+- Discovery Gaming Community (https://discoverygc.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Role-Playing (https://discoverygc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=9)
+--- Forum: Stories and Biographies (https://discoverygc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=56)
+--- Thread: In search of Von Rohe's ship (/showthread.php?tid=67806)
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Strichev - 10-21-2011
A robust looking freighter hurtled through a light tunnel created by a jumpgate. Its greenish, heavily reinforced hull, dotted by various antennas shimmered. On board Franz Maister stared directly through a decimetre thick cockpit window. In front of him, slightly to the right a well-trained pilot started counting. When his countdown reached zero the tunnel of light almost instantly dissipated into what was known as Omega 11. Terribly intense light flooded the ship, temporarily blinding everyone. As their eyes adjusted an asteroid field became visible, each and every asteroid reflected light in its own way.
From there it took them 7 long, exhausting hours of vigilant monitoring of the scanners for any sign of Hessians to reach their destination.
Hiding in the shadow of planet Schultz the small station has been the only thing keeping miners alive in Omega 11; and now it'll become a temporary home for a small group of archaeologists. As the decades old docking bay, painted in now slightly rusty green pressurised a welcoming party gathered. In the shadows here and there a miner or two leaned to the wall, with their arms crossed over on their chests. A man in his fifties, perhaps early sixties appeared from the belly of the metal beast of burden. His receding hair had a dash of grey to it. He was soon followed by 6 other archaeologists, each of them struggled with luggage that they didn't seem to have trusted trust the docking bay's personnel.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Daumann Heavy Construction - 10-22-2011
The docking bay was filled with boxes, equipment and gear of all kinds. Scattered through the floor a diamond or two could be seen, but noone seemed to care too much of them. There were cameras on every corner of the bay leaving little room for blind spots, pretty heavy security for a mining operation.
An officer in a dark green jumpsuit walked towards the aercheologists. He looked a bit tired and didn't bother to smile at the group.
Guten tag
My name is Edward Borchert, docking bay manager.
Please excuse the mess, we just got a shipment of diamonds.
He paused for a moment, like trying to remember what he had to say.
Welcome to Solarius Station, the headquarters of DHC's current diamond mining operation. Errr... A few rules before we proceed, you can't pick any diamond scattered in the floor, during transfer procedures some of them fall from the conveyor, but they remain company property... So umm... yeah, don't pick any. Base security is always watching.
He opened a small pocket and took out several cards.
These are your passes.
He handled the visitor permits one by one, not before double checking them.
Yellow doors are restricted to employees, red doors are restricted to almost everyone, black doors are management, blue doors are public; needless to say, you can access any blue door but nothing else. Your pass is also a datacard, you can access authorized base information when inserted into any compatible device, including our info consoles, tablets, neural phones and whatnot... So... Follow me
He walked towards the door that led to the public hallways of the base, on a corner there were several big crates a few meters higg, filled with red diamonds, labeled with a yellow sign "Blood diamonds. Jettison/destroy" A smaller one the size of a desk, stood near the big ones "Blue diamonds. Daumann mansion" A base security officer was guarding them.
Hessian activity is on the low as of late.
He said as he pointed to a big panel that said "days since last Hessian raid: 30".
We don't know why neither we care, hopefully a rupture on their asteroid nearby killed them all
He said while opening the docking bay door.
The hallways were not much different than the docking bay, painted with the same rusty green, they were just a bit cleaner.
Just keep going down the hallway, these ones lead directly to the public lobby, and to the visitors quarters, you will see a receptionist there no way to get lost. Oh and if you visit the bar, don't believe the stories from the miners, they just like to scare visitors, specially the younger ones.
Edward said, just before closing the door.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Strichev - 10-25-2011
Getting lost was indeed not a problem. They have soon settled in the carefully measured space intended for visitors, although not without a little help from the receptionist which was, against all expectations a robot.
Even a blind man would, even without one sense quickly tell that there was little room intended for everyone not directly associated with the mining operation aboard the station. If not otherwise, he would realise that when his head would feel the cold steel of a bulkhead.Indeed, despite having all senses still in relatively good condition the first thing Maister had to do was to find someone who would be prepared to make a few stitches on his head.
Then it was time to meet the station manager and most importantly Sigmund Bauer. So, once again Franz Maister, flanked by Klaus Henkel walked towards the reception.
Maybe the damn robot knows where they might be. If it has as much brainpower as my respected colleague Klaus, then it'll be like talking to a wall.
With such thoughts and a slight headache Maister wasn't in the mood to tell his colleague that he forgot the security card.
[color=#000000]Perhaps they'll space him thinking he's a Hessian. That wouldn't be such a tragedy.
