Welcome to the Freedom Expeditionary Forces
Mission report by Caldwell Devis
Mission Background:
During the latter stages of “Operation Radiation” I was involved in a mission to hack into a HIVE during an assault on a factory. During this mission I saved a copy of the raw code on my PADD for further analysis. My hope had been that we could hack into HIVE communications or at the very least disrupt them somehow.
Continue reading “Operation Geiger”With the first attempt to capture the dangerous Psionic designated as “The Witch,” failing and the target fleeing into the wasteland, we needed to be able to track her movements if we wanted to apprehend her. Reports were coming in of a woman in a white lab coat controlling savages and shooting down air drones and it became impossible for us to track her down. Continue reading “The Witch – Part 2 – Electric Boogaloo”
With permission of the investigating individuals, the following report is released to all FEF Personnel.
With permission from the Author, the Council has released the following interview transcript to all FEF Personnel.
Subject B is a 26 year-old Caucasian male. The subject does not exhibit any obvious physical or mental abnormalities and is considered to be in peak health. Their abilities became apparent to me whilst on a mission top-side as I witnessed them attempting to take control of another creature through psychogenic means.
The existence of another live subject suspected of possessing similar abilities could not be determined through a an interview due to their untimely demise. An autopsy report can be found further on in this folder and the results are astonishing. Due to the rarity of the psychics encountered, I boldly approached Subject B after I found out his abilities to conduct an interview to learn more about psychics and their kind.
Due to the sensitivity of the topic, names and certain subjects have been ommitted from the reprt.
Professor Kirov: Good morning …., how are you feeling today?
Subject B: Fine Ivan.
Professor Kirov: We’re going to have a chat you and I. About your abilities.
Subject B shifts uncomfortably in their chair
Subject B: Okay but I don’t want anybody to know about me or that i have any wierdness unless they already know
Professor Kirov: You have my word comrade. But others already know or seem to suspect
Subject B: I’m aware I just don’t want to confirm suspicions
Professor Kirov: I will not reveal to anyone about your abilities
Subject B’s demeanour seems to relax
Professor Kirov: I want to discuss how you developed your powers. You mentioned that you encountered Subject M during a mission topside. After your encounter with them this was when you began to develop abilities. How did Subject M give you your abilities?
Subject B: I don’t know if he did. I spoke to him. Don’t think he even ever touched me.
Professor Kirov: What did he say to you?
Subject B: That I was gifted and that he sees something in me.
Professor Kirov: Sounds like a cheap chat up line
Let the records show that Subject B found my one liner hilarious.
Professor Kirov: That all he said?
Subject B: That was the jist.
Professor Kirov: Did he do anything else?
Subject B: He threw his bones.
Professor Kirov: How did you feel during your encounter with him? Did you experience anything?
Subject B: I felt like I knew him but couldn’t place him.
Professor Kirov: When did you realise you had begun to develop your abilities?
Subject B: A few weeks ago
Professor Kirov: The weekend we destroyed ….?
Subject B: A couple of weeks before then.
Professor Kirov: Was this as soon as you spoke to Subject M or after?
Subject B: After. My powers began to develop in the bunker. Thats when I found out about the others.
Professor Kirov: More like you?
Subject B: Yes. In the Bunker.
Professor Kirov: Who are they? Have you met them?
Subject B: They are the Psychica. And no, not in any sense. But they do whisper to me.
Professor Kirov: Whisper?
Subject B: Yes. In my dreams.
Professor Kirov: What do they “Whisper” to you?
Subject B: That I can become more powerful if I join them.
Professor Kirov: And have you?
Subject B: No. But they are always there, talking to me. Drowning me with their voices…
For a few moments Subject B stares into space.
Professor Kirov: How do your abilities manifest?
Subject B: What was that?
Professor Kirov:Your abilities. How do you you manifest them?
Subject B: I kind of always had. People were always more likely to do things for me when I asked them to. Even those I thought would not help me. It was simple things like a requisition order here and a trade there. After speaking Subject M it became more apparent. I was able to suggest things to people by putting thoughts and ideas into their heads. I made them think that it was their own.
Professor Kirov: What do you experience when you use your abilities?
Subject B: Headaches.
Professor Kirov: Anything else?
Subject B: No.
Professor Kirov: What emotions do you feel when you use your abilities on someone?
Subject B looks confused.
Subject B: What do you mean? I don’t think I’ve changed as a person.
Interviewer’s notes: Suggest immediate psyche eval on Subject B
Professor Kirov: That’s all that we have time for … Thank you for your assistance in the matter.
Subject B: No problem.
Professor Kirov: Just one more thing. Have you ever use your abilities on me?
