The Unseen Servant forums

Y2156.12.09 Ellie’s Place (East of Brulantfort)

It was late when most returned last night, so there was little time to catch up on more than a cursory update, however, it was hard not to notice two dozen DRONES excavating a large hole to bury a ten dTon tank.

The sun rose on Tuesday, day 9 of the twelfth month of the year 2156 to find everyone except DJ back at the campsite. (DJ would be returning on the mid-morning flight from Montsoliel.) The DRONES had worked through the night and completed the hole. The larger ROBOTS had muscled the tank into position and installed mechanical anchors and the swarm of DRONES were actively filling in the hole to bury it.

Joe (Admin-1), Mick (Admin-3), Guy (Admin-0) and Nyota (Admin-2) had gathered together to discuss OMNI and Arctic Trade until DJ (Admin-0) arrived to make final decisions. Mick had reached out to St Oyland and spoken with Marcel Osmond (Blue Clan), your driver. He revealed that the Blue Clan had already reached out to the Elders at Achimasahitunanuch (aka. Hamlet X-2) and were shipping Cr 10,000 [FMV] worth of goods per month to the Hamlet, but their biggest drawback was the trade imbalance. St Oyland was so much smaller (POP 160) than Hamlet X-2 (POP 500), that they could not absorb that much trade. Achimasahitunanuch (X-2) needed a new market for additional exports.

With the GROUP contacting both St Oyland and Achimasahitunanuch (X-2), you were able to employ your ADMIN and COMP skills to create a more detailed model of the Arctic Market to predict a sustainable trade pattern for ONMI.

ARCTIC TRADE GOODS FOR SALE:
Livestock (4 animals per tonne) [Cr 1000 FMV] Cr 1000 (BUY)
Meat [Cr 1500 FMV] Cr 1500 (BUY)
Organic Oils [Cr 2000 FMV] Cr 2000 (BUY)
Herbs [Cr 2500 FMV] Cr 2500 (BUY)
Textiles [Cr 3000 FMV] Cr 2550 (BUY)
Glass [Cr 4000 FMV] Cr 3600 (BUY)
Pigments/Dyes [Cr 5000 FMV] Cr 4500 (BUY)
Spices [Cr 6000 FMV] Cr 6000 (BUY)
Liquor [Cr 10,000 FMV] Cr 10,000 (BUY)
Leather [Cr 10,000 FMV] Cr 9000 (BUY)
Animal Skins [Cr 20,000 FMV] Cr 19,000 (BUY)
Fragrance Oils [Cr 50,000 FMV] Cr 40,000 (BUY)
Illegal Biochemicals (animal extract) [Cr 50,000 FMV] Cr 50,000 (BUY)
Illegal Drugs (skill boost) [Cr 100,000 FMV] Cr 100,000 (BUY)
Statuary (Carved Ivory) [Cr 250,000 FMV] Cr 150,000 (BUY)

ARCTIC TRADE GOODS FOR IMPORT:
Fuel (LH2) [Cr 100 FMV] Cr 100 (SELL)
Fuel (Hydrocarbon) [Cr 250 FMV] Cr 250 (SELL)
Basic Consumables [Cr 2000 FMV] Cr 2000 (SELL)
Wood [Cr 2000 FMV] Cr 2000 (SELL)
Textiles [Cr 3000 FMV] Cr 3300 (SELL)
Spices [Cr 6000 FMV] Cr 6900 (SELL)
Basic Electronics [Cr 10,000 FMV] Cr 11,500 (SELL)
Basic Machine Parts [Cr 10,000 FMV] Cr 11,500 (SELL)
Basic Manufactured Goods [Cr 10,000 FMV] Cr 11,500 (SELL)
Vehicles [Cr 15,000 FMV] Cr 16,500 (SELL)
Basic Medical Supplies [Cr 50,000 FMV] Cr 52,500 (SELL)
Pharmaceuticals [Cr 100,000 FMV] Cr 100,000 (SELL)

For Achimasahitunanuch (X-2), you predicted a monthly DEMAND for 1d6 tonnes of Cargo at [Cr 7000 FMV] per tonne with a sale price of Cr 7350 per tonne. Profits would likely depend on good PURCHASE opportunities for the company, or the supplies might be a loss leader. In exchange, you projected a monthly export SUPPLY from “X-2” of d6/2 tonnes of Cargo at [Cr 14,000 FMV] per tonne with a purchase price of Cr 9800 per tonne. So the profits from the EXPORTS would exceed any potential loss from the IMPORTS.

