Fwurg

[Mercury]

The three Padawans jumped off towards Asteroid A, floating gently through space in the general direction of their target, S4 keeping up easily.

The in-space manoeuvres were surprisingly easy though it was especially hard to tell where they were in relation to everything - with distances being quite large and the few visible object's sizes being difficult to estimate, the group had to rely on one another to pinpoint their location. Even then the best they could do was tell how far they were from each other as directions such as up and down lost meaning completely. It was clear this was a very alien environment.

Sooner than they expected they could see the asteroid getting ever closer, seeming to be moving towards them at high speed. As the three padawans adjusted course to be on target, they soon began to realise that despite their skills and boosters managing to put them right on target, they were going a wee bit too fast towards the rock! They would need to slow down before being able to land safely.

((OOC: Please make a check Fitness check to land safely. You may use your Acrobatics skill additionally and any other modifiers you feel may apply))

[T'Sal]

S4 sensors are measuring the movements of T'sal, the others and the asteroids. He notices that the asteroid A is getting closer more quickly and he gives alarm over the communicator.

"Biep, biep, biep! The asteroid A is at 500 meter distance and closing in with about 50 m/s. Everyone start now full break emergency landing procedure!".

T'sal had continued with some acrobatic movements and suddenly looks up when hearing the alarm.
She looks towards the asteroid, rotates in the right directs and breaks with her thrusters. But the asteroid is still getting closer too fast.

“Oohh S4! Give me a hand with landing!”

The droids quickly moves towards her and grasps the handle on her suit and assists her.

((OOC: Force level 5 + Fitness 3 + assist S4 (+1)))

[Darones Rei]

As soon as he had left the airlock of the ship, Darones began testing the maneuverability of his spacesuit, to try and understand the basic mechanics of EVA-flight. He gave short test burst with his boosters to see the effect they had, and how they influenced his flight, speed and relative position.

During this testing, the asteroids they had been tasked to land on, closed in with a much greater speed then he had first anticipated. After hearing the warning of S4 over their COMM, he turned, facing away from the asteroid and fired his boosters in order to slow him down enough for a save landing.

((OOC: Force level 4 + Fitness 4 + Acrobatics 1))

[Shebi Ajava]

S4's warning was voiced with crystal clarity through the suit's integrated comms system, shaking Ajava from her immersion in the vastness of space.

After a quick glance around to make sure her companions were handling themselves she used her boosters to reorient herself with her feet toward the incoming asteroid and, just as her former instructor drilled into her over and over, initiated a controlled burst of pressurized gas from the jets in her boots and gloves.

"I'd better have Nishra fit a range-finder into the helmet", she thought to herself while continuing the burst pattern.

((OOC: Force Level 5 + Fitness 4 + Acrobatics 1 + Circumstance 1; Circumstance: specialized military grade enviro-suit enhanced with manoeuvring and thrust boosters))

[Mercury]

T'Sal nimbly set into a landing on the asteroid. With the aid of S4 grabbing onto the handle of her suit and adding its boosters, it easily ensured a soft landing for its owner.

Daroness meanwhile tumbled onto the asteroid, stumbling a moment and smacking his shoulder into the rock - luckily without gravity he easily bounced back onto his feet. Checking to make sure a moment he was glad to find his space suit was still in perfect order.

Just as the two set down, Shebi landed smoothly next to them, her controlled bursts ensuring a safe landing.

((OOC: The DC in this case was 10 for T'Sal and Darones, who don't have any Zero-G experience and 9 for Shebi Ajava who does. I gave T'Sal a +2 circumstance bonus for S4 helping her and a +2 roleplaying bonus in addition so she made it easily.

In the case of Darones, I did not apply a roleplay bonus as there have been fewer posts (T'Sal has two posts of manoeuvring in zero g, for example) - he missed the DC, but only by 1, so I ruled that though he failed to land smoothly, he isn't hurt or otherwise affected.

I added the +1 circumstance bonus Shebi mentioned due to her specialised equipment and previous training and a +1 roleplay bonus because of previous roleplay in zero-g. I thought a +2 would be overdoing it because she already got a lower DC.))

The asteroid was about a hundred meters in diameter and made of greyish rock. As the three landed, they could feel it starting to move, the impact of the landing even though it was soft causing the asteroid to spin on its axis slowly.

The flag they were looking for was just a few steps from where they landed though without gravity pulling them to the asteroid, walking there might be tricky.

The next challenge though was getting the flag to Asteroid B without being discovered by the droids patrolling the asteroid field between here and there.

[T'Sal]

T’sal looked to Darones to see if he is alright and she was glad he just got a scratch. Upon seeing the droids patrolling, she looks to Shebi and then to S4.

