"Well kid, I'm currently pondering a possible career change, so no promises about me sticking around," Jet says to the nervous-looking Klish. "However, if you don't mind the occasional reptilian jab, sure, I don't see a problem with it. Anyone wanna tag along with me to the ISC facility?" D looks up from his UNADA unit. "I will likely be going to upgrade my optical sensors, so I am also currently preoccupied." He turns to Klish and adds, "However, the man sitting over by the bar there, with the hat, is also part of our group. Two more of our members are currently procuring equipment and I would assume they will return here. Perhaps you can wait here?" "Actually," Klish says, "Maybe I would like the ISC. You seem like a pretty nice guy to be around so I'll go with you to the facility." "Sure, it'll be nice to have some company," Jet says. The two set out towards the nearest ISC recruitment office, and after a short walk find themselves walking through the front door of a relatively small corner building. They're standing in a waiting room with a row of chairs on one side, a desk in one of the corners on the opposite site, and a door in the other corner on the opposite side. A single secretary sits behind the desk, typing away on a keyboard. He notices the two and looks up. "Good day, can I assist you gentlemen?"
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short-cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [30|140] // Underslung Shotgun [1|10]
---A state of the art carbine rifle, designed to fire normal, armor-piercing, or hollowpoint rounds as the situation demands. A 3x magnification scope allows for effective use at moderate to long ranges. For close quarters combat, it comes with an underslung shotgun which fires Flechette rounds.
Secondary Weapon: DefCore MGL [1 HE|2 HE/4 FL/6 SM]
---The DefCore MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) is the next generation design of the tried and tested revolver style grenade launcher. Capable of firing six grenades without reloading, it allows for the elimination of multiple hostile personnel groups with minimal effort. Additionally, it can accommodate various different grenades types, allowing for a mixed load-out for maximum effectiveness.
Tertiary Weapon: Deep Blue
---A sword-like etherweapon made up of four extremely strong blades arranged in such a way that the center, point, and edges have hollow openings to emit strong beams of ethereally-created water. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Armor: Utataku Robot Helmet (+2 to head protection)
---The hollowed shell of an Utataku ALPHA-1 Security Bot. Well-fitting and very protective.
===Inventory===
-6,000 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-Plasma Torch "Sword"
---A converted plasma cutter that projects a 3 foot long concentrated plasma "sword" when activated. Can cut through almost anything, given enough time.
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Sociopath (+1 to actions that involve inflicting extreme pain)
-Endorphin Rush (+1 to injuries that would give a -1)
-Charming (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
-Vapor Lance
---Water, Single: Forms an extremely high pressured lance of water.
-Torrent Cutter
---Water, Directional: Forms an extremely sharp beam of water.
Conditions
eBay! (Waiting for Plasma Torch Sword to sell. 3 turns left.)

John descends to the first floor and approaches the info kiosk to ask about armor. "Personnel armor? Well, we sell three standard types: there's your basic reinforced Kevlar vests and pads with ceramic plating inside, it's relatively lightweight and the cheapest of the three. Most of our civilian customers go with that option. Reinforced Kevlar will stop most bullets without any trouble and is relatively flame-resistant, but it won't last through repeated heavy engagements. That would cost probably about 300 UCs.
"Next up, there's Dragonscale Armor, which is a lightweight combat armor that covers your torso and upper arms and legs. It's made of interwoven titanium alloy "scales" which can absorb kinetic impacts much more efficiently than reinforced Kevlar, which means you'll take less damage and the armor will have less wear and tear, making it much more durable and reliable than plated Kevlar. Like Kevlar, Dragonscale is very flame-resistant and also boasts considerable resistance to energy-based weaponry. It'd run you around 800 UCs.
"Finally, we have our heaviest armor, a full-body suit called Arbiter Armor which will cover your entire body except for your head, hands, and feet. Arbiter Armor uses a combination of thick exterior plating capable of stopping almost any ballistic weapon with an insulator-padded interior to protect you from feeling heat or having any electricity discharge through you. That would go for about 1500.
