Y2156.11.25 - SHIPSHAPE

[ateno]

“I once had a AI Theory Professor that talked about Self-Aware AI … he said it was some sort of theoretical goal, but it was technologically impossible. It was the AI version of ‘Perpetual Motion’. I don’t know about all that theoretical stuff, but it sure is funny that I go from one teacher saying it is impossible to maybe working for someone trying to build one. Weird, huh?”

"Very odd. So, what the heck is that doing being built here in this backwater? I mean any good tech helping out a area is great, but with the building and secrecy, something else is going on? Right?"

Tut orders another beer for him.

Tut

[atpollard]

Y2156.11.25:afternoon Brulantfort: The Colony [Tut]

Tut: "... something else is going on? Right?"

Sam: [slightly buzzed] "I dunno." He leaned in conspiratorially “I heard rumors that Mark is some sort of Ex-Government Black-Ops like UberHacker. You know, like ‘spy movie’ stuff.” Sam holds up his fingers and makes a ‘shhh’ sound “Like not allowed to talk about anything crap.” Shrugging, he adds “I just know that Mark scares me. I can’t wait until this internship is over and I can go back home to Ville d’ Espoir.”

Tut pressed Sam for more information and Sam proceeded to describe DJ perfectly. “This expert spent HOURS back there with the ‘Project’ getting it to work, but Mark was happy when he left, so I guess he fixed it. Not like when those paramilitary types came to visit the day before yesterday and Mark was all pissed off.” Sam smiled “Course, the one looked just as unhappy when they left and the other one looked a bit pale. I think he might be afraid of Mark, too.”

Sam finished his beer, thanked Tut, and stood to leave "I gotta get home."

[ex-Belter] Tuteo Genna (“Tut”) (Age 38) [BCC-899]:
Below average (2-5) none; Average (6-8) INT; Above average (9-C) STR, DEX, END, EDU, SOC.

Sam Anderson (Age 22):
Below average (2-5) END; Average (6-8) SR,DEX; Above average (9-C) INT, EDU, SOC.
Skills: Electronics-1, Computer-0

William Bautista (Age 30):
Below average (2-5) STR, SOC; Average (6-8) DEX, END, INT; Above average (9-C) EDU.

Mark Jensen (Age 45):
Below average (2-5) DEX, END; Average (6-8) SOC; Above average (9-C) STR, INT, EDU.
Skills: Comp, Streetwise, Admin,

[atpollard]

Y2156.11.25:afternoon Brulantfort: The Colony [Chester, DJ, Guy & Joe]
The group gathered at a table in the Diner [Building 12] to get reacquainted and explore the question: “What brings you to ‘The Colony’?” …

[Waitress] Gloria
[Short Order Cook] Earl

Chester Flint [M] (Age 22)
Below average (2-5) EDU; Average (6-8) DEX, END, INT, SOC; Above average (9-C) STR.

D.J. Dawson (Age 30)
Below average (2-5) SOC; Average (6-8) STR, DEX, EDU; Above average (9-C) END, INT.

Guillaume (Guy) Dubois (Age 46)
Below average (2-5) none; Average (6-8) STR, INT; Above average (9-C) DEX, END, EDU, SOC.

Joe Black (Age 42)
Below average (2-5) END; Average (6-8) STR, SOC; Above average (9-C) DEX, INT, EDU.

… it was an opportunity for old friends to catch up and for new acquaintances to make important decisions about what to share.

GUY:
Information for GUY:

Ythgar (Guy) Question: ”What drugs and/or conditioning regimens are available to slow or reverse the loss of physical attributes? Would any have been available to help against aging saving throws Guy already had to make?”

Response: While I already answered this “officially” … "Anagathics (Drugs/treatments that delay, negate or reverse the effects of aging) are TL 15 and a far-off Technology” … I am ready to elaborate on the other half of that answer: “On the other hand, a person DETERMINED to quest for something might find anything, but that will not change what has been."

