Late February 1998 Official Responses

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

Opposing fingers drum across a small, spherical decoration adorning one
side of the holo-vid unit standing off to one side of the conveyor belts.
The flickering holovid of a shapely, idealized Vruskan female program
smiles at Syzygy then winks out, leaving him feeling no more reassured
about his comrades' situation.

"(munch, munch)...damn city computer...probably'll send some stupid robots
to get blown to junk. I wonder if I can make my own luck?"

Syzygy hops up to the vid-units access panel and whips out an adjustable
driver like a sword from his L3 pouch. He immediately sets to ripping open
the panel, careful to watch for nosy security, and begins hot-wiring the
system to give him access.

(Layne: didn't see description of a keyboard terminal for these things - if
one exists, Syzygy will try Defeat Security, then Manipulate Programs; if
no terminal exists, then Bypass Security and then Manipulate Programs from
a nearby computer. If the process looks to take too much time or is a
looong shot, he'll give it up and haul ass to the life support building).

(if the computer scheme is feasible:)
(mumbling to himself: "I'm gonna HAVE to find that sim-prog that created
that babe I just saw and 'port it to MY terminal!...maybe later...)
Syzygy rummages through files trying to find a security protocol he can
override. He is looking to trigger a massive alert for that part of the
city, hoping to trap/encircle Syte with police forces. Whatever 'panic'
button will set off a five-alarmer and bring sentient personnel.

(if the computer scheme is NOT feasible:)
Syzygy whips his head to look at the overhead hovercycle passage, looking
to see if a cycle passes by any time soon. If it does, he will try to
commandeer it from the security member riding it (we should have badges and
authority to do so, so I'll try and see if it washes).

(if neither of these work:)
Syzygy will return to the holovid terminal and try to access the unit
closest to Kare and company - he hopes to project an image of himself while
looking for Syte's escape - maybe he can scare him into the open or just
plain catch a glimpse of his escape.

(if NONE of these work):
When Syzygy sees/hears over the chronocom that T'Klkk and the others are
safe, he will call them and ask if help is still necessary. Realizing that
T'Klkk muted the comm, it probably won't get answered for a while. Syzygy
will return to the scene of the crime post-haste.

-----------------------------------

I'm assuming the opportunity to be useful at this scene is pretty much
over. If so, this is what Syzygy will do now:

- check on the chronocom in Lost Point
- keep updating his 'dummy terminal', laying in viruses and tracking
programs to catch Syte if he cares to sniff it out - also, he'll rig a
tangler grenade to go off if the panel to the computer is accessed without
keying the lock a certain way.
- keep checking on the robot activity patterns and study them
longitudinally over the last several months
- keep checking on Maxim via comm, to see if he's okay or if Syte has
contacted him


- Once there's a lull in the action, Syzygy will proceed to do the following:


- hang out a LOT in the bars, blow all his cash buying drinks on friendly
Vruskan females, and most of all GET LAID on this rock! :) (let's face it,
would YOU want to hang out in a bubble-city in the middle of nowhere and
work all the time? I thought not ;)

- hang out with Taanik to get to know id better (Syzygy feels most
comfortable around Dralasites, since his home planet was co-opted by humans
(yech!) and he fled to Dral planets to escape Vruskan attention)

- try to download that cute sim program and REPLACE the 3D holovid of
T'Klkk in his room!!! :)

- feeling like he hasn't quite 'bonded' with his team-mates yet, he'll
pursue some vigorous pranks on the always-tense Tork - disassembling his
shower heads, filling his holster with oatmeal, running a virus program
that automatically downloads the Yaz equivalent of porn to his room's
holovid display (to run all the time, natch!), and dumping fleas into his
bed! (hee hee) Conveniently, this will all be given the 'Taanik
signature'

- Syzygy is beginning to feel a real kinship with Kare, who is also
seemingly a 'fugitive from society' as he is. This may not be entirely
true - perhaps she just enjoys being a loner, but it is too similar to
himself and his own terse way of talking that he approaches her when the
time is appropriate.

