COMPLETE Chapter 17 Quid Pro Quo

Scene 1 After returning to Blackrock Base, the party is greeted by Backdraft, and a group of Decepticon guards.   BD: Well done. We've received confirmation of delivery from our client. He seemed to be impressed... Honestly, I just thought he'd kill you.   BD: Drop your weapons and equipment, we'll put them away for you. It's time for us to hold up our end of the bargain. I've arranged for bunk space to be cleared for you in the Service Housing, and you'll be given an allowance of 75 Requisition Points per day. That should be plenty to supply your needs. If you'd like additional rations or access to other facility services, there's always voluntary service or field duty that you can perform for additional RP vouchers.   BD: You'll also be given free run of the base, but you have minimum security clearance, and there will be minders following you. Try anything, and I'll know. And, remember... (he holds up his control for the explosives)... if I know, you won't get far.   BD: We'll likely have more assignments available for you soon. I'll call you when the details are worked out. In the meantime... enjoy your stay.   Sub Scene 1 If Archer questions Backdraft about trading arms with the Speedwagons:   BD: There's no money being exchanged here. This is a gift, on behalf of the Decepticons. If you don't believe me, you can ask the Field Marshal. I'm sure she'd be happy to clear up any confusion.   Other Decepticons will direct Archer to Blackrock Base Central Command if he asks, and after a brief security check he will be cleared to enter.   Within, technicians and analysts are monitoring several screens and displays.   Analyst: You've got an appointment, Comrade Kiloton.   A holographic display of Kiloton will appear in the center of the room, in a reduced scale.   KT: With whom am I speaking?   KT: Very well, Comrade Archer. How may I help you?   KT: You're referring to our project Earthquake, then? It's a covert operation, so I can understand if you have some misgivings about the methodology. However, our orders are coming directly from high command. Perhaps it seems like a waste of our resources, but I can assure you it is of great tactical importance. Our operations here at Blackrock base are central to maintaining scientific and strategic superiority over Imperial forces. The establishment of Mission City is an obstacle to the work we do here. The Speedwagons destabilize Autobot control of the area, allowing us to continue our essential work in peace. Therefore, it is in our best interest to arm the Speedwagons so they may continue to draw the Autobots' attention elsewhere.   KT: If you ever have any further questions about our operations, feel free to ask me. I'd like to be as transparent as possible with my subordinates, within the limitations of security guidelines.   Scene 2 The group will have the opportunity to explore Blackrock base for themselves. They may venture into any of the low-security areas, but all party members will be followed by a Decepticon scout within the base. Once they have decided to rest, they'll be escorted back to their new quarters in Sector 6 Gamma of Blackrock Base Service Housing.   The bunks are minimalist and tight, but there's no one else bunking in this sector.   Scene 3 After a Long Rest, Backdraft will contact the party.   BD: I hope you've recovered sufficiently because it's time for you to get back to work. Meet me in fifteen cycles outside of Central Command. If you're not there by then... click.   When the party arrives at the location, Backdraft will be waiting for them, talking with Sunstorm.   BD: I mean, is there any kind of time frame?   SS: It's not that simple, Comrade Backdraft. With Aurora, we're working with... some things we don't fully understand. What we do know is that her body seems to be almost disconnecting itself from her processor, and that's a problem for reasons that should be obvious.   BD: Dammit, they're here. Just get this problem solved.   SS: I'll do my best, Comrade Backdraft.   BD: There you all are. As you might have just seen, your situation isn't exactly getting much better. So, in the meantime, I'm going to keep you occupied. And paying for your rather exorbitant stay here.   BD: Perhaps I should put it this way-- how much of our resources do you think we usually budget on housing enemy combatants?   BD: I digress. I have a job for you, one that you might even find agreeable.   Backdraft guides them into a nearby briefing room, powers on a holo-display, and explains.   BD: Blackrock base is a research facility, and part of our research includes field-testing. It just so happens that our location puts us within close proximity of a perfect testing ground-- the occupied territory of the Millenium cult. These religious extremists are not only numerous enough for occasional culling, but dumb enough to never figure out where we are. Simply put, they're the perfect cannon fodder for our test teams.   BD: One of our field researchers was deployed to the northern part of Millenium's territory, where the cult has been siphoning off a human solar farm's electricity. Her orders were to engage the cult in combat using weapons developed by our Ballistics division here, but regrettably we lost contact with the research team.   BD: That researcher is your target. Her name is Carbide. Here's a visual. Your goal will be to search the Millenium operation. If she's been compromised, you need to destroy the prototypes she was carrying. If she can be recovered, bring her back here. If you find evidence that she's been taken somewhere else, report back and we'll get a more substantial team on this.   BD: This operation, while extensive, doesn't seem to be much of a priority for the Millenium. There may be a significant amount of mechpower on the field, but you're unlikely to face any more skilled opposition beyond their standard footsoldiers. If Carbide is safe, you might be able to enlist her help against Millenium.   