Fortress V - Upper Deck
The upper
decks of the Fortress V are bright with natural light, the windows atop the
ship allowing in sun and moonlight to give a more organic feel to the area.
This is where the brains of the Repliforce meet and think, carrying out
experiments and creating new reploids, as well as repairing the wounded that
are bound to crop up in war. The teleporters sit in the rear of this area,
providing a ready link from Repliforce to the rest of the world.
Shining Firefly [Armor] [RF]
Fore <F> leads to Fortress V - Skydeck.
Starboard <S> leads to Fortress V - Medical Center.
Port <P> leads to Fortress V - Research And
Development.
Aft <A> leads to Teleportation Area--Fortress V.
Turbolift <TL> leads to Fortress V - Turbolifts.
Storm Owl has been working non-stop since his medical work
was completed after receiving damage in the defence of Eta sector (the African
Rainforest). With the Fortress V landing for emergency repairs, Storm Owl has
been going without refueling for quite some time to oversee the effort. Now
that the recap is done, the doors from the turbolift opens up with a *whoosh*
and Storm Owl strides out into the hallway, apparently heading towards the
research and development area. His movements are slow and somewhat sluggish,
and he has several welded bandages on his form.
Shining Firefly, having just completed a conversation with
Brush Skunk, turns towards the turbolifts where he was headed originally. He
hovers forward until he recognises the the battered Storm Owl from the
turbolift. Concerned, he approaches Storm and says in a warm old voice,
"Dear Storm Owl, why are you in such disrepair? I have just returned from
my research voyage and so I will confess that I do not know all of the current
situation, but please tell me, are you so busy you do not have time to take a
rest on occassion?"
Now that both have successfully recapped their stories,
Storm Owl halts in his tracks upon spotting Shining Firefly. His beady optics
gaze at the elderly Reploid in mild surprise at seeing him back.
"Lieutenant Shining," he says in greeting, turning to face the
research specialist. The rank might be out of date by now for all Storm Owl
knows, but until he hears otherwise, he'll go ahead and use it. "Yes, I am
too busy that I do not have time to rest. However I am pleased to hear about
your return, Lieutenant. To be frank, we need all the help we can obtain at the
moment." Storm Owl abandons his trip to R&D and instead says in his
droning monotone, "Tell me, Shining, are you familiar with the Fortress
V's propulsion schematics? Or perhaps with the layout of the mirror desert
power station?" Clearly the Fortress V Commander wishes to put the Reploid
to good use.
Shining Firefly's brow furrows as he listens to these
inquiries. He then thinks for a moment trying to recall any of such information
that might be hidden somewhere in his memory banks, but alas nothing conclusive
is found other than the Fortress V's propulsion systems help move it and the
mirror desert power station powers something... He then shakes his head and
replies, "I regret that at the moment, I do not. However if you point me
in the right direction to obtain information about these things, I think I
might be able to figure them out." He then pauses briefly and says,
"Or better yet, if you are on your way somewhere, I will accompany you and
you can give me a brief explanation of them and their situation so we can
decide where I belong." He then gives a warmhearted grin to conclude his
ramblings.
Storm Owl nods and says, "Indeed? No matter - the
engineering crew can take care of the damage to the ship. I could use your help
in another matter, however." Storm Owl begins to walk with Shining,
leading him back towards the turbolift. Along the way, he updates the
scientist, "Five days ago, the Fortress V and our escorts assaulted and
destroyed the Beta Sphere - the Robot Master outpost in the area. The Beta
Sphere is at the centre of a sector known as the Mirror Desert." Not
knowing how well versed Shining is in the current situation, the requested
'brief explanation' is going to be anything but brief. But then, Storm Owl does
like his details. "The Mirror Desert is essentially a vast array of solar
panels that stretch for hundreds of miles. It powered both much of Africa and
much of Wily's war machine. The Beta Sphere was the facility that coordinated
all of the solar panels."
The pair
reach the turbolift, and need only wait for it to arrive at this deck. Storm
Owl continues on his update, "As mentioned, the Fortress V and many troops
were assigned to destroy the Beta Sphere while another task force assaulted a
different Robot Master position. In our battle here in the Mirror Desert, the
Sphere and the Robot Master defenders were annihilated. Unfortunately, the ship
suffered heavy damage due to a last minute-gamble by the Robot Master
General." Quick Man, if you're curious. "He turned many of the
mirrors into a weapon and struck at the ship." The turbolift arrives, and
Storm Owl leads Shining inside, "We conducted a successful landing due to
the damage. However with both the Sphere destroyed and approximately 5 percent
of the solar panels destroyed, the entire system has shut down. This has put
one third of Africa in the dark." The turbolift is now descending.