"We also sell various helmets, gauntlets, gloves, boots, and other accessories to augment your combat protection and performance, if you're interested."
=============================================
Appearance: Goatee.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Vortex Driver
---A high-powered etherweapon that can concentrate air into highly pressured beams or use it to suction objects. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Primary Weapon: Utatku Experimental Anti-Material Rifle (UXAMR) [7|40]
---High-caliber bullpup rifle. Features a variable zoom scope with optional thermal imaging. Lightweight and easy to control.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Personal Defense Weapon (UXPDW) [50|150]
---Experimental PDW. Lightweight, with a fully symmetrical design, and a high-capacity magazine, this PDW is similar to the FN P90 in design, but with a lower recoil and more dependable operation.
Tertiary Weapon: Fluted Knife (Accelerates using Air)
---6 inch combat knife designed so that Air can be pushed into it, causing it to vent out the back and speed up.
===Inventory===
-16,600 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
-Pack of Gum (4 pieces)
-Multitool
-Medkit (Bandages, morphine syringes, gauze pads, anti-septic cleanser, tweezers, scalpel)
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Wind at my Back (+1 to Air Techniques)
-Wind in my Veins (Able to shape and control generated Air at will)
-Gum Nom Nom (Chewing gum calms John down and reduces pain for five turns)
Techniques
-Kamaitachi
---Air, Single: Launches a scything blade of air at a target.
-Daikamaitachi
---Air, Directional: A wider and stronger version capable of slicing through reinforced metal with ease.
-Rasenshuriken
---Air, Area: Launches a condensed ball of rapidly rotating wind that explodes on contact, creating a sphere of effect where anything inside is slashed to pieces by razor winds.
Conditions

Aicaya sells the launcher for a cool 1000 credits, deciding to keep the armored vest in the meantime.
=============================================
Appearance: Shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, muscular build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: PUSHKA Artillery Cannon [1 AB|9 HE/8 FG/3 AP/11 AB]
---High power long range cannon.
Secondary Weapon: Meteor Shower
---A minigun-like etherweapon that rapidly fires projectiles generated by the user's ether. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion. In an emergency, it can be fired indefinitely, although this poses potential dangers to the user's health.
Tertiary Weapon: CERBERUS Pile Bunker [2|15]
---Mounted on the back of the left forearm.
Armor: HIBISCUS Heavy Powered Combat Armor (+1 to all defense; +1 to strength)
---Powered armor that is highly durable and offers a great deal of all-around protection. Also increases user strength. Somewhat cumbersome.
===Inventory===
-7,000 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-9 High Explosive shells
-8 Fragmentation shells
-4 Armor Piercing shells
-12 “Hellfire” Airburst shells
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Target Prediction (+1 to shooting at long range targets)
-Grounded (+1 to defense if stationary)
-Durable (Can carry an increased load)
Techniques
-Terra Spike
---Earth, Single: Launches a rock spike at the target.
-Terra Shatter
---Earth, Directional: Launches a rock spike that then fragments into hundreds of small, razor-sharp rocks, which spread like buckshot. Effective over a wide area.
Conditions

D searches for more information on the advertised super-pair of eyes and finds a bio-mechanical augmentation facility a few miles away, in the business section of Kyoto, which offers the implant. The facility has a very high critical rating and customer satisfaction rate, so D schedules an appointment and looks up directions to the facility. He bookmarks the ad for future reference and looks up to see a strange reptilian alien conversing with Jet, who is rising from the table and telling the wannabe-adventure that he plans to officially enlist in the ISC. "I will likely be going to upgrade my optical sensors, so I am also currently preoccupied. However, the man sitting over by the bar there, with the hat, is also part of our group. Two more of our members are currently procuring equipment and I would assume they will return here. Perhaps you can wait here?" "Actually," Klish says, "Maybe I would like the ISC. You seem like a pretty nice guy to be around so I'll go with you to the facility." "Sure, it'll be nice to have some company," Jet says.
