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Topic: X-COM Monday Nights Campaign (Read 4486 times) |
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Lazybones
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First: the flash drive.
A scan of the flash drive found in the trash system reveals encrypted data. Buzz cracks the encryption in about five minutes, and reports that the encryption program was preloaded onto the drive; it does not appear that the person who uploaded the files is a computer expert. The encryption program itself is competent but not flashy, a simple compilation of about 30 lines of code; there are no indicators of who might have created it and none of the code itself is distinct enough for Buzz to recognize it. If anything, he guesses that it was kept simple on purpose.
The drive contains research files from several recent projects, including the laser rifle and the motion sensor. The files are sufficiently detailed to allow a third party to replicate these devices without much difficulty. There are also some files on the captured alien scout ship which are less comprehensive.
A quick scan of the exterior of the device reveals no DNA traces or other physical evidence from the last user. The drive itself is a cheap but sturdy model, albeit with a high capacity, the sort you can buy for 50 bucks at any home electronics retailer. None of the files have any embedded information about who last accessed them; any metadata was stripped by the encryption program on the drive when the files were uploaded.
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Lazybones
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Dr. Wagner's weekly e-mail.
FROM: DR. KIMBERLY WAGNER, X-COM RESEARCH LEAD
TO: MEMBERS, ALPHA TEAM
CC: MICHAEL GARRET, GRACE THELON BELUCA
RE: New Research/Manufacturing Priorities
Research Lab 1 reports that the preliminary autopsy on the new alien corpse has been completed. Preliminary use of the term "snakeman" has stuck, and will be our primary designation of this new species. Doctor White has uncovered additional alien antibodies within the snakeman bloodstream that he believes will result in further refinements to our medical technology in the near future. (OOC: starting next week, all medikits will be improved to Advanced Level 1). In addition, study of the alien corpse has identified a partial resistance to fire, including laser weapons. Keep this in mind should you encounter these creatures in the future engagements.
As you already know from Dr. Okwelume's report, Research Lab 2 has completed work on the Alien Navigation systems. Once we complete work on the alien power systems, and their fuel source, we should be able to use that knowledge to construct advanced craft of our own. Dr. Okwelume also reports that the device you found in the Everglades is a power coupling that should greatly accelerate research into the alien engine technology.
Workshop 3 is nearing completion. We estimated that it will be complete and online by the end of the week. New engineers are already starting to arrive to staff the new facility.
Workshop 1 reports completion of the first suit of Personal Armor using the Alien Alloys, and the completion of the second motion sensor that was begun last week. Based on your report of the action at the Riverside Elementary School, it would seem that the armor's first field test was a success.
To summarize, here are our current priorities:
Research Priorities (20 points available)
- Laser Weapons: Research complete. Laser pistols may be constructed.
- Laser Rifle: Research complete.
- Laser Cannon: a ship-portable cannon, with superior range and firepower. This technology will allow our interceptors to go toe-to-toe with the larger alien craft. Also, if HWPs are researched, this will allow us to construct a Laser Tank that can accompany X-COM teams in the field. Successful research of the Laser Cannon will allow us to research Laser Defense.
- Motion Scanner: Research complete.
- Heavy Weapons Platforms: Partial status, awaiting reassignment.
- Alien Medicine: Research complete. Dr. White's lab will produce a regular supply of the new medikits each week. He reports that when the lab is involved in research projects, such as alien autopsies, the rate of production will slow.
- Sectoid Autopsy: Research complete.
- Alien Alloys: Research complete. Personal Armor is now available for manufacture.
- Alien Handgun: We've retained two pistols for research purposes. Until we capture some of the alien power source, research in this area will yield limited results.
- Sectoid Prisoner: Research complete.
- Alien Navigation: Research complete.
- Alien Power Supply: The ship you captured on the Shasta mission had an intact reactor, but the fuel supply was lost. Preliminary study indicates that they use a unique power source which is kept on board their ships in a magnetic containment system. We believe that this is the same material that the aliens use (in much smaller quantities) to power their personal weapons. Capture of some of this material should be a high priority.
- Snakeman Autopsy: Research complete. It is clear now that the alien menace is not limited to one species.
- Snakeman Prisoner: The snakeman taken in the Everglades mission was seriously injured in the engagement. At the moment it is stable but uncooperative.
- Alien Rifle: The snakemen carried larger versions of the alien handgun, which apparently rely on similar plasma technology.
- Floater Autopsy: This new alien species is apparently a deliberately crafted race, engineered from human and other DNA. Parts of its body have been removed and replaced with alien machinery.