It turned out that the robot did only know that they'll have to wait. Everyone was busy with the latest shipment of diamonds.
So the two of them, who have once been rivals for the higher step in New Berlin Museum visited the station bar. As they strode past an automatic door Klaus took the pass from his pocket.
For chancellor's sake! I won't get rid of him in the bar either.
Without any doubt, Klaus had similar thoughts when they sat in silence behind a plain, grey, metallic table beside one of the many large windows that provided a dull view of planet's dark surface. Only conversations of many miners made the clock go slightly faster for the two archaeologists.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Daumann Heavy Construction - 10-30-2011
I'm telling you, the damn thing had tentacles!
Shouted a miner to the rest of his colleagues.
Haha! Report to medical Gunther, diamonds dust has affected your mind hahaha!
Said another miner laughing.
A man dressed in a dark olive-black suit walked into the bar, he looked too serious, almost arrogant. He stood a a few seconds looking around, then he walked towards Franz Maister.
Greetings Herr Maister; Herr Klaus, my name is Sigmund Bauer. I am the current chief assistant of West Rheinland HQ mining operations.
He greeted both men and took a seat, then he realized that none of them would know what the west HQ was.
The western HQ is actually an internal lingo we have to identify the departments that have a certain... "Autonomy" to operate. This way, information that does not concern the Core systems departments won't reach unwanted, over-reactive minds.
It was clear that Bauer seemed to know more than the average employee, but at the same time was nearly brain-washed to follow the corporation interests and not reveal any corporate secret.
Well, I was asked to give a small introduction about myself... There's not much to tell, I work as a surveyor, a much desired job within the corporation. Good money, short hours, and you are not restricted to this little piece of heaven known as Omega 11.
Basically, I am in charge of exploring the different clouds for new "pockets" or mining fields. That said, I have quite a good experience on mining as well, even planet-side operations. I was assigned to Holstein mining operations when I joined some years ago and well... That's pretty much it. I am not that good at telling my curriculum at people... Oh, well of course you will want to know what I am supposed to do here with your team... Well... I will supervise the operations, and make sure that your crew is not endangered.
Bauer stopped for a second and looked at his datapad
Some things you need to know... Nevermind that, I will tell you when we are on our way, don't want to kill the suspense. So while we wait for the base commander let's have some beer, I'm sure you will have questions regarding this little happy place... And of course, I want to know what experience you have on this archaeology thing as well.
Bauer made a gesture and a wheeled robot carrying beer of all kinds and brands moved quickly towards the table.
Some miners here are crazy... Like. -Literally- crazy
Said Bauer with a smile on his face, and took several bottles of "Rheinland's finest" dark beer.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Strichev - 11-02-2011
It's odd that they keep them running amok on this station if they're indeed crazy.
Well, some consider archaeologists crazy; digging for things nobody really cares about.
Maister took a draught of the dark, almost thick beer. It was surprisingly good.
However if they knew that we get to drink such beer, they would certainly change their mind.
Karl let out a sound that should supposedly imitate laughter. It sounded artificial.
After a most unpleasant moment of silence Karl seized the initiative.
Experience with archaeology... is something we're lacking. Not that I would want to brag, however New Berlin's institute has a long tradition. We have worked on various sights stretching from Sigma 13 to Planet Spragu...
He fell silent as if he regretted something he just said.
Well, that was amongst the shortest and one of the least interesting expeditions, wasn't it? It's not even worth mentioning.
Maister waved his hand as if he pushed away something floating in mid air and enthusiastically continued speaking.
The most interesting and perhaps the most significant, in terms of public perception that is, was the period of research conducted from 790 to roughly 801. We got to deal with all sorts of artefacts. Sadly many of them were stolen or just disappeared. The public got quite excited when a supposedly active artefact had been found. Sadly such rumours have never been confirmed. Recently we've been especially focused on the early history of our Vaterland. Which is understandable, given the current political situation.
I hope he didn't remember that thing about Sprague. He certainly didn't.
If only he could believe his own thoughts. A lie. He knew he lied to himself.
Why am I even worrying about this? Why? We didn't find anything on Sprague. Sinclair didn't leave anything behind.
Bauer said something to him. He tried to quickly remember...
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Daumann Heavy Construction - 11-05-2011
Bauer took out a datapad, and quickly typed something before putting it in his pocket
There is something I want to tell you.
Bauer kept silent for a few seconds, thinking on his next words.
You know you will be operating in the most dangerous system in Rheinland space, no matter where you look, there is always something or someone waiting to kill you. Inside Solarius you are pretty much safe, there are cameras on every corner, and an APS detachment working with base security, not too mention the several layers of armor, that makes the base a bit uncomfortable...
