The ISS Halcyon drifts silently through the vast emptiness of deep space, its engines emitting a low, steady hum as it approaches the source of a faint distress beacon. The signal crackles with distortion, warped by radiation and gravity fluctuations, but its origin is clear: the Ark Horizon. Once humanity's greatest triumph in interstellar colonization, the ark was a shining symbol of hope when it launched centuries ago. Now, it’s little more than a ghost ship, drifting perilously close to the event horizon of a black hole.In the cramped command module of the Halcyon, tension hangs thick in the air. A flickering holographic display casts pale light across the room, illuminating the image of the Ark Horizon—a behemoth nearly a kilometer in length. Its once-pristine hull bears the scars of its decay: dark scorch marks streak its surface, and strange, pulsing organic growths cling to its structure like a disease. The crew exchanges uneasy glances, the weight of their mission settling in.Commander Elise Kael stands at the center, her presence commanding even in the dim light. Her voice cuts through the silence, firm but not without a trace of unease. “Alright, team. You know the drill. We’re here to investigate the Ark Horizon, figure out what’s going on, and stabilize its course if we can. Our own fuel’s tight, so we need to move quickly. Priority one is restoring navigation.” She pauses, scanning the faces of her team. “And keep your eyes open—something about this doesn’t sit right.”As if on cue, the airlock hisses open, drawing every gaze toward the newcomer stepping through. Clad in a sleek, state-of-the-art survival suit, the figure moves with quiet purpose. They’re an intelligence officer, recently arrived aboard the Halcyon in an FTL escape pod—a desperate journey that drained nearly all its antimatter reserves. Their sudden arrival and mysterious assignment had already stirred murmurs among the crew.The officer halts just inside the room, their expression unreadable. In one hand, they hold a small, secure data module. “Commander Kael,” they say, their voice calm and measured, “I’ve been assigned to this mission. My orders are classified, but I need to reach the Ark Horizon’s mainframe and upload this data. That’s all I can tell you.”Kael studies them for a long moment, her sharp gaze probing for cracks in their composure. Finally, she nods. “You’ll follow my lead once we’re on the Ark Horizon. No going rogue, no surprises. Understood?”The officer inclines their head in agreement, offering nothing further. The rest of the crew looks on, uneasy but silent. No one speaks as the Halcyon drifts ever closer to the derelict ark, the faint pull of the black hole’s gravity beginning to make its presence known. Whatever secrets the Ark Horizon holds, they’re about to find out.
>>6172787You’re the intelligence operative for this mission, and stepping into the Ark Horizon means stepping into the unknown. To survive, you need to be ready for anything—but you can’t bring it all. Before the mission begins, you’ll choose three key abilities from the list below. These will define how you handle the dangers ahead, whether it’s engaging hostile threats, navigating the ark’s crumbling systems, or protecting your team. > Pulse Disruptor: Temporarily disables electronic systems within a small radius. > Overload Shot: A high-powered attack that deals extra damage to robotic or shielded enemies. > Adrenaline Boost: Increases your speed, strength, and reaction time temporarily. > Shield Projector: Deploys a portable energy shield to protect yourself or allies during combat. > Melee Overcharge: Supercharges a melee weapon for devastating close-quarters damage. > Countermeasure Deployment: Releases flares or decoys to distract enemies or counter targeting systems. > Kinetic Slam: Unleashes a shockwave to knock back enemies within a short range. > Critical Targeting: Pinpoints weak points on enemies, increasing your damage output. > Auto-Turret Deployment: Constructs a small automated turret to provide suppressive fire. > Toxin Neutralizer: Neutralizes harmful biological or chemical agents affecting the team. > Hacking Interface: Bypasses advanced security systems, accessing locked doors or data terminals. > Power Surge Redirect: Reroutes energy from the environment to restore power or overcharge systems. > Structural Analysis: Scans for weak points in walls or bulkheads to create alternative paths. > Multi-Tool Engineer Kit: Repairs broken systems or constructs makeshift equipment. > Environmental Scanner: Detects heat signatures, radiation levels, and structural integrity. > Exo-Climber Suit: Enables you to scale walls or navigate precarious environments. > Xeno Translator: Decodes alien languages or corrupted data logs. > Emergency Evac Protocol: Activates a limited-use teleporter for a quick escape. > Stealth Cloak: Temporarily renders you nearly invisible to avoid detection. > Medical Stasis Field: Stabilizes critically injured allies, preventing further damage.
