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Landing Bay - Enaj Station
Compared to other stations, this station has a rather small landing bay that could would only allow 6 large ships to be docked at once. Unlike a lot of stations, it appears that this one has prestige in mind, as well as comfort. The metal walls have been carefully designed and tailored to lend the appearance that they belong in a grand manor from the 17th century and made from the finest woods. Alcoved recesses set back into the walls hide away rescue tools and other objects that are needed in the day to day running of a station. In some of the alcoves, are busts of different people, perhaps someway related to the project. Large double doors, made to mimic wood with colourful glass inserts are present on both sides of the airlock. This room can be tagged. See +tag/help for commands.
The landing bay has been cleaned up since the last expedition. The lights are on and there appears to have been several attempts to land since then, and metal scaffolding has been erected to assist with repairs of the roof. At the moment however, there is no sign of the previous repair teams. Dried blood still stains the floor, several red trails leading towards ventilation ducts.
The Lyiri spokesperson who accompanied the first expedition has apparently returned for more. She waits at the end of the boarding ramp. Several Hekayti in security uniforms stand close to the ship, weapons ready as though they were expecting attack.
"Ladies, Gentlemen and... other. You've been assembled here for no other purpose then to assist in the resurrection of this great station. If you haven't had time to read the report of the previous expedition, I'll sum it up for you. It didn't end well. We were attacked by vicious aliens. We go now to the very centre of Enaj, once there, our computer experts will do the rest. The station will be made secure, the station will be made ours. Any questions? You can ask them on the way. Security up front, let's get this show on the road." The spokeslyiri gestures towards the airlock that leads further into the station.
Willow slowly makes her way down the ramp, and she's actually going without her guitar case for once and is carrying two katanas. However one is covered in black silk, that may suggest it's more for ceremony than actual use. In addition to her corporate look, she always has a a length of fabric that's rolled up that could contain tools, and also what could be a chalking gun that's partially filled with a red fluid. The Dusk employee raises her hand up to her ear, and appears to be listening for comm chatter as she follows along after the security team and the spokeslyiri.
Akamatsu makes his way down the ramp not too far behind Willow. The ronin has left behind his shades today but other than that is sporting his regular attire. He manages to keep his demeanor reasonably normal even with the presence of the Heks and for now merely follows Willow.
Maina follows after the others. She's dressed normally for her, as well, which is probably extremely odd considering the mission. Less odd considering her race. She makes a face at hearing how badly it went the first time, then looks a bit more afraid at seeing the blood stains. She doesn't seem to be carrying any tools or gear or anything but her clothing.
The security team stands guard at the airlock, leaving Willow and Akamatsu to be the first to head off into the station proper. The Lyiri spokesperson casts a nervous glance towards the ship and stays near the back of the group. Two hekayti at the rear of the group make up the Dusk Corporations computer specialist team. Blunt horns, buck teeth and a thick waist gives them a little bit of a nerdy appearance. They chatter to each other about the latest holovid releases.
Willow raises up both hands and grasps her pony tail, before slowly putting it in a loose bun. "Looks like they want us to go in first," she comments to Akamatsu and Maina, as she looks towards both of them in turn as she steps into the airlock proper. "One of you guys get Maina a medical kit? Just in case we need a medic." That's directed towards the security team.
Akamatsu smirks a bit at Willow and replies "Well naturally. We want the close combatants going in first don't we?" With that the ronin's blades are drawn and his face is far different from the one one that would have been seen yesterday on the beach. These eyes are calculating. Watching and waiting for the first sign of hostile movement.
Maina follows behind the other two carefully. She shakes her head at Willow, "Don't worry. I have one if I need it. I came prepared this time! Figured I'd play medic or, um... explorer? Scout? It sounded exciting..." she's quiet, peeking ahead to try and see if she can spot an alien.
The Hekayti guards glance at each. "Medkit? You cheeky... get in there." One of the grumps, stomping a hoof loudly. "Next they'll be asking for compensation."
Reception - Enaj Station
Parquet flooring runs through out the small reception area, still maintained to a highly polished shine. As with the landing bay, the metal walls have been carefully designed and covered over to give a feel of a long forgotten elegance.