"Friend Kare...I've gone over your files (I hope you don't think me too
nosey) and you're background with Blackjack is most entertaining. Perhaps
you will regale me with a story or two and let me buy the drinks. This one
has much to learn from humans, having seen their lowest potential on my
homeworld - perhaps we can learn from one another."

From:  John Groszkiewicz (Tork)

"He's NOT getting AWAY!" is the only thought in Tork's head as he rushs the nearest 
hovercycle. (( Go ahead Layne, roll for Battle Rage. ))

Tork will attempt to forcefully commandeer a hovercycle and fly off in pursuit of Dakka. 
Okay, so much for "the plans of mice and monkeys".  Now here are the contingencies:

(1) Tork is able to get the hovercycle and follow Dakka: The first thing Tork notices 
as he hits the accelerator in pursuit of Dakka is the "rush" as the air passes by, 
"Almost like gliding...but better.  I'll have to get Urugg to try this." His next 
thought will be "What the heck am I doing? I get upset when Syzygy goes off on his own 
and gets beat up. First chance I get what do I do? Yup, rush off on my own." Tork 
will chuckle and then hunker down on the hovercycle. This is an attempt to lower wind 
resistance and also provide less of a target. Tork will then call Syzygy and ask if 
there is any way to track the hovercycles. I am hoping that Syzygy can track Dakka ( in 
case I lose him ) and also track me ( incase I get in trouble ). Either way Tork will 
attempt to keep and open channel to appraise the team of his position.

(2) Tork is stopped from getting a hovercycle: Tork whips around to face Streel and 
shouts "D*MN IT! Dakka is getting away! Do you have any way of tracking that 
hovercycle?" It the cycle can be traced Tork will calm some and ask Streel to get the 
androids to 'stand down so the team can use the hovercycles". Tork will then ask for an 
open channel so Streel (or an assistant) can keep the Team appraised of Dakka's 
posistion. Once the androids step down Tork will follow Dakka ( unless Kare or T'Klikk 
stop him ). If the cycle can not be traced Tork will reason that "Dakka is long gone by 
now." He will become moody and attempt to return to his room to enjoy a bottle of 
Yazarian ale (or two) and contemplate the meaning of Dakka's rantings.

Other outcomes I can think of is if Kare and/or T'Klkk get their own hovercycles. In 
this case Tork will follow the actions outlined in case 1. Another possibliity will be 
if Kare/T'Klkk go for the same cycle as Tork. If Tork gets on first he will yell "Get 
ON!" and as soon as they are seated hit the accelerator. If the other team-member gets 
on first Tork will yell "I'm riding shotgun" and jump on the back of the hovercycle 
behind the driver. These are both assuming that there is room for two on the 
hovercycle. I've always assumed that they are big enough for a Vrusk so Tork and Kare 
should not have problems riding the same cycle.

If the team gets hovercycles but lose Dakka Tork will attempt to use his tracking skill 
to find Dakka. ( I know "works only in wilderness" but Dakka was hit and Tork will hope 
to find a blood trail. Under the circumstances I would say Tork's chances are slim to 
nill but gotta try.  )

If the ride is a long one or Tork is drinking in his room he will calm down some and 
begin thinking about Kare's words. If she is present Tork will look her in the eye and 
ask "So, you really got a buyer or you just bluffing?"

TTFN
John johngroz@velocity.net

From:  Ken Morefield (Zane)

Hello everyone, 
How are you all doing? Well anyway here is Zanes attempted actions
for this turn:

Immediate Action:
He will attempt to make his way to where the others are having
the trouble. In the process he will load a tangler jet clip into his
gyrojet pistol(thinking to himself how capturing Dakka would make
him look to his teammates) and set his laser pistol on 6(in case his
teammates are in serious trouble, can't take any chances). If he gets
there in time for action he will use one of his pistols depending on the
severity of the situation.