A smile is the only response from Subject B.
End of interview.
[slideshare id=123357030&doc=genemappingradiationresistance-181118204433]
Report by Mirana White, Science Team CL:1.
Priority Objective: Catalogue/Secure new facility Complete – See Mission Log
Primary Objective: Research surface Flora and Fauna Ongoing
Secondary Objective: Research Nanite mutations Ongoing
Secondary Objective: Update archives. Ongoing
Secondary Objective: RESTRICTED Complete – Follow up required.
MISSION DATA TRANSFERRED FROM PADD to SciPADD.
Tasked with finding a new facility in sector K10, I have been given the task of carrying the communications array for the Engineering team. Notes will be taken en route.
2 unknowns have been encountered. They have been identified as refugees and sent towards the Bunker.
Despite being told to remain quiet, the American with us seems to be making a lot of noise and is keen on introducing his friend to everyone.
The route to the point for the comms array was quiet with the only incident being on FEF member lost their gun, myself, the person in question and a medic remained behind to secure the weapon. It was quickly located and we rejoined the group.
Shortly after reaching the location a call of incoming was made and was quickly determined to be a false alarm. The American did not recognise a person in the darkness and proceeded to shoot their target to determine if they are friend or foe, no reaction from the nanites indicated friend. This seems a little wasteful to me
While the array was being constructed one of the recon specialists left the group to scout ahead, no word was heard for some time but he appears to have survived as he was rediscovered near outpost K10.
Once the array was constructed the order to move forward was given, 2 bunker scouts were encountered, initially believed hostile they appeared to have information. The American seemed keen to trade and has made the best sales pitch for a Med-Patch I have ever seen or heard.
I have received advice from the friendly Russian fellow that a weapon and armour may serve me well on the surface. I will look into this as needed.
The primary objective building was discovered at 2100, the building appears to be over 500 years old with >80% integrity. The outside access is a lift and airlock and the building was filled with toxins. A number of engineering and scientists went inside to clear the building. Gas masks were issued to all without, including myself. NOTE TO SELF: GAS MASK!!!
Entry gained at 2113
Building under quarantine due to toxin levels. Alarms sounded at 2-minute intervals starting at 2117, ~5 alarms sounded.
Building cleared for all personnel at approx 2200.
For some strange reason, everyone seems to believe I’m called Miriam. This had started before the testing, late last night but it’s getting slightly annoying. I have been told we are to do something with C7 silos and this is a high-risk operation. Notes will be minimal, if at all.
All samples were returned successfully, one team is under heavy fire, and another was under sniper fire.
400ml of chem required. Mixture must be Ph6. Alexia Belyakova has taken lead. Started at 1512.
1514: Operation suspended to assist silo team 1.
1518: Operation resumed. Balancing containers to 400ml
1524: Containers balanced.
1528: Adding oxidiser (10ml) to each container.
1529: Oxidiser added. Testing ph – 2 above and 1 below requirements.
1542: Begin balancing Container 2 using a 40:1 solution.
1551: Container 2 balanced by Mirana White. Starting container 1.
1556: Container 3 also being prepared. Container 1 by Alexia Belyakova, Container 3 by Ivan Kirov.
1600: Container 3 and 2 ready. Groups regather and move out to return coolant to the silos.
1620: Approx: Power to facilities restored across all 3 points. Stabilised at 53%, 14% differential max during the stabilisation period.
2200: Toxic/Biohazard alarm active in Facility. Evac for all without gas masks started, myself included.
2202: Building cleared for entry, cause linked to experiment by Alexia.
2208: Representives of The Children of Eden are approaching the facility, orders have been given to deny them access. Various FEF members have prepared for a fight.
!!!!: Level 2 access was opened up by the computer as we had enough successful candidates for the DreamScape Project. Team to investigate consisted of Mirana White, Ivan Kirov, Vladismir, Vassili, Angel, and Tower Hill. Rooms showed evidence of incineration, found was various bones, a skeleton, potential brainwave scanners and a number of items of biological interest (3 eyes, kidney, heart, 4 Petri dishes). All currently in the care of Alexia and Vassily as appropriate. Also present was a “Psyker” – believed to be Subject 5 or the fired assistant from the DreamScape3 program – Codename Witch/PsykerWitch). She laid waste to all in the group bar myself. See Audio Log in Addendum 1-B
Theories are I was no threat as I carry no weaponry, I hid behind Angel evading her power, I got lucky.
Bullets had no effect on her and physical weaponry didn’t even seem to get close. Once she had decimated the group, she ripped off the door to the lift shaft and escaped, damaging the lift.