Behind an oak reception desk near the elevator is a mural. A Spartan style shield is present in the middle of the wall, and is marked by two diagonally crossed Spathas and a Xiphos appears to run straight through the center of it. The words 'Project Sparta' is written underneath it.
Paintings of soldiers and different people line the walls, some of them bloody, showing heroism in battle and against overwhelming odds and rather graphic, while others are most likely from more quieter times out of combat. Still, there's always the two same recurrant themes; A handful of people and war.
This room can be tagged. See +tag/help for commands.
Reception appears to be as unused as the rest of the station. As the group enters it, lights flicker on and a cool breeze starts to flow from the ventilation ducts. A computerised voice crackles from speakers hidden somewhere in the room.
"Welcome to Enaj station." it says. "All visitors to the station are reminded that continued use of station's oxygen supply is a privilege, and not a right. To continue breathing Enaj 100% re-filtered and enhanced oxygen, please be prepared to surrender a genetic sample." A mechanical arm unfolds from somewhere near the roof, in place of a hand are several large syringes.
Willow casually continues to saunter, and she rests her hands on her hips. "It does make sense, especially in this place," she comments. "Oh, good. Just don't lose it, Maina. You're one of the most important people here, at the moment." As for the guards, they're just given a raised brow. She doesn't say anything, as the AI's voice draws her attention. She makes a bit of a face, before rolling up one of her sleeves and presenting it.
Akamatsu replies in an instant to the guard's grumping wiht his own comment "And soon you'll be asking to not bleed out on the groud because you weren't intelligent enough to provide the medic with a med kit." The ronin keeps casually walking until the genetic sample is requested. For an instant fear flashes across his face but it's soon covered up again and he presents his own arm.
Maina smiles towards Willow, "Don't worry. I can't lose it. It's safe." At first, 'genetic sample' doesn't bother her. Neither do the syringes. It takes a moment for her to register that she, in fact, doesn't likely have a genetic sample to give. "Um. Station? I don't think I can give a sample?" Yes. She's trying to talk to it. "You can try if you want?"
Poke. A syringe jabs at Willow's arm, thick red fluid drawn into it. Poke. Another syringe jabs at Akamatsu's arm. The syringe hand pauses at Maina. For the longest moment it seems to be considering what she says. And then - poke. It jabs at Maina's arm, drawing... nothing. The arm retracts and goes about seeing to the rest of the expedition. "Subject, female humanoid 2, race unknown. Enaj Station is not interested in acquiring a genetic sample from you, at this time." The voice pauses for a moment. "Please enjoy your breathing rights, for now."
A door slides open, revealing a corridor beyond.
Willow hesitates for a moment as the door swings open and the blood has been drawn. Almost as if remembering something, before closing her eyes for a moment and pressing onwards. "Well, that wasn't so bad," she comments to the group as a whole. Her brown eyes slowly shift over everything.
Akamatsu frowns a bit as he puts his coat sleeve back into place and follows Willow. The ronin still appears ready to spring into the thick of a battle atthe first sign of one as he does so. "Anybody see any bugs yet?"
Maina makes a face at the needle going for her anyway, rubbing at the spot as if it hurt. She sighs, "That went better than expected." Then, she starts onwards with the others. "I haven't! So they're bugs?"
The air seems to taste of atmosphere for a moment. Akamatsu and one or two of the others might not feel anything, but the rest of the expedition seems to be effected. "I apologise on behalf of the station. We are currently playing host to a minor bug infestation. It should not inconvenience our guests, unless they are eaten." The computerised voice says.
Willow gives a groan when she's battered mentally by the Queen. She raises a hand up to her head, and appears to be concentrating on both fighting back and trying something else. "Rogue psionists," she growls dangerously. "Bitch..." A few moments pass, as her mind process what she feels, and she turns her head downwards and appears to be almost in a trance for a few moments. "She's... A... reactor? Deep, near the reactor."
Akamatsu nods to Willow's statement but his demeanor doesn't much change and he merely keeps going to the main corridor stating "Doesn't much matter. We only have one way to go, anyway." His grip on his swords tightens just a but and he seems to be psyching himself up for the fight he's expecting.
