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When people talk about space exploration, it's usually glamorous. And they're right, to an extent. The final frontier is still largely unmapped, and the idea of traveling through the vast unknown and having adventures is banked on pretty hard by both the RSF and various civilian contractors to this day. What they don't tell you is what you usually end up doing.
Station #38y7r (or "the barn" as everyone you know calls it) is a fairly typical example of the many scattered depots within Equestria's growing interstellar borders. Most of your day is spent at your station, helping it go through the day's itinerary. Most of these are bulk transports prying their way through established starlanes, but every so often you'll get lucky and get to serve a RSF military vessel or exploration ship.
No such luck today though. As is, you're all sitting in the mess, lamenting the lack of any new stories to swap. The only ship to come in today topped off its tanks and deposited a large, free-floating cargo module in one of the empty docks for pickup. Probably food or something. Nothing ever really happens here.
Station #38y7r (or "the barn" as everyone you know calls it) is a fairly typical example of the many scattered depots within Equestria's growing interstellar borders. Most of your day is spent at your station, helping it go through the day's itinerary. Most of these are bulk transports prying their way through established starlanes, but every so often you'll get lucky and get to serve a RSF military vessel or exploration ship.
No such luck today though. As is, you're all sitting in the mess, lamenting the lack of any new stories to swap. The only ship to come in today topped off its tanks and deposited a large, free-floating cargo module in one of the empty docks for pickup. Probably food or something. Nothing ever really happens here.
>>475993
Being little more than an in-system tractor, it was never even really christened with one officially. At some point some cheeky bastard evidently found the time to spray "Danger Zone" on the side, though nobody's sure if that was supposed to be a slight against Speedy's piloting style or not.
Commander Astray condemned such a gross breach of protocol, though everyone has noticed by now there's been no order to wash it off.
Being little more than an in-system tractor, it was never even really christened with one officially. At some point some cheeky bastard evidently found the time to spray "Danger Zone" on the side, though nobody's sure if that was supposed to be a slight against Speedy's piloting style or not.
Commander Astray condemned such a gross breach of protocol, though everyone has noticed by now there's been no order to wash it off.
>>475994
You manage to keep your shifty eyes to a minimum.
>>475996
Most of the crew is engineers and technicians of varying degrees. The station is actually designed to accommodate far more on it than you usually see, but you're just not near enough starlanes for most of the rooms to see much use. On the plus side, that means most of the crew gets their own rooms as the actual quarters were repurposed to serve as extra storage long ago.
There is a command deck, but it's largely a glorified traffic control tower with a station set aside to monitoring the fuel tanks and collector arrays.
>>475997
Welcome back to the mess. It's the middle of shift change at the moment, so there's quite a bit of ponies in coveralls and jumpsuits wandering in and out of the lines or sitting at tables eating, talking, or otherwise.
You manage to keep your shifty eyes to a minimum.
>>475996
Most of the crew is engineers and technicians of varying degrees. The station is actually designed to accommodate far more on it than you usually see, but you're just not near enough starlanes for most of the rooms to see much use. On the plus side, that means most of the crew gets their own rooms as the actual quarters were repurposed to serve as extra storage long ago.
There is a command deck, but it's largely a glorified traffic control tower with a station set aside to monitoring the fuel tanks and collector arrays.
>>475997
Welcome back to the mess. It's the middle of shift change at the moment, so there's quite a bit of ponies in coveralls and jumpsuits wandering in and out of the lines or sitting at tables eating, talking, or otherwise.
>>476000
Well, it's Sunday, so…
>>476001
"Sunday Special."
Which is pretty much chef code for "whatever's left over from the week blended together in a way we hope hides it."
>>476002
You know that weird state of mind where you've eaten a full meal a few hours ago, but just know you're going to be hungry sooner rather than later? That's how hungry they are.
Well, it's Sunday, so…
>>476001
"Sunday Special."
Which is pretty much chef code for "whatever's left over from the week blended together in a way we hope hides it."
>>476002
You know that weird state of mind where you've eaten a full meal a few hours ago, but just know you're going to be hungry sooner rather than later? That's how hungry they are.
>>476005
Your frogs don't really seem to notice now, but you're sure they'll appreciate it later.
>>476007
After quite a bit of scanning, you manage to find one, but it's all the way at the other end of the hall.
>>476008
Unfortunately, the station's one and only vinding machine is still out of order. It's been on the repair list for months, but since nobody on board is exactly sure how it works, nothing's come of it.
>>476009
The vending machines next to it, however, seem perfectly operational.
Your frogs don't really seem to notice now, but you're sure they'll appreciate it later.
>>476007
After quite a bit of scanning, you manage to find one, but it's all the way at the other end of the hall.
>>476008
Unfortunately, the station's one and only vinding machine is still out of order. It's been on the repair list for months, but since nobody on board is exactly sure how it works, nothing's come of it.
>>476009
The vending machines next to it, however, seem perfectly operational.
>>476015
I follow.
>>476016
I chuckle.
"That's just silly. If anything, sharks would make a much superior animal to base a navigation system on. Their brains are well adapted to strenuous sensory input, between their incredibly heightened senses and all their additional senses. Did you know that sharks can actually navigate the earth's oceans purely with their electroreception? Absolutely fascinating.
"But we would be much better duplicating their abilities with technology as opposed to using actual biological sharks."
>>476019
"Whatever menial tasks they assign me, as per usual. And bemoaning the lack of a pool, as also per usual. I'm slowly becoming more and more tempted to swim in those ether tanks at this point…"
As we arrive at our table, I start eating.
I follow.
>>476016
I chuckle.
"That's just silly. If anything, sharks would make a much superior animal to base a navigation system on. Their brains are well adapted to strenuous sensory input, between their incredibly heightened senses and all their additional senses. Did you know that sharks can actually navigate the earth's oceans purely with their electroreception? Absolutely fascinating.
"But we would be much better duplicating their abilities with technology as opposed to using actual biological sharks."
>>476019
"Whatever menial tasks they assign me, as per usual. And bemoaning the lack of a pool, as also per usual. I'm slowly becoming more and more tempted to swim in those ether tanks at this point…"
As we arrive at our table, I start eating.
>>476021
"Well that's just preposterous! A frog's galvanic skin response means that it's a perfect electrical conduit, meaning that you can run standard electronic equipment off of a froggy network! It's the perfect ship-wide electrical system. And unlike a shark, frogs only take up a fraction of the space and require a relatively small caloric intake."
I push my glasses back up onto my face and give a satisfactory huff.
"Well that's just preposterous! A frog's galvanic skin response means that it's a perfect electrical conduit, meaning that you can run standard electronic equipment off of a froggy network! It's the perfect ship-wide electrical system. And unlike a shark, frogs only take up a fraction of the space and require a relatively small caloric intake."
I push my glasses back up onto my face and give a satisfactory huff.
>>476024
Continue eating, slowly starting to take bites into the tray that the food was served on.
"Don't tell me that you were mislead by 'Fins' too. There are many different sizes of shark! All possessing near similar sensory capabilities and mental functions and-"
I finish chewing the piece of the tray I was eating while talking, taking deep, heavy breaths through my nose.
"This is a silly conversation and I refuse to take part in it again with you."
Continue eating, slowly starting to take bites into the tray that the food was served on.
"Don't tell me that you were mislead by 'Fins' too. There are many different sizes of shark! All possessing near similar sensory capabilities and mental functions and-"
I finish chewing the piece of the tray I was eating while talking, taking deep, heavy breaths through my nose.
