Iron Stars - dr-thorn

There is a hiss, and a brush of warm air as the cryopod opens. The world outside sounds muted, like being inside a fishbowl. A bright, blinding light moves away, and the medical ward around you slowly comes into focus

Camellia thinks: Well that was quite a trip. My head feels horrible. She looks around the room

There is a doctor and a nurse finishing the work of removing feed lines, blood cleaning tubes, and the other necessities needed to rouse someone from cold sleep. "You had a tough go. Did you know you weren't 100% under? Well, you're lucky to be alive. We all are. How are you feeling?"

"What? Where-" The room is painfully bright. Noticing something wrong with her vision, Camllia tries to touch her right eye (the bionic one, which has lost 99% of its capabilities- the bioscanner is the only functioning system, and it is frozen at max zoom and night vision)

"Your eye, move your hand please?" the doctor says, coming over to investigate.

8:18 AM

"My name is Dr. Siegfried. I'm a very skilled bioscopic, if there's a problem I should be able to heal it"

She reluctantly moves her hand away. "Where am I?"

"You're on Gudrun. We made it to the planet, but something happened. There was a disaster. In a few moments, once we get you medically cleared, there's a movie on your compad that will explain it all. for now, this eye, we have a couple options. I've mastered limb regrowth, I can restore your organic eye here, or, if you've grown accustomed to the cybernetic replacement, I can get you connected with one of our artisans, who can repair what you have now. Both services are free of charge, of course"

"Oh, I'll keep the eye thanks. (She seems reluctant to even let him look at it, although it appears to match her other eye) This is all a bit more civilized than I expected... how long was I out?"

"One year, and seven months. Happy July by the way. I'll schedule a consultation for you. It's quite a shock waking up to all this. I hear that a lot"

..."Shit. I guess I have some catching up to do. I have an eyepatch, it's in a wooden box if you still have my equipment." She tries to stand

"Yes of course. Everything is as you left it prior to cryo. All we did was take it from the shipping container. I'll give you some privacy for a few moments. Just knock on the back of the door here when you're ready for me to come back in

8:53 AM

"Aside from the eye, your vitals look good"

Camellia looks through her equipment: her framepack contains her rifle and folding knife, some batteries, her red cloth armor, a survival kit, and a worn wooden box. She puts her arms through the sleeves of the woven armor and replaces the hand over her eye with a black eyepatch. She looks around the room, missing her bionic's capabilities and remembering that she sold her scientific and communication equipment, along with the ship, for this damned eye. She raps gently on the door.

(Only the bioscanner, night vis and T3 optical zoom were covered by credit allocation, there are many other built-in experimental systems in her backstory that may have been disabled or permanently destroyed by the bad cryo, at your discretion)

Siegfried enters the room and looks relieved that you're up and active. "Glad to see you're recovering well . Some people don't ever get full functionality back from the cryosleep. Before I let you go, do you have any questions for me about life here?"

"I suppose I'll need a place to stay. And a map. I'd really like to take a look at the agricultural production and research in the colony."

"You've been assigned an apartment. one of the newest ones. Our civil project manager did an excellent job on them. I actually live a couple floors above you." "as far as getting into some work, you might find a like minded individual in Herb Rotterdam (another PC). He's done some impressive work with the local flora"

"He has had quite the head start," she says with a smile. "Is there anything else I should know?"

"There's plenty of employment up on the colony endeavor board. Some of your fellow passengers have become quite industrious, and are offering some jobs as well. Someone with a sharp mind like yours will always find work here. The labs are always busy as well. Surveys, experiments, anything that might improve our collective knowledge helps everyone"

"Excellent! Thank you for the welcome, Dr. Siegfried. How can I find the apartment?"

"I'll drop a pin on your compad map here. It's easier than trying to explain where everything is" (There's not an actual city map since new things are getting built. Its four districts- farms in the north, factories in the east, habs are west and south, the hospital, colonial admin, and the market are in the very heart of the city)

(Nice) Shouldering her pack, Dr. Thorn heads for the apartment

It's a short walk from the heart of the city, leaving you close to the lab and public transit. The apartment is fairly spacious, with a bedroom, a large office, a living area, and a large kitchen. There are even pre-installed window boxes for plants or herbs

Camellia is disappointed that she has missed helping out with the early stages of exploration and agricultural, but she looks forward to making new discoveries. She hopes that her time spent researching Gudrun flora and the ins and outs of exotic plants can be put to good use here. Determining to get a full tour in the morning and earn some money to buy tools to do her own exploration, she settles down in her new apartment and watches the video on her compad.

The video opens with a black screen, that resolves into a cosmos, and finally, a projection of gudrun. The face of franz appears, transparent, and in the background, the planet superimposed over it. The video explains that an event called 'the scream' occurred, where all the psychics seemed to suffer some catastrophic malady at the same time, across the universe. The galaxy seems to have fallen silent as human society collapses. There's a second section, that details the growth of the colony, and the strides made in just the short amount of time the survivors put down roots on this world. Highlighted in the psychic academy, and the recent capability of space-flight once again. It finally ends with a warning about the dangers of the Tenebrian Remnant, and explains that the colony, now the UNW, is at war with this Remnant, and their violent anti-psychic message. There are some links attached at the end to learn more

She feels sorry for those poor psychics. Everyone on Rawshani seemed to hate them. Camellia is genuinely glad to have avoided being "blessed" with special powers.

3:28 PM

She takes her bionic eye out and examines the damage.

3:31 PM

And turns in for the night

(I am so excited for this)

Camellia wakes up and decides to head for the [agricultural district, presumably it's pretty dank]

The eye looks salvageable. A handful of parts and a bit of judicious repair work can get it working again

9:08 PM

The northern section of the colony contains a number of farms, recently reorganized into an agricollective capable of feeding 50,000. A number of orchards and greenhouses also exist on the property, some of which grow fruit unique to this world

She looks for whoever is in charge, and is not afraid to explore around as she does so, taking in the different types of crops.

9:10 PM

Everything here is an impressive display of changing the environment to suit the organisms

The first actual gathering point you come to is a medium sized building that looks to be part farmhouse, part barn. A home carved sign declares the name The Harvest Spirits. Farmers seem to be going in and out and as one passes by you get a faint whiff of alcohol

This seems like an odd thing to find in the middle of an agricultural complex. Camellia decides to try it out before she leaves, but not now. She does duck inside to see if anyone inside seems like they know how to run a business.

9:21 PM

(Char sheet updated with some goals, seemed like I should make some)

(Personal goals are a big part of the game. I’ll assign some xp for them)

9:24 PM

(You can have as many as you want too. These aren’t the ones you’re stuck with forever)

Ok!!

There is a man behind the bar in fine clothing that seems to be keeping most of the patrons attention. You hear him referred to as the Baron

9:25 PM

He’s clearly the man with the plan, and is an expert about everything on the menu, as it is his establishment

Camellia approaches the bar. "You must be the Baron. I love your location, here in the wheat fields."

9:30 PM

"My name is Dr. Thorn, I'm here as a consultant on local botanical microbiology. I rode in with Greenbriar but actually woke up just yesterday." (edited)

9:31 PM

"Can you tell me who is behind the advances in agriculture here?"

She casually glances at the menu, looking for an idea of what ingredients are grown for food

“Well, we have made some earth native plans, like wheat, apples and peaches, for food. We supplement it with fish, local wildlife, and we were blessed to find genetic material for cows and chickens. Those herds are slowly growing. We have tobacco, tea, and a small selection of spice crops, as well as hops for my own brews. I stick with what I know, but herb Rotterdam has made some products out of the local native plants”

9:43 PM

“Either dew, a healing salve made from helix root, a handful of other projects too”

"This is all really incredible. Could I have a copy of this menu, and an ingredients list if you have it, for my research?" (edited)

"Oh and by the way, do you know where I could get some chocolate around here? I always keep some in my pockets but..." she grins "I ate everything before the cryo" (edited)

“That’s one of the luxuries we haven’t discovered yet. As far as a menu I’d be happy to give you one but the ingredient list in the wrong hands might mean competition. We just met”

"Of course, I imagine businesses must be popping up everywhere by now." She sits down and looks over the breakfast items

7:08 AM

the lack of her favorite food is somewhat disheartening

Most of the fare is pretty simple, but the smells wafting through the building mean it tastes better than it sounds. There are many different soups or broths, but also several cuts of meat for offering. It is the simple colonial fare you expected, with slight embellishments here and there

She orders something resembling pancakes, while she waits she sends Herb a message. (How do I do that?)

(And I suppose whether his contact info is available is also a good question)

(You can tag him in this channel with a message. It will alert him, and yeah Herb and Dank crew have their information everywhere, it wouldn;t be hard to find)

@Donk978 Mr. Rotterdam, my name is Dr. Camellia Thorn. I've just woken up in Greenbriar, and the improvements to agriculture you've made here are tremendous! As an expert botanical engineer and geneticist, I see a great deal of potential for improving your crops. I would love to meet with you to discuss how we can improve your productivity, for the good of the colony.

8:05 AM

She is also going to look for information about where colony research is being conducted

(There's a research handout in the bottom folder, for reference, we are using the research rules from the new book, codex of the black sun) There are three labs currently working right now. The lab in Central is a general purpose lab, researching project that will improve life in the colony. The lab in Rebirth, a city to the south, is working on psi-tech projects Charles Trivedi of Trivedi technologies is running a specialist lab, on some industrial projects that will make new trade goods, and further special interest technological advancement

(oh this is great)

8:10 AM

While she eats she looks for information on Greenbriar's waste disposal, sewage systems, and recycling (a classic Dr Thorn thing to do)

(Personal goal added: find a lab space to start taking research/expedition jobs) (edited)

Greenbriar has a waste disposal system, sewage, and almost everything is recycled. There is a small junkyard for salvage found while exploring, but it doesnt seem to stay there long, as the colony's host of inventors and workmen constantly pick it over for spare parts

9:21 AM

Conveniently, there are many employment offers for expeditions and recovery missions out on the plains, as new sources of scrap are always sought after and highly valued

Camellia finishes her meal and pays, leaving a 2-credit tip (cost?) Thanking the Baron and giving her complements to the chef, she heads to the colony research center to try to find a lab space

Before she leaves she scribbles her name and contact info on a napkin. "This seems like a very well-run establishment, but please let me know if you have any food spoilage problems. Part of my work also involves developing new plants, and I would love to work with you, as well as herb Rotterdam, to provide your restaraunt with some new ingredients or recipes."

9:38 AM

As she walks to the research lab she thinks to herself, I should really get some business cards printed

(Yeah thats about what it would be, usually we just gloss over it since its so insignificant)

9:43 AM

There is an automated system that unlocks the door for you. "Welcome Dr. Thorn. My name is Mimir, the automated lab system. It is a pleasure to meet you" The voice is disembodied, emitting from cleverly concealed wall speakers

"Oh, hi there. The pleasure is mine, Mimir. I've never met an AI before"

10:07 AM

"I'm Dr. Thorn, but please call me Camellia. My intent is to help Greenbriar with botanical engineering, consulting and research. Is there a lab here I could use until I get on my feet?"

"There is plenty of space inside for work- and several projects ongoing"

10:43 AM

(there are experiment rules, basically when you do surveys, explore, ect, it generates research points, it goes into a pool, and when theres enough to complete something we vote. right now they're saving up for unlocking the strange device project, but you can generate points toward it)

"Excellent! Mimir, would you mind showing me the workspace I could use and the equipment Greenbriar has for research use?" (edited)

(She basically want to know if as a Greenbriar researcher she has lab access, she would want to do some actual hard time in the lab- I was thinking Know or Work checks, research that takes actual time to conduct or time for machines to process)

11:00 AM

(For example, developing a viable plant in tissue culture from a sample, which would be easier than developing a plant from residue. Or splicing genes from one plant to another, which would be easier than creating a new plant from stored genetic data)

11:01 AM

(She wants to know she has a place to bring her plant specimens to study, basically, before she goes out on an expedition to find them)

(as far as the work and know checks, what I'm saying is there are experiment rules that do that already, I can send you that book if you'd like, where its explained. It's something we recently implimented and its been doing tremendously so I don't want to alter it to where we can just spam checks at it. you certainly can spend some time working on one. you do have permanent lab access here.

(Ok that's fantastic, I'd appreciate seeing that)

Herb crackles in on comms: "Another grower- err.. botanist! nice to meet you! "

11:09 AM

'I'd love to look into genetically updating many of my crops. I could use better yield on the staples, and greater variety on the cannabis strains."

@Donk978 "Mr. Rotterdam, it's good to hear from you. I'm just getting set up at the research center. I have some ideas for drought-resilient crops that should allow you to expand your plantations a bit further into the desert. For now, I'd like to start an herbarium here with samples of all the plants growing on Gudrun. Your crops are going to be an important part of that catalog, and I'll need samples of them before I can do any work for you. You can send them to me or give me permission to collect them harmlessly. Of course, the samples will only be used for research and results will never be sold except to you or with your permission. With your facilities and my expertise we can bring a lot more green to Greenbriar."

Herb is excited at these prospects "Sounds great! Come to my compound if you like and grab any clones, saplings, spores, or otherwise that you want. You'll also want to check out my growing tower which is sealed off from the outside world and optimized atmospherically for cultivation using techniques I was exclusively taught by the Taros people of Vapormills."

"Yes I saw those from across the field, I'm amazed that you were able to replicate the complex combination of conditions those trees require."

12:08 PM

"I'll let you know how the progress goes, and please keep me in mind if you come across any new plants or problems with your current ones"

"Sounds great! I will most certainly be in touch"

12:08 PM

Herb has one of his associates ensure that Dr. Thorn gets all the samples she's after

Dr. Thorn asks about the exact process used to replicate the animals from genetic material. (edited)

Mimir has data on that- The genetic material is 'jump started' by a level 4 bioscopic, of which Siegfried (NPC you first met) and Melora (PC you haven't) apply their hyper-intensive tissue regeneration techniques to the genetic-soup. Over the process of a week, sometimes less in the case of small animals, the beast reconstitutes, and lives a normal life. Starter herds are created, and from there a moratorium is placed on harvesting them (unless dead from natural means, they wont waste the meat) until the population is stable. currently, cows and chickens have been made this way, but there is no more material for new animals- more was rumored to exist in the sector, one of the many fabled lamplighter projects laid out by the Tenebrian empire, but no other vaults have yet been located

Camellia is fascinated by this information. She makes an appointment with Dr. Siegfried and looks up Melora's contact info

(Same thing, you can ping her. She'd be a public figure at this point with all the projects shes helped with)

@Agape.Eris "Hi, I'm Dr. Camellia Thorn. I've just joined the Greenbriar research team, and heard that you have done some medical research with local plants. I'd be interested in any plant samples you could have sent to my lab here, and I'd love to meet sometime to discuss how you found them. You were also a big part of the efforts to bring livestock back, right? Do you think you could do the same with plants if I could provide you with some genetic material?"

12:48 PM

She now looks around the lab to see if they have a PCR machine, microscopes, glassware etc.

12:50 PM

(Just want to make sure it's stocked like a typical multipurpose lab I guess)

Generally satisfied with the arrangements Camellia rubs her hands together in anticipation of taking on her first job. She looks over the online job board for anything fitting her interests and expertise

(Yeah the lab has all the necessities for you to get research done. Anything specialty, the colony is at the point where they can make it if they dont own it, unless its psitech)

(Ok that's good)

(So there are the endeavor boards, some of them are taking about scientifics breakthroughs, if none of those look good, there are a few survey sites that others have found and haven't had time to make it back to)

1:09 PM

(I can give you descriptions on those)

(Are the endeavor boards up on roll20 somewhere? And she would probably like to make a quick trip to some different ecosystems on Gudrun, if there is a jungle or swamp or caves close by) (edited)

1:10 PM

(etc)

(Yeah)

1:15 PM

(The lands to the south are swamplands, there is a desert, nobody has been to the icecaps aside from the small transmission tower on the south pole, the red orange areas of the map are mesa, and as you can see there aren't a whole lot of tile markers in the mountains either)

Dr. Thorn takes note of a post from Trivedi Technologies that looks interesting. They are looking for a startup company to invest in. She decides to head for the swamps, but her eye is still giving her trouble. Finding a metatool lying on a workbench, she removes her bionic eye and attempts to fix the blinding night vision component.

It looks like it will need a spare part (item) to repair. (no fix roll, you;re familiar with how it works, so its not really a test of your skills)

(Ok the opposite of what I was expecting) Dr. Thorn realizes that a tiny switching circuit short-circuited and will need to be replaced. Wincing as she reinserts the eye into its socket, she pulls the eyepatch back down and asks, "Mimir, do you know where I could find a replacement part for this?" She holds the bit up in the air. "And, what do we know about these swamps to the south?"

"I'd check the market, plenty of tinkers there who sell parts" There is a brief silence as Mimir works out an answer to your second questions "There are predators. There is a battle site, one of the groups of survivors were overrun by the underhill swarms in the hours after the scream. Their collection of vehicles were found, but no one recovered them, or investigated further" (they marked the spot to come back and then didnt"

Vehicles sound interesting. "What sort of vehicles? Anything that could be of use?" She pulls up the history of Greenbriar webpage and reads about the Underhill War

1:39 PM

She notices something interesting. "Were any samples ever recovered from these spore defense towers?"

"The biomass ejected from them was incredibly acidic, and anything recoverable was burned by hazmat teams"

She looks relieved. "Good."

1:46 PM

"How about the vehicles left in the swamp? Anything usable?"

"With some repair work they can be again. Several cargo trucks were among them, their containers were left unopened"

"Really?"

"The team that discovered the site had a run-in with a very dangerous local predator" A 3d hologram of a Raijalos is rendered, very much scaled down, and struts across the lab floor, before vanishing as the projection ends "They were forced to abandon the hunt and dispatch the beast, and it eventually was"

(Well that's terrifying)

1:51 PM

Dr. Thorn scrolls to look at the oceans.

1:52 PM

"Has anyone investigated plant life in the lakes and oceans yet? Algae, seaweed, whatever is growing down there?"

1:56 PM

She begins filling a case with ice and sample vials.

(theres a colony endeavor for that too!) "There was an offer out there for someone to take a look at the northern ocean basin. THey want to know what's in the area before they launch that big sea-miner"

"I think I'll save the swamp for when I have an assistant to watch my back. Thanks for all the help, Mimir!"

Mimir clicks the lights once in acknowledgement before the soft static in the speakers cuts out, and the lab is quiet again

Taking the metatool, some sealable containers, and the case of ice with sample vials, Dr. Thorn picks up the part at the market (assuming cost is negligible, I'll subtract a couple credits?) and sits down at a table to install it

2:08 PM

She then looks for transportation to the coast

2:10 PM

(Just updated some goals, I don't see any xp values yet?)

2:10 PM

(Unless they are all too trivial to warrant it)

(Normally they're like 100 credits, but I don't want to bemoan getting the eye fixed, so in this case we will handwave it. and yeah i didnt get to roll20 since last night. I was already in bed when the first batch were posted, and then i went to work)

2:11 PM

(I've been rolling from mobile but trying to manipulate handouts on the phone is a nightmare)

(Okay we'll say the shopkeeper had pity on me lol) (Don't worry about it)

(Tonight after work/gym when I finally get to sit down, I have to go through sheets and do new stuff for everyone, and do other updates, so I'll get em in)

nice!

There is a train that passes through the mountains, heading to the camp. For taking the survey offer you're presented a 500 credit chit, to requisition equipment, and with a pass to allow you onto the train-for no cost. A small survey ship is waiting at the port, already outfitted with a crew

(Niiiiice)

2:14 PM

(Real nice)

(anything TL 4 and below, and there's no restrictions as far as legality or anything)

Dr. Thorn hits the shop, picking up:

2:15 PM

Telescoping pole 10

2:16 PM

Thermal flare x10 50

2:18 PM

Rations (They seem to be organic bars in grey and white packaging) x10 50

2:18 PM

(Does the ship have wetsuits and a scanner?)

2:19 PM

Sells Compad to buy Dataslab 200

2:20 PM

Antiallergens 5

(yeah GudFud bars, a former PC endeavor, and yes it does)

2:24 PM

(Herb and Doona [former pc] legit did a whole mission on making the most optimal granola bar)

(Wow that's cool)

Backpack bulging from the new purchases , everything is stowed and secured.

She finishes her purchases with a length of T4 rope and a grenade, total is 380 and basically maxing out encumbrance I'd bet

(I handwave that aside from someone doing something totally crazy)

(That's a relief with 10 STR)

2:30 PM

She grabs a coffee at Harvest bidding the Baron a good afternoon, hits the train, grabs a window seat.

The train is full of miners and port workers, heading back out to their work places after a week or two of vacation in the luxuries of central.

She watches the trees fly by, and gazes up at the mountains as the train cuts through a pass

2:52 PM

She notices the windpeak trees here with some logging action happening and wonders whether the settlers struggled with the spores from their cousins on the plains

2:54 PM

A logging camp's spotlights, on even this early in the evening, cast a bright light on her face as the train passes by

2:55 PM

Camellia drinks her coffee and considers the toll all of this development must be taking on the land

2:56 PM

Turning to one of the miners, she asks, "Mind if I ask you a question?"

"Anything" he smiles. He's carrying a cup of cheap beer from the bar cart, and the harvest spirits logo is on the cup

"What are you looking for?"

"Looking for? I was looking for a drink. I found that. Is this one of those metaphysical questions?"

3:00 PM

he looks amused but a bit perplexed

"Hmm. What else have you found, in the mines?"

"Naturally forming tungsten alloy. THey've only been operating for about a year now, we haven't needed to dig very far down yet"

"Is the rock solid, or are there caves down there?"

"We haven't cut into any kind of openings yet, but there's another project that went on in the mountains not far from us. Someone said something about a missile base. I heard they had a brief problem with a cave network before they filled it all in"

"Interesting. I imagine your work is incredibly dangerous, with so many wild animals and natural hazards about. Do you enjoy your work?"

"I do. Its hard work, and there are days where getting out of bed has me hurting already, but seeing the colony grow, seeing money coming in from off-world because of what we make....it makes the work gratifying"

"What do you think Gudrun will be like in ten, twenty, or a hundred year from now?"

"I hope its just a safe place for my children, and their kids. Maybe something close to how comfortable the world we left behind was

"Thank you for your time."

3:28 PM

"I'm Dr. Thorn, the newest addition to the Greenbriar research team. If you encounter any caverns or strange plants, please get in touch with me. I'll make it worth your time."

3:28 PM

She move back to her window, again determining to get some business cards

3:29 PM

She absentmindedly stuffs her hands in her pocket to pull out a chocolate bar.

3:29 PM

BUT ALAS,

3:31 PM

she finds nothing in her pocket but empty wrappers, having eaten all of her stash pre-cryo

3:34 PM

Thinking of the miner's words, she wonders whether the advances in Gudrun are happening all too fast, or not fast enough.

3:36 PM

Intrigued, she pulls out her dataslab to read about politics in the colony, looking for environmental regulations and their punishments, as well as how disputes are arbitrated

(Was that top thing a message for looking for a group?)

(uh no I'm sorting out markdown text, I'll have it back in a minute)

(kk no worries)

(oh that was all taken care of)

There is a court system, rum by judge monsoor, there';s actually a trial on TV now, a notorious outlaw named Malak Al-Muta, whos crimes include starting a forest fire, aiding and abetting enemies of the colony, and venting surrendering ship crew into space

So, starting a forest fire is a crime? Camellia makes a note to offer botanical forensics services to this judge once the trial concludes

8:06 PM

She continues looking for info on environmental rules

Businesses are offered incentives to run as cleanly as possible. Far too many colonists came from worlds devastated by war, pollution, or both. There is a strong desire to keep this blue green orb the way it is

(nice nice nice. who is offering this incentive?)

8:13 PM

Camellia leans her head on the window for a brief rest until the train arrives, probably dreams about chocolate

(Admin-central government, and it was part of the corporate charter before the scream)

(So there is a planetary government over Greenbriar?)

(Greenbriar is now the UNW. They are the government, its not a company anymore)

8:15 PM

(as far as you know, earth, everything beyond the sector is gone)

(Right so... central Greenbriar government, which is UNW, is the world government, and they give businesses incentives got it)

(Exactly. They were a corporation, but the disaster and now the war, changes needed to be made)

(Wow these xp values are... high ok)

8:23 PM

(Love it

(3 is a normal mission)

Give me a hot sec lol)

(It won’t be as quick of a level up once you get past 3-4)

(I guess having missions is pretty great- also, true)

8:25 PM

(Should I delete these once I add them up)

(Once they’re completed you can clear them. Usually people ask if the ones they’re eyeing have been finished and if they have take the xp and clear goal)

ok cool

The train passes through the mountains, and the ascent takes the better part of the night. Dawn breaks as the train descends the peaks, and the broad expanse of the northern plains rises up to meet the train. From the very high vantage point your vision is unparalleled, and you can just barely make out the port, still a few hours travel away

(this is perfect theme music https://open.spotify.com/track/4ngdRhDawTNEsM5WEnNlKS?si=vJf-dmlcTRy3fHyDardQeA)

8:36 PM

The bright light wakes Dr. Thorn, and she looks for the mining camp the miners must be headed to

The camp is a walled, watch towered, and fortified mining camp. Barracks buildings sit in neat rows, around a central office, cook house, and the mineworks themselves.

8:42 PM

It is snowy, and austered

8:42 PM

*austere

If the mine is on the way, she decides to stop to look around before the train continues

(it is) The train stops for a short while to exchange passengers and take on a new battery car, leaving the other here for recharge

(Taking Connected to reflect making some friends)

(as we continue just run the goals you think you accomplished by me, so we make sure we are on the same page, but you did do the ones you deleted. so all good)

(Oh ok got it)

(just to make sure we dont have different expectations of what it takes to complete them, its more for transparency than anything else)

(yeah!) Camellia looks for a place to get a real bite of food and any activity happening in the camp

8:48 PM

(Actually rethinking connected hurrr de durrr)

(No worries, we can throw the brakes until youre good)

(it's going to be diplomat level 2, i have 8 more skillpoints to spend real quick)

8:52 PM

(And... done. Got that wis mod up)

8:54 PM

(also checked "actually wearing the armor I have readied")

8:54 PM

(Ready)

(Great, so you can raise core stats 5 times over the life of your character, so 4 left?) There is a public cookhouse in the camp where a good portion of the activity is centered around

8:55 PM

The front is open to the cold, but a massive oven keeps everyone warm

(Correct, first cost 1, 2nd cost 2, she feels wiser than a 12)

8:57 PM

She grabs whatever they're serving and sits down to eat around some of the miners, listening in (i'm interested in the grub they're serving here)

The grub is a sad looking fish stew this morning. It is filling, but the taste is bland and uninspired.

Camellia will remember this

9:02 PM

(lol)

9:02 PM

(What are the miners talking about?)

9:03 PM

(Just did some re-reading, finally understand research now lol)

(yeah , it goes into a pool, when a project gets completed that amount gets deducted as you go through materials, exhaust lore, ect)

(If the miners aren't saying anything interesting she will reboard the train)

9:12 PM

(From her dataslab, she will research who owns these mines, and separately what licences/fees apply to owning land, construction, and starting a business)

(oh god. let me get back to you on that)

9:13 PM

One man seems to be kept wide of. @lordgrimli sits under one of the few dead trees in the compound, mediating quietly, but after a few moments his eyes open, and the two of you exchange glances

(you knew this was coming)

9:14 PM

(Has this player been absent recently?)

(nope im new

(Oh! welcome!)

(thanks)

Dr. Thorn extends a hand. "Hello there. If you don't mind, I couldn't help but notice that... you don't seem like a miner at all."

9:19 PM

@Nekosmash (I can start with who owns the mine)

The man stands up and takes her hand, shaking it easily. He smiles, comfortable at being out of place here. He's wearing nondescript secure clothing, and doesn't seem to be carrying anything other than a compad. ''I've studied a number of things, but mining is not one of them. It is nice to meet you, Lash Braylin, at your service."

"Dr. Camellia Thorn. The pleasure is mine. I only woke up in Greenbriar two days ago, so I'm really the one out of place here."

9:24 PM

"I see you're dressed as a civilian, and your tone hints at some kind of education. I'm curious, where are you from, and what brings you out here, if not the mines?"

His eyebrows seem to twitch, perhaps in surprise. "Ah, well we are better for it."

9:25 PM

"I'm here for the same reason as you, I expect. Research? I was just thinking back on what I had learned these last few days- do you mind if I join you on the train?"

"That's a strange offer to make to a stranger in a mining colony. Are you with Greenbriar? What is your area of expertise?"

(I am, with greenbriar, arent I?)

(The colony owns the mine, they're too small to allow a lot of private business on such a large scale like this, but some influential people have been able to get their own small holdings going)

9:28 PM

(Everyone is Lash)

(thats what I thought)

@Nekosmash (Wait so is this person's name listed anywhere online I can access?) (edited)

Again, the easy smile. "Of course. I focus on a number of areas, but if you want the mundane way of saying it, I suppose I rather specialize in the mind and its more uncommon abilities. Still, that leaves me plenty of time to expand my knowledge of other things."

9:30 PM

(Probably, Ive been working with greenbriar for the last year or so, so you would see mention of me online)

9:30 PM

(If youre looking for my character sheet, that is another matter :))

(I've read your description, all good)

(Ill make it more like something you would find online)

"Well, it just so happens that I am looking for a research assistant, and someone to accompany me on expeditions. Perhaps you could fill both of those positions, at least for now?"

