Deeper Education [IC]

[Fenris2]

The storm overhead continues to rumble as the Academy shakes. Atharias and Nor both keep their balance, though Timone squeals and nearly tips over into the water. Atharias stares out into the blackness and rain, his four green eyes suddenly blazing with fierceness. "II have been blind..." he whispers, sadness tinging his tired voice. "Nor, forgive me. I did not want to believe it. But there is a traitor within the Academy, and we are under assault."

In the darkness beyond the square of light beneath Nor's ship, something moves. The horrible screech echoes through the air once again, the sound of a beast in pain. Atharias spins, trying to get a fix on the sound despite the distractions of the thunder and rain. "May the Force help us, Instructor. I fear we will not all survive this night."

As the platform shakes Nor quips more to himself than anyone else , "My horoscope for today said absolutely nothing about any of this. Where do I complain?"

Nor yells at Timone and Rak's Droid to get in the War Pig. He says to Atharias, "Come with me Master Atharias! Whatever it is likely big enough to be tipping the platform. We might need a bit more than a light saber for that, and I know just where to get it."

Nor hurries/helps the robots up into the War Pig and tries to lead Atharias as well. All the while asking, "Oh, and pardon me, but whose the traitor? More than one of us should know, just in case. . ."

If he goes along with Nor then, given the Pig is already powered up (mostly), hurry and shut the gang way and raise shields while Atharis and/or Timone powers (if needed) the engines. Next, lift 30 or so feet up. Turn on all exterior spot lights and so on to see what we can see. Nor is hoping to scare/drive/Jedi mind trick it off without having to pot shot it...

If Atharias stays down below, trying to do something heroic/stupid Nor says, 'Please Master. There is no need. We must secure the ships in case the university faculty and the students need evacuated." he will still have Timone and Rak's droid power the shields and engines while he stands defensively with Atharias, light saber out and an action readied to Jedi Mind Trick the critter with the instrucion to, "Go accross the sea and find a new happy home."

 

[nonamazing]

The War Pig lifts off, vibrating slightly in the turbulent atmosphere. Atharias and Nor stare at the screens as the ship's lights sweep across the surface of the landing area. "I'm sorry, Nor, but I don't know who the traitor might be. Someone must be working against us from the inside, though--someone who gave Bri the idea to alter your droid's programming, and at just the right moment to distract us from the rising emotional instability among the students. It gave our enemy enough time to move into position, while keeping us off-balance and confused."

"Wait! Look there!" The lights show a small round access hatch, which shakes violently for a moment before flying open. Tolark leaps out of the hatch, lightsaber blazing, senses alert. Just behind him, a black, oily, tentacled creature is slowly pulling itself out of the water and onto the landing pad, screeching in near-mindless pain as the lack of pressure causes its body to suffer terrible injuries, opening bright bloody wounds across its dark skin.

Tolark looks down into the hatch in front of him, where Hale, Treela, and Jett are all cringing in fear. "What should we do, master?", Jett asks, still cringing in pain from his twisted ankle. Just beyond the hatch, no more than ten meters from where Tolark stands, the black squid-like creature, nearly twice Tolark's height, looms threateningly out of the darkness.

"There's more of them, Nor," Atharias says, indicating several of ship's visual screens. There of four of the creatures in total, roughly one on each side of the landing area. "Something is driving them...filling them with such rage that they are quite literally killing themselves to get at us."

* * *​

Tersh carefully removes the emergency panel on the roof of the lift, then reaches down and helps Verena up. An override switch opens the lift doors to deck eleven--once on the other side, Tersh begins working on the lift's main controls, trying to establish the cause of the problem.

Before he has a chance to set things right, Verena timidly pulls at Tersh's sleeve. "Master? Isn't Deck Eleven supposed to be sealed...should that door be open?" The lift on deck eleven opens onto a short, featureless hallway, at the other end of which is a heavy metal door, usually closed and locked. At the moment, however, it stands slightly ajar, a soft orange light leaking around the edges.

