Campaign Turn 21 – Marduk Station – The Quest is the Quest, Part 1
Acting on the information that the crew found, with help from their patron, Miranda O'Keefe, the crew (minus Vilem and Vonthos) ventured into parts of Marduk Station that few ever ventured into. They were tracking down the squid-headed aliens. Jaxx was sick of them. And his contact, Miranda, was fairly sure they were the reason those aliens arrived in system.
Miranda knew too much about too many things to just be a wealthy businessperson. Sure, the wealthy were well-connected, and had ways of getting information even the best freelancers couldn't touch, but he just couldn't put his finger on it.
Damn it, he must be getting old. In his youth, he'd be able to put the pieces together much better.
Maybe that was what was bothering him. He just didn't feel like he was ahead of the game.
Noises ahead. Selene and Miak went on high alert. Jaxx pulled his focus back to the here-and-now. There will be enough time for woolgathering later. As long as those aliens didn't return and kill everyone on Marduk Station.
They had just passed through the "Point of no return" - crossing from part of the station that was added on and into the original spire.
The walls were a metallic bronze, with odd splotches of color - some looking like they were randomly splashed on; others looking like there were painted in patterns. And, of course, there was grafitti. Heck, it could all be grafitti for all Unity knew of this place.
He shook his head. Get into the game, Jaxx!
He glanced at his team. Ginny looked pale. More pale than usual that is. She caught his gaze. "This area feels.... wrong. Haunted. Eyes everywhere, but nowhere."
"It's just a place."
"And", Selene interjected, "people with guns. Lots of people with guns."
Miranda knew too much about too many things to just be a wealthy businessperson. Sure, the wealthy were well-connected, and had ways of getting information even the best freelancers couldn't touch, but he just couldn't put his finger on it.
Damn it, he must be getting old. In his youth, he'd be able to put the pieces together much better.
Maybe that was what was bothering him. He just didn't feel like he was ahead of the game.
Noises ahead. Selene and Miak went on high alert. Jaxx pulled his focus back to the here-and-now. There will be enough time for woolgathering later. As long as those aliens didn't return and kill everyone on Marduk Station.
They had just passed through the "Point of no return" - crossing from part of the station that was added on and into the original spire.
The walls were a metallic bronze, with odd splotches of color - some looking like they were randomly splashed on; others looking like there were painted in patterns. And, of course, there was grafitti. Heck, it could all be grafitti for all Unity knew of this place.
He shook his head. Get into the game, Jaxx!
He glanced at his team. Ginny looked pale. More pale than usual that is. She caught his gaze. "This area feels.... wrong. Haunted. Eyes everywhere, but nowhere."
"It's just a place."
"And", Selene interjected, "people with guns. Lots of people with guns."
A booming voice echoed through the area. "Jaxx Pearsall, under the authority of the Bounty Tracker Guild, you are being detained to be transported off station. Do not resist, or you will be killed."
"Who put the bounty on me?"
"Surrender and find out."
"I have two words for you, and they ain't 'Sweet heart'."
The crew was already moving up. There were three groups of troopers wearing Marduk Colonial Defense uniforms.
Plus an extremely tall bounty tracker in a black trench coat. Selene and Miak took up positions in cover. Selene's Fury Rifle barked, its shot flying straight for the Bounty Tracker, who nimbly sidestepped the shot. Her jaw dropped. Either he was the luckiest being around, or..... Damn, she hoped he was lucky.
Miak opened up his rattle gun at the Bounty Tracker and Colonial Defense troopers. The Bounty Tracker fell. Finally. Must have been luck that let him dodge the Fury Rifle. Miak's rattle gun stunned two other troopers.
They heard the telltale sound of grenades being fired. Damn. One shell landed near Selene and Miak. They were uninjured, but shaken up. Another round landed nearby Miak; his bulk protecting Selene from the blast, but shaking him up even more. Other troopers fired at Selene, knocking her off her position on a scaffold. The fall would have killed her, but Miak, as shaken as he was, managed to catch her and set her down gently (she was taken out, but used her Luck to stay in the fight).
Another grenade dropped nearby, shaking her up again. "This sucks guys! Target the shell gunners!"
Ginny quickly scaled up the scaffold stairs and fired her shell gun, killing one of the troopers. "Take that!" she shouted.
To the crew's shock, the Bounty Tracker stood up. Except he no longer appeared human. His tentacles waved around, and his eyes were almost glowing with hate.
Miak opened up the rattle gun again. "Free treats today! Plenty for everyone!" he called as the rounds ripped into the Bounty Tracker and two troopers, leaving them lying in pools of blood and ichor. "Get up from that!"
Ginny launched another grenade at the troopers flanking from the right, dropping two of them. Selene fired her Fury Rifle at one of the enemy shell gunners, killing him.
