Breakout and Beyond: September Plot Log

[savmods]

Who: Everyone
When: September 9th-23rd
Where: Kauto
What: Escape from Dino Jail and taking the fight to the Savrii
Warnings: Probable violence and mental manipulation. Label your content.

the escape

Over the last few days—or weeks, for many—a number of preparations have been made. Some gathered resources. Others fashioned weapons or small bombs. A few pored over the schematics Mother provided, looking for a weakness in the field generator, while others took her offer of assistance more directly. Whether with information or training, tools or trades or promises, everyone has had a part to play. And on September 9, all of that comes to fruition.

It starts at the gate. Through careful observation of the supply groups, one team of insurgents has correctly identified when the gate will open: and prepared their very own dinosaur-mounted EMP. With the controls damaged and the gate locked open, the Savrii guards are met with a host of individuals armed with shock-sticks, home-made bombs, and one improvised laser—many of whom appear oddly immune to the pacifying effect of the intermediary present.

As terrifying as this proves to their morale, it seems possible the Savrii could turn the battle their way. They have superior weaponry. They have a single chokepoint to defend. They can and will call for backup as soon as the danger becomes clear. Still, there's one factor they couldn't have anticipated. One vulnerability of the dome field, pulled from the schematics by the more technically minded captives who spent time on the endeavor. This place wasn't a punishment, after all. The Savrii didn't want to inflict harm. Merely contain these dangerous people, for their own good. And so, the force field has a safety feature built in.

It decreases power, just slightly, in proportion with the biomass that comes in contact.

While the guards at the gate are busy with their fight, a brilliantly colored array of hazards break free from the forest grounds. Perhaps you're riding one of your new friends. Perhaps you're dangling dino-catnip just in front. It's possible, of course, that your dinosaur is motivated without help—possibly by the array of prey animals running in front of it. Regardless of the motives and the methods, when several hundred tons of dinosaur make contact with that wall?

The force field shatters.

Charge.

A World of Peace

The fact (and methods) of the "newcomers'" escape puts an end to any pleas for peaceful resolution. Within the hour, Thisavrou is placed under a state of emergency: transport locked down, all responders called in, and every combat force their peaceful worlds can gather called to defend against this menace. The Ingress Complex itself is sealed off entirely: a full-strength Artifixx force field raised to deflect (or destroy) incoming ships. Not that the storms outside the Ingress—or the cracks they've begun carving in the sky—look easy to navigate for even the best trained of pilots.

While those looking to fulfill their promise to Mother will need to find a way offworld eventually, events on Kauto are likely to keep Thisavrou’s Most Wanted busy for some time. The Savrii are in self-defense mode, ready to protect their world against those who refuse their gift of peace. Whether looking for a fight or trying to find shelter, travelers are most likely to encounter these groups as their hunters:

• Security. These Savrii have been taken from their usual work in Ingress Security or similar professions. More like police than soldiers, they are still armed and formidable. Each small squad will almost always be accompanied by a single intermediary, capable of both detecting nearby targets and enforcing the non-violence field on those who did not accept Mother's link. These groups may try to talk characters into surrender and prefer non-lethal force at first. But as the days go by, they are likely to recognize this is futile and be willing to take ruthless measures.

• Off-World Kill Teams. Those who traversed the wreckage of the true Midway hub, or participated in the extinction of Thiri have met these Savrii before. The ones who take dangerous away missions and purge worlds that have misused Ingress technology, these groups are versatile and ruthless. While less likely to be accompanied by an intermediary, they are more likely to have powers and advanced weaponry of their own. Regardless, they are specialists in their fields and fully willing to kill innocents for the greater good. Their skillsets range from fighters to hackers to assassins and more.

• Civilians. The majority of civilian Savrii are more likely to hide than to fight, but among their number are non-professional fighters who are more than willing to form amateur groups or go out alone to take down the dangerous invaders. Their mindset may center on protecting their homes or taking revenge for past encounters such as the Shadows. While the weakest of the groups, they're still capable of doing damage. However, not all civilians are hostile or afraid; those who had good relationships with their newer neighbors or who were personally aided may show sympathy. This could come in the form of food, supplies, or temporary shelter, though they won't stand directly against the authorities of Thisavrou.