>>6172788Wow that's a lot of choices>Adrenaline Boost>Hacking Interface>Multi-Tool Engineer Kit
>>6172826Sure I'll back this
>>6172826>>6172837Commander Kael gives a brief nod to the ship's AI. "Scan the Ark Horizon for possible access points. We need to know where we can get in."The AI, known as Astra, responds in a smooth, even tone, its voice echoing through the command module. "Scanning... three viable access points located. I will now describe each."Astra’s holographic display flickers to life, showing three distinct locations on the Ark Horizon."First," Astra begins, "there is a maintenance port near the engine room. This access point has a faint, yet stable, energy signature, indicating partial functionality. It is a small, unremarkable port on the lower hull. The lock can be bypassed, but the area surrounding it is compromised with decaying bulkheads. Navigating through this section could be hazardous, as it’s likely exposed to environmental damage. However, it provides a direct route toward the engine room, which may house critical systems that need attention."Astra pauses for a moment before continuing. "Second, there is an airlock on the upper deck. This is a standard point of entry, more conventional than the others. The airlock appears intact, with signs of recent activity, suggesting it may have been used by previous crews or the ark's inhabitants. While this offers a straightforward path into the main corridors of the ark, it may also be exposed to security measures, automated systems, or other potential threats.""Finally," Astra concludes, "there is a service tunnel entrance in the cargo bay. This entry point is discreet and functional, though it leads directly into the ship’s storage and supply areas. While this could allow for a stealthier approach, navigating the cargo bay could prove difficult due to scattered debris and unstable materials. The tunnel also leads to less-charted regions of the ark, meaning there is no clear indication of what you might encounter."Astra’s projection zooms out, showing all three access points. "Your decision, Captain," it finishes. "Which route would you prefer?""Let's go for the cargo bay, seems the most promising."> Agree with the captain and enter through the cargo bay> Disagree with the captain, insist we take the main airlock> Disagree with the captain, insist we take engine maintenance port> Disagree with the captain, propose we blast a hole near the cockpit
>>6172840>Disagree with the captain, insist we take engine maintenance port
>>6172857The crew is gathered in the dimly lit room, the tension thick as they discuss the best course of action. “We’ve got a few ways in,” Lieutenant Darius Vren says, his voice gruff as he looks at the map of the Ark Horizon's corridors. “There’s the main hall, but it’s pretty exposed. We could take the maintenance shaft to the east—less traffic, better cover.”Ensign Tali Sera, scanning the room, shakes her head. “The shaft’s a tight squeeze, but it’s a good choice for avoiding detection. The main hall is too risky. If there’s anyone left on board, they’ll be watching the main entrance.”Sergeant Isla Rook crosses her arms. “I’m not sold on the maintenance shaft. If there’s anything dangerous lurking in there, we’ll be on top of it before we can react. I’d vote for the hall—it’s wide, open, and we can cover more ground fast.”You speak up before anyone can make a decision. “I don’t think we should go through that terminal, Captain,” you say, your voice steady but firm. “The propulsion system is the real issue here. If we don’t access the engine room directly, we might not have enough time to act. That’s where we’ll have the most leverage.”Kael raises an eyebrow but doesn’t immediately dismiss the idea. “The engine room?” Tali crosses her arms, thinking it over. “You realize the risk in going down there, right? We’re not sure what we’re walking into. It's not just locked systems we have to worry about—it’s the condition of the ship itself. We need data from the terminal to understand how bad it really is.”You stand your ground, undeterred. “I understand, but we can’t afford to wait. We need to get control of the propulsion now, or we might not have a chance to get the Ark Horizon out of the black hole’s pull. I’m sure we’ll be able to bypass the locks on the engine room manually. We’re trained for that.”The rest of the crew exchanges glances. Lieutenant Darius Vren is the first to speak, his voice cautious. “The engine room could be a mess. If something’s gone wrong, it could be dangerous. But if you think that’s our best bet...”“I do,” you respond, turning to him and then to the others. “We can always deal with the other systems after we stabilize the propulsion.”Commander Kael, who’s been silent until now, steps forward. “I’m in charge here,” she declares, her voice commanding attention. The room falls quiet. “I’ll decide how we proceed. We’re taking the maintenance shaft. It’s not ideal, but it’s the safest choice. We’ll be moving swiftly and quietly, and we’ll take advantage of the element of surprise.”
