Chapter 6 - Search and Rescue

Sali:
[French] Speaking on channel A: *EVA teams 1, 2 and 3, please individually confirm your reception. *

After each team confirms their communicators are operational, and presuming no problems, Sali continues:  

*[French]Again, teams, please keep all communication in French for clarity. Your objective, the debris field, is shallow and spreading disc, present diameter is 1000 meters, depth roughly ten meters. Ship's analysis suggests characteristic of internal explosion of a hull. We are roughly at the six o'clock position of the disc. We locate the beacon near the center of the disc. In addition to the beacon, scans indicate that there are six pieces of debris that appear to be between 2 and 5 meters in size. Three are roughly on the close side to you, three on the far side of the beacon. I am identifying the closer debris in order of proximity, as A, C, and D, Beacon is B and the far debris are F, G and H. *

*Team 1, please proceed directly to B and confirm. *
*Team 2, please proceed to Target A and report. *
*Team 3, please proceed to Target C and report. *
*All Copy? *

Jack:
As the little scooter moves out into the gulf on its verniers, Jack constantly twists his head about to check his spacing. Once out in the big black Jack relaxes slightly and engages the comm. 

*[French] Okay Sali, we're on our way. * 

Jacks breath is loud in his helmet, he frowns and turns down the gain on his radio and then looks over at Anton. 

*[French] I'm going to make the first burn, are you happy with everything? * 

Anton:
[French] *Eye, it's cool. This is a real beauty. Softly padding the vehicle. *

Jack:
*[French] Okay, here goes. * 

Jack runs one last paranoid check and engages the thruster.

Karl:
*[French] EVA Team 2 to Sali: Reading you loud and clear. Proceeding to target A. *

Turning to Gunter:

*[French] I've had a bit of experience with these scooters in the past and its a lot of fun. * 

Looking around the field and then at Gunter, 

*[French] Why don't you take us in while I keep an eye out for the debris? If you get into trouble, I can always assist from my controls. *

Lisa, turning to Vladomir:
*[English] My French isn't very good, Vladomir, so you'll have to handle communications with Sali. I'll look out for the target while you steer us to it. Operating a scooter is pretty simple—use the joystick to fire the maneuvering thrusters to point the nose in the right direction. Once you're lined up, initiate a burn with the main thrusters. Go gentle and watch the momentum build-up. When we get close, fire the forward maneuvering thrusters to break our momentum. Okay? *

GM:
I broke down the trips to the assigned objectives into 100 meter legs and rolled versus some tasks to determine what (if anything) happened during the trips of each team. I used Jack as pilot for team 1, Gunter for team 2, and Vladomir for team 3. The following summarizes the trips by each team.

Team 1 (Jack and Anton)
Time to objective B was 18 minutes (approx. 1 m/s). Three course deviations were recommended by Sali to avoid debris. Jack had to make one quick maneuvre to avoid a small piece of debris that was not reported by Sali's sensors. Scooter and occupants arrived intact at vicinity of objective B.

Team 2 (Gunter and Karl)
Time to objective was 11 minutes (approx. 1 m/s). Trip was a breeze with no required course deviations or avoidance manoeuvres. Scooter and occupants arrived intact at vicinity of objective A.

Team 3 (Vladomir and Lisa)
Time to objective was 24 minutes (approx. 0.8 m/s). One avoidance maneuver was required to miss a small piece of debris. The maneuver was not successful and minor damage was sustained to the scooter, resulting in a reduction of speed. One course deviation was recommended by Sali to avoid debris. Team arrived at vicinity of objective B with superficial damage to scooter and passengers unharmed.

Vladomir:
Upon hitting the debris, Vladomir over reacts and ends up spinning the scooter out of control for a moment, but with a bit of help from Lisa manages to correct the problem. 
*[Ukrainian] Son of a snapping sand puppy! This God damned void will be the death of me yet! *

After he quickly crosses himself, a low stream of colourful Ukrainian curses can be heard from Vladomir as they finally get the scooter back on course. He activates his light and holds it over the damaged area of the scooter while Lisa looks it over. He nods silently when she determines nothing serious was damaged. He reaches to rub his beard and flinches when something thumps onto his faceplate. Realizing it's his own hand, he quickly looks to Lisa to see if she noticed. Letting out a sigh, the two get the scooter back on course.

GM:
I've assumed that the teams have travelled on a plane (Geometry, not air-) above the debris field to avoid the majority of the debris field. At this point, the teams are in the general vicinity of their assigned objectives. The objectives must now be precisely located and investigated.

Question: How will each team proceed to locate and investigate their objectives? Obviously choices are to take the scooters into the field part or all of the way, and/or leave the scooters and go in 'on foot'. The team members will be able to return to the scooters without difficulty, as there is a homing signal to follow back to the scooters.

Vladomir:
Vladomir pilots the scooter slowly, about half of the way into the debris field. As they enter, Vladomir carefully steers the scooter, keeping his head low behind the scooter.