“S4 could you start analyzing/tracking (as good as you can) the guard droids, asteroids, flag and end point movement to see if there are patrons or relations.”

T’sal can analyze data and draw conclusions from experiments but with this data they needed military and not scientific insight. She looked to Shebi for it, as she said to have had military training.

“With all the movement it will not be easy to get the flag to C unnoticed. Not all the asteroids are big enough to hide after. We could move a whole asteroid with the boosters or the force or maybe try and distract the guard droids. What kind of strategy do you suggest?”

Just playing hide and seek would not be enough. Maybe bowling with asteroids was not the best option, but with all movement you needed to somehow go with the flow at least until you got noticed by the guards.

[Shebi Ajava]

"There's two things we should do before proceeding. First we get the flag, and check it for homing devices or other ways it would make us more noticeable. We should also roll it up tight so it doesn't give us away just by being coloured and big.

Next we should also determine their patrol routes, and base our route upon that data. If possible we create a distraction somewhere so some of the patrols direct their attention towards some point where we're not. This could be done with launching one or two smaller asteroids into the field."

"T'sal could you grab the flag, check it and analyse the patrol routes? I'll give Darones some extra instructions on the use of boosters and thrusters."

Shebi Ajava directed her attention towards Darones and and started on some instructions on how to use boosters and on how to hold your body, explaining by positioning him in different ways to allow him to get a feel for is practical and what isn't.

[Darones Rei]

After his landing, which had proven to be less then ideal, Darones checked his suit for any signs of damage. Luckily nothing was damaged or otherwise compromised, these suit sure could withstand some degree of stress and damage.

As he regained his footing, and calmed his nerves, he listened gratefully to Shebi Avaja, who gave him some more instructions on the operation of his boosters and the positions of his body during spaceflight.

" Thank you, " Darones said a little startled, " This a little more delicate then I anticipated. "

[Mercury]

S4 started it's analysis of the drone movement patterns between Asteroids A and B, carefully plotting their patrol routes.

From the analysis it was clear that asteroids would never be able to block their entire path. Unlike hiding on land, there simply was too much open space to cover.

Luckily the distances in space also meant each patrol drone would have lots of ground they needed to cover. Which in turn meant the drones couldn't look everywhere at once.

Basing its calculations on Shebi's plan, S4 calculated the team might be able to move between asteroids while the drones were looking in a different direction - they would have to be very quick and move together though - it wouldn't be easy.

Key missing element in the plan was that S4 didn't know the drones field of view parameters. Those were crucial for calculating a proper path. The team would need someone with knowledge of engineering to get a good look at one of the drones to determine its capabilities so that S4 could calculate the exact route.

Or the team could just wing it with the general route S4 had so far.

[Shebi Ajava]

"With the level of control you two displayed just now, I think we need to play this safe. We have to disable one of those droids and get a closer look at the exact details of it's sensors. Do you have some technical trick up your sleeve?", Shebi Ajava asked the two other padawans.

"If not, I can try to sneak up on one and shoot it; most sentinel droids don't stand up to a physical projectile piercing their components."

[T'Sal]

"Thought getting one of those droids is good for this mission, that space station will not be guarded by them.”

“I know our maneuvers are not that good, but that is why we are here to practice. So I would go for just getting past them the best way we can.”

T’sal studies the general route S4 made and got here weapons ready for when the droids would detect them.

[Shebi Ajava]

Shebi Ajava looked at T'Sal, and realized that the girl probably did not have any experience with military operations.

"There exists the possibility that our target is relying on the radiation from the neutron star to protect the station from infiltrators. However, the chance that they have deployed droids is much larger, as droids are an effective perimeter measure.

Besides, I see no reason why we should ignore such an obvious advantage. It's irrelevant whether this is a training exercise or not, we should always strive for the largest possible advantage."

[Darones Rei]

" I agree with Avaja " Darones said, after hearing the conversation between her and T'Sal. " The use of drones is likely, if they assume the radiation, in combination with their sensors, is sufficient, then our task becomes a little easier. However if they have drones, we would benefit from the lessons learned here. "

" Miss Shebi " Darones said, " I suggest we try to see if we can get our hands on one drone for a detailed analysis, i could take a look and S4 would then be able to improve the suggested pathway. However if we should one down, there is a risk of detection, either by the other drones, or whoever is controlling them. Perhaps we should bring short range signal jammers next time. "

[Shebi Ajava]

Shebi Ajava looked intently at Darones, seemingly unsure about something.

"Little one, have you read up on veolian culture and deemed yourself old enough to call me by my given name?" Shebi Ajava smiled at Darones, and softly said: "Unless you intend to pursue a more intimate relationship, I prefer you address me as Miss Shebi or just Shebi if you're in a hurry."

Though T'Sal clearly heard her remark over the communication channel, Shebi Ajava turned towards her: "The same goes for you as well young lady."