A mission was put together to attempt to take down the entity codenamed PsykerWitch. She has taken down a number of drones and has been identified as a threat to all. Her movement has been tracked to the west.
3 corpses have been found en route. They appear to have attempted to maul their own eyes out. Shortly after a radio transmission was received stating to abort the mission. Bunker confirmed no such message was transmitted, its believed to originated from the PsykerWitch,
Theories: She affected the minds of those present to hear the order from the radio. PsykerWitch obtained a radio. PsykerWitch controlled a person with a radio.
After moving further west while under fire, I bunked down while we were under heavy fire. Fire stopped for a short time and Vladismir’s nanites turned red, as I questioned him he attacked me.
When I was roused I was told the PsykerWitch has assaulted the group. Several people including Vladismir were down. One of the engineers was able to track her and a second plan to attack and disable her was made. Tower was sent to her location to bait her back to us, however, she had left. Rigger informs me something around her neck was destroyed.
Facility appeared to be used 500 years ago for a project titled DreamScape. The DreamScape project appeared to have a few objectives in mind. The primary objective seems to be to recreate the dreams of people and using certain subjects, actually rebuild and enter dreams. While some issues were encountered during the initial phases the project seemed to the largely successful, with the exception of 3 subjects – 1, 3a and 5. Subject 1 escaped during live operations and appeared to sabotage the project, completely ignored by the guards present. Subject 3a destroyed testing equipment and inserted a shard of glass through their skull and into their frontal lobe. Subject 5 is currently codenamed Witch/PsykerWitch and is considered hostile to Bunker Ascendant currently.
It could be possible this unit could be used for creation of “super soldiers”. Body parts were found in B2 which appeared to be vastly enhanced and efficient. Given the strength PsykerWitch displayed on her escape, its possible she has some enhancement herself. Given there is no Bunker record of this facility, additional deep scanning of recovered samples recommended.
Having performed 3 of the tests, and observed all but one subject in the tests – I feel this may be worth replicating for advancing Bunker Military forces.
It’s unknown exactly who the PsykerWitch was in the records we obtained from the research facility, it is safe to say she is approximately 460 years old at this time. I believe she may have augmented internal organs as indicated by the recovered organs from CryoStasis, giving her enhanced metabolic rates which would allow her to recover faster. Given the amount of energy potential she has used in dispatching 5 of the team that first encountered her, taking down a number of drones and seemingly putting up a good fight while I was unconscious, I would have believed she would need to recover for a longer duration than she actually did. Alternatively, she has not used her full power at this time which is incredibly worrying.
Description: Female of average height, incredibly pale wearing a white lab coat and covered in fresh blood. Has one blue eye and one normal eye.
[WARNING: GM Descriptions throughout and loud scream @ 8:27]
Audio file recorded via PADD. Duration: 17:24.
Test One took place in a boxed area, holding two different coloured “lightsabres” with objectives and obstructions coming towards you.
Red and Blue blocks required you to swing the appropriate sabre through the block in the direction indicated. Some blocks had no directions and could be struck from any side.
Red areas were hazardous and had to be dodged by the subject but the sabres could enter this area.
Black mine like objects had to be avoided by the sabres but the subject could be hit by them.
Test Two took place on a defence platform and the subject would be armed with 2 guns, the option of a shield and three “lives”. Only one subject successfully found the shield.
Enemies would appear in a series of waves, increasing in difficulty and number as the waves progress.
Bullets could be dodged by moving the around the platform and in some cases even shot out of the air. The majority of subjects tested failed on Wave 8 where a shielded enemy with spray fire was encountered.
Test Three took place in an old mechanics garage, fixing cars by following instructions given by an avatar and an instruction board. Almost all subjects stumbled on Car 2, during a sequence when a light had to be removed and recoloured. While the test was modified for me, I found it quite enjoyable and almost meditative.
Test Five took place inside a fictional scientists lab and the subject was encouraged to explore and interact with the lab. After 10 minutes the subject would be asked to stop and describe their most memorable experience. The range of responses was interesting, as was watching the subjects find various areas.
Test Five was quite a simple one, simply “ride” a rollercoaster. No movement or control was required from the subjects. They would be monitored by myself and Alexia for emotional reactions and the emotion experienced most would be recorded. I was quite curious about the surrounding world that had been built as well as the various incidents that happened during the ride. I must question some FEF members lack of reaction to some parts, however.
Notes: I am not aware if this subject completed testing.
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It appears I got the name of the Biologist wrong, report updated. I really should stop trying to overhear names and just going on that.