"This is a silly conversation and I refuse to take part in it again with you."
>>476035
Since you're not really trained for much of the complex stuff, they usually have you slated as a cargo handler.
>>476034
>>476036
As you get up to leave the mess hall, the PA system chimes again. This time it's a voice.
"Attention! Attention! Incoming ship has begun launching lifepods! All crew members stand by to assist!"
Since you're not really trained for much of the complex stuff, they usually have you slated as a cargo handler.
>>476034
>>476036
As you get up to leave the mess hall, the PA system chimes again. This time it's a voice.
"Attention! Attention! Incoming ship has begun launching lifepods! All crew members stand by to assist!"
>>476038
In your excitement, you fumble your terrarium and drop it on the floor. The bugs you put in their earlier take this opportunity to escape, as do a few startled frogs.
>>476039
>>476040
As you rush off, you pass by a few of the engineers at one of the public terminals next to the exit. From the looks of it, they're using it to watch the exterior sensor feed.
"Wait a minute, this can't be right…"
In your excitement, you fumble your terrarium and drop it on the floor. The bugs you put in their earlier take this opportunity to escape, as do a few startled frogs.
>>476039
>>476040
As you rush off, you pass by a few of the engineers at one of the public terminals next to the exit. From the looks of it, they're using it to watch the exterior sensor feed.
"Wait a minute, this can't be right…"
>>476043
You grab some, but it's fewer than you would like. Hopefully they won't get in too much trouble in the mess hall.
>>476042
>>476044
One of them points to the large rectangle on the screen indicating the ship. It's surrounded by a growing hive of dots.
"It's launching lifeboats all right, but there's nothing wrong with it! No hull breaches, no leakages of any kind, heck, they're not even broadcasting a distress signal!"
Another one gestures to the dots.
"And I don't think I've ever seen a ship that size carry that many pods on board. Where are they all coming from?"
You grab some, but it's fewer than you would like. Hopefully they won't get in too much trouble in the mess hall.
>>476042
>>476044
One of them points to the large rectangle on the screen indicating the ship. It's surrounded by a growing hive of dots.
"It's launching lifeboats all right, but there's nothing wrong with it! No hull breaches, no leakages of any kind, heck, they're not even broadcasting a distress signal!"
Another one gestures to the dots.
"And I don't think I've ever seen a ship that size carry that many pods on board. Where are they all coming from?"
>>476046
"They should have broadcasted that by now…"
>>476048
"It's just the main array we normally use for traffic control. I'll see if I can find one of the cameras."
He fiddles with the terminal a bit until he gets an exterior view. Sure enough, the ship looks pretty close to the same make and model of bulk freighter you see on a regular basis. It's surrounded by a halo of twinkling lights, kinda like the holos you've seen of the Princesses.
>>476047
"No, I don't…wait!"
The lights start glowing brighter as they come into focus. The pods look like they're coming closer to the station.
"They should have broadcasted that by now…"
>>476048
"It's just the main array we normally use for traffic control. I'll see if I can find one of the cameras."
He fiddles with the terminal a bit until he gets an exterior view. Sure enough, the ship looks pretty close to the same make and model of bulk freighter you see on a regular basis. It's surrounded by a halo of twinkling lights, kinda like the holos you've seen of the Princesses.
>>476047
"No, I don't…wait!"
The lights start glowing brighter as they come into focus. The pods look like they're coming closer to the station.
>>476050
All there, lost in their own private little froggy worlds. What secrets do they hold in their little froggy brains?
>>476052
"But they're bigger than any escape pod I've ever seen. What in the name of the sun…"
One of the group, a large older stallion known for past RSF service and now serving as a foreman, starts shouting.
"They're on an attack vector! I knew I've seen that before! We're about to be boarded!"
At the same time, sirens across the station start screaming in unison.
>>476051
You're fast enough to reach the lift before the alarm goes off, but before you know it, the station is rocked by a series of loud bangs.
Everyone roll to stay upright.
All there, lost in their own private little froggy worlds. What secrets do they hold in their little froggy brains?
>>476052
"But they're bigger than any escape pod I've ever seen. What in the name of the sun…"
One of the group, a large older stallion known for past RSF service and now serving as a foreman, starts shouting.
"They're on an attack vector! I knew I've seen that before! We're about to be boarded!"
At the same time, sirens across the station start screaming in unison.
>>476051
You're fast enough to reach the lift before the alarm goes off, but before you know it, the station is rocked by a series of loud bangs.
Everyone roll to stay upright.
>>476054
>>476056
Though shaken, the two of you manage to stay up. The door to the mess clangs shut though.
>>476055
You, on the other hand, bang into the lift down to the service deck, giving yourself a nasty bruise. Your recovery is impeccable though, as you roll right out and smoothly land in the seat of your tug. Clearly you planned this all along.
>>476056
Though shaken, the two of you manage to stay up. The door to the mess clangs shut though.
>>476055
You, on the other hand, bang into the lift down to the service deck, giving yourself a nasty bruise. Your recovery is impeccable though, as you roll right out and smoothly land in the seat of your tug. Clearly you planned this all along.
>>476061
The engine revs a few times, but it looks like you're jarred in place for the moment. It looks like the impact wasn't very good for the docking arms.
One of the engineers bangs his hoof against the terminal.
"We're locked in! Our own life support system won't even let us out to repel boarders!"
The engine revs a few times, but it looks like you're jarred in place for the moment. It looks like the impact wasn't very good for the docking arms.
One of the engineers bangs his hoof against the terminal.
"We're locked in! Our own life support system won't even let us out to repel boarders!"
>>476063
Not too many of the ones on the floor look very convinced, but the big stallion nods vigorously.
>>476064
No armory, but there are a few weapons lockers scattered on every deck.
For clarification, you managed to escape the mess before it locked down. Everyone else is still in there
>>476065
"No, life support is still working. In the event of a hull breach, it's supposed to seal off rooms for safety. The problem is we've got so many of them across the station that nearly every other door has locked itself shut, including this one! Can anyone else here hotwire this thing?"
Not too many of the ones on the floor look very convinced, but the big stallion nods vigorously.
>>476064
No armory, but there are a few weapons lockers scattered on every deck.
For clarification, you managed to escape the mess before it locked down. Everyone else is still in there
>>476065
"No, life support is still working. In the event of a hull breach, it's supposed to seal off rooms for safety. The problem is we've got so many of them across the station that nearly every other door has locked itself shut, including this one! Can anyone else here hotwire this thing?"
LAST TIME IN SPACE
Life suddenly became exciting when the party's home and place of work suddenly came under attack. Caught without warning, the party managed to successfully free themselves from the mess and procure some extra weapons thanks to Speedy. Now they have to decide what to do next.
Life suddenly became exciting when the party's home and place of work suddenly came under attack. Caught without warning, the party managed to successfully free themselves from the mess and procure some extra weapons thanks to Speedy. Now they have to decide what to do next.
>>480243
You're on deck 3, where most of the rec areas are. In addition to the mess, this deck has an observation room/lounge and a modest fitness center and gym for the crew. One deck up is the crew and stopover quarters, as well as some modest storage in unused living space. Above that is the top deck with command, control, and communications.