When he finally stops the scooter, Vladomir again turns on his light and grabs a couple of stik kits. With a short hit on the thrust pack, Vladomir heads slowly to the nearest piece of debris. 
*[French] Sali, this is being team tree. Ve have being left the scooter and are beginning our searching. *

 As Vladomir leaves the scooter, his heavy breathing can be heard over the comm.

Sali
*[French] Understood Team 3, proceed slowly, use caution. *

Jack:
*[French] Confirm. Checking position. *

Gunter
*[French] What do you say Karl, leave the scooter here and proceed in by EVA pack? *

 If Karl agrees, Gunter unstraps and proceeds on 'foot': 

* [French] Sali, this is Gunter. We are carrying the search on by EVA pack. How is my signal coming in, over? *

Sali:
* [French] Teams 1, 2 and 3. I have you in position for your objectives.  Please confirm your position and understanding. * 

To Team One:
*[French] Team 1, your objective is the beacon and presumed black box. We would like to retrieve the black box. Be advised debris is dense in your objective area. We advise leaving your scooter and proceeding slowly with great caution. Please confirm and give your opinion from close observation. Again, use extreme caution. *

To Team Two:
*[French] Team 2, your objective is Target A. We find moderate density of debris in your objective vicinity. Be advised this is hazardous, you may prefer to leave scooter and proceed slowly. We advise you to proceed slowly regardless to reduce risk of debris impact. Please inspect Object A and emplace beacon for later inspection if necessary. Please confirm beacon emplacement and report on any observations. *

To Team 3:
*[French] Team 3, your objective is Target C. We find a thin debris field in the area and suggest proceeding slowly to minimize risk. If you are comfortable you should be able to remain on scooter if you proceed with caution. You may find leaving scooter your best option. Please inspect Object C and emplace beacon for later inspection if necessary. Please confirm beacon emplacement and report on any observations. *

Jack:
*[French] Confirm Sali, can I have a range and relative bearing to the target? *
*[French]  Here we go, the moment of truth. How are you at EVA Anton? Now is not the time to be overconfident. I'm pretty good in my opinion, if you don't feel up to it you may want stay here and watch my back. *

Sali:
*[French] Affirmative, wait for the data. *

Anton:
*[French] Its cool ! I'll manage. I'll be just behind ya ! *

GM:
Once each team has reached the vicinity of their objective, a more detailed search will be required. I am assuming that a team member will have to be within 10 meters of the target to distinguish it from the rest of the debris within the field. I will resolve the team searches by means of some tasks and tables I have prepared. Each team will be informed privately of the results of their searches.

Vladomir gives a dire nod to Lisa as they look over the piece of debris:
*[French] Sali, this being team 3. Ve have found a piece of the hull. The ships name vas being 'Roll of the Dice' apparently so. Are you being able to be looking up it's umm… registering maybe? * 

Vladomir looks around slowly, inspecting the piece again: 
*[French] Also, this piece is being burned on the outside. It is being hard for me to be certain it is not from the explosion, but it is looking like similar to a laser burn maybe." 

He pauses for a moment then adds,
*[French] vhat are ve to do now? Nothing else but metal... umm, ah, metal confetti is being out here. *

Sali:
*[French] Acknowledged Team 3, please emplace beacon on piece and exit debris fields for further instructions. We will confirm the identity of 'Roll of the Dice'. *

Vladomir:
*[French] That is being acknowledged Sali. Ve vill place beacon and leave debris. * 

Vladomir explains and nods to Lisa. The two of them emplace the beacon as close to the large hull fragment as possible. Then they slowly thrust back to the scooter.

Gunter:
*[French] Sali, this it Team 2. I believe we have located our objective. It appears to be a cargo module, three by three by five metres. It has a gash along on of the sides and appears to be loaded with rock or ore. What are your instructions? Over. *

Sali:
*[French] Team 2, please emplace a beacon for possible later recovery and exit field. We will be giving new objective shortly. *

Gunter:
*[French] Confirmed Sali, we will place a beacon and return. Over. *

Gunter helps Karl place the beacon:
*[French] I will remember to bring something more useful than a laser pistol, next time Karl! * 

Jack, <sounds of breathing>:
* [French] Where is the… what's that Anton? Where? Yes, I think you're right. It's in the right area anyway. * 

<more breathing>:
*[French]  Stupid jetpack! That's better. *

*[French] Sali? Team 1, We have found the Black Box. It's attached to a hull section about three metre's square, do you want us to disengage it here or bring back the whole lot? *

Sali:
*[French] Black Box recovery acknowledged Team 1. Please use your best judgement on disengagement, however the mass may prove hazardous so detachment is preferred. Exercise caution and err on the side of safety. Oh yes team 1, please do be prepared to report on the condition of debris you see when you return. *

