Y2156.12.09 TRADE & ADVENTURE

[Thumper]

It looks like we should have the ship in flyable condition around 12.20. Is that correct?

[atpollard]

I am working on adding data to improve TRADE in the game.

A TRADE MAP of Beau was added ...
Existing LAND trade routes are in red, existing WATER trade routes are in blue [Cr 10 per tonne Gov't subsidized freight].
The TRADE CODES are listed for each City, Town & Village for ITNRA-PLANTARY trade. Dots and Text approximate size of settlement.

[atpollard]

It looks like we should have the ship in flyable condition around 12.20. Is that correct?

Sort of ...

Theoretically, on Y2156.12.20 you will have a working Bridge, MD and PP (qual 1) ... so it could lift off with a high danger of a PP failure. You still have no LIFE SUPPORT and you have minor FUEL LEAKS.

You still have thousands of man-hours after that point to replace the PP and become Space-worthy after that point, so I think you are really looking at second quarter of Y2157 [say about another 3-4 months] before you leave the planet.

[atpollard]

So some general information.

The Secret Meeting being hosted by the Black Market to deal with the disruption of supplies through Brulantfort is being held on Y2156.12.15-20 at a lake located near 5 S, 15 W. Entrepreneurs are offering Transportation to interested buyers and sellers. It will be a LL 1 extravaganza [No Nukes or WMDs allowed ... anything short of FULL MILITARY is fair game].

The "MAPS AND REFERENCES" has data on all the settlements on the map. Now you can make trade decisions based on POPULATION, Trade Codes, GDP (the maximum value of the local economy) and the total value of trade (per month) to/from the community. In general, you cannot buy or sell a larger cargo than the community imports/exports in a month. Most common cargoes will be 1/4 that figure or less (since they are available every week).

Now that that is out of the way, I can get back to other things.

[Thumper]

Mick considers possible trade routes and possible opportunities.
”First, I need to get up to St Oyland and complete this order and collect the ammo to sell at the “flea-market”.

After that, I should focus on using our grav lift trucks to see what we can uncover in some of these places the public grav shuttles underserve. Places like Isle d’ fluers, Port le Joye, Vayseaux, and the poorer towns of St Jean, and Mobliens. Perfect use of our grav trucks.

DJ and Hol, you’ve made great use of the big trucks. Perhaps you should build on repetitions of what of you’ve already done and build on it.

Someone should also see if we can do some express service to locations served by the sea-lanes. Those may be slow enough to permit a decent trade in smaller quantities of time-sensitive product.

Try to build some repeatative trade for the next few months.

Thoughts?”

[shaidar]

DJ

"If we want to make some quick money, we can help the AKOA find this artifact they are looking for. They've got gems to pay with, and gems are easy to hide from the government and to transport. So if anyone around here has any links to the less savoury sellers on Beau, then we should make enquiries."

[Eris]

DJ

"If we want to make some quick money, we can help the AKOA find this artifact they are looking for. They've got gems to pay with, and gems are easy to hide from the government and to transport. So if anyone around here has any links to the less savoury sellers on Beau, then we should make enquiries."

"You can count on my help, DJ." Joe says, "I've always heard good things about the AKOA, so I'm interested in trying to help them. Getting paid in gems is a nice perq, as well."

[Thumper]

Mick-
"I'll discreetly ask around in my other endeavors. But it sounded like the AKOAs focus is also on the swap meet. Correct? So, we'll be a vendor at the swap meet...giving most of the team who attends the opportunity to investigate the TRILL."

[gurusql]

Hol

"Give me a load and I will drive the vehicle. Anytime and any place"

[atpollard]

Y2156.12.09:afternoon Ellie’s Place (East of Brulantfort)
The group has started to make plans. For the remainder of the afternoon of 12.9, the group discussed options and planned what each person would focus on for 12.10. To help. I have provided each character with several options to consider [this is just some fodder for inspiration to prime your pumps with ideas]. Ultimately, you need to be at the BLACK MARKET SWAP MEET on 12.15.

