Part One: Insertion
Insertion will be performed via VC-33. The characters may notice some of the new weapon systems as they are boarding, but any questions will be met with blank stares. In fact, the characters will be told NOTHING about the mission. Any questions will be answered with a rough "You'll receive your orders once we land." Once the characters take off, they will all notice a definite lack of VT escort. If anyone chooses to ask questions about the escort, they will be met with cold reassurances. "Don't worry, we're well defended", or something like that.
The scenery outside eventually turns very white and desolate...even from high altitude the wastelands of Siberia seem cold and ruthless. Everything goes very smooth, and the eventually the intercom crackles with the voice of the pilot: "We are approximately 20 miles southwest of our destination, and we'll be landing in about 10 minutes. Please fasten seat belts and secure any loose items at this time." the characters begin to prepare themselves for the landing, then all hell breaks loose.
First, a loud explosion is heard and felt off the left side. It's followed by another loud explosion...this time it is DEFINITELY felt. People begin to yell...the plane breaks sharply to the left, and begins to drop altitude. Nothing is seen outside except the Siberian wasteland, which is now fast approaching. Another explosion is heard from the rear of the plane...the characters can now feel a rush of air tearing the cabin apart. The VC-33 plunges faster, but manages to pull up just a bit before impact. Still, the crash is a hard one.
At this point, only the player characters should be left alive (or any NPC's your playing with). I leave any SDC damage to the characters up to the GM. The VC is a total loss...radios, everything. Nothing is seen in the skies or on the ground, and the only sound is coming from the burning remains of the VC and the strong northern winds which whip up snow like a winter snowstorm. A search of the wreckage for suppilies will provide nothing until the rear section is explored. Cargo was stored back here, and the characters will find what looks like smaller versions of zentradi power armor. In reality, the characters have found one of the new classified weapon systems, the Micronian Power Armor(see Robotech: Book Eight, Strike Force for stats and info). At this point however, they will not know the full capabilities of these suits. Any characters with military training can probably figure things out and adapt pretty quickly, though scientists, non-military characters and even VT pilots will have a little trouble. I'll leave specifc penalties up to the GM, as well as any damage to the suits that occured in the crash. The suits are self-contained environments, which should be a welcome relief to the characters by this time (it's awfully cold in the artic). Be fairly generous with weapons and equipment..let the characters find just about anything they want (but don't get crazy; no missle launchers or long range radios or anything). After a short while (maybe 10 minutes or so) the characters will begin to hear the sound of approaching helicopters from the south. If the characters don't immediately run, bring in the sound of small high-pitched engines. Hopefully at least one of the main characters will figure out the RDF didn't have any helicopter or light ground support as part of the mission. But if they still remain then throw in the rumbling of approaching mecha. The surroundings are bare, but if the characters really strain (unless they found some optic devices, then they'll see it easily) they'll see the remains of a Zentradi cruiser in the distance to the north. They should make for it immediately.
Once the characters are a reasonable distance from the VC, they will begin to see the sources of the approaching noises. First, two Commanchero helicopters set down near the wreckage; the blowing snow combined with the vorticies produced by the helicopters themselves makes it impossible to see any sort of markings. Next, 6 snowmobiles come into view; complete with clearly visible cannons extending a short ways past the hood. They stop, and figures can be seen exploring the wreckage. Still, no markings can be seen. Finally, two Raider X destroids arrive at the area. A trained eye (someone familiar with a destroid or mecha skill...any skill) will note that the arms of these Raider X's are different from those of the RDF. By this time, the characters should be arriving at the crashed cruiser. If anyone wishes to return to the VC, have a Zentradi battle pod show up on the scene. This should make things abundantly clear that the group at the VC are definitely NOT RDF.
From this point the characters need to realize the following: There was no mishap on the VC, they were shot down. They are stranded in an unfamiliar, hostile territory. They are surrounded by enemy units. The only real hope for survival is to try to make it to Base Siberia. They were told their approximate location just before they went down, anyone with land navigation should have a pretty easy time of finding the way to the base. Even characters without land nav should be able to get to the base ok. There are any number of encounters/adventures the characters may come across between the crashed cruiser and the base...I leave those up to the GM. Don't make it too rough on them though...this mission is just begining!
Part 2: Base Siberia
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