Akhain GazhornAkhain struggled to get up. He quickly ran a check over his body as he hissed in pain, his head spinning. He felt like he wanted to vomit, shudder and collapse, or roll around and scream in pain. Or both. But he didn't. +I... have various cuts in my legs, and my entire body feels like it's bruised. I have... three? broken ribs, or maybe more, I feel so impossibly painful it isn't funny... but I'm alive. Thanks for the save, but I think he got away... I need to finish the mission. Any chance of a quick patch up before I go hunting? I don't want to take any chances when I'm this injured.+ Akhain continued to struggle up, bracing himself as he pushed himself up to his feet, a small cry of pain pushing past his lips. He cast his eyes about for weapons, as he was disarmed.
Get up, possibly get first aid, and try to go after Father Kosh. Find weapons first, though.
[5] -
+I'd have to come back down for a proper fix-up, but hang on.+ Jinan says. After a few moments, Akhain feels a slight jolt go through his brain. There's a thump and a hiss from the back of his skull, and a shiver goes down his spine.
+Stimulants.+ Jinan explains.
+If you insist on still running around, you should have a clear head for it.+Akhain blinks hard, looking around. The world seems... slower, somehow. The pain begins to dull away, and he wonders for a moment how much these implants are actually capable of - and shivers at the realization his employers can pump strange chemicals into his body without his consent.'
[4] Akhain moves around, his steps gaining confidence with every passing moment. Thankfully, it seems these stimms do work with his biology, unlike the surgical bot from earlier. [5] He crouches to get behind a wrecked stone pillar and the poor guard under it. He pulls the Inferno SMG off his mangled body, checking the clip - almost full, fortunately. The bounty hunter looks around the broken chamber for any more useful weapons. Grievously wounded guards and priests stagger around in shock and pain or scream for help from beneath the debris. Akhain moves past him, picking up a Thermal Blade from a dying man's belt. He doesn't object.
[6] He makes his way to the hidden door Kosh fled through, trying the edge with his hand. Even though he's looking at it right now, it's hard to believe the door isn't just a part of the wall. The transition is seamless. Akhain pushes the door open, revealing a cramped metal corridor. Emergency lights blink in and out, throwing a pale blue glow over the path. It looks nothing like the rest of the cathedral, harsh and industrial.
The bounty hunter follows the corridor through, which proves much longer than he'd thought. He emerges to a rough path hacked into the mountainside, overlooking the rest of the cathedral and the opening into the area. Akhain can see the layers and layers of defenses positioned on the other side of the cathedral, out in the sunlight. The generator on top of the ziggurat lights up the path around him, helped along by the ray of light coming through the hole in the mountain.
Akhain gazes up the path, seeing a humanoid form move up the path at a surprisingly brisk rate. Father Kosh must be in a better shape than he thought. The path seems to disappear inside the mountain wall close to where Father Kosh is. It's impossible to tell what lays beyond.
[1] Gazhorn gets a few steps up the path before a section breaks beneath him. He can't regain his footing in time and crashes jaw-first into the ground. [2] He's unharmed, but there's no chance in hell Kosh didn't notice that. When he looks up, the cult leader is running up the remaining path, [2] though not too fast - the path is narrow, and the wooden railings don't look too sturdy.
Akhain considers his options. He could try to take a shot from all the way back here, or try to close the distance before engaging in combat. He might also be able to take the man alive. The original Republic offer wanted him that way, and they'd probably pay less for just a body.
EnemiesFar up the path, Long RangeTuramman KoshHP: 60/60
Equipment: Golgo Mechanical Blade
Known Perks: Master Swordsman,
Pheromone Implants,
'Juggernaut' Athletic GraftFaction: Akhain GazhornHP: 15/75
Equipment: NTT Inferno
(24/26), Thermal Blade (8/8)
Funds: 500¤
Known Perks: MultiVision Ocular Modification,
Combat DrugsFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: Father Kosh (Old Regime)
Well, this won't be too hard. All I need is an invite- I get in, get beyond the party, get the data, and get out. No problem, right?
See if I can find someone who can make me an invitation. Failing that, see if I can find someone who is willing to part with one.
[4] - Systar checks the numbers listed on the datacube - a few ex-revolutionary identity thieves and a ganger who deals with this kind of thing. They seem alright, if somewhat inexperienced.