"This, Shining Firefly, is where I hope you will come in."
You enter the Turbolifts.
Fortress V - Turbolifts
A series of rapid turbolifts give the Repliforce access to
the many levels of this ship. Large tubes, scaled to many different sizes of
reploids, the largest are easily big enough for General himself to ride comfortably.
Each tube is its own system, so that individually disabled tubes do not affect
the operation of the rest of the ship.
Bridge - Ready Room, Commanders' Offices
Upper
Levels - Medbay, R&D, Teleporters
Main
Levels - Training Rooms, Quarters
Lower
Levels - Engine Room, Brig
Docking Bay - Ride Armor Repair Bay, Exit
Bridge <B> leads to Fortress V - Bridge.
Upper Level <UL> leads to Fortress V - Upper Deck.
Main Level <ML> leads to Fortress V - Main Deck.
Lower Level <LL> leads to Fortress V - Lower Deck.
Dock <D> leads to Fortress V - Docking Bay.
Shining Firefly arrives from the Upper Deck.
Shining Firefly has arrived.
Shining Firefly follows Storm Owl into the turbolift,
listening to the many details. Once Storm Owl is finished, he replies calmly,
"If you are hoping that I will come in to help with the reconstruction of
the solar panels, I would be more than happy to oblige. I feel that it will be
good to get out and about on this planet again." He then sighs as he
remembers good times in the past, but this does not last long because he
remembers that he is in the middle of a conversation. He then clears his throat
and says, "Is there anything else that I should know about the Mirror
Desert or that you would like to discuss?"
You enter the Docking Bay.
Fortress V - Docking Bay
A massive
docking bay, the Fortress V has the space to carry every large vehicle the Repliforce
deploys, dozens of ships, ride armors, and several huge dropships berthed in
the cavernous confines of the ship. The hangar doors are open most of the time,
a forcefield protecting the sensitive bay from enemy attack, though a pair of
giant doors can slide into place if they need further protection. Repliforce
techs and flight crew mill about here constantly, keeping the bay in good
working order. To the rear, a series of turbolifts gives access to the rest of
the ship.
Flame Hyenard [RF]
Repliforce Ride
Armor <Raiden> [RF]
Repliforce Transport <Mako> [RF] Repliforce Hovertank <Stalwart>
[RF]
Repliforce Space Shuttle <Comet> [RF] Repliforce Submersible <Barracuda>
[RF]
Repliforce VTOL <Razor> [RF] Repliforce Transport <Thresher> [RF]
Repliforce Ride Armor <Eagle> [RF] Repliforce Variable Armor
<Kingfisher> [Aerospace] [RF]
Ride Armor Recharge Chamber <RARC>
Out <O>:
Outside
Turbolift <TL>:
Fortress V - Turbolifts
Shining Firefly arrives from the Turbolifts.
Shining Firefly has arrived.
The turbolift finally stops and opens up to reveal the lower
decks. Through the maze of hallways lays the docking bay, and Storm Owl leads
the scientist towards it. Along the way they pass by crew carrying supplies in
or out of the ship, technicians working on parts of the bulkhead that was
damaged, or engineers ensuring that the power couplings are reinforced after
the damage to the power grid in the attack. "Precisely, Shining. I hear
that the Medical Science Engineering division has been stretched thin due to
required repairs to the flagship. Naturally, securing our own line of defence
comes first in case the Robot Masters attempt to attack our position."
They continue through the halls, "With the Sphere destroyed, a new central
power station will have to be construced from the ground up. I do not know how
much of the actual solar panel grid is still intact." He's a tactician,
not a engineer. Finally, the pair reach the sprawling docking bay.
Shining Firefly nods intently as they walk through the busy
docking bay of the Fortress V. "If you feel that the there is sufficient
number of individuals working on the Fortress V, I would be more than willing
to look into the power station situation. I do think that the pooled efforts of
my drones and whatever group of people is currently working on the station can
come up with something and get it up and running in a relatively short amount
of time." He then takes a moment to really look at his surroundings.