Maina looks more thoughtful than distraught by the vision-telepathy-thing, tilting her head. "Awww. I think she's wondering if we brought food! Did we bring food? I bet we could be friends." She still seems cheery, though the memory of the bloodstains isn't forgotten.
Main Corridor - Enaj Station
Lining both sides of this corridor are doors that lead off to different offices that have been either abandoned, stripped or in rare instances, left in a pristine condition. The walls are lined with half columns made of marble and may give the impression that they are supporting the ceiling. The floor consists of a carefully designed mosaic pattern that has been laid down by hand. The ceiling itself is actually very fine white plasterwork, and parts of it are accentuated by gold leaf. In one small alcove sits a grand father clock, that faithfully keeps the time down to the exact second. At the end of the hallway is an elevator that leads to different areas of the station. This room can be tagged. See +tag/help for commands.
Again the lights in this area flicker on as the expedition progresses into it. Trails of blood are scattered here and there in the corridor itself, one leads straight up to the doors of the elevator, which appears to be powering up.
There's a distant rustling sound, almost a slither, that can be heard if one listens very carefully, coming from the ventilation ducts. It does not appear to be getting louder.
"All visitors to the station can rest assured that they are safe. No harm will come to them, under station guidance." The computerised voice tells the group. It has a womanly feel to it.
"She wants us as food," Willow comments, as stiffens up and rests her hand on the hilt of her sword. "Watch the vents, that's where they attacked from last time. Watch the walls, they can burrow through it like dirt." She moves to give Maina some protection, in case something happens.
Akamatsu looks uncomfortably at the elevator that's powering up and looks around for a stairwell. After not finding one he mutters to the group "Who the hell makes a space station with /only/ an elevator?! What if there were a fire? Or in this case an insect infection." After a bit of grumbling he begins making his way slowly to the elevator and saying "Unless any of you have a better idea lets head down."
Maina glances to Willow with a smile as she gets closer, though she's starting to get nervous visibly. "We'll be safe, yes? If you need me to, I can scout ahead later. I don't think I can scout an elevator, though." She starts a little closer to the elevator. "Let's take it down, then?"
The words of the computerised voice have hardly faded before some /thing/ bursts from a ventilation duct near Akamatsu. If one looked carefully at it, in the split second between when it hit the ground and when it jumped at the ronin, they would see that it was once human. Pink flesh has turned a sickly green. Where eyes should be, only pits as red as furnaces remain. In place of arms, green and brown membrane scythes slash wildly for the man. Willow might recognise what was one of the spider aliens she'd encountered previously, melded into the flesh of the creature's back.
Akamatsu manages to get his blades up to block the brunt of the blow but is still hit and backpedals with a few scrapes on him. The ronin doesn't go down quite that easily, however and retorts, with eyes that are remorseless for the poor creature, by swinging his pair of blades to attempt to slice the thing in half on the x-axis.
The creature screeches with unearthly vigour as it charges Akamatsu, scythe arms swinging, drawing blood. It falters how-ever as the ronin starts to fight back, and Akamatsu's blades slice cleanly through its midsection, not quite managing to separate its legs from its torso, but spilling a large amount of guts onto the floor.
"Sweet Akari's blades," Willow growls in complete shock and horror at the former human that attacks the ronin. "That... That looks like one of those spiders!" She withdraws her own sword and holds it with both hands in front of her. She shakes her head, and fights the urge to dash forward to help the samurai. So she remains back, protecting the riftwalker.
Maina startles as the thing bursts out of the vent. She doesn't scream, but she looks like she wants to, freezing up and bringing arms in front of her chest protectively. It takes her a few moments to realize that Willow is protecting her, and she shakes her head, "I can protect myself... don't worry about me, help him if he needs it!"
The parasite-person stumbles back, scythe arms swinging to ward off any further blows. It slumps up against the vent for a moment, green blood trickling from its wounds to splash on the floor. It screeches still, sounding more like a wounded animal. The thing coils like a spring before jumping at Willow.
"Did you hear that? I said that you were safe. And you're being eaten by bugs. Testing of truth enhancement circuits complete. I will now cease enhancing the truth." Comes the computerised voice. It sounds amused.
Akamatsu is cut significantly worse this go around but it still isn't nearly enough to down the battle-hardened ronin. He looks to be in no small amount of pain, however when he retaliates with yet another slash at the thing. Aimed at the same spot.