* * *​

Sylara slices open the door to his office with ease, deactivating his saber as the scarred hunk of metal crashes onto the floor. On the other side of the office is Sylara's storage room, where racks of dealy weapons await their eventual use. Two small bodies lie on the floor. Sol is on his back, his eyes rolled into his head, twitching slightly. Zeth is next to him, his skin pale, his breathing shallow. Zeth appears to be the one calling for help, but is so weak that he can barely do more than whisper.

* * *​

After a few minutes, Tyren has managed to bring all of the students into Atharias' chambers. Emotions are still running strong, leaving Jodan and Tyren with their hands full trying to keep order. Jodan glances over to Tyren, worry lines etched into his face. "What of the other instructors, Tyren? Have any responded to your call?"

Before Tyren can respond, however, the large creature beneath the Academy slams into the Deeprunner, sending shudders up the entire structure.

[SBLOCK=OOC (All)]Eveyone needs to make a Balance check (DC 10) or fall prone as the Academy is shaken once again.[/SBLOCK]

[SBLOCK=OOC (Sylara)]As you enter your office, you feel as though something is draining the life from you. Please make a Willl saving throw to resist.[/SBLOCK]

[SBLOCK=OOC (Nor and Tolark]You are now in combat. I'll forego Initiative rolls--assume the squid creatures are so slow that they automatically act last. One of them is within striking distance of Tolark, but the others are quite some distance away (and at the speed they move, are not currently a threat.)[/SBLOCK]

 

[Lantis]

Milius and Pa'Hu exit the lift on Deck six. The hydraulics shudder as the lift starts up again, only to grind to a halt a few moments later, letting Sylara off on Deck seven. Tersh and Verena are left alone on the lift as it begins grinding its way down to deck twelve.

Sylara rushes toward his office, only to find the soft grey door is sealed. A light shines from beneath the door, and small shadows move back and forth. Sylara quickly taps his access code into the keypad, only to be met with a frustrating beep as the door denies him entry.

Meanwhile, Milius and Pa'Hu rush toward the recreation center on deck six. Der'oth sits in the center of the large white room, wrapped in wires and black tech--some sort of virtual simulator. Der'oth is sweating heavily, his arms flailing. He seems to be in a state of panic, too caught up in the simulation to seperate what's real from what isn't.

* * *​

Der'oth comes crashing to the floor as the academy shakes, still tangled in wires. As Milius steps forward, Pa'Hu puts a hand on his arm. "is it safe?"

Milius approaches Deroth, trying to remove the wires.

"Der'oth! Der'oth, snap out of it! We have to go! Pa'hu, help get these wires off. We'll carry him if we have to."

Milius will continue to do all he can to remove wires and awaken the seizuring student.

[SBLOCK] My balance roll is... 22 after modifiers, natural 20
1d20=20 [/SBLOCK]

 

[allpowerfulbob]

OOC: Balance Check
[sblock] 21 http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=823240[/sblock]

OOC: Will Save
[sblock]24 http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=823243[/sblock]

Zeth, can you move? Get out of my office immediately, I will remove Sol and I will do what I can for him.

If Zeth is able to move on his own, Sylara will grab Sol and drag him out of the office. If not Sylara will grab both young children and remove them quickly.

Once Sol is safe, Sylara will attempt to heal other on him. After healing him he will also attempt to determine what is affecting the force and use a force point to boost his check. (Sorry guys, tons of dice rolling here. Chris, I think this is 2d6 for Sylara's level, but please let me know if I'm wrong.)

OOC: Heal Other
[sblock]20 http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=823245[/sblock]

OOC: See Force
[sblock]37 http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=823246[/sblock]

 

[Master Tyren]

As the academy rocks once again, Tyren maintains his balance.
[sblock]Balance Check = 1d20+8->[6,8] = (14) http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=823380[/sblock]

Tyren looks to Master Jodan and says ... No, Master Jodan, not directly, but I'm sure they will come. Calm yourself, the students can sense your emotions.