Anton:
*[French] Jack, it looks a bit strange ! The black box I mean. It's not EM attached it looks like some kind of Kellerman attachement. Burn or blow, Jack ?"*

Sali breaks in, sounding a bit concerned:
*[French] *Team 1, please confirm you will not use explosive detachment. We have concern there will be damage to the box and danger to yourselves. Again, confirm you will not use explosive detachment of the black box. *

Jack:
*[French] Wait up Sali, we're still looking at it. I've never seen explosives on a Black Box before, this could be something else.* 

Jack sails over to the hull section and latches onto it with a 'clank!' 
*[French] I'll shine the torch across it Anton, can you see if there's any other mounting attachments? There should be a wire seal on a black and yellow striped housing. * 

Anton:
*[French] Jack, the black box is mounted on a reddish metal plate with small pincers, mechanically locking the black box to the metal plate. At least that is how I think it works. I also think that if you cut the pincers "here", "here" and "here" (pointing with his free hand) we will be able to free the black box safely. *

Jack carefully reaches down and opens up his tool kit and then checks his environment. 
*[French] Sali? Can you watch our backs here? We're in a cloud of razorblades and we're going to have our heads down for a while. *

GM:
Breaking out the tool kit, Jack grabs a battery powered cutter. Flipping down the laser shield on his helmet, he begins to burn through the hull plate, cutting a rough outline around the black box / beacon assembly. Getting as far as he can reach, He passes the cutter over to Anton who completes the burn. The black box / beacon assembly is now approximately 0.5m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m. Elapsed time was 9 minutes.

Sali:
Sali breaks in to all team members: 
*[French] All Teams, this is Communications. We have confirmed the identity of the vessel. Be advised this was a probable hostile intruder. Further information will be communicated on your return. Exercise caution. *

Sali:
*[French] Team 1, my resolution is quite poor for objects smaller than those large pieces. I will do my best, but again, resolution in the cloud is poor. *

Jack:
*[French] We've cut it down to a manageable lump, why don't we just drag it back as is? I'm getting nervous sitting out here, the longer we stay in this debris is the more likely we'll get a fast mover rip one of us open. *

Anton:
*[French] "Hmm… You're probably right. I hate those flying pieces of... Feels like incoming missiles. Perhaps we could use it as protection while floating back. Lets go then."

Sali:
*[French] Gunter, please hold position for new objective, repeat and confirm, please hold position for new objective.*

Gunter:
*[French] Sali, we have returned to the scooter and are awaiting new instructions. Please expedite new orders, as we have had a couple of close calls with debris. *

Sali:
[French] *Confirmed, Team 2. Please confirm all team members are present and then give me a check on your fuel, scooter and pack, and air status. *

*Aaargh! *

62.32
Sali: 
*[French] All Teams, can I have a check in? Again all teams please check in. *

62.34
Gunter:
<insert Team 2 status as requested by Sali above>
*[French] How are you feeling Karl? *

Karl:
*[French] I'm okay. It wasn't me. *

Vladomir turns to look at Lisa to get a thumbs up ( could we determine if it was a feminine or masculine scream?). *[English] Lisa, you alright? *

Lisa:
*[English] I'm fine Vladomir. *

62.35

Jack ensures that he is still tethered to the Black Box via the magnetic grapple, he carefully but quickly turns around and grasps Anton by the life support system and quickly eyeball-checks that it is okay. He does this so Anton will not be able to inadvertently strike him and send him spinning.

GM: Anton's life support system (including biomonitor readouts) appears to be okay. Some of his readouts spiked and remain at elevated levels. Jack's first aid skill and combat experience tells him that the situation is not immediately life threatening

Sali:
* [French] Team one, this is base. I read a problem with Anton. Please confirm your status and report. Again confirm your status and report.*

62.40
Jack examines Anton's suit at the point of impact. This accomplished, he turns Anton until he can see the wound, he then tell's Sali what's happening and tells Anton to calm down.

GM: The suit appears intact and no wound can be seen.

62.50
Sali:
*[French] Team 2, if you are ready, please proceed towards Objective B for possible rendezvous with Team 1. Please confirm and proceed.*

Gunter:
*[French] Message received and understood. We are proceeding to Objective B. Do you wish us to proceed at best safe speed or maximum possible speed?*

Sali:
*[French] Team 2, if you exit debris field and proceed parallel, you should be able to use maximum speed. Follow these co-ordinates…* [Sali gives the appropriate directions]

63.00
Jack:
...if Anton has been struck but his suit is not breached Jack will proceed directly to the ship. He will still slap-patch the suit in case it suddenly 'lets go' as it is under pressure.

GM:
Jack applies a "tear 'n' swear" patch to the impact area.

Anton starts muttering in German. He then starts to focus on where Jack is and tries to float to him. He will however be moving very, very carefully and his wariness of debris will be at its maximum.

GM:
Jack is right by Anton, so no movement is necessary.

