"That's a negative, Sgt. Lee." Inga responded to the question. "That blue glow sure looks like what we went through outside to get to this place.
Lee only shrugged to the medic’s comment, it did indeed look like the same blue glow as outside and they might be related but this was one he didn’t want to test like the one outside. He just had an eerie feeling when he looked at this machine, something made his skin crawl and it took a lot to do that with just it’s appearance.

Lt its Kane we have reached the Main Lab and its status is as follows”

A brief overview to the Lt given he awaited the Lt’s next command.....
Sgt Lee kept alert for any trouble, splitting his scanning from the entrances to the blue glowing contraption in the room. This whole mission seemed like a bad science fiction show like he use to watch as a kid, he smiled slightly remembering watching old reruns of MST 3000 and how they made the totally bad sci-fi films worth watching.

"Looks like they tied to take that thing out but without any success." Inga adds.
“Either that,” Lee says, “or they were trying to kill what came out of there.”

Activating the radio, Kernan addressed the whole of the team. "Kane: without touchin' anything, see if you leathernecks can't find the power source for that equipment. Blake thinks it might be a field generator."
Hearing the order come over the general comm, Lee stayed where he had set up guard and scanned the unit with his vision, looking for cables running to it or any sign of a power source within the blue field. He doubts they will find anything external as if that was the case and this thing was the cause of the problem then the people stationed here would probably have tried to unplug the thing right off the bat.

May 9th, 2025 - 0213
Main Laboratory, Antarctic Research Facility 36, Antarctica

The fire team investigates the room, following Kernan's orders. It would appear that the device is wired into the station's power via a large cable that leads directly into the floor beneath the device.

Naturally, said cable is within the blue glow that envelops the rest of the machine.

"Kane: without touchin' anything, see if you leathernecks can't find the power source for that equipment. Blake thinks it might be a field generator."
“Understood sir”

“Lee, cover the room, Parson, cover the door, Johannsen with me.”

As Kane and the medic did a rapid search of the large room it was clear that the device was wired into the station's power via a large cable that led directly into the floor beneath the device. It was clear that the only way to unplug the ‘machine’ was to enter the blue glowing area surrounding it.

Though the staff sergeant was all ready to do so he had his orders from the Lt and after a lifetime of taking orders he was not about to disobey his first one. This was no TV show or movie where the hero did his own thing regardless of his orders, this was the real world and stupid stunts like that only got you and your men killed.

Returning to the main door area Kane kept everyone at the same level of alert as while he and Inga had been searching. He knew all they could at the moment was wait for the Lt to arrive and decide on the best course of action....

Lt. Kernan felt like he was getting no where and fast by reviewing the security videos. It was obvious to him that what he needed wouldn't be available after the first few minutes of review, at least not for some hours yet, and they didn't have those hours as far as he was concerned. Snatching his weapon from the desk top, he turned and made his way back over to Blake to see how she was doing. He knew enough about computers to know that she was likely doing everything she could, and the setup she had running there was impressive enough to keep the question about timeframes quelled.

Leaning up against the table in back of the Chief, Kernan brought up a mental picture of the facility, the electronics schematics, air conditioning...he didn't have an eidetic memory by any means, but that information was contained on Charlie's computer, and for the moment it was busy. So, he had only his memory to work off of, and after years of training, years of remembering orders, timing, and maneuvers, his memory wasn't that bad. If he remembered correctly, there was a power station control room across the way accessible through an underground tunnel.

"Go with me on this, Blake," Monty muttered, his eyes still on the only door anything could come through. "The people stationed here are mostly eggheads, right? They've got some chest full of degrees tucked away somewhere that make the common man the equivalent of an elementary school student. So, they're working on some top secret experiment up here in the lonely cold, and they either achieve some major milestone, or something goes wrong and they screw up big time. Either way--like I said, they're a smart bunch of people--they realize that the sh*t's hit the fan. So, I'm assumin' that the first thing they'd do is try to deactivate that generator-thing. Can't get through to it without riskin' a whole helluvah lot if there's a blue field around it as well...so they'd try to turn the power off at the station, no?

"Only, they either never made it to the station, or turning the power off did no good, and that means that the generator is creating its own power, or--" Monty tapped his weapon while he thought for a couple of seconds. "--Or it is drawing its power from somewhere else. That's a nasty thought.