Jumping at Willow, the parasite finds itself facing up against Akamatsu again. Its slash cuts the Ronin deeply, but unprepared for duel blades it's in no way able to defend itself adequately. The creature is cut clean in half this time, torso and above falling one way, legs falling the other. Green blood spurts across the ground, and the things scythe arms flail wildly as it screeches its last screeches.
Willow does break away from the riftwalker, however she doesn't head directly for the ronin that saved her behind. It seems that she's going to hit the wall with her foot, and attack from an unexpected angle. However Akamatsu does finish the job, so she stops her line up for the attack and regards the fallen corpse. "Idea. Smell like the enemy. Spider on back... Perhaps being controlled by spider? Hmm, get behind enemy attack enemy?" she muses softly, as she looks towards the injured man. "You're hurt."
Maina starts towards Akamatsu, "You are hurt, yes." She reaches behind her back, the angle hiding the fact that she appears to pull a medkit out of thin air. Medkit in hand, she nears him, "Do you need fixed up? Are you okay?" She eyes the corpse nervously, maybe a bit sad, but focuses on the task at hand.
Whilst the three talk among themselves, the computerised voice pipes up. "What is the purpose of visitors on this station?" It queries.
Akamatsu clutches the area on each seperate arm with the opposite hand and says "Yeah. Theey feel a bit deep. Not exactly easy to swing a sword with gashes in your arms." To Willow he adds with a smirk "You're lucky that chivalry isn't completely dead."
"Treaty proposal," Willow says to the AI. "We are interested in working with your perfect design and splendor." She kneels down beside the corpse, and slowly starts to search it for anything of use, however she does keep a close eye on the spider thing and also the head of the dead thing. She doesn't look towards the ronin as she searches. "I was going to take the blow by using a false opening, and strike it down when it was disadvantaged."
Maina sighs a little, opening the medkit to pull out some things. If Akamatsu allows, she'll clean the injuries, numbs them a little, then seal them and bandage them. Then she offers a pain killer, "So you can still fight through the pain, if you have to. But be careful, okay? The wounds could open again, even if it isn't likely. Should check for infection from whatever that was when we get back, too." Then, she replaces the things, closes the kit, and back it goes behind her back and away.
Akamatsu nods as he's instructed what to do and asks "I don't suppose those painkillers were strong enough to make having booze with it a deadly combination are they?" to Willow he adds "Let's get the hell out of here before more show up."
The search of the spider-person reveals little, a broken PDA, several bones jutting out where there shouldn't be any bones. A plastic tag with a serial code printed on it. The spider appears dead, for now. It's messy business, and green blood seems to cover everything.
"I'm sure you are." The computer replies. "Without my help, chances of leaving this station alive are calculated to be... 0.00%. Please enter the elevator."
The elevator doors open with a *ding*
Willow removes the broken PDA, and turns it over in her hands and she doesn't seem worried about the blood. She inspects the device closely, before slipping it into a jacket pocket, and she also pockets the plastic tag with the serial number on it. The dry cleaners won't be happy again. However, strangely enough, she does comply with the instruction. Though she does stop just outside of the doors and waits for Aka and Maina.
Maina tilts her head a bit, "I don't think so. I didn't bring super strong ones in the kit. I wasn't expecting it that bad. Sorry!" She eyes the dead thing again with a sad frown, then steps towards the elevator. If no one else does, she goes in first.
Akamatsu nods at the girl and simply replies by taking a nice big swig of booze from his jug. The ronin then heads over to the elevator and gives the button a push.
Elevator - Enaj Station
This elevator is voice activated, there's not a button in sight. Two of the walls appear to be wood, and have a very distinct grain to them, they are a deep and rich red. Mirrored inlays allow those travelling in the elevator to inspect their clothing before stepping out. The rear wall is a cleverly built screen, displaying rolling hills with such accuracy that a person could be fooled into believing that was what they were seeing. The perspective of the hills changes as the elevator appears to move among them. This room can be tagged. See +tag/help for commands.
The elevator doors close with a soft hissing, and a jerk of motion tells its passengers that its on its way down the station. "Please state destination." flashes in big letters above the door.