Anton:
*[French] All stations. Anton Schneider hit by a piece of moving debris. Status report: no injuries. Equipment intact. Proceed moving with Jack towards the scooter. *

63.05
Sali:
* [French] Acknowledged Team 1. Team 1 do you need assistance returning the box? If not, please return immediately. Otherwise Team 2 will meet you and assist. *

63.30
Hendrix, Switches to the EVA commo channel:
*[French] Okay everybody, listen up. Time is of the essence here. We still have to make it to our discharge point and then get out of this system as soon as possible. Sali, get Team 3 moving to another objective. Team 2 as well. Jack, link up with Anton ASAP and check his suit over. If he's okay, get the next objective from Sali, otherwise rendevous with Team 4 and get him back aboard. Auren... keep things moving out there. Hendrix out. *

Auren:
*[French] Yes sir... [waiting until Hendrix is off of the channel] don't worry about Hendrix, he always nervous when we're off the beaten path. He just doesn't want to get into a similar situation as 'Roll Of The Dice'. Sali, have you got the next set of objectives ready for Teams 2 and 3? Jack, how's your status? *

63.45
Sali, With a touch of displeasure in her voice, Sali replies, 
*[French] Evidently. Of course I have the next objectives online. Team 2 is already on its way to point B where they may either help Team 1 in case of need or proceed to Objective F. I will now assign Objective D to Team 3. Team 1 is already instructed to begin return with black box as soon as possible. If they need assistance they will rendezvous with Team 2. *

Sali then directs her attention back to the teams. 
*[French] Team 2, confirming once again you are en route to Objective B. Please note, if Team 1 does not require assistance, you will proceed to Objective F. *

*[French] Team 3, please proceed at full speed to objective D. Remember, exit debris field. *

*[French] All teams, remember to exercise caution, while time is of essence, we gain nothing by hasty accidents. *

Floating silently by the scooter, Vladomir listens patiently as the chatter dies down.
*[French] This is being team 3, Sali. Ve vill head to position D at best of safe speeds.* 

Vladomr turns to Lisa and motions her to man the scooter.
[English] *Well, Anton apparently got whacked by a hostile piece of debris. He's okay and we're heading on to position D*. 

Vladomir slowly manoeuvres the scooter out of the debris field, keeping as low behind it as he can. Barring any mishaps, once out of the field Vladomir will pilot close to position D and slowly take the scooter in a short way before setting out "on foot".

Anton:
*[French] Ehum, Jack ! I feel ok ! I'll manage without help. I stay right behind you following your steps. Or perhaps I should say floating. Got a nasty piece of equipment in the stomach back there, but I'll manage. Don't worry. *

Jack<panting breaths>:
*[French]  Are you sure you're alright Anton? Some of your signs are a bit high. Let's tether up, just in case. If I'm in front I mightn't notice you pass out. *

<loud breathing again, intersperced with soft grunts as Jack readies the tethers> 
*[French] I'll watch the forward hemisphere and you get the rear, although at the speed that bit of junk hit you I don't think we'll have time to do anything about a strike.* 

Jack looks about and runs a check over his systems in case he took a glancing hit and didn't notice it in the excitement.
*[French] Sali? We're coming back, we still have the target and Anton seem's okay. We should be out of the debris cloud soon. *

*[French] Anton, I don't want to sound melodramatic but you might be in shock. How about we use channel 8 and you keep talking to me so I know you're still there, I'd have a heart attack if I turned around and you'd gone limp. Oh yeah, if you're about to pay me back for that salt-in-the-coffee please don't, I don't think my heart would take it.*

Sali: 
*[French] Acknowledged Team 1. Please keep an eye on yourselves. Team 3 will be on its way to Objective G and can rendezvous with you if need arises. *

Anton:
*[French] Yeah, you're right I take the lead you watch my back. Yes, I understand. Salt-in-the-coffee? Ahh! There you got me, I thought it was such Aussie Tea !! Yeah, I might be abit shocked. Channel 8 then ? *

Jack:
*[French] Eight it is, I've got your 'six'. *

Auren to all EVA teams:
*[French] The Crystal Marble has moved 500 m 'higher' than its previous position above the field. This has increased our ability to scan the field and define the locations of the objectives. Please standby while Sali confirms your next objectives based on this new vantage point. *

67.05
Sali:
*[French] All Teams please stand by for revised objectives per new data. Team 1, please return to ship. Your distance given new position is 1300 meters. Team 2, please proceed to Objective D. Your distance is approximately 800 meters. Team 3, please proceed to objective F. Your distance to objective F is roughly 900 meters. Please confirm orders and proceed with good speed. *

70.00 (Team 1 finishes securing assembly to scooter and starts return to Crystal Marble. Jack pilots the scooter and Anton acts as spotter.)

88.00 (Team 3 reaches vicinity of Objective F. Team 3 leaves scooter and enters debris field to begin search.)