For St Oyland, you have a contract for a monthly DEMAND for 1 tonnes of Cargo at [Cr 7000 FMV] with a sale price of Cr 9100. In exchange, you have a contract for a monthly export SUPPLY from St Oyland of 1 tonne of Cargo at [Cr 28,700 FMV] with a purchase price of Cr 20,000 per tonne.

In addition, Marcel Osmond (Blue Clan) was already operating a 1 tonne per month St Oyland - Achimasahitunanuch (X-2) trade network that shipped [Cr 10,000 FMV] to X-2 and [Cr 3200 FMV] to St Oyland that generated a Cr 660 profit per month - and opened the door to OMNI expanding trade with Achimasahitunanuch (X-2). Marcel Osmond (Blue Clan) and the Tracked Vehicle that OMNI left with him could transport the 1 to 6 tonnes from St Oyland to Achimasahitunanuch (X-2) and the 1-3 tonnes from Achimasahitunanuch (X-2) to St Oyland along with his regular TRADE deliveries. Then OMNI only needed to deliver (2-7) tonnes and pick up (2-4) tonnes at St Oyland. With a 4 tonne cargo capacity, the MEDIUM TRANSPORT would be able to handle most months in a single trip, and 2 trips for months with large cargos.

Y2156.12.09:morning Ellie’s Place (East of Brulantfort)

With the basic data in hand, the group had timing issues to work out for planning the next week:

• Supplies needed to be purchased.
• Supplies needed to be delivered.
• 1 tonne of 12 ga HE shells needed to be collected (for Black Market Flea Market)
• Black market flea market is on 12.15 … exactly 6 days away!
• Guy has info for Nyota … Leo Sinard will be at the Black Market (Leo has info about death of Pierre)
• Nyota can continue to treat “Ellie’s Patient” (Ship Computer/AI)
• DJ’s new “friends”.

Mick chimes in:
”so, the Arctic trade will net a monthly profit somewhere around 14-15,000cr pre-tax. About 8-9,000 after tax Not a lot compared to what we’ve been pulling down, but it does give us reportable income to keep the under-the-table trades, well, under the table. It shows a corporate purpose. But most importantly, it keeps up the relationship with St Oyland…I still believe they have something big for trade when they trust us enough.

I’d be willing to broker those trades and transport the goods. You see I have a girl up in St Oyland. I need to discuss her with you and the whole group. I’d actually like to gather everybody to have this part of the discussion.”

After huddling everybody…even Juliette , he continues:
”I have something to discuss. We seem to be the “land of misfit toys” out here on Aunt Ellie’s place. We have a survivor of an insurgent band, we have a Marine who is supposed to be hunting Julliette but isn’t, we have a Doctor with an alien patient who seems to have the attention of the goons in the Colony, we have the heir of Ellie the most wanted, we have a backwoods hunter who seems to have out-of-body experiences when life-threatening animal encounters. Then there are the few of you normal people who associate and are partners with us. Oh ya, we’re awuatting near a space ship graveyard and may be packing, and we are trying to rebuild a ruined and grounded ship.

We make a colorful lot, don’t ya think?

Well, the trade in the Arctic ain’t estimated to be big. But it keeps us in the confidence of the Blue Clan, whom I am convinced are biding their time trying to build confidence sufficient for a big trade deal. I am willing to head up the Arctic trade, because as you have probably heard, I have an interest in someone up there. And that is what I wish to discuss.

You see, I met her in St Oyland on the Million Credit Comm job. I mentioned

I previously mentioned strange things, mental things, seem to happen when I come face to face with dangerous animals. Up in St Oyland I met Sophia who suspected I had some psionic talent. I didn’t even know what that was really, but it both scared and fascinated me. I and Joe both stayed behind when DJ and the rest left to investigate this thing she spoke of. Turns out, I am confirmed to have the talent, as is she in different ways. She taught me some of this mental skill, but not much as we don’t exactly share the same ability.