Incoming fire from the Militia kept them in cover, but another grenade came flying in. The concussion knocked Miak back, and he slumped to the ground. They didn't see blood, but with all the action, they couldn't spare the time to check him out.
Selene had a close call, a round from the troopers' rifle shaking her up. Jaxx opened up with his Blast Rifle, taking out one of the shell gunners, but the Blast Rifle had overheated, shutting down. "Crappy Capellent manufacturing!" he cursed.
Two of the troopers broke and ran after seeing many of their comrades dropped, but four more arrived.
More rounds fly. Selene took out a trooper, and Kazi took out one of the lieutenants. Jaxx took a near miss, shaking him up.
With the amount of enemies down, the crew started to maneuver. Kazi and a trooper missed each other, and Ginnys grenade stunned a couple of troopers.
Two more militia arrived.
Selene dropped another trooper, but even though the battle had just started, the stress was affecting everyone, and rounds were going wild. Kazi managed to stun a trooper, and Selene stunned another, but the blast from her Fury Rifle blew him into a wall, taking him out of the fight. Selene was always a professional in a fight, but she did really enjoy watching her Fury Rifle ragdoll her targets around.
Another trooper had had enough and ran.
Jaxx, having had to switch to his beam pistol, was finally close enough to shoot, and dropped a trooper right away. Selene dropped another one. Kazi landed a fantastic burst on the last trooper. She was amazed that he survived, but survive he did.
At least until Selene fired at him.
With all the Colonial Militia down, and the Bounty Tracker confirmed dead, Jaxx and Kazi checked on Miak. He was already coming around. Just a knock on the head. He'd have to be treated for concussion, but they could take care of that on the RenPig, with no downtime.
Selene and Ginny quickly picked up some loot, including a portable tablet computer on the Bounty Tracker. They didn't find much of note - the best item was a bipod that Kazi claimed.
When they got back to the ship, Jaxx had received a notice from Marduk Station - taxes due. Not only did it cost him the full amount they scavenged from the battlefield, but an additional credit on top of that. And for what? The recycled air or water? The complete lack of security? Squid-headed aliens?
Things should work differently, and work for the common folk. Not the big shots. Why, if he was in charge, things would be different! Maybe he should stop chasing money so much, and instead try to make a difference.
He better keep that thought to himself for now. His crew would think he lost it. But, he could talk to Miranda about it.
At that, Kazi buzzed the team.
"Guys - I cracked the squid's tablet. Almost everything is in a language I can't translate, but what I did find is a problem."
"Worse than an alien fleet?"
"Maybe. They got Miranda. Took her off station to a base on Carbia. And get this - she's a Unity Agent."
That's it, Jaxx thought. That's the piece he was missing. She had way more intel than a businessperson should. But a Unity Agent? It fits.
"And they also grabbed a Precursor who Miranda was meeting with. From what I can find, the squids are trying to get to something at the heart of the station, and Miranda thought that their activities were what drew in the alien fleet. They're still active on the station, but I don't know where."
"I suspect the answers will be on Carbia", Jaxx said, as he glanced at Kazi, "and it's on our way."
"Our way to where?"
Kazi spoke, her voice shaky, her gaze at her shoes. "I got an invite from the research outpost that Jaxx and I grew up in. They want me to lead a Scientific Expedition on Truti Sanvita. The Unity recontact team discovered - rediscovered, actually - ruins of structures and technology that predate the Precursors. And with my 'extensive experience dealing with unique alien beings', they decided I was perfect to administer the effort."
"I haven't said yes."
"Woooo!" Selene shrieked, "You go girl!"
"We'll miss you."
"And I'll miss you all."
"Hey now", Jaxx said. "It's three hops from Marduk Station. It's a garden planet - one of the several in this part of space that's so Earthlike, you don't need supplements or extensive food processing to thrive there. Yellow star, deep oceans, edible wildlife. Fairly clear evidence of ancient terraforming. And lost ruins, with plenty of loot!"
"Jaxx! No looting my planet!"
Jaxx smiled. "We may not stay in one place long, but we'll only ever be a jump or two away."
"I still don't know how I got chosen. How many people besides us know about our encounters with unique aliens?"
"Miranda."
"Well, I guess we should go rescue her then."
"Ok, crew. No rest for the wicked. Let's get cooking!"
