Session Start: Sat Sep 11 22:41:50 1999
<LT1_Clarke> All righty then...
<LT1_Clarke> This bloody thing won't give me ops
<LT1_Clarke> So I can't change the topic
<LT1_Clarke> Just pretend it says 'SIM IN PROGRESS'
<LT1_Clarke> ATTENTION!
<PVT_Bowman> ::attn::
<LT2_Harrison> ::ATTN::
<PVT_Poole> ::attn::
<PVT_Poole> ::slouches again::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING -- We are an advance scout for the rest of the Cold Force. We are to check out a series of caves to investigate any possible hostile forces and see if it is suitable for human occupation.
* LT1_Clarke SETTING -- We are about 20 meters away from the cave enterance. It is a cold evening. We can see our breath. It is quiet.
<LT2_Harrison> ::rubs hands together::
<LT1_Clarke> ::looks at his parka affectionately::
<PVT_Poole> Ooh, caves. I like caves.
<PVT_Bowman> ::mutters something nasty about cold::
<LT1_Clarke> +COM+ We're at the cave entrance.
* LT1_Clarke +COM+ "Roger, Clarke. We'll lose comm as soon as you enter. Good luck.
<LT1_Clarke> Okay, team.
<LT1_Clarke> Let's do this.
<LT1_Clarke> I'll be point. You three stay in a diamond formation.
<LT2_Harrison> ::checks AK-47 magasine::
<LT2_Harrison> ::nods::
<PVT_Bowman> ::nods:: Yes sir
<LT1_Clarke> Remember, we are not supposed to clear the caves - only to scout them and get out if we notice anything hostile.
<LT1_Clarke> Is that clear? Don't try to be heroes.
<LT1_Clarke> I said, is that clear?
<PVT_Bowman> Yes sir
<LT2_Harrison> Clear as crystal, sir.
*** Shim2 has joined #coldforce
<LT1_Clarke> [ crap, did we forget about him?]
*** PVT_Poole has quit IRC (Ping timeout)
*** Shim2 is now known as PVT_Poole
<LT2_Harrison> [ nope ;-) ]
<PVT_Poole> <<I'm ba-ack...>>
<LT1_Clarke> { summary -- we are about to explore caves to look for aliens and see if the cold force can use 'em as a base }
<LT2_Harrison> <<we're going into a- oh, he just told you>>
<PVT_Poole> ::looks at caves::
<LT1_Clarke> Follow me.
<LT1_Clarke> ::advances towards the cave entrance::
<LT2_Harrison> ::follows warily::
<PVT_Bowman> ::follows Clarke::
<PVT_Poole> ::looks around, swings M-16 into position and follows Clarke slowly::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The snow crunches under our feet. It is getting darker. The stars are out.
<LT2_Harrison> ::fixes light beam to barrel of rifle::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING -- The cave enterance is completely dark. We can't see farther than a few meters in.
<LT2_Harrison> Lights, sir?  Or do we want to stay hidden?
<LT1_Clarke> Two of us will have lights - Harrison and myself.
<PVT_Poole> ::looks round, realises it's a waste of time::
<LT1_Clarke> If we get seperated, the other two can switch their lights on - but not more than two at a time.
<LT1_Clarke> Be ready to turn your lights off at my command.
<PVT_Poole> ::checks light's in place::
<PVT_Poole> ::and has batteries::
<LT1_Clarke> ::turns his light on::
<LT2_Harrison> ::flicks light on - a brilliant beam of light spears into the cave's dark interior::
<LT1_Clarke> ::proceeds into the cave::
<LT2_Harrison> ::steps carefully into the cave, scanning it slowly::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING Wet dripping noises make for an unpleasant cave. Stalagtites + cites everywhere.
<LT2_Harrison> <<almost thought that said cities everywhere for a second ;-) >>
<PVT_Bowman> ::trys to see beyond the beam of light, almost bumping into a stalcite::
<LT2_Harrison> ::drip falls onto head and he jumps::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING After a few dozen meters, the cave branches into two caves.
<LT2_Harrison> ::mutters curse quietly and continues::
<PVT_Poole> ::walks behind Harrison, squinting::
<LT1_Clarke> We have to stay together.
<PVT_Poole> Well, which way?
* LT1_Clarke SETTING both passages look about the same. The left one is possibly a tad narrower.
<LT1_Clarke> We'll go right.
<LT2_Harrison> Sounds good.
<LT2_Harrison> ::shines light into right passage::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING the cave is only wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
<PVT_Poole> ::looks behind::
<PVT_Bowman> ::shrugs, glancing down the left passage::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING a skittering noise is heard coming from the right passage.
