RP: YSS Heartbreaker [Mission 0] To Go Even Further Beyond

Bridge

The First Officer was already prepared for the Captain's scowl at the idea of yet another non-Neko aboard, however it was not some grand conspiracy. "I understand your concerns, Tsusaki-Taii, and I can assure you that I was also quite surprised as Yjara Dust was not my original choice for the assignment slot. But, rest assured I will do my utmost to protect her while on this exploratory mission, and then afterwards we shall see if a more efficient replacement can be located." She emphasized that word in particular in her response, in order to frame it as only a temporary inconvenience to avoid further confrontation and get on with the mission at hand. It was another 'babysitting' job for Hoshitomo, similar to the situation with Skirnir-hei, but she was at least satisfied that all the pieces of the team she required were beginning to fall into place now... even the mini-Neko responded positively to her challenge. Rin then gave a crisp salute to the Taii as her replacement pilot took over, and left the bridge proper to the zero G passageway right behind Miho.

Power Armor Bay

Rin wasted no time heading to the Power Armor Bay, now quite eager to join the others planetside before she had to do damage control for something else versus the stern Nekovalkyrja captain. Being an older fashioned Infantry soldier, the short teal haired young woman had little inhibitions about completely stripping down naked and stowing her uniform and equipment neatly in the assigned locker afterwards. Even though the newer model 3A did not require her to do so, it was an ingrained routine after these 7 years to pilot it in this way. Her assigned Mindy was where it should be, fresh off the assembly line with its paint job, and its center opened up welcomingly as she approached. The Minkan slid her bare, muscular legs and arms into place with practiced grace, while the torso closed up upon her nude form like a metallic flower and the SPINE in her back made connection with the unit to make final calibrations and diagnostic checks. Though she was more familiar in combat with the older 2D and her NH-22 body, it still felt very much like putting on a familiar set of clothes... Rin's raiments of battle that tangled in the past with Mishhu hordes, daring pirates, turncoat Chiharu battleships -- yes, and even rogue Nekovalkyrja -- were now returned to her. She was strong.

However, this time was going to be different. Instead of being loaded out for combat exclusively with just her weapons of the trade, at her request the power armor's dorsal spot was taken up by a large and bulky module that formed the core of what was in actuality a quantum computer on par with that found on a small vessel. As she donned the Mindy's helmet, programs were already running in the background as the prelude to creating an encrypted linkup through the HCU device to the Heartbreaker's own sensor and communications systems. Rin also adjusted the power levels as the aether reactor onboard compensated for the higher than normal drain device. "Ochiko, please establish hyperspace uplink with my CIES and commence bandwidth and latency testing routines," she commanded to the ship's MEGAMI. "Deploy the six prepared VCMAD Terrain drones from the bay, and sync them to our shared connection in telepresence control mode." There was a pause, and then Rin added quietly, "You also have liberty to interact with the ground mission."

Satisfied that all was in order, she finally slung her LASR-SLAG rifle and briskly ran forward towards the unloading ramp where Miho's shorter Sylph was patiently awaiting her. Setting foot on their first planet couldn't come soon enough, no matter how unfriendly the atmosphere was. Anything to get farther away from the Captain's Neko-supremecist fueled ire before the former Geshrin human began to lose her cool.

Yjara waited on the planet surface, analyzing the metalic fragments for possible life forms that may still roam the facilities nearby as the information she received, after arriving, from the infantry stated that there might still be activity around. Fortunately, the data collected revealed that there was no sign of recent organic activity in the area and that the fragments had some years of history, but were only good as salvagable material.

Surface

As Rin and Miho stepped onto the surface, machinery could be heard moving inside the ship. A mechanical arm selecting the specified half dozen drones from the Drone Bay. After waking up in the Shuttle Bay, they began to roll down the ramp after the pair, one by one. They moved in a perfect little line, trundling past the pair and continuing towards the growing group.

The Medic said her greetings to the crew, nodding to the newer arrival. It would be up to the infantry to protect both of the unarmored crew members, it seemed. Yjara was obviously more concerned with what could be discovered on the alien planet than her own safety. Bits of metallic dust on the paved landing area were collected, scanned and stashed away for later inspection.