Friday Night
The FEF gathered at Outpost 13 and during the Engineering Team meeting, Laker proposed that I take charge of coordinating the engineers in the field, the other engineers agreed and we decided how to best advance the projects we had plans for. We then made our way towards the Facility/Location identified by Bunker drones as a target of interest. On our way we encountered very little only a few traders of the Free People. We identified the location for the Comms Array, Laker took a team of roughly 10 FEF members to set it up, while the rest of us continued on to the facility.
On arrival the soldiers secured the perimeter and we checked the exterior, it was identified that the building had toxic gas coming from it, and was probably filled with it. We prepared for gas based toxins and myself and Riggs analysed and then bypassed an external finger print scanner that allowed us to access a lift.
We gathered a small team, me, Riggs, Angel, Lexi, and entered the lift. Again myself and Riggs bypassed a Voice Control which allows us access to the 1st sub level.
When the door opened there was a warning siren, flashing lights and all rooms where full of gas. Angel confirmed it was toxic, so we continued to operate with that in mind. The facility appeared to be some kind of science research facility, large amounts of papers where scattered around the room, several computer systems where functioning but showing errors and work that needed to be completed.
At this time a second team entered the building, including Laker, we proceeded to repair the various systems, restoring power, engaging extraction fans and finally the C-7 mining hardware under the facility. The first 2 powered up fine, then we encountered an issue with the storage silos for the C7. They had lost various amounts of the coolant (which had caused issues in the past) and the systems started to overheat. We had roughly 12-14 hours before the area started to suffer from major radiation poisoning so I gathered the engineers, Ivan and Vlad together to work out a plan, what resources we need and then to contact Bunker to get those things. With the intention of fixing the coolant silos in the morning.
Saturday
As I prepared the tools and equipment for the 3 engineer teams to go out to repair the silos, a team of FEF Ops went out to meet up with Raze and being him to the facility to negotiate the split of the former Hive lands. While on the mission, they encountered what turned out to be Bunker Fortitude personnel leading forces of tribes folk wearing explosive collars, they became immediately hostile and a fire fight ensued.
Raze returned to the facility, I spent some time chatting to him, most of which was just general chat as we ate lunch. From what I understand, Pip did a good job and we appear to have come out on top for the first time in negotiations with the Free People. Some good future resources are at our disposal, I am sure the Cats will fill you in themselves on the finer points of that.
We gathered the 3 engineering teams and proceeded to each of the Silos, I was leading team 3, Laker team 1 and Harry team 2. Each position came under sustained attack in turn from Fortitude Soldiers supported by tribals (unknown if willingly or forced). The teams all made their way back to the facility where the Science Team proceeded to test and stabilise the existing coolant with the Bunker supplied substitute, during this time the facility continued to be attacked.
Once the scientists had completed that, we broke into the 3 teams again and headed back out to our assigned silos and prepared to restart the system. This involved synchronised actions at each silo, and due to the previously agreed procedures we accomplished the task successfully. Saving the facility, the local area and gaining safe access to an additional source of C7.
I then spent the afternoon carrying out routine maintenance at the facility and assisting the scientists with testing subjects in the machine (again they will probably provide more information on that).
During this time the facility came under sustained assault by Bunker Fortitude soldiers, tribal warriors and eventually what appeared to be a form of hydraulically augmented heavy battle armour. We where not able to recover the actual armour, but from various encounters with it we have access to various schematics to allow us to develop our own.
In the evening enough of the test subjects had completed the tests and we had gained access to the second sub-level of the facility. So a small group was assembled, me, Ivan, Tower, Mirana, Angel and Vlad. What we discovered was a bunch of holding cells with skeletons and organ samples in it, apparently of the original test subjects, still wearing an advanced form of brainwave analysis device. In the final room we encountered a female in a lab coat with marks on her face, Angel and Ivan both tried to scan her and it fried their padds. She then screamed and attacked us with what I can only describe as “mind powers” wounds erupted from my body and I started to lose conciousness.
This creature then fled from the 2nd floor ripping the door off the elevator, damaging the shaft as she left. She fled into the woodland, and a team from the surface worked down through the damaged elevator shaft and allowed us to return to the surface. This is the creature now know as “Witch”, I am sure other people will fill in the gaps about her.
Sunday
2 large groups where formed on the Sunday, one to attack and disable an identified Fortitude outpost and comms area, the other to attempt to track down and eliminate the Witch.
As there would probably be more requirement for Engineers and potential for access to more Fortitude Technology, the majority of the Engineers joined the team to attack the Fortitude Outpost. It was a hard fight, they are well trained, disciplined, well armed and are using the tribals as auxiliary troops. We eventually made it to the facility, encountering another of the augmented armour suits (possibly the base commander), we destroyed the outpost and comms array, removing the staging post for further attacks on the new facility.