Their fees are modest, and it's unlikely he'll get into a situation where his cover is badly enough scrutinized anyhow. It's 500-2000¤, depending on the guy.
Systar knows someone much better, though - Calamien el-Malan Dal'Vantahin, the infamous gene-forger and information broker. She's not cheap, and FTL Comms to a high-ranking member of the Vantahin isn't cheap, but she could make him a pass claiming he was Boka himself, and the crime boss would buy it.
She could probably give his new ID full security access to the manor as well, which would come useful. She usually charges atleast 10 000¤, plus the cost of FTL Comms, but they're old acquitances. Maybe he could get a discount or something.
Of course, there's always the choice of just stealing one, though the fastest way would just be hiring one of the Republican contacts.
SystarHP: 75/75
Equipment: Thermal Blade
(4/8), Aurora Revolver
(6/6), Gravity Trap (2/2), Zuche 3 Cloaking Device (3/6)
Funds: 28,800¤
Known Perks: AugeanTech LightningBolt PackFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: Boka yl Vsiri (Crime Syndicate)
One of his hands to his jaw, Gao shrugged back at Ratrik. It was taking a lot of self-control to keep silent, although that was helped quite a bit by the fact he did not want to be cut down by a HMG right now. He manged to whisper, "can you see a way around that damn thing?" Maybe they could avoid it, or get a superior position somehow. Or lay a trap for it. In any case, Gao was pretty sure Ratrik had a mine they could use. Just set it down, lure the beast into it... hopefully kill it, or if not, injure and stun it enough they could finish it off quickly.
[4] - 'Can you see any way past that?' Akhain whispers to his comrade, who shrugs. The maddened construct around the corner doesn't seem to hear them. The continous thud-thud-thud of the heavy weapon grafted into its hand doesn't show any signs of wavering. It doesn't seem to have a clear target, its arms moving with random jerks as if pulled by some unseen force. Some of the shots come dangerously close to Akhain, peering around the corner.
The bounty hunters are at a T-shaped junction of the corridor, the gene-engineered beast in the bottom corridor. Running to the other side would most likely alert it to their presence. Along the corridor on both sides of the creature are doors, but there's no way to get to them. A door would separate them from the beast, but it's open, and the controls are on the inside - which strikes the bounty hunters as incredibly stupid.
[1] 'I dunno. Maybe we should just shoot it.' Ratrik says. Gaosaron suggests using the mine instead.
[4] 'Alright. I think we ought to wait until it has to reload. If it works like a normal Golgo would.' he says to Gao's suggestion, taking the mine off his belt. The construct continues its wild fire, [2] but is interrupted by a pack of aliens from further down the corridor. They look haphazardly armoured, with makeshift wall plating and similar improvised defenses tied around their bodies. Instantly, it snaps to action, HMG spinning around to target the aliens. Then it stops, head shaking wildly. [6+1-1=6] The Golgo opens up anyhow, [Dodge:2] destructive fire shattering the aliens' makeshift protections and tearing through the vulnerable flesh beneath. [Damage:40] One goes down immediately, the rest reflexively hit the ground to avoid the hail of bullets.
[Combat Rolls: Five Passed, One Failure] They bounce right back, showing no fear at their very possible deaths. [Dodge:6-1=5] The creature acts surprisingly quickly, slamming to the side with the HMG to send its first opponent crashing against the wall, [2+1-1=2] and halts, seeming confused. [Dodge:2-1=1] The next one executes an impressive leap, planting a bent scalpel between the construct's eyes. [Damage:9+3=12] It lets out a hiss of pain, shaking the small alien off it and staggers back towards the bounty hunters' end of the corridor.
[2+1-1=2] By the time its regained its senses, a third attacker charges forwards with a whirring surgical laser, [Dodge:2-1=1] performing an upwards slash across its torso. The cloud of superheated blood envelopes them both, [5+1-1=5] but the construct doesn't seem at all bothered by it. [Dodge:1] The alien is sent flying by its kick, the sound of bones cracking quite audible to the others. The light little thing goes far, landing with a crash further in the corridor. [Damage:3+23+14=40] It's dead even before it hits the ground.