"OK, so they couldn't shut it down via the power switch, couldn't get to the plug, if there is one, and resorted to trying to blow the hell outta it--which, of course, didn't work, cause that'd be too...normal in this strange little dreamland we've entered into. So, it is likely safe to say that the blue field is some sort of forcefield, or something, and that's why the weapon's fire and munitions couldn't affect it. With that assumption, it is safe to assume that the blue field around the base is also a protective barrier and we can't just evac and nuke the place. This leaves one realistic option here: You've got to get into their files and find out what the hell we're dealing with. Meanwhile..."

Monty had explained his line of thinking out loud to see if Blake could find any fault with it. Switching the radio back on, Lt. Kernan addressed the squad.

"Kane, what's the four one one?"

(OOC: assuming the answer is something akin to, "Uh, there's no way to unplug it from here.")

"All right, well, it is safe to assume that the people stationed here tried to shut the power down on it and failed, but we can't act on assumptions, so you and your fire team are to finish clearing this level, and then you're heading down to the access tunnel in order to secure the power station where you'll try shutting down power from there upon my order. Keep radio communication active. I want a play-by-play, and our enemy encounters thus far haven't led me to believe we're dealing with anything that can intercept our transmissions, so be vocal, everyone. All communications are to be on the open bandwidth, read me?"

Releasing the relay button, Kernan sniffed and released a deep breath. "Can I help out at all, Blake?"

When Kernan started thinking out loud, Charlie listened, while still feinting at the system’s security and watching its reactions. When Kernan talked about the station being full of eggheads, she snorted, drawing the lieutenant’s eyes.

“And here you’re thinking that you’ve just got the one lonely ol’egghead and we’re outnumbered? Don’t worry, boss, I’m probably worth a few of them at least…why do you think the Man keeps me on such a tight leash? And you're kinda smart for a sol... Anyway, go on…I’m listening, sir.”

Kernan went on to muse that the scientists would have thought to power down the station and that it must have failed, and Blake felt the need to interject.

“Hang on boss, some of us techs don’t thrive outside the lab. Something catastrophic happens, especially something real fast, they just can’t deal, man. It’s like, total system failure, commence memory dump and they’re useless in a crisis. We haven’t found bodies, so I’m thinking they’re all herded someplace we haven’t reached yet. Getting to the station for a power down is worth a shot because our boys may not have had a chance to try before the real doo-doo hit the oscillator.” She paused and thought a moment, chewing the black lipstick off her lips pensively.

“Better make it a selective brown out if we can…it’ll be awful cold and dark, and I can’t get into Moriarity here’s brain if he’s powered down, too. Lemme check the wiring schematics and see if we can’t be choosy about what goes dark.”

Blake had continued typing while talking, but had triggered a keyboard trapper to record her keystrokes. She set the trapper on replay, so that the laptop continued it’s onslaught on the security system while she opened up the wiring schema in another window.

OOC: Looking for a way to only turn off power in the main lab

"Kane what's the four one one?"
“No change Lt still got the glow but nothing else, also we did not find any way to unplug without going into the light. What are your orders sir?”

"All right, well, it is safe to assume that the people stationed here tried to shut the power down on it and failed, but we can't act on assumptions, so you and your fire team are to finish clearing this level, and then you're heading down to the access tunnel in order to secure the power station where you'll try shutting down power from there upon my order. Keep radio communication active. I want a play-by-play, and our enemy encounters thus far haven't led me to believe we're dealing with anything that can intercept our transmissions, so be vocal, everyone. All communications are to be on the open bandwidth, read me?"
“Understood Lt open mic all the way.”

With orders given, Kane turned to the 3 troopers with him.

“Ok you heard the Lt we finish recon on this Level then we head down, same formation as before, move out.”

With only three rooms left to check it was for the most part clear to the Staff Sergeant that this level was except for the two soldiers found in room 16 deserted. Even so Kane had too many years in service to let his guard or that of the other three to lapse.
Until they were all back in the real world they would stay 100% alert and locked and loaded ready for combat.

(OOC: If nothing happens till we reach stairway down)

“Lt, we have reached the access stairway, headed down at this time over”

(OOC: Will stop here as to not get ahead of Olan )

Johannsen moves with Sgt. Kane, "Got your six," Sgt Kane. Everything by the book only problem was that everything was not by the book. That machine, device, with its blue glow certainly wasn't anything by any book she knew.

However her job was clear to cover Kane and to look for the light switch so this thing. She would be happier once it was turned off.

Well, Inga hoped so . No knowing what it was or what it did or what would happened if they tried to shut it off.