Regardless of whether fugitives are are caught unaware or go out looking for trouble, one thing is certain: they are likely to do better if they work together. While Mother's link isn't the only method with which to fight the intermediaries, groups without at least one immune person may find themselves put down with ease. At the same time, even those who can resist intermediary manipulation may be overwhelmed by force.

Still, death is rarely the end on Thisavrou, and even now, the technology that allows for resurgence remains in your hosts' possession. Those killed fighting the Savrii may be seen again, and there is always the chance to rescue those who are captured. But would the reunions be happy ones?

Points of Interest

Where to go? What to do? Even without leaving Kauto, there's a literal world of possibilities. Still, the conflict at hand won't go away, and some of your peers have been preparing for it for some time. Between Mother's request, your own needs, and data gleaned from a Trojan implanted in the Savrii's systems, a few objectives might present themselves. And whether you're hunting, hiding, or helping, there are a few places you might want to keep in mind.

• Home

  As soon as characters were unknowingly brought into the Midway Hub simulation, Savrii agents were dispatched to enter homes and search them for any items of potential danger. Mundane possessions will still be there, including pac-discs for those who had them. Settling down for a night at home is likely to get people caught, but now is a great time to pack anything travelers want to keep. However, to find weapons and items taken during the simulation...

• Reclamation Depot

  Established just one month ago, this unremarkable complex is buried in the maze-like streets of Region Five. Rumors describe it as a research site: somewhere to examine hazardous materials and see how they could be turned to the societal good. You might better know it as an impound center. Specifically, where they put your weapons after throwing you into "detainment".

  Fortunately, research efforts haven't gotten far. Less fortunately? This is the first place all those reinforcements go. The facility contains a set of laboratories aboveground and a storage complex underneath, as well as an adjoining kennel for containing pets. Your companions won't have been harmed, but you can bet the Savrii will harm you trying to get to them.

• Network Hub

  The data recovered from the Trojan indicates one very important fact: that all of your data has been monitored from day one. Those interested in safeguarding their communications (or disrupting the Savrii's) may wish to make a certain site in Region One a priority visit. A towering skyscraper over a hundred stories in height, the communications tower that controls the TAB network is a masterpiece of engineering. It's also, predictably, guarded. Still, the amount of reinforcements on this site will vary strongly depending on how openly—or how literally—you broadcast an attack.

• Mediation Centers

  Simple buildings designed for a sense of comfort and peace, these structures can be found in all residential centers of Thisavrou. They serve as the workplaces of the intermediaries, the so-called glue that binds Thisavrou together—or, the mind-controlling oligarchs, if your new acquaintance is to be believed.

  Under the current crisis? They're a little understaffed. Still, if you're looking for the intermediaries, this is a better place than most to check. Just don't walk inside alone, or your friends might end up looking for you.

• Sewers

  With so many forces acting against them, where can travelers find shelter where they can rest, regroup and plan? A base of sorts may be found in the sewers where a team once sought the contaminant. With access to much of urban Kauto, enough distance from the surface to go undetected by intermediaries, and a few larger spaces to provide some breathing room, the sewers may not be a pleasant sanctuary, but they may be the place most able to give characters more than a moment's rest.

A Dinoriffic Note: While characters may keep their dinosaurs with them after the breakout, now that their prehistoric pals have reached adulthood at an artificially fast rate, they will find that dinosaurs are also designed to wean off dependence on their handler, and over these weeks, character-dinosaur pairings will grow farther apart. Although the dinosaurs will always have a softer spot for those who were around during their adolescent days, alas, these partnerships are not destined to be permanent.

---

[OOC: Please check out this OOC post for more information on character options and objectives! Additionally, this is the last chance for free exploration of the current setting, as events will push toward the arc climax after this log. If there is anything you OOCly want your character to have or do, please take advantage!]

Comments

Pharah

[justice_from_above]

Fareeha hasn't had as much time here as some of the others, but she is industrious with the time she does have; when the attack comes, she's on the back of her now fully grown tapejara, herself wearing cobbled together goggles and protecitive layers against the wind. There's a glint of light against metal; an improvised hatchet, rudimentary, but hopefully effective. It's for close range, however, and right now she's using the tapejara as her weapon; its got an aggressive streak and while that was a trial to work with while she reared it in their prison, now she's letting it have a little more freedom to grab, nip, and gore to its delight.


Reclamation Center

Once Fareeha had learned where her armor was, that's where she went. It meant having to dismount and dismiss her ride for the time being, but they're still bonded enough that she's not worried about finding him again when she gets out.

