[Day 9 - EE] Paint it White

[Byron Mik]

Byron was back in his element, his mind was more focused though there was lingering emotional distraction knowing she was fine and he had a job to do kept him in the now as he made the journey with the squad. It may not have been the most exciting maneuvers but something about working alongside the Republic soldiers felt right… servants of the people doing what they needed to do to maintain the safety of others.

OOC: Full Cortosis Jacket.

[Hatoful GM]

This was the last patrol of the day; any later, and the temperatures would be too low.

There were five soldiers, all in all. Ross, Bess, and Kris from last night were all there; maybe this was the patrol where everyone's name ended in s. Hopefully Byron would be okay. They were all dressed in white and blue cold weather gear, and carried electrobinoculars. In addition to basic comm gear, one carried a more advanced communications array.

Ross waved. "Hey, Byron. Good to see you again. You coming along with us?" It was a large speeder, with extra thermal shielding, enough to hold all of them easily.

[Byron Mik]

"I said I would and I keep my word," he said earnestly making his way into the vehicle.

[Hatoful GM]

Ross nodded. "Good man." He looked around. "Okay, let's head out."

They all piled in; Ross took shotgun, Kris took the driver's position. "Hey, Jedi, you know anything about sensors?"

[Byron Mik]

“I know a lot about many things, what did you need?” he replied with his usual vibrancy.

[Hatoful GM]

"Alright, why don't you sit next to the sensors. See if you can find anything interesting while we're speeding along."

Once everyone was settled, the speeder shot off.

(Computers vs average for sensors)

[Byron Mik]

Byron frowned trying to mess of the weather interference and other atmospheric factors but he did find an anomaly that probably deserved a second pass. Byron said, “I think I am picking up some kind of anomaly on the sensors, can’t make much of it… but it might deserve a second pass and closer look?”

OOC: Advantage use to find something interesting even if he can't tell what it is.

Computers - Average: 4eA+2eD 0 successes, 2 advantage

[Hatoful GM]

"Coming up on the first beacon." Kris said.

The scanners showed some sort of life signs coming from the north-east, but it was hard to tell what sort.

[Byron Mik]

"I got some scattered life signs here, to the north-east," he added.

[Hatoful GM]

"Huh." Ross grunted. "It's probably nothing. Maybe a panther or two." He grunted again. "Should probably give it a closer look, just in case. Kris, take us that way." The speeder changed direction slightly.

Ross looked back. "What do you think, Jedi? Should we check it out?"

[Byron Mik]

“It would be worth getting some eyes on, just to be sure,” he said calmly.

[Hatoful GM]

Ross nodded, turning his attention back towards the front.

The speeder zoomed along, kicking up a trail of frost as it went. A rocky formation began to loom ahead of them.

"Looks like caves. Makes sense." Ross said. He grimaced. "It's getting dark... I don't know. Let's do a drive by, at least. Run those sensors again, see if you can pick anything else up."

[Byron Mik]

Byron responded, "Yeah I am on it... and bloody hell, looks like I got something here. Let me clear up the atmospherics."

OOC: Successful, advantage for something useful or tactically important to the soldiers?

Sensors - Computers - Average: 4eA+2eD 1 success, 2 advantage

[Hatoful GM]

It was definitely a pair of creatures. Large, mammalian, and not moving around much, perhaps not at all. Byron would be able to pinpoint the exact cave if necessary.

"What's the call? Should we check it out?" Ross asked.

[Byron Mik]

"Let's see what is going on, they are not moving much, maybe they are hurt?" he said trying to make sense of the data.

"Either way, I am with you."

[Hatoful GM]

Guided by Byron, Kris was able to guide the speeder right up to the mouth of the cave. The soldiers deployed, Bess taking point, the one with the communications gear in there rear.

"Getting dark." Ross growled. "We'd better be quick about this." He let Byron take whatever place he wanted in the unit before moving in.

[Byron Mik]

Bryron shrugged and took point, or as close to point as allowed, drawing his training saber and ancient sword, just in case of trouble.

[Hatoful GM]

(advantage used for sleeping beasties)

The fact that it was an Ashari panther den became clear a moment before the panther became visible. Or, rather, panthers.

They were behind a pile of rocks, providing them with shelter. There were a few smaller bones scattered about. And, fortunately, they were sleeping.

(average perception or xenology for some extra info)

[Byron Mik]

Byron was glad he took the time to observe the Xenology files picked out by Knight Corvin Zell during the trip because the man knew how to prepare.

OOC: I did it.

Xenology Average: 4eA+2eD 2 successes

[Hatoful GM]

Byron was able to recognize that they were a mated pair, and that the female was pregnant.

The soldiers were silent, and visibly a bit tense.