>>6172900Kael’s tone leaves no room for argument, and the crew reluctantly agrees. She looks at Specialist Quinn Jax. “You’re leading the team, Quinn. Your expertise is needed to get that terminal online. Tali, stick close. Your reconnaissance skills will be crucial in getting us through the tight spots.”Quinn gives a sharp nod, his practical suit designed for mobility and technical work, with no weapons in sight. Tali, nimble and alert, adjusts her gear, securing her plasma pistol at her side.Kael turns to the soldiers. “Darius, your field experience will keep the team secure. Selene, you’re backup tech and security—keep an eye out for any threats.”Darius nods, his pulse rifle slung over his shoulder. Selene, calm as ever, checks her equipment, her sidearms ready for whatever may arise.She finally looks at you, the unnamed intelligence officer. “You’ll stay here for now. Once we’ve got the power back on, you’ll be the one to access the Ark’s core systems.”Hours pass in tense silence, the minutes stretching on as the technicians work to restore the power. Eventually, Tali returns first, grinning. “Piece of cake,” she says, followed by Quinn, who looks fatigued but relieved. Kael gives a nod of approval.“Good work. You’re up. Power’s back. Move out.”Sergeant Rook and Private Holt join you. Rook, ever vigilant, checks her rifle, while Holt, more relaxed, adjusts his pulse rifle, ready for whatever comes next.With Selene leading the way, you head toward the terminal, taking the maintenance shaft as planned. It’s cramped, but you move through it quickly, the silence of the ship pressing in around you. At the terminal, you find it ancient and worn, but functional. Selene inspects it, then connects a small device from her kit to the newly upgraded ports.The terminal flickers to life, and a calm, authoritative voice fills the air. “I am ECHO, the ship's AI.” "E.C.H.O. Enhanced Cognitive Holographic Operator", it displays in a hologram.It offers to assist with diagnostics and systems access.“Shall I proceed with an operational diagnostics report?” ECHO asks."Yes," you respond.ECHO lists the operational systems, all functional, but access to key modules is restricted. It suggests finding a higher clearance terminal or accessing key systems directly.“To move this ship, we need the propulsion module,” you decide.> (Operative) Start decrypting with your state of the art hacking tools > Have ECHO decrypt access to the propulsion module > Have ECHO decrypt access to another module > Ask where the nearest higher clearance terminal is > Head towards the engine room to access it physically> Write in
>>6172901"I know you spooks don't deal in names, but I need a name to call you by.", says Sergeant Rook."You can call me..."Select a moniker for the MC> Codebreaker> Neurolinker> Overclock> Write in
>>6172902>Write inGizmo
>>6172901> (Operative) Start decrypting with your state of the art hacking tools>>6172902> Codebreaker
Rolled 1 (1d2)>>6172904>>61729181 - Gizmo2 - Codebreaker
You plug your advanced deck into the terminal and begin the decryption sequence. Your hacking suit powers up, transferring energy into the terminal. The screen flickers before ECHO, the ship’s AI, activates.“Initiating diagnostics… Please stand by.”ECHO lists the operational systems:“Operational Systems: 1. Navigation Control 2. Environmental Support 3. Life Support Systems 4. Primary Power Grid 5. Defensive Systems 6. Structural Integrity Monitoring 7. Internal Communication Network 8. Emergency Response Systems 9. Cryostasis Pods 10. Hydroponic Farm Management“All systems are operational, though some may need further inspection. Accessing additional modules…”The screen flickers and pauses.“Access Denied. Seventy percent of ship modules are locked due to high-level encryption. These include—”A list of locked modules appears:“Locked Modules: 1. Propulsion Control 2. Deep Storage Vaults 3. Tactical Systems 4. Resource Management 5. Data Archives 6. Medical Bay Systems 7. Cargo Management 8. Communications Array 9. External Sensors 10. Robotics and Drone Control…”The list cuts off, unable to display all locked modules. A warning flashes.“Access to remaining modules is restricted without proper authorization. Core systems are secured by more complex encryption.”You calculate it would take longer than the lifetime of the universe to break the encryption.“ETA for breaking the propulsion control cryptography?” you ask."It would take longer than the lifetime of the universe," ECHO replies.You start decrypting the propulsion module, taking five minutes per module.“Propulsion Module Operational,” ECHO reports.A warning flashes:“Warning! Defense systems activated!”Explosions rock the ship. The captain’s voice cuts in.“What the hell was that?”“Gizmo hacked the propulsion system. The defense systems activated and blew up a bunch of things,” someone responds.