88.00 (Team 2 reaches vicinity of Objective D.) 

88.10 (Team 2 leaves scooter and enters debris field to search for objective.)

91.30 (Team 1 reaches Crystal Marble.) 

94.00 (Team 1 has secured scooter in cargo hold of Crystal Marble.)

94.30 (Sali asks Team 1 to give a brief report on black box assembly integrity.)
Sali:
*[French] Team 1, this is Comm. Can you check the black box integrity briefly and give me a report. Also we will be sending you out again short in all likelihood, so please check your suits and verify everything is in good working order. *

Jack:
*[French] Sali, it's Team 1. Can I get someone to meet us at the EVA bay, Anton needs checking out before we can go out again. * 

(Jack checks the Box as well as he can in a P-Suit) 
*[French] What do you think Anton? It looks okay to me. *

Anton:
*[French] Yes, I think its okay ! It looks unharmed, but then again it doesn't look like the ones used in av or interface vehicles. I'm no expert here. Perhaps, one of the spacers in the crew can have a look at it. And, Jack, I really feel better now. I think I had a little shook out there. I have calmed down now. * (Anton gives Jack a big grin hoping Jack can see it.)

112.00 (Team 3 finds intact escape body with alive occupant and requests instructions.)

Vladomir:
*[French] Sali, this is being team three! Ve are having a survivor here, being in some sort of life pod. It has readouts like of a (mutters in Ukrainian), of a auto-doctors bed. The life signs are being showing stable!* 

Vladomir looks over the pod and gives a thumbs up to Lisa. 
*[French] Sali, vhat are ve doing now then? Are ve to place a beacon and search for more pods, or do ve come in and being rescuing this one for sure? *

While he awaits the response, Vladomir flashes his light around the immediate area scanning for any imminent debris dangers.

112.05 (Sali asks for instructions from Hendrix regarding the escape pod.)

112.10
Sali:
*[French] Message confirmed Team 3. Please stand by. Do commence removal of life pod from debris field, but start by identifying debris hazard. I am assuming that your life pod is large. Some planning may be required. *

112.10+ (Hendrix gives Sali instruction to relay to Team 3.)

112.30 (Sali relays Hendrix's instructions to Team 3 regarding pod retrieval.)

113.00 (Team 3 receives instructions from Sali, confirms and prepares to bring in escape pod.)

Sali, speaking slowly to make sure Vladomir and Lisa follow, Sali gives them a plan of action for the survivor. 
*[French] Team 3 this is Comm. Please confirm following plan. If life pod is standard, it should be armoured and able to withstand most impacts. Secure lines to pod, extend lines and return to scooter. Use scooter to tow life pod free of debris field. Assuming success, return to ship immediately with lifepod. Be aware your added mass will be a problem and you must take care with any course changes. I advise slow movement until you feel you have a handle on your mass and inertia. If you need assistance, I can redirect Team 2 or send Team 1 to meet you. Team 1 will be returning to field. * 

Sali pauses for a moment and adds, with a touch of concern invading her previously business like voice, 
*[French] Team 3 please confirm you understand and find course of action acceptable. I am depending on your eyes there. *

Vladomir:
*[French] Sali, this is being team three. That is a roger on that plan. Ve vill tow to scooter and then out of the field, then being coming back to the ship* 

Sali, speaking a tint of tension in her voice. 
*[French] Team 3, this is Comm. Your plan is not confirmed. Suggested plan was to attach lines to life pod, exit debris field reeling out lines and use scooter to tow life pod from debris field. Please confirm you are changing this plan in favor of using personal thrusters to move life pod free of debris field. We are not advising you not to use personal thrusters, but we need confirmation deviation is intended. Again your plan is acceptable but we wish to confirm. I repeat, please confirm your deviation.*

Vladomir and Lisa hook tow lines to the pod and get it moving. Then Vladomir will take position behind the pod, being it is armored to protect him. 
*[French] Sali, this is being team three again. The survivor is not moving, but life signs are still being stable. The name on the jumpsuit is H. Langley. *

Sali:
*Your information is recieved and understood. Please keep an eye on the life signs.*

Vladomir:
*[French] Sali, this is being team three. That is being my mistake then, ve vill tie lines then back to scooter. From scooter ve vill pull pod from the debris. * 

Vladomir motions for Lisa to attach line to the pod and then carefully make their way back to the scooter, hopefully towing the pod clear of the field.

Sali:
*[French] Confirmed Team 3. Please proceed. Also be aware you can call on Team 2 to assist if you run into trouble. They have been alerted. Team 1 is also returning to field and can be called upon shortly.*

113.00 (Team 1 receives instructions to rendezvous with Team 3.)