[Dodge:4-1=3][Dodge:6-1=5] The next two attack in unison, but the construct spins away from the other before it can hit. The other scores a glancing blow on its leg. [Damage:4-3=1] The weak strike barely leaves a mark. [1+1-1=1][3+1-1=3][Dodge:1] It strikes back at the second, slamming the Golgo down with such force [Damage:4+27+14=45] the alien's skull shatters instantly. Fragments of bone and brain tissue pour down all over the corridor.
The construct is slowly inching towards the bounty hunters' end of the corridor. It might be best to use the mine now, though it could deal with the aliens for them if they left it alone for long enough.
EnemiesBacking towards the bounty hunters, Close RangeUnknownHP: 107/120
Equipment: Golgo HMG
(3/22)Known Perks: 'Behemoth' Athletic Graft,
Combat Stimulant Package,
Fragmented Mind,
Monstrous PhysiqueFaction: Unknown
Alien with Surgical Laser at 35/35 HP,
charging towards the construct. Utterly Fearless,
SuppressedAlien with Crude Blade at 35/35 HP,
charging towards the construct. Utterly Fearless,
SuppressedAlien with Surgical Scalpel at 35/35 HP,
charging towards the construct. Utterly Fearless,
SuppressedJust ahead of GaoTarur RatrikHP: 66/75
Equipment: Flechette Shotgun
(7/10), RUS9 Incendiary Grenade (2/2), RUS8 HE Mine (1/1), Thermal Blade (7/8)
Known Perks: AugeanTech FlexiSpeed Aid,
NovaCore Analytic-Reactive Augmentation,
FocusedFaction: Bounty Hunter
---
Gaosaron el-Anaula Ra'VantahinHP: 37/75
Equipment: Widowmaker Shotgun
(5/7), Golgo Mechanical Blade, NTT Inferno
(26/26), RUS2 Accelerator Carbine
(13/14), Guard Security Pass, Low-Level Security Pass
Funds: 25,450¤
Known Perks: NovaCore Electronic ModificationFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: None
He *claks* the bullets back in his revolver, and lays her 400 credits on the table beside her weapons, and motions for her to take them.
"You know, I do some wetwork now and again, maybe I could use some back up now and again. I could do worse than you. Maybe you get tired of stabbing ganger trash and working for scraps, you might want to take a real job?"
Whatever she does, 971 will check his computer to see if the datalinks are working if he can...need a new job.
[6] - A flicker of surprise goes through Two Silver's face at 971's proposal, quickly turning into a smile. 'I thought you'd never ask.' she says, scooping up the 400¤. 'Gimme a call anytime, and I'll be there.'
Then she's out of the door, gathering ugly stares from neighbours and passerbyes. 971 watches her go for a while and then heads over to the computer. [4] He brings up his inbox, looking through the job offers. As always, there is work to be found for the hero of the revolution.
Number one has been forwarded to 971 from his friends in the government.
An outer city police chief has requested help locating a serial killer on the loose on the outskirts. Tracking drones sent after him don't return or are otherwise stunned, and he continues to evade search patrols, sometimes committing his murders right beneath their gaze. Payment would have to be negotiated personally with the chief.
The second is from
a simple store owner, who's received threats from some gang and wants someone to wipe them out, or atleast convince them to stop disrupting his business. He's willing to pay 8000¤ if they're all dealt with, and 2000¤ if they stop bothering him. From his description, this seems like your standard street gang. Arresting or killing the leader should suffice.
The third is somewhat amusing - a
Republican Guard recruiter wants 971 to go through a combat simulation, for a few vids and images for the new PR campaign. Showing the hero of the revolution in action and all that. His department is offering 5000¤.
The fourth and last one is old, from a distressed museum curator. Apparently in the chaos following the coup, some Old Regime commander looted his museum and loaded everything on trucks. They headed for the mountains, and he believes they're still there. He's willing to pay 15 000¤ for their retrieval.
Subject 971HP: 75/75
Equipment: Flare Gun (3/4), RUS8 HE Mine (1/2), Widowmaker Shotgun
(4/7), Thermal Blade (5/8), Aurora Revolver w/ Analytic-Reactive Targeting System
(5/6)Funds: 6250¤
Known Perks: AugeanTech FlexiSpeed AidFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: None
Scuttle towards the construction site and find yourelf a nice perch
[3] - The construction yard isn't empty, some workers still scurrying from place to place, but Barauc finds himself a relatively safe platform anyhow. He leans back, allowing his Visor to zoom at the freighters in the warehouse yard.