The two decks below are dominated largely by the massive storage tanks for fuel. The upper service deck is largely reserved for monitoring and refining the contents of the tanks, with some machine shops and service areas scattered about. The bottom deck is access to the various docking and refueling bays dominating the length of the station, as well as primary storage, trams to the outmost large ship docks, as well as the shuttle bay and tug storage.
You're on deck 3, where most of the rec areas are. In addition to the mess, this deck has an observation room/lounge and a modest fitness center and gym for the crew. One deck up is the crew and stopover quarters, as well as some modest storage in unused living space. Above that is the top deck with command, control, and communications.
The two decks below are dominated largely by the massive storage tanks for fuel. The upper service deck is largely reserved for monitoring and refining the contents of the tanks, with some machine shops and service areas scattered about. The bottom deck is access to the various docking and refueling bays dominating the length of the station, as well as primary storage, trams to the outmost large ship docks, as well as the shuttle bay and tug storage.
>>480254
You run right into a rifle butt to the face before you can see anything. You are now Helpless.
>>480257
>>480259
The two of you round the corner just in time to see Speedy get thrown back, a nasty bruise growing on his muzzle. His assailant is a large, bipedal figure clothed in a fully-concealing armored spacesuit. The suit is clearly modified to be intimidating, flecked with burnished red paint and a crudly-daubed snarling mouth encircling the opaque visor. Three similarly-garbed figures are with it, all pointing rifles towards the open doors of the lift. Inside it, you can see some haggard-looking crew members doing their best to take cover behind the doors. The figures all turn towards you.
You run right into a rifle butt to the face before you can see anything. You are now Helpless.
>>480257
>>480259
The two of you round the corner just in time to see Speedy get thrown back, a nasty bruise growing on his muzzle. His assailant is a large, bipedal figure clothed in a fully-concealing armored spacesuit. The suit is clearly modified to be intimidating, flecked with burnished red paint and a crudly-daubed snarling mouth encircling the opaque visor. Three similarly-garbed figures are with it, all pointing rifles towards the open doors of the lift. Inside it, you can see some haggard-looking crew members doing their best to take cover behind the doors. The figures all turn towards you.
>>480273
You bounce back up off the floor, having taken harder hits than that jumping into your cockpit.
>>480275
You toss out one of your frogs. The cacophony it creates is enough to stagger one of the pirates for a moment as he stumbles backwards.
>>480278
Overcome with rage, your instincts take over and you do exactly what that shark did on your favorite Mythbuckers episode. Bounding forward, you slam your skull straight into the closest pirate's gut, instantly knocking him back against the wall. You hear a loud groan as he absorbs both impacts, then slumps over on top of you.
Okay, maybe it's not quite the same, but points for trying, right?
#Speedy: 5/4
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: 5/5
Pirate 1: 0/4
Pirate 2: 4/5
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
You bounce back up off the floor, having taken harder hits than that jumping into your cockpit.
>>480275
You toss out one of your frogs. The cacophony it creates is enough to stagger one of the pirates for a moment as he stumbles backwards.
>>480278
Overcome with rage, your instincts take over and you do exactly what that shark did on your favorite Mythbuckers episode. Bounding forward, you slam your skull straight into the closest pirate's gut, instantly knocking him back against the wall. You hear a loud groan as he absorbs both impacts, then slumps over on top of you.
Okay, maybe it's not quite the same, but points for trying, right?
#Speedy: 5/4
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: 5/5
Pirate 1: 0/4
Pirate 2: 4/5
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480290
Your shot just manages to bubble the paint on his side, while he scorches your hoof in return with help from one of his friends.
>>480298
>>480299
But he's distracted enough for Mags to pop him in the leg in the meantime.
>>480305
You, meanwhile, are caught by surprise as one his squadmates takes the opportunity to shoot you in the butt. Startled, you collapse and end up buried under a mass of unconcious armored assailant.
#Speedy: 3/4
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: Helpless/4
Pirate 1: 0/4
Pirate 2: 3/5
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
Your shot just manages to bubble the paint on his side, while he scorches your hoof in return with help from one of his friends.
>>480298
>>480299
But he's distracted enough for Mags to pop him in the leg in the meantime.
>>480305
You, meanwhile, are caught by surprise as one his squadmates takes the opportunity to shoot you in the butt. Startled, you collapse and end up buried under a mass of unconcious armored assailant.
#Speedy: 3/4
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: Helpless/4
Pirate 1: 0/4
Pirate 2: 3/5
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480311
You squeeze out with some help from your special tail before you can get zapped again. He manages to pull himself to his feet as well, albeit groggily.
>>480312
Clearly displeased with your treatment of his brother, Banger bites you on the hoof. It distracts you long enough to take a couple of hits.
>>480313
Clearly not wanting to be taken down, the rest of the dogs focus their fire on you, blasting you back down to the floor and inflicting some nasty laser burns on your flanks.
#Speedy: Helpless/3
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 5/4
Pirate 2: 3/5
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
Thankful for some of the heat being taken off of them, the crew members in the lift take a few shots…
Roll #1 8, 4, 7 = 19
You squeeze out with some help from your special tail before you can get zapped again. He manages to pull himself to his feet as well, albeit groggily.
>>480312
Clearly displeased with your treatment of his brother, Banger bites you on the hoof. It distracts you long enough to take a couple of hits.
>>480313
Clearly not wanting to be taken down, the rest of the dogs focus their fire on you, blasting you back down to the floor and inflicting some nasty laser burns on your flanks.
#Speedy: Helpless/3
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 5/4
Pirate 2: 3/5
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
Thankful for some of the heat being taken off of them, the crew members in the lift take a few shots…
Roll #1 8, 4, 7 = 19
>>480319
You latch on to the muzzle of his gun and bite down hard. There's a satisfying crunching noise as you do, followed by a startled yelp from its wielder. He waves it around frantically but is unable to get you off, though you do get a bit dizzy.
>>480323
>>480329
Speedy's legs feel sluggish, but with the doctor's help he is able to get back on his feet in time to see two of the pirates turn back and start firing on the lift again. Its occupants duck back behind the doors once again.
#Speedy: 5/3
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 2/4
Pirate 2: 3/5
Pirate 3: 3/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
You latch on to the muzzle of his gun and bite down hard. There's a satisfying crunching noise as you do, followed by a startled yelp from its wielder. He waves it around frantically but is unable to get you off, though you do get a bit dizzy.
>>480323
>>480329
Speedy's legs feel sluggish, but with the doctor's help he is able to get back on his feet in time to see two of the pirates turn back and start firing on the lift again. Its occupants duck back behind the doors once again.
#Speedy: 5/3
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 2/4
Pirate 2: 3/5
Pirate 3: 3/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480337
It certainly doesn't hurt. Getting closer lets you blast one right in the gut, sending him reeling.
>>480341
Just what the doctor ordered. He's moving too fast for you to get all of them, but you think slathering frog slime over the nude parts should help.
>>480345
As soon as you let go, the gun discharges into him. This, combined with your teeth puncturing his suit, is enough to bring him down hard.
>>480344
Faster, faster, fasterfasterfaster
#Speedy: 5/4
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 0/2
Pirate 2: 1/5
Pirate 3: 3/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
It certainly doesn't hurt. Getting closer lets you blast one right in the gut, sending him reeling.
>>480341
Just what the doctor ordered. He's moving too fast for you to get all of them, but you think slathering frog slime over the nude parts should help.
>>480345
As soon as you let go, the gun discharges into him. This, combined with your teeth puncturing his suit, is enough to bring him down hard.