The other group went after the “Witch” and from what I understand, the encountered a number of soldiers, tribals and surface dwellers that had been compelled to defend her. After several fights, they engaged her and drove her off.
Supplementary
There will be a report summarising the details on the suit of augmented armour, we intend to attempt to build at least one prototype to test in the field in the new year.
Further to a discussion regarding the future of the facility, I understand that Elizabeth has been in contact to request permission to place Captain Taylor in provisional command of coordinating the fortification and defence of the facility. The general plan is to move the personnel that are currently in the tent city above the bunker to the facility, and use them as a workforce to construct defensive positions, this will enable to work to be completed quickly and also to provide those people with a focus and place to live for the winter. We are currently mapping the area and creating the design for the positions. We will then send the list of required materials via Elizabeth and Pip. We should then be able to use the facility as our own staging area to both defend against Fortitude attacks and also a safe place to begin construction of a new settlement on the fertile land negotiated in the land deal.
Following the defeat of the hive new land had opened up and the Bunker wanted land to facilitate our return to the surface, it was the Job of the FEF to secure an old outpost in sector K10, and negotiate with the Free people for the settlement rights to this land.
It was decided that the FEF would make a night march to the new facility along the edge of the disputed land in the K axis. Quinn led an advance group of scouts to feel our way there, Maverick then had the main body of soldiers following on and I took ‘command’ of the Scientists, Engineers, Bureaucrats and Medics.
Now I am sure Quinn’s point team were just that, ‘on point’ Leading a well oiled recon group with sufficient Radios, they encountered some unknowns, shot them, realised they were bunker personnel and sent them for processing to me.
Mavericks shield group pressed on in a line abreast formation maintaining contact with the forward group.
I then proceeded with the aforementioned main body, the light fell quickly and I had to make a decision. we were all over the place and so, I called a halt and explained I couldn’t see anyone and the fact we had the shield of Mavericks group ahead of us normal march discipline was likely to get some of us lost, I determined we should form a sausage formation, a blob of sorts, I had Pinner and Tower with me and decided that a caterpillar would work better as an analogy and used these two fine soldiers to feel for the shield group and report back to me in instalments, the body of the caterpillar was the other services and their job was to catch up to my position as I issued the caterpillar command.
It worked but it was slow, Quin had found a site the bunker wanted a communication device set up and radioed back as such, it transpired that the light scouts had quickly advanced uncontested and put the shield group someway behind them, the caterpillar was further behind still. In the near pitch darkness I set my feelers pinner and tower farther forward.
Progress was slow and I radioed for an assurance the area was secure but the message back was it seemed secure but there may be a group that got passed us and it became necessary to use Ivan and soap as additional march security, while they are not military trained, I had confidence in these capable gentlemen due to their surface and fieldcraft experience.
Pinner reported contact with Mavericks group and they reported it was clear to Quinn, I took further executive action and converted my group to a lights on advance leading the way with my own lights on at the front, to ensure any hostile contact was attracted my way first, we made better progress and the engineers got to work finding the best spot at the location for the dish.
once done I stayed with 4 soldiers and 4 engineers to ensure the dish was set up safely while Quinn pressed on to the facility, Maverick then merged the main group to his and followed up. I was given a deadline for complete or abandon the setting up of the dish, I chose not to relay the details to Laker, Monument Wilf and Harry as they seemed to be having technical issues with what a windmill looked like as per the instructions from the bunker, there was also a screw shortage, but a few cable ties later, the dish was up.
It is worth noting here I have footage should it be required of field engineering where no one died It does still show details of the operation and so a judgement will need to be made around the propaganda value vs disclosing secrets….
Quinn reported some tribals near the facility but they fled at his teams approach they were the children of gaia a name we had not previously heard of.
The engineers and scientists proceeded to open the door and lift to the Ribec Research Facility, Fort Leon, and proceeded to make it habitable for the FEF, which I believe was easier said than done and involved gas masks and the like. Luckily no one drowned on the surface in the rain that had been dampening our spirits and comms in equal measure.
Once inside the scientists had discovered a testing station, and the engineers buttons, which were pressed and started the facilities power generator, a fraking station, this in turn led to a series of potentially terminal error messages where the coolant systems were knackered, I assisted laker and then Ivan assisted both of us in determining we needed to sort this out asap, certainly 12-14 hours we would have bad times and 48 hours terminal melt down. The three Silos each required a 2 man engineering team, scientist supervision and an escort as the operations at the 3 silos needed completing at the same time, due to the low threat it was determined a soldier and a medic would be needed at each station as there were reports of a similar operation inflicting serious issues on an engineer. We needed to order some cooling fluid and so would wait to the morning to attempt the fix. The scientists began to test FEF members to determine if we could unlock the door to the medical lab on level 2.