MICK

• ST OYLAND: Organize & leave on the Trade trip to St Oyland & “X-2”.
• AKOA [roll 8] … Mick got a strange “vibe” off the AKOA when he helped them settle. Talking with DJ on the ride back, DJ knew little about the species. He had ‘heard of’ them but these were the first he had actually ‘met’ in his space travels. The AKOA had a reputation for being advanced in the Biological sciences and backward in the mechanical sciences, with a tendency towards ‘reclusive’ that bordered on xenophobic. Back at camp, Mick decided to ask GUY [the DIPLOMAT] if he knew anything more about the AKOA. (see GUY).
• TRADE: Mick’s Trader skill (ADMIN) discovered an unusual opportunity for both short-term and long-term profit. Purveaux (pop 5k, Ri) had 1 tonne of Data-cubes [Cr 50k FMV] available for [roll 8-5= 3 = 80%] Cr 40k. If St Oyland purchased these Data-Crystals, the information on them would allow them to increase trade by 1% of GNP per month from the current 10% of GNP to 20% of GNP [by eliminating the “Po” trade category]. Note, this would work for any single community that you could convince to implement an improvement program using the Data Crystals to eliminate the “Po” rating, you just have a trade and diplomatic relationship with St Oyland.

DJ

• [*]AKOA: DJ decided to ask GUY [the DIPLOMAT] if he knew anything more about the AKOA or the TRILL (see GUY). DJ can meet with the ALOA and pursue locating the TRILL.
• TRADE: DJ’s quest for unusual items to satisfy the St. Oylant contract and personal friendship with Marcel Osmond yielded a lead on an unusual TRADE opportunity in Achimasahitunanuch [X2] (pop 500, NI, Po). A ‘friend of a friend’ had 180 kg of Radioactives [FMV Cr 180,000] that could be purchased by DJ (and no one else) for Cr 171,000 and resold in Ville d’Espoir for Cr 225,000.
• SHIP: DJ can employ his ELEC skill to either explore the COMM/ECM systems and capabilities of the ship or to facilitate BRIDGE/COCKPIT repairs.

HOL

• SHIP: Hol monitored the progress on the repairs and noted that the ship was moving slowly but surely towards flight capable. He continued to spend time in the Cockpit becoming more familiar with the evolving controls and Ship’s computer. It was during one of Hol’s casual sessions that the AI informed Hol that it had detected encrypted comm signals in the general vicinity, but the burst had been too short to determine a location (merely within 200 km of the ship).
• SCAVENGE: Search Boneyard and recover 2 tonnes of Basic Electronics [Cr 10k / tonne FMV] per 8 hours (to sell).
• PILOT: Hol can fly (NAVY PILOT) to any of the TRADE deals.

TUT

• SHIP: Tut has been leading the charge on repairing the ship and can continue to repair the ship or adjust the priority of repairs.
• BLACK MARKET: Tut had raised questions about this ‘Black Market Gathering’ and its relative safety given the recent events at Brulantfort. His inquiries revealed that the ‘crackdown’ at Brulantfort was a relatively local event limited to impacting communities within about 1000 km radius (about 1 community in every direction) from Brulantfort. Outside this region, the planet was largely unaffected except by the secondary impact from Brulantfort being the second-largest city on the planet and the source of its High-Tech Sector (with the crackdown impacting supply chains). The actual SECRET BLACK MARKET MEETING [on Y2156.12.15] was an “alternative” to the Black Market that had operated at Brulatfort and been shut down by local (Brulantfort) activities.
• TRADE: Tut’s contact at Decuir (pop 1000, NI) had a lead on TEXTILES [Cr 3000/tonne FMV] … 10 tonnes available for Cr 2,250/tonne (75% FMV) that could be resold on Purveau (Ri) at +3 modifier or Montsoleil (NA, Ri) at +4 modifier.