<LT1_Clarke> ::Freezes::
<LT1_Clarke> shh.
<LT2_Harrison> ::glances around::
<PVT_Poole> ::swings rifle right::
<PVT_Poole> ::braces himself to fire::
<LT1_Clarke> ::hears his heart pounding in his head.
<PVT_Bowman> ::aims for the right passage, listening carefully::
<LT1_Clarke> ::slowly aims the light into the right passage::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The skittering noise stops. Everything looks normal, for a dark cave.
<PVT_Poole> ::tightens grip on trigger::
<LT1_Clarke> ::sets his jaw and proceeds into the right passage.::
<PVT_Poole> *w* Onwards and upwards...
<LT2_Harrison> ::follows carefully, finger squeezing trigger gently::
<PVT_Poole> ::falls in beside Clarke::
<PVT_Bowman> ::follows the others, glancing over her shoulder::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING the cave appears to be on a downward path.
<PVT_Poole> ::scans forward, looking for movement::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING there is another passage leading to the left
<PVT_Poole> *w* Dowmwards, then::
<LT1_Clarke> Curse this place! 
<PVT_Poole> ::covers left passage::
<LT2_Harrison> Shall I use a flash flare?
<LT1_Clarke> No need. We have light.
* LT1_Clarke SETTING as he speaks, his light flickers and dies.
<PVT_Bowman> We do?
<LT1_Clarke> <two lanterns - one now>
<LT2_Harrison> You would like to reconsider?  ::grins uneasily::
<PVT_Poole> ::flicks on light::
<PVT_Poole> That should cover it...
* LT1_Clarke SETTING the skittering noise starts again, much closer this time.
<PVT_Bowman> ::smirks slightly, glancing back::
<PVT_Poole> ::keeps looking left::
<LT1_Clarke> ::aims ahead::
<LT2_Harrison> ::starts to sweat despite the cold::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING we can't tell if it's coming from the left passage or from ahead of us.
<PVT_Poole> *w* Come on out, kiddies...
<PVT_Poole> ::leans slightly forwards::
<PVT_Poole> ::sweeps passage::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING A plasma bolt lights up the cave and hits the wall by Harrison's head
<LT2_Harrison> ::shines beam into front passage::
<LT1_Clarke> EVERYBODY DOWN
<LT2_Harrison> SHIT!  ::hits the deck::
<PVT_Poole> ::drops::
<PVT_Bowman> ::drops::
<LT1_Clarke> ::fires into the forward passage::
<PVT_Poole> ::rolls, still aims left but is ready to pivot::
<LT2_Harrison> ::flings flash flare down passage::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING the flash flare illuminates four snake-men ahead of us
<LT2_Harrison> ::realises he's loaded hollowpoint rather than AP, which is what he really wants right now...::  Oh, hell...  ::opens fire::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The snake-men fire at us
<PVT_Poole> ::swings round, lets rip::
<LT1_Clarke> ::fires::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING One of the snakemen screams.
<PVT_Poole> ::rolls into left passage, catches breath, ducks back out and fires::
<LT1_Clarke> Turn the lights on! They have night vision anyway!
<LT1_Clarke> ::fires repeatedly::
<LT2_Harrison> ::plasma bolt impacts right in front of me, blinding me::
<LT2_Harrison> Aaaargh!  I'm blind!
<LT1_Clarke> ::plasma bolt hits Poole in the right leg::
<LT2_Harrison> ::fires blind in the direction of the snakemen::
<PVT_Poole> ::keeps firing, rolls and reloads::
<PVT_Poole> ::rolls out, trips and lands flat::
<LT1_Clarke> Goddamn, we can't hold out vs three of them. Back, back!
<PVT_Bowman> ::clicks on her lamp, crouching and firing towards the snakemen:: <<sorry, unexpected afk>>
<LT1_Clarke> ::crawls backwards::
<PVT_Poole> ::graps gun, pulls himself up, and fires on auto::
<LT2_Harrison> Someone help me, I still can't see!
<LT1_Clarke> ::pulls Harrison with him as he crawls backwards and fires::
<PVT_Poole> Left passage, lieutenant!
<PVT_Poole> ::fires::
<PVT_Bowman> ::backpedals, still firing::
<LT2_Harrison> ::holds fire in case he shoots a friendly::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING a plasma bolt flies over our heads and impacts the ceiling in the passage behind us. There is a mighty roar and the ceiling collapses.
<LT2_Harrison> ::coughs as dust clouds gather::
<PVT_Poole> Okay, so we *won't* go there
<PVT_Poole> ::fires::
<PVT_Poole> Grenades! Anyone got a frag?