The connection from Ochiko and the ship to Rin's command module to the drones seemed to be working perfectly so far. Uninterested in conversation, the first drone rolled right through the middle of the ground, heading towards the ominous opening SeonJi had been eyeing quite warily. As the last drone departed the ship, the Launch Deck and Shuttle Bay began to seal up behind them, not wanting to leave such an obvious entrance open in case this planet wasn't as deserted as it seemed.

Surface

Rin's Mindy stepped carefully onto the tarmac, pausing a moment to make sure that all of the drones deployed and their camera and sensor feeds were returning data properly without undue interference. She also set the QWD unit on board the command module to perform scheduled passive scans at regular intervals, ensuring there would be no Mishhu surprises without at least some warning. Miho would also notice that she had access to the encrypted data feeds as well through her wireless connection, should she wish to assist in the analysis and cataloging of the very tantalizing new data the mission was going to be gathering.

Once these last bits of technical setup were completed, the XO gave an approving nod to the Medic as she joined the group and then strode closer to where Yjara was already inspecting the rocks on the surface. She gave her a salute and began a quick briefing in a commanding voice, "Thank you for coming so quickly, Yjara Dust-san. I am Shoi Hoshitomo Rin, the First Officer of the Heartbreaker. I see you are eager to begin your research duties on UX-29 III, but it is my responsibility to make sure that no harm comes to you while on this exploratory mission. You are under no circumstances to run off without at least one PA escort or until we know a zone is fully secured by Matonaka-heisho's infantry team, as there is the chance there are some form of defenses still functioning or even a hostile NMX trooper that could have survived. Any severe damage to your AMES could be lethal over time in this toxic atmosphere. Is that clear?"

The teal haired woman paused a moment, idly wondering if she was more worried over the scientist's safety because of the risks involved, or because her getting hurt would just prove the Taii right about their human crew. She then added: "The VCMAD drones are also here for your benefit, as they can collect samples to analyze from an otherwise hazardous area and manipulate objects from a distance. I am sure you are familiar with their use from your SSS field training."

Hoshitomo-shoi then fell into step at the rear of the squad, as the depths of the deserted base beckoned. Like birds, the breadcrumb trail led them onward. "If there's no arguments, let's get the operation underway. Heisho, you and your team have point... secure the entrance room first and proceed from there. I will guard the rear and Yjara-san and our medic. Miho, I'm linking you and the rest now to my situational awareness feeds. Stay alert, everyone."

The Scientist bowed at the First Officer "It's not a problem, they wanted me out in a mission as fast as possible and this ship was the first one recruiting." she explained "I get the hostility of this planet, as one of the old enemy's base, I'll be sure to be on my guard and be close to the team"

Yjara paused at the same time as Rin, trying to see what was the mikan thinking, then replied "I'm familiar with the VCMAD, those "little" drones were all over the facilities, I'll be sure to make a good use of them" she said, with little giggles in the middle, then changing to a more serious face while listenning carefully to the Officer's instructions and agreeing, ready to go into action.

"Reading your feed clearly, Hoshitomo-shoi. I have a full connection active," Miho informed Rin, running through the data fed to her by the Sylph's interface. It took some getting used to, since she'd only learned the basics for the Sylph, but in the end it was all just intuitive. Turning to the newcomer and bowing, she greeted,

"I am Nakamura-hei, the Shoi's assistant. You may come to me if you require anything in the realm of information, provided you have the clearance for it. I hope for a productive exchange."

Yumi kept on high alert. She stayed further away from the group then the others, however kept a close enough should there be an attack she could do something to protect those whom were unprepared. She kept her rifle up, scanning the area slowly to ensure that nothing would surprise her.

Entrance

The first drone was already heading inside as the away team neared the entrance, the second following right after. The lights above their main cameras clicked on as they pushed forward into the dark unknown that was waiting for the crew, illuminating patches of the first room. The two other infantry Neko led the way as Yumi lagged behind a bit, heads swiveling side to side as they surveyed the area. While everything would show up well enough on the advanced imaging available to the Mindy helmets, the AMES users might have to use their own lights, or stick close to the drones.