[ex-Diplomat] Guillaume (Guy) Dubois has had occasion to hear RUMORS of “performance enhancing drugs” originating on Beau and being smuggled off world for use by Extreme Athletes, wealthy individuals determined to restore vigor, and even elite paramilitary individuals over his years as a Diplomat in the Spaceport. Once, and only once, Guy actually saw what was reported to be a case of Enhancing drugs in small vials.

Since the recent decline in his personal vitality, what was once a mere curiosity has become far more PERSONAL to Guy. Guy has been able to gather TWO clues on his quest:
1. Guy alone has discovered that the Performance Enhancing Drugs originate in the ARCTIC.
2. EVERYONE on the planet not living in a cave is aware of the Arctic COMM Repair and the group that has just returned from the Arctic [where many other teams failed to succeed and some even died].
3. Some friendly inquiries about town reveal that “The Company” - whatever it is they are calling themselves - spent a great deal of time in the Arctic and have been buying and selling unusual goods from the Arctic (including some 100% legitimate Pharmaceuticals).
Guy MIGHT have some questions for DJ and Joe … but how to raise the subject and gain sufficient trust to learn what ELSE they might have discovered.

[ateno]

Tut says goodbye, pays the bill and heads back to the apartment.

On the way he will pick up a new phone.

Tut

[Thumper]

Mick announces to everybody that they are officially partners in Omni Enterprises. He forwards Artcles of Incorporations and other forming documentation so they would all have it.

He then announces that he and Hol are not the best partners to shop for the computers and comms that everybody wanted. ”Is anybody else taking the lead on our telecom needs?”

He’ll follow Hol out to meet the people and food trucks. With free moments, he’ll plan his visits to the drone manufacturers and dealers. He’ll look for used models (if any) first.

[gurusql]

Hol

"Mick please do not misunderstand me as I am happy to help and do work, but that was borrrring, Lets hit the food trucks!"

[Thumper]

Mick-
”You think I enjoyed that Hol? He’ll no. Just ‘cause I’m blimey good at it doesn’t mean I like having to deal with the blockheads! They will never understand the high cost to businesses that overregulation creates…and how that has to get passed on to the customer, or businesses die! The customer is always the ones hurt unless…unless the business goes under.

It’s the painful and slow death of a thousand bureaucratic papercuts! I’d rather do just about anything else other than blockheads’ paperwork!

It worked up a mighty appetite in me though. Please, to the food carts!”

[gurusql]

Hol

"Here, here!"

[Ythgar]

Guy

Turning to see DJ, Guy approaches him with a smile,
"Mr. Dawson! I'd say I'm self employed now, and it's "Guy" - please. How've you been? What are you drinking?"

Guy waits for his CompDot to bring up whatever details he has from his contacts with DJ.

[shaidar]

DJ

"Self-employed? That seems to be catching around here. I'm good thanks, and call me DJ. I'll have a beer thanks, nothing fancy just something local is fine."

[Kenjosephus]

Chester

Sorry, just got myself out from a hectic college week. Are my wife already made up her mind or can i still persuade her on what job she should take? Would recommend the Passenger Grav Shuttles if could.

No problem, Jump in wherever you would like.

RE: Your Wife, some clarification:

1. While you were IN the Marines and She was living in Ville d' Esploir, she worked as a part time Passenger Grav Shuttle Pilot. Since Ville d' Esploir is the Capital and largest city, it has the most shuttle flights and it has flights to EVERYWHERE what has a flight. That includes small communities that might have 2 flights per week, which is where someone like your wife would find regular part-time work.
2. In Brulantfort, which has fewer flights to fewer places, she applied for a part-time Grav pilot work. There is no work available at this moment, but she is on a waiting list.
3. Since there is no PILOT work available, and your wife wants to do SOMETHING to earn extra money, she took a temporary job at Warehouse 25 (That needs people to operate Exoskeleton Loaders and help Dispatching Truckers and Cargo ... similar to air-traffic control.)
4. YOU just told her about a new company that sells goods all over and might need a PILOT to fly their [your] CARGO all over the planet ... so that is a possible part-time job for your wife. I am merely suggesting that your wife could be a pilot for "The Company" and deliver their cargo. That helps get CHESTER more involved in the COMPANY/GROUP.
5. (A side benefit is that YOUR WIFE has COACC contacts from Her career that could loan the group a craft to move the Starship Power Plant from the BONEYARD to Ellie's Ship ... if your WIFE asks to borrow it and your WIFE [former COACC Pilot] flies it.)