Follow up actions:
If time permits Zane will attempt the following:
1) He still is concerned with Cimmy's(hope I spelled it right) safety.
He wants to check on her and still wants to hypnotize her for info.
Urugg is better at hypnosis, so Zane wants to take him with him.
He will ask Urugg for the help.
2) Someone asked some time ago about needing a partner to
practice blind-fighting with. Zane is all about practicing blind-fighting
and practicing blind-fighting is all about Zane. So lets do it.
3) If he has any extra time to think, he will visit the med facilities
to research on any possible new treatments that might help Cimmy.
As always Zane will go with the flow of the group and do
what is needed of him. By the way, does he find Kare cute or attractive?

Until next time, same Vrusk time, same Vrusk channel.
See ya ,
Ken

From:  John Groszkiewicz (Tork)

Dralasite wrote:
>
> If time permits Zane will attempt the following: 
> 2) Someone asked some time ago about needing a partner to
> practice blind-fighting with. Zane is all about practicing blind-fighting
> and practicing blind-fighting is all about Zane. So lets do it.

I believe that was Tork, but if not he would be willing to practice with you. 

Old master say "Grasshopper, If you can't see what you must fight then you must learn to 
fight what you can't see." 

> As always Zane will go with the flow of the group and do
> what is needed of him. By the way, does he find Kare cute or attractive?

Well if Zane is asking Tork... Yazarians don't tend to see you "hairless" humans as 
attractive. As for cute, Tork remembers the little animals in the store window. "Aw, 
isn't that a CUTE puppy!" Zane realizes Tork is *not* the one to ask about Kare's looks. 

Sorry, had my first good nights sleep in about three days, mom and the new baby are 
comming home today, and I'm in a good mood. If Tork is asked, he will have a good 
natured laugh.

TTFN
John johngroz@velocity.net

From:  Clark Valentine (Taanik)

DAMMIT!!! I just realized that the most important person on the distribution 
list WASN't on the distrib. List, and hasn't been for some time. Layne, did 
you get my official orders for early Feb?

Anyway, here's my orders for this time 'round.

----------
From: Clark Valentine[SMTP:cgv@flash.net]
Sent: Saturday, February 28, 1998 11:03 AM
Subject: [Unity] Taanik's official

Feeling better physically but getting angrier by the minute emotionally, 
Taanik gives Meimen a muttered "Thanks" and has to restrain idself 
from adding a swift kick to the mid-section. Id draws ids blaster and 
makes sure the setting is "5". Muttering curses in ids native tongue, 
Taanik sets off toward east life support. "Goddamn Ixiol pushers." 
Taanik is realizing just how close id came to ... "I've been on the 
wagon for 20 years now, I don't need this kind of shit again." 
If anyone asks id to elaborate, id gruffly responds "None of your 
damn business" or "Talk to Syzygy." Now it's personal for Taanik. 
Id has absolutely no love for Ixiol pushers, and even less for their 
suppliers. Id's going to try to track down Syte and use that blaster to 
blow him a new... Id will attempt to commandeer a hovercycle ala 
Syzygy.

Once it becomes clear id can't get there in time to do any good, 
id will calm down and start thinking rationally again. Selson needs 
to be protected - NOW!!! If Syte is headed his way, he could be 
in serious trouble. The team needs to 1) Protect Selson, meaning 
get to his position ASAP, and 2) clean up the scum (oh yeah, and 
the Ixiol addicts too) that Tork tangled on the streetcorner.Just to 
clarify Taanik's position: WE need to get to Selson to protect him - 
I don't trust his assistant (what was her name?).After all this quiets 
down, what then? First things first. Taanik will happily take up 
Syzygy on his offer to take id out drinking and steaming. Id won't 
go as far as getting a tattoo ("I much prefer the temporary dyes from 
Dramune, thanks."), and will make sure Syzygy really knows what 
he's doing when he gets his, but will happily go along for moral support. 
Eat drink and be merry!Hey Syzygy - wanna get our eyebrows pierced? 
HeheheJust a reminder - If Taanik gets a few spare hours he wants to 
check out the mining robots for contraband, hopefully coordinating 
with Syzygy's project:>>- keep checking on the robot activity patterns 
and study them>>longitudinally over the last several months

From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

Gah - with the recent rollercoaster of events (fight with thugs, quiet moment,
Dakka Syte alert), Urugg's feeling like he's been thrown into a drug addled
episode of the human comedy holo "My Favorite Monkey" : P

As frantic shouts erupt over Syzygy and Taanik's open links to the rest of the
team, Urugg whirls to face Taanik and Zane, only to see their departing backs
as they rush to the East Life Support Center. "Damn! Why is it never
simple?!?" he curses, glancing back to the tangled thugs at his feet. His
entire body still vibrates with the adrenal rush that flushes a Yazirian
whenever combat is in the air.