The entrance was clear, as was the first room that welcomed them. Strangely clear, in fact. A quick scan showed the doors had actually been removed entirely, and not simply left open. The wide open room they began to file into was just as bare. While metallic dust had blown in from the planet's surface, there was little else to examine so far. Everything not bolted down had clearly been taken...and then the bolts removed and the room thoroughly cleaned out. From trace amounts of oil, fuel and other readings, this room might have held vehicles for quick deployment, when they weren't parked outside.

Another large doorway loomed at them from across the expansive, evacuated space, this time sporting a door. Sealed down the middle, it was likely a smaller version of the one that should have been keeping them out of this base in the first place. Along either side of the room were several smaller entrances, most likely meant for more humanoid-sized passengers.

So far the drones weren't finding much interesting, scooping up dust mixed with oil or bits of formerly living matter that might require further inspection. The ones bringing up the rear seemed somewhat anxious to enter, almost nipping at Rin's heels as they followed their master in.

As the crew goes into the recently illuminated room, Yjara looks around, gasping at the size of the room and it's condition, trying to not get separated from the team to catch some samples. "So this is a Mishu's old military base..." She murmured to herself while still looking at their architecture.

Entrance

Rin nodded to Yjara, "Good, I'm glad we are in agreement." She noticed the scientist seemed to be quite giddy to be out on her first real field mission, no doubt, but hopefully that wouldn't get the best of her if things turned less welcoming.

Just then Miho cut in with the all clear on their linkup, to which she responded curtly, "Let's hope you will have some interesting data to digest."

The teal haired Minkan advanced forward methodically behind the infantry, making sure her drones were coordinating with the team's movements properly to avoid knocking into each other in the rush to investigate. Although it quickly became a little bit anti-climactic that there was very little to see in the foyer, other than the residues of equipment movements long since ceased. "Not even a loose screw left behind," commented Rin over the comms at the emptiness, though in the back of her mind she was understandably still very suspicious of the setup here: Removed doors at the front of the base and an entirely scrubbed vehicle deployment area smelled like a distraction of some kind to potential scavengers. However, the sighting of the next pair of sealed doors renewed her resolve that something worth all the effort was still hiding here, waiting to be unearthed.

"This was a vehicle storage and loading area at one time by the looks of it," replied Rin to Yjara's observation, "That large set of doors was likely for the Mishhuvurthyar to enter, and the smaller ones for the NH-29 enlisted personnel and their prisoners." This last word had a rather ominous sound to it, as there was definitely the possibility of uncovering some atrocities along with the clues they sought.

Hoshitomo-shoi's Mindy then took a few steps forward towards the sealed entrance before them, and turned to Kyoufuu who was standing not far away on lookout. "We need to see about breaching this doorway. Gunshin-hei, your Aether Beam Saber Rifle on cutting mode would do the job, unless it's heavily reinforced or there's a working lock we can use. Baek-hei, be ready to cover her incase this can has a surprise inside."

In the meantime, she paused a moment to mentally direct the several VCMAD drones' efforts towards the other smaller entrances in a row on either side, to see if anything worthwhile was down those corridors or it was a empty as the vestibule.

Entrance

Kyoufuu nodded, helmet bobbing, as Rin pointed her towards the door. "Ryokai." SeonJi took up a position covering her with her rifle, as Gunshin took a moment to make sure the area was clear before activating the saber. She slowly and steadily began to slice through the strong, but not impenetrable door, working carefully to sketch out a hole slightly larger than the average Neko. Meanwhile, the drones had all filed in, leaving two behind with the main group as four others each picked a small door to investigate. Their lights could be seen swiveling about in the hallways, wheels and motors whirring and clicking. Data streaming back for Rin and Miho to parse through.