“Run diagnostics again,” the captain orders.You try to run another diagnostic, but the terminal access has been severed.“The cables were cut by the defense systems,” Selene says.“It’ll be a module-by-module process now,” she adds.“This ship is huge! It’ll take forever to fix it like this!” you mutter.“Not if I build a plug-and-play adaptor to connect to these ports,” you reply.“Can you do that?”“Sure. Watch.”Your AI assistant reverse-engineers the system drives, pulling port schematics and adjusting your retractable adaptive hacking rod. The tool is now ready.“Now I just need to plug this in, and I’ll be in. It won’t take long, even module by module.”“Let’s test it. Check which systems are nearby.”> Cargo Management > Hydroponic Farm Management > Life Support Systems > Environmental Support > Internal Communication Network > Robotics and Drone Control
>>6172934>“This ship is huge! It’ll take forever to fix it like this!” you mutter.>“Not if I build a plug-and-play adaptor to connect to these ports,” you reply.We’re schizophrenic.>Internal Communication Network
>>6172934> Internal Communication NetworkAll at once
Rolled 4 (1d5)>>6172937>>6173051You plug your retractable hacking tool into the access port leading to the Internal Communication Network module. A moment later, the red indicator on the console switches to green, signaling that the encryption has been successfully bypassed and the module is now unlocked. Sergeant Rook signals for everyone to take their positions, barking orders through his helmet's comm link. The soldiers move swiftly, forming a defensive line in front of the hatch. Sergeant Rook crouches by the controls and carefully opens the hatch with a metallic hiss. "Private Holt, you're up," he orders. Without hesitation, Private Holt steps through the hatch first, weapon raised and scanning for threats. The rest of you follow in tight formation, the faint hum of life support systems echoing through the narrow corridor. Inside the module, the scene is chaotic. The room is weightless, and fragments of shattered consoles and panels drift aimlessly in zero gravity. Wires hang loose, some sparking faintly, while shattered glass and twisted metal create a surreal, floating mess. The air is thick with the acrid scent of burnt circuits, and the faint sound of something crashing echoes intermittently from deeper within the room. "Stay sharp," Sergeant Rook growls, her tone low but commanding. The team advances cautiously toward the source of the crashing sounds, the noise growing louder and more erratic with every step. Then, around a cluster of floating debris, you see it: a bizarre, biomechanical creature. Its form is grotesque, a horrifying fusion of machine and organic material. It appears to be scavenging the terminal, tearing into it with sharp, claw-like appendages and devouring its parts as if it were feeding. "What the hell is that?" Private Holt mutters over the comm link, his voice tinged with both awe and fear. Before anyone can respond, the creature’s glowing, multifaceted eyes flicker toward your group. Then, a piercing, high-pitched screech fills your comms, overwhelming the channel with static. "Comms compromised!" Selene shouts, slapping her helmet’s side in an attempt to clear the interference. The creature moves with terrifying speed, skittering on six biomechanical legs, each ending in sharp, metallic protrusions. In one fluid motion, it leaps through the air, aiming directly at your group. Time seems to slow as it hurtles toward you, and then it target1 - PVT Holt2 - SGT Rook3 - LT Darius4 - CLO (Corporate Liaison Officer) Selene5 - IO (Intelligence Operator) "Gizmo"
Rolled 12 (1d100)>>6173070The creature springs toward Selene in a blur of biomechanical motion. She twists sharply, diving to one side, but not quickly enough to escape unscathed. Its razor-sharp claws scrape across the surface of her protective suit, leaving shallow but ominous gouges. Selene stumbles, her hand instinctively brushing over the damaged area as her eyes narrow on the monstrosity."Open fire!" barks Lieutenant Darius, his voice cutting through the chaos.Weapons snap to readiness as the team levels their sights on the creature. The corridor lights reflect off polished barrels and tense faces as fingers tighten on triggers.Muzzles flash, and the sound of plasma and laser fire fills the module. The creature screeches in response, its movements erratic as it scuttles back and forth.> Roll 4d100, one dice for Holt, one for Hook, one for Darius and one for Selene.You glance at your own weapon, the highly advanced Antimatter Sidearm strapped securely at your side. Its sleek design and devastating power are unmatched—but with only seven shots remaining, each pull of the trigger must count.Will you take the shot?> Yes (Roll an additional 1d100 to add to the team’s attack)> NoI'm rolling for the creature.