He opens a link to Metrosphere's "911" service on his chronocom's priority
channel, ignoring the being who answers:
"This is Special Security Officer Urugg sur-Innesti! I need an emergency
police team immediately in Rec Area C-7! A dralasite is being beaten to death
by a bunch of humans and I need backup! Now!" He cuts the link without
waiting for an answer. He leans over to Miemen and hisses: "All right,
pusher. I'm leaving you to the beat cops on their way out here. Go anywhere,
and I'll hunt you down like a fattened shovelmouth. I'll be talking to you
later." Urugg grins fiercely behind the gas mask.

This accomplished, he sheaths his stunstick in its holster and unholsters his
needler pistol as he breaks into a run for the south exit from the Rec
Center."Out of my way! NOW! Clear away!" he shouts as he pushes into and
through the watching crowd. His mind races faster than his feet as he leaps
onto the southbound pedway leading to the surface elevator. If Syte's hopped
a cycle, he's probably going to try and break out of the colony later - then
sneak back in.

He opens a chronocom link to the team (leaving the channel to T'Klkk's group
open so he can hear what's going on): "Has anyone seen which way Syte went?
I think he may try to escape the colony - is he headed towards the roads or
the monorail terminal?" 

If no response, or a positive response, Urugg quickly cuts that link and opens
one to Capt. Ap-Harrow's desk in Security. "Capt. Ap-Harrow - this is Urugg
from Selson's ops team - we've flushed Dakka Syte out of hiding and he is
fleeing on a stolen hovercycle. We think he's going to try to escape the
colony through on of the road hatches, the monorail or the spaceport. I don't
think he'll flee off-moon though - he's openly stated his intent to murder
Selson Streel. I'm heading for the monorail station now and the rest of the
team is in pursuit. Urugg out!"

Since no direct tube route runs from the elevator's surface terminal to the
monorail, Urugg will take the high-speed pedway south to the colony edge, then
east to the terminal to avoid the busier central tubes. If the our pursuing
team members determine Syte is fleeing in another direction, Urugg will go
that way instead when he exits the elevator and will direct Capt. Ap-Harrow to
dispatch a SWAT team(s) to that area.

As he sprints through the pedway crowds, something keeps tugging at Urugg's
mind. Something very *wrong* is going on here. Syte is supposed to be a
merciless, inhuman criminal. Just now, he had 2 of us entangled and T'Klkk
caught without a drawn weapon. But he didn't fire. He should logically have
pumped a few assassinators into T'Klkk, then finished off Tork and Kare. He
kept yelling at them to leave, when he shouldn't want any witnesses around
knowing that he's even here. *It doesn't make any sense* And he said he's
waited 5 years for this - why would he flee instead of killing my teammates
and getting on with it? There is something here that definitely doesn't add
up; he's not behaving like you'd expect the amoral killer described in the
press to behave. Not only that, but he must have someone backing him to have
acquired the black infiltration gear and assassinator rounds he seems to have
so many of... Urugg files the thought away, to be discussed with the team
later. 

Though his suspicions will wait till later, Urugg won't. He opens the team's
group channel on his chronocom while shoving through more crowds: "Hey
evrybody - this is Urugg. I can't explain now, but if you catch Syte do not,
I repeat *do not* kill him unless its unavoidable. We've got to interrogate
him alive, and before any of the Streel security goons show up. Do whatever
you can to take him alive! And if you do, try to stall Streel security for as
long as you can till we can talk to him!"

From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

After the immediate action is over...

