[SRP] The Mole: A Science Fiction Mystery (OOC)

[Ookalf]

Is there still room for one more sign-up?

[muffinstud]

Sure there is. Go on ahead.

[muffinstud]

Okay, Lost and Ookalf, I would like to see a character sheet from you. I won't be so rude as to outright exclude you, but I would like to keep on schedule if at all possible. Thank you.


Personal Armors
Each of these armors is more like an extension of a shell suit. They vary on weight and armor, but all augment physical strength and speed by a small amount. The T-Cells for these are fully charged and ready to go, and they are compact enough to be worn through the halls of the ship. They are, however, under the Captain's lock and key as to keep them from being used willy nilly.

Only the Burner can be used in a vacuum.

PFA 27 Vorpal
Sleek, sexy, and fast, this Personal Armor augments the speed and agility of the wearer. Its main weapon system is a bayonet intended for a full sized mech, giving it unparalleled close combat superiority. A jetpack on the back adds additional mobility, and an advanced targeting system with compact shoulder mounted MAR systems allows for precise ranged combat.

PFA 27M Seraphim
This is a Vorpal with all the weapons systems stripped out. Instead, the targeting system ties into a medic's smart band and gives enhanced monitoring abilities for the troops under his watch. A modified Kitten portable CT scanner is built into the chest, the arms acting as extender rods. The hips and shoulders have compartments for medical supplies.

PAA 5 Cannoneer
Definitely the oldest serving model of armor serving in the starfleet, the Cannoneer is a human sized battle tank. It increases physical strength and is heavily armored, although at a decrease in speed. The back holds two thermal mortar launchers, and the arms have hard points that can control MARs, bayonets, and even two .50 cals.

PUA 9C Lumberjack
Similar in design to the Cannoneer, but with less armor, the Lumberjack increases both physical strength and speed. The cause for its name is the retractable chainsaw on the right arm. The left can be hard mounted with a small bayonet or a MAR. While intended for forestry, it is well suited for a wide variety of tasks, and is usually referred to as a "Mule Jr" or "Little Mule".

PUA 10 Frogman
With an advanced SCUBA system and filtration device, the Frogman allows a diver to stay under for hours at a time, and without bubbles. It is capable of fast movement due to ICE underwater engines attached to the calves. It has no internal weapons systems, but does carry a variety of sensors that allow for sonar, radar, and infrared vision.

CEMC Burner
The Confederate Earth Marine Corps prides itself on the ruggedness of its warriors. It prides itself even more on the Burner suit, which allows a soldier to literally jump out of a space ship, go through re-entry, and land on their feet, ready to fight. All of its weapons systems are internalized, with a compact shoulder mounted MAR and a small bayonet in the wrist. The main advantage of the suit is the increased jumping and physical strength, allowing a marine to leap high enough to cause shockwaves in harder ground. It also doubles as a hazmat suit, fully protecting the wearer from any environmental harm.

Next episode: Weapons! Did I mention a Browning .50 cal? You betcha!

[muffinstud]

More toys! Yay!


Non-Lethal

Microwave Taser
A pistol-shaped device that sends a narrow beam of microwave energy at the target. Easily passes through thick clothing, but only leaves 1st degree burns. Despite the minimal burning, the beam is very painful. A 2nd degree burn may be attained, but the beam must be held in the same spot for extended amounts of time. Has a maximum range of 10 meters.

Lethal

Mech/Personal bayonet
Scientists have dreamed of arming themselves with light sabers for a very long time. When the technology to do so was finally developed, they jumped at the chance. A personal bayonet is rather small, of similar size to a short sword or gladius. It operates on motion detection, only creating the blade upon a strike. This is the common bayonet for any personal armor, and is also provided as a handheld unit.

Mech bayonets are naturally much larger, proportionally reaching long sword lengths. The PFA 27 Vorpal carries one of these, and is able to vary the length to suit the limitations of its combat space. The MFA 27 Shining knight carries three such bayonets in tandem, making the energy blade much wider, and capable of absorbing projectile fire.

MAR

Modular Assault Rifle
Standard issue assault rifle for the CEN Starfleet, no expense was spared in the making of this weapon. In its standard configuration, it has a light weight and fires high energy rounds in single, burst, and automatic fire modes. It carries 50 rounds to a clip, which is powered with a T-Cell. Over the long run, this weapon will never run out of ammo, but can deplete itself easily if the user is too trigger-happy.

Attachments
The MAR is easily configured to suit the needs of the situation. It has the following attachments that can be placed either over or under the barrel, as well as to each side. These attachments include: Infrared/nightvision/television sight (connects to PA visual systems to allow freehand sniping), high energy grenade launcher, large bore single shot sniper, bayonet, laser designator, breach shotgun (wide angle, short range energy burst), full auto burst smg.

The large bore MARs equipped by the Mechanized Armors are a full-auto version of the single shot sniper attachment. These larger models are much too awkard to operate by hand, but can still be equipped with any mod a standard MAR can use.