The images were all similar, and seemed just as deserted as the main room. There were more marks indicating things had been detached or cut free and removed, although now some larger items had obviously been deemed not worth the hassle. Here a smashed control console, there a shattered display. Large storage tubs and cabinets emptied out, but left bolted down or tipped over. One probe began sending back images that confirmed Rin's thoughts about prisoners, showing holding pens and other sorting areas. Another drone that went the opposite direction reported back a similar series of rooms, although they seemed connected to something larger...

Retracting her blade, all it took was a firm push from Gunshin and Baek to shove the chunk of metal into the next room. It hit the ground hard, sending a loud thud reverberating, dust flying into the air. The two covered the opening for Yumi and Rin, as a drone began dutifully attempting to roll its way inside first. It was dark inside, the machine's light not yet making much progress into the blackness. Further away from the group, examining the large room and taking samples of various suspicious fluids, Yjara might notice something strange down one of the hallways a drone had disappeared down earlier, if she looked up from her work. A trail of small emergency lights of some sort began to flicker to life along the sides of the corridor.

Yjara notices a trail of lights flicker, some sort of emergency kind of lighting from one of the hallways a drone had gone into, quickly comunicating to the team "There's some sort of emergency lights in one of the hallways" as she slowly get's away from it's entrance.

Rin was satisfied as the metal slab thudded down into the floor, opening up a new darkened cavern to explore that led deeper towards the heart of the abandoned base. All of her feeds coming into the CIES unit on her back were unremarkable, the evidence of wisely sabotaged equipment entirely to be expected as a standard tactic to deny the enemy its use. She was about to move ahead right behind the drone scout into the unlit room beyond to further investigate... but then Hoshitomo-shoi paused when she heard Yjara's report in the distance. She nodded once to the two Nekos, "Good work. Secure the entrance to the next room, I'll go see what's going on in the side hallway."

Inwardly the First Officer was still worried about the scientist getting into trouble if she investigated things alone, and she quickly jetted her Mindy backwards into the large vehicle bay, in the direction of Yjara's position. "Working lights?" communicated Rin in return as she arrived on scene near the hallway in question, confirming visually what she had seen. "Hmm. Something may still be operational in this quadrant, if there is enough power to operate the backup lights. We need to find out what that is."

The teal-haired Minkan quickly ran through the images that the VCMAD drone tasked with this hallway was sending back, trying to get a better idea of what was further down the path before proceeding apace. Yjara would also notice both of Rin's power armor thigh panels slide open and a half dozen Nodal Support Drones were launched into the air. They chirped and buzzed a moment, before adopting a protective formation around the lightly armored SSS liaison.

Entrance

Gunshin and Baek moved through the newly created opening and into the next room, securing the immediate area. The two drones were happily puttering about, lights spinning everywhere as they mapped out the area. A landing, ramp leading down, letting this part of the complex be taller. Wider too. The state of things was nothing surprising by now, empty and quiet, the stillness eerie and unnerving. Yumi glanced to the side and nodded at the First Officer as she came near, letting her know that Rin had been spotted. The sniper was still keeping watch on the main entrance.

The Medic followed along behind Rin, trying to peek around her to look down the hallway. She was more than happy to stay at the rear, though, moving next to Yjara as the tiny drones flitted about the unarmored pair of intellectuals. The lights were dim, but sufficient, illuminating the hallway well enough to walk through to the next opening. The drone had stopped as soon as the lights reached its current position. This drone had been exploring the larger area attached to some of the holding pens. Several turns and hallways away from the main room by now, the new lighting showed off a bit more of the current room than the drone's single beam. Rin might not like what she saw, as she checked in.

Blood and gore were everywhere, staining the walls and floors, dried and solidified by age. Even as the main camera swept the room, the drone began dutifully scooping up and storing bits of gunk for later study. Although much of the equipment had been removed, some of the smallest and largest pieces had been left behind. A large vat with the side smashed in, another cracked. Stray chains dangling from the ceiling. A broken conveyor had been halfway unbolted before being twisted and dropped on its side, likely when it was deemed not worth saving. More dim, red lights began to flicker to life as the drone spotted what seemed to be doors to some sort of storage cabinets, perhaps a freezer.