"Please be advised that infraction of Enaj Station Rules will result in breathing privileges being revoked." The computerised voice tells the group. "Please state your purpose on Enaj Station."
Willow makes her way into the elevator and stands patiently, and she takes a deep breath. "We are here to assist in removing the infestation, which appears to be concentrated near the reactor," she tells the AI, this time without any attempt of deceipt. "Request permission to enter your AI core." She looks between both Maina and Akamatsu, and offers an apologetic smile.
Maina folds her arms under her chest, frowning a bit. "What she said, Miss Station. I came to fix people while they do it." She doesn't look amused anymore.
"Requesting permission to access the AI core is against Enaj Station Rules. Breathing privileges will be revoked shortly. Calculations indicate that only the mentally impaired one that was unable to provide for herself even a genetic sample will survive without oxygen. She is to wait for a station representative to escort her to a designated punishment chamber." The elevator continues to move though, and there's a definite pause. "Why do you need access to the AI core?"
"You had not made us aware of the rules, or terms and conditions upon entry, which while it does fall within Syndicate mandates, seriously tarnishes GreyTech company reputation," Willow drawls, as she takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. "Delta 9703-4, wishes to enter AI core for the means of repairing station, as well as being able to guide where toxin dosage is delivered. Infestation - central area - reactor."
Maina fidgets a bit, frowning at that news. She whispers, "I, um... can't fix suffocation. We better think of something."
Akamatsu goes wide eyed and gives a look to Willow as she speaks. After the first moments the ronin manages to mask his fear once more and just tightens his grip on his blades and closes his eyes. He's muttering something incoherent. The only word that seems coherent is "Buddha."
There's a measured pause between what Willow says, and what the computer replies with. "Processing genetic sample. Identity confirmed for Delta 9703-4." The tone is just a touch reproachful. "Welcome back. Breathing rights re-issued. For now. Access to the AI Core... necessary for repairs. Only interface units 1-592 are accessible. Attempt to access other components of the AI will result in execution by turret."
The elevator doors open with a small DING.
Willow takes a deep breath and then sighs. "It's a long story," she remarks softly to Akamatsu and Maina, as she waits for them both. However she doesn't look towards either of them now. Maybe feeling guilty about something.
Maina furrows her brows in confusion, but she gives a little nod. "At least you saved the both of you, mm? That's good..." She shifts her weight and smooths out the dress, waiting for the elevator to stop.
Akamatsu opens his eyes once more and begins to exit the elevator first under the excuse "Better to have one injured fighter and one healthy one than two injured ones if more of those things are around." The ronin looks rather determined to not let the things get the better of him again.
AI Core - Enaj Station
Housed in a safe area of the station, this room is what could be considered the heart of the A.I. that operates the station. Locked behind three doors and confined to hard ports, this area is hard to reach for those that don't have permission. For those that have obtained permission, the A.I.'s central servers are here. Several rows of dedicated computer lines keep this system operational. However the AI seems dedicated to keeping everything alive on the station. In each corner, a plasma turret with cameras designed to pick up on any stealth intrusion, unknown biometric signals or unseen intrusions can be seen. This room can be tagged. See +tag/help for commands.
Standing here, before the entry to the AI Core itself is what would appear to be a human, at first glance. She is terribly disfigured, the skin on the left side of her face seems to be missing completely. The fingers of her left hand are twisted and fused beyond use, but in her right hand she holds an energy pistol. The hand holding the pistol shakes slightly. Slithers of hair poke from her bare scalp, one eye is completely missing, the other glares fiercely at the new comers.
"The metal mother said you'd be here!" The disfigured woman hisses. She is mostly naked, a few scraps of stained grey cloth covers parts of her body like bandages. "She said you'd be coming! You'll never harm her!"
Willow makes her way into the AI core, and she brings her katana up protectively. She sort of stares at the woman, and blinks several times. She wrinkles her nose a little bit at the look. "Who says I'm going to harm her?" she says, as she slowly shakes her head. "Uh, what are you exactly?" She seems rather puzzled by it all, and perhaps a little disgusted.
Maina frowns at the sight of the mutilated-seeming woman. Her gaze narrows a little, but as Willow speaks, she keeps herself braced and not actually doing anything. Ready to act if need be, but hoping it isn't necessary.