Browning .50 cal Machine Gun
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This marvel all the way back from World War 1 has survived the years with little to no enhancements. Some think it crude and brutish, but the Marine Corps reveres it, and is their preferred weapon. The weapon is heavy, as is the ammo. A Cannoneer or Burner Armor can easily wield this monster in one hand. It is capable of sustained supressing fire, counter-sniping, and tearing through light to medium vehicles and mechs. A squad of Marines, glowing red from re-entry and standing in their landing craters as they lay down 50 caliber law, is the definition of shock and awe.

[muffinstud]

Okay, I'm extending the start of this until Monday, since Ook is still working on his character. I'm still waiting on Lost/Stray-chan and would like to give her a fair shake. Harri, if you would be so kind as to edit in your new character, please?

As for the goodies this post... it's a grab bag of sorts.


Power Cells
Thermal Power Cells (T-Cells or T-Batteries) are most often known simply as batteries. Much like electrical batteries (E-Cells or E-Batteries) they store energy through chemical means. However, the advantage of T-Cells is that they can be recharged simply by letting them sit in the sun long enough, even if it takes a very long time. Discharged TCells make for excellent fire control and are often used to shield ships as they make planetfall. Their versatility has lead to them being used as the standard unit of fuel throughout the colonies, despite E-Cells being much lighter and portable.

The Horizon carries a large number of T-Cells, both in the cargo bay and in the cabin. The T-Cells for the larger (and more dangerous) items are empty. The cells for these items are actually on the hull of the ship, and will absorb the brunt of re-entry.

ICE Engine
Internal Compression and Expansion Engine. Using T-Cells, this engine superheats small quantities of air to drive pistons on a crankshaft. It performs much like ancient diesel engines, but with the practical upshot of having easily renewable energy and higher efficiency. They are only truly efficient in a large scale, letting their massive heat generation work for them to conserve T-Cell drain. ICE exhaust is a very warm, humid breeze. Often the machine will have a secondary exhaust to release steam in short bursts when necessary. ICE as an acronym was developed because of the common trait of frozen condensation on the machine's T-Cells.

ICE engines tend to have more torque per weight ratio than electric engines, further cementing them as the heavy workhorse of the colonies. Electric engines are commonly used for automobiles and motorcycles, and anything smaller. ICE engines are used in all of the mechs except for the Shining Knight, which uses a modified hydrogen fuel cell so it can operate in a vacuum.

Underwater ICE engines are also used, manipulating their heat flow through circular channels in such a way as to push the water through drive tubes without the need for exposed propellers.

Ansible Comms Array
Named for a number of literary figures that were the inspiration for the device, the ansible is always made in sets of two. It utilizes the positive and negative quantum states of electron pairs to enable instant communication across infinite distances. Each ansible can only communicate with its twin, which is placed in the Lunar Ansible Array.

The ansible aboard the ECSS Horizon has not been activated, and will require a large amount of energy to do so. Until it is set up and activated on the planet's surface, there will be a total loss of communications with the rest of the known universe.

Medical Tech

Armstrong PCT 3501B "Kitten"
A clipboard sized device that has an extendable arm that forms an arc around the patient. The Kitten is a portable CT scanning system. While not as accurate as the full room setups in hospitals, doctors love it for its portability and the fact that they don't actually have to touch the patient to do a full scan.

Vehicles

Mancini "Pit Viper"
This jet bike is the epitome of mobility. Most are accustomed to seeing them speeding by on roadways, showing phenomenal prowess and control at high speeds. Those that pilot them know, however, know that this beautiful machine's true calling is that of aerial and sub-aquatic mastery. A conditioned pilot can easily reach top speeds, pull a 90 degree vertical turn, and regain top speed even while vertical, all within a single second. Due to water resistance, it's highly advised to slow down whilst under. A rider can easily lose his grip and his bike by being careless down there.

[Ookalf]

Name: Julian Bashkir
Physical appearance: Average height, with a thin build, red hair, and brown eyes.
Preferred physical characteristics after transformation, if any: None in particular, this time.
Appearance of Smart Band and preferred configuration of Shell Suit: Julian's Smart Band takes the form of a plain, black wrist watch. His Shell Suit has a brown-and-green color scheme, with short sleeves and long leggings.
Mental changes: I'm not big on large mental changes, so the default will do.
Ship duties: Weapons maintenence, including Mechs and Personal Armors.
Planetside duties: Ditto

Short Bio: Julian has long studied and trained with weapons of all sorts, hoping to become a great soldier like his father, and his father's father, and his father's father's father, and... Unfortunately, this line of military heroes was brought to a crashing halt when Julian failed all of the physical exams. He knew the theory, of course, but he choked every time has called upon to perform. Still desperate to serve the CEN somehow, Julia enlisted as a behind-the-scenes maintenence and repair worker, eventually earning himself a place aboard the Horizon.

[Bigmouthstrikes]

I won't be able to post until tomorrow. I've got a monster 30 page independent research paper to finish, and it has to get done tonight. This has been going on for months.

In exactly 24 hours though, my schedule will clear up considerably. All will be well and then I'll have more time on my hands than I know what to do with.

[muffinstud]

I hope your professor just loves your paper.