Sali, speaking on the ship channel first, in French, 
*[French] This is Comm. Team 1 requests medical assistance in EVA Bay to confirm Anton's condition. May I request Team 4 prepare in case Team 1 can not return? *

Auren:
*[French] I'll check Anton and run some suit diagnostics. Those suits are designed to withstand a lot before the occupant takes damage so I suspect he's all right. *

Returning to EVA channel, Sali briskly states, *Confirmed Team 1. We are sending someone to check out Anton. Jack, please prepare for return immediately. Team 4 will join you shortly. If Anton is in good condition, please head for Objective to assist Team 3.*

Auren:
*[French] Negative on Team 4 EVA, Sali. Safety protocols say that we must remain on board unless someone gets hurt and needs a retrieval... Sorry. *

Sali:
*Right, sorry, I was unclear. Team 1 please head out to rendezvous with Team 3.*

Jack, watching with a niggling feeling of unease while Auren checks out Anton's P-Suit, Jack flips over to EVA team 4's scooter and looks it over. 
*[French] Sali, I think we might take EVA 4's scooter out if the 'power's that be' okay it. It still has a full tank and it's ready to go. Ditto with life support, we should tank up now in case of an emergency out there. If EVA 4 help us we shouldn't lose any turn around time.*

Sali: 
[French] *Understood Team 1, Confirm use of Team 4 scooter with Auren since he is there. I have no objections. Otherwise please proceed at full speed towards debris field immediately to rendezvous with Team 3*

Stuart, floats over to the assembly.
*[English] Auren, the assembly looks okay. The seals are intact and the connectors are burned away clean. *

Auren, floats over to Anton and checks his suit out. 
*[French] Your suit looks okay to me. You'll probably have a nasty bruise, but no other affects. I'll run a quick diagnostic on your suit and overpressure it. If the suits holds, you'll be fit to go. *

GM: Auren spends a few minutes running diagnostic tests on Anton's suit.

Auren:
*[French] Okay, Anton, your suit checks out... Back at 'er! * 
*[French] Sali, Team 1 is cleared for further EVA activities. *

Anton:
When the gear check is finished Anton moves up to Jack near Team 4's scooter and says: 
*[French] Jack, I'm ready when you are ! *

Jack:
Big grin *[French] There is no stopping you Anton! Let's get out there, and no collecting souvenirs this time!* 

Jack manoeuvre's the scooter out of the bay and heads out towards Team 3.

115.00 (Team 3 completes securing lines to escape pod)

118.00 (Team 2 finds cloud density anomaly at objective D.)
Gunter:
*[French] Sali, Objective D seems to be a concentrated cloud of debris. We will trigger a beacon and get you to confirm our location, and the Objective. *

118.00 (Team 1 switches to fresh air tanks and swaps scooters with team 4. Completed, Team 1 leaves cargo bay of Crystal Marble to rendevous with Team 3; Anton is piloting.)

118.30 (Team 2 activates beacon at objective D.)

Gunter triggers one of the beacons:
*[French] Sali, that's the beacon, can you confirm our location with Objective D, around 30 metres away? *

118.40 (Sali checks signal from beacon at objective D.)
Sali:
*[French] Understood Team 2. I am trying to match signals. Please stand by. And watch out for debris. *

119.00 (Sali instructs Team 2 to return to scooter.)
Sali:
*[French] Team 2, please exit debris field, we can confirm this later. I want to assign you to new objectives. Please confirm when you exit debris. *

124.00 (Team 2 reaches scooter in vicinity of objective D and waits for new assignment.)
Sali:
[French] *Team 2, I have you at your scooter. Please confirm and confirm new objective. Objective is Object G, which is approximately 950 meters from your current position. Please proceed to Objective G and verify.* 

Sali pauses a moment and adds: 
*[French] Also, please keep an ear out for request for assistance from Team 3 which is recovering a survivor in a life pod.*

Gunter:
*[French] Sali, we have reached the scooter and are proceeding for Objective G at this time, at best safe speed. Will keep a listening watch out for a possible Team 3 request for help. Please provide steering cues to Objective G.* 

Gunter & Karl wait for Sali's cues, and then set off for Objective G.

125.00 (Team 3 returns to scooter.)

127.00 (Team 3 completes securing lines to scooter and begins to pull escape pod out of debris field.)

138.00 (Teams 3 and 1 are within one hundred meters of each other.)
	(Team 3 loses control of scooter due to momentum change while attempting to stop.)

139.00 (Team 2 reaches vicinity of objective F and begins the 'on foot' search for it.)

140.00 (Teams 1 and 3 are at all stop, approximately 1400 meters from the Crystal Marble.)