She’s wanted elsewhere on Beau. For what, I don’t know. But that’s why she’s there now…Isolated from the world. She has expressed a desire to leave to come with me. But her fugitive status prevents her. I don’t know what crime she committed. He’ll, it could just be an infraction that the blockheads and goons are over exaggerating. I don’t know.

The question I have for you is, if I discover her record is something minor, would you all be opposed to me offering to bring her here to camp or, perhaps, taking her when we blast this contraption off outta Beau.? I don’t know if she’ll accept or not. She thinks she’s hiding in St Oyland.

I’ve probably spooked some of you with the revelation about me. But, I like to think of my psi as any other tool, talent, or skill. Just not one well received.

That’s what I couldn’t tell you yesterday Nyita…about why I should go with you to the colony. In case you got into trouble there. I could do a thing to help get you out.

Did I scare any of you? What are your thoughts?”

"Out in the black 'stroids its boring and routine, but its deadly as hell. I knew a guy who was never hit by any space junk or micro meteors, now everyone was, its why you have a good suit. People started hanging around him and he took a different job, more remote, we thought he might have something like that, but we figured that was his own deal, not ours and thats what I think here."

Tut

Joe shrugs and grins, "Mick you scare me every day, but not because of your talents."

"I should come clean, too, I guess." Joe adds, "While chaperoning Mick and Sophie up in St Oyland I underwent some of the same testing Mick did and it seems I've got some sort of talents too. Like Mick, I'd like to develop them more, but where to get such training?

Joe shrugs again, then adds, "As for Sophie joining us, I'm all for that regardless of what reason the authorities are after her. Frankly, I feel the same about Juliette. I think they, Chester, and all of Chester's family need to be brought in from the cold...and I think it's going to get colder and colder here on Beau."

"I haven't made any bones about wanting to get off this planet." he nods to Mick, Juliette, and then to Chester and his wife (if she's there), "You folks are part of the reason I think we need to expedite our escape plan. My itch to travel the stars is my personal one."

"Anyway, if Mick proposes officially adding Sophie and Juliette, probably with new identities for now, to our Company then I second it."

Mick grins-
”Joe, you’re so easily scared…like a little girl!”

——
“Well, Sophia does have a vote in this, but I do motion to extend the invite to her. And I propose inviting Julliette. She shouldn’t stay behind with them hunting her alone.”

Y2156.12.09:morning The Colony [DJ]

DJ and the AKOA boarded the pre-dawn transport leaving Montsoliel to arrive at Brulantfort by mid-morning. The Landing Pad at Brulantfort was quiet when you arrived and you escorted your guests to the “Bed and Breakfast” [26] where Mark Mirza was happy to provide them with a place to stay (at the fringe of the Colony).

Mick arrived in his Grav Mini-Pickup to offer DJ a lift back to Camp to discuss his new-found contacts. Mick [Admin-3] is able to identify the gemstone that the AKOA paid DJ with and estimate its value at around Cr 55,000.

[Mick and DJ can talk together and/or interact with the AKOA before heading back to Camp]

Y2156.12.09:noon Ellie’s Place (East of Brulantfort)

DJ returned to camp and was quickly caught up in the discussion from this morning. In return, DJ was able to share the details about his meeting with the AKOA that were unsafe to broadcast.

FYI: anyone interested can make a STREETWISE roll to attempt to locate information on the ‘Trill’ … but all rolls are at (-2) in Camp [Streetwise is really an interpersonal skill, so you need to go where there are PEOPLE to gather Info].

In other news, three (3) AI ROBOTS and three (3) DRONES are operating as an [Engineering-2] repair team working on the MD. The repair time for the MD (to Qual 6) has fallen from 49 days (Y2157.02.07) to 23 days (Y2157.01.04). The Ship’s AI is currently controlling Twelve (12) DRONES as a [Mechanical-1] repair swarm working on the Cockpit/Bridge with the QUAL improving 1 point every 6 days [Qual 6 on Y2156.12.25].

[I was dragging my feet a little to give GUY and NYOTA a chance to jump in if they had anything they wanted to add, and give DJ time to get back. Now it is time to focus on the Black Market Meeting on 12.15 where some interesting paths will open up.]