=============================================
Appearance: 6' dull grey humanoid skeletal cyborg with a red mono-eye.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Arc Blaster
---A wide shotgun-like etherweapon which discharges massive amounts of electricity towards anything in front of it. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Primary Weapon: Custom ZIGER Rotary Autocannon [110|0] (FOLDED)
---A modifiable-ammo cannon mounted on D's shoulder. Can be retracted into armor.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Personal Defense Weapon (UXPDW) (Right/Left) [50/35|300]
---Experimental PDWs. Lightweight, with a fully symmetrical design, and a high-capacity magazine, these PDWs are similar to the FN P90 in design, but with a lower recoil and more dependable operation.
Tertiary Weapon: Bladed Shield (Right)
---An oblong plate made of refined titanium; one side has a very sharp, curved blade.
===Inventory===
-6,000 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-D-Series Armor Shell (Equipped)
---Heavy armor designed around the D-Series cyborg bodies, made from strong plasteel, they provide strong frontal protection compared to the armor's other parts. Doesn't restrict movement. Has five convenient compartments for storing things. Has Twin Lens-Based Lasers on the palms as a close to medium range weapon and Nano Blade Claw Fingers as a last resort close-quarters weapon.
-Monkey Wrench
---A heavy monkey wrench was one of the first things D-EYE5 found, he's fascinated by its use as a bludgeoning tool and adjustable size.
-Cherry Bombs [20]
---Harmless explosives made for children to play with. Not for human consumption.
-Rotten Sandwich
---Unlucky custodian's uneaten lunch, salami, Swiss cheese, with everything, used to be delicious. A little squishy.
-Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
-Raw Metal Chunks
---Sliced up bits of Utataku Robot Armor. Can be used to manufacture ZIGER ammo.
-Informational Pamphlet
---Contains information on the Arc Blaster.
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Innate Targeting (+1 to ranged attacks)
-Plasteel Chassis (+1 to Defense)
-Nanobot Blood (Auto-repairs damage over time; takes longer to repair more extensive damage)
Techniques
-Psycho Mode
---Lightning, Self: Overcharge self for increased reaction speed at the significant cost of accuracy of all attacks.
Conditions

Mike takes a few sips of the whiskey and listens to nearby conversations without being obviously intrusive. Can't get too drunk, now. "No dude, dude, I swear, that ♥♥♥♥ thing was just floating there, right? And we shot at it and stuff, but the bullets just like, went through it. And it didn't even do anything, it just looked at us and then kinda disappeared. HAD to have been a ghost, right?" "I think your collective perception was heavily addled by the massive amount of drugs you ingested earlier that night, dude." Mike looks over with mild interest- the 'ghost' sounds an awful lot like the Etherbeasts he fought just hours earlier. "Naw man, we didn't take that many drugs, and we ain't never all seen the same thing like that." The speaker is a young man a few seats to Mike's right, wearing a black tank top showing off his lightly muscled arms, decorated with several brightly colored tattoos, with camouflage pants and black combat boots. His left hand grips a tall glass of beer on the counter and an over-sized pistol is visible in a holster hanging on his belt. The listener, on the other hand, couldn't be a sharper contrast- a man easily in his forties or fifties, wearing some pricey formal-casual clothes by the looks of it, although Mike can't make out many details with the first man obscuring his view. "I highly doubt you saw a 'ghost.' Perhaps someone in the group was pulling a practical joke and left a hologram display in that area, or perhaps you were all just blindly firing towards something after you began the volley. More likely that you were all just being idiots," he finishes, taking a short drag of a long, thin cigar. "Callin' me a liar, man?" the first speaker retorts, putting down his bottle after a swig. "Why'd I lie about that ♥♥♥♥, ain't like I got anything to gain from it." "Well, you obviously believe that you saw it, but sight and reality can be two different things at times. Considering your mental state at the time and the lack of any evidence or related testimonies to back up your claim, I am, to say the least, skeptical." Mike notices Jet and some lizard guy leave the bar out of the corner of his eye.