He nods once. "My work here is complete. I will help however I can."

"What brought you to the mining camp anyway?" Dr. Thorn leads the way back to the train, snagging two cups of foul-smelling free coffee from a dispenser, and offers one to Lash

(Who's name?)

9:35 PM

(got it, nevermind)

@Nekosmash (is the mining colony owned by one of these influential people, and who)

(It isnt, its owned by the colony)

(Aha)

9:36 PM

(Lash how late are you going to want to stay up tonight cuz I'm game)

9:37 PM

(like, game to keep the game going)

He politely refuses. "No thank you, I feel quite refreshed." (Ill be around for another hour at least)

9:39 PM

"Ive been visiting a few locations to gather more information on their work and how its benefiting Briar. What brought you here? You said you are embarking on a number of expeditions?"

"Yes." She downs one cup of coffee in two swigs, wipes her mouth, and stacks the full cup in the empty "I was contracted by Greenbriar to provide consulting expertise and conduct research on extraterrestrial botany."

9:45 PM

"I need some cash flow to start the really important projects, so today I'm headed to the coast to surveill the high seas, basically make sure giant squids won't eviscerate the first ship to hit the water. We're guinea pigs, basically."

9:46 PM

She boards the train. "Aside from the money, I'm looking for new plant specimens. The algae on Gudrun have barely been touched, and I'm sure a few of them must be producing some useful compounds."

9:47 PM

"This job just happens to be our best ticket on board a survey ship."

"Fascinating." It seems he truely is fascinated by the new information, though his next words reveal his weakness in the topic. " I must confess, I had little specialization into the biological sciences while I was in school. I look forward to working with you." He adds another sentence in explanation. "I focused more on the electrical and mechanical sciences."

Dr. Thorn looks interested.

9:50 PM

"What is your experience in specifically?"

"Coding and electronics. Chips, engines, etc."

9:53 PM

@Nekosmash I am opening a telepathic link with Dr. Thorn to see her reaction to my next sentence.

(Dr. Thorn will not notice)

"It was at university that I learned I had some aptitude for the study of Psionics. So, I began to hone those abilities as well."

Her reaction is a swath of colors (or however you want to experience your ability!) that you recognize as a tiny shred of discomfort, followed by pity, followed by genuine interest. (edited)

9:58 PM

"For the past several years, I lived on Rawshani. The public sentiment toward psychics was, less than hospitable. The treatment they received was... inhuman."

10:00 PM

"I personally feel fortunate to have avoided it."

"As it is many places. I appreciate your honesty."

10:01 PM

(Just a note, I need to recon that ive been around for a year. Just a few months, and just recently out and about working. This work with you will be my first 'mission')

10:01 PM

"Rawshani, I have heard of it, but not visited, did you like it there?"

(I did pick that up)

10:02 PM

Dr. Thorn smiles wistfully, looking away. "You can't like Rawshani. Only love and hate it." (edited)

"Ah, that sort of place then. Perhaps I will strike it from my list of places to visit."

(You can read my R20 backstory if you like)

(Rawhani is a sad shithole indeed)

Lash stares out the window at the wildlife, contemplating what other questions he might have for her.

10:05 PM

(Thanks. Ive updated mine as well )

(And there is a Survey Report, Colony History etc that Lash can look up on his compad if he wishes)

10:05 PM

She does the same.

(By the way, the psychic link stays open for the rest of the scene, so if any strong emotions pop up let me know )

(anything you can see on roll20 is knowledge you have, any handouts that aren't are hidden from you, so no worries on metagaming there)

"So, this expedition, do we have a methodology prepared? Someone to meet when we arrive?"

(Yeah page 40 hehe)

10:08 PM

(I guess you should know about the wave of chill reminiscence that has passed over Dr. Thorn)

Before he asks that last question then, he turns to a more emotion line of questions. "Im sorry, I did not mean to pry." His words hang in the air, though he does not offer anything further for a moment.

"There will likely be a contact waiting for us at the port. We have a survey ship waiting for us, but the job offer lacked any fine details such as the kind of ship."

10:15 PM

@Nekosmash are we close?

(You're 4 hours from the port, i didnt want to interrupt your talk)

10:16 PM

(You're still in the mining camp)

(Oh I assumed the train was moving oops)

10:17 PM

Dr. Thorn checks the schedule to see when the train is scheduled to leave

It looks like any moment now they'll be making the final boarding calls (He was meditating under a tree, you guys were talking, I didn't want to DM teleport fiat you_

(alrite)

10:19 PM

(Is there any research work I can do while on the train?)

As they sit casually talking on the ship he takes out his compad and seems to write a quick note which you get a notification about soon after.

10:20 PM

Lash will also endeavor to write down anything he had learned at the mining facility, as well as glean any knowledge from work he can do here on the train

(I'd say if its in public you can do one of the safe experiments from the codex of the black sun, you messing around with some stuff on your compad during the ride. You can only do one a month though, so if you want to wait to get back to the lab and do something bigger, we can wait)

(Definitely wait. I realized about 1 hour ago that I have something much bigger in my pocket) (edited)

(Or are you just happy to see me?)

(Ew no, gross)

(I have to keep it limited to one a month, even if it is your characters profession, I have 24 of you, so it's going to get chaotic if i start making exceptions. Your advantage is youre far less likely to fail or blow something up)

(Also, anatomy?)

(sorry, was joking)

(Dr. Thorn would not be offended)

(Ill have to look into research projects and all that- where can I find more information?)

Dr. Thorn will use her optic bioscanner to analyze the trees and plants passing by out the window

The train pulls into the port a few hours later, and there are several vessesl of different sizes in the docks right now. One is a military vessel, a destroyer, and you can see it being re-floated. Fresh coats of paint have been applied. Most notably, the super-heavy ocean mining vessel is nearly complete. Nearly the entire staff of the shipyard has spent the last few months tirelessly building it, and it promises to bring a host of new wealth into the colony

10:26 PM

(wouldnt be anything that isnt already in the handouts, this area is pretty well traveled)

10:26 PM

(Lash, there is a colonial research folder, and handout that shows what the labs are working on, and how many research points they have right now)

(I assumed so, just roleing)

(perfect thanks)

Dr. Thorn assumes that the mining ship is the real reason for this mission. She tries to judge the how far below the waterline the ship will extend once in the water

(its the size of a modern aircraft carrier, but structurally different, so we are talking 80,000+ ton displacement)

Ooh, a whopper. (80K Loaded or unloaded?) She looks for anyone greeting them as they disembark, or an office

(loaded)

10:31 PM

There is a modest port office, bedecked in steriotypical nautical themes, such as porthole windows and a ships wheel above the saloon style doors

Dr. Thorn pulls out her dataslab and punches some numbers into a calculator.

Lash follows quietly, putting his compad away and begins to study his surroundings.

A few sailors in naval uniforms leave the office, the last one departing holds the door for you, waving you in

We make our way into the office. "Thank you." I nod to the man.

Dr. Thorn mutters, "80,000*2000... + 24m bottom to waterline...." (edited)

10:45 PM

She looks up to see who is at the desk.

@Nekosmash

(Dr. Thorn now knows the draft depth of the ship, it's 12m)

(If i stop replying ever i'm either asleep or busy. whenever I have a free minute I'm here. so no worries there guys) A woman sits behind the desk, working on a ledger with one hand, and typing on a 10-key on the other. The technology is archaic, to say the least

(you gave me time to fix an error in my math lol)

10:52 PM

"Dr. Camellia Thorn, at your service."

"Welcome to Port Nieu Rotterdam" she mumbles, not looking up. "Help you with something?"

"As a matter of fact, we are here to try to help you. My assistant and I are here to survey the waters for mining." (edited)

10:55 PM

"The job was publicly posted. We'll help however we can."

She puts down her pen, and finally looks up, her expression much brighter. "Well, I'm glad someone finally took the offer up. It's been a few months, I was really starting to lose hope"

(Was that Diplomat II or her natural reaction?)

"your vessel is a research submersible, its docked behind that massive ship almost everyone is working on. There's a pilot and engineer board already"

10:57 PM

(natural reaction, she has no reason to not be unfriendly to you)

(yep)

(to be unfriendly* damn its late lol)

(diplomat 2? Impressed)

(you boys want to call it a night?)

"Are we waiting for any other crew? Or shall we set off shortly?"

10:58 PM

Lash introduces himself as well.

Dr. Thorn asks, "Before we embark, could I collect a few specimens from the ship hulls that have been submerged the longest? I'm collecting materials for research in the colony."

(I'm good for a bit yet, I just meant tagging me to pay attention doesn't do anything, because if im not answering, I'm not answering anyone)

(Understood)

Lash makes a *mental note to look over the instruments on the ship when they board and check the systems. (edited)

"If you really want to go peel fungus off some of the ships I won't stop you" her smile fades a bit. "And yes, you two will be the last two needed for the trip. It's too grueling of a journey for just two people"

Dr. Thorn hesitates pulling out her sample vials. "Um, tell me more?"

Lash briefly closes his eyes, though Camellia will notice it.

(She assumes he's either sleepy from lack of caffeine or it's a psychic thing)

Lash is using his Oracle ability to answer the question: Is the research submersible seaworthy?"

(oh boyyy)

There are no problems with the vessel.

11:03 PM

(don't forget to mark the spent effort)

well thats good.

11:03 PM

yup im two down

"running a submarine is a complex job, even when it's small. It's a lot for two people to do, so the extra hands were needed before we could mount a serious look at what might be on the ocean floor nearby

(its pretty clearly not a sleepy thing. Its a forceful eye close, then they snap open again)

Dr. Thorn scrapes a lot of whatever is on the bottom of the dirtiest, deepest hull into a container before boarding the sub.

11:05 PM

(She gets it's a psychic thing) (edited)

(When you return to the lab with that sample, some RP will be added to the total points available)

As she is working on that Lash quietly introduces himself to the other crew. "Lash, pleasure to meet you. I can help at whatever station you need it"

11:06 PM

It seems that she has passed some test, as he makes no effort to hide the already rather subtle abilities he may use in front of her (edited)

"Well we had best get to it then. Gentlemen, a pleasure. I'm Dr. Thorn, and this is my assistant, Lash Braylin."

"Ever flown a star ship before?" I direct the question to Camellia but any could answer.

"Welcome aboard. Ship doesn't have a name, I'm the captain, and this is my first mate. Ranks are fine. We aren't big on names." Both of them have sleeves of naval tattoos, the captains is very large, and recent judging by the redness.

"Hahaha Starship?"

"I figure this must me somewhat similar, no? There are starships that are submersibles as well"

11:09 PM

"Thank you captain. I must apologize, I have no idea what rank I fall into. Private?"

(To the captain:) "Well dammit, we'll sort that out soon enough."

"Cmon aboard, settle into either sensors, or gunnery. We probably won't need to worry about the torpedos, but one never can tell"

msg from Dr. Melora Reydove: Pleasure to have another researcher in the colony. You are welcome to any sample and data collected from Terezhino. The one fern I brought back is very interesting! It desalinates salt water. 
I'm going to be on mission off-planet for a bit, but I look forward to meeting and working together in the future.

(edited)

(To Lash:) "I had an expert pilot on Rawshani; sure, I took over the controls for some in-system flights."

I nod approvingly as I sit down at the sensors station.

11:11 PM

Assuming the doctor will be joining me I make room.

@Melora This is great news! I'll take a look at them when I return to Central Research. Let's keep in touch. -Cam

11:13 PM

remains standing

(Lash at sensors, leaves Thorn at weapons then, but that also includes the manipulator arms and stuff)

(Yes)

11:13 PM

(Unless you want to switch?)

Lash familiarized himself with the electronics available to him

Everyone takes their places, and the engineer walks toward the back, making sure hatches are sealed, fuel is mixed properly, and that the ballast is working properly. (Yeah one per station is how it goes, just like the starship rules)

(Nope, Lash seems to be a rather peaceful kind of guy)

11:14 PM

(Im not sure if Thorn is carrying any sort of protection but at this point it is evident to her that Lash is not)

Assuming the manip. arm has a camera that shows what it's doing and what's around it, I'll be watching that

(Depending on the ship no? Bigger ships have more crew)

(You notice a laser rifle Readied at her hip)

"Thank you for having us Captain." Lash says quietly as they depart.

(It’s only one person making needed skill checks per station. You can theater of the mind it However you want but mechanics wise it’s one of you doing the actions for that station)

(Oh okay)

(And It does thorn)

"Captain Killjoy, what fuel is this thing burning?"

“Type B power cells and we have a diesel backup just in case there’s a problem. It’s enough to get us to the surface”

(K I know the trains are electric. What fuel do starships use? H?)

(I don’t believe it ever really says anything other than its 500 credits of fuel per jump. It’s left up to me I think and it’s never mattered before)

11:20 PM

(Jump distance is determined by your spike drive rating anyway, not the fuel you’re burning)

(Where is it produced? Fuel scoops can get it from solar coronas and gas giants so I assume H or H with some extras)

11:20 PM

(This may become important idk)

(right now it’s not)

(Ok it's cool)

11:22 PM

(I won't mess with it if you don't want me to)

“It’s perfectly safe. No need to worry about that. This will be pretty routine. A day or two below the waves and we see what we can find”

Dr. Thorn gazes out into the darkening water. "Perfectly routine? How many voyages has this submersible taken, exactly?"

(We already have Jump rating determining how far you can go, that’s enough of a limiting factor as it is. I don’t see messing with it as doing anything but adding an unnecessary roadblock to something that’s already pretty time consuming)

(I'm just considering what if a "load of fuel" as a unit could theoretically be produced to be sold under 500 credits)

Lash listens but is not worried about the safety of the submersible as he monitors the instruments.

(I think it’s a trade good already. I don’t have the list in Suns of gold memorized)

11:26 PM

“This submersible has been on ten dives for research and two for combat”

"For combat?"

11:27 PM

There is a hint of worry in Lash's voice.

Dr. Thorn is interested as well

"What are we fighting out here?"

(Do you mind if I try to find out if it is or should I stop pursuing this to prevent bad math from happening?)

(Just leave the fuel alone. Everything we have decided to ignore or handwave has a reason for it. Usually because the issue came up before and we made a community decision. The passion is appreciated. I rarely say no but when I do it’s for a reason)

11:36 PM

“Fighting? Well, not that long ago the underhill owned these waters and the large island to the northeast. Their queens are all dead now, but there’s still plenty of Ferals out in the wild. This submarine assisted with scouting before the invasion of their island, and fired two torpedos into their queen when she waded into the sea to attack the landing boats. It didn’t do more than make her mad, but we did prevail that day”

Lash takes out his compad and begins researching unfamiliar life forms that were just mentioned to him

(Understandable and thanks for the clarification!)

"Ah, well, hopefully... we avoid that."

(It’s hard when you’re new coming into an established community like this. No worries. Takes time to feel everything out. It’s like starting a new job or something) “There’s ferals out there now but we don’t see anything that far out or that deep. If you’re both ready I’ll push us off from dock”

"Ready."

(Just trying to make my dent in the galaxy

)

11:42 PM

"Hell yeah"

Message from Judge Ibrahim Majeed al-Monsoor to @Solace Sinensis I will consult you whenever it is deemed necessary to have your assistance in a given project.

Please call if you need assistance. The Marshals are here for you and we welcome any help in Bringing Justice where the Law can't Reach. You may run into myself, Arimoto or Marcion in your work and we may be calling to get your expert opinion on an entity that seems extra dimensional in nature.

There is a gentle bump as the ship pulls off from the dock. It remains on the surface as it slowly moves out of the harbor and into the wider ocean. Plotting an eastward course the vessel begins to dive

Lash studies the sensors for anything that might be out of the ordinary

(Is this the same scene)

(Yes)

7:34 AM

The ship dives and bubbles surround the hull, giving way to the grey surroundings of the northern sea floor. It’s not very cold this far from the ice cap and almost immediately a school of Glupo fish scatter from the headlights flicking on

(Lash, you'll sense that Dr. Thorn is not anxious, calm but slightly excited, and generally having a good time messing with the crew)

7:36 AM

"Captain, what does our course for this voyage look like?"

Lash watches the scans.

7:39 AM

Specifically, I am comparing any creature I find on the scans to the logs of all known creatures on the planet, and focusing on any new ones if I can

(Glupos are known already but yeah makes sense. They’ve not done hardly any sea exploring)

7:40 AM

“It’s a box essentially, 600km east, then we turn north and go the same distance, west, and then south back to port. We are doing it grid by grid to ensure we don’t miss anything”

"Huh. How close to the island will that take us?"

7:47 AM

(Will our compads/dataslab work down here?)

7:52 AM

(Also can I check I'm rolling hp right? for each level gained (1d6+Con)*new level?)

You roll all your hit dice. Add con. If result is lower than what you had it’s just plus one hp (edited)

7:52 AM

1 hp

7:53 AM

You can never do worse

7:53 AM

Than what you had

(Oh so I started with 1 hd, now have 4, so I roll all 4+Con?)

7:54 AM

(sorry)

No, you add to it each new level

7:57 AM

So I have 2hp, when I level up I will roll 1 hit die and add 0

7:57 AM

And that's my new hp. If I roll 3 on my hd I now have 5 hp

(So i just hit level 4, do I still roll 1 hd and add Con?)

Yes

(Ohhh got it)

7:59 AM

(Thanks I used a totally different system before)

Congrats on the level up. How long did it take you?

(Uh, couple days?)

Oh jeez that's quick

(You can set personal goals in your char sheet, and neko will assign xp to them, 3 xp is a typical mission) (edited)

(thanks)

(naw thanks for the help with the hp)

8:02 AM

(just almost doubled mine)

If comms are working, Dr. Thorn will keep sending messages out from her dataslab, while keeping an eye on the waters

The comms seem to be working fine at this depth

8:48 AM

(Program int lash)

"What kinds of critters have you seen down here, Cap?"

(5)

“Just the fish but I heard rumors of a sea serpent. Then again the one who told me was just on tv for being a war criminal...so” the captain shrugs

"Were you and your deckhands here in the war, captain?"

Failing to do any meaningful programming, Lash takes notes on his Compad

(Dr. Thorn is also interested in these rumors) (edited)

“Against the underhill yes. And before that in the civil war. We were a tenebrian scout unit sent to the world. We never got orders to pull back and then the disaster happened”

9:23 AM

“We had a long conference with the people from your colony. Our colony now too I should say, and we agreed to work together”

"Were you and Malak al-Huta well acquainted?" (edited)

9:32 AM

(She watched the conclusion of the trial on the train)

“Not personally. Just heard him telling tales in the bar here one night after some exploring. He said he saw a gigantic sea snake that somehow was producing electricity

9:46 AM

Fried the systems on his ship and he had to crash surface”

"Good thing we've got the diesel backup. Any idea where this went down?"

9:46 AM

"Or, came up, I should say"

"What I'd give to study that..." Lash trails off

(crash surface- love the sound of that lol)

(Usually it’s a slow rise so you don’t risk bubbles in your blood. He took a chance)

(I figured it was the bends)

“I have a family that needs me to come home” the first mate says. “Otherwise I’d be right there with you”

(Is our sub's air pressurized or are we fine to ascend rapidly?) (edited)

10:03 AM

"Well I have nothing else to think about, so what if we did find one? Is running dark an option to avoid a power surge?"

(It’s pressurized) The spotlights play out over the sea floor, illuminating a stone seabed. The stones are all small, none alike in size or hue of blue/gray

10:10 AM

Small fronds of some kelp like plant wave harmlessly in the current

(oh crap) Dr. Thorn gets some practice with the arm grabbing some kelp. (Is there a way to bring outside things inside? or is there external storage?)

Lash keeps scanning

(scanning intensifies)

(I dont know if we're in a different scene, and I am allowed to make another scanning roll, but if so... I got a 9)

(I think the scene changes when we enter combat, leave combat, sleep, or move to a new setting but that's up to neko)

(My thought as well)

10:15 AM

(but, maybe ocean surface vs ocean floor :P)

(worth a shot)

(External storage)

10:18 AM

(The Doctor has the right idea. I’ll let you know. This is all the same scene)

Cam gets some more practice with the arm by grabbing a few stones and tossing them into the storage compartment.

10:20 AM

Once that's finished she'll use her bioscanner to look for signs of life

(So the first program check didn’t reveal anything in this hex, you played with the stones and that’s a good start.) Moving into the next area the sensors and the bioscanner both begin getting faint readings

"Let's stop here for a minute. Can we kill the spotlights for a second too?"

There’s a thump as the lights shut off

Cam activates her night vision and looks for movement.

There is a slight glow in the murky water ahead. Something bobs in the darkness, shining a milky res light

10:24 AM

Red

(If the lights inside the sub are visible from outside, she would like those off as well)

10:25 AM

"Lash, Can you make that out on the scanner?"

10:25 AM

"Captain, any idea what we're looking at?"

Unable to see anything, Lash was meditating to check for any danger. But when Thorn asks him he checks again

(How far away does it appear?)

(50m and holding)

10:26 AM

(Program int lash for this new hex)

8

The first mate looks over Lash's shoulder, studying the reading. "Looks like an anglerlight" he calls to the captain. "It's holding with us, I think its challenging us"

Lash swears under his breath

"Are they a threat?"

10:48 AM

(Have an idea)

"They can be. No two ever seem to have acted alike"

10:49 AM

(really it depends what you guys do, and thats why Lash's power didnt activate)

(or mine yeah) "Are they intelligent then?"

(you both have terminal reflection?)

10:50 AM

"To some degree certainly, we've never managed to capture one, nobody has, far as we know"

(Dr. Thorn had it at the start, she does not know about it because it's Wild Talent that manifested during the Scream)

"We should ... probably try to capture one then?"

"To capture it, we would risk the integrity of the ship and our current mission. You know how peacocks boast over who has the best tail? Let's show this fellow we aren't to be trifled with."

(That should have been my question, but thats still the answer Iw anted, thank you)

Dr. Thorn will man the gun just in case. "Captain, ready the spotlights at full power, aimed at the eyes."

Lash rolls his eyes

10:54 AM

Dr Thorn is bold, thats for sure.

"Prepare engines for forward thrust."

"Hold on can we just leave it alone then?"

10:55 AM

"If it punctures the hull we die"

You sense Dr. Thorn's excitement tempered by rational thought

10:58 AM

"actually, you know what, you're smarter than you look. Let's keep the spotlights ready and try to sneak around."

10:59 AM

"If it attacks, hit the lights. At this depth it can't be comfortable with that much light."

11:00 AM

While this plan is enacted Dr. Thorn inspects the weapon system.

The torpedo array has four tubes, each of them are loaded, and can be flooded in seconds for a shot. The captain begins moving the craft to come alongside the creature

11:05 AM

It lunges forward, as predicted, and the lights flick on. It recoils, its attack run aborted as it is suddenly blined

11:05 AM

(Blinded)

"Ha ha! Take that!"

"Should probably fire the torpedoes" Lash says in rising panic

"No need for that yet, we have limited ammo and I think we can scare it off. Let's wait to see if it flees. Captain, can you give us a pop of speed towards the east, then cut the engines so it can't track our position?" (edited)

Lash thinks this is a very bad idea but does nothing other than grip his chair until his knuckles turn white.

"Hang on everyone)

11:23 AM

"

hangs on to the gun

The sudden lurch forward throws you against the restraints as the submersible cuts power just as quickly, safely away from the anglerlight “Doesn’t look like he’s intending to follow” the first mate says, peering out the observation bubble on top of the craft

"Alright, let's get out of here."

(So hexes so far have been empty, and apex predator). Moving into the next hex, the temperature reading on the hull begins to increase, not alarmingly, but the water here is warmer than its surroundings.

11:50 AM

Lash sees the temp gauge slowly climbing, but still within acceptable levels

"Is that heat coming from belowground?"

11:51 AM

If there's no obvious threat she'll use the arm to sample the seafloor here

11:51 AM

and place it apart from the first

imma check that scan again

11:52 AM

...nothing on the scans lol

(Just give me numbers in future. Most of the time you won’t know what the DC is, or if it’s opposed what they got)

11:54 AM

“It looks like it’s coming from some vents there” the captain says, highlighting a conical rock structure with an open top. Bubbles furiously pour out of it, and several other formations around you

"Sea floor vents house an incredible diversity of microorganisms and strange relationships between them." I'll take a sample from that and note that this location is a geothermal hotspot

11:57 AM

"Any idea what that gas might be, other than water vapor?"

The submersible is still drifting close and the both of you have a vision of an eruption from the vent you’re heading towards , the pressure of which shears the side off the submarine.

11:59 AM

(Getting too close Basically)

ehhh

12:01 PM

(We both would have seen that coming and steered away)

(You’re not driving. The captain is and is unaware)

I would tell him (Dont go any closer)

Dr. Thorn falls to her hands and knees, gasping for breath

12:01 PM

"What was that?"

(Are you actually doing this lash or are you saying you don’t agree with this being a use of terminal reflection)

12:02 PM

(I’m having trouble understanding)

(first, let me get something clear, when you say sheers off the side of the sub)

12:03 PM

(Do we no longer have a side of the ship? is there water pouring in?)

12:03 PM

(Oh, sorry, missed the "have a vision part" above)

12:03 PM

(The vent is about to erupt, which wouldn’t be clear to you without the psychic warning you just got. The ship is drifting closer to it, because it’s not perceptible. If you continue on present course, you will be too close to its expulsion of gas and pressure and the ship will have taken terminal damage)

yes, if I have a vision of that I immediately spring into action, as I have been waiting for this

"The side of the ship just exploded- what is going on?"

"CAPTAIN, TURN THE SHIP"

12:04 PM

I stand up in a rush and if necessary wrestle the helm from him

12:05 PM

(Thats my last effort for the day)

"Uhhhh my head, what the hell?"

Responding to your shouted warning he banks the ship hard port, just as the vent erupts. The craft is buffeted by the hot water current but otherwise unharmed.

12:06 PM

The first mate turns to see dr thorn on the floor

I slump before hearing what Thorn said. "You saw it too?"

She sits up "Did we just- see the ship get torn apart by that thing?"

I wave away the first mate as I tend to her. "You did, yes."

"Is that part of your psychic powers, to show me that?"

12:07 PM

She rises shakily

12:07 PM

"Cuz it fricking hurt"

"I cant show you anything." I wait for Thorn to realize.

12:08 PM

"having such a vision means you have a bit of an aptitude yourself."

12:08 PM

"You will need training if you want to master it."

"No, nonononono this SUCKS!" Dr. Thorn slams a fist into the side of the ship.

"lets focus on finishing this mission safely and then we can handle that. Are you okay?"

Dr. Thorn takes a deep breath.

12:10 PM

(Or two)

12:11 PM

"Right. Let's... get on with it. Is there any way I can keep that from happening again?"

"I dont think it will, at least for a while"

"How could this happen? I've never felt anything like that before."

12:13 PM

"The psychic screenings on Rawshani, I passed them all, flawlessly."

"Psychic screening..." Lash sighs

12:14 PM

"Very rarely something else can cause it, but honestly I thought that nothing more than idle rumor."

12:16 PM

"Can we get what we need to, done, and then get out of here?"

12:16 PM

Thats to the captain.

The doctor breathes a sigh and refocuses. "I can't deal with this right now. Now... now that the pressure has been released, this vent should be safe, at least temporarily. Let's get that sample and get the hell out"

"I would realy rather not but if you know how vents work with some certainty."

12:17 PM

I trail off

12:17 PM

(Gotta go for a bit, I have one more use of Terminal if we get too close, feel free to continue gathering)

does the thing

The arm had a small shovel attachment that extends and some of the soil and sample of rock is inserted into another compartment on the underside of the vessel for later analysis.

12:20 PM

(The result here was rich aquaculture. So that’s maybe something in the future. Making it safe and then figuring out a way to exploit the warm waters)

(Ok got it. I'll want to check that sample for some really cool life forms, chemical composition etc)

(Yeah no problem we can get into that)

(are the hexes the hexes on the map or the boxes?)

12:24 PM

(trying to figure out how far into this we are given the multi-day estimate)

(on the map, the boxes are just because the map is the background layer)

12:27 PM

(otherwise anyone could manipulate it or move it around, and it kept getting deleted)

12:28 PM

(This third hex is about a day of exploring)

(Ok cool. is the square grid used for anything?)

12:32 PM

If no other interesting features present themselves, Dr. Thorn will ask the captain to carefully negotiate through the vents, steering well clear of any openings.

12:34 PM

"Captain, any chance we could stop for a rest? My eyes are sore from all this watching, and whatever the hell just happened took a lot out of me."

(No. Just gets out on there because of it being on the map layer)

12:34 PM

(I can’t make it go away)

12:35 PM

“Of course. I’ll surface. The stars should be beautiful tonight this far out to sea”

(have you tried clicking the blue "pages" thing to the left of the handouts etc? in page settings I believe you can turn off the grid)

12:36 PM

(we ran into the same problem in another game)

12:36 PM

"Thank you. Take your time."

(I’ll try that)

Dr. Thorn is still feeling a strong mix of emotions realizing she has psychic abilities.

Lash looks over at her a couple times with concern.

1:56 PM

Must be difficult to comprehend. He had training in the arts and it was still a load on his mind for years

She keeps to herself until they reach the surface

The submarine breaks the surface, and the first mate levers open the observation dome, letting the cool sea air inside. It is, for intents and purposes, a beautiful july evening

(Is there anywhere to sleep?)

Assuming there is none, Lash lays down under one of the desks to sleep.