* LT1_Clarke SETTING A stifling cloud of dust envelops our little team. Plasma bolts illuminate the thik darkness, nearly blinding us all.
<LT2_Harrison> Flamethrower might work.  If only we ahd our heavies!
<LT1_Clarke> << thick >>
<LT2_Harrison> ::eyes start to stop flashing green::
<LT1_Clarke> Into the left passage! Quick!
<PVT_Bowman> ::rolls her eyes as she hears the ceiling collapse,  trying to fight of a sneezing fit::
<PVT_Poole> ::squints his eyes shut, keeps up a steady fire::
<LT2_Harrison> ::stumbles after the others as vision clears::
<LT1_Clarke> Poole, cover our retreat until I say GO.
<PVT_Poole> ::moves just ahead of the junction to cover::
<PVT_Poole> Are you in?
<LT1_Clarke> ::runs into the left passage, signalling for Harrison and Bowman to follow.
<LT2_Harrison> ::follows::
<PVT_Poole> ::keeps firing::
<PVT_Poole> Sir!
<PVT_Poole> ::reloads::
<LT1_Clarke> ::remembers Poole is wounded::
<LT2_Harrison> We're in!  I'll cover you, private!
<PVT_Poole> ::fires blindly as a suppressant::
<LT1_Clarke> SHIT! ::runs back to Poole::
<PVT_Poole> ::ducks back, stumbles into passage::
<LT2_Harrison> ::fires at snakemen group, wounding one::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING - The plasma bolts increase in volume.
<PVT_Poole> ::runs into passage, and safety::
<LT1_Clarke> They're getting reinforcements! Run! RUN FOR GOD'S SAKE!!
<LT1_Clarke> ::runs headlong down the passage::
<PVT_Poole> ::reloads, spins round, thinks better and runs like buggery::
<LT1_Clarke> <<bowman? >>
<LT2_Harrison> ::drops a proximity grenade behind him as he follows the others::  MOVE IT!
<PVT_Poole> ::grabs stunned Bowman::
<PVT_Poole> ::drags::
<PVT_Poole> Lieutenant, a hand?
<LT1_Clarke> ::helps drag Bowman::
<LT2_Harrison> ::lends a hand in dragging Bowman to safety::
<PVT_Poole> ::keeps moving, glancing back::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING There is a flash and the proximity grenade detonates. There are several alien screams.
<LT2_Harrison> ::hears horrible slithers as snakemen approach::
<PVT_Poole> ::looks over shoulder::
<LT2_Harrison> ::hears horrible splutch as snakemen approach in smaller pieces::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING However, plasma bolts continue to pursue us.
<PVT_Poole> ::swings M16 round, fires auto burst down passage one-handed::
<LT1_Clarke> ::turns around, fires a few rounds, runs again::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING We have been running along this passage for about 100 meters. We are all out of breath. The aliens are in close pursuit.
<LT2_Harrison> ::fires a few rounds backwards::
<PVT_Poole> ::kicks Bowman, keeps pulling::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING (Bowman is able to stand and run with us)
<PVT_Bowman> ::shakes her head, finally getting controll of her allergies and turns, firing down the passage::
<PVT_Poole> ::shoves Bowman, and speeds up::
<PVT_Poole> Move it!
<LT1_Clarke> +COM+ Base 1, Base 1 can you hear me?! Base 1!!
<PVT_Poole> ::spins round, fires, keeps running::
<LT2_Harrison> ::spins and empties the rest of the clip into the darkness they have fled from::
<PVT_Bowman> ::scowls, but does move, running down the passage::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING Harrison stumbles and falls into a 5 meter-deep pit in the side of the passage.
<LT1_Clarke> Stop! Man down!
<LT2_Harrison> Eaargh!
<LT2_Harrison> ::crunch::
<LT2_Harrison> AAAARGH!
<LT1_Clarke> Shit, shit shit.... Poole and Bowman, lay suppression fire down the passage. I'll get him out.
<PVT_Poole> ::stops, spins and fires a suppressive burst::
<PVT_Poole> You got a rope?
<LT1_Clarke> Yes.
<PVT_Poole> ::fires::
<LT2_Harrison> Uuuhhhh....
<PVT_Poole> Good.
<LT1_Clarke> ::throws Harrison a rope::
<PVT_Bowman> ::winces as she hears the crunch, crouching and firing down the passage::
<LT2_Harrison> I'm okay... I think.  Rifle is ruined, and I think I broke my left wrist...
<LT1_Clarke> Get the rope, damn you! 
