet for once, and busies himself helping Vash with the programming tasks.
Appendix C
Plan: Mail Delivery Option A
The plan is attempt take over one of the regular delivery shuttles that transport goods to the Spike. Black Valkyrie will use the podhoppers to move along the outer skin of Station VI to get near one of the docking bays. When a shuttle bound for the Spike leaves the docking bay, the podhoppers will attempt to latch on to the delivery shuttle. The team will then have to slice the lock and take over the shuttle quickly and rapidly to avoid the shuttle verying from the regular flight plan. Variation from the regular flight plan would alert the SoroTransit Control and result in SoroSecurity questioning the delivery shuttle with possible detailed scan of crew and contents.
Advantage: If the boarding is done quickly then the shuttle having been checked and cleared by SoroSecurity before leaving Station VI will have minimal security upon arrival (no one expects a midflight hijacking inside of Sullustan space where there are plenty of sensors to observe interactions).
Disadvantage: Not much control of what the delivery shuttle will be carrying when boarded. Landing inside the cargo bay will be fairly easy but it will be harder to find a reason to get outside of the cargo bay security area.
Plan: Mail Delivery Option B
This plan is similar to Option A but Black Valkyrie will attempt to gain access to the delivery shuttle cargo bay prior to the shuttle launching. Black Valkyrie will attempt to replace the delivery shuttle's crew with their crew.
Advantage: More control of the contents of the shuttle that you choose to take over. You may have some better ability to prepare for any possible disguises while in Option A where disguises will need to manufactured during the flight between stations.
Disadvantages: Security is tighter in and around the delivery shuttle bay. Crew and cargo are scanned prior to boarding. Landing again will need some sort of plan to get outside of the delivery cargo bay.
Plan: Medical Run
This plan involves first planting a com unit on a package bound to the Spike with an activation timer or code. When the com unit activates it will automatically dial out for an emergency medical response.
The Spike has its own medical facilities but it only handles certain Spike personnel with low priority and triage needs. All other medical emergencies are sent to the larger stations like Station VI.
When the com unit makes a call, the medical call could be routed so Doc Valorian will respond. Doc has access in his cover identity to the medical emergency shuttle. Some work would need to be done to forge ID for attendants and replace the normal shuttle crew.
Advantage: The Spike security depends on the hospital to provide the security checks on its medical personnel. You should have access to some point deeper in the Spike where the com unit ended up being delivered.
Disadvantage: Doc and likely two attendants will be the personnel permitted deeper into the Spike. They will also likely have one to four SoroSecurity personnel accompany them at all times with more Security that can be summoned.
Plan: Thunderbolt from the Blue
Black Valkyrie will move into the space debris zone near Station VI. They will then rig some charges to make it appear some sort old power system decayed its containment bubble and exploded.
Black Valkyrie will 'ride' the explosion towards the Spike tumbling on pieces of space debris.
Black Valkyrie at the last moment will attempt to attach themselves to the surface of the Spike. Black Valkyrie will then attempt to cut their way into the interior of the station.
Advantage: Black Valkyrie has the largest range of possible points to select for entry. Least chance of being expected by SoroSecurity.
Disadvantage: Depends on the Spike not activating its asteroid defenses and hard to control the explosion with the resulting tumble. Highly dangerous with experience in Zero-G a plus. Black Valkyrie will need to find a different way to exit the Spike.
Kol leans his head back against the bulkhead with a thump and slides down to a sitting position against the wall.
"Force be with us. I don't like ANY of those plans. They aren't even plans; they're... they're back of the envelope doodles."
"Analysis: The first two plans share the issue of escaping the cargo bay security area while maintaining cover, while the later two will make accessing the Spike an easier task. Observation: If we were to attempt a medical run we might be able to acquire a SoroSec uniform in advance, and 'replace' our escort with one of our own men. Comparatively the direct assault is likely the simplest plan, but also bears a large amount of direct risk. Summary: I favour the latter two options."
"Hell's Bells. I s'pose the medical idea can be done with limited difficulty. Of course, I could arrange a small dose of something that would make one of the security guards seem to be having some sort of seizure or convulsion, but would be ultimately harmless after a few hours. I could always tell 'em it's only fatal to Sullustrians, and that'd get rid of the rest, leaving me to administer the antidote and tranquilise the patient. That ought to buy the others of you time to get to the package and get out. 'Course, we'd still need to dose one of the guards, which I'll need help with. Maybe a slow acting drug? Dose 'im in the bay and then have it kick in on the way to the package? Anyone good with a dart gun?" The good Doctor seems almost unnaturally happy to be indulging his deceitful side.
"Proud Statement: I think you'll find I am very capable of making such a shot."