>>480344
Faster, faster, fasterfasterfaster
#Speedy: 5/4
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 0/2
Pirate 2: 1/5
Pirate 3: 3/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480352
You have to fish around for the release for a bit, but are eventually able to snake it through the sea, between helmet and spiked collar.
>>480353
You grab it wrong and shoot yourself in the forelegpit.
>>480365
You manage to back up and swing around into the pirate Speedy is wrestling, and latch on to his leg. He shouts and stumbles to his knees, blood gushing into your mouth.
#Speedy: Helpless/3
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 0/2
Pirate 2: 0/2
Pirate 3: 3/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
You have to fish around for the release for a bit, but are eventually able to snake it through the sea, between helmet and spiked collar.
>>480353
You grab it wrong and shoot yourself in the forelegpit.
>>480365
You manage to back up and swing around into the pirate Speedy is wrestling, and latch on to his leg. He shouts and stumbles to his knees, blood gushing into your mouth.
#Speedy: Helpless/3
Mags: 4/5
Chilo: 5/4
Pirate 1: 0/2
Pirate 2: 0/2
Pirate 3: 3/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480379
>>480381
Unfortunately, Speedy's aimless flailing does nothing but drag Mags down with him. One of the pirates takes the opportunity to blast you both.
>>480389
Unfortunately, you're unable to help yourself and heave Sunday Special all over the deck. The other pirate takes a shot at you as well.
Seizing the opportunity, the crew in the lift take a few more potshots…
Roll #1 8, 4, 2 = 14
>>480381
Unfortunately, Speedy's aimless flailing does nothing but drag Mags down with him. One of the pirates takes the opportunity to blast you both.
>>480389
Unfortunately, you're unable to help yourself and heave Sunday Special all over the deck. The other pirate takes a shot at you as well.
Seizing the opportunity, the crew in the lift take a few more potshots…
Roll #1 8, 4, 2 = 14
>>480400
>>480404
The two of you bounce up fast enough. Apparently all those frog exercise videos Magnolia made you watch did something after all.
>>480402
Chilo, however, is still feeling the aftereffects of that stomach upset. Being kicked in the gut by a pirate doesn't help.
#Speedy:5/2
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: Helpless/2
Pirate 3: Helpless/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480404
The two of you bounce up fast enough. Apparently all those frog exercise videos Magnolia made you watch did something after all.
>>480402
Chilo, however, is still feeling the aftereffects of that stomach upset. Being kicked in the gut by a pirate doesn't help.
#Speedy:5/2
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: Helpless/2
Pirate 3: Helpless/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480414
You drag yourself back up on your feet.
>>480421
You open your mouth, but before you can say anything…
>>480419
the doctor immediately shoves her frog in it, far further than it's supposed to. You immediately start choking.
Plus the standing pirate shoots her, while the other one gets back up on his feet.
#Speedy:5/1
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: 5/2
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
You drag yourself back up on your feet.
>>480421
You open your mouth, but before you can say anything…
>>480419
the doctor immediately shoves her frog in it, far further than it's supposed to. You immediately start choking.
Plus the standing pirate shoots her, while the other one gets back up on his feet.
#Speedy:5/1
Mags: 5/5
Chilo: 5/2
Pirate 3: 5/5
Pirate 4: 5/5
>>480427
>>480428
Thanks to some quick action by Magnolia, Speedy is able to hork one very disgruntled-looking frog out onto the deck. Between the blood, lunch, and frog juice all over the place, maintenance is going to hate you guys.
>>480429
You have had it up to here with this chum, and it's time to show them who's boss. You grab one gun in your teeth and smash the other one with your tail. That ought to give them something to think about.
>>480428
Thanks to some quick action by Magnolia, Speedy is able to hork one very disgruntled-looking frog out onto the deck. Between the blood, lunch, and frog juice all over the place, maintenance is going to hate you guys.
>>480429
You have had it up to here with this chum, and it's time to show them who's boss. You grab one gun in your teeth and smash the other one with your tail. That ought to give them something to think about.
>>480437
You manage to slather the frog over the correct parts this time, bringing Speedy up to stable, if not exactly good as new.
>>480438
>>480439
Two pirates are unconscious, and the other two look a little lost with one rifle smashed on the floor and the other held tight in Chilo's jaws. One of the crewmen peeks out of the lift, then comes over, rifle pointing at both of them.
NEXT TIME
ARRR
You manage to slather the frog over the correct parts this time, bringing Speedy up to stable, if not exactly good as new.
>>480438
>>480439
Two pirates are unconscious, and the other two look a little lost with one rifle smashed on the floor and the other held tight in Chilo's jaws. One of the crewmen peeks out of the lift, then comes over, rifle pointing at both of them.
NEXT TIME
ARRR
Last time, the party encountered their first boarding party. They managed to subdue them successfully, though.
You're in the very end of the recreation deck. Two of the pirates are unconscious, while the other two have been disarmed. The lift is still open, holding two crewmen nursing burns while a third trains his gun on your captives.
You're in the very end of the recreation deck. Two of the pirates are unconscious, while the other two have been disarmed. The lift is still open, holding two crewmen nursing burns while a third trains his gun on your captives.
>>484387
His reply is all muffled under his helmet. Looks like you broke something in it.
>>484388
He pries it off, revealing the snaggletoothed face of a diamond dog.
"More 'nuff than we need ta swamp you bony lubbers!"
>>484389
He snorts.
"This was an easy target. Th'navy don' come here in the borders offen."
His reply is all muffled under his helmet. Looks like you broke something in it.
>>484388
He pries it off, revealing the snaggletoothed face of a diamond dog.
"More 'nuff than we need ta swamp you bony lubbers!"
>>484389
He snorts.
"This was an easy target. Th'navy don' come here in the borders offen."
>>484411
>>484412
>>484413
Off you go then.
You all pile into the lift, leaving the deck behind. As it goes up, you pass by several portholes showing the exterior of the station. In several areas, the formerly smooth lines are broken up by large bumps or dangling pods rammed haphazardly into the hull like tumors. More than a few of the breaches are leaking something, sometimes atmosphere, sometimes fire.
Eventually the lift stops, opening up into the faces of two crewmen wearing crash helmets and pointing rifles in your direction.
>>484412
>>484413
Off you go then.
You all pile into the lift, leaving the deck behind. As it goes up, you pass by several portholes showing the exterior of the station. In several areas, the formerly smooth lines are broken up by large bumps or dangling pods rammed haphazardly into the hull like tumors. More than a few of the breaches are leaking something, sometimes atmosphere, sometimes fire.
Eventually the lift stops, opening up into the faces of two crewmen wearing crash helmets and pointing rifles in your direction.
>>484426
You really, really want to go swimming right now.
>>484424
>>484425
The door opens, revealing the command deck. For once, each station is staffed at the moment. This is probably the busiest it's ever been. In the middle of it all is a grey pegasus with a close-cropped mane and a jacket glaring down at a map of the station. As you enter, he looks over towards you.
"Please tell me you've somehow found a superliminal highway between here and the nearest outpost."
You really, really want to go swimming right now.
>>484424
>>484425
The door opens, revealing the command deck. For once, each station is staffed at the moment. This is probably the busiest it's ever been. In the middle of it all is a grey pegasus with a close-cropped mane and a jacket glaring down at a map of the station. As you enter, he looks over towards you.
"Please tell me you've somehow found a superliminal highway between here and the nearest outpost."
>>484432
She sighs.