"My, my... the time passes so fast. How long has it been now that I have
been gone? So much has changed..."
Flame Hyenard is here, all of them sitting around with
deckchairs, waiting for the loading bay to open. Why? Who knows.
The massive docking bay doors that take up an entire wall
have been opened, giving the entire place an aired out feel. The Ride Armours
and other war machines are all in one part of the bay, but the rest is being
used for transporting equipment in and out of the ship. The entire place is
full of activity with NPCs rushing this way and that. There's a ramp leading
from the interior of the docking bay to the desert ground just below. It's
somewhat like camping in a winnibago. A huge winnibago.
Storm Owl,
meanwhile, nods to Shining as the pair head towards the huge ramp leading out
of the ship. "Thank you, Lieutenant," the war bird says even though
he hardly expected the scientist to refuse. "While I would always welcome
the additional help to the destroyed engine, I must reluctantly accept that
restoring power to the continent should be one of our priorities." Storm
Owl goes back into recap mode, "Regardless, yes, much has changed in the
time you have not been here." As if Shining Firefly's question was a real
one, Storm quotes the number of months, days, hours, minutes and seconds that
Shining has been gone for, whatever that happens to be.
"Approximately," he adds. "With Repliforce being removed from
the United Nations, the importance of public opinion towards us has reached an
all-time high." The pair are now striding down the ramp to the mirror
desert. "If we cannot prove we are capable of building instead of merely
destroying, then other states may not welcome our aid."
The hyenards all pull out those three folded mirrors and
begin to sun themselves as the bay doors open.
Shining Firefly grins as they are about to disembark, both
for the fact that he is about to be outside again for the first time in quite
awhile, and also because of this balance that they are recognising...
"Yes, that would be a wise idea. Unless my memory is mistaken, which in
all honesty, it could be, I do believe there was an old proverb that went along
the lines, 'There is a time to tear down and a time to build up.' As for where
it comes from, that eludes me but the point is made. However I am troubled
about one thing. Was the Repliforce removed from the U.N. as you say or did it
leave? And if it was removed, what was the reason behind it?"
Mirror Desert (Western Sahara)
What once was
the magnificent desolation of windblown sand has now become a near blinding
expanse of solar panels and monitoring equipment, occasionally sparsely broken
up by substations, roads, natural caves, rock formations, and occasional ruins
of older structures from the bygone ages when traders plied these sands atop
camels and wagons. The largest generating plant ever built, all for the glory
of Dr. Albert W. Wily. The heat is incredible, and the sight is breathtaking. But
if you don't have a good reason to be here, you might be best leaving.
Repliforce Mobile Fortress V <F5> [RF] Sphere Outpost
<Beta> [RM]
Submerge <D> leads to Underneath Central Atlantic.
West <W> leads to Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Northwest <NW> leads to Atlas Mountains.
North <N> leads to Barbary Coast.
East <E> leads to Eastern Sahara.
South <S> leads to Ivory Coast.
Up <U> leads to Sky Above Sahara.
Shining Firefly has arrived.
I think it came from Spock. Wise words from the Vulcan, as
always. Storm Owl continues to recap for Shining Firefly. If there's anything
that the war bird is good at, it's stating the blindingly obvious. So he's
right there at the top of the class when it comes to educating folks on what's
going on. He continues onward in his droning monotone even as the pair touch
down on the sandy desert. "Secretary General Houseman declared Repliforce
as outlaws and broke our charter approximately when the Fortress III was
destroyed and begun constructing the Fortress IV. He did so because he believed
humans should defend humanity, and that Repliforce - or Reploids overall - had
no business acting on their behalf. Thus, he began assembling a force of humans
with power armour to serve as the United Nations army." Storm Owl peers at
the sheer destruction outside. The solar panels that the FV crushed when it
landed. The ruins of the Beta Sphere. The Robot Master drones laying about in a
broken heap. Storm Owl ends this segment of the recap with these words,
"Houseman is now dead. The Fortress IV is destroyed. The power armour army
was wiped out nearly to a man. And the United Nations is in ruin."