GUY

• RESEARCH: Guy has the option to conduct research on the SYNTHETIC-ORGANIC COMPUTER for Mark Jensen; roll 10+ [2d6+COMP] for each 8 hours of research.
• AKOA: Both Mick and DJ approached Guy with a request for data on these AKOA [DIPLOMAT, COMPUTER]. What Guy knows as FACT about the AKOA is that they are an isolationist humanoid alien species from the Akoa system [11 parsecs - 6 x Jump-2] rimward (down) of Beau. They once controlled three (3) systems that were terraformed to their alien biosphere, however an aggressive neighbor recently attacked and conquered their colonies. Now the AKOA only control their home system. They are extremely advanced in Biology (Medicine, Terraforming, Organic-’Cybornetics’) [TL 13+] but limited in Mechanics (Transportation, Weapons) [TL 9]. The AKOA are reclusive, avoiding contact with outside worlds and species since the recent war - they seldom leave their system and have minimal outside contact except through their ORBITAL TRADE STATION. Guy has heard numerous RUMORS about the AKOA, not surprising given their isolation and secrecy: a persistent rumor is that the AKOA are naturally ‘empathic’; they don’t need to eat but are photosynthetic; their healers heal, and warrios kill without tools or weapons. Guy has determined that the TRILL will be auctioned at the SECRET BLACK MARKET MEETING [Y2156.12.15-17]. Guy can research either the AKOA or the TRILL further.
• SECRET BLACK MARKET MEETING: Guy had agreed to ‘look into’ the death of “Pierre” (Nyota’s Husband). You have determined that a man named LEO SINARD is a witness to the events surrounding the death of Pierre and has relevant information. Guy has also learned that LEO SINARD - (a petty criminal) - will be at the SECRET BLACK MARKET MEETING and NYOTA will have an opportunity to locate him there and speak with him.
• TRADE: As Guy was helping with preparations for the OMNI trade deal with St.Oyland, he became aware of the availability of 200 kg of ILLEGAL Pharmaceuticals [Cr20k FMV] that could be purchased for the bargain price of Cr 14k. From Guy’s ‘Syndicate’ connections, he was aware that his ‘contacts’ at the SECRET BLACK MARKET MEETING would pay Cr 32k for them and resell them for Cr 60-80k. OMNI (the Company) had restricted its TRADE with St Oyland to just 100% legal Pharmaceuticals, so this trade opportunity was left “on the table” if Guy chose to pursue it.

JOE

• HE AMMO: Joe had originally spearheaded the contact with St. Oyland to sell HE ammunition [300 boxes (30,000 rounds) = Cr 28,000 FMV = 1,400 kg] at the SECRET BLACK MARKET MEETING and can continue to lead that effort (collect the AMMO and SELL it). X2 might be a source of more HE AMMO if Joe wanted to involve DJ and Marcel Osmond to reach out to contacts in X2.
• AKOA: Since Joe has expressed interest in working on the AKOA/TRILL issue, Joe has actually encountered an AKOA “Merchant” in his early wanderings. Two facts from those three months working together stand out in your memory: The walls of his stateroom were covered with bioluminescent moss that just grew to cover the metal plates and seemed to always make the room smell slightly damp, but much fresher than the stake air that circulated throughout the rest of the ship. - following a weekend of celebration, the Akoa finally answered a question about his homeworld and revealed that the AKOA had just survived an attempted genocide that destroyed its colony worlds and almost destroyed their homeworld, so now they are untrusting of ‘pinkies’ (humans) … he came from one of the former colony worlds.
• OTHER: Joe has diverse skills that would allow him to assist as a GRAV transport driver on one of the other TRADE projects, or to work on SHIP REPAIR if he wanted something else to do.