"If I thought that was the case I would have handed you over by now."
>>484434
>>484433
"Well that's all well and good, but I don't think we're out of the woods yet."
She points out the window.
"We've managed to gather that they all got onboard by using heavily modified escape pods. That ship was carrying a bay full of them, and now they're pouring down to the tanks so it can dock and siphon off all our fuel."
She sighs.
"If I thought that was the case I would have handed you over by now."
>>484434
>>484433
"Well that's all well and good, but I don't think we're out of the woods yet."
She points out the window.
"We've managed to gather that they all got onboard by using heavily modified escape pods. That ship was carrying a bay full of them, and now they're pouring down to the tanks so it can dock and siphon off all our fuel."
>>484437
"No, that's too dangerous. Even if the station survived, it would pretty much mean everyone here would be out of a job."
>>484438
"We have more important things at stake here than your pets, doctor! This is worse than the time you brought those crazed herpetologists on board!"
>>484436
"We're trying, but they're just too well-equipped for that. But there is something we could try…"
She thinks a bit then looks at all of you.
"Can you all keep a secret?"
"No, that's too dangerous. Even if the station survived, it would pretty much mean everyone here would be out of a job."
>>484438
"We have more important things at stake here than your pets, doctor! This is worse than the time you brought those crazed herpetologists on board!"
>>484436
"We're trying, but they're just too well-equipped for that. But there is something we could try…"
She thinks a bit then looks at all of you.
"Can you all keep a secret?"
>>484439
"My colleagues are not crazy!
"And in any case Doctor Mud Puddles is an Ophiologist. Or at least he was. Before the accident."
>>484440
"You know, if you let me, I could probably attach a frog to any limb's stump. He would be like a new limb for you! Only better!"
>>484439
I do the lip-zipping motion.
"My colleagues are not crazy!
"And in any case Doctor Mud Puddles is an Ophiologist. Or at least he was. Before the accident."
>>484440
"You know, if you let me, I could probably attach a frog to any limb's stump. He would be like a new limb for you! Only better!"
>>484439
I do the lip-zipping motion.
>>484444
"I thought you of all ponies would appreciate this plan, Speedy."
>>484445
>>484446
"Well it was a contractor for the Navy. Their cargo was supposed to be picked up in a couple of days and taken for shakedown near the border with those new aliens, but desperate times…
She manipulates some controls, and the graphic of the container explodes, rearranging into a schematic of a lean-looking ship.
"I want you to take this thing and blow their ship out of my space with it. And if the RSF takes issue with it, well they can go to Tartarus for all I care."
"I thought you of all ponies would appreciate this plan, Speedy."
>>484445
>>484446
"Well it was a contractor for the Navy. Their cargo was supposed to be picked up in a couple of days and taken for shakedown near the border with those new aliens, but desperate times…
She manipulates some controls, and the graphic of the container explodes, rearranging into a schematic of a lean-looking ship.
"I want you to take this thing and blow their ship out of my space with it. And if the RSF takes issue with it, well they can go to Tartarus for all I care."
>>486588
"Their ship hasn't really come any closer, so we don't really think there are any out there. I'd be prepared for anything though."
>>486589
"Enough to go around. We even have a few maneuvering packs somewhere. With the way our luck is, they're probably on the service deck. There's an airlock one deck down though, you can get suits there."
>>486593
"…what are you even talking about"
"Their ship hasn't really come any closer, so we don't really think there are any out there. I'd be prepared for anything though."
>>486589
"Enough to go around. We even have a few maneuvering packs somewhere. With the way our luck is, they're probably on the service deck. There's an airlock one deck down though, you can get suits there."
>>486593
"…what are you even talking about"
>>486607
You've all but memorized the layout of the station since you wander around her so much, so you make good time to the airlock.
>>486608
>>486609
As the two of you follow, however, you're cut off from Speedy as one of the damage control partitions inexplicably closes in front of you. You'll have to either hotwire it or find a way around.
You've all but memorized the layout of the station since you wander around her so much, so you make good time to the airlock.
>>486608
>>486609
As the two of you follow, however, you're cut off from Speedy as one of the damage control partitions inexplicably closes in front of you. You'll have to either hotwire it or find a way around.
>>486611
You sink your teeth into the door and gnaw on it a bit before realizing that you might do better if you bit into the access panel on the side. You feel silly.
>>486613
Sparky is ready and raring to go. A bit too ready, as you get a zap as you hold him up to the panel.
>>486612
You're used to this sort of thing happening to you from all your tinkering, and you're rewarded with the sight of a slightly singed Magnolia and Chilo slowly rising into the ceiling attached to the closing door.
There's a loud clanging in the distance that seems to be growing closer.
You sink your teeth into the door and gnaw on it a bit before realizing that you might do better if you bit into the access panel on the side. You feel silly.
>>486613
Sparky is ready and raring to go. A bit too ready, as you get a zap as you hold him up to the panel.
>>486612
You're used to this sort of thing happening to you from all your tinkering, and you're rewarded with the sight of a slightly singed Magnolia and Chilo slowly rising into the ceiling attached to the closing door.
There's a loud clanging in the distance that seems to be growing closer.
>>487917
>>487918
>>487919
There's a large object on the other side of the deck. What you can see is largely distorted by the shattered glass, but it's vaguely pony-shaped, yet has the general size and mass you're more accustomed to seeing on a buffalo. Whatever it is, it's tromping in the same general direction you're going, but it doesn't look like it can match your pace.
>>487918
>>487919
There's a large object on the other side of the deck. What you can see is largely distorted by the shattered glass, but it's vaguely pony-shaped, yet has the general size and mass you're more accustomed to seeing on a buffalo. Whatever it is, it's tromping in the same general direction you're going, but it doesn't look like it can match your pace.
>>487931
>>487932
The two of you round the corner doubling back down the other side of the station and get your first good look at your object of interest. Like before, you can see it appears to be a large, armored pony, but the presence of mechanical joints and a single red eye moving on a track around the featureless head puts that impression to rest. It's also daubed in the same color pattern as the suits you saw the dogs wearing. As it notices you, its head comes up and a tinny voice pops out from a speaker somewhere, shifting between tones like a gag message on an answering machine.
++INTRUDERS DETECTED STAND DOWN A-A-AND-PREPARE TO GET BROKEN, MUDLUBBERS++
It hunkers down and suddenly its flanks expand, a harsh whining noise building up in your eardrums. Speedy would recognize this as thrusters activating.
>>487933
You can hear all this as well.
>>487932
The two of you round the corner doubling back down the other side of the station and get your first good look at your object of interest. Like before, you can see it appears to be a large, armored pony, but the presence of mechanical joints and a single red eye moving on a track around the featureless head puts that impression to rest. It's also daubed in the same color pattern as the suits you saw the dogs wearing. As it notices you, its head comes up and a tinny voice pops out from a speaker somewhere, shifting between tones like a gag message on an answering machine.
++INTRUDERS DETECTED STAND DOWN A-A-AND-PREPARE TO GET BROKEN, MUDLUBBERS++
It hunkers down and suddenly its flanks expand, a harsh whining noise building up in your eardrums. Speedy would recognize this as thrusters activating.
>>487933
You can hear all this as well.
The thrusters finish their charge and send the drone barreling down the rest of the hallway to crash into the bulkhead behind Speedy and Magnolia.
>>487936
Speedy just manages to dive out of the way in time and squeeze a few shots off that cause them to flare and spark before dying.