"Oh, and Darones", Shebi Ajava said while turning to study S4's patrol route map, "I will invite Miss Dewa Avaja over sometime after this mission, you seem to have an interest in her."

[Mercury]

Just as the team was debating nomenclature and protocol, S4 alerted T'Sal to a patrol drone which was heading their way - it's path would lead right up to the group and if they stayed where they were, they would no doubt be discovered. Interestingly enough, it might also offer a chance to study it up close or even shoot it down as was suggested by one of the team members - they would have to act quickly though: if the drone would manage to get an alarm out that would no doubt count as a failure.

[T'Sal]

“If you want an advantage then we have to act now. There is one droid coming our ways, so let’s ambush him.”

T’sal starts looking around for some hiding place like craters, holes or just the other side of the asteroid.
((OOC: Force level 5 + Vision 3))

“When we are back I will put all the data available on droids in S4’s database, he has more than enough space. He will then be able to recognize all droids and their specifications. But first miss Shebi needs to come up with a strategy. I got a short blade light saber, know telekinesis and how to hide.”

[Shebi Ajava]

Shebi Ajava flicked the controls for her manoeuvring jets to move out of the sentinel droid's sight. ((OOC: Force Level 5 + Fitness 4 + Stealth 3))

While grabbing her bow from her back, she lets herself be carried by the momentum to move the asteroid further between herself and the droid. Usually detaching her bow from her suit is accompanied by the slightest of click-sounds, but in the vacuum of space the droid doesn't even get the chance to pick up such a hint of danger.

Were she to continue this pattern of thrust and corrections she would eventually end up behind the droid, having made a full orbit around the asteroid.

((OOC: I'm deliberately stretching my action to allow other players to take the lead in this action.))

[Darones Rei]

Darones decided not to test his skill with the EVA controls at the risk of detection by a droid, instead he followed T'Sals example and looked for a crevase or crater he could hide in for moment. ((OOC: Force 4 + Vision 4))

Meanwhile he considered his options for an attempt to capture the droid and concluded that, given the fact that there was no admosphere, and his skill with the EVA controls were insufficient, his force powers would not give him a benefit, nor did he bring any useful equipment to assist him in this matter. At the moment it seemed that Shebi was the best suited to disable the droid, as a well placed shot from her bow would surely do the trick.

" Shebi, try not to damage to much of the circuits, it would be probably best if you shot the propulsion systems, which would cause it to lose control and crash on the asteroid. Once its down, I'll try to shut it down asap."

[Mercury]

Darones and T'sal took cover in an undeep crack on the asteroid, hoping to stay out of view. T'Sal was a bit better trained but Darones was smaller, giving him some advantage.

Ajava meanwhile carefully moved around the asteroid with he bow readied, taking aim towards the drone. Without the wind and gravity for which she usually adjusted, the shot she took was unfamiliar, but this experience would reduce that problem in the future mission.

She took careful aim, releasing when she has her shot perfectly aligned. Without any wind resistance, the arrow hits faster than she had expected, going through the propulsion system where she had aimed after Darones' suggestion and sending the drone flying towards the asteroid.

Using Telekinesis, T'Sal caught the broken droid, drawing it in towards her using the force and catching it gently in her hands. Besides the arrow sticking through its systems, the droid was mostly in-tact.

((OOC: Little under the hood action again: Darones and T'sal both hide on a 9 (including a circumstance bonus to Darones for size). I determined the difficulty at 8, slightly above the minimum, since these drones aren't all that smart. Neither of them gets noticed.

Ajava's shot is - / - / 8 for 5 force level + 5 Arkari-Renja style - 2 Circumstance (unfamiliar environmental effects). Since this is basically a slow moving target with no obstacles in the way, the difficulty to hit is only 6: any Jedi could take out a small drone (and in fact Jedi regularly take out multiple droids in a single move in the movies).

Since drones aren't Jedi, they do not get 3 rings of defence. If only one is pierced, they are wounded, which in this case takes out the drone!

T'sal hadn't actively declared she'd use telekinesis but it seemed like a very reasonable action.

Note about that: if you don't want to take an action I auto on you for smooth storylining, you can always make me roll back. I never take automatic actions for characters if it puts them in danger or stuff like that though.))

[Shebi Ajava]

"We have to act quickly before this one is missed. You two, figure out the capabilities of that sentinel droid. I'll observe the remaining droids and determine the best route to follow."

Shebi Ajava uses her booster to move to a good vantage point, and observes the droids while the other padawan analyse. ((OOC: Force Level 5 + Vision 4 + Circumstance; Circumstance: has seen S4's projected patrol routes))

[T'Sal]

After T’sal caught the droid, she looks over to Darones.

“You seem to know more about droids so here you go.”