Camellia walks out onto the deck. Finding a spot that has mostly dried, she sits down and hugs her knees, staring out to sea.

2:44 PM

She remains there until dawn, reflecting on the execution of psychics on Rawhani to cheering crowds; the biopsions leeched by Nova Heavy for biological weapons; her mentor's death to mindhunters; and the frantic telepathic contact made by Dr. Nakayama as she cut through his optic nerve. (edited)

She accepts that her life will necessarily have to change; as will her mentality toward psychics

(There's crew bunks in the ship, yes)

3:12 PM

(or yeah, the hull is big enough where if you wanted to outside, there's space)

For years, she has viewed them with nothing but pity and discomfort as potentially dangerous sufferers of a mental flaw.

(To the crew bunks I go)

Yet as she sits on the hull of the sub, gently rocking in the salty breeze, she feels changed. The air seems crisper, the stars brighter.

Lying back on the hull to watch the stars, she finally falls asleep.

Happy to feel rested, Lash awakes and contemplates his situation.

3:26 PM

(the next day, whenever that is)

(poor Dr. Thorn, it was a long day)

The dawn is grey and storm clouds are brewing to the west, behind you. The first mate appears with two cups of coffee. “Long day ahead of us again. If you need to stretch or shake the cobwebs out, it’s now it never. Have to dive again before that storm catches up”

As he wakes up Lash meditates on what diving today will bring. It allows him to see if the next day will bring ruin using his oracle ability.

Dr. Thorn breaks out some ration bars, wrapped in white-gray packaging. "Here. You should eat something."

Afterwards he will stretch and go above briefly.

3:45 PM

"Thank you." He eats slowly.

"We'd better get below. That storm looks fierce."

3:49 PM

She leads the way into the sub. "Captain, please forgive me for my words and actions yesterday. I only woke from cryo a few days ago, and it's been difficult to adjust."

(Next day as in this one, or tomorrow Lash)

3:50 PM

“I didn’t think anything of it doctor. It’s hard being in a metal can with so many other people. Can’t even find a place to just have a moment.”

"Ready to dive. What's our course for today?" (edited)

3:54 PM

She mans the guns and arm

(this one)

3:57 PM

(it's not a garuntee that we will not be harmed of course, but I figured I'd do it. I'm not sure how you want to rule it)

“Northward course for this leg of the trip. See what else we can find. Nobody’s mapped this section before”

3:58 PM

“So I’m not sure what you’ll find”

3:58 PM

(If today will bring ruin is very open ended so much of it depends on player action)

"Very well. Let's dive."

(then perhaps I meditate on whether going north will bring danger) is there imminant danger to the north?

4:11 PM

(technically it's a days worth of travel)

The ship dives, once everyone is aboard, and the first mate once again ensures the ship is problem free. Satisfied he sits on his command chair next to the captain.

4:25 PM

Lash doesn’t get any particular sense of trouble

"Let's begin the scan"

Lash starts scanning then

(I believe in you)

7

"Captain, may I ask why you, your crew, and your ship decided to remain nameless?"

"they have names. They just prefer ranks. It's fairly common in the amred services"

4:36 PM

"it's the same.." lash trails off

"Since we're in this together for the foreseeable future, and given our close call yesterday, it would put my mind at ease to understand your decision a bit more."

4:37 PM

"Lash, even military vessels have names. You've got to call them something when you hail the bridge."

"you're right. This one probably has a boring name like ERV 3443" he looks to the captain to correct him. "ERV being exploration and research vessel"

(unrelated, but I'm really looking forward to getting some personal research going)

(Yeah I’ll get this wrapped up)

4:43 PM

“Names are an attachment. We met some of the red sangha mercs a few months ago when they first arrived. They taught me a lot about life. My first mate too. We converted.

"you're mercenaries."

This makes a lot of sense

(The supplement on red sangha is probably one of my favorite pieces of lore in the whole swn universe)

4:44 PM

They choose to not respond to Lash’s comment because it makes no sense. A scan of the ocean floor in this sector shows another section of the rich vents. The waters continue to be warm but it does not seem as volatile here

Lash makes a note to research said mercs

"Same deal: watch for danger, scan for life, take a sample. Let's keep moving, and take care to avoid any accidents." (edited)

The power flickers as a shadow falls across the vehicle, over almost as soon as it began

"CUT POWER TO THE SHIP!"

scanning is at maximum intensity

(Did you crit that?)

No I haven't rolled a second time, just saying that's what I'm doing.

(Oh got it. Hopefully we get something before the power cut)

The power fades out aside from the emergency systems. An incredibly large biological contact seems to be circling the ship and the screen before lash fades out upon realizing it

"I doubt the lights will be as effective here. Hopefully we've stalled it from noticing or attacking us."

4:58 PM

"We need a plan."

"this creature isn't immidiately hostile but let's not make any sudden moves. Give me a minute."

4:59 PM

I use Oracle to contemplate what would result from firing the torpedoes at the creature.

The creature would attack the submersible in the event of a torpedo launch

Do I forsee death from that attack?

"We have a few options. We could make a break for it. It looks fast, and that current could disable us."

5:02 PM

"Attack. we might catch it off-guard, but I'm not sure even all four torpedoes would cut it."

5:03 PM

"We could try to create some sort of distraction."

"they wouldn't" I mutter authoritatively.

(it doesnt work like that, and i cant tell you that anyway, it all comes down to the dice)

(apologies, I think it does?)

5:04 PM

(if the creature is rolling 20d6 damage then won't it kill us in most futures?)

5:05 PM

(please correct me)

(you're assuming an awful lot by rationalizing using the power that way)

Dr. Thorn searches for a target to fire the torpedo at to distract the creature

(then I don't understand what the power does, I'll have to reread)

(me correcting you is already more info than you should have, because you can assume stats based on that) There is a rock formation near the creature, behind it, that should be a pretty easy torpedo shot

"Captain, on my mark, head on a diagonal north away from the beast and towards the surface."

Once triggered, the adept gets a single brief vision related to the question about the future that they’re asking

5:07 PM

(You asked if the creature will attack if you fire on it, it will)

5:07 PM

"I'm ready doctor"

"Power on."

5:08 PM

"Arming torpedo tube number one"

(Oracle is more than just yes or no questions. It forsees the future depending on an action I focus on)

5:08 PM

(that's fine though, I'll let it go)

"Targeting"

5:09 PM

(The example in the book is attempting to defuse a bomb, and the psychic could see it blow up; or successful defusion that actually fails after the vision ends)

5:10 PM

"Prepare to fire."

5:11 PM

"3... 2... 1... Torpedo away."

5:11 PM

"All hands, prepare for impact."

5:12 PM

"Captain, as soon as we clear the blast wave, please give us full speed."

5:12 PM

(what kind of check do you want)

5:14 PM

"I hope you're ready to punch us out of here."

(Shoot/dex+ab)

(ab?)

(attack bonus)

(oh yeah)

(No worries!

((dirty 12))

5:24 PM

(not bad for the first try)

The torpedo streaks past the serpent- narrowly missing it, and exploding the rock face nearby it in a shower of bubbles, debris, and a shockwave. you can hear it roaring in pain, even through the hull of your vessel, and it seems that a section of the rock collapse has pinned it

"HELL YES"

(Thats why i was being hesitant to extrapolate on the oracle thing before, the results of what you were doing were going to come down to the shoot check, and the scatter die I rolled after)

I'll explain why I was confused later :)

(what is a scatter die?)

5:34 PM

Thorn punches in the command "Torpedo tube number 2, armed."

5:35 PM

"Assume it can trace our electrical signature. Captain, how quickly can you get us to the surface?"

(has arrows on it, you roll it, the thing falls, moves, ect in the direction of the arrow)

(neat! is that r20 or irl?)

(irl, from my shamefully big warhammer collection, but I've seen modules for getitng it on here too)

(love it.)

"Two minutes if we don't want to risk the bends. Your call, the two of you"

How badly does it seem pinned?

5:38 PM

"Killing it would be a boon for research"

"Keep us steady, Captain. Targeting." (edited)

5:42 PM

"3... 2... 1... Torpedo away."

5:42 PM

"Brace for impact."

5:43 PM

((9))

5:43 PM

(Aimed for the part not pinned)

5:45 PM

She immediately begins arming the third torpedo tube

The creature roars as blood clouds the water. It seems to be trying to generate electricity but cannot with the damage done to its body

Dr. Thorn holds on as the ship shudders from the reverberation.

5:53 PM

"Lash, how's it looking on the scans?" (edited)

5:54 PM

"Torpedo tube 3, armed. Targeting... Target set." (edited)

5:55 PM

"Lash, keep an eye out, we don't want a second bogey sneaking up below us."

5:55 PM

"3"

5:55 PM

"2"

5:55 PM

"1"

5:55 PM

"Torpedo away"

5:57 PM

((8))

((8for scans))

6:04 PM

"can we tow this thing if we manage to kill it?"

"We can always take an eye!" Dr. Thorn says with a wry smile

The beast shrieks as the torpedo strikes home, and it’s death spasm releases a cascade of electricity through the water in a 300m radius around it. The ship is caught in this and alarms begin to sound. The diesel motor kicks on. Water begins trickling in via some small cracks in the hull, but not enough to become critical just yet. The life sign fades from the console, it’s certainly dead

(any chance I can sense the danger and try to warn the captain to steer away?)

(No)

(cool)

6:27 PM

"let's try towing that thing and get topside"

"No way are we getting back down there"

"shall we knock the rock off it so we can move it?"

"The pressure could crack us like a walnut. We'll have to come back for it."

6:30 PM

Dr. Thorn gets some coffee and sips it as bubbles rise past the sub

The vessel breaches the surface after a carefully planned ascent and the ship groans as the pressure is released.

6:31 PM

The first mate is busy with an arc welder, patching cracks and trying to weld temporary seals into place

sets coffee down "Lash, let's give him a hand. Here, help me hold this panel up." (edited)

6:34 PM

"Captain, do you have a readout on the ship's integrity?"

I help

(HP wise, you're at 9/30, you're not in danger of sinking) "She'll hold for us to get back to port. We found some notable things, and we killed a sea monster. I think that's more than enough to conclude matters here"

"make a note of this location and come back for her, when you can."

"Works for me"

In a free moment I pull Thorn aside. "You doing alright?"

"I think sinking three torpedoes into a sea monster was exactly what I needed."

6:49 PM

"I feel fine. Thanks for keeping a cool head down there."

The first mate hauls a buoy onto the deck. "One of you toss this in so I can get below and help the captain get the main engine restarted. This will broadcast a signal so you'll be able to recover your prize later"

6:52 PM

"It's anchored to the head section itself, so even if the current takes it, you'll be able to find it again"

"of course. Nice aim"

grabs the buoy and heaves it over

6:56 PM

"Ha that felt good. I can't wait to get home and look at these plants. See you later, big guy!" (edited)

(to the sea monster)

7:06 PM

(I'd like to stop by the harbourmaster's office before we leave)

7:10 PM

"Drinks are on me at the Harvest tonight. Captain, you and your crew are welcome to join us, if you have time to spare to visit the city." (edited)

"After this, I'm going to hop on that train, head to central for a drink, and probably keep doing exactly that for at least the rest of the week"

7:13 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits, each)

7:13 PM

(I'll update the world map with icons for the stuff you found)

(sweet!!)

The submersible docks after a tense day of sailing, and you tie into the shipyard during a vibrant summer sunset.

7:18 PM

Sea birds complain, and occasionally swoop down to pick through the surf, or to clean up some unattended spill in the street

Dr. Thorn will shake hands with the captain and mates and head for the office. (edited)

The port office is already busy but the attendant gets you through very quickly once she sees you're in line.

7:21 PM

"Welcome back" she smiles. "Glad to see you've made it safely"

"Yes, thanks to the help of your crew. Never believe a sailor's tale, but never doubt a sailor."

7:29 PM

"We've surveyed some interesting territory. The scans should be uploaded to you shortly. There is an anglerfish lurking just off the coast to the east, and some dangerous seafloor vents further on. We made a significant kill on our way back, but the damage we sustained prevented us from retrieving it today. The samples we've collected will be studied in Central for mineral and biochemical value; those reports will be uploaded as well. I hope that our efforts here will be useful to your future endeavors."

(Cleared my survey goal)

"They're beyond useful. Getting rid of that predator, and identifying some deposits to start with, is going to allow us to launch that vessel in the harbor. It's going to take quite a lot for us to ever run out of metal again:

Dr. Thorn will take the train straight back to the colony and look for contact info for that psychic academy/training center (edited)

7:46 PM

She will also learn that the Terezinho mission has left without her and be slightly disappointed

7:47 PM

An unexpected 50K transfer from UNW cheers her up, though.

7:48 PM

She begins making some plans to start a small business, and the preparations she needs to make to begin researching the massive amount of material she has already obtained from Herb, Melora, and the survey mission.

7:49 PM

(She took samples from all of the material collected by the sub)

7:51 PM

She also looks for where she can get business cards printed. (Goals have been added) (edited)

"Lash, thank you so much for your help on this mission. I look forward to working with you more in the future. Maybe I'll see you at Harvest Spirits tonight?"

8:05 PM

(I'm going to take care of basic market purchases now)

8:12 PM

Having sorted that out, she heads to Harvest Spirits to buy everyone a round or two.

Laser rifle->Mag rifle+5 cells 250
Primitive->Monoblade machete 60
5 grenades 125
Climbing harness, grapnel launcher, 250
Lazarus patchx10 300
Medkit 100

8:24 PM

(Also unload samples in cryostorage at Central before hitting the bar)

Woah I feel like I’ve shifted realities or something. Oh well

Jumps up "Hi, I'm Dr. Camellia Thorn."

8:29 PM

extends her hand with a smile

I shake your hand. “You’re the one I’m looking for then! Name’s Hailey”

"Here, let's grab some drinks. Baron, two rounds are on me tonight."

Ibrahim will step through the front doors with a more casual swag to him.

"Let's grab a table."

“So you’re he one that launched that ‘world union’ or something right?”

8:33 PM

I follow you to the table

"Waiter, whiskey on the rocks for me please!"

(Oh this is fun what would my character order)

(I'd say a martini with a twist)

Ibrahim will look over to the one who called out to the staff, and calmly walk over. Bowing to them. "Evening."

(Mmm not quite)

"They have it all here. I've heard the etherfruit makes a great brew."

"Excuse me, ladies."

(Yeah ok I like yours)

"Hello there"

“Martini with a twist please”

8:37 PM

“Well hello there”

He bows once more, "I am Judge Ibrahim Majeed al-Mansoor."

8:38 PM

"But you may call me Ibrahim."

"An honor to meet you, Judge Ibrahim. Would you like to join us? Drinks are on me tonight."

“ gesundheit”

1

"If it means staving off the constant headache of work, then sure. I'll take a seat." He sits down at the table.

“Yeah take a seat. Nice to meet ya. I’m Hailey”

"I had the pleasure to watch the conclusion of your latest trial. Quite the proceeding. "

He sighs softly. "Yes."

8:40 PM

"It was quite a headache."

8:40 PM

"One of our own, more notable citizens."

8:41 PM

"Acting without a leash."

"Who was Malak to the colony?"

"He was a corporate CEO who provided some notable products to the colony."

I nod along as if I know what you’re talking about.

"He had not only committed a war crime, but he did business with an enemy of the state. With the knowledge that such actions could result in him serving jail time. Not to mention he set fire to several acres of forest without a permit, and did so indiscriminately." (edited)

8:43 PM

"Such a rabid dog." (edited)

8:43 PM

He sighs as he holds up a finger, "A Cold-Brew Black Star please!"

"I'll admit, I am pleased to hear that laws protecting our environment are being enforced."

"It is in my job description after all."

Tell them to shut up cuz they’re dorks No I’m not gonna say that You know you want to shut up go away (edited)

"And Hailey, what is your job description?"

“Um ya know that’s an interesting question. I’m....self employed. I specialize in.....the relocation of goods and resale”

(Oh this is great lol)

(Proud of that)

"Hmmm interesting. What have you been working towards today?"

He raises a brow.

“It’s a ruthless industry”

He narrows his eyes at Hailey. "Ruthless you say?"

“Aggressive negotiations”

(Drinks arrive)

8:50 PM

Dr. Thorn looks at Ibrahim's. "What is that, exactly?

He takes his drink, and sips it quietly examining the woman.

“HOW boUt ThESe drInks”

"Oh this."

8:51 PM

He glances to Hailey.

“Yeah tell us about that”

Nekosmash 1/12/2019 8:51 PM

“Oh me”

(We'll resolve everything on that pinned message when this is over)

“Oh boy. Well I’m somewhat of a freelance type. Doing odd jobs here and there” sips drink

(Perfect thanks Neko)

8:53 PM

"Hmm well what were you working on today for example?" (edited)

He smirks as he listens, sipping the cup.

“Oh! That I’ll talk about. So I got this message on the missions board and it was like ‘hey we got this wolf problem come help us out’ so I was like ‘yeah man sure be there soon’ so I went to this ming camp joint and then squaded up with some lads and went to the place where these wolf things were and he told me that the wolf beetle dudes were causing problems so we had to take care of it so it was all like ‘oh there they are’ and baddabingbaddaboom couple shots are fired and it’s BAM, problem solved”

8:57 PM

“Also I almost died when one surprise attacked me”

"Was that the tungsten mine, up north past the mountains? I passed through there a few days ago, we must have just missed each other."

8:59 PM

"That fish stew was nearly tasteless. Did you try it? At least they had plenty of coffee."

8:59 PM

"Did you talk to any of the miners?"

“Wow really. Huh must have”

(peppering you with questions lol)

“And I did not try either”

9:00 PM

“And I mean yeah I guess I did”

9:00 PM

“Why?”

"Well, did any of them talk about the food? I've been thinking about developing some spices to send up there."

“Oh that’s a good idea! Unfortunately no I didn’t, but I definitely have some connections there now and could help you out with that”

9:03 PM

I feel like a finger guns is appropriate here so, finger guns

His eyes wander the bar before trailing back to the two women.

“Eyes up here Ibrahim”

"Baron, let's have that second round." (edited)

“Spectacular idea”

"Heh, I'm a thirty-one year old man. I'm allowed to let my eyes wander the architecture of this place."

"So, Your Honor, what do you do when you're not busy with a case?"

I wink at Ibrahim to let him know I’m kidding

"I am the Mayor of Dahab, so when I'm not bombarded with cases on the docket, I'm usually at Dahab overseeing growth there. And while I'm not doing that, I'm overseeing intelligence operations. I have an intelligence agency to manage after all."

Ah, just on the other side of the lake. I've yet to visit there myself."

“Wow impressive Mr Mayor”

9:07 PM

“Same here”

"Now, I have an important question for both of you, which I would like you to consider carefully."

His eyes narrow slightly.

“Roll for shoot”

"What is it Dr. Thorn?"

Dr. Thorn leans over the table conspiratorially.

i lean as well

"Have either of you seen"

9:09 PM

"any chocolate? Anywhere?"

drumrolls on table

9:10 PM

“No”

9:10 PM

“Never even tasted it actually”

9:10 PM

“Not exactly ‘liquid’ enough for luxuries right now”

9:10 PM

“Or ever”

He sighs with a exasperated smile, leaning back in his chair.

“Though we did just get that massive transaction”

"Ibrahim?"

9:11 PM

"Surely with your network-"

He holds up a hand.

9:11 PM

"Say no more."

I high five your hand

He blinks at Hailey before turning back to Thorn, putting down his hand.

“Sorry”

"You were saying?"

"It's possible to get some 'chocoloate'. However it isn't that easy considering how rare of a luxury that kind of product is on the market. I'd imagine Franz or even the Madam President may have a small stock hidden away some where for nobility of both social and economic status to feast upon. Nevertheless, I'd have to speak with the administration or perhaps the Quarter Master over whether we have something of that caliber in stock currently."

"Damn! All I have left is these old wrappers." pulling out a handful of colorful candy bar wrappers from her pocket before shoving them back in

9:15 PM

"Wow, those are still sticky."

“Yeah might wanna toss those.” I say a little repulsed

"Ms. Hailey." (edited)

“Mhm?”

Dr. Thorn looks at her hands, pondering something

"Are you currently looking for work?"

“Why? You got a proposition because yes I need a job plz”

"HOLY-" Dr. Thorn suddenly stands up, eyes wide

I see Thorn looking at her hands “WHAT?”

He smiles, chuckling a bit before looking over at Thorn.

“Again-WHAT?”

Dr. Thorn pulls sterile gloves out of her bag

9:18 PM

She extracts all of the candy wrappers from her pocket and seals them in a sample vial. "Ibrahim, you've just given me the most insane idea."

He sighs.

9:18 PM

"And what might that be?" (edited)

“OOOOohhohohoho I like the sound of that”

"What you said about getting chocolate, maybe... yes, maybe we can get chocolate!" Her eyes are sparkling

“Hey Doc, still lost”

"Doctor Thorn."

"These wrappers are enough for me to do an initial viability test."

9:21 PM

"If you can get me a sample of chocolate, I should be able to extract cocoa DNA."

9:22 PM

"Once I have a mass of genetic material, yes, didn't this colony bring back cows? With the same process..."

There they go again with fancy language ’I said go away’ (edited)

"Are you suggesting that you are going to clone cocoa beans?"

"Yes, with Herb's climate control cylinders we could grow trees, and Gudrun grows everything faster than normal."

I’ve been here forever I’m not going anywhere ’Then just shut up. Damn you’re more annoying than I am’ (edited)

He sighs.

9:23 PM

"This is hair-brain at best Doctor Thorn."

"Along with milk from the cows and a sweetener, we have it. Ibrahim, can I file a patent on cocoa production or something?"

“Yeah what he said”

"It is certainly possible to file a patent under the Corporations and Communication's Board, but patents like this must be proven successful for the board to consider placing a trademark on it." (edited)

(Playing a character with multiple personality is fun lol)

(I love that)

9:26 PM

"So Ibrahim, do think you're up to the challenge?"

“I can help too, with something if you need. Science isn’t exactly in my skill roster though”

"If it means creating a chocolate-based business chain, I guess I'm up to the challenge."

"Well, Hailey, I actually have a perfect opportunity for you."

“Awesome!”

"Ibrahim, I look forward to working with you. My plans are no smaller than large-scale, sector-wide manufacture, distribution and sale. Let's discuss this further once you've obtained the sample! Oh I can't wait."

He sips his drink quietly in contemplation.

"Hailey, I'm planning an expedition to the swamps south of here, but I'm severely undergunned."

"You won't get very far."

“Say no more. If anything I’m overgunned”

"Ibrahim, can you provide any intel on the swamps? I heard there are several large cargo trucks, with unopened packages."

(This reminds be I need to shop for new gear with the check)

"Sounds like a treasure trove to me."

"The swamps? No. I don't believe my expedition came across any kind of swamp. However, we did come across a radioactive dinosaur."

9:31 PM

"It did quite a number to us."

9:31 PM

"We were forced to end the expedition."

"So an expedition to secure the cargo has already been attempted, and failed?"

9:32 PM

sips drink

"That I do not know."

9:32 PM

"I was merely trying to get as far south as possible and came across hostile wild-life."

9:33 PM

"Unfortunately, I didn't get much further than Rebirth." (edited)

"The swamps I'm looking at are west of Rebirth, you might have passed through the plains instead."

He nods, "I remember plains specifically."

Thorn draws the map on a napkin

Drinks

He watches.

Also draws on napkin

9:36 PM

Different napkin though

(Incoming)

9:37 PM

He looks at it, confused.

"Here I'll circle the swamps. X marks the spot."

9:38 PM

"Right~"

9:38 PM

"And you plan to go out there?"

9:38 PM

"What for?"

"There's Central and Rebirth, and the mountains on the other side."

I stop drawing on my napkin and pay attention

(NICE)

A young reddish haired man comes in the bar, exhausted looking with a rifle slung over his shoulder. He leans on his staff a bit as he orders a bottle of whiskey and a glass and begins zoning out into a spreadsheets on his compad.

(Ty)

"Well, I heard that a whole bunch of vehicles are out there, free for the taking, and full of unopened storage containers. Who knows what might be in those?"

"I'll have to accompany this expedition for legal reasons of course."

"Given that they took a caravan through a swamp, I doubt it's simply neckties and donuts, if you know what I mean."

9:42 PM

@Paxcyan Wilder (Billy) The Baron tells you, "Your drink is free tonight." nodding over at Dr. Thorn's table (edited)

He sighs. "Like I said, I"m going to have to supervisor you on this one."

“That does sound shady, though I wouldn’t exactly complain about donuts. Im kind of questioning whether or not they’re unguarded though”

"Of course, I'd be glad to have you along. Though-" looking at his nice clothes "The swamps are not likely to be very friendly to your shoes. I don't mean to doubt your abilities, but this may be a very dangerous mission, and you are an important figure to our government. Do you plan to accompany us personally?"

"I've been shot at in these," he gestures to himself, "Besides I wouldn't wander the swamplands in these. I have other clothes for that."

"An assassination attempt? Please tell me that story."

“Pretty boy not so popular with some groups huh? Well again not to question you or anything, but being shot at and surviving, is very different from pulling your own weight, possibly with a weapon, on a risky mission like this)

"Hailey."

"I had to kill."

"This gentleman has been here for a considerable amount of time. I would not be so hasty as to assume he has avoided any sort of danger." (edited)

"I've taken on danger head-on, with a combat rifle in my hand."

“We’ve all had to kill. Well most of us that have gone out into the world. There are too many dangers out here to avoid it in most cases. The ill vouch for the judge. I’ve heard stories. -mind if I join you? I appreciate the drink by the way. After the day I’ve had.

“Oh shush I didn’t doubt him anymore than you did Ms IJudgePeopleBasedOnTheirClothes”

"Alright then. I have an appointment with Dr. Siegfried and some research to kickstart, but we can leave at any time."

“Well hello there” I say to the newcomer. I look to Thorn before inviting him to join

"Billy Riger. I've heard stories of your heroism." (edited)

"Hello! Have a seat! I'm Dr. Thorn."

"Fine work out there."

He smirks. “I’ve gotten lucky. Real lucky. Nice to meet you all. You can call me Billy.”

“Hey!” I hold out a hand “I’m Hailey and ...lemme guess...Billy”

"Now, this looks like a man who would be comfortable even in a swamp. Billy, would you care to join us for the expedition?" (edited)

He rolls his eyes.

“Yeah we’re planning a little road trip and the more the merrier....well...safer actually”

Shriven walks in the door. A 5’10 leather jacket scruffy haired pilot. “Am I to late for drinks?”

"Shriven?"

9:58 PM

"Long time to see pilot man."

“God they do not stop!”

Billy chuckles. “Thanks?” “Well I actually just got my ship out of the yard. I could take you right where you’re headed real quick. I... have some stuff going on. -Shriven! Hello!”

“I mean, ahem, hi I’m Psike”

“Hey judge, how have you been! Gotten nearly killed by T-Rex’s recently?”

"Aha! Likewise."

“Nice to meet you Psike.” Shriven nods at billy.

"Nice to meet you, Shriven. I'm Dr. Thorn- Drinks are on me. Baron? Let's get a new round for these gentlemen."

(Btw this was a great idea thorn.)

(thanks lol i mean I did just hit the 50k jackpot)

(Of course the big wigs come out to play)

(thanks for the idea Thorn, came at a good time with me being elsewhere tonight)

"We were just planning an expedition to the swamps southwest of here. Cargo trucks, repairable and full of unopened containers."

“So now there’s five of us” dont you mean six ’No I don’t you’re not real’ I lean over to Thorn “Might need a bigger table”

“Sorry for interrupting. Shriven finds a seat and flips it around backwards to straddle it.

(no problem I thought it would squeeze right in)

10:01 PM

"So Shriven, what part do you play around here?"

He gives Shriven a pat on the shoulder, "Good to see you're not shot out of the sky."

(Shriven with that serious teacher sit)

“I’m the owner of Ad Asta and apparently just founded a new city. Needed more space for my R&D and factories. I am usually offworld but need to spend some time getting everything set up here.”

10:03 PM

“I’m a trader generally when people don’t need to be shot at.”

“And I’m an engineer generally when people don’t need to be shot at. Haha”

"So who wants to hear how we greened up Greenbriar today?"

“Ah I’m a trader too” I flash a knowing wink at Sheiven

“Lay it on me. Again thanks for the drinks.” Shriven downs a grizzly beer.

“And a shooter at-er even when I’m getting shot at. Haha”

"This is the best fish story I bet you'll ever hear."

“Let’s hear it Doc”

"I was looking for a mission that could net me some botanical samples while helping the colony out, and took that ocean survey mission for the new heavy mining ship."

10:07 PM

"Took the train up, and met this nice young man, name of Lash. He's a researcher here as well but he's mostly been indoors until now"

10:09 PM

"We launched a sub from Port Nieu Rotterdam or whatever it's called. Boring old captain, turns out he and the crew are all Red Sangha, literally no expressions whatsoever."

10:10 PM

"Anyway, we dive, get some samples, dodge an Angler the size of our sub, and he charges us, right?"

Shriven leans in intrigued.

“Ok” I say interested between drinks

"So I tell the captain, 'Hit it with the floodlights!' You should have seen it swimming in circles!"

He sips his drink, partially interested.

"We found some vents, had a lovely near-death experience, psychic stuff, you know. Run of the mill"

10:12 PM

"This captain, right, nearly pilots us right into a damned underwater volcano."

“Oh fun”

“I didn’t know we had those here.”