The condition of the room clearly revealed that various things had been tried. and without apparent success.

Inga couldn't say with what she knew that this things was the root of the problems they faced it was certainly a part of it.

Inga had her gun up and at the ready. Her eyes scanned the device for a power source. Somehow she didn't think it would be as easy as an extension cord, but she would have welcomed it.

May 9th, 2025 - 0223
Auxilliary Laboratory North, Antarctic Research Facility 36, Antarctica

The fire team steps into what appears to be the site of another battle. The laboratory equipment here has been utterly destroyed; the tables are crushed, and the various instruments are burned, charred, and broken.

Crumpled in the corner of the room is a huge machine, with the appearance of a plastic-like husk suported by numerous tentacles. The main pod of the machine has been shattered, and some sort of greenish organic material from inside it has been strewn about.

A closer examination reveals yet another reality-questioning discovery. Inside of the pod is what can only be the dead body of an alien lifeform.

The creature, were it standing, would easily be half a foot taller than even Segreant Kane; it appears to be very solidly built, certainly weighing well over three hundred pounds. The entire body is covered in green scales, and the face appears quite reptilian - at least, the two thirds of the face that remain appears quite reptilian. The creature wears some sort of garmet loosely resembling overalls. From a belt hangs a holstered pistol, and the handle of what would appear to be a knife extends from the belt, as well, though no blade or sheath seems apparent. Finally, there is a relatively small electronic device here, as well, a small viewscreen with several buttons beneath. What it is supposed to do is not immediately obvious.

“Ok you heard the Lt we finish recon on this Level then we head down, same formation as before, move out.”
Sgt Lee nodded and moved out taking the lead once again as they made their way through the remaining rooms on this level. Entering the Auxiliary Lab, Lee moved to the side as he scanned the room staying silhouetted in the doorway for less than a second. He immediately saw more destruction here, but before he noted the details of those things he completed his visual scan of the room for danger.

“More fighting here, Sarg,” he said softly as he moved further into the room. He took a closer look at the huge machine which seemed to contain some kind of dead body.

“Looks like some kind of transport,” he said to the others, “containing what looks like an dead alien.” A hint of disbelief in his voice at what he was seeing. He takes a step back to let the others peer inside as he covers the room keeping his eyes open for any danger.

This was certainly becoming a science fiction movie here; weird glowing spheres, aliens, yetis, what next he wondered. He wasn’t sure he wanted to find out.

The squad moved out and into the last of the rooms they needed to search before heading downstairs. As they moved into the northern Auxiliary Laboratory if Kane had thought that the room they were leaving was science fiction, the one they entered was like an episode of the old 2008 show ‘Fear Itself’.

As Kane examined what appeared to be the remains of a huge machine, shaped as if a plastic-like husk with numerous tentacles, a greenish goo, clearly from inside, strewn about he knew the Lt had to see this fast.

As he keyed the mic he took a closer look to find himself making yet another reality-questioning discovery. Inside of the pod, dead as a door nail, was what could only be termed an alien life form.

The creature, were it standing, would easily be half a foot taller than he and appeared to be very solidly built, certainly weighing well over three hundred pounds. The entire body, covered in green scales, and the face appears quite reptilian - at least, the two thirds of the face that remain appears quite reptilian. The creature, the Staff Sergeant could see, was some sort of garment loosely resembling overalls. From a belt was hanging some type of holstered pistol, the handle of what appeared to be a knife protruding upwards from the belt, as well, though no blade or sheath seems apparent. A relatively small electronic device with a small view screen with several buttons beneath made up the last of the creature’s belongings.

Kane though not scared was for sure uneasy with this new find as he debated how to inform the Lt. It was here that Sgt Lee spoke up saying pretty much what was on the Staff Sgt’s mind.

“More fighting here Sarg, Looks like some kind of transport, containing what looks like a dead alien.” A hint of disbelief in the Sgt’s voice at what he was seeing was noticed easily by Kane

“Ya think” Kane replied before calling the Lt.

“Lt we got a dead something here and you need to see this ASAP I think Blake can handle the comps herself for a few sir”

Hoping the Lt would join them for this find he had the rest of the squad once again take up defensive positions to wait.......

To Inga's eyes this seemed something straight out of that old cult classic show, Twilight Zone. A nice routine checkup trip to Antarctica turns weird. <>

As much as Inga would like a closer look, she keeps watch on her surroundings rifle at ready. Kane moved up and forward closing with the thing and the alien creature inside. For that is what it was without a doubt. Unless this was all some great trick like those old Candid Camera shows and this was all a set up. Only thing in those real robots didn't shoot to kill.

