Paranoia: My Name is Troubleshooter

[BlueBard]

Blo-R, Spam-R and Shoot-O burst into the corridor.

The citizens in the corridor stare a moment longer, then collectively shrug and go on about their business.

Shoot-O grabs the nearest Infrared by the jumpsuit.  "Quick!  Where can I find water?"

"Ahh- uhh- umm- Ahh- drinking fountain?  I guess?" answers the clone.

"Where?!" Shoot-O bellows.

"Uhh- gee... I'm sure there's one around here somewhere.  Uh, don't hurt me... please?"

[gdaybloke]

Spyd-R corrals the nearest Infrared.

"Citizen! This is important Troubleshooter business! We need water down that stairwell, and we need it now! By the authority invested in my by the Computer, I suggest you get a receptacle and start carting water down those stairs before I begin to wonder if YOU might be some trouble worth shooting!"

Spyd points at three other random Infrareds.

"That applied to you, you and you as well! Find some water and get it down those stairs right now!"

Spyd then turns his attention to the Red-Clearance citizens.

"Good daycycle, citizens. If you could find your way to helping out as well, that would be most appreciated, especially if it could happen before I'm required to commence testing on this wonderful device strapped to my back, provided by the good clones of R&D..."

[BlueBard]

Except for the clone that Shoot-O has by the collar, the rest of the citizens scatter and flee in either direction... presumably to go get water.

[gdaybloke]

OOC: Um... aren't Shoot-O and I at opposite ends of the stairwell? I went up, everyone else went down, no?

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

Seeing as the others (seem to) have the citizens rallying to the cause, Numb pauses a second to see what else he can bring to the party.


[spoiler]Are there any unpaved, undeveloped areas around here with natural ground?  I could use my knowledge of geology and (by extension) groundwater to find some.  If this is a silly question, then I'll try to contact the Computer through the nearest terminal and shoot the breeze with it in a looking-for-somewhere-with-water kind of way[/spoiler]

[BlueBard]

OOC: Um... aren't Shoot-O and I at opposite ends of the stairwell? I went up, everyone else went down, no?

No.

Everyone but ArrMatee went up.  Easier than climbing over the presumably radioactive exoskeleton.

[BlueBard]

Seeing as the others (seem to) have the citizens rallying to the cause, Numb pauses a second to see what else he can bring to the party.


[spoiler]Are there any unpaved, undeveloped areas around here with natural ground?  I could use my knowledge of geology and (by extension) groundwater to find some.  If this is a silly question, then I'll try to contact the Computer through the nearest terminal and shoot the breeze with it in a looking-for-somewhere-with-water kind of way[/spoiler]

Numb-R:
[spoiler]Unfortunately, it turns out to be a silly question.  You see, Beta Complex is basically an Arcology... a self-contained city.  Your knowledge of geology is almost entirely theoretical as you, like most of the clones living there, have never even seen the Outside, let alone visited it.

On the other hand, Terminals are everywhere.[/spoiler]

You see a Terminal down at the end of the corridor, to the left.

[Panther_Gunn]

[spoiler]I don't suppose my Lore: Beta Complex skill is useful enough in a sector I've not been to before, would it?[/spoiler]

[BlueBard]

[spoiler]I don't suppose my Lore: Beta Complex skill is useful enough in a sector I've not been to before, would it?[/spoiler]

Blo-R:
[spoiler]Considering you've never encountered DTH before, it would be highly unlikely.  But... nothing ventured, nothing gained...

...And, the skill check fails.  Thanks for playing!  Wanna try your luck again with something else?[/spoiler]

[Spam]

For some reason, my hands start to shake. I can't decide what I should do. Everyone else is doing at least something, but for some reason, I'm not doing anything useful... I start to panic, and try and find a terminal. Hopefully The Computer will help me through this process of water finding...

[spoiler]What did I have in my inventory? Can't remember...

Also, if I do actually happen to come across water, I'll have to sabotage the water, to sabotage ArMatee. But yet I don't know how...[/spoiler]

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

Not being as familar with the computer interface for dealing with The Computer as by char is, I am instead going to make a precis of the information given below:

[spoiler]All glory to the Computer, and your lovely circuits, Troubleshooter Numb checking in.  In the course of my duties in your service, I find myself in something of a... situation... which I, and my fellow troubleshooters, need your help in.  It appears that Troubleshooter ArrMatee has sabotaged the exoskeleton device we've been given (wilfully and with malice of forethought too I shouldn't wonder; I would like to register my suspicions that he must be an IntSec spy btw) and we need to obtain water to cool it down before it all goes up.  Please show me a map with the nearest available water sources (toilets, shower facilities, any water tanks for example).  In addition, if the area is equipped for it, I would stringly suggest activating any water or foam sprinkler systems in the vicinity of the incident.  They might just give us that cooling edge we need.[/spoiler]

[gdaybloke]

OOC: Did the guy I corralled escape? If not, grab him by the earlobe and demand he lead me to water. If so, toss him hands in the air, yell "Traitors are everywhere, dammit!", and, gun drawn, chase after the guy I had corralled.