Chester considers this and say that if she wanted to fly the cargo, she can do so. He will be there as well, backing her up in the new company that they are into.

[atpollard]

Y2156.11.25:evening Brulantfort, District 1 [Hol, Mick]

Mick: "It worked up a mighty appetite in me though. Please, to the food carts!"

Hol: "Here, here!"

Hol and Mick headed out to grab some supper from the Food Vendors and ran into Élisaac Girard, who nodded to Hol in recognition “Staying out of trouble?” Élisaac smiled “... or at least ahead of it?”

[ Élisaac was sipping on a beer. ]

Élisaac Girard (Age 19)
Below average (2-5) STR, SOC; Average (6-8) DEX, END, INT; Above average (9-C) EDU.
Skills: Streetwise

[ex-Navy] Holbrook 'Hol' Lavanchy (Age 22) [98C-8A9]:
Below average (2-5) none; Average (6-8) DEX, INT; Above average (9-C) STR, END, EDU, SOC.

[ex-Hunter] Mick Hogan (Age 34) [BC9-965]:
Below average (2-5) SOC; Average (6-8) EDU; Above average (9-C) STR, DEX, END, INT.

[atpollard]

Y2156.11.25:evening Brulantfort: The Colony [Tut]

Tut headed back to relax at his rented room. On the way, he stopped at the General Store [3] and located a few COMMUNICATORS on a shelf:

TL 11 Local “SmartPhone” Communicator [Cr 75; 270 g; 0.5 Liters; 5 km range] Wireless communications incorporates Video, Data and Voice, with direct unit to unit communication (no network needed within LOS, automated satellite relay over the horizon). Auto-translation incorporated into the Communicators (roll 8+ to understand).

Behind a locked case, Tut spotted a single unusual COMM that seemed out of place among the other common items:

TL 11 Distant “Backpack” Laser Communicator [Cr 5000; 5 kg; 10 Liters; 50 km range] Laser communicators employ a nearly undetectable (10+ on 2d6) beam of light that requires an unobstructed line of sight (LOS) between the transmitter and the receiver. All “Laser” Comms include a “Radio” Comm (same range) built in.

[Thumper]

Psst! Buy the laser backpack comm

[ateno]

You did not have to prompt me!

Tut carefully does not give his name.

"Does it come with a satellite net package? Or info on satellite time rental for using it? I would still like to buy it.

Tut buys 7 phones and the backpack, cash but keeps the receipt. How many are left?

-6890 cr

Tut will not open the cases now but comm Élisaac and ask him to meet him at the food trucks for a free meal.

Tut

[atpollard]

"Does it come with a satellite net package? Or info on satellite time rental for using it? I would still like to buy it.
Satellite Coverage is FREE (your tax credits at work) ... but monitored by the Government Bureaucracy.

Tut buys 7 phones and the backpack, cash but keeps the receipt. How many are left?
Zero. He had exactly seven (7) normal phones and one (1) laser comm.

-6890 cr
7 x 75 = Cr 525
525 + 5000 = Cr 5525
[Unless you were including some other expense and keeping a running total.]


Tut will not open the cases now but comm Élisaac and ask him to meet him at the food trucks for a free meal.
Tut: Stashed the COMMs? ... and joined Mick, Hol and Élisaac for supper in Brulantfort, District 0. At the security Checkpoint, Tut found himself questioned more thoroughly than usual about his activities. They were particularly interested in information on anyone you might have encountered with an unusual appearance or extreme survival skills. Tut observed several men in Black Paramilitary Uniforms overseeing the regular Security Forces.

Tut arrived at the Food Carts to find Élisaac waiting and Hol and Mick eating nearby.

[ateno]

-6890 cr
7 x 75 = Cr 525
525 + 5000 = Cr 5525
[Unless you were including some other expense and keeping a running total.]