<PVT_Poole> ::checks ammo, realises he's running low::
<PVT_Poole> ::fires single shots, waiting::
<LT1_Clarke> ::seems Poole checking, throws him a few rounds::
<LT2_Harrison> ::starts to try and pull himself up with one hand::
<LT1_Clarke> <<seems = sees>>
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The aliens have stopped momentarily due to the suppression fire. They are firing half-heartedly.
<LT2_Harrison> ::slips and falls::
<LT2_Harrison> Shit...
<PVT_Poole> How you doing?
<LT1_Clarke> ::curses::
<PVT_Poole> ::fires::
<LT1_Clarke> Can't get him out... for God's sake, grab onto the rope.
<PVT_Poole> Ah.
<LT2_Harrison> Can't do it... my wrist is shattered
<LT1_Clarke> Poole! Hold onto this rope, pull us both up.
<LT1_Clarke> ::jumps into the pit, landing on his feet::
<LT2_Harrison> ::knots the rope around waist with good hand and holds on::
<PVT_Poole> ::leans back, grabs rope::
<LT1_Clarke> ::attatches rope to Harrison::
<LT1_Clarke> Pull!
<PVT_Poole> ::loops around rock spire and pulls::
<PVT_Poole> ::pulls::
<PVT_Bowman> ::continues firing, trying to conserve as much amo is possible and still keep the snakemen away::
<LT2_Harrison> ::gasps in pain as he is hauled out::
<PVT_Poole> Go on a *diet*, Lieutenant...
* LT1_Clarke SETTING - Meanwhile, Bowman cannot hold out alone against so many snake-men. They advance again - slower than before, but advancing.
<LT1_Clarke> Now throw me the rope!
<LT2_Harrison> ::draws beretta from holster::
<PVT_Poole> ::unties rope from Harrison, throws it down, spins and fires.
<PVT_Bowman> We have a problem!
<PVT_Poole> ::
<LT2_Harrison> ::throws rope down::
<LT1_Clarke> ::grabs onto rope:: Pull!
<PVT_Poole> ::pulls::
<LT2_Harrison> ::braces feet against rocks - I am the anchor...::
<LT2_Harrison> ::hauls away with one hand::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING Bowman manages to frag an alien with a clean shot. The rest keep coming.
<PVT_Poole> ::pulls::
<PVT_Poole> ::glances back::
<LT1_Clarke> :: stands, throws a grenade at the approaching aliens::
<PVT_Poole> ::Bowman? Aim for the heads...::
<LT2_Harrison> ::unties rope::
<LT2_Harrison> ::takes aim and fires a single round at an approaching snakeman::
<PVT_Poole> ::drops rope, spins and lets rip on full auto::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING A plasma bolt rips Clarke's hand off.
<LT1_Clarke> ARRGH!
<PVT_Poole> ::kneels and starts aiming::
<LT2_Harrison> What-?
<PVT_Poole> ::for the eyes::
<PVT_Poole> What happened?
<PVT_Poole> ::firse::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING Harrison successfully kills a snakeman. Clarke's grenade was a dud.
<PVT_Poole> ::fires *properly*, this time::
<PVT_Bowman> ::continues her fire, single shots to their heads::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING Several more snake-men go down.
<PVT_Poole> Can you hit the eyes?
<LT2_Harrison> Shit... okay, there's nothing else for it.  Poole, Bowman, hold them off.  I'll wire the explosives.  Clarke, hold on, we'll get you out of here.
<LT1_Clarke> :: holds his bleeding stump and groans in pain::
<PVT_Poole> Seems to be vulnerable...
<LT2_Harrison> ::starts to set up the high explosives he was carrying::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING A plasma bolt whizzes right over Bowman's head. She is lucky today.
<PVT_Bowman> ::blinks, then shakes it off, aiming for the snakemens eyes::
<LT2_Harrison> Done!  We have five minutes - fall back NOW!
<LT1_Clarke> Go Go Go
<LT2_Harrison> ::picks up Clarke and starts to help retreat::
<LT1_Clarke> ::runs, with Harrison supporting him::
*** Shim2 has joined #coldforce
<PVT_Bowman> ::jumps up, running after the others::
*** Shim2 is now known as PVT_Poole2
<PVT_Poole2> ::aims, fires::
<PVT_Poole2> ::moves back quickly::
<LT1_Clarke> [ we've wired explosives to go off in 5 mins. run like hell. ]
<PVT_Poole2> <<Sorry... dropped line...>>
<LT2_Harrison> Four minutes!
<PVT_Poole2> ::runs after Bowman::
<PVT_Poole2> ::not in that way::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The cave splits into three branches.
<LT1_Clarke> << lol >>
<PVT_Bowman> Lets hope your watch is right. <<lol>>
<LT2_Harrison> Which way?  ...center!