"Sounds like an illegal action." He says inbetween sips.

"We spent the night under the stars, all is calm, all is bright, right?"

Shriven chuckles at the joke

"Well the next morning we aren't underwater for twenty minutes before this HUGE shadow hits us. And the lights flicker, on off, on off. Creepy shit."

Im leaned in deeply drawn into the story, whilst sipping my drink

"Now, I thought maybe Captain Crunch was pulling something on us, see, he had told us this story about, um, this guy Malak."

He tenses up.

she glances at Ibrahim

Shriven tenses as well.

His eyes narrow slightly.

“Captain Crunch haha”

"It was just a rumor. Apparently Malak and Captain Marvel met in some bar, and Malak told him all about this Leviathan thing."

10:17 PM

(pic on roll20)

10:17 PM

"He says, it's as big as a train, shoots lightning out of its skin, or some hogwash right?"

I laugh again at the old world mythology joke

Shriven relaxes

10:18 PM

Then takes a other sip

He shakes his head, relaxing.

“Wait”

He looks at Billy.

^^^^(same)

"What is it Riger?"

“After today I’m not so inclined on not believing old wives tales...”

"Well, here we are, and new buddy Lash on the scans is like, "Something huge is right there."

"Wait Dr. Thorn."

10:20 PM

"What do you mean Riger?"

"I yell at Captain Cook at the controls to power down the ship, "POWER DOWN THE F*ING SHIP" and this thing is just circling us, waiting. We're stuck. Under this freaking electrical snake skyscraper."

“Desmond and I just fought a gigantic shadow on the cultist ship... some alien parasite that manipulated some sort of dark energy.... it’s just eerie is all. But this sounds like something different.”

"We'll need to talk about your encounter later."

“Count me in on that conversation.”

10:22 PM

“Sorry thorn, continue.” (edited)

“Excuse me the nice lady would like to finish her incredible story”

“Triggered that it made it on planet somehow. Sorry for the interruption, Dr. please continue.”

(We don’t get together much so lots of stories to swap.)

"Well, I looked for something to target with the torpedoes, other than the tadpole, and aimed one through the coils of the critter at this massive cliff behind it."

“Smart. I like it.”

"I launch this torpedo, "Torpedo away!" naval jargon etc., it flies right through the coils of the slinky boy and instead of a distraction, drops the cliff right on his head!"

(Yeah this is fun, swapping stories)

“Well planned.”

“We May make a captain of you yet dr Thorn.

He shakes his head with a small smile.

"So this beastie is writhing like a worm on a griddle, nowhere close to death, sparks flying everywhere. It makes this ridiculous scream, we're shooting for the surface, and I'm loading and firing torpedo tubes as fast as I can."

“But did you get any samples of the creature. Are there more?”

"Oh just wait"

Shriven chokes a little on his beer at that.

“Oh!” Billy sits back. (edited)

He leans back, slightly amused.

The second shot, hits. Drills it right in the gut. Third shot basically takes the head right off the body. I'm telling you. It's going to be a mess for whoever goes back to get it."

“Is that going to be you?” Shriven grins.

“Niiiiiiiice!”

“Definitely sounds up your alley! Good job!”

"You see, as soon as we killed this thing, it unleashes this 300 meter electrical explosion. The shockwave cracks our hull, but we're already at the surface!"

"Hmph. Good work."

“Shit. Cracked hull is no good.”

"We've got a marker buoy anchored to the head, so all those geothermal hotspots, rich seafloor deposits, and the balloon-animal corpse are ripe for the picking."

“That’s some serious energy to crack a ship hull.”

"Shriven. Sounds like you could need some of that resource for you corporation no?"

“We all could.”

"Heh, indeed."

“The lab at central could probably use it. We haven’t finished building out a remote lab yet.”

"Fair enough. It's been sometime. Hard to believe that you own your own corporation."

“But the Doctor here, yeah I could.”

"The harbormaster said she doubts you'll ever want for ore again." "I think it's a decent haul, but, at the rate we're expanding, a single seafloor can only last us so long"

"Of course."

10:34 PM

"Dahab has become a minor production centre for Gold."

“I’m already set to mine asteroids in the next few months

“That’s what asteroids are for right?”

10:34 PM

Shriven laughs as he and billy say the same thing

“Jinx. Next rounds on you.”

"Next round is on me boys."

"I've been wanting to ask you about that, Billy"

Billy winks.

10:35 PM

“Which?”

“Roger That, baron bring over that ‘49 blanc you have stored in the back.”

“Ay thanks Ibrahim”

"And bring another round of Black Star."

10:35 PM

"It's the least I can do. As I'm useless n all," he gives a wink.

"Have you considered the wicked amounts of silica in those asteroids? Usually it's discarded as waste material but-"

“So who’s next? Billy, judge?”

I’m a little embarrassed and laugh

"I'll tell a story if you folks do not mind."

“You just bought the next round so you can tell any story you want”

(Billy and I keep talking off to the side)

(Take it to Billy’s channel if you don’t mind

10:37 PM

Just for the sec.)

(good call)

(Then remerge)

He laughs with a bit more heart.

10:38 PM

"If you wish."

10:38 PM

"I'll speak of the time the Bladonnan Ministers were out for my head."

10:39 PM

"While in Bladona on a routine diplomatic mission, I had learn that the ministers there were against the Unity Treaty as well as making back door dealings that were behind their head leadership's back."

10:39 PM

"I had attempted to bring forth this corruption, but only ended up angering our opposition."

10:40 PM

"I suspected that they'd come for my head, but what I didn't expect was for speedy response." (edited)

Shriven nods

"Within ten minutes of the confrontation, there was machine gunmen laying waste to the lounge area I was in. I and the sergeant for the security detail hit the ground as the shots rang out in the room; tearing up furniture and walls."

10:41 PM

"The bullets had so much penetrating power that it had laid waste to nearly two men in the hallway at the time."

10:41 PM

"One man died, the other was critically injured."

10:42 PM

"So, to keep the gunmen from murdering more of my security detail, I used binoculars to spot him."

10:42 PM

"When I did, I reached out using the metadimensional forces at play in our universe and struck him with a telepathic assault; knocking him out." (edited)

“Nice”

He nods. "I order some of my detail to secure the gunmen while the rest of us made our get away."

10:43 PM

"As we made it down to the bottom floor, we saw we had caused quite a commotion." (edited)

“You need security bots, my friend.”

"Oh hush."

“Or at least a team of marines or ten.”

"Either way," he interjects.

10:45 PM

"We made to the front, but heard in armed carrier coming our way from the front."

10:45 PM

"So we head through the back. Saw two Tarosian guards."

10:45 PM

"I aimed and fired, killing one and the rest of detail picked the other off. " (edited)

10:46 PM

"We scrambled to a pick up and clambered inside; barreling down towards the team that secured the gunmen."

10:46 PM

"Picked them up and headed to the extraction zone."

10:47 PM

"However it didn't end there."

“Hell of a firefight and scramble there. Good thing the Taros are our friends now, eh?

"Not quite."

10:48 PM

"There are still detractors among them."

“Yeah I would say, otherwise there may have been an extradition request.” Shriven chuckles.

He rolls his eyes.

Shriven laughs harder

"Anyway, as we were making our getaway two armored black trucks roll up behind us."

10:49 PM

"I scream, 'We got company boys!', as I open up fire on these two armored black trucks."

10:50 PM

"A firefight slash car-chase ensues."

10:50 PM

"I was lucky enough to spot them coming up on us from behind, otherwise we would've been in dire straits."

10:50 PM

"Besides the point."

10:51 PM

"The fire fight slash car-chase ensues, and one of our gets killed during. But we're to take down the armored trucks by hitting its drivers."

10:51 PM

"After that, we made it to the lander and exfil-ed shortly after.

10:51 PM

"And that's how I avoided an assassination with my own grit and incapability in combat."

“Glad you made it out safe.” (That sounds a lot like what Charles is dealing with right now or he would probably be here with us...)

"Indeed."

10:53 PM

"Sounds like they're having quite the conversation."

“This was before the vote right?”

10:53 PM

(Times fluid right now I think.)

"After."

10:54 PM

(I'd imagine they'd completely forgotten about his story in favor of astrophysics)

“Really? That strong of descenting force?”

"Indeed, they argued that it was a threat to their power and stability."

(After, you guys didnt meet 4/7 of their cities until right before the votes, and didnt interact with them util after)

(I've been on the homefront making bounds)

(Yeah I knew that but shriven didn’t...)

10:56 PM

“Has anyone gone to help deal with these voices?”

10:57 PM

“Or DEAL with them?”

"The Central Intelligence Service, the one I am the Director of, has been dealing with these detractors."

“I’m glad you survived. You played an important role with our relations to the Taros.”

"Indeed, but there's much work to be done with them if we're to achieve true unity."

“How is Carinhold doing in this?”

"Carinhold? Hm."

(Dramatic pause or not sure?)

(Not sure.)

1

“Well I just thought I would ask, where have you been seeing the most opposition?”

"So far, it's been Bladona."

“Well I’m looking for people to come settle in Prime. So I’m going to be touring all the cities and hopefully get a good rail system up for them.” (edited)

11:05 PM

“Did I ever tell you the time I took down a airbases carrier?”

“You did not”

“Well we were on our way to investigate this remnant holding but had a full task force behind us of locals when this huge ship that started spitting out fighters came in to view.”

11:08 PM

“There were only 4 of us in the squadron of fighters and we were up against at least 15 fighters. They kept shooting missiles at me and so I gathered 3 of them up and ran them down the throat of the carrier, pushing it out of the sky’s in the process.”

(Sorry Ibrahim. We got distracted.)

(I'll say, XD)

(since its going on elsewhere lets get the doctor her channel back, would a separate like bar channel be useful?)

(Probably.)

(I think that’s a good idea. It seems to be where people meet up and all)

(Sure.)

under general channels

(you guys rock)

(I PM'd you about research, rest we can do here. The psi academy has a faction channel, you can post that you're looking for help there, in game, it would be like you saw a hotline number somewhere, and either Melora, Kaleb, or one of the others with metapsi can assist you. As far as business cards, and the other goals, we can RP that out)

Exhausted from the long day, Dr. Camellia Thorn crashes on the couch, waking up the next morning with a gnarly hangover.

12:01 AM

She takes an extra-long hot shower and dunks her head in cold water before getting ready for a full day of getting stuff done.

12:03 AM

Taking a look around her apartment, she notices the empty planter. She has a lot of errands to run, and she starts by looking for a printer offering business cards. (edited)

12:08 AM

(She also bites the bullet and messages the psionics academy- just posted in that chat) (edited)

Incoming Messgae from Hailey

What are your thoughts about that swamp recon mission? I’m ready to start prep and move out whenever. Also seems like plenty of people who’d be down to join that squad. I don’t have much preference on who comes who doesn’t.  Just looking forward to working with ya Doc

Reply from Hailey

lol you read my mind. Gonna check out some weapons shops in town and look for something awesome. Looking forward to it. Talk to you soon

(Made a mission channel for the swamp)

(Goals are organized, new goals have been added)

9:10 AM

(Wow, our roll20 map looks so much cleaner now)

9:10 AM

(Ready to get those business cards)

(Thanks for the help. I’ll check the goals when I’m done choring)

Dr. Thorn looks for a printing company on her compad, with plans depending on whether or not a custom print company exists

The print shop is attached to the printing office of colonial news now, and does accept custom work

"Here's the card design I drew up on the train, I'd like it printed in Piggen, without the image, on the reverse." (We'll pretend contact info is on it, but otherwise here's the design:)

10:04 AM

"How much for 1,000 of these?"

“250 credits for the translation service”

"And for the printing?"

“Included. I can have these to you by tonight”

"Perfect, thank you so much!"

10:30 AM

Next stop is the lab

10:30 AM

Dr. Thorn is eager to start her pet project

10:31 AM

"Good morning, Mimir!"

10:32 AM

She starts setting up beakers, checking labels, and turning on equipment. "How are you doing today?"

“Well Doctor. I’m never anything but” it says with a hint of levity

She takes the chocolate wrappers in their sample vial from the cryostorage cooler. "Never anything but what now?"

10:35 AM

She starts some coffee brewing. Under a fume hood she tweezers the wrappers into a beaker and swirls them with a liquid to separate the chocolate residue.

10:38 AM

She puts the brown goop, less than a gram, through chemical processes and places the result in the PCR machine. "This will take some time, but hopefully the amplification process will give us a nice wad of cocoa DNA strands." (That's the desired result at the end of the month)

10:38 AM

(What am I rolling for this?)

10:39 AM

(Or do I wait for the end?)

(Okay so this is a project you’re proposing to try to re create the cocoa bean?)

(Yes, i read some IRL papers that said it was difficult but possible, even soy DNA if soy lecithin is used but we'll stick with cocoa) (edited)

10:42 AM

(The plan is to attempt to use biopsionics to grow cells from the genetic material, grow them in tissue culture, and have a climate controlled system once the plants are big enough)

(Mechanics wise this is a project then. Won’t take a ton of rp to do. So this experiment will be adding some new rp to the pool. Let me copy from Billy’s channel because I just typed it out for him too

10:44 AM

(Its routine, expermental, dangerous, with Dc of 9/10/12. It costs nothing or 200 or 400 credits x character level for routine/experimental/dangerous. It's a know/int check)

(It has to be experimental whereas splicing a normal gene in a normal plant would be routine)

10:47 AM

(I'll roll once I hit the showers)

10:50 AM

(Dangerous I'd say anything involving bioweapons or risky business with the viral plant Melora found)

(You decide the tier of research you want to do I just copied the book names)

(Do the credits lower the difficulty? If not I'd argue it's free since she has everything she needs)

No that’s what it costs in materials do to the experiment

10:52 AM

I’m taking everything right out of the book

(Oh sorry you meant routine was free got it)

(Yeah)

10:53 AM

(Routine is free but also generates the least and has the easiest check)

(1k)

10:59 AM

(here goes)

11:00 AM

((10))

(Pass!)

11:09 AM

(So it’s 8 points)

11:10 AM

(Lvl 4 still right?)

(To Central)

11:11 AM

(I hit 5 with the survey mission)

11:11 AM

(So 10?)

So 10)

(cool)

11:11 AM

(Yeah looks like I made the right focus choice)

11:12 AM

A thick mass of white strands fill a sturdy vial. Her bioscanner shows Theobroma cacao, 100%

11:13 AM

She packs it in ice and heads for Dr. Siegfried's workplace next.

(It’s not going to finish as a result of you doing this. Just wanted to clarify. It’s going to be one of those projects that gets contributed to before it ends, like the other ones) (edited)

(Oh so it finishes at the end of the month? I'll edit)

(This is going to end up being a new trade good and not necessarily end of the month. Depends how much rp comes in)

(Ohhh you mean it's a Central Lab project and will get research points added if others contribute)

(Yeah )

11:15 AM

(This will be a new trade good when it’s done)

11:15 AM

(Close to 10,000 a ton which is very expensive)

(Ok that wasn't clear, I thought it was a personal project that I could benefit from, but I'm still happy with the results and will still head to Dr. Siegfried's for my eye appointment) (edited)

(It’ll make more sense once we get enough rp to complete something)

11:19 AM

Dr Siegfried doesn’t keep you waiting and you’re ushered into the back office right away

(All of the former systems are on my character sheet, bottom right side notes)

11:30 AM

(I want to emphasize that by no means do I want all of these systems to be instantly repaired for free with no drawbacks or anything lol, that would be unbalanced and less fun to rp) (edited)

11:31 AM

(baby steps)

(this is going to be a lot more than 1 strain too)

11:48 AM

(this covers like 5 other different kinds of cyberware)

(yes perfectly cool)

11:49 AM

(however you want to do it)

11:50 AM

"I changed my mind. Sorry for being so stubborn earlier, it's just that I sold an entire ship for this eye, and... it holds a significant personal value to me, even if most of the systems are busted now." (edited)

"I can understand that. This colony was founded on loss, so whenever you get a chance to hang on to a piece of the past, you throw yourself into it. Once I figured out that was the reason during our first consuiltation, I stopped pushing"

"Well, I'm here for the repair you mentioned. What can you do for me?" (edited)

"The only thing I'd be able to do is regrow an organic eye in its place. I'm a bioscopic, but I can write you a referral to a Taros expert I know. He fixed madam president's cybernetic arm, and if he sees it's coming from me, he'll be able to get you an appointment almost right away"

"Oh, that's too bad... Really? Is he on-planet?"

"He is indeed. His practice is actually in this hospital, We can go down to his floor together if you wish. An in person referral might have a bit more gravitas behind it"

12:26 PM

He pauses for a moment. "You're MES sensitive. Aren't you?"

12:26 PM

(he has metapsionics)

"Well, as a matter of fact, yes. I don't know how it happened, but while I was in a submarine yesterday I saw something that was about to happen."

12:31 PM

"And- It really hurt. I tried to contact the psionic academy for help, but never got a reply."

"Kaleb and Melora are both off-world right now, but they're due back soon. There is someone there, a woman named Doona Ahn , who can at least help get you started, but with so many psychics engaged in matters elsewhere I'm not surprised"

"Alright. I'll stop by after we finish here."

"Alright. Well, my talents are bioscopic arts, regrowing flesh and bone, not so much tinkering. You might be the first case of The Scream giving someone MES, rather than taking it away, or distorting it"

"Really? How strange... I still don't quite understand what has happened to me. Well, thank you for your help. I'll take you up on that referral, but first I wanted to ask you something about biopsionics." (edited)

1:17 PM

"When the colony first started, how did you bring back the cows?"

“We had genetic material aboard the colony ship. Most of it burned up. We only had one small batch left. We programmed what we wanted it to be and I applied by bioscipic abilities to begin the regrowth process

"Incredible! Could this programmable genetic material still exist anywhere?"

“Theres the potential for it. There could be more on planet or scattered across the universe”

"Interesting. What if I could get you some raw genetic material? Could you begin the regrowth process for a plant?"

"I could. You could also try looking for an iron seed, which does the same, without needing a bioscopic like me to get involved. Herb has programmed a few of them, though we'd need to find more out there somewhere"

2:22 PM

(they're like tL5 or better)

"Ah, I've heard of these iron seeds. Once programmed, they can grow just about anything to complete maturity?"

2:25 PM

"Since I have the genetic material for one of my projects, I would love your help bioscopically resurrecting it once it's ready."

2:25 PM

"But I'll have to keep an eye out for these iron seeds. I can already imagine the potential for new crops and products!"

2:27 PM

Thanking the doctor for his time, Camellia will allow him to escort her downstairs to the cybernetics expert.

2:34 PM

(Most interested in getting the Ghosttalker upgrade)

Dr Videra is pale, thin, knife eared, and quite tall, he's almost a full foot taller when standing. His voice is gentle and Siegfried introduces him as the foremost expert on cyberetics in the colony

2:36 PM

"This eye of yours is an incredible piece of work. It's going to be a long process for both your mind and body to resume full function. So, baby steps. What are you thinking is the most important?"

"It's nice to meet you, Doctor. The most important functionality I would like restored is the integral compad with audiovisual transmission. I'd like to be able to record, send and receive messages and images without having to dig out my slab."

"Alright. Ah yes, I can see the linkage here has been fried." He has a long, snake like insturment that follows the mess of wires and microchips.

2:52 PM

"I can restore that function if you dont mind sitting here for an hour or so"

"Careful"

2:53 PM

"Um... Okay. As a matter of fact I would feel more comfortable watching the process."

"That's why I need you in here for an hour. It's going in your body, so I want you to be able to see what's being done"

Dr. Thorn visibly relaxes. "Thank you." (edited)

2:59 PM

"Are you able to talk while you work, or would you prefer to focus?"

" I can talk" he says pleasantly He gently uncouples it from its housing, and begins working on the controls for it, being deliberate, and careful to explain exactly what he is doing, and why. The hour goes by quickly, and you hear a hiss of static and then a click as the compad function is restored

3:01 PM

(did you choose this one out of the polychome book?)

3:02 PM

(Because if you didn't there's an actual piece of cyberware that does this, it doesn't cost any strain but I can give you the specs)

(Sure I'll see the specs)

Integral Commlink: A more limited version of a standard ghost talker transceiver, integral commlinks are meant to operate within a planet or ship’s ordinary communications grid. They do not function in the absence of such a grid unless the user is plugged into a supplementary transmission device such as a comm server. So long as the grid is available, however, the user can place and receive calls and audiovisual recordings. Activation is through subvocalized commands.

3:05 PM

(i can post the book if you're interested)

(I have it)

(it has 0 strain,w hich is the only thing i was trying to keep track of. Looks square to me!)

(Ok i thought that's what you meant, let's do it!)

The function is restored, and the eye gently plugs back into the socket.

3:07 PM

The doctor looks quite tired, his mind working overtime during the procedure, but his bedside manner was impeccable, not slipping once

Dr. Thorn takes a picture and can't hold back a smile, she is sincerely happy. (edited)

3:09 PM

"Thank you so much for this, Doctor Videra. What do I owe you?"

"Not a thing, just come back from your adventure alive so I can keep working. you're my patient now, and it's my goal as a doctor to make you comfortable, and restore your quality of life"

"Dr. Videra, I'll remember this. Thank you so much for your kindness and, wow, really fine work."

3:15 PM

"I think it's even more comfortable than it used to be"

"I'm pleased to hear you say that" he pulls a small pocket watch out of a lab jacket pocket "Oh my, I'm only going to be at clinic a few minutes early. Well I hate to tinker and run, but I must be off. Please call if something comes up"

3:18 PM

(we can move into the mission now, we had two things going at once)

(Yep)

(After this fight am I OK to clear my goals to 1. meet Siegfried to learn about biopsionics, plant regeneration, and the psychic academy and 2. fix additional systems of bionic eye?) (6xp)

(I was reading fix additional systems as getting all of it restored, was that not what ytou had in mind)

(Ok I'll change it to reflect that and keep it up)

What kind of terms were you thinking?

As Ad Astra is an excellent potential investor, and you seem an honorable man, I'll be perfectly straightforward. My company will be bringing a new trade good to Gudrun, something every human wants and no one in the sector has. This business has the potential to spread to other stars, and I believe the production discounts alone will bring Ad Astra more than the 1 million you're offering me on a *loan*. 5% of that potential for no long-term cost to you? If we can't reach an alternate agreement,  I would feel uncomfortable with our deal

Maybe I’m just not following. You don’t want the ship, just the 6 month loan for the 5% of your profits?

I currently have sole control of the genetic material to produce this new luxury trade good, and have an innovative outlook to market it as well. I don't want the ship now that the new hull is available, I won't need the loan and I can't give you 5% profits as it would slow me down too much- and could cause a conflict of interest down the road. In that sense, our drunken arrangement was a lose-lose for both of us. What I do want is a merchant freighter with that new hull and the right fittings. Here's a new deal. In exchange for this ship, which I believe you have the means to construct, would you accept a controlling stake in the company ? I'm offering 50% of my production center once it's established. No upkeep to pay, half of the surplus trade goods are yours to buy, what you do with them is up to you. With your expertise you could flip it for 300-400% profit per ton for yourself. I believe this will be better for both of us, Ad Astra, and the UNW.

(and neko)

Well that sounds interesting, what are the ‘right fittings’ you mention?

You just give me the 1,100,000 and I build the ship. Using whatever I can. In exchange I give you access to 50% of my production of chocolate; in 6 months I can buy you out for 1.5 million or it continues and I retain the right to buy you out from there?

10:15 PM

@Rey (Shriven)

That works for me, I’m going to have Alfred wire the funds to Trivedi Cloud for the ship. Do you know when you will have the factory up?

As soon as my research in Central is done- likely the end of the month- the genetic material will be ready for biopsionic regeneration to form cell mass. The cells will be grown in accelerated tissue culture and the trees transferred to Herb's climate controlled grow silos. It's hard to tell how long the growth acceleration will take, but everything seems to happen faster on Gudrun. The amount of material I have can grow quite a few trees at once, enough for the production center. All of these steps are contained within the research project in Central, which you are free to donate to to speed it up! By the time the crop is ready for harvest, I want the production center up with the conveyors running.

(edited)

@Nekosmash (neko may I rp these research steps as rp comes in like you did with the magic capsule?)

(we can yeah, once we finish the expedition)

(Oo I'm so excited)

Thorn messages Hailey.

5:02 PM

Still a bit worried for her new friend, Cam dives into her research to distract herself.

5:02 PM

First, she looks up the costs for construction of a minor production facility.

(In the holdings section of suns of gold)

CAM! I cannot possibly thank you enough. You saved my live and I owe you, more than you know. And yeah, we make a pretty good team

(I need 2 holding points and 200k to start construction? or finish it? can these materials we got be cost effective for building rather than selling?)

(You have to have the hq first. That gives holding points, and that’s for the whole build, so To start it. And no I don’t want the slippery slope of people using far trade goods to circumvent other things)

(Good thing I asked, I was about to build with building materials like a crazy person)

(It May sound trivial to you but multiply that by twenty and that’s how many conversations I’ll be having about it

Time to start construction on a headquarters. (edited)

5:36 PM

(the 10k one)

5:38 PM

She looks for reputable construction contractors and relevant regulations (help?)

while taking a long hot shower to scrub off the grease, grime, mud and rads.

6:40 PM

(Ready to get some irons in the fire!) (edited)

(Let me get in and I’ll run this. I’ve got a few things to look up)

(niiiiiiiice let me know!)

Dr thorn remembers back to probably the only night she spent in her Hab before today, and how after getting settled some opportunities for her own work were found on the Central colony net. Ads were everywhere looking for skilled help, some from the colony, others for small time jobs from private parties. Maybe the same could be done here

Changing back into the woven armor she finds comfortable, Cam posts a help wanted ad for construction work. Thinking for a minute, she adds another job offer for a skilled receptionist.

Wanna do Harvest tonight? Can invite Judge and the others. I'd say we've got a pretty good story, and would be good to get a crew to go revisit that site, even if it almost killed me. Plus I just wanna hang out and have some fun lol

@Hailey Wouldn't miss it!

7:58 PM

On her way to the lab, she messages Billy.

Reaching Central lab, she holds up the yellowed tusk. "Hey, I have something for you!"

Mimir, the automated system, extends a spider like armature into the room to take the sample. The lab seems empty right now but for the AI

"Oh. Okay." Cam sets the tooth carefully in the arm's grasp. "We had an unfortunate run in with a disgruntled balvarine."

8:13 PM

"What do you make of this?"

"Sample is almost totally intact. I will lock it away for analysis. There may be some use for it"

"Nice on ice. Let me know what you find out."

8:26 PM

"You wouldn't by any chance have a coffeemaker in here?"

The small light under the front desk pulses gently, letting you know there's one around the back

"Can't have a right lab without one of these." Sipping coffee out of a beaker, she holds the sealed vial from the truck up to the light.

8:28 PM

"What do you think this could have been? It was in one of the trucks in the swamp. Livestock?"

A small probe extends from the ceiling and takes the vial. It retracts into the ceiling and you can hear it moving along specialized transfer tubes to a work space. “Livestock material. It’s degraded beyond any kind of usefulness. It needs to be kept chilled”

"I thought as much. The smell of liquified meat is pretty unforgettable."

8:47 PM

"On to the next then. This kelp-" pulling out a bit from the survey "Can you check this for edibility and any useful traits?"

Incoming Message: Billy Rigers. I am good with ship design. I usually charge for that. A percent of the money I save ya. Send over the blueprints or what you have in mind and I’ll see what I can do. Trivedi’s improvements to the Free Merchant Core lets you stretch the power mass ratios much further these days. Research Vessel? Combat necessities? Cargo?  What’s the deal?
I hope I can help!

Dr. Thorn replies to Billy before holding up the kelp with tweezers. "I'd bioscan it myself but you seem to be enjoying this, Mimir."

"It's edible, probably unpleasant for you thought"

9:36 PM

Mimir takes the rest and adds it to a chilled sample case

She gives it a taste. "Blech. I wonder if we could improve this... it would be interesting to research growing crops underwater."

9:38 PM

"Up next we have this lovely fungus from the hull of a ship up north. It doesn't look like your typical algae. Anything interesting?"

"Nothing marking it as notably different from a pest species" Mimir sends a file on the Zebra muscle. There are some differences adapting your specimen for life on this world, and they 'can' be eaten, but the resource is not unique

9:41 PM

(It'll still add some RP, since you had the forethought)

"Hmm. I wonder if this is becoming a problem down there. Remind me to take a look when we return for that sea monster."

9:42 PM

"Alright, nearly out of new things for show and tell. How about these stones, they seem awfully round for a sea floor. Or maybe I just picked some nice ones."

9:43 PM

She pulls out the blue and grey stones

(also from the empty hex)

"They are nice, either way" Mimir says. There is a crunching sound as one of them is broken up, its core analyzed. "Some kind of eroding force was working on these faster than the surrounding rocks. Some kind of freak tide perhaps. It should be flagged for further review"

"Interesting. Let's note that as a hazard, and a potential energy source until we get more information."

9:57 PM

"Okay mimir, we've made a lot of interesting finds today. I have to say this is the one I've been looking forward to the most."

9:59 PM

From the cryo storage, Thorn pulls out a vial with some of the mineral deposits on the vents, remembering the event she experienced just before. "This was from the volcanic vent that nearly peeled our ship open."

10:00 PM

"I'd love to know what's going on biologically, geologically, and chemically here."

"This will take time. More than you'd feel comfortable waiting for an answer. May I message you the results?"

