Jammers Summary: Chapter 3, Turn 23

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

Round 10:

"Back to your stations!" Nilaroo yells, pulling the catapult around with Deigatt. As soon as the catapult is ready, he fires. The shot flies high and strikes home on bow of one of the viperships, shattering several planks.

Still white from the loss of blood, Talus staggers to the railing to stay clear of the catapult. The young half-elf cradles his right arm protectively.

Holland says, "Thanks Leera, please go see what you can do topside," raising his voice Holland continues through the voice tube, "Ferric, continue this course. Get Italapate to help with the catapult. When ready, use the catapult to fire Seguld's bomb. Tell Deigatt to take charge."

"Aye, Aye" Ferric says into the speaking tube. "You can rest for a moment gentlemen it seems we're holding this course for now. Italapate lend a hand on the catapult. Holland want's us to fire off Seguld's bomb when we get a good shot. Nilaroo check and see if there is anything we can do about that fin. Deigatt you are to take charge up here." Ferric finishes.

Grigree nods and watches as the viperships slowly fall behind.

A fusillade of ballistae bolts and catapult shot from the vipership's forward weapons slams into the STAR from behind. The hold is suddenly open to space as the entire port wall of the hold crumbles beneath the impact.

Leera, climbing up the ladder well, barely dodges back into the hall in time.

Holland grunts in pain as the STAR's planks shatter but gritting his teeth he continues to pour speed into the STAR's escape.

Italapate moves to the catapult and begins helping Deigatt and Nilaroo with the massive weapon.

Kain retrieves his crossbow from the deck with his right hand, watching the viperships. Kain lets his breath out slowly as he looks about, holding his crossbow at the ready.

Seguld continues his efforts, although he is clearly becoming frustrated as he curses under his breath after the knife slips and stabs the tip of his own finger. "AlmostDone! ReadyThe'Pult!" he cries out as he again focuses on the delicate operation.

Raken stays low, providing a small profile.

Deigatt begins cranking on the catapult again.

Robert remains crouched, cradling his crossbow.

Round 11:

Nilaroo, Deigatt, and Italapate work frantically to re-cock the catapult.

Deigatt calls for aid with the catapult and tells Ferric to steer the ship away quickly.

Talus stands by the railing.

Beads of sweat drip down Holland's face as he focuses his will on the STAR increasing the distance between it and the Scro.

Seguld waves his finger around the cloth fuse that has been doused in pitch and the barrel seals tightly around it. "PrettyGoodJob, If'nIDoSaySoMyself." Seguld hefts the barrel up onto his right shoulder as he lifts the enchanted rifle to his left. He pauses a moment and settles his balance. "OneMegablastComin'Up!" He calls out as he begins to hobble across the deck.

Raken stays low, ready to aid anyone who is injured.

Vais comes and sets down next to him with a metal "clunk". "It is now a race, I believe."

Ferric stares aft, watching for any more fire from the viperships.

Leera rushes on deck, "Another hit like that and we're finished!" she calls.

Robert stays low, holding his crossbow ready.

Round 12:

The forward catapults on the two viperships fire again, Ferric sees the shot and frantically orders a course change, but the Scro gunners anticipated that and the stone shot slams into the stern of the STAR.

This final blow is too much and with a tortured screech the STAR's keel shatters. The vessel splits in two at the rear ladder well. For a moment the forward half continues moving, but the sudden shift in the gravity plane catches Holland by surprise and he's hurled from the helm. This shift brings a second massive tearing and the STAR splits again as the port side of the forward hull peels off.

On the main deck, every one is hurled from their feet then batted about by the suddenly shifting gravity planes. Small pieces of the vessel are torn off and float past, others move through the wreckage at dangerous speed.

Finally, the chaos eases. The wreckage of the STAR floats within the STAR's former air envelope, though how long before the air begins separate out into bubbles is anyone's guess.

There are three large pieces remaining, the stern section and catapult station, where Nilaroo, Italapate, and Deigatt cling to the wreckage. The port side planking floats off to the side, with Holland, Raken and Vais clinging to it. Everyone else is on what's left of the forward section. No one appears to be seriously injured by the jostling, though everyone is bruised and battered.

Date/time: 6:18 am 12th day of the 6th Month, 5049 OC