- Floater Prisoner: Initial interactions with the captives taken in Riverside reveals that the creatures have an alien intelligence. Little that is human remains, save for some mannerisms observed by Doctor Baron.
Manufacturing Priorities (20 points [+10 at the end of the week])
- Research Capacity: Research Lab 2 is fully operational. We can expand our research capacity still further, but this will require drilling out new room space.
- Medical Capacity: Dr. White has requested that we separate the sickbay from the research center, and create a separate lab for his team. This would require a significant investment of resources.
- Manufacturing Capacity (10): Workshop 2 is fully operational. Workshop 3 is under construction and is nearing completion.
- Base Defense: Missile Defense has been completed. Chief Thelon has noted the technical feasibility of creating a laser defense system, once our research into laser weapons technology is sufficiently advanced.
- Laser Pistol: Three units have been constructed.
- Laser Rifle: Ready for manufacturing orders.
- Motion Sensor: Two units have been constructed.
- Personal Armor (10): One suit has been constructed.
- Medikit: Doctor White's medical lab can construct a number of these kits each week without compromising our manufacturing capacity. If you wish to dedicate additional resources to the project, the kits can be produced at a faster rate.
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Your current allocations are listed in parens above.
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Lazybones
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Finally, you get an e-mail from the Base Chief:
FROM: MARK HALLORAND, X-COM BASE COMMANDER
TO: MEMBERS, ALPHA TEAM
CC: MICHAEL GARRET, KIM WAGNER, GRACE BELUCA
RE: Base Development
Work has begun on the upgrades to the alien containment facility, and should be complete in a few days. Fortunately, the hyperwave decoder had already been installed in our radar facility, making it easier to transfer the existing technology to another part of the base. Until upgrades are complete, all alien captives are being kept under constant redundant surveilance, and all personnel are directed to carry out operations in groups of at least three. Base guards have been posted in all populated areas.
Dr. Wagner has forwarded to me your write-ups about future base development, which include plans for up to five engineering workshops. Unfortunately, we are starting to run up against logistical restrictions at HQX. There is sufficient room in the East Wing for a single further base addition, but barracks and power limits make it difficult to place another lab/shop there. We are working on blueprints for a new West Wing addition that could site Doctor White's long-awaited medical lab, and possibly one or two further base additions.
So the short answer is yes, we can add a fourth and even a fifth workshop, but it would require drilling, an additional barracks, installation of a second reactor for power, and various other infrastructure requirements (e.g. plumbing, wiring, etc.). We do not have hard numbers for all of these additions, but assume a 3x time and cost factor when making your plans.
An easier solution, of course, lies in our new X-COM Europe facility. The site has a smaller footprint, and we are focusing on hangar, radar, and communications installations at the moment, but we have set up infrastructure to support up to two additonal labs/workshops at that site as well. X-COM 3 (Asia) is just in the planning stages right now, but we will include provision for site development in that project as well. |
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Jenniza
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Jane offers to play poker with the others again, "It was fun, last time."
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Smart Alec
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OOC: Just to clarify - it's been mentioned that the medlab would speed up medkit production, and that medkit production would slow down during operations like autopsies. Would the medlab actually add anything to our research output?
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Jenniza
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FROM: Jane Swift, X-COM Field Agent
TO: Michael Garret, X-COM UN Liaison
RE: Mission Report – Riverside County Elementary School, CA
We were sent to investigate a large alien craft that had already landed at an elementary school. I was pretty sure there goal was to get stock to make more of their hybrids; but, I only admitted to lesser suspicions of either food or slaves to the others. My true suspicions were confirmed when we got inside and found cocoons with comatose children inside them. Additionally, the combats with the aliens revealed we were now fighting a whole host of hybrids. Their mannerisms and their physical characteristics suggested a cross between a smattering of human, earth-based creatures and something entirely alien and/or mechanical for some of them. This all seemed to be confirmed by the time we had stuff analyzed back at HQX. Meanwhile, there was the matter of the suicidal floaters preventing us from acquiring any of the alien fuel source… not like we had a containment field to hold any of it…. So it didn’t matter much really. Speaking of which… when are we getting a containment field unit ready to hold some of it? It’ll be one disaster after another until we do.
Getting back to base revealed something else… Dr. Sandesh’s coma had no physical component, so I immediately went back to my previous suggestion that the aliens were controlling him somehow telepathically - an all too popular theme in science fiction. Despite objections, the theory was finally tested and proved right. This was also when early testing showed that the alien experimentations were now the hybridizations of humans/DNA with other stuff (mainly alien and machine).
