Cosmic Odyssey: A Hostile Solo campaign. Episode 12: Into the depths.
So, Sanford Rains, our corporate contact is still on board the Maxim, alone.
Vergis, Rains’ strange companion is in a cave system with some of the terrified colonist who fled the Maxim due to at least one xenomorph being on board.
Dr Kory Novara has been rescued from Rains and returned to the Cosmic Odyssey. She is currently sedated and in the med bay.
The others are on the bridge of the Odyssey discussing what to do with the distress signal they have traced to the cave system beneath the ship.
Sambrano rubbed his forehead. “We don’t know who or what is down there.”
“But it’s a mayday signal though, right?” Kristi persisted. She glanced at Chief who leaned back in his chair and watched the proceedings.
“It’s a mayday signal all right, hoss.” The big man confirmed in his languid drawl.
We’ll roll on a reaction chart for Sambrano’s reaction to the stranded colonists.
Roll 2D6: 6, Uncertain, roll again.
Roll 2D6: 2, negative.
“I’m done with this shit.” Sambrano growled, “Chief, get ready for takeoff.”
Let’s roll and see if anyone pushes back against the captain abandoning the colonists.
To avoid a bad reaction :8+
Chief - Roll 2D6: 6, bad reaction.
Jamal - Roll 2D6: 10, no response.
Kristi - Roll 2D6: 9, no response.
Jack - Roll 2D6: 7, bad reaction.
So, the military types just follow the captain’s lead.
” Dom. We can’t just leave those people.” Chief replied quietly.
“We don’t know who or what is down there.” Sambrano said icily.
“Cusolito, what did you guys see while you were over there?” Chief turned and asked Jamal.
The big marine hesitated for a second, “There were a couple of bodies. They looked all tore up.”
“So there were colonists there?” The big engineer pressed.
“I guess.” Jamal shrugged and glanced at Sambrano.
“And Rains almost killed Kory.” The captain snapped.
“Those people didn’t hurt her.” Leftwich interrupted him.
“I understand that Jack.” Sambrano glared at the ships scientist. “But my job is to protect you guys and make sure nothing happens to anyone. You’re my crew, you’re my responsibility.”
Does Sambrano change his mind? (Unlikely)
Roll 2D6: 3/4, No
“Start the take off check list Chief.” Sabrano punched several buttons on the console in front of him.
Let’s roll for a reaction for chief.
Avoid a bad reaction for 8+
Roll 2D6: 3, a bad reaction. Loses Temper.
“God damn it Dominick, I’m not leaving those people!” Chief’s face reddened as he stood, fists clenched.
“Start the take off sequence Chief, that’s an order.” Sambrano said quietly through gritted teeth.
“Fuck your order.” The big man shouted as he stormed off the bridge.
The doors hissed shut behind him as the rest of the crew looked at each other helplessly.
“Chief, wait up.” Leftwich shot the captain a withering look and strode off the bridge after the engineer.
Sambrano goes through the check list for takeoff and discovers there is an issue with the engines courtesy of Vergis.
Roll 2D6 to diagnose the issue needs a successful engineering roll per hour.
After five hours Sambrano diagnoses the issue.
In the meantime,…
Dominick Sambrano is cussing and stomping around the engine compartment trying to diagnose the issue when the shrill comms alert sounds. He grumbles and punches the button once he reached it.
“What is it?”
“Um skipper, It’s Jamal. You might want to get up onto the bridge.”
“What is it?” Sambrano growled his temper rising again.
“You just need to get up here sir.” Jamal replied evenly.
“I’ll be right there. Shit!” He grunted as he made his way back up to the bridge.
The door hissed open and the Captain strode quickly onto the bridge, “What’s going on?”
Jamal glanced over his shoulder and jerked his thumb at the main monitor.
Sambrano squinted at the picture and saw a plume of dust flying up from the surface of the planet.
“What’s that?” He demanded.
“It’s the Armadillo.” The big marine replied.
“Chief?” Sambrano asked as he ground his teeth in anger.
Kristi Lacap walked back from looking up at the monitor, “Yes, sir. Looks like Leftwich is with him as well.”
“God damn it!” Sambrano shouted and pounded the console.
Chief is flying across the landscape at the wheel of the armored terrain vehicle.
We’ll make a driving check (he has +2) as he heads towards the mayday signal.
Roll 2D6: 12+2, 14. Wow ok.
The armadillo sped across the landscape and rolled up at the entrance to what looks like a cave left from an old lava tube.
“Ok Jack, grab a suit and let’s go.” The big man called out as he slid out of the driver’s seat and headed into the cargo area.
The rear door thumped down, sending a cloud of dust up a figure walked out from the vehicle and flicked on their flashlight.
Chief flicked on his comms and glanced back at the Leftwich, “Ready?”
Jack Leftwich shook his head as sweat began to trickle down his face.
Chief shrugged and turned back to the cave entrance
The beam of light from his powerful flashlight lanced out into the gloom of the cave as the big man moved forward and disappeared from view.