Tyren then addresses Aayla ... Miss Youngblood, watch the door and do not participate in the meditation. Wait for me, and be ready for anything.

Tyren then walks to the front of the students and commands them to get in formation. Once this is done, he says ... Everyone who is wearing one, remove your cloak, and pass them to the end of the rows. Tyren then removes his cloak and passes it as well. Master Jodan, Magus, please use the cloaks to cover these transparent walls. Tyren looks over all of the students here with him.

It would not take a Jedi to realize that you are afraid. What are you afraid of? Without waiting for an answer Tyren continues ... You don't know. Yes, we are under attack, and so it is natural to feel some degree of fear, but you musn't let it rule you. I want you all to sit now. Take a moment to feel the force ... gain Control of yourselves once again. Tyren will remain standing and wait a few moments as they (hopefully) do as he has asked; then continue ... Now, I want you all to imagine yourselves standing in a shallow pond. The water is perfectly still. The water is the Force ... and when a Jedi uses the Force, he sends ripples across the surface of the water. These ripples can be detected by others who would care to see them. A place like this Jedi Academy sends out, not ripples, but waves. It was only a matter of time before someone or something would detect us here. What we must do now is calm ourselves ... stop making your ripples, because once you can do that, you will be harder to detect. You will use your Force Stealth abilities, you will hide here from whatever has come. And as you do this, have confidence that the Force is your ally. Have confidence that your masters will protect you from the enemies that have come. Be strong, and let the Force be with you.

Hopefully by this time Magus and Master Jodan have finished. Tyren says ... Magus, Gimto, and Threesa. As senior students, I want you to assist Master Jodan and myself in keeping the situation here in order.

If there is a control panel in the room Tyren will whisper to Gimto ... Mister Leepto, if you can, find a route that will block us from the Deeprunner, but still allow a way to escape, be it the lift or any access shaft. An access shaft would be better because we wouldn't have to wait. I need your technical expertise, therefore, you will be coming with me. You may now consider yourself a padawan.

Tyren then moves Master Jodan away from the students and whispers to him ... Master Jodan, do your best to keep things in order here. I'm taking Miss Youngblood and Mister Leepto, we are going to see if we can find a way to stop these things. If we fail, we will try to draw the enemy away from here. Make sure that you and Magus use your Force Stealth abilities. Stay as silent as you can and keep using Force Stealth as often as you need to. Do not fear, my friend, I'm sure more of our fellow instructors are coming.

Tyren will then look to Aayla and Gimto and say ... Come along. Then, while the other students meditate, Tyren will leave, and then opens his communicator to the other instructors ... Something keeps slamming into the Deeprunner. I'm taking Miss Youngblood and Mister Leepto to investigate it. Master Jodan is waiting with most of the students at Master Atharias' chambers. We could use any support you can give.

If Gimto found a route that has a possible escape, he will have Gimto lead us there first. Then we will visit the Deeprunner again.

 

[Fenris2]

The War Pig lifts off, vibrating slightly in the turbulent atmosphere. Atharias and Nor stare at the screens as the ship's lights sweep across the surface of the landing area. "I'm sorry, Nor, but I don't know who the traitor might be. Someone must be working against us from the inside, though--someone who gave Bri the idea to alter your droid's programming, and at just the right moment to distract us from the rising emotional instability among the students. It gave our enemy enough time to move into position, while keeping us off-balance and confused.

As the War pig lifts, Nor takes a swig from the flask at his command chair's side, all the while taking in what Atharias has to say. Finally he offers, "Well, yet another mystery following me around then. I collect them. Although, I would not just yet rule out some odd sort of external influence instead of a traitor." And, then offers Atharias a sip from his flask too, along with the warning, "It will peel residue off the hyperdrive, which is its second use. . . .", before putting it away.