- If our team captures Syte and there is time before the Streel cops show up,
Urugg will immediately administer a Telol dose and begin interrogating him;
Urugg will use hypnosis if necessary or if Syte resists the Telol. Urugg
intends to find out why Dakka is trying to kill Selson when he could have
remained a fugitive and stayed free in some outpost somewhere hacking the
networks. He wants the motive and (if he can get it) any background on Syte's
and Selson's relationship.

- Urugg will suggest to Zane and Taanik that they watch their backs more
carefully than usual for a week or two; his gas mask concealed Urugg's face
while they were handling the Ixiol thugs, but the humans probably got a good
look at his teammates and may bear a grudge.

- When Zane approaches him about administering more aid to Cimmy, Urugg will
agree immediately. Before they leave, Urugg will buy a spare chronocom
(rugged model, like a modern sport watch - water / shock resistant, etc);
someone mentioned before that the seemingly benevolent Streel and / or Maxim
Z. might be hiding something and potentially harm the aged yazirian female.
As a hedge against this possibility, Urugg will give her the c-com to wear
when he and Zane arrive; he will set up a one-touch and voice-activated link
to his personal c-com which she can use if she gets in trouble. Apart from
that, Urugg will help Zane with any research or treatments he has in mind for
her. Urugg will also make another effort to locate next of kin or her
birthclan via the Frontier datanet.

- The first time that Urugg comes back to the apartment and gets a dose of
porno from the holo-unit, he'll laugh his ass off. If he walks in on Tork
fiddling with the holo-controls as the "action heats up", he'll laugh even
harder. In a puckish mood, Urugg will make all his personal holo-calls (until
the unit is fixed) with the vid running in the background. If anyone on the
"other end" of the call comments on it, a hint of a smirk will cross the
yazirian's face and he'll nonchalantly say "Oh, that? Tork likes to leave it
running when he's in the conapt." With any luck, some of the better yazirian
pornos will be on the playlist ("Fur Runner", "Skin Wars", "Furminator" and
"F2", "Skin Trek: Fist Contact", "Yazirian Gigolo", "The French Yazirian's
Woman", etc.)...

- If Syzygy and Taanik mention their carousing plans, Urugg will cheerfully
join in; he'll budget 30 or 40 credits for beer and (if available) strip
clubs. When Syzygy and Taanik head off to the dral steam bars, Urugg will
excuse himself - he'll explain that the humidity is terrible for yaz fur, and
the perfumed mess the drals scent the air with take days to wash out of their
fur, leacing the yaz a dank, matted, smelly mess. Urugg'll head back to the
apartment to sleep things off afterwards.

- As Syzygy's behavior gets increasingly... idiosyncratic... Urugg will note
it but not comment. He will carefully keep track of the odd behavior as it
progresses, but will avoid mentioning it (unless another team member takes the
initiative) since Urugg's not too familiar yet with vrusk psychology and wants
to be polite.

- If someone (ahem) drops fleas into Tork's bed and they spread, Urugg'll be
one unhappy yazirian. He will use his science expertise to rid the apt. of
the little bastards, up to and including pumping all the air out of the apt.
and letting the infernal things suck vaccuum. Hopefully yazirian flea collars
are cheap ; ) If any infestation occurs, Urugg heads immediately to a
yazirian full-body fur center for a proper grooming and full-body shampoo
(preferably from an attractive female yaz attendant) while the apt. is being
depressurized...

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

> Tork will then call Syzygy and ask if
>there is any way to track the hovercycles. I am hoping that Syzygy can track
>Dakka ( in
>case I lose him ) and also track me ( incase I get in trouble ). Either way
>Tork will
>attempt to keep and open channel to appraise the team of his position.

Syzygy will comply and access the nearest holovid panel to track the
cycles' progress. If the panel doesn't allow that he'll try to find a real
computer terminal, call security to help him track the cycles, or just
plain hack a way to do so.

If everyone else gets caught up in the chase, Syzygy will satisfy himself
with operating as coordinator from whatever station he commandeers,
relaying communications between the acting parties.