>>487935
>>487937
You two, however, are knocked to the floor by the shockwave. You're pretty sure you felt the station move from that blow. Sparky fared even worse, smacking into its head full-force as it charged towards you all. You can't even see him anymore.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
15/5
Speedy: 5/5
Mags: Helpless/4
Chilo: Helpless/4
>>487936
Speedy just manages to dive out of the way in time and squeeze a few shots off that cause them to flare and spark before dying.
>>487935
>>487937
You two, however, are knocked to the floor by the shockwave. You're pretty sure you felt the station move from that blow. Sparky fared even worse, smacking into its head full-force as it charged towards you all. You can't even see him anymore.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
15/5
Speedy: 5/5
Mags: Helpless/4
Chilo: Helpless/4
>>487944
You blaze away at it vigorously, as it reels about and tries to shake you off. In response, its head reels back and its chest begins to unfurl into a set of arms, each tipped with a different, nasty-looking weapon.
>>487943
>>487946
Chilo gets up, but Mags takes a hit in the process as a gun arm begins blazing away at full-auto.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
12/5
Speedy: 5/5
Mags: 3/4
Chilo:5/4
You blaze away at it vigorously, as it reels about and tries to shake you off. In response, its head reels back and its chest begins to unfurl into a set of arms, each tipped with a different, nasty-looking weapon.
>>487943
>>487946
Chilo gets up, but Mags takes a hit in the process as a gun arm begins blazing away at full-auto.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
12/5
Speedy: 5/5
Mags: 3/4
Chilo:5/4
>>487948
You leap up and swing around onto its back, seizing an arm in your jaws. It sparks and spasms, but you hold on fast.
>>487949
You, however, are knocked off by a wicked-looking buzzsaw arm.
>>487950
No matter what everyone else tells you, that still feels good.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
8/5
Speedy: 3/5
Mags: 4/4
Chilo:5/4
You leap up and swing around onto its back, seizing an arm in your jaws. It sparks and spasms, but you hold on fast.
>>487949
You, however, are knocked off by a wicked-looking buzzsaw arm.
>>487950
No matter what everyone else tells you, that still feels good.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
8/5
Speedy: 3/5
Mags: 4/4
Chilo:5/4
>>487952
You plink off a couple of shots at some arms, causing them to rear back.
>>487954
Mags helps too, tagging it in the chest.
>>487953
Chilo though, rears back and takes a massive chunk out of its head. The machine seizes up and falls on its side with a loud clang as parts fly everywhere.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
Helpless/4
Speedy: 3/5
Mags:4/4
Chilo: 5/4
You plink off a couple of shots at some arms, causing them to rear back.
>>487954
Mags helps too, tagging it in the chest.
>>487953
Chilo though, rears back and takes a massive chunk out of its head. The machine seizes up and falls on its side with a loud clang as parts fly everywhere.
#BOSS: HACKED WARDRONE
Helpless/4
Speedy: 3/5
Mags:4/4
Chilo: 5/4
>>487956
You unload a burst of photons right into the hole Chilo bit into its head. Something inside of it bursts into flames.
>>487957
There he is! He doesn't look so hot though, so you pick him up and ease him into a pocket.
>>487958
You take another chunk out of its head.
The drone staggers to it feet as its legs split down the middle, jerkily expanding and barely managing to stay upright. What's left of the head unfolds like a flower and begins to glow unpleasantly.
Everyone roll to dodge.
You unload a burst of photons right into the hole Chilo bit into its head. Something inside of it bursts into flames.
>>487957
There he is! He doesn't look so hot though, so you pick him up and ease him into a pocket.
>>487958
You take another chunk out of its head.
The drone staggers to it feet as its legs split down the middle, jerkily expanding and barely managing to stay upright. What's left of the head unfolds like a flower and begins to glow unpleasantly.
Everyone roll to dodge.
>>487961
>>487962
>>487960
Magnolia and Speedy manage to dive out of the way fast enough, but Chilo is a hair too slow. The head explodes in a burst of blue-white light, sending a wave of energy down the corridor and tagging him in the leg as he scrambles to get away. He is badly burned.
The headless drone finally collapses from the damage and energy expenditure, turning into a pile of slag that fills the corridor.
>>487962
>>487960
Magnolia and Speedy manage to dive out of the way fast enough, but Chilo is a hair too slow. The head explodes in a burst of blue-white light, sending a wave of energy down the corridor and tagging him in the leg as he scrambles to get away. He is badly burned.
The headless drone finally collapses from the damage and energy expenditure, turning into a pile of slag that fills the corridor.
>>493838
It hurts quite a bit, but if you were able to work through getting a giant metal club attached to your flanks then you can do this.
>>493841
You manage to get all your frogs secured, but in a bind they'll take about as kindly to vacuum exposure as you will. Other than the space frogs, that is.
Are you all ready to exit the airlock?
It hurts quite a bit, but if you were able to work through getting a giant metal club attached to your flanks then you can do this.
>>493841
You manage to get all your frogs secured, but in a bind they'll take about as kindly to vacuum exposure as you will. Other than the space frogs, that is.
Are you all ready to exit the airlock?
>>493849
>>493850
>>493852
The airlock completes its cycle and the outer door opens, revealing the vast starfield that surrounds the station. The enormous tail of a nebula stretches across your field of vision. As you look up and down, you're disoriented as the hull of the station suddenly reorients itself from wall to floor.
Roll to get your bearings back.
>>493850
>>493852
The airlock completes its cycle and the outer door opens, revealing the vast starfield that surrounds the station. The enormous tail of a nebula stretches across your field of vision. As you look up and down, you're disoriented as the hull of the station suddenly reorients itself from wall to floor.
Roll to get your bearings back.
>>493862
You feel a little woozy and have to take a step back into the airlock for a second.
>>493865
>>493866
You two manage to work past it and orient yourselves towards the bottom of the station. Past the multitude of pods jutting out of the hull, you can make out a large, angular protrusion past the bottom edge. That must be the container the ship is in.
You feel a little woozy and have to take a step back into the airlock for a second.
>>493865
>>493866
You two manage to work past it and orient yourselves towards the bottom of the station. Past the multitude of pods jutting out of the hull, you can make out a large, angular protrusion past the bottom edge. That must be the container the ship is in.
>>493871
>>493874
It's slow going for you two, as the magboots and bulky suits weigh you down. At least it doesn't look like the pirates bothered to watch the outside of the station.
>>493879
This is almost second nature for you. You launch yourself off the hull and, defying all logic, somehow manage to swim through the void at a steady distance above the hull. Before long you've overtaken both of your friends.
>>493874
It's slow going for you two, as the magboots and bulky suits weigh you down. At least it doesn't look like the pirates bothered to watch the outside of the station.
>>493879
This is almost second nature for you. You launch yourself off the hull and, defying all logic, somehow manage to swim through the void at a steady distance above the hull. Before long you've overtaken both of your friends.
>>493888
You keep plodding along. By your estimates you should have passed down to deck three by now.
>>493891
You jump up, but quickly lose control as your flailing sends you tumbling away from the hull…
>>493891
…but Chilo is able to swoop around and catch you midflight. It's almost like he had practice or something.
You keep plodding along. By your estimates you should have passed down to deck three by now.
>>493891
You jump up, but quickly lose control as your flailing sends you tumbling away from the hull…
>>493891
…but Chilo is able to swoop around and catch you midflight. It's almost like he had practice or something.