For now, though; she needs your help; reinforcements like this aren't going to fall from one person, no matter how determined or well-trained she may be. She'll help you get your things, if it means she can get hers as well.

She peeks out from behind their cover, a low wall on the opposite side of the street, and ducks back down to turn to her companion.

"Five guards. Three left, two right. You want the fun bunch, or shall I?"

Home/Sewers/Other

Fareeha's main focus had been to get her armor; once she's out of the reclamation center and geared up, she's reunited with her tapejara and looking for others to help. Need an extra pair of hands ... or wings? Let Fareeha and her leathery airborne friend escort you to your home, or give you cover while you disappear into the sewers for a respite. Need to beef up your attack on a Meditation center? Fareeha's there for you too.

Reclamation Center

[kickeminthepistons]

It looks like somewhere along the way, a scrawny redhead started tagging along with Fareeha. The woman may not be as much of a walking meat shield as Krieg, but between the two of them?

"Oh, by all means, knock yourself out," Gaige insists, heading to the lower difficulty pair on the right.

She doesn't look thrilled about it, but can you blame her? She doesn't have a lot of muscle on her, and the fact that her improvised weapon looks like a hammer should say something about her area of expertise.

"Once we get our guns back, though? I get first pick."

[justice_from_above]

Fareeha could have made a dozen assumptions about Gaige, but even she knew people could be scrappier than they let on, and just because you don't have brute strength didn't mean you lacked cunning or reflexes.

Still, she's more than willing to take pointe, or in this case down the lion's share of the opposition. While she's not exactly going for fatal hits, she launches herself over the cover and bolts at the three guards (hoping to draw the attention of Gaige's targets as well to give her a little more of an advantage).

Thankfully, the distance is short enough and she's quick enough on her feet that the guards aren't able to get a good shot landed on her. Sure, a bullet tears past her arm and she's pretty sure that's a flesh wound, but ... nothing to really slow her down. She slides into the middle of the three and lands a series of hits from her hatchet and fist, taking a few hits herself. Because she'd put herself in the middle, though, no one could take a shot without risking hitting their teammate, and in the moments that they hesitated she was able to take them down and either kick their weapons away or fully confiscate them.

Once her three are down for the count, she collects their weapons and looks over to see how Gaige is faring. If need be, she's in a position to toss her a gon.

[kickeminthepistons]

It is honestly and truly flattering that someone would think Gaige might be the speedy scrapper of the team, but let's be real. That is Zer0's job. And while Gaige can be a hellcat with a good shotgun...

"Ngghuh!" She swings the hammer (which is in her non-robotic arm -- why is she attacking with the non-robotic arm?) right in the face of one of the two guards. It wouldn't be a light blow if it landed, but she winds it up too far and swings too slow. The hammer whiffs right past the guard's face.

On top of that, Gaige went low. And while she was able to dodge some of the shots, she's already taken some fire. She's handling it like a seasoned trooper, though -- and it's quite fortunate that the worst is lodged in the chassis of her robotic arm. Additionally, her attention is focused on one of the guard, while the other one is circling around for another shot.

But... "Gun! Yes, yes, yes!" She makes grabby-hands in the air to catch the weapon. And as soon as it's in her hands, the situation completely reverses. Without a moment's hesitation, she shoots the first guard at point-blank, and spins to fire off a volley at the second.

[justice_from_above]

Fareeha had tried to make her hits non-lethal. Yes, some of them will have to undergo serious medical surgeries and one might possibly lose part of a leg, but they would live. She grimaces slightly as Gaige shoots her attackers dead, but she doesn't comment; it is tough times right now, and she can't hold someone else up to her own personal standards.

They were provoked. They reacted. Perhaps it was a simple matter of Fareeha having more training and able to still effectively knock her guards out without putting them down.

Now wasn't a good time for training.

Fareeha goes around and polices all of the guards' weapons, keeping two for herself and separating the ammunition evenly between the two of them. She pockets her stash as she hands the rest to Gaige.

"I'm not sure what to expect once we get in. Watch my six."

[kickeminthepistons]

They can chat about ethics later. It might not turn out to be a productive conversation, since Gaige isn't much of a bleeding heart in the first place, but -- well, at least it would make for an interesting conversation, right?