Bauer looked outside, through the large windows on the bar walls.
But outside... that star is extremely powerful, spilling radiation like mad, hessian hobos are behind every asteroid, there are unidentified ships at times, military personnel acting strange, pirates, mercenaries, and what not; everyone taking his share of the system.
Bauer looked at the archaelogists for a few seconds, then he smiled a them.
Now don't get me wrong, the point is not to scare the hell out of you, after all, we are still here so we are pretty good at fending off all the dangers... Or running from them, but if you are going to work here you need to know what you will find out there and be prepared.
Bauer looked at the entrance, looking for someone
Now what is going on with base commander... He should be here already.
Hmmm... I know, I guess you are wondering what all these uniforms mean, there are many variations among the corporation for different jobs. Yeah that's a good way to kill some time
See the one with the filthy flight suits, they are processors, working inside hegemons classifying the ore. The biggest group in Solarius.
The ones with the dark green flight suits, are security pilots, another big group, at least here. Some docking bay workers use them too.
The ones with the yellow/green suit are either captains, or work at administration...
Bauer wasn't sure if he should go on or not, perhaps the archaeologists were just faking interest on the matter. He looked at the entrance of the bar for a few seconds, finally a man with dark olive and black suit showed up and walked towards the group, the rest of the workers greeted him as he walked, it was clear he was an important man.
And those wearing suits like these, are important guys.
Bauer stood up and greeted the base commander like long-time friend
They told from The Ring me you were in jail after the little incursion in the Bretonian field.
Gustav said.
If that's the information you got, then it means the system is working flawlessly... But no, some officers arrived, and that was my last transmission to Rugen, then I had to pose as a civilian adrift, good thing I was on the recon tiger shark, and spent the next week on New London... Errmm...
Herr these are Franz Maister and Klaus Henker, the archaeologists.
Bauer knew had let out too much, he sat down again and tried to avoid any further eye contact with the archaeologists.
It's a pleasure to meet you Herren., my name is Gustav Woelfen and I am Solarius Base Commander. Now I believe you are busy men as me, so a quick introduction, and then lets get down to business.
Just like everyone else on the base, Woelfel didn't look too happy. The rest of the workers at the bar suddenly showed interest on the table, it was made clear that the two visitors were more than that.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Strichev - 11-09-2011
Introductions went smoother this time as it seemed more of a formality. Masiter was quite sure that the base commanders are not ignorant and oblivious when it comes to people on their tiny corner of the universe. At least if ignorance didn't suit their needs. Zoners were quite notorious when it came to that. Or so did the rumours say.
Anyhow, there was one thing about this meeting that bothered Maister.
Why would they tell us about that raid? This Bauer certainly doesn't look nearly as careless as my colleague Klaus. There has to be a reason. Perhaps he signalled us he knows more about Sprague than we think. This isn't good. Or is it? Now both sides know something; they about Sprague and we about their raids. We have to keep this the way it is...now quickly to business.
Now let's talk about the reason we're here.
He turned to his right and nodded. Klaus quickly pulled a standard neural net device from one of the many pockets his semi-official coat had and put it, somewhat hastily on the table. A quite common display flickered into life. Almost instantly the New Berlin Museum's logo disappeared and was replaced with a map that represented everything that was officially known about Omega 11 to the Institute. Doubtless the Daumann knew more. Telescopes couldn't see everything from New Berlin, and Maister did realise that. However there were rare fragment of archives at New Berlin; old archives from the turn of the century that shed a small beam of light on certain matters.
Karl looked at the two Daumann employees with a serious expression on his face, intent on creating a sense of academic austerity. After all the place they were in was nothing more than a bar full of industrial space fearing workers that were hardly interested on finding things long forgotten that had no particular material value o their own. So he thought.
Gentlemen, as you can see here we're interested in Planet Deidus.
The dot on the projection that represented said planet rapidly grew larger, until details could be seen.
These colours represent various radiation levels we have detected; the highest levels are depicted in red. Natural sources of radiation were filtered out and eventually we were able to detect an anomaly roughly 982 meters under the surface. It is not stationary due to shifting dust 'currents' that are naturally occurring.
He paused for a moment then continued.
It moves at roughly 50 meter per standard day. That means that it drifted off its previous location for somewhere around five kilometres. The object's age has also been determined and it corresponds with the time of Von Rohe's expedition. As there were no other ships in this system at that time there is only one possible conclusion. This is what remains of Lorenz Von Rohe's ship. And we want to reach it. That, I'm afraid is beyond our capabilities. And this is where your company steps in.