NYOTA

• RESEARCH: Nyota has the option to conduct research on the SYNTHETIC-ORGANIC COMPUTER for Mark Jensen; roll 10+ [2d6+MEDIC] for each 8 hours of research.
• TRADE: As Nyota was helping with preparations for the OMNI trade deal with St.Oyland, she became aware of the existence of 200 kg of ILLEGAL Pharmaceuticals [Cr20k FMV] that could be purchased for the bargain price of Cr 16k. These drugs are not Narcotics, but rather, Performance Enhancers (temporary boost to attributes). While ILLEGAL on Beau at LL7, they are completely legal and highly desirable on the various COLONIES in the Beau System. Nyota has the OFF-WORLD medical contacts to sell the Drugs but would require help from the Group to arrange a purchase from St. Oyland and need [STREETWISE] assistance getting the DRUGS past Starport Customs (perhaps Guy could help). Nyota estimates they would sell for at least Cr 40k, but more importantly, they would open doors to TRADE access with colonies otherwise closed to Beau. Nyota needs to decide whether to pursue this or not.
• MEDICAL: St Oyland provided Nyota with access to standard MEDICAL Drugs at reduced prices if she is interested.
• PIERRE: Guy has information about LEO SINARD and the death of Pierre.
• AKOA: The Akoa have a reputation for having advanced [TL 13+] knowledge of Biology and Medicine. Nyota could pursue interaction with this reclusive species to gain information.

So talk among yourselves and announce what YOU will work on tomorrow (Y2156.12.10).

[Thumper]

Mick-

AKOA [roll 8] … Mick got a strange “vibe” off the AKOA when he helped them settle.

a persistent rumor is that the AKOA are naturally ‘empathic’; they don’t need to eat but are photosynthetic; their healers heal, and warrios kill without tools or weapons.

Mick turns stark white when he hears this. "Does this mean that they are psionic? Can they teach him? Joe? He MUST speak with them...first thing in the morning." His mind races. He'll pick up the trade items in Brulantfort in the morning...take DJ...talk with the AKOA and find out. If so, he'll need to get this St Oyland trade settled then spend the remaining time with the Akoa...focus on that until they go to the swap meet and TRILL hunting.

Mick will contact St Oyland and offer the DATA CUBES. What is St Oyland's GNP? For that matter, what is the GNP of each of the towns with the PO (Poor) designation? That info may affect his negotiating strategy. We'll see.

[atpollard]

What is St Oyland's GNP? For that matter, what is the GNP of each of the towns with the PO (Poor) designation? That info may affect his negotiating strategy. We'll see.

See MAPS AND REFERENCES

[Thumper]

Ah! Thanks!

Knowing that St Oyland had an interest in improving their manufacturing capacity, Mick sees potential in this. He will will try to negotiate terms with the clan for a straight FMV trade negotiation. (Purchase for 40k…sell for what they can get using his bargaining skill).

He will ask Purvaux how often they could fill an order for Data Cubes.

[atpollard]

Ah! Thanks!

Knowing that St Oyland had an interest in improving their manufacturing capacity, Mick sees potential in this. He will will try to negotiate terms with the clan for a straight FMV trade negotiation. (Purchase for 40k…sell for what they can get using his bargaining skill).

He will ask Purvaux how often they could fill an order for Data Cubes.

Mick has LOTS of things he wants to do, but can only pursue ONE task FIRST ... so what will he focus on for the morning of Y2156.12.10 and what will Mick have to save for later ...
... Purvaux Cubes
... AKOA empathy rumors
... Trade to/from St Oyland

[Thumper]

AKOA questions

But as he's grav driving to the Colony, he can make some phone calls...right?

[ateno]

On a trip back to town, Tut will reach out to his contact on the non secured phone and offer to pay for the textile in full and offer space rental until we can pick it up.

Then he will tell the group and ask if we have a spot on our transit schedule, or hire someone?

Tut will also take only 10% interest flat on the money he put out and the rest goes to the company when it's sold, if it makes no money, Tut will eat the loss.

He points with a pen and lets go turning and the pen drops.

"Damn I forget I'm not in zero G sometimes."

Tut

[gurusql]

Hol

Hol will inform the rest of the team of the encrypted traffic and will ask the AI to continue to passively scan for additional similar signals.

