Fwurg

[Evermourne]

((OOC: Well your check was high enough to find out the things you did. and no nothing spectacular is missed or anything. the sentence is more a hint that things like that , and papers and books and whatever things you can look into requires you to say that specificly :P. for future reference. See it as using a trap find skill to find traps, when you find one you do not "automaticly" disables it, you need to state it :).))

[Shebi Ajava]

((OOC: 'Well your check was high enough to find out the things you did'... Yes well... Did she, or didn't she read the log? She specifically said " searching for log files that could give them more information about what happened here.".

Because if we use our skills to search for something, and you state 'you find it' and we need to go 'I read it', and then we get the info, we're basically wasting a week on an (in my opinion rather obvious) non-choice: If you are looking for clues, and you find them, you check them out (i.e. read, analyze, etc.)))

[Evermourne]

((OOC: Well it feels like it should be separate but then again the double post is kinda a thing. so I will combine it for the future.
for now I shall type out the log information i had in store, and we can continue on as normal))

Upon examining the log file a small projection of Murrah came online and he sounded distressed

Log entry : "Murrah"

"I just arrived but already I feel something is off. It is strangely cold for this planet like all the warmth has been drained around me. It worries me. I shall head out now bringing some small supplies and my recorder to log any findings. I am in the understanding that these people do research of their own. Perhaps I will find some logs from them. I dont want to stay here too long. This place gives me the creeps. Ugh.... Murrah out.

[Shebi Ajava]

Ajava tapped her communicator.

"Ariana, let's do a standard double spiral sweep. You start at the other end of the village. If we both circle clockwise, and check each building, we can meet in the middle and share our findings. That way we both check each building without interfering or influencing each other."

She then started systematically checking each tent and building in a slow clockwise spiral moving towards the centre of the village. She paid particular attention to tracks and hidden things, but kept her eyes open for other pecularities as well.

((Check: 13 = 6 Force Level + 4 Vision + 1 Tracking and Navigation + 2 Stealth -- ))

She planned on doing a second sweep of the village, focussed on the feelings she gets through the force, after sharing her first observations with Ariana.

[Ariana Danacia]

"Roger that"

Ariana flew over the village getting an idea of the layout and checking for clues. She lands at the other side of the village and start checking every tent and building in a clockwise spiral.

((Check: 9 = 5 Force Level + 3 Vision + 1 Stealth -- Looking for clues.))

After the first sweep she would meet up with Ajava to discuss her findings.

[Evermourne]

The two padawans start their sweep through the village and report their findings to each other.

The buildings are intact as one might think they should be. However on closer inspection Shebi Ajava could certainly see signs of struggle. It was not big but there were things knocked over and small dents and holes in the walls and the ground that indicated something happened. Although it is not clear how old these marks are and if Murrah made them or the people of this village.

Ariana started her route and looked around as well. Being more focused on the tents herself and the layout she found that most small tents were used to spend the night. Sleeping bags and small fireplaces in them to cook food on. Small and humble. The middle of the village gave place to more larger structures who were clearly used to work and conduct research. There were some computers around and the tables were filled with various samples of plants.

Both of the padawans were not really receiving any information off the force. It's almost like this is a dead spot in the force.

[Shebi Ajava]

"The only thing I found were some signs of struggle. I think that any tracks in and out of the village have been lost to time already, so I can't really say anything about whether there were attackers while there were villages here, or whether Murrah was attacked, or if she was attacked by the villagers... I'm afraid we were sent too late to find physical tracks."

"Maybe you can have a look at those computers, while I try to meditate? I might be able to get a general feeling of off this place, though I can already tell that the force is very weak here. If I can't determine anything, I'll come down and have a look at those plant samples and whatever you might have found."

After having said that, Ajava climbs the building most in the middle of the village, finds a suitable spot, and sits down to meditate.

((Check: 10 = 6 Force Level + 4 Intuition -- meditating on the force to get a feeling or indication of what has been going on here))

She climbs down afterwards, and looks for Ariana and the plant samples.

((OOC: Didn't include the check for the plant samples yet, to allow ST to interrupt in a nice way without having conditionals in the post.

Also, I'd really like it if we stuck to the 1/week posting frequency; otherwise this will be a very long 'short mission'.))