Although we do have and idea or two about the way this should be done, we would like to hear your opinion first. And I'm sure that some questions did arise, despite my colleagues effort to state everything important.
Said Maister with an odd grin.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Daumann Heavy Construction - 11-10-2011
Woelfen was not really aware of what was going on. He made his way into base command as a security pilot; he was security chief and contact with Daumann's subsidiary, Adler Private Security. All he knew was that he had to ask questions. Bauer however, grew in the corporation as a surveyor. He started his career as a laboratory analyst on a Holstein planetary mining operation; an now he was one of the veteran surveyors of the corporation. He was pretty much aware of the situation.
Why the radiation?
That was Gustav's only question. Still looking at the display, he tried to understand all the numbers and information he was looking at.
50 meters per day, that must be a light vessel, or very strong currents...
We will need landing probes, we don't want to end up as Von Rohe. I am thinking on a temporary platform, like the ones at Holstein used for probing mineral deposits. And perforate all the way to the crust, not the cheapest, but not too expensive either and it will get the job done.
But that is just half of the job.
Bauer took the bottle of beer and drank nearly half bottle in a pair of seconds.
There are another two big problems here, one is the dust. All attempts to send probes resulted in equipment failure, if they managed to stay on the surface of course. The dust is not only radioactive as well, the particles are small enough to get into electronic equipment, we need to think on how to solve that. As for the wreck itself...
He drank the rest of the bottle.
If it's moving, we might have trouble capturing it, perforation will take some time... There is no specific equipment to intercept moving things, but maybe we could improvise a bit... Perhaps you have some idea, I see if I find something here.
Bauer took his datapad out again, and started browsing for something.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Strichev - 02-28-2012
Radiation. Why does Klaus always mention the lest important thing while not mentioning the important stuff?
Masiter wasn't exactly fond of the way Klaus presented the whole thing. Once more he had to intervene to prevent a misunderstanding. He coughed.
The radiation had primarily been our gauge for determining the age of the object. Thanks to the splendid scanning and outright outstanding computing power of our equipment brought from Kusari we were able to analyse radioactive metals in relatively low quantities found at the sight. Readings indicated the level of radioactive decay thus allowing for a quite accurate estimation of its age.
One of the semi-sentient robots that were at the time used at Solarious approached their table; its incoming transmission sign blinking.
Herr Franz Maister? There is an inter-system transmission from New Berlin. Herr Bauer's the sender. Class C transmission.
Maister couldn't hide his surprise.
Bauer? What would he want?
Class C. That meant it wasn't even strictly private.
Patch it through on this table.
Heavy static so common for long range transmission erupted out of a hidden speaker somewhere around the table and the rather short recorded message was played. Bauer was as official as ever. They're going to get a few new members.
Katherine Pennybrooke? Has anone heard anything about her or her scientific team?
None of them knew who she was. A surprise of some sort then.
In search of Von Rohe's ship - Daumann Heavy Construction - 02-28-2012
Gustav took out a small datapad and typed in something on it.
So, reinforcements eh? Guess that's ok right Gustav? Sigmund said.
Before anyone could answer, a loud female voice sounded through the speakers at the walls of the bar.
"A Corsair Osiris has been spotted near Omega 7 jump hole, patrol groups Beta and Delta and rescue team Alpha report to the briefing room immediately."
3 pilots in a nearby table woke up and ran out of the bar.
Ah well, guess you already told our guests about hostility in the system right?
Sigmun smiled and looked at Franz and Klaus.
Well I said I didn't want to kill the suspense, it seems that the cannibals thought different.
In the last weeks, corsair incursion into the system have rised, this is not really a problem, they tend to send heavy warships into the zone, probably younger captains wanting to prove themselves acting on their own or something, good thing is they are quite easy to handle, most of the time at least. One of the dangers of the Omega systems. You'll be fine.
Sigmund checked his datapad again.
I don't think there is much else to ask for now. There will be more question I'm sure. For the next days our surveyor teams and technicians will work on getting the first probes ready, do we have to wait for Frau Pennybrooke? I'd really like to send an expedition to Schutz as soon as possible.
Sigmund took a last look at his datapad and turned it off.
Gustav made a sign at the bartender. A projector was turned on showing a video feed of the fight on relatively clean wall of the bar. He definitely seemed more interested in the combat.
A Legate class dreadnought and several corsair fighters spotted approaching Omega 7 jumphole, Adler wing 1 and Patrol group Echo report to the briefing room
6 pilots ran out of the bar.
Come on Woelffen, we are busy here
Sigmund said
I'm listening Sigmund, dont worry.
Perhaps, our guests have questions too...