He will focus on the getting supplies (from the Boneyard) and fixing the ship unless there is a delivery that he needs to do for the company and will happily do that.

[shaidar]

DJ

DJ wants to tell the AKOA the good news about the secret black market sale.

But he also has some questions about the radiologicals sale. Is it legal, how long is the deal available for and how long will the trip Coliny-> X2->Ville d’Espoir->colony take in a grav vehicle?

Sorry for my late response

[atpollard]

[ So let’s see about getting things moving forward again. Hopefully LIFE will cooperate. ]

First some general information on TRAVEL TIMES:
The Company Grav Transports are all 450 kph cruise speed and the kexes on the Trade Map are all 1000 km (roughly 2.25 hours), so …

Brulantfort to “Achimasahitunanuch”(X-2) = 13 hours
“Achimasahitunanuch”(X-2) to St Oyland = 2 hours
St Oyland to Brulantfort = 14 hours
Brulantfort to Black Market = 12 hours

St Oyland to Black Market = 25 hours
Brulantfort to Purvaux = 20 hours
Brulantfort to Decuir = 3 hours

Y2156.12.10:morning The Colony
Let’s start out the morning with some quick COMM calls. All of the trade deals require someone to show up “in person” to close the deal (you just have leads at this point). So the group leaves at dawn (0600) in the MEDIUM GRAV TRANSPORT (16 seats and 4 tonnes of cargo capacity) for a quick hop to The Colony to load 1 tonne of supplies destined for St Oyland and to meet with the AKOA.

[The group needed to decide whether to stop at “Achimasahitunanuch”(X-2) on the way to St Oyland or on the way back.]

AKOA
First things first, the whole gang was introduced to the AKOA at the Landing Pad (just a short walk from the Bed and Breakfast) as your cargo was delivered and loaded.
[Who has something to say?]

Ilona (light) - elderly male
Aiza (living) - adult female
Nira (near) - adolescent female
Aiva (warrior) - male child

GRAV MEDIUM TRANSPORT: (TL 11) Cr 81,000 (used); 13,000 kg GVWR. A sixteen-seat personal Grav transport with seats, Electronic Controls and onboard Autopilot for two (2) 100 kg Pilots, seats for fourteen (14) 100 kg Passengers and a cargo area with a 4000 kg capacity. The vehicle is designed for operation below 3000 meters altitude, has a Top Speed of 600 kph, a Flying Cruise speed of 450 kph (10,800 km range), and a Nap Of Earth (NOE) speed of 150 kph (3600 km range). The Fuel Cell consumes 19,272 Liters of Liquid Hydrogen Fuel (Cr 675 to refuel) in 24 hours.

[Thumper]

a persistent rumor is that the AKOA are naturally ‘empathic’; … their healers heal, and warriors kill without tools or weapons.

Mick takes an immediate interest in this report. Rumors are only rumors, but this piques him. As does this:

They are extremely advanced in Biology (Medicine, Terraforming, Organic-’Cybornetics’) [TL 13+]

Could the Akoa have information on their bio computer.? He will have asked the crew if they want to invite the Akoa to stay in camp before the flea market. He also will have asked the gang their thoughts on bringing more crew members (Sophia and Juliette) when they leave. Tight quarters and all.

After DJ breaks the news about the black market to the Akoa, Mick will say:
”Happy news, I think.

We are happy to help. In addition to any payment you we agree upon, we might find ways that you can help us, too.”

He reaches his hand in a friendly and business handshake while reaching his psi out to project an empathic projection of soothing, calm and friendship…like he has learned to do with animals.

Mick intends to gather trade goods in Brulantfort to take to St Oyland by way of Purcell. It will be a long drive to Purveax today, then another tomorrow to St Oyland tomorrow, then go to X-2 and back to St Oyland on day 4, then a long drive home on day 5. Will need multiple drivers and in-flight supplies. I think that fits the timeline.