It seems evident that what these aliens do is they use the human population against us in their own forms of alien assembly plants to produce alien-human-machine- Hybrids to invade us, resupply their own forces and push the battle on. It’s the perfect battle plan. They don’t have to worry about a logistical resupply line for troops as long as they don’t run out of equipment. I’m sure we’ll end up finding out that stuff some how “grows on trees” too. It’s like the aliens studied our culture first and got all their ideas how to invade us from our TV signals we’ve been pumping out for the last sixty plus years and learned all about war from us and how to defeat us… from us.
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vanya mia
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Catalina had been a little introspective since the revelation that the latest aliens were some kind of human hybrid. When references began to be made around U.S. pop culture leading to the world's scientific development Catalina switched off from the conversation. Science wasn't her field, but she had no patience with what she was beginning to see as an almost religious belief in the importance of what was simply an element in the field of entertainment.
For Catalina science fiction was extrapolated from science fact, not always correctly, and definitely not the other way around. It was correct that they had a lot to learn science-wise, but they couldn't assume everything the aliens were capable of would be found in issues of 2000 AD.
She had an idea they had asked about the need for a portable containment field for the fuel before, and been told no, but it didn't hurt to check again. With her feet up on the table as usual, and xPhone on her lap, Catalina tapped out an email to the chief engineer.
FROM: Cat.LeaveYourHatOn
TO: GRACE BELUCA
RE: Getting that damn fuel
Not sure whether we asked you this before, Grace, but do you think we're going to need some kind of portable containment field to grab some of that fuel? The thinking was that we could get the stuff given time to rig a portable power supply before moving the unit, but we lost the latest one because the hybrid aliens were prepared to commit hara-kiri to stop us.
Do you think there would be a way to collect a smaller amount from a damaged fuel cell? Or even a way to throw some kind of containment field around it to gather some residue? Sorry for sounding like third crewmember from the left in some old B-movie. I now have an image of someone dashing forward in slow motion, containment unit in hand, yelling "Nnnooooooooooo!" while trying to outrace a plasma bullet...
Anyway, opinion appreciated!
Cat |
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By the time she had finished the emails had begun to mount in Catalina's inbox. Reading them a thought occurred to her and, as she already had the xPhone in hand, she fired back an email to the base commander.
FROM: Cat.LeaveYourHatOn
TO: MARK HALLORAND
CC: MEMBERS, ALPHA TEAM; MICHAEL GARRET; KIM WAGNER; GRACE BELUCA
RE: Base Development
Hopefully we'll have another team of engineers able to work soon. Would the work on plans for the West wing move any more swiftly if the new team were made available for the task? I can't speak for all but I believe Alpha Team members would all consider new facilities for Stan the next big priority for building. If the engineers would be of use then I'm sure we would advocate their deployment there.
Cat |
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At the mention of poker she looked up. "Deal me in any time," she said, swinging her legs down and tucking the xPhone away. "By the way, who here thinks the autopsy on the latest bad guys should be a priority? I'd like to be completely certain as to whether they are cloned using human DNA, or made from spare parts, as it were. Not sure I want to consider the implications for the human race of alien invasion using some movies as a guide." A wicked expression developed on her face and she winked conspiratorially at Jane. "Mind you, a certain scene from one does give me pause for thought. What was it called now? Earth Girls Are Easy?"
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Smart Alec
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Vasily looks a little green at the mention of another alien autopsy, and pipes up. "I not so sure cutting open dog man robot... thing priority as you say," he rumbles while pouring a cup of coffee. "We just seen two new dangers... two new threats."
"First is alien mind power. That is... scary. Need to learn more about alien language, alien... alien thing in general. Start interrogate snakeman and floating thing. Learn how they think, how they fit in. That maybe more important than cutting open. We learn more about stopping aliens, and maybe Buzz right, we learn more about stopping alien mind power in battle, screw them up."
The grim Russian takes a sip of coffee before continuing. "Second... I think we all forgotten about Interceptor 2. Got shot down trying to stop big ship. Alien ships getting bigger, carrying more aliens, bigger weapons... maybe our air forces not up to fighting them any more, and that make our job harder on ground. So this mean, get to work on laser cannon, build and fit to Interceptor, get someone to finish off robot tank design. We might need extra firepower."
He rubs his chin, taking another sip of the black, unsweetened stuff. "If someone ask me which one more important, I admit I not know what to say."