Jack:
*[French] Hi there team 3, do you need a hand? We are 50 metres out from you on your line approach. * 
*[French] You're the pilot Anton, do you want to go closer? *

Anton:
*[French] Yeah, I think its rather easy its like the heavy hovercycle I and at home. And Jack see if you can help the guy when we arrive I'll try to hold this little baby as still as possible. Well, I have to parry the floating debris at least. *
*[French] Sali, this is Team one, target minus 50, approaching slowly, debris quantity seems low from this sector, I think we will be able to shake hands with them, over. *

Sali:
[French] *Confirmed Team One. Please use caution. *

Vladomir:
*[French] Sali, this is being team 3. Ve are clear of field and are being now heading to the Marble. Ve had a bit of trouble, but have stopped safely. Please be telling team 1 to stay back some about 100 meters so ve are not being sending the pod into them to quickly on accident* 

Vladomir and Lisa again get to speed and tow the pod to the Marble's cargo bay.

141.00 (Sali instructs Teams 1 and 3 to switch scooters. Team 1 is to bring in the pod.)

Sali:
*[French] Team 1 and 3 this is Comm. Please hold your positions and await instructions. I do not have accurate data on your capacities. Team 3, I believe Team 1 has more experience in this work. To avoid accidents with live cargo, I am ordering a hand off using EVA packs. Team 1, take over Team 3 scooter and bring survivor back to ship post haste. Team 3, please take the fresh scooter and verify Object H. * 

Sali gives the appropriate data co-ordinates. She then adds in a warmer, less businesslike voice, 
*[French] Teams, I want to add everyone is doing a good job. An excellent job in fact. I hope that my direction has been as efficient as your work. * 

After a brief pause she adds, 
*[French] All Teams please confirm your instructions and verify that they are acceptable. Comm. out. *

Vladomir:
*[Ukrainian] You're worried about experienced, then send the experienced guys out into that death trap, * Vladomir mutters to himself.

Lisa:
*[English] What was that? I didn't understand you. *

Vladomir, grins to himself (so Lisa cannot see). 
*[English] Do not worry about it. We are going to another objective. *

Sali:
*[French] Team 3 please maintain communication in French. I do understand you, but for others in the ship, French is necessary.*

Vladomir checks his gauges to make sure he has enough time left. 
*[French] Sali, this is being team three. Ve copy and vill stay put until team 1 is taking the pod and giving us over their scooter.* 

Vladomir then floats idly and explains the situation to Lisa in English.

143.00 (Teams 1 and 3 complete switch.)
As they approach Jack leans out and holds the vehicle steady and Anton climbs aboard, followed by Jack. If they EVA to it, it would probably be the same deal.

Anton: 
*[French] This is Team 1 we have swapped scooters with Team 3. We will return to ship with the body as soon as we have it secure on the scooter. * 
*[French] Jack, do you have the body? Please, tell me when you are ready to go. * 

Jack:
*[French] Everything's fine here Anton, Team 3 did a good job. The pods is well secured and I'm holding on like there's no tomorrow! *

Anton:
*[French] Ehum ehh !?! (as if he thought he had missed something) I'll take this little baby home then. * 

Anton slowly and steady steers the scooter back towards the ship.

144.00 (Team 3 departs for objective H.)

157.00 (Karl suffers a suit breach, patches it, and the team continues the 'on foot' search.)
Karl:
*[German] Hey, Gunter... what the? Unnghh! *

157.05
Karl:
*[German] Gunter, I'm hit! *

Sali:
*[French] Team 2 I am reading a problem. Please check in. *

157.10
Karl:
*[German] My suit's been punctured! Patching now! *

157.15
Karl:
*[French] Sali, this is Karl. The right arm of my suit was punctured in an impact with debris. Puncture has been sealed. I lost about 5 minutes of oxygen but I should be fine. We're continuing on our search. *

Sali:
*[French] Understood Team 2. Please continue to exercise caution. I know your stamina is running out. Gunter, please check Karl to verify your status. If you any doubts, return immediately. Repeat, any doubts on ability to continue, return immediately. *

Gunter, as he is checking the patch:
*[French] Good job on the patch, Karl. Your call if you want to return to the ship. However at scooter speeds might as well see carry on. *

Karl:
*[French] I'm fine, the metal only punctured the suit, not my arm. Anyway, I remember back in '97 when I really took a hit... "

Gunter:
*[French] Argh, '97. That was a good year. *

Sali:
*[French]Team 2, this is Comm. If you can continue please do. Command feels time is of the essence. However exercise caution. *

Gunter:
*[French] Confirmed Sali, we are continuing to Objective G at best safe speed.*

171.00 (Team 3 reaches vicinity of objective H and starts 'on foot' search.)

Lisa, checking her suit's biomonitor readouts.
*[English] Vladomir, the rads have been increasing as we approached and they're still climbing. At current levels, we shouldn't stay more than 30 minutes or we risk medical complications. *

Lisa:
*[English] Look, over to your left. There's a big chunk... that must be it. *

GM:
Making their way over to the chunk...

*beep beep beep beeeeeeeeep *

Lisa:
*[English] I'm reading high radiation levels... and climbing. *

As Vladomir makes his way over to Lisa...