"Absolutely. Mimir, it's been great! Let me know what comes up from this and the tooth, I'm going to head over to Harvest to wash this coffee down with something stronger."

10:09 PM

Before she leaves, Cam finds the packages that have arrived from Herb and Melora waiting in the cryostorage cooler, and separates out the different vials, inventorying what's there. Some herbs from Herb, various native plants, coffee, wheat. She notes one sample with extra seals and several frightening warning labels. "Mimir, what's this?"

(Care to help me out here because I have no idea what you're referring to)

(Melora mentioned something about a viral plant that attacked people or something insane like that)

(I went back to the beginning of the channel and havent seen anything)

10:17 PM

(i found the desalinating one, but nothing else)

(weird, I can't find it either. I remember asking her for samples and she said sure, something about a story she wanted to tell us)

(I didn't see anything in her channel either)

(Of my channel? was there a desalinating plant?)

(That was the only message she sent you)

(let me see)

(I had to go back to almost the very beginning

(I guess you're right, idk where I picked that up)

10:20 PM

(Desalination is still cool though)

10:21 PM

Quote:

msg from Dr. Melora Reydove: Pleasure to have another researcher in the colony. You are welcome to any sample and data collected from Terezhino. The one fern I brought back is very interesting! It desalinates salt water.

1

10:21 PM

I must have misread this one

10:21 PM

I forgot about this though so that's cool

10:22 PM

Can I check Melora and Herb's channels for more info on the plants they've already found and researched?

10:22 PM

Don't really want to redo it all if I don't have to

(The handouts. Anything known about the native life is under the systems> Gudrun finders. There’s handouts for the plants and animals. Nothing is really known about the off world stuff. The handouts for terezinho are another project in the lab. When it’s complete I’ll make them visible)

(Ok perfect)

INCOMING MESSAGE FROM IBRAHIM TO @Solace Sinensis I have arrived in Central, are you free to grab some dinner?

Just finishing up in the lab. What do you have in mind?

(General rule of thumb is if you can see the handout it’s info your character knows or would have access to. It’s totally hidden if it’s not for you. That way there’s no risk of metagaming)

(Love it)

I know a restaurant, it's particularly exquisite.

I didn't know we had another restaurant... I want to be surprised. You know where to find me.

Ibrahim will find her in the Harvest Spirits, wearing some rather neo-royal clothing.

"You know, one of these days there's really going to be another restaurant. Then everyone will be confused."

10:39 PM

"What is that you're wearing?" (Thorn, by the way, is still in her lab coat with her stylish red-and-black woven armor suit over the top)

He chuckles softly, "Ah. This is part of my wardrobe.. I am a public official after all." (edited)

Hailey is sitting by the bar talking to The Baron and doesn’t see either come in

"Indeed. Sorry to drag you out from behind your desk, into the swamp no less."

"It is no issue. I am here aren't I?"

"You certainly seem no worse for wear. That ATV on the other hand took quite the beating."

10:53 PM

"Have you made any progress toward finding your killer?"

"We have him in custody, but we're looking for the one responsible for sending the killer."

"You're making progress then"

"If there's nothing else, we have a dinner to get to." (edited)

"I suppose I owe you that much for the trouble"

I look over my shoulder and jokingly wink at Doc

He pats your shoulder, "Of course."

11:00 PM

(Gunna hop over to my thread, since I'm the one who initiated it.)

11:01 PM

(And I don't want to get in Billy's way.)

(Hi Billy)

(You're good! I'm just explaining/ writing about the ship design process in here so Dr. Thorn and I can determine payment later. I'll be a while before I'm ready to send. Please proceed!)

(I know. Just saying hi)

(Hi hailey sorry thorn completely didn't notice you at the bar lol)

(He was a little preoccupied with the pretty lady)

Incoming Message: Billy Rigers
TL;DR: You have design options.

I'm happy you came to me:  Without additional mods, you wouldn't have had enough power/mass to install a spike 2 drive, let alone a spike 3.  I could have done a drill upgrade to the stock drive to give you spike 2 for just 25k and spend an additional 25k on efficient cargo to give you everything you wanted with spike 2 and 200 tons cargo, for just 1.55mil but, with the planets coming into the fold I assume you will want the spike 3.

So here's my solution:  I specialty fit your multi focal laser to save a massive ammount of power and installed a spike 2 with a drill velocity upgrade.  Normally a specialized fitting and spike 3 upgrade would cost you 250k.  I gave you the equivalent for 150k.  Besides simply meeting all of your needs, here's your first 100k in savings.

Next I was able to cut the costs of your desired mods by half.  That's another 75k in savings.
Next I noticed that a multi focal does not require ammo and removed the compact magazines altogether.

11:46 PM

Next I've included specialized fittings for all of your lab equipment and your spike drive 2 to save you additional power/mass.  These 2 mods, normally, 50k a piece will only cost you 50 for both.  We're up to 250k in savings.
At this point, we are left with 3p/5m. 
 
For a discounted price of 25k, I can convert all of that extra power into +6 mass and give you a whopping 440 tons of cargo space and still have room for another moddification. [Total cost of: 1,782,500]
Or I can Specialty fit another multifocal at a discounted price of 125k as opposed to 150k and include lifeboats for that 25k I saved you for a final product of everything you wanted + a second multi focal + and lifeboats and add 25k on top of that to trade that last p for 2 more mass resulting in a cargo space of 240 tons And on top of that I can still inclue volley capacitors, just in case you run into danger of some sort.  [End cost: 1,932,500 Before paying me.  In mods, I saved you 287,500 credits and 2 hull components.]

My personal favorite iteration of your ship is the final one.  My fee is 150k credits.  If you choose the final option, you may pay me 70 of that now and the other 80 within 1 month from now at no interest.  Otherwise I expect to be paid up front as my fee is within your desired budget.

(edited)

11:50 PM

(Sorry that was really long XP)

(Wow give me two hours to get out of meetings and do smath and I'll get back to you)

(No worries, long day on this end too)

(Oh this is getting technical right quick, think I'm almost ready)

I love the idea of doubling up the multifocals, but for now I want to limit the pretech components I will need to provide to 1 for the Drill Velocity upgrade. Now that I know what you're capable of, I have come up with a new design for you to review, with the addition of fuel scoops in case fuel is not available in a system. Could you check my math on this? 

Specs: Spike-2+1 with Drill Velocity Upgrade
Multifocal x2 (Specialized Fitting x2)
Advanced Lab
Fuel Scoops
Fuel Bunker
Ship Lockers
Survey Sensors
Smuggler's Hold

Drill Velocity Upgrade
Volley Capacitors
Specialized Mountings x2 (Multifocals)
_______________________
Total mod cost: 200,000 
Total ship cost including total mod cost: 1,545,000

With the new hull this results in 1 free power and 4 free Mass for 80 tons of cargo capacity. 


I'm trying to get the design squared away first so I know how much more I will need to get together. I am still a long way from starting construction, but once we finish the details I can pay your final fee immediately.

(edited)

1:35 PM

(You can only do one specalized mounting.)

(Is there a difference between specialized mounting and specialized fitting?

(You can only have one fitting/mounting specialized by the specialized mounting mod it isn’t allowed to be put on multiple times or the entire ship would just have it built in that way.)

(How can Billy offer three or more specialized fittings on the plans above? 'Next I've included specialized fittings for all of your lab equipment and your spike drive 2 to save you additional power/mass. ')

1:42 PM

('Or I can Specialty fit another multifocal')

1:42 PM

(Just trying to get my head around the details)

(Idk but he might have lost count on them. Only 2 mods can be taken multiple times, the one that shifts Power to mass and the one that shifts mass to power.)

(Yeah you're correct; so both of our designs are flawed. I'm going back to the drawing board)

1:45 PM

(Thanks)

(Swap Spec Mounting #2 for Power Trunk Streamlining 1 mass -> 2 Power)

1:56 PM

1:57 PM

(Now has 0 free power and 4 free mass)

(That picture shows 2 free mass and -2 power which will leave you with 1 free mass and 20 tons of cargo room when you move over both of them to cover your power deficit.)

2:02 PM

(doesn't the new hull have +2 power and mass?)

(12 and 17 from 10 and 15) (edited)

2:06 PM

(You can start it building now if you just plan on added the second laser, locker, armor, hold and scoops. Later) (edited)

(That is probably what I'll do, but does it cost extra to add new fittings later compared to at the start?)

2:08 PM

(Here is with the new hull taken into account)

2:08 PM

(when you're building, you pay for what it comes with, if you have to add some of the fittings later, you'll pay the difference then)

(Cool but they aren't more difficult to add later or anything right)

2:09 PM

(Maybe I'm just getting confused with rebuild mods, nevermind!)

(no there's no rules about more time later, or extra time i should say)

2:10 PM

(it's going to be tied up for a short while for the actual hey, if we are building it you cant also fly it places, but theres not an additional penalty or feed badsie later on)

(great, in that case I'll trim out unmodded fittings and get the base ship done! this is so exciting)

2:13 PM

(What will Trivedi Cloud npcs charge for the build, 10%?)

2:13 PM

(Trying to get my budget spot on)

(nothing extra, we didn't want it to turn into a thing where one player is getting rich off the others, so we say the price for building the ships, base cost, goes toward keeping the platform up and running)

(hallelujah)

2:18 PM

(if it fits it ships for a low flat rate)

(This is a game where i have a whole lot of plates in the air, and if i can make sure one doesnt smash all the others, its a good day)

(well done sir)

2:18 PM

(and here it is)

2:19 PM

(You dropped amphibious, armory, locker and lab?)

(I can pay Billy's new fee COH and what he saves me on mods will put me on budget)

2:24 PM

(Yes)

2:24 PM

(As heartbreaking as it was)

(For some reason something isn’t adding up on that spreadsheet. You should have 3 power and 5 mass left.)

(I looks like the ship spreadsheet widely available on reddit which is still using old system rules and therefore has inconsistent power and mass)

2:35 PM

(At a guess)

(Yeah I thought I fixed it, but I’m not seeing how it is wrong....)

(Is it the fact that its a mk2?)

(No I updated the data it pulls from. That shouldn’t be it.)

(then im out of ideas haha)

(Found it the spike drive wasn’t being counted in the mass/power.)

1

(awesome!)

(wow you're good, thanks so much!)

3:02 PM

(couldn't find it anywhere)

(Sorry, for the confusion!)

4:37 PM

(I will discount the price for you having to do more work after I was done. I'm continuing to get a better grasp of all this. Usually the charge is half of whatever I save you, so we'll take 25% off of whatever that was.)

(Sounds good, 25% off half of 100K saved so your cut is 37500. I can pay you in credits or in posttech building materials, base value 10K, currently at Central. I'll sell them otherwise. (edited)

Dr. Camellia Thorn wakes up the next morning, feeling better-rested than she has felt since cryo.

(I’m ready for whatever you wanna dive into)

She checks the colonial docket to see what Ibrahim is up to.

5:59 PM

and also checks the job boards.

5:59 PM

(a quick bit of business and we'll be on our way to the psychic academy)

6:00 PM

(poor girl needs professional help)

(75k credits is great.)

It’s a pleasure doing business with you, Dr. Thorn. I’ll send the blueprints over right away. A fee of 75k should suffice.

A handful of repsonses to your posting are archived for your later viewing, but it appears at first glace you have everyone you need for a storefront

Dr. Thorn is pleased with the progress, and plans to add a storefront in the marketplace with a small office for communications and paperwork in the back.

11:17 PM

She finishes her deal with Billy, and arranges the sale of 14 tons of posttech materials for pickup by the local far trader's market. She's eager to continue helping out the colony to solve problems, get research done, and fundraise towards the production center. (edited)

11:18 PM

(+140,000, -75,000)

11:19 PM

On her way to the psychic academy, Thorn greets people she meets and hands out her business card, letting them know a new product is coming to Gudrun, and that she will be available for consultation on any problems with crops, plants or invasive pests. (edited)

A message from Billy hits the forums. I hope I can make that flight.

A woman with a shallow complexion and midnight colored hair sits at the front desk of the academy, and a well maintained but old maintenance bot cleans the lobby

"Hi um what's your bot's name?"

"Grandfather" the woman smiles "We found him on one of the academy's adventures"

"Good bot"

6:47 AM

"I'm Dr. Thorn, I'm here for any help you can give a newly hatched psychic."

"Newly hatched? My name is Crane, by the way. Can you give me a run down on what happened so I connect you with the right help?"

turning back to the bot "I'm sorry if that sounded patronizing, where I come from, it's a slang term that means, 'thank you for your excellent work.'"

6:57 AM

"What? Oh yes. I just got out of cryo and a few days ago I had this strange and painful vision."

6:58 AM

"I dont have a lot of time, but I'd like to learn whatever I can to either prevent this from happening or make it less painful"

"I need to understand the specifics so I can assign you the right help. The amount of time you have is no longer up to you. You're a liability to whatever business you're engaging in if you have powers that aren't controlled"

she sighs. Of course it couldn't be that easy. "I was in a sub, off the coast to the north. Our dispassionate captain took us over a sea floor vent and I saw the side of our sub sheared off. The other psychic on board saw the same thing and was able to prevent the disaster immediately before it happened."

"So a burst of precognition then. And you've never had an episode like this before?"

7:20 AM

You see that she is already typing notes.

"Never, and I've been in plenty of dangerous situations" she says, relaxing when she sees her time isn't wasted.

"One more question and then I'll get to what I'm driving at here. This is the most uncomfortable question and I hate asking it, but it's important. What were you doing at the time of the scream? Did you have these powers before it?"

"No, I've never felt anything like this-" She thinks back to last night's conversation "Actually, I have felt something like this before. A psychic connected to me while he... died."

7:52 AM

"When I was in the sub, it felt the same as that time, and just as horrible and painful, but Lash said it wasn't him."

7:53 AM

"at the time of the scream I would have been sound asleep in cryo, although Dr. Siegfriend said something was wrong with the system and I may not have been fully under."

"That actually makes a lot of sense. Alright, so I'll let Dr. Ahn make the actual diagnosis, but I'm going to set you up with a metapsionic. If you have MES, or are starting to exhibit exposure to it, she will be able to tell you"

8:15 AM

The woman, her nametag says Crane, picks up a handset and speaks in a low voice into it. You hear a door at the end of the adjacent hallway unlock and open, and small footsteps heading toward you

8:16 AM

A small, korean woman in nondescript gray scrubs greets you, her smile is very warm and even without talking you can sense her kind demeanor

"Thank you, Crane."

8:22 AM

"Hello, I'm Dr. Thorn." she gives a firm handshake

"Dr Thorn. I am Dr, Doona Ahn" the woman says. "I am a metapsionic and a skilled bioscopic, and I've instructed Crane here, along with Dr. Siegfried in the hospital, and a host of other psychics here in similar situations as yourself"

8:26 AM

"You're not the first person who manifested MES in the wake of the disaster, and I certainly won't be the last. Thankfully, I can help you"

"I want to make sure I'm not a danger to anyone. I've... had trouble with some psychics in the past."

She leads you to her office, which is a very austere space, there is a small desk out of necessity, but most of the room seems to be a meditation space

8:38 AM

"I'm going to lead you into a guided meditative state , so I can trace the MES, and see if it is manifesting now in you. MES is a powerful force, and it burns channels in your mind when it is exerted. I am going to sense for those, and if you do show signs of MES, I will explain what we can do from there"

This doesn't seem very scientific, thinks Dr. Thorn, but it's worth a try

Donna puts on a soft white noise machine, and the atmosphere in this room feels very relaxed. she invites you to sit, and begins adopting a sitting position herself. she holds her hands out, wanting to take yours

Dr. Thorn tries to take it all seriously and gives Doona her hands, not expecting much

You feel a tingling sensation spreading down your arms, up through your shoulders, your neck, and slowly wrapping around your brain-stem. "Please try to relax" Dr. Ahn admonishes, slightly. It's hard to imagine her being actually upset with anyone. The tingle continues to spread, finally cobwebbing over your mind, and your thoughts begin to swim. The fronds of energy coil behind your eyes, spreading the numb feeling. Your eyes are foggy, but you can make out the doctor frowning. Gently, she begins to withdraw. After a few moments of pregnant silence in the room, She clears her throat. "There's no easy way to say it, and I'm a bad news first kind of woman myself. You are MES sensitive Dr. Thorn. Your mind has been channeled by the energy, and recently. Without academy training, there is no way to ensure these powers continue to manifest along the same, already burned channels. Prolonged time without this training will see you what we call 'torched'- brain damaged"

"Damn. So it's true."

9:16 AM

"What do I need to do?"

"Thankfully, there is hope yet. Crane, Seigfried, some others around the colony all found themselves in the same situation as you, freshly hatched, as you said. It takes a week of meditation, study, and reflection, as we work your MES to exhaustion, forcing the powers to consistently manifest along the same mental pathways. It's the only way to prevent wild use of them, and prevent torching, or worse"

"I have a flight to catch tomorrow- I agree, the training is more important, but is there any way I can still make it?"

"You're risking your own life, and the lives of your crew by not ensuring your MES manifests safely, but I cannot compel you to undergo the training. I can tell you,t he longer you put it off, the worse the rogue manifestations will be"

(Bad connection idk if its doublesending)

(it did once but no worries)

"Let's get started then." (Time to rp that int > wis)

(when doona was a PC she wrote a training plan. I'm trying to see what was on it so we can make judicious choices about when to fast forward)

(sounds good, just let me know if this is a week before or a day before the Acastus trip and I'll play it accordingly)

9:59 AM

(not sure how far behind I am)

(it would be the day before. your swamp expedition was about on time with everything else going on. Desmond and billy boarded the cult ship, both had some personal stuff that ran for a couple days between, now they're interview the cultists the day before leaving)

(perfect)

"It's going to be a long week, and it is going to push you to the absolute limit. At the end of the week I will develop a further training plan for you, according to your own desires and what you hope to do with your powers. " (We RP'd a lot of this originally because two PC's were trying to mold a new generation of NPC psychics, We are lacking that PC interaction here, and I'm not going to tell you how you feel about something, but ball in your court on if rp meditation and jedi training montage is something you wanna do. Basically the choice here is go to acastus and risk some weird and wild MES fluctuations, or miss, become stable, and you can pick up that second core discipline)

(second core discipline?)

10:09 AM

(is this like getting the psychic training focus or something?) (edited)

(Are you a partial expert?)

10:26 AM

(it works differently depending on what you're set up as)

(Full expert with wild psychic talent)

10:26 AM

(bwahahahaha)

(ok, we def had a disconnect)

(What do you want to do)

'Well" donna says as the link fades. "It's something to keep an eye on, but if you're just starting to get these manifestations now. I don't think theres a risk for you to be significantly hurt, I

10:35 AM

d like to check in with you again soon though"

"Thank you, Donna! If anything new develops, I'll let you know; otherwise, I'll stop by when I have more time."

10:37 AM

She tosses aside her plans to sneak out after the first day

"Alright. Be careful out there. Your unique circumstance is certainly something I'd like to study more. There is so much about MES, the scream, the universe at large we are clueless about:

Thorn shakes her hand and exits through the lobby. "Goodbye, Grandfather!"

11:09 AM

Feeling quite a bit more confident, she heads for the market and looks for anything resembling a tranquilizer gun or sleep grenades.

11:10 AM

"I need a way to stop killing every violent critter I run into..."

One of the vendors is from the colonial workshop and you do notice one weapon, that ends in a forked tip, rather than a barrel, but otherwise is little different in appearance from a combat rifle

"What's this?"

"Ah the latest and greatest in causing non lethal lethargy! It's called a flop rifle, what it does to the target is in the name!"

"Hells yeah, just what I needed. I'll take one and plenty of ammo."

11:37 AM

"You wouldn't have this in a grenade, would you?"

11:40 AM

Sleep Grenade: Thrown in the same way as a standard grenade, this
canister silently emits a five-meter radius cloud of opaque white
neurotoxin that dissipates into harmlessness within the same round
it is thrown. Humans and other Terran animal life caught within
the cloud when it detonates must make Physical Effect or Luck
saving throws against the Toxicity 10, Virulence 1, Interval 1 round
gas. If they fail their first saving throw, forced muscle relaxation
halves their movement rate and makes it impossible for them to
cry out or speak above a whisper. If they fail their second saving
throw, they become dazed and incapable of doing anything but defending
themselves that round. Failing a third saving throw means
unconsciousness for 1d10 minutes. Succeeding on any saving throw
eliminates the negative effects and leaves the subject immune to any
further sleep grenades for ten minutes. The gas is contact-based and
does not require inhalation, but a subject in a vacc suit or other
pressurized suit is immune to its effects.

(the skyward steel one)

"Nothing like that for open sale. After the underhill war, the stance on anything like chemical weapons turned quite sour"

She is sorry for the lack of gear, but happier to hear that public opinion is against that kind of thing

(time for work!)

"The flop rifle acts like a stun gun, but with the longer range you'd expect from a projectile weapon

"So its electrical? Perfect."

"It is. It will stop a man, or something larger with more than a shot. I've seen them used to great effect in wildlife containment"

"That's exactly what I'm anticipating. What do I owe you for this?"

"250 credits, and if you're satisfied, please consider repeat business!"

"Sweet." *She takes a look around the market and then heads to Harvest for a drink.

The harvest is pretty busy, everyone taking advantage of a lull in the fighting to grab a drink and otherwise catch up with friends

"Cider, please." she sits at the bar and checks out who's here

2:40 PM

'What's new around here, Baron?"

"Your friend Hailey kindly donated her musical device" he says, pointing to the jukebox in the corner, and the nicely wired speakers on a ceiling beam. "Aside from that, a slow day, but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. Between the weird things going on around here lately, those terrorists, the remnant....any day where nothing happens is something to be treasured"

"I can understand that, I've had a few overly eventful days in a row already. What have you heard that's so strange around here?"

"Only rumors and even then, its patchy and no one seems to be able to agree"

"Hmm'"

Hailey approach’s from across the room “Hey”

"Hi Hailey. Glad to see you moving again."

3:21 PM

"I like the new jukebox, what can it play?"

3:26 PM

(Oh lol I just found the playlist)

“There’s a whole playlist” (put it on story swap) “Mostly stuff from a couple hundred years ago. Baron and I have a similar taste”

Cam puts on the glorious 2014 earworm, 500 Miles.

“Good choice”

3:33 PM

“Sorry didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation with Baron. Carry on”

"I've had it stuck in my head all day, walking around town. (I literally have been singing it at work all day though) "No worries, how have you been?"

(That’s awesome. I’ve had Country Roads) “Been good. Laying low the last couple days. Nothing much. How bout you? How was your date? It was a date wasn’t it? I can call it that?”

(Wait you need Overdrive Takin' Care of Business on this)

3:37 PM

"I guess."

3:38 PM

(And You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet)

(Oo good idea. There’s a lot but it’s hard to think of everything that could fit )

3:39 PM

Raises an eyebrow

"Our Judge is an honorable gentleman, if taciturn, but I suppose it comes with the territory."

3:42 PM

"Is that a new weapon?"

“I see.”

3:45 PM

“It sure is.“ She pulls it off her shoulder and holds it out for Thorn to check out

3:47 PM

“Little bit more elegant than a rocket”

"Oh I like the paint job. Did the bike shop help you with that?"

“Actually no. Ordered it like this. Got the old ones painted there though”

"Nice. Well, check out what I found today." She shows off her new flop gun, about assault rifle sized with two large metal prongs on the business end

“Wow this is a flop gun right?” Hailey turns it around in her hands some then hands it back “It’s a glorified taser”

"Yep." (I just realized why it must be called a flop gun lol)

4:40 PM

"Pretty sweet right?"

(Haha lol) “Yeah totally”

4:46 PM

“Takin off tomorrow with Rigers right?”

"Tomorrow, yeah, along with the next three weeks. I'm looking forward to finding new forms of life out there."

“Sweet have fun. You’ll have to show me if you see anything cool hahah”

Thorn says farewell to hailey and sips her drink as she looks through the results of her job posting.

The right people seem to have applied, enough to get the small storefront going at least. They all seem to be new arrivals from rawhani

She puts together a skilled team of contractors and workers and sends her acceptance to all of them to begin the construction of the storefront in the Central market with a small office in the back for paperwork and conferences.

6:03 PM

she looks forward to meeting the refugees from Rawmani and is glad to be able to provide jobs for them

6:04 PM

although she hopes that none of them recognize her

Upon deposit the Hq should be completed by the end of the month.

(-10,000, got it)

(yep!)

6:45 PM

(so that will justr run in the background while youre off doing whatever. It might be a slow night with the time zones, as billy and desmond get the trip ready, but ill make a mission channel)

Satisfied with the events of the day, Camellia heads to bed, stopping by the market on her way home. She cooks dinner; lupo steaks with sauteed vegetables, and keeps an eye on her comm for news of the trip.

6:50 PM

(I'll run a list of anything I want to pick up by you, something to do in the meantime)

6:52 PM

(Can she start the ship construction or will she need to get any additional components or anything?)

(the one billy laid out? If you have the credits you can start it)

Dr. Thorn authorizes Trivedi Cloud to begin the construction of the ship, using the 1.1 million wired from Shriven

The cloud accepts the order, and your ship will be ready in 22 days

(25K remaining with Trivedi Cloud for future ship fittings)

(What should I do with my 6xp goal for "Get psychic training to prevent harm from ability"?)

Atmofilter 100 Navcomp 500 TL3 Gravchute 300

(Take it. You know now that there’s no lasting danger from it)

(Oh nice)

Before the expedition she plants several carefully chosen seeds from her samples in the planter and sets up a water tank over them to slowly drain over the next few weeks

Mimir promises to help mind them while you are away

(As cam lived on rawhani for several years would she have any knowledge of the still lady cult there?)

(there wasn't one)

(Oh. Ok cool. I got that from Desmond's bio, just wanted to check)

(Goals updated!)

(Could the seed vault I want to build be the Secure Vault from Codex?) (edited)

Secure Vault: A heavily-shielded secure room for up to ten tons of goods. The walls are equivalent to military fortification material and require hours of work with shaped charges to penetrate if the codes are not available. A special “active denial” system triggers when the vault is closed, filling it with a mesh of wire lines that makes teleporting into it effectively impossible. The vault is equipped with cameras and extensive monitoring systems.

11:57 AM

(50,000 credits)

That will be built next mont if that’s what you want to do yes. Right now your builders are making your storefront

So I will have to decide between this or the production center next month?

Yes. It’s one holding per month. That’s how we limit people throwing a shitload of cash at stuff and just rapidly seceding

Okay perfect

12:00 PM

Got the next year lined up

(How do I start my own faction?) (edited)

(Reach level 10, and then we will hash it out in PM. By then you've interacted enough with the world and your fellow PC's. It enforces putting the real life time in too.)

1:30 PM

(Theres a trust level with it too, since they're such major building blocks fo the game)

(Nice!)

(I like the enthusiasm though, to me that is always the best compliment)

(Haha thanks, I just asked because my goals are starting to sound like the endeavors other factions have)

(Those limits for mods are per weapon right?)

12:51 PM

(If so I'll do: Customized monoblade machete 1000 Customized laser pistol 1000 Boosted mag rifle 2000 Polymorphic blending armor so I can stop manually changing it all the time 5000 Autotargeting mag rifle 4000 (puts it at +3 from mods))

12:51 PM

Total 13000 (edited)

(yeah per weapon)

Billy has Tinker so they cost half of the usual right?

(That is correct)

(Ok I'll update that to reflect the 2K vs 1K spent earlier etc etc etc)

(Don’t forget you have to maintain them with your fix maintenance score)

(Thanks, Cam is maxed at 6 atm)

(Once the ship is completed I will take those 4 mods into account)

(Built in mods don’t need maintance. That’s why they are so great when you build them in.)

(Aha! That's great!)

(Can I clear: Obtain a business loan - 3 (the deal with Shriven) Find a market for goods on another world -3 Make first landing on a completely unexplored world -3

The bottom two you can. I’d like to see the business deal actualized for the first , that’s where the effort is

(Sounds good to me)

5:54 PM

(Next build is the production plant, month after is the vault)

Ugh I guess. If I haaaave to drag you along with me. XD Just kidding of course I'll wait! Can't wait for round two with ya. With Judge retired now, he's gonna miss out on all the fun.

"Should work" or 'will work'? Wanna make sure we're getting what's best for the job here. Could even try to fix something up for myself if nothing fits exactly what you have in mind.

It's safe to assume the dinos will be preoccupied with my distraction. But if they decide to chase the ship we need a way to stop them.  I would prefer nonlethal measures, but you might have a hard time finding a cage large or strong enough. A way to shock them out might work. If it's us or the dinos, I'd prefer to have more protection- a long range heavy weapon, mines, or remotely detonated charges.

The ultimate weapon for this expedition would be a sticky remote demo charge launcher, but I doubt those are very common

Alright, well I've got what like 2 weeks? I'll see what I can do and keep you updated.

Dr. Thorn takes advantage of the new communications network to post an ad for crew members including a trained pilot.

Dr. Thorn heads straight for the lab on her gravflyer, 1 ton of protein shakes loaded on the gravsled. She heads straight for the lab.

5:29 PM

"Mimir, It's good to be back."