[Evermourne]

((OOC: Yes i do apologize for that one. Been a busy time for me at home so had to postpone my reaction for a bit. But it should be fine now :). Waiting for Ariana to carry on.))

[Ariana Danacia]

"I agree that the force seems to be almost absent here. Since it is the only thing we got left here I will look at the computers. If they don't provide any clues we could still try to use the ships scanners to search for life forms in the area. "

Ariana takes a look at the computers, looking for clues and possibly hidden files or messages.

((Check: 12 = 5 Force Level + 5 Reason + 2 Slicing -- Searching for information on the computers.))

[Evermourne]

Shebi Ajava sits down to meditate on a small open area in the middle of the village. As she closes her eyes she tries to concentrate on the anything she can find. Over time it seems her focus picks up something. The townsfolk walking about around her when suddenly a surge of fear come over her. Unknown... People.. interfering with this town.. Grabbing them. With a shock Shebi Ajava opens her eyes and needs to take a deep breath from this experience. As She stands up to regroup herself with Ariana she notices a small recorder under a few rocks.

Ariana made herself to the computers in the larger tent to look for any clues. The computers are mostly still intact and it does not take long for Ariana to get into them. A quick look around uncovers a good couple of different log files. At first look she opens the one of about two weeks ago.

A small projection reveals itself and shows a young human woman and starts to speak

Researchers log , Para speaking

We have received our new samples from Gri'pan to help out in our studies to increase life duration. Curiosity it seems if we might be able to pull it off to help other people. For now we have a long way to go but our first signs seem promising. On a side note we spotted some outsiders around our village. We have no idea what or who they are but it could be a sign to pack our things and move soon. Burronto and I will need to head out soon to our cave soon to conclude our research. I just hope these outsides have not found that place and messed anything up.

---- Log end ----

Ariana ponders the message and sees there are more files available if need be.

[Shebi Ajava]

Relieved that the force isn't completely gone from this place, Ajava carefully gets the recorder out from under the rocks.

After making her way over to Ariana, she informed the praetorian of her find: "Ariana, I think the people here were attacked by another group. I'm not sure who or why. I also found this recorder, which I have not yet looked at."

"Do you have a datapad with you? Then we can copy the recordings before watching them, so we're sure we don't lose them.", she handed the recorder to Ariana.

After hearing about the logfiles from Ariana, she replied: "Let's have a look at the recordings and logs then."

((Check: 10 = 6 Force Level + 4 Vision -- checking the logs, and noting discrepancies such as cutting marks (i.e., if a few minutes of material were cut, this usually leaves a distinct twitch as the person speaking doesn't perfectly match up to their previous pose.)))

[Ariana Danacia]

Ariana looks at the log files and copies them all to her datapad.

After Shebi Ajava comes back with the recorder she copies it to her datapad as well before looking at it.
"I always bring my datapad."

After this Ariana starts playing all the log files and recordings 1 by 1 looking for clues. Since they are already a week late a few more minutes won't matter.

Furthermore Ariana looks for information about the cave they were talking about. This might be the location where they could find more information.

((Check: 11 = 5 Force Level + 5 Reason + 1 Programming -- Looking for clues and information.))

[Evermourne]

The two padawans look into the logs for more specific mentions of the cave for starters.
Ariana opens some more files of older dates and finds the moment where the operation is started with the cave. The recording is from about a month ago.

Researchers log : Para speaking

"Today we are going to start to grow the rare parino herbs we got. Since they require a specific setting in care and lighting we choose a nearby cave to set it all up. The slightest misuse of the herb can ruin it though so me and Burronto will personally handle this one It will be an exiting time and hopefully we will be able to conclude its rumours. If we are lucky we can begin our first gathering in about 1 month. Much to do , Para out."

Looking through some following recordings there can be concluded that the growth was going steady.

Shebi Ajava nods slowly and starts up Murrah's recording as well after they are done to see what is on there. Nothing is mentioned that the two did not find out themselves. Low to zero presence of the force and marks of struggle. The last recording did show something however. The last entry gets opened and a small hologram projection of Murrah spawns.