I used 270 (weight) instead of price, my bad and thanks for catching it.

At the security Checkpoint, Tut found himself questioned more thoroughly than usual about his activities. They were particularly interested in information on anyone you might have encountered with an unusual appearance or extreme survival skills. Tut observed several men in Black Paramilitary Uniforms overseeing the regular Security Forces.

Stashed NIB in his room.

"Unless you need someone with space survival skills, that's me. Is the government looking to start a class? I might be interested, always want to learn! That's how I stayed alive in space. So No S--t, there I was with a air leak and a....." He expects to be cut off and told to continue.

Tut arrived at the Food Carts to find Élisaac waiting and Hol and Mick eating nearby.

"Élisaac, just who I was looking for! "

Tut buys himself a hearty lunch and a bucket of appetizers to share.

"What's new?"

Tut

[Ythgar]

Guy

Guy blinks and visibly snaps out of a strange reverie he had been in since about 1000 hours this morning but that seemed to be much longer to him.

DJ agreed that the group needed new COMMS and HANDCOMPS, but was concerned about Government harassment until the Corporate paperwork was resolved.

"Sorry, wasn't feeling myself, getting my sealegs I suppose.
"DJ, you're concerned about government harassment?
"I'm sure that's not an issue here.
"Let me take a look what might be at hand."

Guy will check the inventory that his workers have through his CompDot, and if nothing suitable is listed, he'll head over to the cabins and factory to check the inventory in person, with a polite though subtle excuse for his absence.

[shaidar]

DJ

DJ looks surprised "The local government is good at harassing those who don't have employment. Which is not an issue now our merchant company is official."

[atpollard]

Y2156.11.25:evening Brulantfort, District 1 [Hol, Mick & Tut]

Tut arrived bearing a bucket of appetizers and a beer of his own. Everyone (Hol. Mick, Tut and Élisaac) gathered at one of the tables to share food and catch up. Tut inquired of Élisaac about any ‘news’ with a casual “What’s new?” .

Élisaac responded by grabbing a wing from the bucket before replying “You been hiding under a rock?” … he grinned “Its getting so that an entrepreneur can’t even hustle up some honest work … or was that work up an honest hustle … I get those two confused. Course with all the Security enhancements for anyone entering or leaving, people are afraid to get to The Colony for their usual supply runs.” Élisaac grinned from ear to ear “Which has been great for me. Business has never been better now that I need to supply the Local Market without competing with the Colony. Unfortunately, the Government is seriously cramping my Labor Pool.”

Thinking for a moment “You had Tech skills didn’t you. If you or anyone you know is interested in some easy Computer work, I need people with skills and am paying DOUBLE the normal rate.” With a shrug “The Government is looking hard at Programmers. Once they get you on their radar, they monitor activity so closely that all my local contractors are afraid to touch any work. So I have stupid easy money waiting on someone that can adjust an invoice to hide a shipment, but nobody to do the work. So if you know of anyone looking for quick, easy money …”

As the conversation continued, Élisaac shared that he had a buddy that ran a panhandling hustle in one of the better parts of town. This friend heard that these Black Uniformed Military types wandering about were scouting for an Arms Merchant running full-military weapons - like RAM grenades and Combat Rifles and maybe TAC missiles - through the area. That is what all the lock-down and extra security is all about.

Élisaac Girard (Age 19)
Below average (2-5) STR, SOC; Average (6-8) DEX, END, INT; Above average (9-C) EDU.
Skills: Streetwise

[ex-Navy] Holbrook 'Hol' Lavanchy (Age 22) [98C-8A9]:
Below average (2-5) none; Average (6-8) DEX, INT; Above average (9-C) STR, END, EDU, SOC.

[ex-Hunter] Mick Hogan (Age 34) [BC9-965]:
Below average (2-5) SOC; Average (6-8) EDU; Above average (9-C) STR, DEX, END, INT.

[ex-Belter] Tuteo Genna (“Tut”) (Age 38) [BCC-899]:
Below average (2-5) none; Average (6-8) INT; Above average (9-C) STR, DEX, END, EDU, SOC.