Inga keeps watch but she is also looking for dates, notes, paper, ledgers, journals etc. with anything on them. With the room is disarray there might tbe something left behind that will give them a clue. However, her priority is to keep attentive she she will scoop upp whatever she finds quickly and keep it for perusal later.

Systematically Inga surveys the room and gathers in papers and document, notes. She stuffs them into her vest for now. She also looks for any dates posted on wall or desk. Not taking long so that she might miss something incoming. If any drawers are opened or can be easily opened Inga will check their contents as well.

This mission is turning out to the the weirdest one Inga had ever been on, it was totally surreal, blue force fields, dead Yeti, soldiers who don't seem to come from the same time or place they do. It was like some alternate reality that had shifted to their reality.

“Lt we got a dead something here and you need to see this ASAP I think Blake can handle the comps herself for a few sir”
The radio squawked in Kernan’s ear causing him to look away from Blake’s work reflexively.

“That’s a negative, Sarge,” Monty responded, shaking his head at the Chief reassuringly. “We’re not leaving any ranger alone at any time, so be more specific as to what you mean by, ‘we got a dead something’: what is it? A yeti? A station employee? What?”

(OOC: assuming Monty receives the description in at least coherent detail.)

Taking a deep breath, Kernan raised his eyebrows at Blake and gave a slight shake of his head, partially in disbelief, and partially in resignation. “Ten-four, Kane. I read you. Proceed with caution. We need to know what that power station looks like, copy?”

Receiving a response from Kane, Monty took a look at the door once more. How does one prepare for that which is undocumented? The lieutenant leaned pushed away from the table and strolled around the front of the desk Blake was working at, still focusing on the door. He was considering all of that which had transpired to date, the information they’d gathered pertaining to the hostiles and natives, and that which it proposed as possibilities, and he knew he was in over his head. He was simply a soldier with orders, and an officer; officers were used to acting on intel, and when they didn’t have any, they sought it. In the end, that’s what it boils down to, he thought wryly. There’s not enough information to go on. I need more intel.
The findings that Kane had related did bring some alarm to Monty’s awareness. It added another unknown to the equation, and that meant that the threat was greater than previously thought. Switching the radio back on the lieutenant addressed the men he’d left behind.

“Corporal Hatherford, Corporal Hart, do you copy?” (OOC: assuming Kernan gets a response.) “Gather up those G.I.s and bring them to the communications center. We’re bringing the fire team together again while Staff Sergeant Kane and his team perform recon on the power station.”

May 9th, 2025 - 0231
Communication Center, Antarctic Research Facility 36, Antarctica

Lieutenant Kernan listened to the reality-defying descriptions from the fire team's sergeant before processing, then responding.

Taking a deep breath, Kernan raised his eyebrows at Blake and gave a slight shake of his head, partially in disbelief, and partially in resignation. “Ten-four, Kane. I read you. Proceed with caution. We need to know what that power station looks like, copy?”

After receiving the reply, the officer decided to touch base with the other two rangers.

“Corporal Hatherford, Corporal Hart, do you copy?”

Dead air.

The lieutenant repeated his attempt.

“Corporal Hatherford, Corporal Hart, this is lieutenant Kernan. Do you copy?”

Again, nothing. On the off chance that his radio has suddenly died, Monty attempts to commuicate with Blake's unit, but to no avail - the rangers in the observatory are not responding.


**************************


May 9th, 2025 - 0231
Auxillary Laboratory South, Antarctic Research Facility
36, Antarctica

Bewildered at what he has seen, Sergeant Kane orders the fire team to the next room on the list, which is the south lab. Following Lee into the room, the team discovers a mirror copy of the north lab - or, at least, a mirror copy of the north lab BEFORE the alien and the firefight happened to it.

This room is pristine, clean, and in perfect working order. A wide selection of tools and parts related to electronics work are located here.

The Lieutenant peered over at Charlie, worry in his eyes.

"Kane?" Monty changed direction. "We may have a problem. You’re to change directions. Return to the observatory and check on Corporals Hatherford and Hart. We’ve dead air. Confirm their condition, and return them, and Corporal Fields and Private Carter to the communications center. Over.”

Turning back to Blake his tone became very serious. “We need whatever’s in that computer, Blake, an’ I mean fast. Whatever you’re doing it is time to double-time it.”

Too many variables…to much of the unknown.