Turn Report
Turn 7
Step 1
1. Flee Invasion - N/A
2. Decide whether to travel - No
3. Starship travel event - N/A
4. New world arrival steps - N/A
1. Check for Rivals - N/A
2. Dismiss Patrons - N/A
3 - License paid - already aid
4 - world characteristics - Alien Species Restricted (Precursors) - Precursors can not be hired here or go on crew missions, but they may partake in battles. No invasion
Step 2
1. Upkeep and ship repairs. 1Cr due to Living Quarters upgrade
Pay for Medical Care: n/a
2. Assign and resolve crew tasks
Jaxx - Repair Combat Armor - success
Kazi - Trainx
Selene - Hunt down rivals - no
Villem - Trade - Medical Pack - gain stim pak
Miak - Train x
Vonthos - Repair blade - success
Ginerva - Trade - A lot of blinking lights - combat armor.
3. Determine Job Offers
Quest mission
4. Assign Equipment -
5. Resolve Rumors: - n/a
6. Choose Battle - Quest Mission
6.5 Check Rivals - no.
Readying for Battle -
ELITE on 3+ - yes
DIFFICULTY SETTINGS: Respawn 5; Strength 4 – Add 2 basic enemies, 1 specialist, 1 Lieutenant
World Settings -
1. Deployment Condition - Small Encounter - a random crew member must sit out fight. Reduce opponent numbers by -1, -2 if they initially outnumber you. We will be fielding 5.
1. Notable Sight - Loot Cache - place a token 2d6"2" in random direction from center.
2. Objective - Move Through - 2 have to get to the opposite end
4. Opponent Type - ELITE Interested Parties - Colonial Militia - Unique Individual - Bounty Tracker
The armed militia of a colony is its first line of defense and often doubles as law enforcement. Occasionally, the distinction between “organized militia”, “armed criminal gang” and “gun-toting lunatics” can be deceptively difficult to tell.
Weapon 2B
AI: Cautious
Cautious enemies will attempt to stay in Cover whenever possible.
•Figures with an opponent in sight and range will remain where they are and take Aimed shots. Otherwise, they will advance in or behind terrain features, trying to establish Line of Sight to opposing figures.
•
•They will attempt to engage targets at as close to maximum range as possible, and will not advance voluntarily within 12” of opposition.
•As a general rule, they will not enter Brawling combat.
Difficulty - Strength 4 - add 2 basic, 1 specialist and 1 lieutenant
Respawn 5
Number +3. Rolled a 2, +3 = 5
Home field advantage: All crew shots over 12" range count as being in Cover.
Defensive armaments: One basic enemy replaces their weapon with a Fury Rifle.
Delaying action: Militia figures within 6" of a visible crew member may fire, then retreat a full move.
Normal x 5
Panic 1 ; Speed 4"; CS +1; Tough 3; Save ; AI: C;
Colony Rifle: Range 18"; Shots 1; Damage 0; --
Specialist x 3
Panic 1 ; Speed 4"; CS +1; Tough 3; Save ; AI: C;
Shell Gun: Range 18"; Shots 1; Damage 0; AREA
Lieutenant x 2
Panic 0 ; Speed 4"; CS +2; Tough 3; Save 5+; AI: C;
Blade: Range Melee; Shots --; Damage +0 MELEE
Colony Rifle: Range 18"; Shots 1; Damage 0; --
Captain x 0
Panic ; Speed ; CS ; Tough ; Save ; AI: ;
UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL - Bounty Tracker
Panic 0 ; Speed 4"; CS +2; Tough 5; Save ; Luck 1; AI: A; ;
Shotgun: Range 8"; Shots 1; Damage 1; Critical (nat 6 causes 2 hits)
Suppression Maul: Range: Brawl; Shots -; Damage 2; Melee, Stun
Target priority: Randomly select a crew member at the start of the first Enemy Action phase.
The Bounty Tracker will always attempt to close with and attack that character.
4. Set up the battlefield -
---
Fight!
Seize The Initiative: Yes
Won? Yes
Held The Field Yes
First Blood - Miak
Post-Battle
1. Rivals - No
2. Patron - N/A
3. Quest Progress - Gain Quest Rumor - next step is on another world.
4. Get Paid - 3 Cr
5. Battlefield Finds - Usable Good - 1 dose Booster Pills - When taken, the character removes all Stun markers. They may move at double normal Speed this round
6. Check for Invasion - N/A
7. Gather Loot -
8. Gear -> Gun Mods -> Bipod - Weapon receives +1 to hit at ranges over 8" when Aiming or when firing from Cover. Non-pistol only.