>>493910
You swim on down and around until you find a door on the side. It looks locked, but there is an emergency access key panel set in next to it.
>>493911
>>493914
The two of you plod along past the service decks down to the ledge separating the lowest decks from the docks. If you want to meet up with Chilo, you'll probably have to jump for it.
Alternatively, you can wait and see if Chilo can get in, start it up and pick you up.
You swim on down and around until you find a door on the side. It looks locked, but there is an emergency access key panel set in next to it.
>>493911
>>493914
The two of you plod along past the service decks down to the ledge separating the lowest decks from the docks. If you want to meet up with Chilo, you'll probably have to jump for it.
Alternatively, you can wait and see if Chilo can get in, start it up and pick you up.
>>493965
>>493970
Between the two of you, Speedy manages to safely get all four legs on the container. His space adventure will have to wait a little longer.
>>493964
>>493967
You punch through it instead, seeing as opening up your helmet to bite something in a vacuum would be a pretty silly idea.
The panel blats angrily before shorting out. There's a series of clanks as bolts retract and the door swings free.
>>493970
Between the two of you, Speedy manages to safely get all four legs on the container. His space adventure will have to wait a little longer.
>>493964
>>493967
You punch through it instead, seeing as opening up your helmet to bite something in a vacuum would be a pretty silly idea.
The panel blats angrily before shorting out. There's a series of clanks as bolts retract and the door swings free.
>>494035
>>494029
>>494041
You pop out of the airlock with a clear view of the cockpit up ahead. The interior is quite a bit bigger than you'd expect a fighter to be, with the corridor extending back and opening up into a few small cabins. There's even a ladder leading down.
Up front you can see enough stations for all three of you, with one set forward and obviously intended for use by the pilot. One of them has a small diode blinking on it.
>>494049
You are clearly upset by this new information.
>>494029
>>494041
You pop out of the airlock with a clear view of the cockpit up ahead. The interior is quite a bit bigger than you'd expect a fighter to be, with the corridor extending back and opening up into a few small cabins. There's even a ladder leading down.
Up front you can see enough stations for all three of you, with one set forward and obviously intended for use by the pilot. One of them has a small diode blinking on it.
>>494049
You are clearly upset by this new information.
>>494081
You hit a few buttons and the engines at the rear start rumbling to life. A prompt pops up on the screen warning you that you are still docked.
>>494082
>>494085
One of the screens on Mags' armrest lights up with the face of Commander Astray.
"That's a little presumptuous if you, Speedy. Still, it's good to see you finally made it down there. Does everything seem to be working well?"
You hit a few buttons and the engines at the rear start rumbling to life. A prompt pops up on the screen warning you that you are still docked.
>>494082
>>494085
One of the screens on Mags' armrest lights up with the face of Commander Astray.
"That's a little presumptuous if you, Speedy. Still, it's good to see you finally made it down there. Does everything seem to be working well?"
>>494116
You hop into the pilot's seat and continue the startup sequence. There's a series of loud bangs as the container around you flies off, letting you see space again.
>>494120
They're taking a bit longer to warm up, but amid the snow you can make out the mark designating the pirate freighter. It's moving towards you at a steady pace.
You hop into the pilot's seat and continue the startup sequence. There's a series of loud bangs as the container around you flies off, letting you see space again.
>>494120
They're taking a bit longer to warm up, but amid the snow you can make out the mark designating the pirate freighter. It's moving towards you at a steady pace.
>>494152
>Reactor: online
>Weapons: online/WARNING: No ordnance loaded in primary bays
>Navigation: online
>All systems nominal.
You all shudder in your seats as the little frigate pushes out of dock and away from the station. You can't see much other than the stars out your viewports, but Magnolia can clearly see the pirate freighter on her console.
Boss: Pirate Freighter
10S/10H
>Reactor: online
>Weapons: online/WARNING: No ordnance loaded in primary bays
>Navigation: online
>All systems nominal.
You all shudder in your seats as the little frigate pushes out of dock and away from the station. You can't see much other than the stars out your viewports, but Magnolia can clearly see the pirate freighter on her console.
Boss: Pirate Freighter
10S/10H
During space combat, the helmsman (that's you Speedy) rolls for conventional actions like movement and attacks. Chilo can reroute additional power to engines, weapons, or shields using his engineering console, which will give your ship extra hits or a bonus to dodge or to-hit rolls. Mags at hoperations has sensors and communications, which means she can hail or jam other ships. The ship's sensors and comms suite can also be reconfigured to other uses with a Technobabble roll
>>501261
None. The bays wouldn't normally be loaded until the ship was assigned a crew and mission. You just don't have the torpedoes and missiles for that extra oomph.
>>501263
The primarly cannons are fully charged and ready for action, though. They should be more than enough to deal with a container ship like that.
>>501264
There's a loud fizzle of static, but you can hear an undercurrent of barking laughter.
None. The bays wouldn't normally be loaded until the ship was assigned a crew and mission. You just don't have the torpedoes and missiles for that extra oomph.
>>501263
The primarly cannons are fully charged and ready for action, though. They should be more than enough to deal with a container ship like that.
>>501264
There's a loud fizzle of static, but you can hear an undercurrent of barking laughter.
>>501271
They don't stop laughing.
>>501270
But the laughter quickly dies when Speedy opens fire, as a full salvo from factory-fresh Mk. VII "Bucker" cannons sever their sensor antennae.
>>501272
Your console turns red as several error messages fly across your vision. They all say something different, but the general gist is clear: AUXILIARY POWER NONFUNCTIONAL. REBOOT Y/N
They don't stop laughing.
>>501270
But the laughter quickly dies when Speedy opens fire, as a full salvo from factory-fresh Mk. VII "Bucker" cannons sever their sensor antennae.
>>501272
Your console turns red as several error messages fly across your vision. They all say something different, but the general gist is clear: AUXILIARY POWER NONFUNCTIONAL. REBOOT Y/N
>>501276
You narrowly miss, but a quick buzz of their ship is enough to rattle them. They still seem to be reeling from loosing their eyes and ears.
>>501275
You quickly pull out some spare wire and plastic, and after a quick patch job, wiring, and a spare in your portable terrarium, you now have little Steve wearing a tiny little frog headset and plopped on top of your monitor. His periodic croaks are recorded and sent out across as many hailing frequencies out towards their ship you can find.
You narrowly miss, but a quick buzz of their ship is enough to rattle them. They still seem to be reeling from loosing their eyes and ears.
>>501275
You quickly pull out some spare wire and plastic, and after a quick patch job, wiring, and a spare in your portable terrarium, you now have little Steve wearing a tiny little frog headset and plopped on top of your monitor. His periodic croaks are recorded and sent out across as many hailing frequencies out towards their ship you can find.
>>501278
You're not able to bring the ship around fast enough. As they finally start to return fire, you take a few bolts to your rear shields.
>>501279
Your scans reveal that their trajectory is starting to drift. Apparently Speedy's blitz startled them enough that whoever was at the controls got scared off. Maybe you could make them pay for it by hitting their engines?
>>501280
COMMAND ACCEPTED
A progress bar appears onscreen '1d3'
Roll #1 1 = 1
You're not able to bring the ship around fast enough. As they finally start to return fire, you take a few bolts to your rear shields.
>>501279
Your scans reveal that their trajectory is starting to drift. Apparently Speedy's blitz startled them enough that whoever was at the controls got scared off. Maybe you could make them pay for it by hitting their engines?