Day 2 operations,
There were 4 separate operations of which I participated in 2, The first was a mission to collect Raize from a near location and begin the matter of negotiating the land rights.
We set off fairly promptly with Quinn leading the front group again, we had some misinformation from the drone reports about the direction of the contacts and we found ourselves engaged with trained soldiers supported by the children of Gaia, one of these soldiers was questioned by Elizabeth and revealed that they were from bunker fortitude and they had designs on the facility too, we pressed on and found some wolf clan preachers who explained about their ancestors and we had suspicions they may have been having some sort of psychic interventions as their ancestor spirits seemed unlikely.
Raize was contacted and brought back for negotiation here Pip and Vlad did a sterling job in obtaining a fair split of the land available:
We knew Raize’s position as leader of the clans was weaker without a solid threat to unify the clans, and the arrival of the children of Gaia and Bunker fortitude provided this all too easily and he was keen to send warriors to Fort Leon to both guard his lands from attack and to show the clans there is a real threat. He went as far to propose that his clansmen should be marked as friends on our nanite technology and he wanted to visit the bunker, we politely refused these requests lest we give up our only advantage against a large number of clans men, he relented and suggested just his mornival guard and his wolf clan, we said we would look into it..
As the negotiations were winding up we had a radio call from the silo repair mission that they were being heavily assaulted and while Silo 2 and 3 had reported in silo 1 was having difficulty.
Vlad and I grabbed a med kit and sallied forth to assist, we immediately picked up Theo who was pinned down and then out of action Vlad and I went on a sniper hunt and after slotting the sniper I picked up vlad and then theo.
We moved along the treeline to assist Prince and his group who once recovered moved off to the silo, My mini group then moved up the hill where we intercepted a large number of insurgents headed to the silo we took turns on the med kit taking fire alternately.
We then moved to assist Wilf who was cut down at the bottom of the hill and rescued him before I too was cut down with vlad and theo, wilf bravely crawled the length of a small trench to reach us just as the remaining silo had concluded the first part of the operation and pinner made it back to us first to get us up , we then fell back in good order where the scientists prepared the coolant:
Following this I reinforced the silo team and fought offer further attacks while the engineers and scientists did their work.
I then had to take rest for the day as I had received a number of hits in the rescue, I believe Quinn then led a large group in defence of the facility truly earning it the title ‘fort’, as bunker fortitude forces attacked, surprisingly their tech seemed better then ours and they had a power armoured guy, who while slow and awkward to move did take a large amount of firepower to bring down, our LMG operatives seemed quite interested in this technology…
A local fanatic leader of the Children of Gaia was also removed from the game board later that evening.
Over night the Scientists had eventually tested enough suitable FEF members to unlock the next level of the facility, unfortunately they encountered a 500 year old still living test subject, that critically injured the majority of the team and escaped out into the night, this white witch also destroyed the drones we sent after it.
Day three, I led a mission with Fredrickson to track the witch, we had sent all our heavy weapons after an outpost held by bunker fortitude, so while we had a large number of soldiers the heaviest weapon we had was pinner’s sniper rifle.
We encountered bunker fortitude, children of Gaia and Risen clan opponents, the risen are a member of the free peoples and their minds seemed turned against us by the witch.
We made good progress and my top team of Riggs and Prince did me proud along the flank, when an order from adam valton told us to abort the mission, a quick check with the senior team present Lexi, laker and Will we determined to press on the bunker then confirmed no transmission had come from them and that adam valton was away from operations at the time.
Now I don’t know what this means but I have met Councillor Valton and it did sound like him, I can only assume it was the influence of the witch here…
Soon laker had identified the witch was 100 meters west and we regrouped, and as were we about to push on we received word a large group of enemies was approaching from the east….
We attempted to form a rear guard but with frantic comms from the bunker I had to seize the initiative and led a charge for the solitary witch… still with no clear intel on how to bring her down other than shoot her a lot.
I ran into a wall of fire, the cursed drone operatives had got their compass directions wrong again, the team to our east were very much to the west of us, Here I was thankful for the auto-stabilisation patch made by the medical team as I had run along way into the teeth of enemy fire and as I lay there contemplating a long crawl back to the main group a wild eyed tribal ran for me and as I thought I am doomed here, he was brought down by well disciplined fire from the Fef.
Next came the witch in wild fury and swept past me she did for a few members of the FEF but more damaging was Vlad who had been part of the science program the night before and had encountered the witch first hand, apparently she had entered his mind and he added toxin to his blade and went round slaying unsuspecting FEF members, while the team was able to recover the Witch did escape and while laker did activate his device to call her back it failed his pad caught fire and so did the witches collar hurting her and setting fire to some vegetation, by the time we got to that location she had disappeared but injured.
some nearby scouting suggested she had met with a camp of tribals, the risen? who had apparently waited for her, this was at odds with the theory she had turned people she met, with her followers already waiting?