9. Experience:
Jaxx +3
Selene +3
Vilem --
Miak +3
Vonthos --
Ginerva +3
Kazi +3
10. Invest in Advanced Training: N/A
11. Purchase Items: N/A
12. Campaign Event: Tax man is taking an interest in us. 4 Credits.
13. Character Event: Jaxx - Not really sure she's the same person anymore. Becomes Political
Turn 7
Step 1
1. Flee Invasion - N/A
2. Decide whether to travel - No
3. Starship travel event - N/A
4. New world arrival steps - N/A
1. Check for Rivals - N/A
2. Dismiss Patrons - N/A
3 - License paid - already aid
4 - world characteristics - Alien Species Restricted (Precursors) - Precursors can not be hired here or go on crew missions, but they may partake in battles. No invasion
Step 2
1. Upkeep and ship repairs. 1Cr due to Living Quarters upgrade
Pay for Medical Care: n/a
2. Assign and resolve crew tasks
Jaxx - Repair Combat Armor - success
Kazi - Trainx
Selene - Hunt down rivals - no
Villem - Trade - Medical Pack - gain stim pak
Miak - Train x
Vonthos - Repair blade - success
Ginerva - Trade - A lot of blinking lights - combat armor.
3. Determine Job Offers
Quest mission
4. Assign Equipment -
5. Resolve Rumors: - n/a
6. Choose Battle - Quest Mission
6.5 Check Rivals - no.
Readying for Battle -
ELITE on 3+ - yes
DIFFICULTY SETTINGS: Respawn 5; Strength 4 – Add 2 basic enemies, 1 specialist, 1 Lieutenant
World Settings -
1. Deployment Condition - Small Encounter - a random crew member must sit out fight. Reduce opponent numbers by -1, -2 if they initially outnumber you. We will be fielding 5.
1. Notable Sight - Loot Cache - place a token 2d6"2" in random direction from center.
2. Objective - Move Through - 2 have to get to the opposite end
4. Opponent Type - ELITE Interested Parties - Colonial Militia - Unique Individual - Bounty Tracker
The armed militia of a colony is its first line of defense and often doubles as law enforcement. Occasionally, the distinction between “organized militia”, “armed criminal gang” and “gun-toting lunatics” can be deceptively difficult to tell.
Weapon 2B
AI: Cautious
Cautious enemies will attempt to stay in Cover whenever possible.
•Figures with an opponent in sight and range will remain where they are and take Aimed shots. Otherwise, they will advance in or behind terrain features, trying to establish Line of Sight to opposing figures.
•
•They will attempt to engage targets at as close to maximum range as possible, and will not advance voluntarily within 12” of opposition.
•As a general rule, they will not enter Brawling combat.
Difficulty - Strength 4 - add 2 basic, 1 specialist and 1 lieutenant
Respawn 5
Number +3. Rolled a 2, +3 = 5
Home field advantage: All crew shots over 12" range count as being in Cover.
Defensive armaments: One basic enemy replaces their weapon with a Fury Rifle.
Delaying action: Militia figures within 6" of a visible crew member may fire, then retreat a full move.
Normal x 5
Panic 1 ; Speed 4"; CS +1; Tough 3; Save ; AI: C;
Colony Rifle: Range 18"; Shots 1; Damage 0; --
Specialist x 3
Panic 1 ; Speed 4"; CS +1; Tough 3; Save ; AI: C;
Shell Gun: Range 18"; Shots 1; Damage 0; AREA
Lieutenant x 2
Panic 0 ; Speed 4"; CS +2; Tough 3; Save 5+; AI: C;
Blade: Range Melee; Shots --; Damage +0 MELEE
Colony Rifle: Range 18"; Shots 1; Damage 0; --
Captain x 0
Panic ; Speed ; CS ; Tough ; Save ; AI: ;
UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL - Bounty Tracker
Panic 0 ; Speed 4"; CS +2; Tough 5; Save ; Luck 1; AI: A; ;
Shotgun: Range 8"; Shots 1; Damage 1; Critical (nat 6 causes 2 hits)
Suppression Maul: Range: Brawl; Shots -; Damage 2; Melee, Stun
Target priority: Randomly select a crew member at the start of the first Enemy Action phase.
The Bounty Tracker will always attempt to close with and attack that character.
4. Set up the battlefield -
---
Fight!
Seize The Initiative: Yes
Won? Yes
Held The Field Yes
First Blood - Miak
Post-Battle
1. Rivals - No
2. Patron - N/A
3. Quest Progress - Gain Quest Rumor - next step is on another world.
4. Get Paid - 3 Cr
5. Battlefield Finds - Usable Good - 1 dose Booster Pills - When taken, the character removes all Stun markers. They may move at double normal Speed this round
6. Check for Invasion - N/A
7. Gather Loot -
8. Gear -> Gun Mods -> Bipod - Weapon receives +1 to hit at ranges over 8" when Aiming or when firing from Cover. Non-pistol only.
9. Experience:
Jaxx +3
Selene +3
Vilem --
Miak +3
Vonthos --
Ginerva +3
Kazi +3
10. Invest in Advanced Training: N/A
11. Purchase Items: N/A
12. Campaign Event: Tax man is taking an interest in us. 4 Credits.
13. Character Event: Jaxx - Not really sure she's the same person anymore. Becomes Political