"It has been a couple of days now of investigating this place. No matter how much I look around I conclude the same things. a dark cold feeling when it comes to the force and signs on struggle. I am going to head to the cave one more time and after that I think..." The projection is stirred up and Murrah ducking to the ground covering her head with her arms. The projection turns sideways. The recorder dropped to the ground. "What was that!" Murrah stands up and runs off.

after a couple of seconds. two cloaked figures flash through the recording and they seem to sprint after her.

[Shebi Ajava]

"I had hoped that some of the logs would mention the actual location of that cave.", Ajava spoke up after watching all log entries and the recording. "Oh well, at least we might have gotten a direction out of it. I'll have a second look at the border of the village in that direction, though I don't have high hopes, I already checked the whole perimeter for tracks... This rocky ground isn't helping, as everyone seems to be wearing boots with soft soles."

Ajava seemed to think on something for a moment.

"How about I go and have another look at the perimeter and see if I can find three tracks, two of which are in pursuit of a third. If you go back to the ship, fly it over the village and start a wide-area scan for caves, life signs and if at all possible any kind of energy source. Most likely they had some kind of lighting, heating, cooling or moisturising equipment for the plants. Radio me if you find anything, I'll do the same."

Ajava looked over the recording again to memorize it fully, and handed the recorder to Ariana to stash in the ship. She then went out again, to try and follow the chase from its start. Maybe if she tries to follow the exact chase based on what she knows about quick movement, she could find where the trio had left the village. If not, she will again search that direction of the village's perimeter.

In either case, if she picks up the trail of the chase, she'll follow it.

In the midst of her tracking, she though up another way to get more information. "Ariana, try to scan for recent hyperspace events as well. Maybe the two assailants left much later, and we might be able to pick up a trail, or at least confirm their leaving."


((Check: 14 = 7 Force Level + 4 Vision + 1 Tracking and Navigation + 2 Athletics -- tracking the chase from the start, or picking up the trail on the perimeter, then following the trail))

((OOC: I take it that Murrah changed from female to male accidentally? It was a female in the post that introduced her, and now it suddenly is a male...

On another note, if you can't make the posting frequency, please just tell us. Having no information about our ST's whereabouts makes it very frustrating to actually participate in the thread, as we have no idea when we can expect the next post. We won't hold it against you if you can't make it, but just say so up front.))

[Evermourne]

((OOC: Oops, i overlooked the two "his" words. it has been edited to "her".))

[Ariana Danacia]

"We really need to get to that cave. Its the only important thing around here it seems."

Ariana quickly returned to their own ship. She activated all systems and flew towards the village.

She hovered with the ship 100 meters above the village and started tweaking the scanners of the ship. After a while she started scanning the area. She looked for the cave and scanned for hyperspace events.

After finding something she would pick up Shebi Ajava and fly to the cave with the ship.

((Check: 13 = 5 Force Level + 5 Reason + 1 Programming + 2 Mechanical Engineer -- Recalibrating the sensors to look for the cave and recent hyperspace events))

[Evermourne]

Ariana took to the skies with the ship and used scans to search in a wider area to the cave mentioned in the logs as well as keeping an eye out to hyperspace information. It seems that there was no hyperspace information to be picked up at the moment but it seems cave information could be found a little bit to the west of the village.

Shebi Ajava was not succesfull in finding anything that the trio could of left behind, but Ariana pointed Shebi Ajava in the right direction regardless.

Soon the two found themselfs near the only cave entrance in the mountain formation. Shebi Ajava concentrated for any traces in the cave but it seems that the force is as low here as everywhere in this place. Ariana's scans of the cave did not found any life signals either.

[Shebi Ajava]

"Let's see if we can find some tracks inside the cave, we might be able to find the place they're growing those plants. I have night vision, so I'll scout ahead a bit."

Ajava toggled the night vision mode on her visor, and entered the cave. As she doesn't know the layout, she pays attention to the route she takes, should she have to back up quickly.

While sneaking through the caves, in which she has some experience as a very outdoors kind of jedi, she pays attention to possible trails or indications of tracks. If necessary, she uses her telepathy to communicate with Ariana, so she can communicate without making a sound.

((Check: 12 = 6 Force Level + 4 Vision + 2 Stealth -- staying unseen))

((Check: 11 = 6 Force Level + 4 Vision + 1 Tracking and Navigation -- finding interesting things))

[Ariana Danacia]

"I will stay behind you and watch your back."