If Rin hadn't seen how the SMX prepared their food and rations before, she had at least heard them described. Although having the images beamed into your head via an emotionless drone that had no reason to flinch or look away was rather different than any sort of research the College had provided. Thankfully, something distracted her for a few moments, as the drone curiously wheeled towards the nearest door to the storage areas. The Mindy's AIES was alerting her that a power source had been detected in this area of the complex, finally lighting up enough to be spotted as it powered the lights, door controls and other emergency level equipment.

After the helpful update, the feed picked back up, showing the drone in front of the now powered door. As a manipulator arm extended, the door burst open of its own accord. There was some sort of horrible screeching noise, before the feed went dead. A warning on her HUD flashed, listing the VCMAD as inoperable and no longer connected to the network.

Entrance to Hallway

Despite seeing a good deal of the horrors of the Second Mishhuvurthyar War with her own eyes and receiving the scars of battle to prove it on her older NH-22C body, and knowing full well what the composition of the SMX rations were, still the sight of the grotesque mess of the rooms beyond through the eyes of the drone turned Rin's stomach reflexively. "Butchers," she murmured mostly to herself, as she tried to manage the processing of the digital images streaming into the shared network as quickly as possible to not allow her thoughts to dwell overly long on the visceral nature, or the unlucky fates of who or what was 'processed' there.

The sense of building tension was rising as the lights flickered to life further and some doors began to appear functional. She was not sure exactly what had triggered it, though when she checked back in with the advance scouting VCMAD the horrible noise filled her audio feed followed by static. Rin grunted for a moment, shaking off the inhuman screech, and called out over the communications line, "All units, We have a confirmed contact in the western hallway food processing area. Drone #4 is down. I am moving to investigate."

The Minkan tightened her grip of the LASR-SLAG, and her Mindy's 50mm Gauss shoulder cannon swiveled into position as she girded herself for what might be a sudden surprise attack from the side doorway as she advanced. She waved off Yjara and the Medic who were still being screened by her NSD array, as Hoshitomo-shoi herself scanned for ample spots to fire from. "Be prepared to take cover," she warned them, as she pulsed the Support Pack's QWD unit to try to get a better idea of the shape, mass and trajectory of the target from how it affected the now functioning aetheric energy sources in the vicinity.

"Emergency lighting being operative doesn't necessarily say much," Miho finally spoke. For the longest time, she had remained silent to analyze the situation at hand. Being privy to Rin's feeds meant that she didn't have to release her own built in drones.

At least, until the horrible screeching thing appeared.

"But that, that does. I'm going to cross-reference to see what might be able to survive this long without fresh food."

Miho didn't really think much of the horrible gore of the Mishu kitchen. It was all long-dead matter. It painted an ugly picture, but it didn't change any factors about the present. Meanwhile, her four assault drones splintered off from her back, taking a tenative "front guard" position to assist Rin. Her own weapons were set to heavy stun.

Engineering

Kamatari has felt the landing and smiled happily "Now to get to business" he looked at the blueprints and marked on a smaller version each junction and wire that needed to repaired and puts soldering gear, new wires and a couple of extra pieces he may need.

He made he way to left engine first and checked the blueprints "Okay I see where I have to go, don't worry dear I will fix you up as quickly as I can" he patted the ship then got to work getting to the circuits and hoped the others were having fun in the mission. He took his job slowly making sure that everything was perfect for the ship. He listened to the quiet of the ship and smiled to himself, this is how he liked his jobs either the sounds of machinery or nothing.

Heartbreaker

The Captain scowled as the confirmation that the team had found something made its way to her. A glance at another display showed Ochiko's report on the engineer's progress. Kamatari seemed to be keeping a steady pace, absorbed in his work, which had begun as soon as the ship had landed. The faulty connections were almost completely replaced, but Tsukisaki was unsure if there would be enough time to finish the full route around the ship. "Nakane-Hei, the Heartbreaker may need to take off momentarily. Finish up or find a stopping point, then prepare to return to Engineering. Ochiko will provide warning before powering up the engines, but I will not hesitate to start them up if you have your head too buried in wiring to listen."