Rolled 63, 20, 79, 56 = 218 (4d100)>>6173072> No
>>6173107Holt, Darius, and Selene unleash a well-coordinated barrage of fire, their shots finding purchase as the creature lets out a guttural, distorted screech. One of its limbs is torn away in a burst of sparks and fluid, another follows soon after, the creature’s biomechanical body spasming in agony. The once-dominant creature begins to lose its balance, struggling to maintain its form as the limbs fall away. In a desperate, jerky motion, the creature leaps away from the group, its body contorting unnaturally as it skitters toward a nearby ventilation shaft. You watch in disbelief as it contorts itself, wriggling its massive form into the narrow tube, its sharp claws scraping against the metal as it disappears from view.The sounds of clinking metal fade momentarily, but the sense of relief is short-lived. Through the ventilation system, the clattering and scraping soon return, only this time, the sounds are amplified, multiplied. A high-pitched, shrill screech cuts through the air—a chorus of creatures, each one seemingly as relentless as the last. You can feel the vibrations through the floor as the creatures’ clawed appendages scrape relentlessly against the metallic tubes, signaling the imminent arrival of whatever monstrosities lurk within.The tension is palpable. The hairs on your neck stand on end as the noise grows louder, echoing through the module. The clock is ticking, and you know that action must be taken quickly.What do you do? > Retreat back to the access point — there’s no time to waste, you need to regroup and reconsider your next move.> Attempt to hack the Internal Communication Network module into deploying defenses — maybe you can turn the ship’s systems against these creatures before they get the chance to attack.> Stand ready to shoot whatever comes out of those tubes — there’s no telling how many of them are coming, but you’ll be ready for a fight.> Press onward toward the Robotics and Drone Control module — perhaps you can find some sort of automated defense system or drone to aid you in battle.> Press onward toward the Hydroponic Farm Management module — if you can make it there, perhaps the plant life could offer an unexpected advantage or distraction.> Write in
>>6173124> Attempt to hack the Internal Communication Network module into deploying defenses — maybe you can turn the ship’s systems against these creatures before they get the chance to attack.
>>6173137You hack into the system and examine the available defenses.There are only non-lethal options. One is stun gas, which you dismiss as ineffective in this situation. Another is a stun gun that fires electric darts, delivering a mild shock. It could be useful, but it's a long shot. The most sensible choice seems to be sealing the room with blast doors, so you deploy them.The heavy doors slam shut, and you hear the creatures scraping their claws against the metal, but they can't breach the thick walls. The room is safe—for now."What are those things?" Holt asks, his voice tense."Damn, the creature got me good. I need some medical attention," Selene says, her tone strained."This room is a mess," Rook mutters, surveying the chaos. "Look at these cables all over the place. Was that creature eating these components?"Amid the chaos, you catch a faint signal from the Halcyon through the interference."...at is going... in there?" The captain's voice crackles through the static.> Report hostiles inbound through the ventilation system (roll 1d100)> Try to fix the terminal (roll 1d100)> Call for a medical team for Selene (roll 1d100)> Write in
Rolled 42 (1d100)>>6173145> Try to fix the terminal (roll 1d100)
Rolled 73 (1d100)>>6173145> Report hostiles inbound through the ventilation system (roll 1d100)
>>6173152>>6173156You glance at the mangled terminal, considering whether to attempt repairs. The damage is severe, with shattered components and shredded wiring. Fixing it would take considerable time—time you don’t have. Instead, you prioritize the immediate threat and report hostiles moving through the ventilation system. "Hostiles inbound through the vents!" you say over the comms.The captain responds swiftly, her voice sharp with urgency. "Understood. I'm dispatching Heavy Team Bravo for support. Hold your position until they arrive."Minutes tick by as you wait. The interference that had been clouding communication finally clears. But the news isn’t good.“Bravo Team was ambushed at the cargo bay terminal!” the captain relays. “There were dozens of those… things waiting for them!”Your stomach sinks at the thought. “Did they make it out?” you ask.“They held their ground and managed to take down one of the creatures,” the captain replies. “The rest retreated, scattering through the vents. We’ve sent a medical team to recover the downed creature and secure it in a containment pod for later analysis.”You process the situation quickly. More of those creatures are surely regrouping, and it’s only a matter of time before they strike again.What’s your next move?> "Get everyone out of there! They’ll come back!" > Open the blast door to rendezvous with Team Bravo. > Open the blast door to press onward toward the Robotics and Drone Control module. > Open the blast door to press onward toward the Hydroponic Farm Management module. > Start fixing the terminal, even if it takes a long time. > Write in.