>>501280
COMMAND ACCEPTED
A progress bar appears onscreen '1d3'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>501281
Fortunately, a fresh-off-the-showroom ship does have some perks. The generators will be back to full capacity after the next round.
If you would like to speed it up even further, you can start it up even further by diverting primary power from something else, but that would leave you without shields, weapons, engines, or other critical systems.
Fortunately, a fresh-off-the-showroom ship does have some perks. The generators will be back to full capacity after the next round.
If you would like to speed it up even further, you can start it up even further by diverting primary power from something else, but that would leave you without shields, weapons, engines, or other critical systems.
>>501282
You shake some Trendy Toad (tm) brand frog flakes in front of little Steve, who croaks hungrily in a Ponlovian fashion.
>>501284
His broadcasted belly burbles are keeping the pirates off-balance, which means that they continue to drift and are unable to aim their return fire as Speedy wrestles with the sluggish controls, unable to bring the ship around. You can see that they're slowly losing their trajectory towards the station.
>>501285
You're no expert on ship design, especially on ones that you can barely see as they bounce around outside. But you think that, once you get the chance, doing a quick debug on the targeting suite and maneuvering thrusters might help Speedy up front there.
"Bullfrog": 8/10
Pirate Freighter: 5/10
You shake some Trendy Toad (tm) brand frog flakes in front of little Steve, who croaks hungrily in a Ponlovian fashion.
>>501284
His broadcasted belly burbles are keeping the pirates off-balance, which means that they continue to drift and are unable to aim their return fire as Speedy wrestles with the sluggish controls, unable to bring the ship around. You can see that they're slowly losing their trajectory towards the station.
>>501285
You're no expert on ship design, especially on ones that you can barely see as they bounce around outside. But you think that, once you get the chance, doing a quick debug on the targeting suite and maneuvering thrusters might help Speedy up front there.
"Bullfrog": 8/10
Pirate Freighter: 5/10
>>501288
You finally manage to come around and hit their engines. There's a bright flash as the bolts converge.
>>501289
I'm gonna rule that something like that is a min DC8, because plugging an electric frog into a computer at least requires rigging up an adapter of some sort.
Your sensors tell you that the latest barrage of weapons fire has brought down their shields. Maybe they'll be more open to frog-themed threats?
>>501290
Your console bings in response.
#Speedy's to-hit rolls are MIN3 until power is rerouted.
"Bullfrog": 8/10
Pirate Freighter: 0/10
You finally manage to come around and hit their engines. There's a bright flash as the bolts converge.
>>501289
I'm gonna rule that something like that is a min DC8, because plugging an electric frog into a computer at least requires rigging up an adapter of some sort.
Your sensors tell you that the latest barrage of weapons fire has brought down their shields. Maybe they'll be more open to frog-themed threats?
>>501290
Your console bings in response.
#Speedy's to-hit rolls are MIN3 until power is rerouted.
"Bullfrog": 8/10
Pirate Freighter: 0/10
>>501293
You turn the front end of the ship into something resembling one of your art projects as a foal.
>>501294
What comes back is heavily broken up and fragmented, but you can understand the general message. They've had enough and are ready to surrender. Not like they have much choice, since both ends of the ship are breached and they're running out of air to breathe.
You turn the front end of the ship into something resembling one of your art projects as a foal.
>>501294
What comes back is heavily broken up and fragmented, but you can understand the general message. They've had enough and are ready to surrender. Not like they have much choice, since both ends of the ship are breached and they're running out of air to breathe.
>>501299
It sure is. Before long, you receive word that without anywhere to go, the remaining pirates on the station began to lose heart. The eventual arrival of a cruiser, the HMS Renown, sealed the deal, and they all surrendered within minutes in the face of trained Royal Marines. The captain was most interested in meeting the team of workers who almost singlehoofedly saved the entire station.
It sure is. Before long, you receive word that without anywhere to go, the remaining pirates on the station began to lose heart. The eventual arrival of a cruiser, the HMS Renown, sealed the deal, and they all surrendered within minutes in the face of trained Royal Marines. The captain was most interested in meeting the team of workers who almost singlehoofedly saved the entire station.
>>501311
Unfortunately, you don't own anything that was tailored to fit your tail, so you're forced to go sans pants like ponies of old.
>>501309
>>501310
The three of you eventually end up on the Renown, and are shown to the captain's quarters. Inside you find a large, grey earth pony with a stern expression, a peaked hat, and mustache. He glares at you for several seconds before finally speaking.
"So, you're the three responsible for the unauthorized use and abuse of RSF property. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Unfortunately, you don't own anything that was tailored to fit your tail, so you're forced to go sans pants like ponies of old.
>>501309
>>501310
The three of you eventually end up on the Renown, and are shown to the captain's quarters. Inside you find a large, grey earth pony with a stern expression, a peaked hat, and mustache. He glares at you for several seconds before finally speaking.
"So, you're the three responsible for the unauthorized use and abuse of RSF property. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
>>501317
You tied a cape on him. That's really about it.
>>501313
"Don't get snide with me, son. Right now I'm all that stands between you and all four hooves on terra firma for the rest of your natural life."
>>501315
>>501316
"So your boss tells me. But the fact is you still hijacked RSF property without authorization, which is a major problem for your employers. If the Navy can't trust its shipments to outside contractors, then we won't use them anymore. I'm sure I don't have to tell you exactly how much of your business comes from us, so you should probably appreciate what you did not only cost you all your jobs, but likely the ones of everypony else on that station, not to mention several others along this route."
He takes off his cap and sets it on his desk.
"That said, I have a proposition for you to make this all go away."
You tied a cape on him. That's really about it.
>>501313
"Don't get snide with me, son. Right now I'm all that stands between you and all four hooves on terra firma for the rest of your natural life."
>>501315
>>501316
"So your boss tells me. But the fact is you still hijacked RSF property without authorization, which is a major problem for your employers. If the Navy can't trust its shipments to outside contractors, then we won't use them anymore. I'm sure I don't have to tell you exactly how much of your business comes from us, so you should probably appreciate what you did not only cost you all your jobs, but likely the ones of everypony else on that station, not to mention several others along this route."
He takes off his cap and sets it on his desk.
"That said, I have a proposition for you to make this all go away."
>>501332
It's hard to say goodbye. It was only a tug (and not a very good one), but it was your one and only opportunity to live your dream for the longest time. It's hard to let that go.
>>501333
You're able to fit all your frogs and frog accessories in your temporary bunk, to the ire of several crew members.
>>501334
There weren't many, but several are sad to see you go. Everyone knew each other to some degree on that little depot.
Eventually the Renown departs. Your next destination isn't quite clear, but you're all sure it's some form of new adventure. And you can be certain that it will somehow involve the ship you all flew, now being towed along behind the cruiser, following you to parts unknown…
END
It's hard to say goodbye. It was only a tug (and not a very good one), but it was your one and only opportunity to live your dream for the longest time. It's hard to let that go.
>>501333
You're able to fit all your frogs and frog accessories in your temporary bunk, to the ire of several crew members.
>>501334
There weren't many, but several are sad to see you go. Everyone knew each other to some degree on that little depot.
Eventually the Renown departs. Your next destination isn't quite clear, but you're all sure it's some form of new adventure. And you can be certain that it will somehow involve the ship you all flew, now being towed along behind the cruiser, following you to parts unknown…
END