<PVT_Poole2> ::spins round, looks for snakes, and looks back forwards::
<LT1_Clarke> Which branch?! Which bloody branch?! GODDAMN THESE CAVES!!
<PVT_Bowman> As if things weren't bad enough...
<LT2_Harrison> ::starts moving down the center passage::
*** PVT_Poole has quit IRC (Ping timeout)
<PVT_Poole2> Just... damn it, let's go!
*** PVT_Poole2 is now known as PVT_Poole
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The plasma bolts land among us
<PVT_Poole> ::stumbles, keeps running::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The passage continuously narrows until it is unpassable.
<LT1_Clarke> Damn. Back! Back!
<LT2_Harrison> ::starts moving back::
<LT1_Clarke> << 3 minutes>>
<LT2_Harrison> Two minutes!
<LT2_Harrison> <<d'oh>>
<PVT_Poole> ::spins round, fires, charges out shooting from the hip::
<LT1_Clarke> << 2 mins>>
<LT2_Harrison> << ;-) >>
<LT1_Clarke> :: runs down the left passage this time ::
<PVT_Bowman> ::turns, running back, and checks the passages for moving air::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING a plasma bolt explodes a foot in behind him.
<PVT_Poole> ::covers the other three as they chang passage::
<LT1_Clarke> ::shakes his head grimly, keeps running::
<PVT_Poole> Where?
<LT2_Harrison> This entire system will be scorched clean soon - we have to get out!
* LT1_Clarke SETTING This passage also appears to be a dead end. There is, however, a small crack in the ceiling through which we feel a BLAST of cold air.
<LT1_Clarke> Too late to go back! HACK AT THAT THING!
<PVT_Bowman> ::hits the crack with the butt of her rifle, trying to open it further::
<LT2_Harrison> Anyone bring a grenade launcher?
<LT1_Clarke> << one minute >>
<PVT_Poole> ::turns, looks back and fires twice::
<LT2_Harrison> ::opens fire on rock wall::
<LT1_Clarke> WE've no heavy weapons.... fire at it
<LT2_Harrison> ::chips fly::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The crack gives way slightly
<PVT_Poole> ::pulls out knife, jams it in the crack and hits::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING the crack widens. We see the cool, blessed starlight.
<PVT_Poole> ::smashes into knife handle
<PVT_Poole> ::
<LT2_Harrison> ::reloads beretta::
<LT1_Clarke> :: Who's the smallest? Bowman, GO!
<PVT_Poole> ::fires back::
<LT1_Clarke> << 30 seconds >>
<LT2_Harrison> ::works on widening crack as others squeeze through::
<LT1_Clarke> Bowman, UP UP UP
<PVT_Bowman> ::struggles to get her six foot frame through the hole, trupping free::
<LT1_Clarke> <<ummm... oops>>
<PVT_Bowman> <<heh>>
<LT1_Clarke> <<my bad>>
<LT1_Clarke> <<no bios! >:( >>
<PVT_Bowman> <<I sent it! really I did!>>
<LT2_Harrison> 15 seconds!
<LT1_Clarke> Poole, GO UP
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The crack is wide enough for all of us to struggle through.
<LT2_Harrison> -----<WHOOOOMP>-----
<LT2_Harrison> Too late!  Go!
* LT1_Clarke SETTING A wall of fire races towards us.
<LT2_Harrison> ::feeks the heat::
<PVT_Poole> ::grabs Harrison, shoves him up and jumps::
<PVT_Bowman> ::grabs Poole, helping pull him out::
<LT2_Harrison> ::struggles through::
<LT1_Clarke> PULL ME UP! I HAVE ONE HAND!
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The ground shakes
<LT2_Harrison> ::safe - turns and grabs Clarke's collar::
<PVT_Poole> ::stumbles out clutching M-16, drops it and grabs at Clarke
<PVT_Bowman> ::reaches back down, grabbing Clarke::
<PVT_Poole> ::Pulls::
<LT2_Harrison> ::hauls::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING The celiing collapses. The floor heaves.
<PVT_Bowman> ::pulls::
<PVT_Poole> ::pulls::
<LT2_Harrison> ::watches as Clarke struggles out::
<LT1_Clarke> ::clambers out just as the floor gives way and the fire races into the passage::
<PVT_Poole> ::falls backwards::
* LT1_Clarke SETTING Clarke falls into the snow, rolls around to put out the fires on his pants::
<LT2_Harrison> ::hits the dirt as a column of fire erupts from the crack::
* LT1_Clarke END SIM.
Session Close: Sun Sep 12 00:06:55 1999