BD: You'll find precise coordinates on your waypoint tracker, which I'll give you once you're ready to depart. You've got some megacycles to prepare around the base before you set out. When you're set, give me a call on the short-range. I'll meet you in the Muster to authorize Requisition to give you your weapons back.   Scene 4 After the party prepares for the mission and heads to the Muster   BD: All right, here's your waypoint tracker with the coordinates. I should note that this mission will take you through Las Vegas, so be cautious. Human activity in the city has spiked over the past week, so extra caution should be taken. That's a problem that me blowing you up couldn't solve. I'd really hate to have to... raze the whole city to the ground. So don't fuck this up, okay?   BD: Good hunting.   Scene 5 The party passes through Vegas   Vegas is still in shambles after the psychic attack. Multiple shelters have been set up throughout the city. Police from nearby cities are helping with patrols. The National Guard is present throughout the city, guarding shelters and setting up checkpoints.   As the group attempts to pass through the city, road vehicles will be stopped by a heavy traffic jam. The party will stop next to a TV store showing a live broadcast.   Newscaster: This is KNTV 13 Action News, continuing our disaster report coverage. If you or a family member have been injured, clinics are now available on the Strip. You'll be asked a series of questions about your injuries and then you'll be treated. We here at Action News recommend that everyone who still needs treatment head there soon. These clinics will be at capacity by 10 AM. In related news, the US Department of Nuclear Energy, which had its existence revealed to the public in the aftermath of the event, is being officially dissolved. The Secretary of Nuclear Energy, Henry Arkeville, gave the following address for the press:   HA: The Department of Nuclear Energy takes full responsibility for the events that occurred in Las Vegas over the past week. This was caused by the accidental detonation of a prototype neutron bomb that was in transit to a secure facility. As a result of this accident, the Department of Nuclear Energy is being dissolved, and all further research into neutron bombs is being terminated. We cannot express our shame and culpability enough. For the families and lives we have broken, we offer our most sincere apology. Government representatives will be present in Las Vegas to assess damages and prepare reparations.   Newscaster: A new bulletin from the LVPD recommends that all citizens stay home if you are uninjured. Government aid workers are making rounds, checking homes and supplying essentials.   Eventually, the traffic will clear enough for them to move on, where they are stopped by a military checkpoint. A soldier will walk up to each vehicle and ask them their destination, letting them through afterwards.   Checkpoint Guard: Where are you headed this morning?   Checkpoint Guard: All right. As you're heading down this road, keep your speed low. Give tent areas a wide berth. Stay safe.   The party will eventually proceed through the city.   Scene 6 Approaching the Solar Farm   The Apex Solar Farm is north-west of Arrolime, flanked by low mesas to the south. It is within a shallow depression in one of these mesas that the Millenium have constructed a simple camp, with tents and a generator. A radio antenna is visible even from the road approaching the area.   Because of the rocky nature of the area and the raised position of the mesa camp, it's possible to attempt a stealthier approach if the party advances from directly East or West of the camp.   Within the camp are ten standard Millenium soldiers, as well as a Millenium noncombatant Evangelist, who is using the camp for radio gospel broadcasts.   Characters with radios will pick up on interference as they approach the camp. Tuning their radios (Technology check) will allow them to intercept the transmissions.   E: ...to the glory of Primus, Amen. For those just tuning in, today we have won a great struggle for the faith. You may know that for years we have been attacked by heathen interlopers, but now we have finally captured one of these thorns, sent by Primus to test the strength of our wills. This infidel was unable to overcome our great strength, and has been completely subdued. We have continued to share the divine word of Primus and the teachings of Gigatron with her, to convince her to abandon her cause, and give up her allies over to us so that we may deliver to them the righteous punishment they deserve. She is close now to submitting, and a day of judgment will be upon us! Remain vigilant in the faith, brothers and sisters. For we live in the Millenium.   The Evangelist has his own tent and two Millenium troopers as guards, who are holding Carbide captive. Carbide has been restrained with simple chains, not stasis cuffs, and has been severely beaten.   If the players attempt to rescue Carbide during the fight:   C: S-stop, don't waste your time on me now... I can't help. These bastards broke my legs. I don't think I can transform, either. Just kill them first.   If the players attempt to rescue Carbide after the fight:   C: My goodness... who are you? I'd care more but... I'm in dreadful shape, I'm afraid. Even if you're Autobots here to cart me off, it's a fair shake better than what I've got here.   C: Oh, Backdraft sent you? He may not be pleasant but I suppose he's got a spark of generosity after all... thank you. I'd drive away on my own but they broke my legs, and I'm not sure that I can transform either.   C: I would have been fine to handle them on my own, but this blasted thing's battery is loose. (She shows a RP blade) I tried slicing into one of them but it just gave me a flashlight...