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Pulsar
---A marksman electrolaser etherweapon operating on the principle of using a laser to ionize air molecules and create a plasma channel to transfer a massive jolt of electricity. It can fire roughly two bolts per second if necessary at a close range, but it shines at mid-range combat. Contains an Ether Management Module, which optimizes ether use and prevents overexertion.
Secondary Weapon: I-2 Custom [20|10]
---An older variant of the current standard issue ISC sidearm, it fires the same low velocity ammunition of the new handguns. Fitted with a lighter polymer slide and a shaved down grip, it sacrifices balance and accuracy to make it one of the lightest weapons produced.
Secondary Weapon: Utataku Experimental Recoilless Automatic Pistol (UXRAP) [20|50]
---A .45 caliber pistol using an experimental design, coupling a shock-absorbing frame, enlarged muzzle brake, ported barrel, and heavy grip to dramatically reduce recoil, leading to high accuracy even when using fully automatic fire. A high-capacity magazine and full-auto fire make this gun absolutely devastating at close to mid range.
Tertiary Weapon: Combat Knife
---A standard stainless steel combat knife with an 8-inch serrated blade.
Clothing: Durable Black Desperado Hat (+1 to social interaction; +1 head defense)
===Inventory===
-5,845 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-Backpack (Closed with zippers 'n ♥♥♥♥, so fairly inaccessible. Quite durable, and fireproof)
--Jackson [3|39]
---A heavily modified semi-automatic rifle, derivative of the twentieth century M14. It has a significantly shorter barrel, a forward mounted grip, heavy metal plating, and several gruesome looking blades, enhancing its durability for and usefulness in close quarters combat. It's been re-chambered for the heavier rounds usually found in precision rifles.
--Toolbox (Various low-tech tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, wire-cutters etc)
--Flashlight (With spare batteries)
--5 Rations
--Lighter
--Ether Shard
---Used to contact the Agent
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Improvise (+1 to creating and using improvised weapons in combat)
Techniques
-Surge
---Lightning, Self: Improves muscle reaction and strength in the legs to vastly increase running speed and stamina.
Conditions

Jotun moves to the reactor containment chamber and begins the process of bypassing the radiation safety barriers to gain access to the core. The barriers and their removal mechanisms are slow from age and it takes a little manhandling to fully retract the radiation shields. Walking up to the inert fusion core, Jotun takes out the salvaged plasma torch and methodically reignites the feedstock of the core. As the torch's energy does its work, it begins to emit a low hum that grows in volume and frequency until the core bursts into life with a flash of light. Lights begin to eerily flicker into existence throughout the station, dimly glowing as the dilapidated core attempts to fulfill the overwhelming demand of restarting the entire station. Jotun quickly directs all of the core's power into the station's mainframe, snuffing out the lights and plunging the world into dimness once again. He connects to the station mainframe to consult it for answers:

Interesting. So far, the hexapod drones have found nothing of significance or interest on either the interior or exterior of the station, but they still require some time to finish their scouting. (Two turns remaining on drone exploration)
=============================================
Appearance: Droid with an AMEC Corporate Security Frame [Designation 3-5-Maintenance] Has a strangely unique "face" via a digital communications screen; does not seem capable of electronic contact. Uses randomized and synthesized voices for verbal communication.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Mass Vector Ordinance Projector (MVOP) [3|12]
---A high-accuracy handheld cannon which fires 80mm iron slugs embedded with depleted uranium. Highly effective against armored targets, but because the explosive splash radius is very low, a direct hit is imperative to dealing significant damage even to unarmored targets.