As soon as the light reveals the opening hatch, Nor makes to move the War Pig toward the emerging Jedi ready to rescue them, but stops when Atharias points out the gaint squidlike being about to attack them from behind.

Nor broadcasts to all instructors, "Something is driving giant squidlike creatures to attack us, I hope you all like to eat Kalmari. That may not be the only assailents." Nor looks at the one close to Tolark and his students and offers Atharias, "I won't have time to try anything peaceable with that squid..." After which he comms Tolark saying, "War Pig here. Duck back down for a milisec, we got it. . ."

If Tolark does that, then he will manouver for a horizontal shot that won't hit the landing pad if he misses. And then engage it with the WP's TurboQuadLaser, as long as he does not risk hitting Jedi. And, if it Atharias or Tylar says anything about the concealed capital scale weapon, he offers back with a grin and obvious mock indignation, "Well. It is not called the Peace Pig now is it?"

If Tolark does not duck back down, that is more problematic. Nor will maneouver for an enfilading shot that both protects Tolark and will avoid the landing pad if he misses. But if he does not feel his gunnery skills can generate that, then the only thing he will reveal and shoot off is his mouth (not on comms) in frustration, "Bloody double damned Jedi arrogence... Get out of the line of fire will you."

OOC:

Turret 1x TurboQuadLaser 6d10x5, +4 targeting computer, +2 from ship size, +2 piloting synergy bonus, +11 AB for +19 total AB

 

[pallandrome]

OOC: My attempt to remain standing is laughable unsuccessful http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=824603]1d20=4

The shuddering academy drives Tolarks feet out from under him as the monster slowly approaches. Tolark is about to rise and defend himself when he hears master Nor's request that he remain on the floor. "Stay down, my students, and help me thrust the creature back." he says, as he gathers the force within himself.

As soon as he feels the power swell, he slams it into the approaching monster, attempting to drive it back...

OOC: Force Strike (Push varient) http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=824616]1d20+17=29 ...Which brings us to the question, are we using the rules, post Errata? Check http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=starwars/article/swrpgrcrerrata where it lists changes on page 88. If so, I have shoved it back 6 meters, and done 3d4+2 on a failed save, plus another 1d6 if it hits a bulkhead or anything by being shoved backwards.

 

[Fenris2]

OOC: My attempt to remain standing is laughable unsuccessful http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=824603]1d20=4

The shuddering academy drives Tolarks feet out from under him as the monster slowly approaches. Tolark is about to rise and defend himself when he hears master Nor's request that he remain on the floor. "Stay down, my students, and help me thrust the creature back." he says, as he gathers the force within himself.

As soon as he feels the power swell, he slams it into the approaching monster, attempting to drive it back...

Okay, seeing Tolark drop down (intentionally or otherwise), Nor goes for the shot on the squid using his daily luck roll if he misses (almost forgot that eh?)

 

[Paper_Bard]

OOC:
Balance: 15 http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=825759

IC: Tersh will grab Verena around the waste to keep her form falling if he needs to. He will then proceed through the door while checking if his communicator works. If it does, he will say "Deck eleven is open for some reason. Checking it out."

 

[nonamazing]

Tolark, caught off-guard by both the excessive amount of water on the deck and the Academy's sudden instability, falls backward. The oily squid-like thing lunges toward him, but the instructor calmly gathers his power and unleashes it, launching the creature several meters into the air.

Aboard the War Pig, Nor waits for the perfect moment, relaxing his senses and letting the Force help him take aim. As the creature flies up into the air, Nor flicks the trigger--and the tentacled beast explodes, sending gore and chunks of rubbery flesh flying everywhere.

"An excellent shot, Instructor," Atharias says, placing his hand on Nor's shoulder. "I must admit I wasn't aware your ship carried such weaponry."

"Well. It is not called the Peace Pig now is it?"

"I see." Much to Nor's surprise, the old master actually smiles slightly. "Obviously, I should have taken that into consideration."