[BlueBard]

Spam-R, you start rummaging through your backpack. (I'll PM you the inventory by Monday)

Spyd-R, the clones you shouted to are in the process of vacating the corridor.  Only the one Shoot-O is holding on to is staying put.  If you want to stop them before they get out of sight, you're going to have to shoot someone.  But you don't have proper Termination vouchers or convincing proof of vile treason, so you refrain from taking the shot.

Numb-R, you head for the nearest Terminal, at the end of the corridor.  Your conversation with the Computer (the Terminal is fully voice capable) goes something like this:

Computer: "Good daycycle, Citizen!  How may I help you?"

You: "All glory to the Computer and your lovely circuits, Troubleshooter Numb checking in.  In the course of my duties in your service, I find myself in something of a... situation... which I, and my fellow troubleshooters, need your help in."

Computer: "It would please Me to assist you, Troubleshooter Numb.  What is the situation?"

You: "It appears that Troubleshooter ArrMatee has sabotaged the exoskeleton device we've been given.  Willfully and with malice of forethought too I shouldn't wonder; I would like to register my suspicions that he must be an IntSec spy.  We need to obtain water to cool it down before it all goes up."

Computer: "That does sound serious, Troubleshooter Numb.  And what sort of assistance did you wish Me to provide?"

You: "Please show me a map with the nearest available water sources; toilets, shower facilities, any water tanks for example.  In addition, if the area is equipped for it, I would strongly suggest activating any water or foam sprinkler systems in the vicinity of the incident.  They might just give us that cooling edge we need."

Computer:  "I'm sorry Troubleshooter Numb, but that information is not available at your security clearance.  However, I will gladly activate the fire suppression systems in your area."

Suddenly, a heavily armored barrier slams down at either end of the corridor.  Additionally, a reinforced door slides into place across the entrance to the stairwell, trapping everyone (except ArrMatee) in the corridor.  As this realization sinks in, you all begin to hear a loud hissing noise within the corridor.

Shoot-O looks at Numb-R, wild eyed.  "What. Did. You. Do?"

(NOTE: ArrMatee is not privy to this development and is directed to ignore all knowledge of this exchange.)

[Spam]

"Uhhh... can anyone tell me what's going on?"

[Panther_Gunn]

After a brief widening of the eyes (:shock2:) at hearing the exchange with the computer, and it's outcome, Blo will dig into one of the hygiene kits & pull out a rag, towel, or other appropriate piece of fabric to cover his mouth & nose with (long enough to be tied on would be preferable, otherwise, hold in place with left hand).

Edit:  He will also hand one to Citizen Shoot-O. [spoiler]Insert BootLicking skill here.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Would my skill in Security Systems & Repair skills help me to do something at the computer terminal to avert or bypass the on-coming fire suppression system?  If not, would I have enough time to interact with the Computer before it goes off?[/spoiler]

[gdaybloke]

Assuming the PMB isn't waterproof, Spyd seeks cover from the sprinkler system

[BlueBard]

Blo-R, you're welcome to try whatever you'd like at the Terminal.  There's always the chance the Computer can be talked out of doing whatever it's doing, or that you can bypass something. :)

Spyd-R, No sprinklers.  Whatever is happening, doesn't involve water.

Speaking of which, you all notice that it is getting chilly.  And you're all breathing a bit heavier than you were before.

[Viking]

ArrMatee happily awaits for the return of his Troubleshooter team, singing to himself:

"Oh, I'm a Troubleshooter, I'm okay,
I sleep all nightcycle and I work all daycycle!"

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

I seem to have lost track of my inventory, but if I have access to any emergency air supply system (either a portable one in my pack or if (and I know I am really stretching it here) there are any emergency break glass units stored along the corridors). 

Otherwise I try to talk the Computer out of its current course of action:

"Er... Computer?  I feel there was something of a misunderstanding in our last communication, one which is entirely attributable to my poor skills at transferring clear and concise information during a crisis.  You see, I am not entirely convinced that removing the oxygen is going to help us deal with this mini-meltdown.  I was hoping instead that the cooling effect of water (or foam) might save us by cooling the overheating mechanism that the nuclear material is housed in.  Not that I would question the wisdom of the glorious Computer but I am conscious that I may, by error of omission rather than commission, not have given you the complete picture during my last communcition..."