[2] The angle is pretty bad, and he can't make out what they're doing. The freighters seem to be opening up, but he doesn't need to see them to guess that. He can't say what's inside without changing positions, and this is the only one protected from the workers' prying eyes. [6] Fortunately, their shift appears to be ending. He could climb up the supports to get a better view of the area.
Barauc Na'ShalHP: 75/75
Equipment: Zuche 4 Railgun
(1/1), Zuche 3 Cloaking Device (6/6), Aurora Revolver
(6/6), RUS2 Accelerator Carbine
(14/14)Funds: 6000¤
Known Perks: Focus Improvement PackageFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: Baseba yl Eos (New Regime Police)
Well, what the hell. You only live once. She handed over the entry fee and walked into the club, keeping a sharp eye out for anything that might pose a threat to her. Once inside she searched for her contact, trusting that he would be relatively easy to pick out in the club filled with party-goers. Spotting him she approached him and asked for the details of the job.
[6] - Loria walks up to the bouncer. The big man looks her up and down with disdain, but says nothing. He takes the offered money and hands her a shiny black pass. Strange shapes, like wisps of smoke, dance across the top, presumably generated by some machinery inside it.
[1] Loria walks in to a large, open space serving as the main section of the club. She's immediately assaulted by an array of wildly-flashing lights and a chaotic mix of sounds she doubts sounds good to any species. The club is large, and there seem to be hundreds of people there, of all races and species. Loria's Visor reports a variety of sophisticated implants and gene-fixes in a majority of these people, suggesting a high amount of wealth. She's suprised the entrance fee wasn't even higher. Loria's implant pulls up a scan, but it's not nearly advanced enough to, say, spot anyone acting unlike most of these people.
She wanders into the crowd, soon losing sight of the door. Dancing and moving bodies crash into her. Faint traces of various drugs hang in the air, and after a while, her thoughts begin to blur. She tries to get away but hits just another batch of rich idiots. There's an abrupt movement behind her and something bumps into her. Loria staggers and trips, crashing onto the floor. Everybody turns to her, and Loria blushes, hurrying to get up and away. She makes her way to the nearest with a snail's pace, slumping against it when she gets there. She closes her eyes and breathes deeply. She's never going to find the PI like this.
[3] She raises her head, and sees someone staring at her from the upper level. It's hard to tell, but it might be the PI. There's some resemblance to the picture she got. Before she can do anything, the man breaks off his stare and disappears somewhere else.
LoriaHP: 75/75
Equipment: RUS2 Accelerator Carbine
(14/14), Zuche 13 Gravity Trap (2/2), Flare Gun
(1/1), First Aid Kit (7/7)
Funds: 4300¤
Known Perks: Navigator Uplink PackageFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: None
Kaviv will check his inbox for jobs. Then he will put himself in an optimistic mindset and go check what's actually in the box of weapons.
[4] - Jobs, jobs, jobs. Kaviv opens his inbox and looks through the list.
The first is from
an upriver store owner, who's received threats from some gang and wants someone to wipe them out, or atleast convince them to stop disrupting his business. He's willing to pay 8000¤ if they're all dealt with, and 2000¤ if they stop bothering him. It doesn't say whether he wants them dead or just arrested, but Kaviv has never done either one before.
Kaviv is pretty sure the second's sender is
some infamous criminal. He's offering 10 000¤ for the death of an associate of his. He doesn't want to be linked to the death, so the bounty hunter's supposed to be discreet. Reading between the lines, this 'associate' seems to be a ganger boss, with all the risks that entails.
The third is also from what is obviously
a front for a crime organization. They're offering 10 000¤ for tracking down and killing what seems to be one of their rivals. This 'Three-Cogs' apparently has an army of gangers with him and is holed up somewhere in the Industrial district.
Kaviv OtoliHP: 75/75
Equipment:Funds: 5000¤
Known
Perks: Navigator Uplink PackageFaction: Bounty Hunter
Target: None
---
Yoink, Inexperienced Revolutionary starting gear can be found
here, while their stats are in the second post, which I should really update.
Author
Topic: Nowhere To Run - A Futuristic Bounty Hunter RTD - Turn 51 (Read 88585 times)