Besides, the guards might not be totally dead. Let's not kid ourselves, Gaige was very much shooting to kill. But if it will help Pharah's conscience, their heads and vital organs still seem to be in tact, and there's people around here who have recovered from worse.

"Sure thing. But I'd guess that it's going to be more of the same or worse," she remarks, while checking the sights on the gun. It may not be a full sniper rifle, but it should be enough to provide good cover fire. "This looks like it was just a patrol group. Meaning their real defenses are still standing between us and all our toys."

[justice_from_above]

"Well, at least we know getting in will be the hard part." Once they have their toys, they'll be a lot better equipped to get out. Fareeha takes point, leading them in through the doors. She's maybe a bit of a thrill seeker, and this is maybe a bit of a rush for her; she's got her pistol held at the ready and stalks along the hallway in high alert.

When they reach an intersection of corridors, she slows to a stop and puts an open-palmed hand back to indicate Gaige stop as well. Fareeha pauses for a moment, listening, and then very slowly peeks around the corner before ducking back again. She raises three fingers, then indicates two right, one left, all pistols. She looks back to Gaige and mouths, ready?

They're not always going to be able to have the element of surprise, but might as well use it while they've got it.

[kickeminthepistons]

For a brief moment, Gaige looks distracted. It's her arm, which she's still prying the bullet out of. It's left a crack in the chassis, exposing something that looks like a rod on the inside. Whatever it is, it didn't get harmed by the bullet; but Gaige is still frowning at it, with possibly the most serious expression she's had on her face this whole time.

But that melts away in a moment when Fareeha signals to her. No rest for the wicked, after all. And now that she's equipped with a better weapon?

With a crack of a smile and a nod, Gaige throws up the horns: Let's rock.

[justice_from_above]

Fareeha cracks a smile and chances a moment to rock the horns back at Gaige, then turns and ducks across the hallway so Gaige can have her spot by the edge. As she crosses it, she fires and takes one of the guards out. The other two are quick on the draw, though, and a couple bullets blast past her as she slides around the next corner for cover. She curls around and fires a shot back, trying to hold their attention to give Gaige the advantage.

SEWERS

[whosthemonsternow]

Likewise, South's main trek was to the reclamation center, she needed her armor and guns immediately, alright. So as soon as she has her gear, she's right back in the fray of things. She's stuck with Maine and North for the most part, but she does trail away to follow her own path of destruction now and then.

Unfortunately, the connection with the Mother, while helping with the Intermediaries' power, keeps causing her to need a moment's break to regroup her focus. Her head keeps getting foggy or hurting, so she hops in the sewers to collect herself when the ache sets in.

Like now, holding her helmet under one arm, her other hand rubbing fingers to the bridge of her nose to smooth out the tension there. She'll be glad when the connection can be removed.

A noise has her dropping her hand from her face and pulling up her pistol, pointing it towards the sound before pausing because, yeah, that's not an Intermediary.]

S EWERS

[justice_from_above]

Fareeha has been through the Reclamation center, and then all over half of the city helping out. She's finally hopping down to take a breather herself, after having sent her tapejara back to the island for the moment since it wasn't going to fit down here.

Not that she's a great fit in her armor, either.

She hops down into the sewers and sees someone else raising a gun, and snaps her own arm up in response, hesitating enough to see it's a friend and not a threat, and then dropping her hand back to her side.

"Stasya." She takes a moment to look over the other woman, who seems alright aside from a general fatigue. "So, this is the armor you were raving about?"

A little bit of humor to alleviate the fact that they're standing in shit.

Re: S EWERS

[whosthemonsternow]

Her shoulders sag comfortably at the name, pistol back to her thigh and eyes shutting slightly as she leans back against her cover. It's a nasty wall, but she's already gross and will need a hundred baths to even start to feel clean so. Oh well.

"I promise it's a hell of a lot more beautiful when not covered it sewage." She grins, gesturing down at her armor and shrugging.

"Your's wouldn't be so pretty if you had to keep coming down here to remember how to think. Damn connection with that Mother is fucking me up now and then." She complains, but she's still grinning as she makes her way over.

[justice_from_above]

"No, sewage generally isn't known for its aesthetic." She chuckles, taking a couple steps forward to help close the distance, but in these tight spaces she needs to keep an eye on the walls and entryways; between the massive pauldrons and wing-like jump-jets, she has the potential to occupy quite a bit of space.