On his screens, Nor can see that there are still three other creatures climbing onto the landing pad. But as the area is quite large, each of the three are still quite some distance away from recently opened access hatch. At the speed at which the pained creatures are moving, it will take them quite some time to reach Tolark's position, leaving the instructor and his students quite safe--for the moment.

"Deck...en is op...some reason. Check...out."

"What was that? Nor, did you happen to catch that message? We seem to be getting some sort of interference." Leaning forward, Atharias addresses the ship's communication system. "Instructor Tersh? Your last message was cut off. Please repeat."

* * *​

Deck eleven appears to be some sort of massive storeroom. A labyrinth of huge crates fill the entire warehouse-sized area, each carefully labeled: "Naveion System Archeological Survey". Everything is dated, as well, and it seems as though whatever is in the crates was boxed up and placed here at about the same time the Academy was founded.

"Archeological? But Master Tersh, I thought that Naveion had been an uninhabited system. According to our history lessons, no other intelligent life has ever lived here..." Verena seems confused, and more than a little frightened, but before Tersh has a chance to respond, his communicator suddenly starts squawking.

"...tor Tersh? ...... cut off. ...please."

As Tersh ponders the meaning of Master Atharias' communication, he suddenly notices, out of the corner of his eye, the source of the orange light. One of the Academy's portable worklights lies on the floor, next to a grey crate which has been inexpertly forced open. An handful of strange black lightsabers lie next to the crate, one of which has been crudely dissected. Its circuitry is alien and bizarre, and it appears that its focusing crystal has been removed.

* * *​

"Zeth, can you move? Get out of my office immediately, I will remove Sol and I will do what I can for him."

A little bit of light seems to come into Zeth's eyes, and he nods weakly. He crawls toward the corridor as Sylara scoops up Sol. The human child has gone completely limp.

Whatever it is that tried to drain Sylara's strength (and had appearantly drained almost all of the life from Zeth) is clearly emmanating from Sol's fragile body. At first, Sylara attempts to tap into the force to heal Sol, but is dismayed when he discovers that the child doesn't appear to be actually hurt. Digging deeper, probing with all of the senses Master Atharias tought him, Sylara urgently tries to figure out exaclty what has gone wrong.

Sylara gasps in shock. Something is literally destroying the Force itself! Something is gnawing and ripping away, tearing great wounds in the fabric of the Force. Something is using Sol as a conduit, reaching through him and draining away all life it comes in contact with.

And whatever it is, it's getting stronger, growing larger by the moment...

* * *​

Atharias' chambers are dark and quiet now. Even the breathing of the students is barely noticeable. Gimto meddles with the control panel for a few moments, then waves Master Tyren over. "Okay, the access hatch should be easy to reach--it's at the opposite end of the corridor from the lift," he whispers. "Both the lift and the access hatch are easy for us to reach without coming anywhere close to the Deeprunner, which is anchored sort of down and to the side of the rest of this deck." As he speaks, Gimto points to the panel's screen, indicating the deck's layout on a small map. "But the lift appears to be off-line, master. I'm getting an error reading--I think it's stuck just a level or two above us."

"Well, at least we have the access tubes." But Aayla's optimism is misplaced. The hatch leading into the access tube is stuck fast--almost as though something on the other side was holding it shut.

"With no lift and no way to get into the access tunnels..." Gimto gulps, "...then we're trapped down here!"

* * *​

Milius stuggles with Der'oth while little Pa'hu rushes over to the simulator's control panel. A moment later, the machine has been switched off. Der'oth's eyes flicker for a moment as his sensory equipment is removed. His heart is beating incredibly fast and his eyes are wide--he seems to be in the grips of pure terror. As soon as he is fully disconnected, he gratefully faints into Milius's arms.

Pa'hu looks up at Master Milius, and then at the program disc in her hand. "that's really weird 'cause i don't know why an astronomy program is supposed to be scary..."