(So everything you donate will be double research points. Probably enough to finish a couple projects. I’ll tally everything up and we can get some votes. Only because other people have donated to the lab too)

(plan is to get shit done, meet up with Hailey at HS, then get on the new swamp mission tomorrow to raise the last funds for the production center)

5:32 PM

Dr. Thorn shows off her mushrooms. "Check these out, they use them for everything on Acastus, from wood to sniper nests"

Mimir, remembering last time, has a large storage bin attachment moving along the ceiling mounted track to meet you

(yes!! I was wondering about that, never got to do points for the fungus/balvarine canine/vent junk)

5:35 PM

Dr. Thorn is excited to see what is in the bin

5:35 PM

It's like Christmas and my birthday all at the same time

(The lab is sitting at 200 rp right now. I may have to adjust the handout) The tooth decayed rapidly but mimir was able to take several scans of it. It’s makeup is unique and the insides are hollow. At one point they may have had some kind of venom to compliment their fearsome strength. The fungus and vent junk are sitting in the holding container. The water is very clear.

5:36 PM

“Microbial life is flourishing”

(Oh right and we pick at the end. Sick!)

5:37 PM

"This venom sounds interesting. Is there any way we could replicate that or learn more?" she says, leaning over the tub (edited)

(There will be a few things. Seung found genetic material for pigs too. And there’s a few other useful projects like magma grenades and storm pattern power armor)

5:45 PM

“I would need more samples. Knowing what I’m looking for will give me extra time. They decay rapidly once removed from the body”

"Good to know. I only had a box of vials then, and the tooth spent a few days in the swamps with us. My new cryocase might extend our time a bit, so I'll keep that in mind." She donates the mushrooms, and also donates one of each flavor of protein shake. "Mimir, these seem to be too heavily processed to tell what exactly the proteins came from. Can you verify that these are plant based? Whether they are or not, that shake shack warrants another visit." (edited)

“I’ll get to work on it”. A sterile straw extends from the arm and sucks the liquid into a collection tank to be spun

"Thanks!" (I think I'm done here? I'll leave the magic rocks to Billy)

6:43 PM

Dr. Thorn drives to the market next. She looks for her new shopfront and office among the others.

The shop is the cleanest in the row, the sign is not up yet, waiting for you.

She likes it. She goes around the back to see if her newly hired factor is in the office.

(did you have a name in mind for them?)

(Well they're Rawhani of course... Martin Watts, aging gardening hobbyist)

7:43 PM

(I'll leave the rest up to you haha)

7:45 PM

(but I'm thinking good-natured with a dry, philosophical sense of humor)

Mr. Watts is inside, getting some fresh papers in order, and getting the area cleaned for open of business

Dr. Thorn smiles and knocks on the wood paneling. "Good afternoon, you must be Mr. Watts?"

"I am indeed. You're my new boss?"

"Dr. Camellia Thorn." She shakes his hand warmly and invites him to sit down with her to discuss the job and her vision for the future of Paprika. Skip to the end: "In short your duty is to represent the interests of Paprika here on Gudrun. Do you have any questions?"

"none. I will ensure business is carried out to your satisfaction"

She smiles warmly. "Thank you, I look forward to working with you more. Once I return with a sign we will open for public consulting requests, you have a hotline to me for anything beyond your personal expertise. Other than that you'll be handling our finances and trade, beginning initial marketing, and laying the groundwork for the production center. I'll check in later."

(Hailey posted in her channel that she wants to meet at the harvest spirits when youre done here as well)

(Okay great timing)

8:44 PM

Dr. Thorn, protein shakes in tow drives over to good ol HS

(do you wanna go to story swap, or just one of our threads?)

(here's fine)

8:48 PM

Dr. Thorn walks in to join Hailey at the bar

8:48 PM

"Wow long time no see"

Hailey greets Thorn from the bar.

"Pick up any new scars while I was gone?"

"Hey its been forever"

8:50 PM

"Eh, I got hit on my shoulder here by one of those damn rebels, but I doubt it'll scar, unfortunately"

(Can you do it in swap so we don’t have to dig if it is about your trip thorn?)

(This is planning for the mission not that)

(Sorry continue.)

Cam brushes her hair aside to reveal a burn, not entirely healed yet. "I'll tell the whole story when everyone's here, but I'm a freshly minted apostate now"

8:53 PM

“Freshly minted what? ’A prostate’?”

"Basically branded myself as an enemy of the Still Lady. So, I hope you've got something good for our swamp run?"

“Wait sorry. You are throwing out so many things here and I just, I don’t know what any of that means. Who’s the still lady? You’ve gotta fill me in girl, I haven’t been keeping up on that thread”

"Oh sorry, Billy and some others killed a creepy blood cult demon witch over the ice cap, she basically respawned on her home planet so we went to check it out."

9:00 PM

"We made plenty of discoveries on multiple worlds and helped the budding Resistance there."

9:01 PM

"But the best part is"

9:01 PM

Dr. Thorn pulls out a chocolate bar from her pocket and hands it to Hailey.

9:04 PM

@Nekosmash (Timeline goes this meeting, Unity Council, then back to the bar for story time)

(yes)

(ok thanks)

Hailey nods along with Thorns explanation. She takes the chocolate from her. “You did it?!”

Dr. Thorn sighs. "No, we are still a month from production here on Gudrun. These are from a little coffee shop on Acastus, the Black Bean."

9:30 PM

"I would have liked to get their hydroponic designs or a sample of a plant but it was just too hectic"

9:30 PM

"What have you been up to?"

Hailey’s face drops a little. “Oh, well at least you’ve got enough to hold you over until then!”

9:33 PM

"Well pretty soon after you left, I went to Terezinho with Cayne and his crew to do some trade thingy and recruit a team for the Phoenix. That went pretty well, better then I would've expected, first time I'd been off planet in a while too."

"Sounds like you got a lot done. So, you ready to hit the swamps in the morning?"

“Why don’t answer you like this...” Hailey pulls out one of the prototype grenades and holds it out to Cam. “My turn to give you something.”

"Oooh pretty" she turns it over in her hands. "What's it do"

“Um, well that one is probably just gonna make a loud cracking noise and spray gooey stuff everywhere. BUT once I’ve worked out the kinks, these babies’ll pop out a massive sheet net thing of nanoglue that traps whatever it hits for a couple hours”

"Oh"

9:45 PM

She looks for a place to set it and settles on clipping it to her belt. "Thanks! I take it you have something a bit more deadly as a backup plan?"

“I’m grabbing a few demo charges, yes. I’d like to make a bigger version of the sticky boy, but don’t have time to do that by tomorrow.”

"We should bring something to keep them off if they break loose then, maybe a heavy gun or something longer range?"

"Break loose of what? The net? I guess that'd be good. You have anything in mind?"

"Hell yeah. Railgun."

9:56 PM

"Effective range of four kilometers. Mounted on my gravsled.

"I think we should be able to get our hands on one of those"

9:58 PM

"So, give me the rundown on this plan of yours."

"I'll pay for it, unless you'd like to keep it afterwards"

9:59 PM

She sketches on a napkin

"Nope, all yours."

10:03 PM

(She explains what the symbols mean with the text)

10:06 PM

"We fly in, find the dynos, bait them away from the wrecks and try to snare them. Circle around to the site and land, deploy the gun between us and the dynos. I'll handle the loading with whatever drones I can scrounge up, since those trucks aren't going anywhere."

"Sounds solid to me. We gonna need more drones? Also, I say if we can get threeish grenades per dino fired, that should hold them."

"ALright, I hope my pilot's up to the task."

"You think we need more drones?"

"Yes"

"How many?"

"Oh wait, that's too complicated. The crew can help."

"...ok. Also since when do you have a crew?"

"I put the ad out weeks ago."

"....ok sure"

10:20 PM

"Anyways, I gotta finish the grenades, soooo you wanna leave like midday tomorrow?"

"Sounds good! There's a council starting in a few, I think I'll go see who comes out of the woodwork."

10:22 PM

"Let's meet back here later though, I'm so ready to make a night of it"

"You bet, see ya in a bit!"

Cam wakes up late and groggily drinks a liter of water. How did I get home? she thinks. The last thing she remembers is hitting her head on the bar. I certainly hope I didn't say anything uncharacteristically rude

11:41 PM

An hour later she stands in her towel squinting at the holoscreen, trying to figure out where in the world Trivedi Cloud delivered her ship to. She sips her coffee, with a chocolate bar in the other hand. (edited)

(what was the total cost of your ship, if you have it handy()

(975000)

Trivedi cloud has the ship completed, parked in its inspection hangar, awaiting you

Seeing no messages from Hailey, Cam pops some headache pills and rides to the hangar.

(I'd like the RP with billy to end before we do the dino mission, trying to tighten up on people acting in multiple places at once)

8:04 AM

The lifter brings you to Trivedi cloud, where the meticulously clean inspection hangar houses ships built for on planet buyers. The Thornguard is sitting, clamped to the ceiling by claws and gantries, but is complete

(My thought too, she'd like to hire a crew for the day)

Dr. Thorn nods in appreciation of the fine work. (The ship is actually named The Swallowtail, ThornGuard was a placeholder) The ship is long, silvery white with smooth curves (picture when I get back to my pc)

There is an elevator to head up into the craft itself, and a handful of techs mill about underneath, looking up at it appreciatively

Dr. Thorn invites them into the ship and asks questions about various technical aspects of the ship, listening to the details as she inspects the cabins and compartments. With the technicians circled around on the bridge, she powers up the displays and verifies that all systems are green-lit. She admires a schematic of the twinned rapid-fire laser arrays projecting from each side of the ship.

(hailey just finished up, or is about to, so ill send her this direction? )

(Ill message her)

She disembarks with the technicians, laughing at a crude joke, and shakes their hands before walking briskly to the offices to meet her crew. More than a week earlier she had put out an ad for trained crewmen for hire on an as-needed basis for missions ranging from tedious to dangerous. Whether bodybuilders, good genes or former construction workers, her selected crew for this mission (4 men, two women) are all above-average build and strength. (not sure how you do crews so I can change this if it doesn't fit)

(that fits, they're 10/day, using 30 day months, for payroll purposes)

Dr. Thorn greets each of them with a genuine smile and hopes her hand won't be crushed as she shakes theirs. She chats with the crew, giving them the rundown on the mission while waiting for Hailey to arrive.

10:22 AM

@Nekosmash should we jump in a mission thread?

(we can do it in one of yours, I think for just the two of you there's not a whole lot of cross contamination risk)

(ok)

REcalling what was discovered from the last expedition, 40 tons of post tech building materials are still out there, in one of the trucks. The smaller vehicles were not investigated

(As well as 40 tons of household goods right)

(Yes)

10:26 AM

(I've got the old swamp thread archived , was just poking around in there)

With their help Dr. Thorn loads the remainder of the protein shakes (roughly 3/4 ton, she donated some to the lab and kept some for herself) in the cargo bay. She describes the dangers of the Ouroboros and asks her crew to prepare to leave in an hour. (I have to check one thing)

10:34 AM

Getting back on her hovercycle, she looks up where she can purchase a railgun to mount on the back of the gravsled.

10:35 AM

@Hailey Clements (Mylonite) (feel free to jump in anytime)

(

)

The colony armsmaster is named Pops, and he has a workshop on the east end of town. Hailey has purchased weapons from him before, along with modifications

Dr. Thorn drives off to the workshop after letting Hailey know. She walks in with her helmet under her arm.

Pops sets down his work and hands it off to an apprentace as he sees you enter

12:18 PM

(updated)

12:21 PM

"Good morning. I'm looking for a heavy weapon, something long-range, for mounting on the back of this grav sled. It might seem unconventional, but I'm willing to pay for it."

"Energy or projectile" pops says, taking some measurements

"Whatever might be most suitable for radioactive dinosaurs"

12:26 PM

"I was thinking of a railgun, but I'm open to suggestions" (edited)

12:28 PM

(felt like the name, purpose, and art fit together pretty well)

"A railgun should do it. I can have that ready in a few hours"

"Great, thank you so much. I hope we won't need to use it, but as a last line of defense it should be ideal." (8000) Uncoupling the 'cycle from the sled she heads back, picking up some pizzas on the way back to the hangar. She chills with the crew while waiting for Hailey.

(Just checked the cost on the ship, it was 1175000 including mods, 1100000 from shriven and 100000 from me to Billy for mods. Of the 1.1M 1075000 was used, leaving 25K with Trivedi Cloud for later additions)

Hailey pulls in, ready to go. “Hey sorry to keep you guys waiting but I’m here now.”

"Aha! Glad you could make it. Heat up some pizza and we'll get your bike loaded."

12:54 PM

"This is the crew I was telling you about by the way"

“Sweet thanks.” She takes a couple slices to heat up. “Nice to meet you all. Impressive group.”

1:00 PM

“Anything I missed?”

(I'm just picturing this female comms officer flexing her cybernetic biceps)

1:01 PM

"Not much. Got a ship tho" she waves a hand at Swallowtail

“It’s nice! Where’d you find the money for such a nice ship?”

She laughs. "It turns out there are some wealthy benefactors in this colony, one of them gave me a great deal."

1:04 PM

"Did you bring me home last night?"

“Well good for you. Pays to know people I guess.”

1:05 PM

“Ya know, there’re some mixed stories on what happened last night. It was either Billy or a Lift” (edited)

"I dont like the sound of that" she shakes her head. "I may have had one too many last night"

1:13 PM

"I'll be right back with the gun." Dribing back to Pops, she picks up the gun sled and returns, loading it with her cycle in the bay

“Yeah I think you definitely did”

1:15 PM

“It’s a little janky looking, but it’ll work well”

Dr. Thorn climbs up into the ship. "We'll head south for the swamps, scan the wrecks, and then hover 4km east."

Hailey takes a seat behind Cam and gets comfortable, flipping a small blade around in her fingers. “sounds good! Anything I can do?”

"Sure! Once we are over the wrecks I can use your help with the scans. Once we land, we'll set up an ambush while the crew drops the bait. That's our chance to test out your grenades. I'll drive and you'll be on the big gun."

1:39 PM

Dr. Thorn gives a thumbs up to the pilot. "Take us out!"

“Can’t wait!”

1:40 PM

(Try to skip ahead here?)

(I didn't see atmospheric operations on the swallowtail, did you fit those?)

(Yes it is included in amphibious operation))

(i didnt see either one on the excel sheet, is why i was asking, but ill look again)

2:02 PM

(I'll have to check with the shipmaster later, for now its fine)

2:02 PM

The Swallowtail heads down into the atmosphere, toward the swamps and the site of your previous expedition

“There it is. All the humvees and trucks, minus one. Scan time?”

(program.int. if someone is assisting they need at least a 0 in the skill)

(Is anyone assisting? I don’t know if you have a crew member with that)

(You can assist if you're able)

(Oh you’re doing it ok) Hailey moves up to assist Cam with the scans.

(I'm on mobile dont have the ship sheets with me)

2:14 PM

(I'd like to verify that before we go further)

(Cam do you have a good program bonus?)

2:15 PM

(Oh yeah do the ship thing first)

(Just got back to my pc)

2:39 PM

(Ok I honestly thought I had Amphibious on there. It is not)

(if its a mistake with the sheet i can fix it. I just am not wanting to handwave it since its an actual fitting, so for the people that didnt take other things in order to mount it, kind of a jerk move on my part)

(I'll see if I can dig up my build excel sheet after I make that check)

2:44 PM

(6)

2:45 PM

(Found it, I had atmospheric not smuggler's hold, they're the same cost)

2:47 PM

(if the +2 for survey sensors applies then 8)

(And I’m helping, with 1 program)

(haha maybe you should roll for the next scan)

2:50 PM

Cam notices that Hailey seems to be able to find her way around the controls pretty quickly.

(Yeah that’s what I was gonna ask before, what’s your program lol)

(0)

The scanners pick up several pockets in the deep forest, near the clearing, where the readings are fouled due to high radiation, but otherwise nothing foreign is in the area

(What direction from the clearing and how far is the edge of the forests?)

2km from the clearing, to the northwest, so 10 o clock

“What’re you getting?”

2:59 PM

Hailey turns to look at the scanner screen with Cam.

(Hm tricky.) "Alright. There are several blurred spots in the forest here, that looks like our boys. Let's get in position. (This pilot needs a name) "Mach, let's set down at the edge here. Once I fire the flare, go ahead and drop the bait parallel to the edge of the woods about a kilometer upwind of us."

(Trap already planted in the bait or what?)

(No, all we have are grenades remember)

(Ok that’s what I thought, just checking)

(We're going to have to make a hot flyby)

3:03 PM

"We'll meet you at the crash site if all goes well."

Hailey passes her half of the grenades. “these’re all yours. Got something you wanna fire them from?”

3:04 PM

(6 total btw)

"You mean like a..." she facepalms "grenade launcher. No. But wait, can you even fire one of these from a launcher?" (pretty sure launcher ammo is its own thing)

(That’s a question for Neko)

3:08 PM

“Not sure, but I guess it doesn’t matter. We’ll still be fine though. We can do a drive by on the bikes.”

3:09 PM

She sighs. “And you’re right I should’ve tested that” (edited)

"Right. We're relying on speed. These grenades better work out" she grins

“The size was my biggest concern, but it should be more than big enough a range to at least massively slow them down”

"Yeah. I'd prefer to leave them alive, but if they give us no choice... well that's what the railgun's for"

“I think we’re both totally ready to improvise if needed”

3:30 PM

“I’m ready when you are”

As the ship lands, Dr. Thorn opens comms with Mach and climbs into the cargo bay. She unseals all of the cases of protein shakes in the third cargo bay and gets on her hoverbike with the gravsled holding the railgun, Bumblebee and Wasp the drones, and her bag. "Jump on!" she says, motioning at the gun. "We want to find a good hiding spot before the drop, and that means getting off as quick as possible."

3:41 PM

(let's wait for neko to catch up)

(Kk)

(Launcher ammo is it’s own thing)

4:20 PM

(I’m caught up. You can jump or drive out or whatever you want to do)

Hailey tosses her drone, Zoob, in with Cams. She jumps on the back of the bike. “What’re we waiting for then? Let’s go!”

(Wait like the zoogs from Disney channel?)

(yep)

(Who?)

(Your drones name)

4:31 PM

The two bikes kick out of the back of the aircraft, hitting the ground safely. It’s very quickly back in the air

(Oh no idk what that is lol)

Dr. Thorn drives into the trees and begins setting up an improvised blind while the ship flies to the west. She pulls branches to cover the bike from view and then sits back on her bike, zooming in on the hovering ship. "Drop cargo bay number three and head for the wrecks, if it looks safe start loading the materials but don't take any chances."

4:40 PM

She loads Wasp with two of the glue grenades and fits a new battery into the remote controller. "I hope this won't be a suicide mission for ya, lil buddy"

Hailey swings her bike around near Cam’s and also tried to cover it up. She’s more OCD about it though, making sure it’s perfectly inconspicuous. (How is Wasp gonna use those?)

(It just drops them I think, it's the bomber fitting on the weak-ass drone)

(....ok I guess)

4:51 PM

“You’re really leaving it up to that little guy?”

@Nekosmash (Sense the Need)

4:53 PM

"Not unless we have to."

(What?)

4:55 PM

(There is a fitting for letting the drone drop munitions yes. Sense the need is a specific thing. Did you need that for a reason?)

(I guess not?)

(I don’t know what you’re asking is the point of my comment

(Yeah I forgot to talk about buying the drone earlier so I was going to use sense the need unless you're fine with handwaving it)

(Just deduct the credits, im pretty sure without the cyberware you can’t fly more than one at a time though)

(Ah but I can)

5:19 PM

“Want my to babysit Bumblebee as well?”

"Sure! That one has an expert system though. Ok, let's wait and see what happens when the cargo drops"

5:30 PM

She pulls out her lighter and prepares to light a thermal flare.

“Got it.” *Hailey checks out Bumblebee. “We ready?”

Cam fires the flare.

5:47 PM

(In the direction of the ship)

(Can you run me through the plan one more time. I saw the picture but there were a lot of messages)

(I'll let Thorn do that, its hers and she understands it better)

(Sorry driving back)

(No worries focus on that)

(1 drop the protein shakes as bait, ship circles around to begin loading 2 wait for the ouroboros and judge their reaction 3 keep all hostiles away from the ship using whatever means necessary until the cargo is loaded 4 reboard the ship and celebrate)

(step 4 lol)

The ship circles by, drop tanks releasing the Protein slop into the designated area

8:55 PM

“Alright. They’re coming. Work fast down there”

"Right. Good luck."

9:28 PM

Dr. Thorn lifts Wasp off the ground and sends it towards the pile of slop, about 20m over the trees

9:30 PM

The flare burns brightly above the pile even in the daylight

Hailey sends Zoop out as well, hovering it about 20m above the tress as well, but over the tree line, watching for movement of anything within.

(Zoop!!)

(Yeee)

Five of the creatures emerge from the trees, each raijalos baby a bit larger from when you’ve last seen it. They growl and shriek at one another as they scramble to be first to the slop pile

"Mach, we have five Ouroboros here. What's your status?"

"Landing now. We'll grab as much as we can, focusing on the larger vehicles first. Keep those Raijalos pups away from us. "

Dr. Thorn realizes that instead of keeping three Raijalos babies occupied, they are also feeding a growing population

10:03 AM

"Good, land behind the trucks. We have three hours tops."

They are greedily gorging themselves on the protein, the sickening munch sounds heard even from where you're sitting

She settles in to watch the Rajalos attack the slop mound, hoping the massive pile of food will keep them occupied for some length of time. She watches the minutes pass and thinks about what else might be lurking in the forest.

And how they will get back to the ship.

with the presence of not just one, but three, apex predators nearby, even other predators are staying out of the area. (I'm rolling a notice vs sneak for your people doing this quietly)

10:39 AM

(10 sneak vs 12 notice)

10:39 AM

There is a loud slam from the clearing as a hood or some type of machinery falls. The three dinos look up, and begin sniffing the air

“There’s more of em. This area will be an insane danger area a few years from now.” Hailey watches as they destroy the pile, thankful that Cam brought as much bait as she did. “Smart move with the bait.”

With a harsh roar, they begin charging off to the clearing, the noise alerting them to a fresher meal

“And we’re up”

Cam zooms Wasp in close and drops both grenades. Throwing the controller in the back, she prepares to shoot out of the woods.

10:54 AM

"GO!"

(About how far from them are we?)

(A solid distance, like 1km)

(Awesome)

(If the bikes can hit 120kmh that's 5 rounds)

(Lets wait on what Neko says about Wasp dropping the traps) (edited)

(Yep, here's a map)

11:01 AM

(K thanks)

(or something like that anyway)

The grenades are a pinch too slow, (i didn't roll the saves with modifiers, but they have a +2 dex, so 10,14, 10 on evasion saves, vs 10) The webbing net itself expands perfectly, the drone's timing was just a bit too slow to catch the suddenly bolting dinos. (5 rounds to catch up with them. I'd say they reach the clearing in 10 running at full speed. I pictured the babies as more like raptors than a T rex)

11:06 AM

(lets get into initiative before we go further)

"Well. At least we know they work. Mach, we have five incoming in the next minute. Moving to intercept."

11:10 AM

(4)

(5 for the dinos)

"Yes! It works awesome!" (3 we all suck)

The dinos run at full speed toward the clearing, focused intently on the fresher meal awaiting them.

11:21 AM

(move and action to move again. doc up)

Dr. Thorn races full speed for a point ahead of the dinos, hoping the sound of the bikes will catch their interest

11:25 AM

(double move)

(Ok so do we still want me on the back end of your bike?)

(I'll leave it up to you)

11:28 AM

(we can always set it up once we get to the trucks)\

(kk can always swap)

11:29 AM

Hailey follows behind Cam on her bike, trying to get the dinos attention as she goes. (x2 move)

(alright, so youre on different bikes then is how im reading this, correct me if I'm wrong) one of the dinos breaks off, chasing Dr. Thorn, the other, Hailey, but the final dinosaur is laser focused on the clearing, charging ahead at full speed

(youre correct)

(thorn up)

(ok 3 dinos) Keeping as much distance as she can between herself and the pursuing dino, Cam drops a grenade behind her and keeps riding hard directly for the trucks.

There is a roar as the thick webbing entraps the dino. It thrashes and struggles against the strange bonds, not understanding why it cannot move

Cam laughs "Haha Hailey I love it"

11:39 AM

"Sorry little guy but it beats a railgun-induced meltdown"

"WOO!" Hailey keeps moving, trying to keep some distance from her dino while still holding its attention. She throws a web bomb at the dino behind her. "Cmon friend" (edited)

This dino did not learn from his comrade, and is likewise ensared by the grasping, rapidly expanding netting material

11:43 AM

its six smaller, almost prehensile arms claw violently at the net, to indeterminate effect

"Haha these are awesome! Web Bomb ™ hahah"

11:44 AM

"Only one left"

It continues to run on its break-neck course, (we are at the top of round 4, so 6 more to go before its at the crew)

Dr. Thorn guns it closer to the dino racing for the clearing. She draws her flop rifle and fires at its back while yelling to attract its attention.

11:55 AM

(26 to hit, 5 damage if that means anything)

11:56 AM

(gotta drive a friend to urgent care)

(oh no. hope everything is ok)

(24, flop guns cant burst, but still a hit, it passed its physical save, 17v10. Hope all ends okay. Hailey up)

Hailey pulls closer to the last dino while still moving. She lobs another bomb at it. (edited)

(15v10) Hearing the other members of its sounder in distress, the dino knows to watch out for the devices (how many do you have left btw, i think we've used at least 4 now)

(doc used 3, two with the drone one thrown, i used two, just now and the other dino)

(so we have 1 left iirc)

(Pneumonia, in the waiting room now) (dino up?)

(oof, and yeah, I just wanted to get the grenade situation resolved. So we have one left) The dino will move forward at double speed. The ground begins to get a bit rockier and steeper, though your grav bikes are able to circumvent the rough terrain easily

12:41 PM

(dr )

(Hope they get better quick <3)

12:46 PM

(One left)

"I'll try to distract him while you get the grenade in!" After getting a bit closer Cam lets go of the handlebars and lets the bike drift as she swings over the back onto the railgun. (Firing to suppress)

“Thanks! Let’s make this count little bomb” Hailey moves over closer to the distracted dino. Then throws the last grenade at it.

(I'll roll 2 evasion saves, first one is for the railgun, second one is for the bomb)

1:38 PM

(the railgun hits, the grenade misses, just need damage for railgun)

“Damnit! Give him hell Doc!”

(Can't see anything on r20 mobile, can you roll the 3d8 for me)

(12)

2:23 PM

The dino's pace slows, realizing if it doesnt do something about you, it\s going to lose out on its meal. carapace plates down its back pop open (evasion saves)

(Woah that’s cool)

2:31 PM

(10v10 success) “Woah watch it! “ Hailey swerves out of the way

(Thanks for your patience, made it back with a bag full of steroids)

3:49 PM

(Success 10v6)

3:49 PM

(HA I saw this coming)

(Saw what, shoot out?)

"I think we solved the case of the disappearing stomachs"

The acid from the running Dino sprays everywhere but the bikes move on untroubled by the spray, the both of you deftly avoiding it

4:24 PM

(Doc)

Firing the railgun for real this time

4:41 PM

(Eh 9 to hit)

4:41 PM

Dr. Thorn quickly backs off and tries to lead the dino in the other direction

The shot kicks up a clod of soil as the heavy projectile hits the ground (Hailey)

Hailey zig zags her bike around and shoots at it with her pistol to try and get its attention away from Cam so that she can get some shots in without it bearing down on her.

5:01 PM

(rip 10, 6)

Now that the grenades are done there's no reason to stay close. Dr. Thorn pulls back further to avoid the rads. "Cam to Mach, this one's coming straight for the ship and doesn't seem to care for the appetizers. Any chance you can get the ship off the ground and lead it away while I line up a shot?"

5:23 PM

(assuming they've been preparing for emergency departure as soon as they got the news)

(yeah they finished what they were doing, as much as they could. its only been like a minute, maybe a bit more, in the few rounds of combat its been)

5:28 PM

"just a few seconds and we will be underway. We're pushing one of the small trucks aboard"

"Should we ditch this guy and get outta here?"

"I'd like to check those other trucks, but I feel we're starting to wear out our welcome." (Double move to the ship for Cam)

“If you’re sure. Once we’re there, let’s pull the ship up and hover a bit and send drones out to get a look at them.” (Double move as well) (edited)

The remaining runner tires out and circles back toward his pack mates. You sense you’ve got a few moments at least

"Filling this one with bullets might just make this spot unapproachable. Let's check the other trucks and go." (So there are three humvees left?)

“Yeah he’s given up so we should to. Behind you”

(They’ve recovered half, so five, and one of the two trucks. This one has the other half of the post tech building materials)

(Okay great) Cam checks the time.

It’s early afternoon right now

(Lol like how long have we been out there)

(I mean we left like late morning)

"I have an idea."

7:16 PM

"Hey Mach, we have a window here. Let's spin the ship to get the ramp right in front of this cargo truck. Maybe between all of us and our two bikes pulling we can get it on the ship?"

(Few hours. Probably less)

7:58 PM

“Alright. Leaving the other half of the scout vehicles for now then?”

"Yes that's alright"

The ship turns in air and lines up the designated way. “Alright Captain. Say when”

“I’m ready when you are.”

"Hit it." Dr. Thorn and Hailey pull the truck in with their bikes while the crew push from the back and sides

The beast emerges at the edge of the clearing, with its friends as the truck is almost aboard

"3. 2. 1. HEAVE!" Thorn & gang pull the truck further, the back end just clearing the door. "Hailey, hit that button to close the door; Mach, get us up NOW!"