Thumper wrote: ↑Fri Mar 14, 2025 8:21 pm And we need to make a run to the Arctic to get all the ammo to be sold at the flea market…right?

Yup.

"Black Market, what thats all about? For a realtive value of safe, is it? With all the extra atwntion from the blockheads is it safe?"

Tut

While Mick waits for DJ’s shuttle to arrive, he’ll spend his time at the grav port on open comm arranging g the various pickups and drop off arrangements for the Arctic trade, as outlined by Art above.

Upon meeting the Aoka, he’ll help get them settled then say to DJ:

”Interesting prospect. I’ll don’t really know how I can help. Plus I’m hair, teeth, and eyeballs busy with putting together this deal up North. When I go there, I’d be happy to discretely ask around about this “Trill” thing. But you kinda have the lead on this effort. C’mon…let’s get back to tell the others.”

Thumper wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 6:40 pm Do we have a diagram of Ellie’s ship?

I have some rough sketches. I can put together a Classic Traveller type plan to help with the layout.

Absolutely!

[Larger images in the Company Topic]

Update on ship status:

First a quick note that I corrected a math error and the time to repair most items on the ship went down.

Second, the status of each part of the ship and cost for parts and time (in Level x people x hours) for +1 Qual is listed on the Company Topic with the ship plans.

Third, you have some repair items in the 10 dTon Cargo Hold that meet the "Cr" cost of repairing systems ... so the ROBOTS can supply the LABOR HOURS:

• 600 kg of COCKPIT/BRIDGE parts (qual 11) @ Cr 82,500 … enough to achieve (qual 6)
• 1000 kg of MD parts (qual 8) @ Cr 175,000 … enough to achieve (qual 6)
• 2000 kg of STATEROOM parts (qual 8) @ Cr 125,000 … enough to achieve (qual 6)

BRIDGE/CREW AREA (34 dTons)
Cockpit (Qual 3) [per point = Cr 25k & 800 hrs] ... 12 DRONES provide 288 hours per day [2400 hours to Qual 6 on 12.16]
Organic AI Computer 8 (TL 14)* (Qual 7 on 12.7) [heals 2 pt/week]
Five Staterooms (2 single; 3 dbl) (Qual 5) [per point = Cr 125k & 4200 hrs] ... DRONES to begin repairs after Cockpit.

ENGINEERING (24 dTons)
Jump Drive 2 (Qual 4) [per point = Cr 600k & 12,000 hrs]
Maneuver Drive 2 (Qual 5) [per point = Cr 175k & 3500 hrs] ... 3 ROBOTS & 3 DRONES provide 288 hours per day [3500 hours to Qual 6 on 12.20]
Power Plant 2 (TL 11) (Qual 1) [per point = Cr 300k & 6000 hrs] ... MCr 1.5 and 30,000 hours to repair existing PP
or Power Plant Swap (Qual 8) [Cr 300k & 6000 hrs] ... Cr 30,000 and 6000 hours to swap with PP Hol located.

DJ

Thumper wrote: ↑Sat Mar 15, 2025 1:18 am Upon meeting the Aoka, he’ll help get them settled then say to DJ:

”Interesting prospect. I’ll don’t really know how I can help. Plus I’m hair, teeth, and eyeballs busy with putting together this deal up North. When I go there, I’d be happy to discretely ask around about this “Trill” thing. But you kinda have the lead on this effort. C’mon…let’s get back to tell the others.”

"I'm hoping guy might be able to help with that."

While they grav truck back to camp, Mick comments on the brewing Beau egress plan:

”The ship has 5 staterooms…2 small and 3 larger. I’m assuming they are built for 1 person per small and 2 people per large. That makes room aboard the ship for 8 people. We have Me, you, Joe, Hol, Tut, and Chester as company owners. Nyota, and Guy seem like they want to go to space. We’ve been talking about offering spots to Julliette, Soohia, and Chester’s wife and twins. That makes 6 owners, 2 other crew, 3 family members, and 2 guests and crew. What’s that…13 people total? For a ship designed to hold 8?

I’ve learned a bit about life support. But what hurts my head is: How does it work if we overload the ship in terms of space and air?