Ariana follows Ajava into the cave at a short distance.

((Check: 9 = 5 Force Level + 3 Vision + 1 Stealth -- staying out of sight.))

[Evermourne]

The two padawans sneak into the cave slowly with Shebi Ajava taking the lead.

Walking into the cave it seems there is somewhat of a natural path over the rocky floor but one must still watch his step. Shebi Ajava can see that the people here installed some lights but they are eigther turned off or broken. However after a couple of minutes of walking a light can be seen in the distance of a few still functional lights.

As the two close in on the light more details start to emerge around them. Broken equipment along the walls and ceiling mostly. The climate control can still be felt as it is slightly wet around them and cool air. But it is not consistant as that is broken now aswell. A lot of empty flower pots which seem to have their contents forcefully removed as dirt is brutaly trown around it. A few leaves can still be spotted which show a strange rare blue yellow color on them.

In the distance. There seems to be a silhouette on the floor.

[Shebi Ajava]

"You check the body. I'll search the room. Be careful for boobytraps."

Looking at the empty pots, she spoke.

"Although, from the looks of it, they were in a hurry. I have absolutely no clue why they would be in a hurry... What we have found so far indicates that whomever was here completely and utterly conquered everything and anyone around, and then suddenly left."

Shebi Ajava suddenly realized something. She split of a part of her consciousness to communicate her reasoning to Ariana telepathically, while she looked around the cave for clues.

"Wait... These people were nomads. We didn't find a single vehicle or beast of burden. Maybe they just packed up and left after fighting and losing? That would explain the lack of bodies, the enemy seemed to be in a hurry, so they wouldn't stop to clean up bodies.

The other option is that the assailants conquered the village, and claimed everyone as slaves. But, if they had time to handle that much people, there is no reason for them to be in a hurry.

Thus, if the people were claimed as slaves, the slavers might be an earlier group. That would mean that the two operatives were waiting around for someone to come and investigate, and lead them to this cave.

The question now is: why couldn't they find the cave themselves? We easily found the cave with some info from the village, and a simple scan.

So, if the operatives worked with the slavers, they would have interrogated the villagers. However, if the slavers were only tipped off into coming here, to remove the villagers so that master Gri'pan would send an investigator, that would make sense.

This leaves as with two questions: Can we find the villagers or their remains? And why were those operatives in a hurry?"

While Ajava telepathically spoke to Ariana, she looked around for clues, collected the peculiar leaves and checked for computer terminals or other interesting things, such as notebooks.

((Check: 10 = 6 Force Level + 4 Vision -- checking around))

((OOC: Note, as I already informed everyone, I will be away from 2013-7-3 till 2013-7-29. This means that I will not be able to post in this thread during that period.))

[Ariana Danacia]

"Roger that I will check the body."

Ariana moved towards the body and quickly checked for life signs. After checking she quickly takes her first aid kit out of her backpack.

If the target is alive she will check for wounds and take care of them. When the target is dead Ariana checks for the cause of dead and looks for clues on the body and in the pockets of the cloths.

"Those are good questions. Hopefully we will know more later. We could try scanning the nearby mountains later."

((Check: 12 = 5 Force Level + 5 Reason + 2 First Aid -- Taking care of wounds / Looking for cause of death and searching the body.))

[Shebi Ajava]

((OOC: I'm back! Where is the ST post o_O))

[Evermourne]

((OOC: Right as vacations are ending and normal live continues I want to make a little post here to let you know what's what. I had a little personal hectical periode where i did not come to or felt like posting on here for a little while. when Shebi Ajava came back from his vakation i was starting mine and left myself for a good couple days. I had not announced this and I am sorry about that. but like i said, hectic things. Anyways I do plan to finish this... *ahum* short story *ahum* soon now and will work on the rest of this story line. I am very sorry you two had to wait so long and that i can be somewhat... absent sometimes.))

[Shebi Ajava]

((OOC:

...when Shebi Ajava came back from his vakation...

I am not Shebi Ajava -- my account (and name) is 'Brend' :P (This is relevant for me, inasmuch that Shebi Ajava does not represent my views on the world.)

On a side note, you are also playing in Contact Lost, so these announcements are better made in the General Discussion forum.

Anyway enough of this OOC chatter: Welcome back, and let's get this show on the road again!))