The ship begins lifting up before the door is even closed, getting 5m off the ground. The Dino’s jump and howl but don’t seem to be able to clear the distance

She doesn't relax until the door seals and the ship is out of range of that acid. "Shit, that was close!"

Hailey watches the dinos as the leap and jump at the ship to no avail, laughing. “Haha yeah I little. But hey we got it!”

(3xp, 10,000 credits. 80 tons post tech building supplies, and we can discuss what you want to do with the scout vehicles)

Dr. Thorn pays each of the crew 20 credits. "Hell of a job today. Thanks for joining us."

9:02 AM

(Splitting the materials 50/50, how many scouts?)

(Five. The colony will buy whatever you don’t want for 20k a chassis)

(Sweet. Have the dinos turned back and dipped?)

(You’re too high for them to do anything to you, they’re in the clearing and will be for a while now that the pack has been stirred up)

“I wanna send my drone down here to check out what’s left.”

(I'll take 3 of the scout trucks, sell 2 to the colony, and give Hailey 10K. Gonna handle inventory now)

9:32 AM

"Now that is a solid haul"

(Oh wait were they able to recover all the trucks?)

9:33 AM

“I’d say”

(Five of the ten scout vehicles and the truck with the other half of the building materials)

(Kk that’s what I thought)

9:34 AM

(I’ll take the other two trucks then)

Dr. Thorn searches the vehicles carefully for anything interesting

Hailey does the same with her two.

(Okay so out of the five, thorn keeping three and Hailey keeping two means none going to colony. Adjust credits accordingly

(I think Thorn is selling 2)

(Oh I am selling two of mine keeping 1 and giving 10k to hailey) (edited)

(Ok I get you now)

(And im just keeping both)

(Alrighty)

(I'm going to have to wait for the decision on research before moving ahead on the main things) Cam heads back to her apartment and sketches up a sign for Paprika.

(Scout vehicle contents: Thorn 2x medkit 4x instapanel 1x Solar charging stand 6x Combat rifle 4x Woven Body Armor (edited)

10:36 AM

2x Glowbug 4x Grenade

10:36 AM

Scout vehicle contents: Hailey

10:38 AM

1 x medkit 1x Juggernaut stim 1x compad 2x glowbug 3x Combat Rifle 2x Grenade 1x pressure tent 2x collapsable pole 1x hostile environment ship suit

(Oooh unexpected and welcome surprises yay)

10:50 AM

(sign incoming

10:55 AM

She has the sign printed up at the shop

10:55 AM

10:58 AM

Next stop is Pop's. She gets some help getting the gun off the sled and drives it over to the workshop in the scout vehicle. "Pops!! That railgun came in pretty handy. I was considering selling it back to you but now I think I have a better idea. Could you remount it on this humvee for me?"

The vehicle in the foreground is how they look, essentially.

(NICE)

"Ah found one of the pioneering vehicles did you? Theres a few sites like that scattered across the planet I'd bet. I can certainly make a turret for the vehicle"

"Nice. This one came out of the swamps to the south, had to fight the dinos for it. What do I owe ya?"

11:03 AM

(also for the poster?)

(oh, what is a solar charging stand?)

(I like it!) "Mounting it is just a few pieces of metal and a couple bolts. Don't worry about that"

11:19 AM

(I'll get the writeup)

11:21 AM

: This recharger unfolds into a 2 meter by 2 meter square field of solar cells. Granted a primary star of roughly Earth-like intensity, it can recharge four type A power cells per day

(Oh it's a solar recharger, cool.) "Thanks Pops!" She leaves the truck there with everything in it and walks over to the market while the job is done. She purchases 200 credits worth of trays, pots, grow lights, potting mix, gardening tools and seeds and carries the crate over to the office. "Martin, you still here?" (edited)

Martin is in back and you hear him shuffling some papers around and making adjustments on an adding machine.

She sets the crate on a table and mounts the poster on a board. "I thought it was a little drab in here. These are for you, feel free to green the place up. For now though, we have business to discuss!"

She and Watts will check out the grow chamber Herb constructed and try to reverse-engineer it for use in the production center and other upcoming plans, and move on the construction on the production center (Getting farms ready for planting, constructing the factory, hiring workers, securing supply lines of milk, sugar, and packaging, essential marketing and other administrative setup)

1:02 PM

(Can I get the 6xp for clearing the goal to get a ship?)

1:03 PM

After working into the night Cam finally heads back to her apartment for some rest. She reads the Unity Council minutes and sees something horrifying. (Fleshshapers.) She taps out a message to the public boards and gets some rest.

(yeah take the XP)

(-200000, it'll be ready end of the month but waiting for the plants?) In the morning she heads to the lab. (I can do personal research to add to the pool right?)

1:16 PM

(If I can join Billy I'll jump on the ship next)

(lets roll research here, and we can roll the mission in his

(sounds good, it'll be second level so dc 10? what's the roll?) (edited)

know/int

1:20 PM

or know magic/int, depending on whats better

(heh I love magic but Dr. T cares little for the dark arts)

1:21 PM

(14)

(success!)

1:22 PM

(if it was routine its 2x character level, if dangerous, 4x)

(Yep second level, so that's 32)

1:27 PM

Dr. Thorn spends the time analyzing the samples, making notes that might hold interest for many of Central's projects. She also uses the chocolate from Acastus to refine a higher-purity batch of cacao DNA. But alas, more research is required before it can grow.

1:28 PM

She catches wind of a mission leaving for the planet to investigate the Fleshshapers, and rushes to pack her things.

(Goikg to rp chocolate when I get home)

Dr. Thorn immediately goes home to her apartment and sleeps for like 18 hours.

2:23 PM

When she wakes up she gets ready and drives to the lab to throw herself into the work. She donates the samples of bone and sediment, glad to be rid of them.

2:24 PM

Next she carefully packs a cryocase of cacoa DNA and heads to Siegfried's.

(I'll add the double RP for those. We just cleared some research so we wont have anything new done yet, but close)

2:26 PM

Siegfried is getting out of a conference with Kincaid when you arrive, the presidents security detail hurries her away, giving you only a brief glimpse

"Good afternoon, Siegfried. If you have some time, would you mind helping me try to revive this sample?"

"Seems my reputation as some kind of a necromancer is spreading is it? " he sighs. "What do you have for me?"

"Chocolate, hopefully. I brought genetic material, if your biopsionics can stimulate cell growth, I can use tissue cultures to start growing the plants. From there I'll transfer the saplings to grow chambers in the production facility. Everything grows faster on Gudrun, and I'm hoping the Taros grow chamber technology can accelerate that even further."

He looks down at the sample and places it in his hand. There is a deep chill in the room and ice begins to slowly rime across most of the surfaces

He opens his hand and a fast growing chute begins sprouting

"Oh wow... okay that was easier than I expected" she says

She works fast to divide up the sample into dozens of cultures under the hood and thanks Siegfried before rushing back to Central to get the shoots under lights. (Nice)

5:52 PM

(Is it too late to jump in as a medic on this ice mission)

(Not too late. I left it open for a few more hours for late comers. People still getting off work)

(Using Fix to modify Bumblebee the drone: Swapping Heavy Lift for Medical Support, 2000 credits, and loading with 4 Lift 2 pretech cosmetics and 6 Lazarus patches, 2200)

(Colony doesn’t have pre tech pharma but the rest is good)

(Ah cool I'll get that sorted)

(Goals updated)

(I’ll take a look. Thanks doc!)

Upon returning Cam checks on her flowers in the planter, visits the lab to touch base, and makes preparations to leave for Acastus immediately

11:22 AM

She checks in with Martin and the construction progress before meeting her crew at the hangar

(storefront was last month, the production center is this month iirc) Martin reports that the construction is proceeding as planned for the moment. He's confident he saw the builders using actual tools and not just hammering things together with rocks- which according to him is an advancement in technique

(I love it) Satisfied, Cam leaves for Leda hoping to meet Billy there.

She brings a case of samples of local produce and 40 tons of posttech construction materials, the two vehicles and two drones

11:39 AM

(I'll have a route for you in 1 hour)

(no worries!)

(Gudrun>Thorgerd>Halia>Suha>Rutter course to Leda)

As she pours coffee for Mach and the gang, she looks forward to seeing Thorgerd in a bit more detail.

1:01 PM

Cam settles in and begins analyzing the 3D composite of the Elkano ruins, searching for patterns and studying the language (week 2)

Thorgerd has the Trivedi inc gas collection plant there. Several winged flocks of some kind of deep space manta/jellyfish creature flock from ice asteroid to ice asteroid. Charles himself has captured one for study, a project secreted away in the depths of the Greenbriar central lab.

"Wow, space faring cnideriforms." She surveys one of the ice asteroids for something to do as they pass through the system.

1:15 PM

(11 if you need a check)

The water, to your surprise, is actually fresh. Not a hint of salt

"Hmm. These C-types could make an interesting tool. Imagine a refrigerator as big as a ship. Well, next stop, Halia"

The jump to Haila goes smoothly and you exit at the edge of system space without trouble. As the spike engines recharge you get some news from the planetary network below. Admiral Beckwater made another assault on the Ark, his fleet once again suffering damage and forced to withdraw. The Blacksurf Floatilla has withdrawn to the derelict field on the planets northeastern side to see if anything can be re floated and put into the fight

Cam attempts a more pinpoint scan of the ark. She also tries all frequencies and listens for any radio chatter from the Ark or fleets.

1:39 PM

(6 for the scan)

The comms traffic is military in nature and heavily encrypted. for now, the scan just reveals the static shriek of impenetrable radio traffic

Unwilling to risk her new ship to the Ark's weapons she next investigates the large green patch to the northwest.

(New sargasso? I don't have r20 handy, im trying to remember what is up there)

(yep!)

The sea is a thick bed of kelp, using their close proximity to the surface to bask in the sun. The plants have roots that drag deeper into the water, and provide shelter for other life, though no dedicated wildlife surveys have yet taken place

Cam has Mach fly low over the kelp, admiring the green sea of plants. The next destination on Halia is a remote island anywhere on the planet just large enough to land on.

There is a small outcropping of flat-ish land, about twice as wide and long as your ship, that mac finds, a spec of dark green amid a sea of light green

"Perfect"

2:38 PM

After the ship lands Cam has everyone disembark for some fresh air and a picnic lunch while she collects samples of the soil, air, water and of course plants to establish a baseline for the planet. The most relevant thing she'd like to immediately determine is, can the planet support Terran crops, and is any of the local flora edible?

The soil seems like it can support crops. The grasses on this island are edible but do not offer really any kind of actual nutrition

2:51 PM

(wont hurt you, but you're not going to be able to survive on it for long_

Cam considers the possibility that the fleets and Ark may have their own advanced hydroponic systems onboard. Reboarding the ship, next stop Suma. She continues her language study and does some sketching of various gadgets.

(Added goal: Make contact with Ark on Halia and establish positive relations if possible)

(I just wanna see what billy and co do so if anything relevant happens its communicated to you upon visit, since you;ll be just behind them)

(You mean in terms of Suma? Okay)

3:30 PM

Instead of leaving for Suma immediately Cam hails the other admiral, the one not attacking the ark

(Suma or shua?)

5:50 PM

The city radio operator answers again, remembering your voice. He’s immediately a bit on guard

(Fffff, shua? the next logical jump)

"This is Dr. Camellia Thorn of the UNW Swallowtail. I think we got off on the wrong foot the first time we met. Our pilot was curious about the nature of the Ark out there and mistakenly intruded on your operation."

“Ah hello swallowtail. Come for another chat?”

7:30 PM

(Now I have to double check the spelling haha. Standby. You’re probably right)

"Considering that your ship fired the first shot, you're lucky we didn't come for anything else. The UNW has materials and abilities beyond your wildest dreams, and we would love to open trade with you, with the goal of one day granting your planet a position in the most powerful alliance in the sector."

7:36 PM

(giving them a second chance)

There’s a muffled squelch as the operator is taken off the phone. )they didn’t fire at you. Beckwaters ships did while you were speaking to the republic town(

8:05 PM

“This is the city administrator. We didn’t fire any weapons that night. Let alone jettison waste or anything out to that heading”

"I see. But you trade with the trigger-happy admiral, yes? Before we can talk I need to understand the situation better. Through this discussion perhaps we can reach a mutually-beneficial arrangement. First, what is your opinion of his attacks on the ark?"

"Foolish, and nonsensical, that whole scrap heap is best left alone"

"From what remains of his fleet, this certainly seems true. What weapons does the Ark have that provide such a deterrent? If we know more about the ark we may have no reason to investigate it further, or know better than to poke our fingers in a hornets nest."

"The Ark has a defensive suite of powerful energy weapons. We don't know what is inside, if anything. These creatures may simply be protecting their home. That's why the republic has not involved itself yet"

"That seems like a wise decision. What did you mean by jettisoning waste?"

"Emptying the shipwide sewers, the recycled waste, stuff that wouldnt be healthy for us to keep aboard"

"The Ark dwellers probably aren't ecstatic about that."

"We clean it up as much as we can"

"The Republic seems to have some clear minds behind it. I'm beginning to see several ways we can help one another already. Would you be willing to trade when I return? On behalf of the UNW I may be able to provide advanced hydroponics designs to improve whatever systems you might have aboard your ships, a plan to contact and establish relations with the Ark, and potentially even diplomacy between the Admiral and Ark. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. Which kinds of materials are your people most in need of, and is there any surplus you'd like to sell or trade?

(I'm going to have to roll up a trade report for them, but their answer will be on the handout. Tonight's project)

(Woo hooo)

"We're always in need of fresh food. Almost everything we eat is recycled, or depletes the sea's around us. We move often."

"I'll be sure to bring some samples of our produce on my return. How do you produce the majority of your food?"

"We have hydroponics, and most of the ballast level doubles as an aquaculture farm, since its usually full of water anyway. We supplement with fishing skiffs if the weather is clear"

"This is a great step for both of us. I'll return soon with goods to trade and further discussion on the Ark. Thank you for your time."

11:12 AM

(Next stop *Suma) (edited)

Cam makes some sketches on the flight, gadgets and such, and continues analyzing the fleshshaper language. When the ship arrives in Suma space she puts on her best woven armor and waits at the comms.

The various comms towers are open to traffic on the ground. Isylandwatch was the most recent landing site of the UNW delegation, and both billy and Melora made it back to their ship without any trouble

She would like to land directly at the city where she and Billy walked to before

11:32 AM

(OH it's Suma on the galaxy map and Shua on the list of planets with trade reports and such)

(I shall amend, thank you. I was having the worst time reading that...think its time for a prescription change)

yup!

You land outside the verdant city of Steelhearth, and the familiar security detail awaits to escort you upon leaving the ship

(Oh is Sam there)

(he sure is)

She greets Sam with a warm smile and pulls off her glove to shake his hand. "Lead the way, Sam."

"Where we goin? " he asks, the long wheat-stem in his mouth slowly moving up and down

"Hmm how about the cultural tour today?"

12:01 PM

"I'm just passing through, nothing to sell but construction materials and you seem to be overflowing with those. I have some time to visit and some samples to share" She raises and lowers a breifcase-sized cryocase packed with Gudrun fruit, vegetables, ration bars and meats from the market.

"I'd better get you inside to speak with the diplomat folks. They'll get pretty pissed off if they find out we had the good food out here and didn't turn it over"

`She laughs. "Right you are. Shall we?"

He smiles, and leads you through the complex to the familiar hexagon building where the diplomats seemed to use as a hub. They enter, confidently. "Ay all, our friends from Gudrun are back and they've got actual solid food."

She looks around "The Hexagon" and steps up to greet them. "Thank you for having me." She sets out slices of apples, peach and grimfruit on paper plates. "It's true. I have samples of various foods from Gudrun. The raw meat and fish require cooking, but I believe you'll find them even tastier than the fruits and vegetables." She shakes some beef jerky onto the plates as well. "I should warn you that this food is much richer than you're probably used to." She has a crewman slice bread, spreading it with butter, while she pours sweet iced tea. She sits back to watch their reactions.

Everyone is silent, eyes closed occasionally as they enjoy something with actual flavor to it. Not a hint of pamplemousse in sight seems to be the common refrain. Spirits inside the sometimes tense building are lifted immediatley

1:20 PM

"I don't even care if I shit my guts out later" Sam says, chin awash in peach juice

At the end of what would be for her crew merely a nice picnic lunch, Cam hands a chocolate bar to everyone. (Her supply is now starting to run dangerously low) "Finally, my personal favorite, which some of you may remember from trading with Acastus. We hope to be mass producing it in Gudrun by the end of the month."

Sam takes a small bite, before his stomach grumbles angrily. He looks at Dr. Thorn, and then down at the chocolate bar, and then surveys the room. His stomach gurgles again. "Fuck it, I'm bringing this with me" he sprints down the hall toward the refresher

Cam laughs. "Warned you"

You thankfully don’t hear the following storm. The what would be paltry fare on Gudrun has made an impact here.

After that party's over Cam asks if she can get the cultural tour. (Billy's still on acastus?)

(yeah he would have made it there as youre making it here. That thread hasn't really moved beyond the landing yet)

(ok)

"Of course. We can start with the peoples manufactory" the dignitary in charge says. She seems to be handling the rich food a bit better than everyone else

(Hmm) "Excellent, I'm ready to learn"

She leads the way out across a tiled walkway toward a large cluster of monuments “Suma was originally settled during the second wave of expansion. The exodus ship that brought us here is actually the core of the worlds administration complex now. So much has been built out around it. It was hard to stay united in the beginning. Special interests took priority over the common good, and more and more, settlements sprang up on far flung places of the world as factions and their followers moved to handle their affairs more privately”

5:43 AM

“Reunification didn’t happen until about 100 years ago, and we didn’t have true unity until now, in the wake of the great betrayal”

Cam nods. "It's impressive that your people were able to unite under such circumstances. The Empire left you stranded, with no answers and no way to obtain them. I hope that is a mystery we may soon, finally, resolve"

“A common enemy does a fantastic thing for domestic rug sweeping. Part of me wonders if this will hold once we handle the Leda problem”

"A valid point. Whether by destruction or by peace, your great task will soon come to an end. Now that a peaceful path to resolution is available, I hope your people will choose to pursue it. Once we chart a course to Leda and ensure the approach is safe, perhaps we could bring a delegation composed of officials from each city to discussions in Leda. However, I fear that even with a diplomatic resolution some here may hold their grudges; and the existence of Red Horizon necessitates our involvement. After this matter is settled perhaps you can strive to anchor your unity in something else, something larger. The UNW has many projects with the potential to benefit the galaxy, discover its mysteries, and promote better lives for all. And someday, that weapon may save us all. But now is not that time. If Leda is destroyed, there will necessarily be consequences. Shua will be condemned by every peaceful planet in the galaxy. The reason for their broken covenant will be lost forever. And you will never get an answer to the questions burning like a fire in your minds."

8:45 AM

(Diplomacy 2)

(Standing in the middle of some monuments to alliance? Seems like an opportunity to make an ally)

(I’m trying to think of a reply. She can’t make unilateral deals)

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do but an outside threatening rebuke for us correcting a problem between neighbors doesn’t exactly make me want to bring your cause to the greater planet council. I will of course, inform them of your dislike for its current target.”

9:17 AM

“That’s the best I can do for right now”

(unfortunate, I should have worded it more positively) (edited)

9:24 AM

Cam nods and follows for the rest of the tour

The tour goes on through monuments to fallen in service, unification, memories of the worlds they came from. Their early days were not that dissimilar to the human element of the UNW

Dr. Thorn appears to be listening intently, if slightly disinterestedly. Her mind is a swirl of emotions. When at worst, some officials decided to withhold aid, how can they be so callous about murdering millions of people, on a planet they know nothing about?

9:45 AM

She remembers that they, too, know little of Leda. She looks forward to finding answers there.

The tour continues, passing by several other monument parks, depicting more or less the same events with slight changes depending on what world the exodites were from . It finally ends, back at the landing pad area

She thanks the dignitaries and security for their time and sets course for Leda.

Having expected to see a bit more of Shua society, she feels a bit down. This stop was pretty much wasted time, aside from seeing Sam's face tasting chocolate.

(how are you spending the week in spike?)

(On the trade reports do +'s mean it's more favorable to sell there? or worse?)

10:29 AM

Dr. Thorn continue studying the fleshshaper language, this time comparing it against other languages and finding key differences. When she's not studying she takes turns making meals for the crew, joins them in telling tales, sketches, and contemplates what Leda will be like.

(more favorable)

10:34 AM

(+ always improves there result, - always makes it worse)

10:40 AM

You emerge at the edge of Ledan space, a few hours ahead of Billy. It seems they'd stayed a bit longer on Acastus than they'd intended. (surface map should be visible in the handouts now)

(cool)

Space itself is empty. The planet does not have an orbital station. Several ground to ground communication channels seem to be broadcasting regularly

She listens in, piano music playing softly in the background, as she takes in the colorful pattern of mountains, rivers, and deserts.

10:57 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7e-GC6oGhg

Soothing Relaxation

Beautiful Piano Music 24/7: Study Music, Relaxing Music, Sleep Mus...

10:58 AM

(Best thing when I have a migraine, classical is too intricate)

(You're having a porcupine day too?)

(ayyyyy)

11:00 AM

(four hours of classes to go before the weekend)

(I hope they are painless) The comms channels remain open. Finally, you notice a pair of system ships emerging from the far end of the planet

She waits to see if anyone from the ships or planet hail her

The ships are both patrol boats in size, each painted a dull cosmic grey. "Unidentified vessel, please state origin and purpose"

"This is the UNW Swallowtail from Gudrun. Our purpose, to meet and greet. We bring news of the sector, and goods to trade."

"Swallowtail, follow landing instructions to Estrus South"

12:10 PM

A course displays on your main screen, showing the route down to the planet's southern landmass

"Thank you." She motions for Mach to follow the route and runs a scan on the landing zone.

( @Agape.Eris what's in Etrius South? did you have anything special situated there?)

(Oooh melora made the map? I love it)

(yeah as we expand and people want to delve into their homes more, ill get them on the map and whatnot. Feels wrong for me to dictate the players own homeworld to them) (edited)

1:31 PM

(Gives me the squirmy worms inside)

(Pro dm moves, I like it)

(Group effort!)

You land at a quaint starport near the ocean. A trio of modest aquaculture farms and their attendant skiffs dot the coast as the swallowtail comes in for landing. The facility is small , meant for less commercial volumes of cargo, but certainly enough to handle the tonnage you’re carrying

5:37 PM

(Hope your head is better!)

Cam disembarks, smelling the fresh breeze. (Are there other spike capable ships here?)

(Not that you’ve seen so far, the ships in space were system ships)

(I should be much better after a good nights rest, thanks!)

Three figures appear from a squat hangar building at the edge of the complex. They’re carrying laser rifles but they’re slung over shoulders and not ready for quick use. One raises a hand in greeting

She waves back. "Hi, how are you?"

(Did you want to go into a bigger thread as melora and billy catch up?)

(After I hear how they respond yeah)

“Good morning traveler. Welcome to Leda, honored UNW guest”

(Sweet deal ok)

(Yeah they either know little or nothing at all of the UNW. Either way a bad move to shoot first)

At the kiosk Cam selects a tour of the conservation garden. (After that, a meeting with some of the researchers and then a stop at the market)

(Alright so splitting off from billy and melora?)

12:00 PM

One of the dignitaries arrives a few moments later and you hear the grav skiff you’ll be taking set down outside

(yeah) Cam heads out to the skiff. "hello, are you here for the arboretum tour?"

"I am" the skiff is a two seater cargo skiff design, with an enclosed glass cabin at the front of the craft. The back has a number of gardening tools and survival supplies clamped down under ratchet straps, and a tarp

"great, so am I! I'm Dr. Camellia Thorn of the United Nation of Worlds." She steps aboard and extends a hand.

“Bodi” he says shaking your hand back. “I’m to take you down the scenic trail today I believe”

"Yes sir, and I'll keep my hands and feet inside the vehicle"

He smiles "Knew what I was going to say next did you?" There is a gentle hum as the craft lifts off, heading into the forest

4:31 PM

"Well, as you have probably seen most of Leda is given over to plants and animals, aside from our few small settlements. We go into the forests sometimes for vital things that need to be done, but for the most part, nature has been taking care of itself"

Cam enjoys the breeze and watches for any animals moving in the woods. "Has it always been this way?"

“Since the planet was founded as far as we know. It’s a bit of a tug of war between those who want to save every plant we can, and those who want to be more selective so we don’t have any ill effects from invasive species”

5:25 PM

“It all depends who the curator is at the moment. It’s political, like anything else”

"I think I understand that fight better than most. So what's up ahead?"

“There’s a small ranger station where foresters go on patrol and keep an eye on things. We will head there. You can ask some questions and we will move along”. Behind you, a giraffe crosses the trial heading from one patch of dense forest to the patch across the road

"Incredible. Have the Terran wildlife formed new food webs with the Ledan flora and fauna?"

“They have. Apparently a lot of this was pre screened for comparability before brought here”

6:15 PM

“We don’t keep many records now”

"And are there predators as well?"

“Circle of life must be maintained” he says , gently arcing the skiff into the small clearing

"I see." She looks at the sky that has just opened up. "Harmony sometimes comes at the cost of peace." I'll have to remember this. "Is this the station?"

“Yes. There should be a couple rangers inside. I’m going to make sure I’ve got all the essentials for our second leg here while you’re in”

Cam steps down and knocks on the door.

A female ranger in a six color camouflage uniform answers the door, offset only by a powder blue beret. She smiles as she opens the door “welcome to the jungle” she says. “I understand you’re from another world, doing some sight seeing?”

Cam smiles back as she rolls up and buttons her sleeves. "Quite so. So far I've seen some very nice trees and a giraffe, but I've heard Leda has plenty to offer."

“Leda does. I’ve heard something curious though that I was hoping you could shed more light on”

"I? I can certainly try"

"We here at the forest commission have heard some rather dissenting rumors about some kind of planet killer being aimed at us. If it's true, we would ask a favor, though this is very much off the record. I fear with the complete lack of central control, if something does happen we will be gone long before a decision is reached" She sits back, and as her hair moves behind her shoulders you can see a number of ribbons and citations on her chest. She looks quite the decorated public servant.

"Lack of central control. I see. I can't promise I can help, but feel free to ask."

"We'd like to give a forest core to the UNW for safekeeping, so in the event something happens, Leda's forests can live on, elsewhere"

"I hope that proves unnecessary, but it is a good idea. How do you plan to, er, package it?"

She gets up and beacons for you to follow her into a back office

7:52 AM

In the corner, there is a safe like device that looks almost like a rifle locker, but you can feel a slight chill in the air.

"Woah." She turns to the woman in blue. "What do I have to do?"

"There are two levers here that have to be pulled at the same time to open this up" She spreads her arms out in a T shape, "and my wingspan as it were isn't quite enough. You mind grabbing the other side?"

"Oh right now? Okay." She prepares to pull the lever

The ranger grabs the other side, and counts down from 3, before throwing her side of the lock

8:01 AM

She grunts, her side of it giving her a little more resistance than she had anticipated

Lever pulling intensifies

There is a hiss, as the door opens. Inside, there is something that looks like a soil core sample, but made of tough instapanel like glass

8:06 AM

It is misty inside, like a terrarium

8:06 AM

"This, is a forest core" she says triumphantly

"Are there... giraffes in there?"

"Not animals. We havent quite found a way to do that. Are you familiar with the concept of iron seeds at all"

"I've heard they can be programmed to recreate any genetic sequence"

"For plants, yes. This is an offshoot of that technology. It's been pre-programmed with the basics of a Ledan forest's plants here. Once planted, given a month, it will create a 20 square kilometer patch of forest"

8:13 AM

"From there, assuming conditions are favorable, nature will do the rest"

"A colony core in a breadbox! Would you prefer it be planted immediately or kept in this state in case of emergency?"

"There's a signal that will stop being sent to it if Leda falls, allowing the core to activate once planted."

8:49 AM

"This is a last resort, so something may live on, if diplomacy fails. "

"I hope it won't ever come to that, but I will take the responsibility of safeguarding this for you."

She seems to breathe out, like shes been holding it in for a few weeks. "Thank you. I hope it never comes to this, and I hope a solution can be found, but if it can't, I'm pleased at least a piece of us will live on"

"I'm Dr. Thorn, by the way." She extends a hand.

"I did a bit of snooping" she says, looking a bit embarrassed "I wasn't going to just offer this to anyone. I'm first Ranger Ab-Sabban. I just got so eager to get this done when you got here I couldn't think of anything else"

"I know that feeling, Ab-Sabban. The Swallowtail is docked at the yard. I'll be visiting Leda all day, so I'd certainly appreciate it if your people would load it there. I'm planning to build a secure vault in Central Gudrun, and as soon as it's finished, I'll make sure the core is moved there to ensure its safety."

She relaxes even further. "I have so many thoughts, not just for myself, but for the life we shelter here, I just dont want it all to be for nothing"

"I am thrilled to be able to help preserve the incredible biodiversity and beauty of plants you have here, but we both know there is more to Leda that can't be so easily saved. The talks on Shua begin in just four days, and I fear for a repeat of the previous breakdown- this time with the most severe repercussions."

"how close to they seem. to....you know...doing it"

"We can't get anywhere close, so it has been impossible to tell. For all we know they are only waiting for a certain holiday. You see, hatred for Leda has been so ingrained in their culture that many Shuans have spent their entire lives on this project. If the talks on Shua break down, the UNW will have to step in to try to prevent disaster by arbitrating peace on neutral ground and capturing or destroying that weapon to prevent disaster. We need Ledans who can speak for the trees and for themselves. Ab-Sabban, would you be interested in joining the Ledan delegation to Shua?" (edited)

"I would be. No matter what though, I'd like to come back after. Doomed or not, there's a lot here that needs my attention"

"Of course. And thank you."