She moves the droids in Darones direction and moves towards him. She calls for S4 who had been hiding curled up in another crack. When she reached his locations she says.

“If you need anything S4 can assist you. He has lots of tools and can work precise. I shall hold the droids so he does not drift off when you take a look.”

((OOC: I do not think this needs a check, right?))

“S4 help Darones if he calls otherwise keep an eye on the surroundings.”

((OOC: Looking arounds is to assist Shebi, especially for calculating distances.))

[Darones Rei]

" Thank you, T'Sal, " Darones said as she moved the damaged drone in his direction so that he could get started, " S4 could prove helpfull as i didn't bring all my tools, and he is probably much faster with the needed calculations. Lets have a look shall we.."

Darones requested some tools from S4 to supplement his own and started to disassemble the drone. He started with the body work, so that he could reach the electronic circuitry to have a look and disconnected the powercouplings powering the driods systems. This would prevent the driod from transmitting any data, or escaping and would give them the time to conduct a thorough analyses of its systems and capabilities. ((OOC: Forcelevel 4, Reason 5, Mechanical Engineer 1; aid S4 / Forcelevel 4, Reason 5, Slicing 1; to break encryption or security if needed. / Forcelevel 4, Reason 5, programming 1; to check and assist S4 in dataanalysis))

" There, that should buy us all the time we need, " Darones said as the drone powered down, " Lets hope our position hasn't already been made cause we will be here a while. "

Darones continued and disassembled the entire drone so that he could study and analyse the seperate components in detail. S4 would provide him the needed calculationpower and provide and accurate listing of their findings and assessments.

He started with the data-emitters, data-recievers and sensors, to study their range, operating frequency , detection triggers and sensitivity, susceptibility to radiation and so on.

After that he continued to the power- and propulsion systems to determine the droids operating range, speed, acceleration, stability and maneuverability and susceptibility to distortions or radiation.

[Mercury]

Darones carefully studied the droid, his experience in this field being invaluable in establishing all the parameters he needed without triggering any of the programmed booby traps that might raise an alarm or cause an overload when the drone was tampered with.

Between S4's calculations, Darones' carefully calculated parameters and Ajava's observation of the drone routes, the team easily established a route that was guaranteed their safe traversal of the distance to their next target.

Slipping from asteroid to asteroid with perfect timing, the team slowly got used to the strange way in which the lack of gravity and peculiar distances affected their manouvers.

Soon, the next target was reached, prompting the next phase of the mission where the team would be under live fire from the drones. This part was actually dangerous: though set to stun for safety, the drones fire could damage the circuits of their boosters and send them off course.

Fortunately, Darones' skill with electronics had established not just the parameters for the earlier part of the mission, but also gave a significant advantage in this one - S4 easily calculated a route that led them past minimal fire to a large asteroid halfway through to asteroid C.

Their final destination was now in sight, just a hundred meters away; the only obstacle left in their way were three drones which had positioned themselves right in their path, one for each of the team members. If they could take these out, they would be home free.

((OOC: With this many skills applicable to the situation, rather than make several separate checks, I instead added all of the relevant skills together to determine a total score of 14 for Darones (4 Force level + 5 Reason + 1 Mechanical Engineer + 1 Slicing + 1 Programming + 2 aid from S4) against difficulty 8 (easy for anyone with some degree of skill) meaning Darones totally owned this, hence the extra bonus for the final stage))

[Shebi Ajava]

As she did not see any outward differences between the three droids blocking their path and the droids they previously encountered, Shebi quickly fired an arrow at the middle droid. ((OOC: Arkari-Renja: Attack -/-/10, Defence 6/6/5))

Knowing that the arrow won't slow down due to friction or winds, she boosted forward while drawing her lightsaber. At the last moment she focussed all thrust on her left side, allowing her to strike the outer droid as she strafed past it at high speed. ((OOC: Shii-Cho: Attack 7/9/5, Defence 8/9/7; Direct Combat Action: +1 due to booster-powered charge))

((OOC: I'm not sure whether you wanted to resolve this as combat -- as this was not indicated explicitly I assumed combat was not initiated due to the relative weakness of the droids. Therefore, I took a bit of liberty with the double action. I use '-' to indicate inapplicability, and '0' to indicate the value zero.))

[Darones Rei]

Still a bit uneasy with the controls, Darones freed up one hand to wield one of his lightsabers and assumed a defensive posture while moving towards the third drone in their path.
((OOC: Soresu Style; : Attack 4/7/5, defense 7/9/9))

For the moment he would just wait and see the reaction of the drones to Shebi's attack, followed by his approach, which he hoped would be enough to draw fire from at least one of them. This would provide T'Sal and Shebi the options to deal with the remaining droid(s), while he would keep this one busy.