Interstellar rescue: Zero point explosion

An experimental zero-point power generator explodes in Sepney University. The containment field is failing, and two researchers are missing, presumed trapped in the building.

Notes

Significant NPCs

• Senior Fire Officer Bosede (V), Sepney fire brigade.
• Prof Losa Talon (C), leading the zero point project. (Science +5, Technical +4, Driven, Disregard for safety)
• Dr Chelch Rool (C), Dr Jelani Wasswa (O), postdocs, trapped.

In a bid to succeed quickly, Prof Talon removed much of the Commonality-mandated safety equipment around the ZIP core. This is a major contributor to the disaster. She'll want to keep this quiet. She'll also rush in to save the ZIP regulator if she thinks the PCs aren't taking enough care over it.

Objectives

• Shut down or stabilise the ZIP core
• Retrieve the ZIP regulator
• Rescue the postdocs

Zone: Outside

This is the area around the university, as well as most of the university area. The fires and rescue operations are being handled by the Sepney fire brigade. Safe and unimpeded travel.

Aspects

Media drones everywhere, Sepney fire service.

Zone: Outer lab

A difficult zone to cross, made worse by the damage caused by the explosion and the high-temperature metal fire.

Aspects

Cramped lab space, Dangerous equipment, Media drones everywhere,

Threat: Metal Fire

An inferno of burning magnesium alloys and other equipment.

Aspects: Intense light, small and hot

Burn +5, Smoke +4, Spread +3

3 Stress. Consequences: 2 mild, 1 moderate

Smoke is obstacle to move through effectively through the zone. Attack with Burn for anyone staying in the zone for more than one exchange.

Special: Intensify: Roll Spread vs ?/+1, clear stress track, remove one consequence, or +1 to all ratings. Roll for when the PCs return through this zone.

Zone: Research offices

Prof Talon's office is here. It contains documents that show how she cut corners on safety to make more rapid progress on the ZIP field research. There are also some Fiver propaganda leaflets in a drawer.

Aspects

Cramped lab space, Dangerous equipment, Debris everywhere

Threat: Walls on Fire

Burn +2, Smoke +3, Spread +1

2 Stress. Consequences: 2 mild, 1 moderate, 1 severe

Smoke is obstacle to move through effectively through the zone. Attack with Burn for anyone staying in the zone for more than one exchange.

Special: Backdraft: Defence success with style → Attack all with Burn +2.

Threat: Chelch's burns

Injure +2; 2 Stress; Consequences: 1 mild, 1 moderate,

Victim: Postdocs

Aspects: In mortal fear, Intellect will overcome.

Science +4, Technical +3, Knowledge+3, Investigate +2, Notice +2

2 Stress each; Consequences (each): 1 mild, 1 moderate

In a fume cupboard, so using Technical to resist the fire.

Zone: Inner lab

A mess around where the ZIP core overloaded and exploded. There's a smaller fire here.

Aspects

Cramped lab space, Dangerous equipment, Debris everywhere, Weak floors, Unearthly glow

Anyone with Notice +2 or Science +2 realise that the safety equipment is missing.

Threat: Equipment Fire

General lab equipment and benches on fire.

Aspects: Hazardous material spread, exploding containers

Burn +3, Smoke +2, Spread +1

3 Stress; Consequences: 1 mild, 1 moderate

Vary between Smoke to hamper and Burn to attack. Create advantages with Smoke.

Special: Intensify: Roll Spread vs ?, clear stress track or remove one consequence.

Threat: Unstable ZIP core

This spends most of its time trying to escape the containment field. If the regulator is destroyed (resist with Integrity), use the lower ratings and take a 6-stress hit. If the core is taken out, it can't harm anyone any more.

Aspects:Terrifying power, Skimpy construction, Misunderstood Commonality tech

Irradiate +6 (+3), Integrity +4 (+4), Provoke +3 (+1)

3 Stress; Consequences: 2 mild, 1 moderate, 1 severe (e.g. cyclic instability, damaged casimir plates, restricted nspace access)

Victim: Containment field

If the field is taken out, the ZIP core will explode catastrophically. PCs can either act to repair/strengthen the core to buy time, or repair the field. If the Contain rating of the field is 4 or more greater than the core's Irradiate, the core is stably contained.

Aspects: Commonality tech, Skimpy construction

Contain +4

3 Stress; Consequences: 1 mild, 1 moderate, 1 severe (e.g. overloading, feedback loops, breaking down)

Starts with Stress 2 box filled