We returned to Fort leon to await the outcome of Quinns team and their assault on the fortitude outpost, I am sure that will be reported else where suffice to say they achieved victory in destroying the fort and nearby comms post, but at the cost of Kaleb Hassel chief Medical officer, a fiery character that will be missed in a manner similar to the impact of Leon.
So the facility, a medical research lab a mining site (Fracking) but now our bulwark against bunker fortitude, to be garrisoned by some of the 500, some of the free people will camp nearby and show us farming and hunting but it is as Fort Leon it will be known a place that we truly begin placing roots on the surface.
A comparison of the growth cycles between common potato Solanum tuberosum and the newly identified “rad-potato” Solanum belyakovii.
Field Researcher A. Belyakova PhD MSc BSc(hons)
41st Foot Travelling Laboratory
The common potato Solanum tuberosum is one of the most important vegetables to survival within the bunker. This is due to their high protein and low fat content, as well as the fact that they provide excellent levels of thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Compounded by their relatively small horizontal cultivar area, this species provides high efficiency compared to space and energy input to growth.
However, as access to the surface increases, opportunities to supplement bunker-grown food needs to be acknowledged in order to address a range of issues that may impact upon bunker farming techniques, including low soil fertility, genetic mutations and or catastrophic losses brought about by lack of diversity in the genome and the increased caloric load from supplementing soldier rations from increasingly busy FEF campaigns.
41st Foot Division Scientist, Alexis Belyakova discovered the newly identified “rad-potato” Solanum belyakovii during a routine mission to engage with clan farmers on the surface. Upon bartering some of her luxury rations in order to secure samples of the plant, she has subsequently been cultivating the species in heavily controlled systems in order to investigate the properties and potential for this species to supplement bunker food capacity.
This short paper compares the growth cycles of S. tuberosum and S. belyakovii in order to inform any future growth plans and surface farming practices.
Sprouting
At this early stage in both S. tuberosum and S. belyakovii development, the eyes from the potato piece develop sprouts which emerge from the harvested tuber. These sprouts develop into the visible, above-ground photosynthesising portion stem and leaves of the potato plant. All growth at this stage is supported by the nutrients contained within the potato tuber and this stage can be undertaken with no growth medium in the case of both species of potato.
The temperature of the soil will affect how long this stage takes and in both Solanum species the process will not happen if the soil temperatures are too close to freezing.
Vegetative State
In the vegetative stage of both species growth cycle comprises the development and above and below ground growth of the photosynthesising plant, inclusive of the leaves, stem and root system but not tuber production.
During this stage, there has been established slight variations in the temperature and length of development between species. These are detailed below in table 1.
| Species | Favoured daily air Temperature | Sunlight hours | Average days growth to full plant maturity | Range of days growth to full plant maturity |
| S. tuberosum | 23 | 14-17 | 57 | 30-70 |
| S. belyakovii | 26 | 16-19 | 62 | 35-83 |
Tuber Initiation
The tubers form at the stolon tips of the potato plant, and remain at a small stage. These infant tubers are generally found 45 to 60 cm below the soil surface for both species.
At this stage of development, sufficient water is very important to healthy potato growth as nutrients are stored in these early tubers in preparation for the next stage of growth. This tuber initiation period will last for about 2 weeks and can be identified by the flowering of the main plant.
Tuber Bulking
Following the flowering process, both species enter a stage of tuber bulking where the cells expand and grow significantly.
In both species, there is a buildup of carbohydrates and complex nutrients in the tubers. However in S. belyakovii, the outer wall or ‘skin’ of the tuber appears to act as a ‘filter’ and there is a statistically significant build up of irradiated molecules in the skin of the tuber, when compared to the flesh. Further research into the differences between the cells of the tuber ‘skin’ and ‘flesh’ are ongoing and will be reported in a future paper.
Tuber bulking can take up to three months to complete and is enhanced at lower temperatures and fewer day-light hours.
Maturation
At plant maturation, photosynthesis begins to slow down and both species have exhibited the visible plant shedding their leaves. The tubers continue to bulk during this period, and the processes of the plant are diverted into this structure. At this stage, the ‘skin’ of the tuber toughens in both species. The maturation phase is highly variable and can make harvest of potatoes of both species incredibly difficult to balance.
Date: 25/06/2518
Researcher: Mouse
Department: Sector X1T334-A Science division.