Also, if anyone could get in touch with Lost/Stray-chan for me, I would be much obliged. I'd hate to kick him out just on account of having been gone for a week.


State of the Solar System

Mercury : Underground mining complexes abound here, despite the expense from the hostile environment. There is no larger or better source of iron and steel in the solar system.

Venus : Home to the great colony shipyards, the satellite stations in orbit use tethers and elevator systems to draw thermal energy from the oven that is this planet. Not even robots can survive long on the surface.

Earth : Highly populous, those that live here usually consider themselve better than the colonists or those born on the other planets. The seat of government and a veritable fortress due to sentry satellites amidst the orbital junk. The moon serves as the headquarters for all interstellar communications.

Mars : A farmer's paradise. Once water was introduced, the red dirt became the most fertile in the solar system. Combined with the high carbon dioxide atmosphere, anything and everything can be grown here. The red planet is now covered in green, and soon will have enough oxygen to allow work without breathing apparati.

Asteroid Belt : A deathtrap, if one doesn't know how to navigate it. Filled with mineral and ice rich asteroids, but even more so with micrometeorites that will puncture any ship and slowly leak air without the crew even knowing. The only safe way to mine is to travel with the orbit, forcing mining vessels to make excessively long trips. A hub of sorts has been built on Ceres, providing supplies, personnel, and shipping into and out of the belt.

Jupiter : Uninhabitable. Io is used solely as a prison planet, as it has no valuable resources, and the high amounts of sulfur in the atmosphere and terrain make for a most horrendous smell. Europa has been terraformed and is quite lovely, serving as the base of operations for all the water and mineral mining from Jupiter's rings and the smaller moons.

Saturn : Uninhabitable. Titan was the first extraplanetary colony to be successfully terraformed. As such, Titan is a seat of art and culture second only to Earth. All of the water and mineral mining from Saturn's moons is based from here as well. Ring Racing brings over 70% of Titan's profits, when in season.

Neptune : Uninhabitable. Oberon is considered somewhat of a backwater colony, as far out as it is. However, due to the nature of Neptune's moons, Oberon supplies most, if not all of the water and oxygen needed to terraform other worlds.

Uranus : Uninhabitable. Triton was terraformed partly to develop water and mineral mining like the other gas giants. The other part was to preserve the moon from it's eventual fate of crashing into Uranus. This colony is newer than Neptune's, making life much harder for those in it.

Pluto : Classified as a multi-bodied planet. (This classification was brough about by the discovery of planet Kronos, formed by 73 seperate planetoids all in one spherical configuration) No real natural resources, Pluto serves as a stopping off point for extra-solar travel, and is also home to a variety of military bases.

[muffinstud]

Oh, and I guess now is a good time to let you know you're all approved. I'll wait on Lost a little longer, but I won't be taking any more applications.

Go ahead and post... if you dare!

[Stray-chan]

Sorry for the wait, here be my character:

Name: Thomas Murray
Age: 26
Sex: M
Physical appearance: tall with an average build, green eyes and shoulder length dark hair he ties back while working
Preferred physical characteristics after transformation, if any: long hair, good hips, and bustiness, among anything else you want to add
Smart Band: high-tech fingerless hobo glove
Shell Suit: trenchcoat-looking
Mental changes: full on bi, and flirtatious, too
Ship duties: Engineering. That is, making sure the ship stays in the air. Err, space.
Planetside duties: Engineering. That is, making sure the terraforming equipment works, and works correctly.

Bio: Born on an urban world, and one of those anti-establishment types, Thomas spent most of his youth railing against The Man, in all its many forms. Especially his parents, who were police. They wanted Thomas to grow up to be either a respectable political type, or a cop like them. He wanted to use technology to return power to the common man, or some such. Needless to say, they did not see eye to eye. So at 18, Thomas left home, moved out into the world, and promptly freaked out, as it was worse than he had suspected. He spent several years doing menial labor, taking technology classes to supplement his already impressive self taught skills (and get the virtual piece of paper that said he knew what he was doing), and hanging out with underground antiestablishment types. After years of this, Thomas got fed up with his living conditions, and the fact his underground friends never actually did anything, just sat around and talked, and looked for the first opportunity to go anywhere else. The fact he actually got picked to do engineering and maintainance as part of the ECSS Horizon surprised him. But hey, free trip to the middle of nowhere to do something cool with machines. It sounded like just the venture he needed.

[muffinstud]

Approved! And that will be all the characters! Now, to choose the double agent...

[Harri-chan]

Can I just say how nice it is to see your old avatar back? I didn't want to say anything but the last two scared me.

[muffinstud]

If any of you have seen BigMouthStrikes lately, could you give him a buzz? I'd hate for him to get farther behind, and I don't want to continue until I know one way or the tuther about him.

Thanks.

[muffinstud]

Okay, so BMS is out and about, but still kind of busy. I'll wait for his post, and then we'll get back to business. Sorry for the delays, folks. I promise, things are just starting to pick up.

[Bigmouthstrikes]

I'm back and in play. Sorry about that. As an active politico, the election cycle did take a fair chunk of my life. All is well now though!