*beep beep beeeeeeeeep *

Lisa:
*[English] Yours too. I think this is as far as we should go. If we spend more than a minute or two at these levels, we'll need to go through a Level 2 decontamination—the Crystal Marble is only equipped to do a Level 1.*

GM:
Squinting, Vladomir looks at the chunk, about 25 meters distance. To him, it looks kind of similar to part of the stutterwarp drive on the Crystal Marble.

GM:
Team 3 left the rendezvous with Team 1 at 144.00. Choosing to avoid the center of the debris field where the field density was highest, Vladomir instead pursued an arc, arriving in the vicinity of objective H at 171.00. Average trip velocity was 0.7 m/s. Background radiation (the bad kind) appears to be higher in this area of the field.

Sali:
*[French] Team 3 please maintain your distance while I check on your tolerances. Your data is telling me you are facing relatively high radiation. * 

Vladomir looks with a great deal of concern at his gauges. He also squints at the object in the distance. His eyes get a bit wide as Lisa repeats herself in English. With the beeping echoing in his head set, Vladomir motions Lisa to grab the scooter. Vladomir then turns the scooter about (perhaps a bit frantically) and flies away from the object.

Sali: 
[French] *Team 3, this is Comm. If you are getting radiation alarms, pull out immediately.*

Vladomir:
*[French] Sali, this is being team three. The objective appears to be part of the um, varping engine. I am not being sure, but it is looking like vhat the Marble is having. Perhaps, from what I am understanding, it was trying to discharge when attacked? Lisa is telling me the rads are very up there. *

Sali: 
*[French] Understood Team 3, pull away immediately. *

Vladomir:
*[French]Ve have also being moved to a farther distance from the piece. Lisa is being telling me we are radiated almost to level 2 um, cleaning the… decontamination. Ve are requesting permission to come aboard, as ve are being knowing what the objective is. *

Vladomir again looks at his dosimeter and frowns.

Sali, on all channels, Sali comms: 
*[French] Permission granted Team 3, please return immediately. Comm requests information on response to Team 3 radiation exposure.*

Vladomir:
*[French] That is being a roger Sali, ve are returning to the Marble. I am thinking perhaps ve should get the scrubbing of radiation machines ready for us, from vhat Lisa has been saying. I've seen results of being radiated. * 

Briskly, Sali responds 
*[French] Understood Team 3. I am advising command that we need radiation treatment for your team. *

Vladomir slows the scooter down as they get further from the radiation source and he let's out a low 'whew'. Vladomir steers the scooter straight towards the Marble. 
*[French] Being by the vay, Lisa is not speaking French vell at all, worse so than myself even! So if you are being concerned about it, you must be firing Lisa. * 

Vladomir looks over to Lisa and gives her a thumbs up.

177.00 (Team 2 spots objective G and heads towards it.)
Gunter:
*[French] Sali, We have spotted the objective. It seems to be a largish object. More information to follow when we are closer. *

189.00 (Team 2 reaches objective G. It is a damaged escape pod with no occupants.)
Gunter:
*[French] Sali, we are at Objective G. It appears to be an escape pod. The view port has been blown out, possibly be a grenade or similar device. No occupants. Orders? *

Sali:
*[French] Understood Team 2. Do you think it is worth inspecting the inside? I do not want any puncture accidents. I leave it to you to use your judgement on closer inspection, if you are satisfied, please set beacon and exit debris field. I may assign you to Objective H depending on the position of Team 3. Please confirm your actions and proceed. *

Gunter to Sali:
*[French] I will attempt to inspect the inside, and will get back to you shortly. Keep up the good work, Sali, you are doing an excellent job. *

Gunter to Karl:
*[French] What do you think, Karl time for a look see? *

GM:
Within the next half hour, all teams return to the Crystal Marble. Team 1 secures the intact escape pod while team 2 stows gear. Team 4 decontaminates Team 3 and its equipment outside the cargo bay and then brings them in. With everybody inside the bay, Stuart activates the bay doors and they start to close. At the same time, the lighting in the bay slowly begins to intensify, allowing everyone's eyes to adjust to the brighter lighting. Slowly, the sound of the siren can be heard as atmosphere is pumped into the cargo bay.

Stuart gives a thumbs up, and the siren stops.

Auren:
*[French] Okay everyone, the hold's pressured up and we can un-suit. *

Taking his gloves off, Auren removes the helmet of his suit.
"[French] Pheww! It's good to be out of that! Next time I have to remember to bring an air freshener!"

Climbing out of the rest of hist suit, Auren floats over to a comm panel.

*[French] Sali, please come down to the cargo bay. We're going to open the pod and attempt to revive the occupant. We may need you to translate. *

Sali: 
*[French] I am descending immediately. * 

Sali closes out her station and heads for the bay.

Auren presses, the comm panel again.

*[English] Captain, this is Auren. Hold is secure and we are preparing to open the escape pod. *

Hendrix:
*[English] Understood. We are underway again to the discharge point. ETA is 2 hours. Debriefing in 30 minutes. *