>>6173280> Open the blast door to press onward toward the Robotics and Drone Control module.We need to change the tactical situation here, maybe hack some drones, activate defenses?
>>6173287You decide to take a bold approach. "Open the blast door. We're pressing onward to the Robotics and Drone Control module," you say firmly. The hiss of the blast doors signals your next step, and the team moves swiftly, weapons drawn. As you enter the module, the scene before you is chaos incarnate. The entire area is teeming with the biomechanical creatures—at least a dozen of them, skittering over walls, floors, and machinery. Sparks fly from damaged terminals and severed cables, casting eerie flashes of light across the carnage. “Holy hell, there’s an army of them!” Sergeant Rook exclaims, her voice tense but steady. “Hold your ground!” Darius commands, raising his rifle. “Open fire!” The room erupts into chaos as plasma bolts streak across the space, lighting up the battlefield in bursts of vivid blue. The creatures screech in response, their biomechanical limbs moving at unnatural speeds as they dodge and weave through the barrage.> Roll 4d100 to attack the creatures. > Roll 5d100 if you choose to use your antimatter gun, but remember, you have only seven shots remaining.The purpose of this firefight will determine your tactics. Choose your objective: > To keep the creatures at bay. > To cover your advance toward the terminal. > To cover your advance toward the next module (the Medbay). > To block the creatures’ retreat by targeting and blowing up the ventilation shafts. > Write in.
Rolled 79, 75, 36, 45, 29 = 264 (5d100)>>6173722> To keep the creatures at bay.Gotta pull out all the stops against that many
>>6173868The plasma fire tears through the creatures, severing limbs but not quite finishing them off. Their screeches echo through the chamber, a mix of pain and rage. You fire your antimatter gun, but your aim is slightly off. The blast, however, is catastrophic—a massive explosion ripples through the area, damaging every creature within range. Startled by the sheer force of the weapon, the biomechanical beings retreat, their skittering movements growing frantic as they escape into the vents. “What the hell kind of gun is that?” Rook asks, wide-eyed. “Antimatter. Special issue,” you reply with a hint of pride. Holt chuckles nervously. “Those things looked like they’d seen a ghost when you fired it, Gizmo. Let’s get moving before they change their minds.” Wasting no time, you approach the terminal and quickly hack into it, overriding the system to seal the room with reinforced blast doors. With the area temporarily secure, you turn your attention to the drones. The equipment here is old, mostly designed for heavy lifting and cargo transport. Yet among the relics, you uncover a cache of laser cutters—rudimentary but effective. These could make decent improvised weapons against the creatures. “Looks like we’ve got some options here,” you say, inspecting the available drone hulls. Big Load Hauler: A bulky unit designed for heavy loads. Its sheer size and strength could physically block the creatures or shove them aside during an attack. Vent Cleaner: A nimble drone built for navigating tight spaces. It could pursue the creatures into the ventilation system, cutting them off in their hiding spots. Floor Swiper: A sleek, maneuverable drone capable of quick movements. It would excel at targeting and severing the creatures' limbs in close combat. You have 10 sets of laser cutters to allocate. Now you need to decide how to distribute them among the drone hulls. How will you proceed?