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| « Last Edit: on: Jun 25, 2008, 7:57PM » |
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Jenniza
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ooc: http://www.fandango.com/thechroniclesofnarnia:thevoyageofthedawntreader_109505/movieoverview?date=
IC:
FROM: JANE SWIFT
TO: MARK HALLORAND, X-COM BASE COMMANDER
DATE: MAY 6, 2010
RE: Request for a Personal Day
A long while back, I promised my neice that I would take her to the next Narnia movie. I didn't know this assignment would be coming up.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader opens tomorrow. I was wondering if I could have the day off, and I'd be right back by midnight. I promise not to disclose anything classified or do anything to compromise the mission. You can even send guards with me if you wish. She'll understand. It's happened before on other assignments. It also happens to be her birthday.
It would be appreciated. |
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| « Last Edit: on: Jun 26, 2008, 12:21AM » |
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Smart Alec
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The Russian frowned. "Is best if we keep this simple. There some way we can put bug on this thing? Transmitter? Follow where it go?"
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Lazybones
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E-mail responses.
FROM: Michael Garret
TO: Jane Swift
RE: Fuel containment
Jane, leave the fuel containment issue to the clean-up crew and the engineers. I assure you that we're aware of the problem. |
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FROM: GRACE BELUCA
TO: Cat.LeaveYourHatOn
RE: RE:Getting that damn fuel
We've addressed the containment issue using the intact storage system you captured on the alien scout ship from the Shasta mission. Since it requires some... special treatment, the system has been implemented for the engineers on the clean up crew. Just take care of the aliens; we'll take care of the rest. |
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FROM: MARK HALLORAND
TO: Cat.LeaveYourHatOn
CC: MEMBERS, ALPHA TEAM; MICHAEL GARRET; KIM WAGNER; GRACE BELUCA
RE: Base Development
We'll definitely need to assign engineers to the work of expanding into the new West Wing. Doctor White will be glad to hear of your interest in this project.
For the sake of convenience I've included the expansion requirements in the specs for Doctor White's medical facility that were listed in Doctor Wagner's weekly e-mail report. Just let us know how many engineers to assign to the project, and we'll take it from there. I think we can finish the medical lab without serious impact on our base infrastructure, but keep in mind that adding another research lab or workshop beyond that is going to be damned costly, both in time and expense. |
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FROM: Mark Hallorand, Base Commander
TO: Jane Swift
RE: Leave Request
I'm sorry, Jane. Director Garret has locked down the base for now, especially with this pending espionage issue. This is one area where Garret and Drake seem to be in full agreement. All leaves have been canceled until further notice. |
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Lazybones
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A scheduling note: I will be on vacation from Friday morning through Sunday evening, and may not have access to a computer. Try to get your priority list in by tomorrow, if you want to see results by the next session!
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Jenniza
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Garrett reviewed Jane's folder once again:
Classified Personnel File
X-COM Alpla Team Member: Jane Swift
Real name: Donna Penina Shuster
Date of Birth: June 16, 1975
Only living relatives: Mark Shuster, Rebecca Shuster and their daughter Samantha
Note: Donna & Samantha are very close - exercise caution where these two are concerned
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He knew Jane wouldn't violate a direct order; but, still he was concerned about how she would take the news.
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chiz
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Guys, I am out on vacation this coming week with no access to NWN. Sorry about missing the next game; see you in two weeks!
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Jenniza
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Jane noted, "How many more interceptors can we afford to lose before WE get shot down and it's US that end up dead? I say We make priority one be the laser cannons now before we lose more interceptors. We only have four left. FOUR! F-O-U-R in the entire world."
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Jenniza
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Jane sent off an email through an approved and screened X-COM communication relay station to be bumped via several relay stations as needed to preserve X-COM's security and Jane's true identity, yada yada...
Dear Samanthe,
Happy Birthday, Sweetie. Please have Mommy send me a picture of you. I'm sorry; but, I won't be able to make it to your birthday party this year. I'll do my best to make it up to you and either take you to see Narnia or Shrek 4 when it comes out. No promises. I hear there's a new Harry Potter movie coming out November 19 called Hary Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I'm looking forward to that.
I love you always, Sweetie.
hugs and kisses,
Aunt Donna
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TheBaldMan
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on Jun 25, 2008, 11:20 PM, Smart Alec wrote:| The Russian frowned. "Is best if we keep this simple. There some way we can put bug on this thing? Transmitter? Follow where it go?" |
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"Great idea!"Buzz looked around,"Do we have one handy or small enough AND that won't be easily detected. We will have to move fast so the 'delivery' can be made on time. Sounds like something right up Agent Drakes alley...assuming the U.S. government isn't the one waiting for the delivery" He smirked.
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| « Last Edit: on: Jun 26, 2008, 4:05AM » |
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))