Secondary Weapon: TACG48 Micro Assault Weapon [40|160]
---A rapid automatic weapon smaller than a carbine but larger than an SMG, the TACG48 packs a massive punch for its size and has highly controllable recoil. While it lacks both accuracy and stopping power at long ranges, it is highly deadly within fifty meters. Fires high-penetration Flechette rounds.
Tertiary Weapon: "Fang" Blade
---A 13-inch long combat knife, the Fang is made of highly reinforced self-sharpening titanium carbide and is practically unbreakable. A serrated blade also lends it utility applications.
===Inventory===
-5,000 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-Nanite Repair Pouch (3 of 3 uses)
---Capable of repairing most moderate damage with a single use.
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Computerized Targeting (+1 to aiming at specific enemy vulnerabilities)
-Feel No Pain (+1 to mitigating the effects of body damage)
-Voice of the Legion (+1 to hacking computer systems)
Techniques
-Hunker Down
---Ether, Self: Interlocks armor and activates a 360 degree anti-ether shield, shielding Jotun from nearly all damage but massively reducing his movement speed and limiting his offensive capabilities.
Conditions

"Well kid, I'm currently pondering a possible career change, so no promises about me sticking around," Jet says to the nervous-looking Klish. "However, if you don't mind the occasional reptilian jab, sure, I don't see a problem with it. Anyone wanna tag along with me to the ISC facility?" D looks up from his UNADA unit. "I will likely be going to upgrade my optical sensors, so I am also currently preoccupied." He turns to Klish and adds, "However, the man sitting over by the bar there, with the hat, is also part of our group. Two more of our members are currently procuring equipment and I would assume they will return here. Perhaps you can wait here?" "Actually," Klish says, "Maybe I would like the ISC. You seem like a pretty nice guy to be around so I'll go with you to the facility." "Sure, it'll be nice to have some company," Jet says. The two set out towards the nearest ISC recruitment office, and after a short walk find themselves walking through the front door of a relatively small corner building. They're standing in a waiting room with a row of chairs on one side, a desk in one of the corners on the opposite site, and a door in the other corner on the opposite side. A single secretary sits behind the desk, typing away on a keyboard. He notices the two and looks up. "Good day, can I assist you gentlemen?"
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9", reptilian humanoid alien with green eyes, green-brown scales, and a scar of a slash across his cheek.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Scaler Rifle [40|120]
---Assault rifle that fires scale shards at high velocity. Medium accuracy.
Secondary Weapon: Scaler Pistol [10|50]
---Semi-automatic pistol that fires scale shards at medium velocity. High accuracy.
Tertiary Weapon: Claws
---Ten 3-inch long, sharp, curved claws that can easily slice through flesh and light armor.
===Inventory===
-5,000 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
-Flashlight
-Grenade
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Sharp Claws (+1 to claw attacks)
-Scaled Hide (+1 to defense against physical attacks)
-Regeneration (Faster healing over time)
Techniques
Poison Spray
---Air, Area: Poisons nearby air, stunning or mortally wounding organic targets.
Conditions

Bob decides to fly to the nearest fuel depot, just a few miles away. The ship flies without any issues, but as he arrives and flips on the autopilot that will guide him to the fuel dock, he realizes there's a relatively long queue- apparently a decently large amount of people are getting fuel. (One turn wait)
=============================================
Appearance: Carson Beckett.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Terracon Industries - SMG - 165b [60|180]
Secondary Weapon: Terracon Industries - PL - 24A [7|35]
Tertiary Weapon: Combat Knife
---Standard titanium combat knife with an 8-inch blade.
===Inventory===
Personal
-2,000 Universal Credits
-UNADA PDA
Property
-Old Single-Seater Freighter
---Fuel [5% of max capacity]
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Anatomy (+1 to targeting specific points on humans)
-Medical Shield (+1 to evasion when giving medical assistance)
-Medic (+1 to medical assistance)
Techniques
-Healing Touch
---Life, Single: Heal another person at the cost of ether; extended healing will cause tiredness.
Conditions