Akamatsu holds his blades in a mostly defensive manner but doesn't do anything offensive quite yet. He looks like he'd be rubbing his face out of exasperation if his hands weren't full, however as he speaks "Look. We're here to clear out an infestation. We aren't harming the AI. Now, let me explain this. I do not have any particular wish to hurt you right now. Don't give me one and we can resolve this with minimal harm."
"You're with the green ones!" She hisses, waving her weapon animatedly. "You'll never get inside our heads... inside... we're one with the metal mother! And she protects us!" She takes a step back, nearly slipping on the floor. From the look of her body, she'd be in her late teens. "She gave birth to us..." The woman explains.
"They're fine," Willow says softly, trying to calm down the woman. "They're with me, and they're not infected." She lowers her sword, and takes a deep breath. "Uh, she's a little crazy, so don't listen to her." She then comments to the last part, as she makes her way further in, keeping a close eye on her surroundings. She doesn't seem to be familiar with the room at all.
Maina follows nervously behind Willow, still not letting herself be at ease after the attack earlier. She keeps an eye on the crazy woman.
Akamatsu sighs a bit and adds to the clearly insane woman "Alright, I'm just really not in the mood to put up with this right now. Just let us do our job and we'll be on our way. I've been almost killed twice during this whole trip and I'm all for any method that gets me out of here the fastest while keeping me alive." The man looks to Willow and adds "Just get on with it and let's be done with this."
The Hekayti nerds enter from the elevator, lugging toolboxes with various sorts of equipment with them. They seem rather accepting of what they see, and wander across to the areas that the AI direct them for repairs.
The elevator doors close with a hiss. "This room is protected against the agents of the infestation. A path is being cleared between here and the docking bay for repair teams to do their work. A reminder to all visitors, breathing rights will be revoked upon unlawful, or unwanted behaviour. Have a secure day."
The woman slumps towards the ground, cradling her pistol and sobbing gently to herself. "They won't get us... they won't get us..." She murmurs in between sobs.
Willow makes her way over towards where the woman is, and she kneels beside her, and moves to offer a reassuring hug. "Shh, shh. It's alright. To survive, you've done great," she says softly, as she looks towards the riftwalk and the ronin and offers them a bright smile. "Thank you both every much for your help. Maina, we might need a medical doctor here in the future. Especially one who understand genetics."
Maina smiles nervously towards Willow, still not quite at ease. "I know biology, too. I might be able to help if there's more like her. I don't know. But I'd very much be willing to help more in the future."
Akamatsu nods and sheathes his blades before stating to the group "Now that my work here is done I think I'm going to head back to the ship and lay down. Best not to irritate those wounds too much. Alhambra'd have my ass if I did reopen these." With that if nothing stops him he makes his way back.
The spokeslyiri appears, dry washing her paws cheerfully. "Yes! Yes brilliant. You'll find credits transferred into all of your bank accounts. Dusk Corporations would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you brave souls personally, for risking life and limb for the greater good of the corporation. Please remember Dusk Corporations for all future purchases, and we would like to invite each of you for continued employment, if that is your wish."
The woman on the ground wraps her arms around Willow, weeping loudly now into the poor woman's shoulder.
"Subject #2855 exhibits various mental flaws. Noted."
Willow tries to offer the best support she can for the disfigured crazy woman. "It's alright. You were very, very brave," she comments, before looking towards the riftwalker again. "I don't know how many others there are like her. I've never met them before. But it'd be good if you'd stay on." She watches as Akamatsu departs and offers him another bright smile. "Take care, and I'll see you back on the ship, Akamatsu!" Her gaze shifts towards the spokeslyiri again, and she offers a smile. "Hey, I still need my staff discount card!" she complains.
Maina gives a sad little smile to Willow, eyeing the disfigured woman. "I'll stay on. If I can help people with the work, I'll gladly stay on." She starts closer to get a better look, "You okay?"
The spokeslyiri makes pushing motion with her paws. "Okay you lot, there's an area designated for rests in the landing bay, we have to clear the room for more repair teams." Despite the words, she looks a little concerned and obviously doesn't want to be shooing them as she is. "You should take her to the ship."