The MEGAMI hid her giggles behind a fan as she reappeared near the latest panel the engineer had opened up. "I'm sure she doesn't want to fry you like tonkatsu, Kama-chan~" Did she just call him a pig? She disappeared before he could respond. Far above the Heartbreaker, Skirnir altered his flight pattern to prepare for departure.

Entrance

The Medic was more than happy to fall back even further, letting Rin's tall armor block most of the doorway. The ping had a long reach, but it couldn't turn corners or penetrate the thick walls of the base. It let her 'see' further than her eyes or the drone's, confirming the passage continued on for quite a ways, despite the other tunnels branching off from it, including the turn the drone had taken. Miho stepped up next to the First Officer, helping to block the passageway as the Medic and Yjara were pushed further back towards Yumi at the entrance, the Mindy's drones still buzzing about.

Her search began turning up some possible suspects, although it was easy to begin ruling some out. There hadn't been enough power to maintain conditions for many, and the metallic dust and outside air crossed off others that wouldn't find this planet very habitable. Combined with their current location, the most likely candidates became obvious to Miho just a brief moment before the creatures arrived.

Another ping finally caught movement nearing the hallway. Something small, light, and fast. The screeching returned as the things bounced off pipes and metal panels lining the passage, the dim light illuminating them as they move into visual range, weapons range. Parasites. The living bullets crossed the space between the turn the drone had taken and the defended opening in moments, the first hitting the chest of Rin's Mindy with a harmless thud. It seemed stunned as it flopped to the floor, but it wouldn't stay still for long. More began to catch up, zooming for the Mindy and Sylph, barreling mindlessly into any weapons fire that came their way.

They would be ineffective against the armored duo, and fall easily enough to their weapons, but they couldn't stop them all. There seemed to be dozens of the things, a little present left behind for whoever discovered this place after the previous owners departed. Yumi, at the main exit, turned towards the disruption to assist, getting a good look at one of the toothy things slamming into the Medic's gut, tearing through her AMES as her supplies went flying. The Neko screaming as the thing began to bury into her, sending her to the ground to writhe in agony. Yjara was only a bit luckier, sent spinning as another projectile the drones missed tore into her shoulder, pain jolting through her entire body as it tried to worm into a nice meaty section.

At the far end of the hallway, easy to overlook with the more pressing matter of the swarm, a handful of slumped humanoid shapes began to shamble into view...

Engineering

Kamatari smiled as he worked "Nearly done now..." He heard the announcement and the MEGAMI then sighed and quickened his work then called out after a couple of minutes "That should do it." He quickly put back the panels and everything he needed to and made his way back to his hidey hole in Engineering and calls the Bridge "Engineering to Bridge, I like to report that the engines should be safe now to fly."

He sat back and waited for the the ship to take off and sighed "Hey um Ochiko, did you call me a pig before? I only just realised what you said.."

Entrance to Hallway

Yjara just had some seconds to grab the parasite worm that has tore into her shoulder, pushing it away with the arm that hasn't been effected by it and quickly grabbing her pistol, finishing it off as it prepared to move again on the floor with several bullets.

After that she noticed the medic screaming while the worm began to bury it self into her, trying to get a good shot on the violently moving worm while staying low, but then, the pain was beginning to fade in as the adrenaline effect began to wear off, she panicked and saw the medic's supplies.

As she was thinking about that, the worm suddently stopped moving, making it an opportunity to shoot at it, which she did, and went closer to remove the worm and launching it away. The scientist searched on the medical supplies scathered on the floor as she comunicated to the team that the medic and she were hit by some worms and the medic was uncousncious and terribly wounded.

The pain was terribly strong now, breathing hard, when she finally found something, a "Qualen" Injection.
As she grabbed the injection she didn't think twice and injected right in the middle of the wound, making a loud scream and grunts, feeling the injection taking effect, making the muscles around the shoulder to become numb, including her arm.