* Despite the growing chill to the air, Numb can't help but notice the profusion of sweat that runs down his face as he talks *

[BlueBard]

"Er... Computer?  I feel there was something of a misunderstanding in our last communication, one which is entirely attributable to my poor skills at transferring clear and concise information during a crisis.  You see, I am not entirely convinced that removing the oxygen is going to help us deal with this mini-meltdown.  I was hoping instead that the cooling effect of water (or foam) might save us by cooling the overheating mechanism that the nuclear material is housed in.  Not that I would question the wisdom of the glorious Computer but I am conscious that I may, by error of omission rather than commission, not have given you the complete picture during my last communcition..."

The Computer responds: "Thank you, Citizen!  The Computer appreciates your effort of self-improvement in the area of communications.  The Fire Suppression system in your area is highly advanced and non-water-based.  I can assure you that it will extinguish the fire in your area.  You will soon have nothing to worry about.  Is there anything else I can do for you, Troubleshooter?"

[gdaybloke]

Spyd yells "Ask it for a keg of Bouncy Bubble Beverage!!"

In a desperate move to find something useful in the oddest of places, Spyd grabs the control panel for the PMB and examines it for options.

[BlueBard]

Spyd yells "Ask it for a keg of Bouncy Bubble Beverage!!"

In a desperate move to find something useful in the oddest of places, Spyd grabs the control panel for the PMB and examines it for options.

Spyd-R,

There are the following buttons which you have not experimented with:

-Fog Machine
-Light Show
-Instant Enthusiasm
-Crowd Control
-Autofun

[gdaybloke]

Clearly what we need here is instant enthusiasm from the fleeing citizens!

(*jabs the button*)

[BlueBard]

Clearly what we need here is instant enthusiasm from the fleeing citizens!

(*jabs the button*)

Spyd-R... please note that the fleeing citizens have already fled and are on the other side of the containment barriers.  The only people who could be affected are yourself, Shoot-O, the random Infrared citizen Shoot-O still has by the jumpsuit, Spam-R, Blo-R, and Numb-R.  All of whom might or might not be in need of a morale boost.

Do you still press the button?

[gdaybloke]

Oh yes, we all need to be in tip top morale shape to resolve this matter!

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

"I AM feeling pretty heavy and cold just now; something to perk up the spirits might be just the ticket..."

[Panther_Gunn]

Is there some sort of posted designation for this section of hallway, either on the wall somewhere, or on the Computer Terminal?  If there is one, is there a deduction I can make as to what the designation of the hallway/stairwell that ArrMatee is in?

[BlueBard]

First, Spyd-R presses a button on the PMB.  A loud hissing noise is heard coming from the PMB, temporarily drowning out the softer hissing noise in the corridor itself.

Soon, you all start feeling really, REALLY awake and alert, bordering on spastic.  You all have an extra burst of energy as a result.  Not that the cold hadn't already made you very alert and uncomfortable.  It's still really cold, of course, and getting colder.

Spam-R:

[spoiler]For you, there is no borderline... you're way past spastic now.  You're at the upper end of the manic scale.  Go nuts.  Have fun![/spoiler]

Is there some sort of posted designation for this section of hallway, either on the wall somewhere, or on the Computer Terminal?  If there is one, is there a deduction I can make as to what the designation of the hallway/stairwell that ArrMatee is in?

There is such a designation: DTH-C-0M3Z-Q-KKLY.  Figuring out the designation of the stairwell would probably be sheer guesswork.

[BlueBard]

"We're going to freeze to death!" Shoot-O shouts.  He glares at the team.  "Somebody do something to shut down that fire suppression system!"

[The Phantom Eyebrow]

At the risk of adding more fuel to the proverbial fire, Numb continues his dialogue with the Computer (all the while, if an opportunity arises to use his computer skills to bypass the suppression system, he will use is.  That's just how he rolls). 

"Oh Great Computer, its Troubleshooter Numb once again.  I was wondering if I could request that you now shut down the suppression system?  I believe that the cooling effect brought about by your swift and decisive actions have rendered the situation safe now.  The overheating unit I referred to earlier is nicely chilled and if you were to shut down the system now we Troubleshooters can clean up things from there.  By exercising our skills in the clean up we can improve and hone them, ultimately to be better able to serve you in the future."