Background:
The Hive pose an ongoing threat to life on the surface. Current reports are limited to the basic characteristics of the Hive and a scientific study has not been recorded. In general the Hive infected act in coordinated groups. Each known variant of the Hive will be detailed.
During interrogation by The Bunker, Council Member and head scientist Davis Rhodes has revealed a second camp where he had stored his notes and research regarding the Hive. This includes details of a Hive Repulsion device.
A successful mission to his camp resulted in his research notes and a sample form a Husk brain. Scientists Alexis Belyakova and Ivan Kirov began to study the brain and notes and identified a self-defence mechanism where the Hive nanites will break down shortly after the host is destroyed. With this information medics and scientists were able to collect samples and store them in suitable preservative fluid to allow further study.
Samples have been taken from all encountered Hive Analysis of the brain samples show active EMF fields within the following ranges:
| Amplitude | Wavelength | Frequency |
| 0.12-0.34m | 0.31m – 2.94m | 2kHz – 80kHz |
Councillor Rhodes had performed significant analysis of the Hive signals and predicted the optimum frequency to control the Hive. This has been successfully tested with the Hive Containment device built by Jeremiah Riggington using the following waveform:
| Amplitude | Wavelength | Frequency |
| 0.27m | 2.63m | 69.231kHz |
Husks appear to be the basic Hive units. The creatures have rudimentary intelligence, remaining docile until prey is identified at which point they will poorly utilise weapons in an attempt to kill and infect the target.
Brain sample retained a low level and short range signal which may allow short-range communication with other husks.
There are conflicting reports on Sentinels.Previous reports detail a low-level tactical awareness and firearms proficiency but with a high regenerative property to compensate. Sentinels observed personally demonstrated significant tactical manoeuvres and firearm use but did not regenerate.
Brain sample retained a mid-level and medium range signal. This appears to be able to transmit and receive data across a network of similar connectors
I encountered no ravage personally and cannot comment on observed behaviour. Bunker reports record them as a more aggressive variation on the Husk
Brain samples confirm this report with a low-level, medium range signal with reception prioritised over transmission. Reception seems to be a single communication repeated.
No previous bunker records of the Node are available. The name has been taken from Councillor Davis Rhodes’ notes. Further comparison to the Councillors notes cannot be made as Scientists Alexis and Ivan have withheld further access to the book.
This variant of the Hive exhibited significantly different behaviour to known creatures. The creature was surrounded by a number of lesser Hive which made an assault on FEF forces. During engagement an audible humming could be heard around the creature.
Brain sample emits a strong, long range signal containing detailed information incoming and outgoing.
| Aplitude | Wavelength | Frequency |
| Variable | Variable | Variable – 80kHz |
The most developed of the Hive variants this creature shows significant alterations from a normal human. Previous reports suggest the creature is able to transfer its consciousness between hosts within the Hive.
During an operation we encountered an immobile Apollo variant which has been retrieved for further study. It appears The creature seems to be alive and well but has no brain activity.
Comparison to reports from other FEF operatives show that this immobile Apollo, along with other disabled Hive, was recovered shortly after other FEF operatives killed an Apollo unit. The relationship between the two Apollos is unclear.
Analysis by Kestrel shows that the creature has the capability for accelerated nanite repair.
Initial scanning of the brain shows that the brain has no functioning organic components. Brain function is performed by nanite built machines with a brain function of 170% compared to a standard human.
Movement of the body appears to be a combination of biological and machine components controlled, possibly remotely, by nanites.
To fuel the mechanical components the creature is supplied Compound 7 from tanks on its back. Within the body the Compound 7 undergoes re-fusion and is processed by nanites and used in powering the connected weapon.
Results from the different samples suggest the variants each have a different purpose within the Hive. All creatures exhibit signalling methods which suggest either a group consciousness or a remote controlling mind.
It is suggested that Husks and Ravagers consist of similar alterations however signals sent to Ravagers result in the highly aggressive nature while the short range communication of Husks results in a basic intelligence and motive. Both creatures further the spreading of Hive nanites.
Sentinels pose a more active role and the potential networking across multiple Sentinels suggests that they may operate differently depending on the number of, and variation of, nearby Hive.
The Node appears to be have the most active signalling process from the samples taken suggesting this variant may act as a controlling unit for surrounding Hive.
The Apollo variant recovered has no active signals from the brain meaning that data on signalling possible cannot be performed however the Hive becoming immobile after an Apollo unit being killed suggests it may be the primary controlling unit of the Hive. It is proposed that the severe deformity of the creature has been caused by the rapid repair of nanites.
Further analysis of the samples and Hive will hopefully provide clarity on the relationship between the creatures.