She removes her helm and clips it to her belt, letting the smile edge into a faint concern. "You doing alright, otherwise?"

[whosthemonsternow]

"I'm totally fine." She is, mostly. Just the hazy feeling in her head when the Intermediaries try to push against the Mother's connection that blocks them out. And the dull ache that comes with that haze. And the slightly dizzy feeling. Besides that- yeah, definitely fine.

"Was with my brother and Maine but got sidetracked following some targets this way. Just needed a sec to regroup after. What're you doing playing turd spelunker?"

[justice_from_above]

"I've been going nonstop since I got my armor back; but I don't have Mother's connection. There's a lot of evasive maneuvers ad avoidance when I see an intermediary."

She's smart enough to know when not to engage, but it has meant being alert at any given moment in any given direction. "I needed a breather and a moment to just, not worry." She pulls in a breath and sighs, "Not that I'm not worried now, but at the very least it's less immediate than saving my own skin." She turns slightly to cast a look ehind her, as if out to the city and battlefield beyond. "What is the plan now, where do we go from here?"

[whosthemonsternow]

"Why didn't you take up her offer?" How South seen it, the Intermediaries were already fucking with her mind, calming her and clouding her mind when they got close to her. At least with the Mother, she could choose to have the mind fuckery, and use it to her advantage.

"Well, I heard people were going to the meditation building or whatever, and some are simply taking out as many targets as possible everywhere to thin their numbers. Gotta see what my guys and squad are doing before I do much more than that, really." She likes doing her own thing, but she likes having a plan too. At least a loose guideline that she can fall back to if she causes too much trouble. If nothing else, she wants to stick close to her boys, keep them safe.

[justice_from_above]

"I'd rather not have anyone else in there if I can help it." It was bad enough with the intemediaries, but the idea of letting someone in there when she didn't want anyone in her head at all ... in the end she decided to take the risk without Mother's link.

To her, all it meant was being cautious about engaging and easy teaming up with those who did take the link, such as Stasya, apparently.

"It must be nice to have your brother here, and is Maine another soldier in your program?" She seemed to remember that was one of the states, at least. "Would you mind a tag-along?"

[yondu]

sewers.

[Yondu's been running rounds from the sewers to above ground. These people aren't his ravagers. But they're all cooperating and that's good enough for him.]

[He's getting ready to head back up when he catches sight of a woman in some fashion of power armor.]

Hey, since I don't figure you're goin' sun bathin' you up for a supply run?

[justice_from_above]

[Fareeha stops and turns towards the voice. She didn't recognize the blue alien, but given he's traipsing about in the sewers gives her a good indication he's with them.]

Hm, who says I'm not? [A small smile,] Yes; what do you need?

[yondu]

Hell of a lot of sunscreen your wearin' if that's the case.

[He nods upwards.]

Food, the basics. More ammo for the people with guns down here. Which probably means hittin' up one of their guard posts.

[He has nothing wrong with provoking some of their guards into a fight. For him? Easy pickin's.]

[justice_from_above]

Can't be too careful.

[She nods at his little shopping list, already thinking about where she could find each item.] Is this going to be a solo mission or are you looking for an escort?

[yondu]

I'm sorta figurin' that headin' out there alone wouldn't be the most well-advised thing.

[On either of their parts.]

I'm Yondu. [No "Captain" here, sadly. Though he certainly wishes.] And who do I have the pleasure of makin' plans with?

[justice_from_above]

Fareeha Amari. [She holds out a gloved hand in greeting.] I'd certainly appreciate the company.

[Agreeing that, right now, two heads are better than one.]

[yondu]

[He grabs her hand and shakes it heavily, jostling her arm with the motion.]

Come on. I guess we got a chance to go make a spectacle of ourselves.

[Yondu didn't care so much about standing out and being offensive. Not even if the Savrii hadn't done what they did- but now? He particularly made a point of giving no shits. Maybe not the best company, but he does know what he's doing. She won't be left floundering in need.]

[He heads for a ladder, climbing up to shove away a manhole cover.]

[justice_from_above]

[That's ... an impressive handshake. She pauses to situate her helmet before following after him. While she'd absolutely love to 'make a spectacle', she's looking at the opening above them dubiously.]

The question is, am I going to fit?

[Her armor isn't exactly streamlined to fit in tight spaces.]