Shining Firefly hovers along side Storm Owl as he recounts
this sad tale. As the emerge from the Fortress V, he takes a moment to take in
the sunshine. It is a wonderful place... if only it weren't for all of the
destruction, but that is war and as another more recent proverb goes, war is
hell. He does not share this particular proverb, but instead replies, "It
is a horrific shame that groups like the Mavericks and the Masters must work so
hard to hurt their own kind in that manner... However, if the U.N. is no longer
funding the Repliforce, who is it that is currently funding our group. I
realize we are looking for more supporters, thus the reason to engage in
humanitarian aid, but we must have some support to do this much."
Storm Owl leads Shining along the path between the ruined
mirrors and broken down robots that somebody carved out, heading towards the
ruins of the Beta Sphere. Nevermind that Storm Owl can fly and Shining is
already hovering. "Indeed," Storm Owl replies in an emotionless
manner. "However both the Mavericks and the Robot Masters have faulty
programming which leads to irrational and illogical ideologies. However to
answer your question, we are currently being funded by several different states
in return for providing defence." Africa, interestingly, is not one of
those states. "We are, to put it bluntly, acting somewhat as mercenaries.
Albeit with better intentions than most. Rather than work through the United
Nations - which in turn had its funding from various countries - we get our
funds directly from them. It is a similar arrangement that Interpol has
reached. As has been pointed out, it would appear that many no longer wish to
be associated with the United Nations after their failures."
Shining Firefly cannot help but think over and over how much
has changed in the past years... The U.N.... what used to be a great sign of
international cooperation is in shambles... the symbolism is almost too much
for Shining Firefly and so he returns to the task at hand. He notes the
shattered glas and broken bodies that fill the landscape. He stops for a
moment, concentrates and a swarm of smaller mechanized firefly drones emerge
from his body. They then proceed to scout out the area as best as they can.
That being done, Shining starts moving again and says to Storm Owl, "It
sounds like we are in a precarious situation now my friend. We must be careful
in our actions, but from the sound of it, everything is being handled as best
as it could be."
Storm Owl watches as the swarm of fireflies appear from the
mysterious scientist's form and zip off with mute amazement. Finally the pair
reach the site of where the Beta Sphere used to rest. It's all rubble now from
when Quick Man set off the auto-destruct sequence once the battle had fully
tilted towards Repliforce. Really, there's not a whole lot to see here anymore
as far as Storm Owl can detect, but at least it gives a good idea of how things
were originally laid out. The location is on a slight rise, and the view of the
otherwise flat array of solar panels (broken nearby, but in pristine condition
the further out you go) in every direction as far as the eye can see is
somewhat daunting. "Quite true, Lieutenant. However there is always room
for improvement." Storm Owl rarely accepts /anything/ as being good
enough. And with the Fortress V sitting on the ground with her starboard engine
blown clear off, it's easy to see why in this case. "I recall an estimate
of several weeks before power could begin being restored. However this was with
limited information. Do you believe you will be able to reconstruct a central
power station to operate the solar panels and repair whatever damage has been
done to the grid?" he asks.
Shining Firefly peers off into the distance. Fortunately,
most of the solar panels are intact, it is just the nearby ones and a few
scattered locations that have problems. With this in mind, as well as the data
coming in from the drones, Shining Firefly makes several quick assessments and
says, "I do believe that the reconstruction would be a relatively simple
procedure. All that is needed really is a structure to house a computer capable
of routing the energy to the proper sources as it is needed, as well as sorting
out the various relays and conduits that are left from the previous
establishment." He makes it sound so simple and easy doesn't he? He then
runs a few more calculations and looks at Storm Owl and says, "As for an
estimated time of completion... provided there are no interruptions, it should
be constructed within 2.5 weeks."
And now it's Storm Owl's turn to be lost in the
conversation. Much of the technobabble goes over his head. As mentioned, he's a
tactician, not a scientist. The war bird nods anyway, however. "Excellent.
I cannot guarantee that there will be no interuptions, however. It is entirely
possible that the Robot Masters may assault our position. Although the ship is
fully capable of defending herself, even in its current situation, I do not
know if I can say the same for any structures being built. Regardless, the
estimated time to completion is acceptable. What equipment, supplies, and
manpower will you require?" he asks. This is a big one, as MSE is already
stretched mighty thin.
Shining Firefly's mind quickly runs through many designs
possibilities before finally picking the best one in terms of supply usage,
power usage, and structural integrity. After a few moments of thinking, he
replies, "I do believe that 45 square meters of sheet metal should suffice
for a temporary housing for the computer until a better one can be constructed.
As for the computer, I think that three standard mother boards, a 1 meter by 1
meter by 1 meter steel box, with walls about 1 centemeter thick should be
enough to house the computer, while the interfaces can be built into it. As for
the relays, I would estimate a need of 100 meters of durable, heat resistant
cable about a meter in diamter and 6,000 liters of concrete. Right now, that is
the most accurate and basic break down of the supplies that will be necessary.
Anything else I think I can either manufacture or I will request later. Rest
assured it will be simple things like that datascreens, switches, small wires,
etc." He then pauses as he contemplates the labor aspect of this task,
"Any assistance that Repliforce can offer will be appreciated, and with
permission I do believe that the local communities would like to help with the
rebuilding of their power supply."
Storm Owl's cold, hard gaze remains on Shining as he thinks
about the answer. The beady look means it's tough to decipher whether or not
the brilliant strategic mind got all of that technical information. Buuuut I
can say that the answer is no, he did not. Mother boards, sure. 45 square metres,
no problem. Heat resistant cable, sure. The Fortress V Commander finally nods
once it's all over. "I can perhaps spare a small engineering crew to
assist you. Perhaps Commander Prismatic would be able to spare additional MSE
personnel. I approve of allowing the locals to assist with the reconstruction
so long as you are there to supervise their work, and that they are kept away
from the Fortress V." Storm Owl's cautious about security.
"Concerning the required supplies, I leave that up to you and MSE."
Storm Owl hasn't a clue if they have any of that stuff. But they can probably
get it, of course.
Shining Firefly bows slightly in a kindly old manner and
says, "I do believe that I will make a note of it shortly and see if there
is anything that Prismatic Spider will be willing to offer to assist this
effort. I would like to thank you for your assistance and helping to make my
transition back to earth... easier than I expected."
Storm Owl nods and, in a very rare show of compassion, says,
"I understand what you're going through, Shining. Only several months ago
I returned myself to the front lines. The transition from serving from behind a
desk to full fledged combat status..." Throughout this entire conversation
that started up on the upper levels of the Fortress V, Storm Owl had been
slowly looking less and less tired. But now it all comes back to him, and he
looks weary again, "...has been a very trying one. But you will
adapt."
Shining Firefly listens and notes the visible change in
Storm Owl, and thus is a bit concerned. "I cannot imagine what that sort
of stress must have been like for you, but I do believe that some rest will do
you some good, if you could manage to find time in your schedule to fit it in.
It does wonders for stress and anxiety." He then looks out over the
terrain again and thinks about the work ahead of him.
Storm Owl nods and, with his fatigue having returned to him,
has no choice but to say, "Your logic is sound, Shining. I believe I shall
turn in for recharging. I leave it up to you to report on your new task of
rebuilding a structure to control the mirror desert and harness the
electricity." There's a slight pause before Storm Owl adds, "It is
good to have you back, Shining Firefly." Unless Shining has any closing
remarks, Storm Owl begins trudging back towards the Fortress V.
Shining Firefly watches as the tired Storm Owl leaves and
then prepares his supply request.
================================= Repliforce
=================================
Message: 14/34 Posted Author
Supplies for Mirror Desert Fri Nov 19
Shining Firefly
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*A text message from Shining Firefly*
"Greetings fellow members of the Repliforce, I would
like to formally announce my return from my recent research expedition in
space. It was a successful trip but I am glad to be back on this planet. It was
not long after I arrived at Fortress V that I came in contact with Storm Owl
who sufficiently brought me up to date on the current situation of the
Repliforce. He also requested that I look into the reconstrution of the power
station for the Mirror Desert. I have done so and would now like to submit a
formal request for permission from Prismatic Spider, as well as a supplies and
assistance request. If I am permitted to undertake this task, the initial
supplies necessary are as follows:
45 sqruare meters of steel, five centemeters thick
3 standard computer mother boards with 100 gigabytes of
memory for each of them.
1 steel box with the dimensions 1 meter by 1 meter by 1
meter with a thickness of 1 centemeter
100 meters of durable, heat resistant cable, 1 diameter
6,000 liters of concrete.
Prismatic Spider, if you have questions concerning the
purpose of these supplies feel free to ask me. Any extra assistance in the
construction would be appreciated, and small supply requests may come in the
future. Thank you and it is good to be back."
==============================================================================