"Thank you Doctor Thorn. Assuming things go well, i hope one day we get the chance to work together"

"As do I," she says with a smile. "Well, If you don't mind, I have some rare flowers to find." She waves a brochure from the visitors center.

"I should warn you, they'll check your person on the way off world, invasive species spreading, and the like. I don't think you need me to get into the details."

11:45 AM

(diplomat 2, she really wasnt supposed to tell you that)

"I wasn't planning to pick anything, but I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for letting me know."

11:59 AM

Cam heads back onto the trail to continue the tour, her mood lifted by the conversation and Leda in general.

the skiff in this time has been loaded with some supplies, from the ranger station meant for other places in the forest. The skiff driver waves you back inside, and you hear the engine turn over

"Do you have a garden?" Cam asks

"Do I have one? well sure, at home, most people do"

"I'm just trying to learn more about Ledan life. I have a garden on Gudrun, but I've been leaving it to an AI while I'm away. Do you eat meat?"

"It's not expressly forbidden, but most people don't. Personally, I enjoy it when I can get it"

"I'm sure the farming here is organic, sustainable, and humane, so the meat must be an expensive delicacy. I'd love to try it." After the talks... dont want to risk offending anyone "what does a typical day look like for you?"

"It can be. Sometimes herds grow beyond what predators cull or the land can sustain, in that case, we do have to make some hunting trips, but almost nothing is wasted. Usually if there is meat available, it comes from something like that"

1:25 PM

"As far as my day, usually I'm up pretty early. Breakfast with my sons, they go to university, I come out here to make my routes through the forest, keeping an eye out on things and reporting problems to the rangers

Out of questions for now, Cam sits back and watches the forest, every now and then zooming in to focus on something that catches her eye. (Is there a great variety of vegetation? what does it generally look like? & spotting animals and interesting plants)

most of the vegetation looks terran, but every once in a while there is a shocking difference, like a grove of red palms, festooned with ivy that looks like its leaves are miniature galaxies, stained indigo and blue

2:02 PM

three elk chew on the vines, under one of the red trees, as the skiff pulls close

2:02 PM

they do not run, evidently conditioned to not think the skiff is a threat

Can takes videos of the different ecosystems and gazes at the incredible sights, exclaiming and pointing every now and then to the likely amusement of the jaded driver

He smiles by the end of that moment.

2:40 PM

The skiff continues down the trail, arriving a half hour later at a large observation tower

2:40 PM

"I'm not sure if anyone's around this time of the day, but you're more than welcome to go up and poke around while I check the climate control"

"Alright" Cam climbs up and looks around

At the top of the tower, binoculars are wired into the railings (think like touristy kind where theyre on a stand) Looking through them, you see migratory tropical birds flitting from tree to tree, and new plants, almost a second later of ground cover growing on top of the canopy

wow, this is what I came to see

3:04 PM

She sketches a bird that alights nearby on some of the ivy hanging down from the roof. (Are there any buildings visible from here?)

(The ranger station you came from, and another similar looking one at the opposite edge of the forest, but otherwise its pretty undeveloped)

"How do you manage the climate?"

Theres some light footfalls as the maintenance minder fiddles with some knobs and dials. "Cloud seeding for humidity and rainfall, that's really all we use regularly, its generally hands off here, if we can help it"

3:14 PM

"Once to keep the sea cool, they did spread out these black biodegradable balls though, that i guess did something with the sunlight coming in to help things chill out"

"I've heard of that method. Are there any enclosed gardens or greenhouses, or is everything grown where it grows naturally?"

“Naturally. We feel it wrong to enclose nature”

"Do you sleep in houses?"

“We do. The habs are spartan but efficient. Wish there were some more comforts though. Sometimes I feel second fiddle to nature”

"Hm"

7:49 PM

"I know you don't have a lot of context to go off of, but is there anything else about Leda I should know?"

“Do you accept complaints? I’m not much use for actual insight”

"I'm all ears"

There’s a lot of resentment about the disorganization here” he says

8:38 PM

“The anarchy communism fusion thing they’re trying to do is an idealist college kids conceptual wet dream, but it’s not working and our world is suffering for it.

"Has anyone attempted to form a proper government?"

"How are any decisions that effect everyone made?"

(sorry, surprise snowstorm this morning, drive in took longer than it normally does)

7:19 AM

"Thats just it, decisions aren't made. Everyone wants to be the leader, but we arent supposed to have any, because its a collective. It's a mess"

"That seems problematic. Do you think others feel the same way?"

7:23 AM

(No problemo)

"Oh, I know they do. Nothing violent is planned, but things do need to change"

"Thank you for letting me know." She sits back to watch the colors of the forest flash by in thought

There are no further stops as the skiff continues on its way, and an hour later, you're back at the diplomatic landing complex

(After thanking her driver) she walks to the market and, seeing plenty of gardening supplies, asks the shopkeeper if there are any seeds for Ledan ornamental flowers that aren't invasive or any potted plants that can't reproduce, something she can take through customs and off-world without trouble. (edited)

They do have a few potted flowers for export, that do not reproduce, and can survive with minimal care

(Can I post a huge list of things I want to do to get caught up with the Rawhani mission all at once?)

8:36 AM

(Like a montage kind of thing idk?)

(sure, worst case i can just like go down the list and say what works/what doesnt)

(Perfect!) Cam shops around until she has 2 tons of the potted plants (20k? If they're not available I'll just buy as many as possible), a mix of the limited varieties, making sure there is a mix of different colors. She messages Billy about her departure and oversees the loading of the ship. On the trip back she spends the trip back completing a third week studying the fleshshaper language. Back on Gudrun, she brings the Halia samples and one of each of the Ledan plants to the lab, and personally supervises the forest core placed in mimir's care. With her hoversled she brings the plants and art to the market to sell from her shop (thinking roll to sell now or at the end of the month and she'll just always have some of both in stock for flavor?), hires an assistant for Martin to photograph and tag each piece of artwork, checks the progress on the production center- peeling back plastic sheeting to lay a hand on the trunk of one of dozens of cocoa trees, the sound of conveyor belts starting and stopping in the background- and buys some equipment to prepare to leave for Rawhani immediately.

(20k credits for plants, roll to sell now, since each month is a new set of trades, just so we know its done, )

(Great!)

(6xp, 15000 credits for leda)

(Cool)

(22000 profit from the trading) Cam decides this is good chance give her old mag rifle one last run before retirement. She takes the Taros rifle she picked up from Cyrus's ship to Pops and asks for the ABCs, Autotargeting, Boosted, and Customized, to be added while she's away. (7000 credits)

She also picks up a new grappling hook and some doses of Psych (200+100).

She also purchases 140 tons of common metal ingots to be loaded on the Swallowtail. (140000)

(all good, ill remove from market)(

1

Dr. Thorn looks around the bar for anyone who looks corporate, science types, Remnant, or otherwise interesting and approachable

There is a Remnant sergeant at a table. He is missing an eye, and most of his left hand. The remaining part of it looks partially acid eaten. Two junior level corporate managers sit at another table, both of them watching something on a compad like device

She waits for her drink to arrive, watching the sergeant. "Bartender, how's business in Neptune these days?" (edited)

"The usual, profits down, margins up" he sighs "nice to see some off world business coming in"

"Yeah it's been a while. Figured I could get a few trades in before getting back to my work. I'm translating the language of the Fleshshapers"

12:00 PM

She speaks casually, just loud enough to be audible to the room

"Not sure what tha' is" he says, pouring the drink that even smells cheap. The sergeant at the table perks up, but seems to be on the fence about actually approaching you

Cam picks up her drink and watches white flakes settle in it. She sighs and sets it down. "It's unfortunate really. Most of the soldiers here are unconscious, unavailable, or green as hell and too shaken to be any help." (Is there any chance she could finish her language research with a few hours of help? If not there's other routes available)

(I can help with that afterwards back on the ship)

(compressing a week of study into a few hours seems a little much)

12:34 PM

"Any help with what?" he says gruffly, eyeing you with the one he's got left

(Fair)

12:51 PM

(Am I able to understand anything of the written language after 3 weeks and a day or just nothing and then everything?)

(youd be able to understand basic sentences and stuff, but things like words with two meanings, or words spelled the same but pronounced differently, like the nuanced stuff, you wouuldnt have a grasp of that yet)

(awesome. can I get a gist of what the temple runes say, if not the actual wording?)

It seems to be some kind of creation story, where the universe is described as though one would discuss a field of cattle. Controlled culls and the stories of them are listed, all death being channeled to feed into some cosmic end that remains murky. One passage in particular repeats itself at various places in the story and so, the devourer of life shall be borne into the belly of the beast

She eyes the sergeant warily. "You wouldn't happen to have any experience with fleshshapers, would you?"

"Been stuck here since the battle with Greenbriar" he says, holding up his mangled hand for emphasis

"Unfortunate. I've traded with them; something of a shoot-first, ask-questions-if-convenient bunch." She pushes her drink away with a finger. "I'm having second thoughts about this bar" she whispers conspiratorially.

1:19 PM

"Any suggestions for a decent drink?"

"I heard you can get some very illegal but very good spirits down by the power plant. They get first choice on industrial chemicals to ferment:

She smiles. "Oh really? And why should I, an upstanding free trader with refined tastes, be interested in extralegal mechanized smoke stack moonshine?"

"You asked" he shrugs. He drains his glass, rapping it twice on the table, and flipping it over. He takes a handful of credit coins out of his pocket, and leaves them on the table

She watches him leave. Good to know some of these people have a past with Greenbriar, but I can't take such a risk this early

This is Renegade 1-1 to Mothership, we've experienced a slight hiccup in our plans. Reble has her comms compromised, and has told me to inform you of it.

Ah well. Time wasn't on our side already. She starts calling around to make the trade sale.

One of the stamping plant quartermasters makes contact electronically, hearing about the quality of the metal you're bringing for sale

(Is there any way to reduce friction for a single trade?)

(we can do a talk/cha for a one time deal, ill lower the Dc depending on the quality of the pitch. one time though)

(What sort of friction are we at currently?)

(4)

3:15 PM

(4 is the standard for most worlds, theirs with UNW is actually higher i think but they dont know who you are, so it doesnt make sense to apply the higher one)

(okie)

(and that's offset by your expertise, which is talk skill+trade skill+better of int or cha modifiers )

3:21 PM

(so its 3d6 + expertise (minus) - friction

Cam replies. "Thanks for getting in touch. As you may have heard, I have a cargo bay absolutely packed with ingots of the purest off-world common metals. These bars are ready for use in your plant, and you'll find them ideal for stamping high-quality sheet metal, vehicle parts, or weapon frames. The quality of the goods you'll be able to produce will allow you to use finer machining processes, and is sure to give you an edge over your competitors. Quite literally, if blades are what you like." She makes an offer.

3:41 PM

(Talk/cha is an 8!)

(Friction is 2)

(ok here comes the rolll)

5:27 PM

(12, so +10%, selling for 154,000, profit of 14K ) (lol kind of terrible but at least I'm not losing money!)

(It’s fluffy too. Not sure how much of this kinda thing cam has ever done)

5:28 PM

(So not losing money to a business shark is probably a good first time)

(right)

(She's a fast learner though)

5:41 PM

(We all kind of are, a language in a month? Yeah)

5:42 PM

"This calls for a celebration. Bartender! A round for those guys in the back."

5:44 PM

She steps over to the table. "Hi there! Mind if I join you? I'd like to celebrate my first trade deal on Rawhani. Drinks are on me."

(Hey you wouldn’t have that language in a month if I hadn’t gotten y’all started with wanderer.)

Diplomat You know how to get your way in personal negotiations, and can manipulate the attitudes of those around you. Even so, while smooth words are versatile, they’ll only work if your interlocutor is actually willing to listen to you. Level 1: Gain Talk as a bonus skill. You speak all the languages common to the sector and can learn new ones to a workable level in a week, becoming fluent in a month. Reroll 1s on any skill check dice related to negotiation or diplomacy. (edited)

6:09 PM

(But hey we can write to each other in fleshshaper pretty soon)

(Didn’t Neko day that didn’t work because it wasn’t a language common to the sector? And that with wanderer, we already had about 1/4 and by the end of the month we could have it all learned, thanks to Diplomat.)

6:12 PM

(I think it was something like that)

(But a new language would be one not common to the sector? yeah idk. seems like the focuses don't always play as written/open to a little interpretation. either way, we're death alien savvy)

(Yeah doesn’t matter lol. Either way. Fleshshaper diplomats comin to a Gudrun near you)

(laughs in fleshshaper runes)

6:19 PM

(every cow within 100 miles: dies)

(Hah

)

(We can do the discussion of the@language in a not mission chat if you’d like to have it. Let me get caught up)

The two manager types look up “Uh. Sure. Cmon and sit”

8:09 PM

One of them awkwardly moves a stool out for you

8:11 PM

(The language ruling I’m keeping for alien languages. It’s analogous to the culture skill from the old book the way I’m doing it. You learn the language and the customs. Hence the longer time. )

8:12 PM

)there’s not a direct crossover. They broke it into know and talk. Not both combined into culture. This was a way to do it to give it the gravity I think it deserves while not forcing someone to spend skill points(

(Yes all good, only have a few days to go anyway) Cam jumps on the stool.

“First successful trade? Are you with the Remnant? We saw you and the sergeant talking”

"Oh ho ho, that's the benefit of being an independent trader. I come from a world beyond your wildest imaginations, full of lucrative opportunities. The sergeant and I were discussing one such opportunity. But before that, just who do I have the pleasure of sharing a drink with?"

"We're low systems managers, we're only allowed a handful of approved offworld contacts. Never seen him smile before though, so good work on that"

"And am I on your list? I hope you're not taking too much of a risk, consorting with a potential bad influence like me"

They both chuckle a little bit. "So you came by some metal did you? scrapping the debris field?"

"Oh no, I brought a small haul in from off planet actually. Where do you work?"

"We both work in the main stamping plant, so we will probably be running across whatever you brought pretty soon"

She tries to get some more info on what Neptune is producing. "No offense, but stamping sheet metal doesn't sound very interesting. I'm sure it pays well at least."

"It does, and the things we make will be the next big thing hitting the galaxy once home office gets in touch with us again"

"Really? It can't be that special can it?" She says, only acting disinterested

"Enhanced energy weapons will one day be the standard for all ground forces wishing to fight anywhere . I'd say that';s pretty damn special" one pouts, going back to watching the video

9:10 AM

its a soccer match, and a VERY old one, at that

The server arrives with their drinks. Cam waits for the server to leave. "Energy weapons are already common throughout the sector. Are you working on anything special? You never know, I could be a potential buyer" (edited)

" Enhanced is what I remember saying" he pouts further, you're not sure if its the repeating himself or the fact that a goal was scored on the video they're watching

"You must be in the shear rifle division then" she takes a drink

9:50 AM

"Now that is some fine work"

"Not exactly. but that's about all I can say"

"Hmm interesting. So what are you waiting on your home office for?"

"To contact us. to get us some supplies, new personnel, credits. the usual .This is just a branch office. Even orders of some kind would be good. Its frustrating, you know? Like, I just want to know what the fuck we are doing out here"

(Do we have the technical capability to spoof a message from Neptune from the direction of Earth? What would that require)

(You do not, I'd imagine something out in the earth direction to bounce the signal off of)

(But if we had that then we could make it look like it's from Neptune?)

11:25 AM

(Potentially?)

(I mean it depends how its approached but yeah)

11:25 AM

(it's not out of the realm of possibility, if that answers your question)

"I have unfortunate news. Your home office may have been, destroyed."

11:28 AM

"Yes. Earth has been cut off from us. Not even I know what has become of it after the Scream. No word has left earth in two years."

11:35 AM

"You haven't heard from them in two years, am I right? As a result, you will need to find buyers on your own. If you can interest me in what you have, your employers will doubtless reward your efforts."

You hear a shotgun rack from the direction of the bar "You'll be leaving now, seditionist. If the corporate enforcers hear even a little bit of you saying that, they'll kill everyone here."

11:36 AM

"The home office will reach out to us when they can"

11:36 AM

The bartender is not pointing it directly at you, but it is in his hands, and he looks a mixture of angry, and frightened

Cam puts her hands up and backs away from the table. She leans in to quickly whisper: "I hear there's a speakeasy at the plant. Maybe I'll see you tonight. If you're interested." Lifting her eyepatch briefly she winks at the corp guys before walking out of the bar. "No one has to die today. Let's both forget about it." She tosses a 100 cred chip onto the end of the bar on the way out. As the door swings closed she leans against the wall and wipes her brow. That was intense

11:48 AM

She walks fast to meet up with Hailey and Oman.

(they're reviewing some options i think near the foundry, so we can move into the mission thread as you catch up to them)

"NHI ATC this is the UNW Swallowtail, requesting permission to land to trade, share info, and see some crash test mechs fight to the death in a demolition derby! Though that last one is negotiable"

“UNW swallowtail proceed to southern landing skirt. Are you in need of cargo skiffs to meet you?”

(Wow ok time to wait for August for more of this wonderful show)

(Right! It’s a slow build but man oh man)

"Let's hold off on the skiffs for now. On our way."

The ship comes to rest in the designated spot.

A few flight deck maintainers are standing by for the customary inspection when a ship lands but with no trade offered, no one from corporate cones to greet you at Nova heavy industries

11:08 PM

The complex looks far different than you remember, some of the construction new, some remodeled, and some rebuild with the bones of dead sandworms. The remains of five large specimens sit at the end of the test track on the far side of the factory complex. Even from here you can see burns on the exposed insides. Some sort of spaceship laser was used on them )last group of PCs that were here(

Cam heads to the corp office seeking an audience.

She drives her own gravcycle with four large and bulky crates in the cargo sled.

The office is not quite where you remember it, behind twisting warrens of new build grafted onto the old. The bike only narrowly fits through a few of the new side roads you’re forced to take. The office itself is a new build, a reinforced dome and pressurized airlock door. Three corporate guards stand outside, voted

7:35 AM

Bored*

She approaches and waves to hail the guards. "Hello, good afternoon, I'm an ambassador from the UNW headquarters on Gudrun, I would like to speak to someone to exchange information on Saturnet, the UNW, and the Remnant, and maybe buy a mech?"

“Alright. Inside please. I’ll need to ask you to check your weapons with the receptionist inside”

8:45 AM

“Standard procedure. We can’t take em in either” he tries to soften the blow

"Of course." She puts her mag rifle, flop rifle, stun baton, machete, and grenade belt and pulls the laser pistol out of her boot to add to the pile. She asks the guards to watch her gravcycle for her and enters.

You’re brought by two unarmed security to a small office where a clerk sits behind a desk. A slowly scrolling text of recent trades passes by

She tries to get an audience with someone with authority to talk about Why We Should Work Together

“Good evening traveler. I’m to gather some comments from you for forwarding up to the board” the clerk says in his best customer service voice

"Sure yep just another unw representative here. I have sensitive information on Saturnet and would like to discuss what NHI and the UNW can do for each other. I also have some personal trading to take care of on behalf of Paprika Industries." (definitely not giving them a business card or name yet)

“We will hear the latter two issues, the UNW and Paprika. The council is clear on matters of espionage”

"Oh yes of course, I know what the council says about espionage. I'm just here to discuss relations between polities and conclude a separate, independent sale of legally purchased local merchandise"

An elevator, a small one, almost like a bank tube but for people, opens behind the clerk, and he is unceremoniously pushed aside. Hector Hanes, Nova Heavy vice president of purchasing. How can I assist you?"

(Ha got a laugh imagining this guy fwooping through a pneumatic tube) "Hello, Hector. I'd like to discuss how Nova Heavy Industries and the UNW can work more closely in the future. For starters, I'd like to sell you some laser rifles your engineers, armorers and soldiers may find interesting." She briefly shows her slab with the test result printout, cropped to only show the two gel blocks. "I think you'll appreciate the design. Here is the bill of sale showing the purchase from Saturnet was entirely legal." (Trade roll? Idk what the friction here is)

(It’s still 4 since you’re a new contact , well. You’re presenting yourself as such)

4:37 PM

“I see. Those are interesting. And legal? We can take your word on that?

"As far as I know, the sale was totally legal. I never promised not to sell to a competitor. I learned of this new project because a systems manager freely bragged to me about it with the knowledge I was a potential buyer, and Saturnet decided to sell to an independent trader not knowing where the guns would end up, so this is on them, pretty much what they should have seen coming and tried to avoid. The more guns we can keep out of Remnant hands the better, and these weapons will give your men an edge over whatever enemies they face and hopefully your engineers can make use of them for new mech weapon designs." (edited)

5:51 PM

"I want to make sure you're completely comfortable with this deal before we talk about numbers."

“We will take them off your hands Certainly. Couldn’t hurt to see what our fellow corporate partners are doing”

(17, selling 46 tons at 15000 = 690000) "Next I'd like to take a look at your mechs. For now I'm just looking for a single, personal unit. I need something that can protect me underwater, in space, in zones of heavy chemical toxicity and radiation."

"We can offer a suit mech with the sealed environment fitting, but further upgrades have to come from after market"

(Augmented Enviroseals right?) "I'll take it! Do you sell any weapons as well? I'd like to equip an anti-vehicle laser. That should do it for now."

(yeah)

7:28 PM

"We can install that as well" (book price for the chassis itself and the weapon, they'll throw in the seals for free but it still takes mass/power,ect)

(awesome numbers incoming for you)

(awesome! hopefully that was satisfactory)

(Yes!!! so awesome) (sucks about oman though)

7:30 PM

(-170000)

The suit is loaded aboard the swallowtail, and the sold cargo is offloaded

"Finally, I have news from around the sector to share with you. Is there somewhere we can talk more comfortably while the cargo is loaded and unloaded? I'd love to see some mechs in action, is there some kind of observation room we can walk to while we talk?"

"They're on patrol right now, we've had an uptick in problems around the area, I'm sure you saw the debris field on the way in. We really can't recall any from missions"

"That's alright" Cam says. "That debris field, it's causing a lot of damage planetside? Around Rawhani or just around here?"

“It’s not coming down it’s far enough away, but there were survivors from the battle out in the wastes”

"Remnant and UNW survivors? What do you with them when you find them?"

“Remnant. (The UNW’s allies, red Sangha, lost two ships. There was damage across the fleet but the UNW didn’t lose a ton)

(ah)

“We....we haven’t been assisting them. I know other corporations have”

"I see, well, you're certainly not making enemies of the UNW through your efforts." Cam proceeds to tell Hector about the UNW's efforts to explore oceans and deep space, the dangers of the Still Lady cult and the existence of a new force called the weave that they should look into, and the recent dealings with fleshshapers including their potential presence on Elkano. She also tells them of the loss of contact with Earth, and encourages Hector to advise his superiors to confidently move forward with research, development and production plans. She's not trying to get anything out of them but wants to show how NHI and the UNW can benefit each other, hoping this will encourage them to research along new lines and be more open to future dealings with the UNW.

“Your people have helped out with a few sensitive matters here already, we can’t openly go against the council of corporations but we will do what we can outside of open defiance of their edicts”

"Given your security as a company is considered and we provide fitting compensation, does this mean we can count on NHI for support against the Remnant in the future?"

“It would depend on the nature of that support for right now”

"Of course, but it's reassuring to have your support in any form. Thank you, and on behalf of the UNW and Paprika Biotechnologies, I look forward to working with you further in the future." She shakes his hand at the door, jumps back aboard her cycle, and drives it right into the cargo bay, giving Mach the ok for liftoff as she puts her hair up and pulls up her eyepatch. "Take us deep into the ash wastes, we'll rendezvous with Hailey and Oman there."

(We can move back into the main thread, the swallowtail being in the area about the time Hailey makes her way into the train engine)

(Time to kick things into... slow mo so I can wrap my head around everything. Do you mind if we DM about faction stuff while Thorn takes care of the little things? I don't want to hold Billy and Melora up on the conference)

sure lets talk!

(Oh wait Billy's not going) Dr. Thorn leaves the Swallowtail as crates of weapons are unloaded. (OK to collect 3xp for "expand personal far trades to three planets"? and have I finished 3xp for "secure Nova Heavy support against the Remnant" or do I need them to actually do something concrete for me)

(something concrete, especially since they have reservations about the type of support, but they have promised. you have the far trades goal though completed)

(awesomesauce that's level 10 for me) (edited)

Cam picks up her Taros rifle (adding my three new guns to inventory real quick). She stops in at the Paprika stand to talk to Martin about the merger. She is interested to see how his garden has been growing.

12:57 PM

Her commlink alerts her that the production facility has churned out 300 tons of surplus chocolate, purchased by Ad Astra (edited)

Martin has been enjoying himself, busy with getting preparations laid for the expansion. he looks happy at having some more corporate oversight

Cam is happy to see plants filling every corner of the shop and office. She tells him that although their name has changed, their mission to create healthy, independent, unique and biodiverse planets with a strong bond of harmony between them is no way changed. (Can I keep Martin and his stand around as a point of sale in Central?)

(absolutely, he's still part of the runnings since he knows your side of the business)

1:51 PM

(I think he's pretty indispensable)

(Hooray!)

2:06 PM

Next up, she takes the train down to Prime with the Ledan forest core and all of her plant samples and seeds. She introduces herself to Alfred warmly.

Alfred has heard much, knowing to expect some new business coming in. He is warm, and quick with a joke, but always the consummate professional

and tours the facilities there, claiming one of the 3 or 4 labs for her own equipment and installing the forest core and seed bank in the Secure Vault. She messages Herb to send her his seed collection (to complete his endeavor).

She is impressed by the size and clean industrial feel of the facility, but feels it could use some beautification. She calls Martin to have some potted plants and Ledan art sent to spruce up her lab-office and one of the conference rooms. While she's at it she has a potted fernlike plant with massive red flowers and a painting of Ledan swans sent to Doona for her front desk.

2:24 PM

The note reads, "Thank you for helping myself and so many others come to terms with those things beyond the reach of science."

Doona is west, in Carinhold right now, but Crane signs for the delivery, and sends back something showing she thinks Donna will enjoy the gift

Next Cam meets Sarah the Ad Astra AI and sends her the photographs of the Ledan art. "Could you analyze these and look for anything out of the ordinary growing on Leda we should look for?"

“It will take some time” she says as the data is uploaded “but yes”

(Yeah several tons of art lol)

5:19 PM

"Thank you."

(Yeah). You hear Sarah already hard at work

She also donates some of the laser rifles from Saturnet. "The design on these rifles is innovative, they might prove interesting"

(Yeah). You hear Sarah already hard at work

She takes a look at the currently available projects and reads up about the crystal project (can you give me a run down on that?)

(The psychic charging it must know the technique they are trying to imbue the Crystal with. Charging takes the techniques effort cost. The stored technique can be unleashed at a later time without cost, but also draining the crystal. To charge a lvl 3 or 4 technique it takes two psychics, and at least one must know the technique. The other must have a discipline at least that high even if it’s not the same one)

(Ohh it's that ok)

6:24 PM

Finished with her research for now (personal roll will wait) Dr. Thorn orders cargo to fill the Swallowtail and the Insight to make the most of the trip to Shua.

6:27 PM

(And that's about it until I'm back at my pc)

(sounds good, I'll be here!)

(Am I good to clear the following goals as a result of everything that just happened: 3xp Manufacture chocolate on Gudrun: research done, production up and running 3xp Obtain vault for herbarium 3xp Acquire my own personal lab 3xp Obtain a business loan from an investor (waiting until goods supplied))

(yes you are)

(thank you kind sir)

8:16 PM

(and now to production)

(I think we had 300 tons of chocolate produced iirc , we just have to designate build/upgrades this turn, and then we can roll your trades- peep the new rules for routes- I think after that we are gucci)

Gudrun: Major Medical Supplies (3) Gudrun: Minor Chocolate (already rolled plz ignore) Gudrun: Major Medical Equipment (5) Asleif: Major Posttech Building Materials (5) Sumati: Minor Atmoflyers (6) Mariam: Major Posttech Building Materials (4) Nearly went into the red buying it all at 50%

Are there any known Jaxonite deposits open for exploitation on Gudrun?

The Jaxonite is being counted as a rare ingot for trade goods. There is one near prime that currently is not being mined

8:08 AM

(its the blue looking gem thing on the map)

Yeah, HQ up to 6 and major production center of that for Gudrun. I'd like to talk to Charles before doing anything on Miriam aside from HQ up. HQ upgrade for Asleif, maybe a minor prod center but idk what yet. HQ up on Sumati and Major Friendship. Faction turn this month will probably not be expand influence

you have to get minor before it can be upgraded to major, for production centers and anything else with the distinction (edited)

8:26 AM

that is how we are managing the growth

8:28 AM

and yes anything aside from HQ growth on a world that has a governor, so right now Miriam, needs to be reviewed with said governor.

For the production? Ok that works. Thinking minor space defenses for asleif instead of production. All of these will require us to make some sales so I'm planning to initiate them as we planet hop essentially

for production and anything else that has minor/major in the book

Oh so the friendship thing will just start as minor, ok

(correct, )

(How will trade with multiple ships work? Like having a ship follow for extra space? I'm thinking one deal in terms of trouble but counts as a "deal" for both ships?)

(yeah i wont roll on the trouble table twice, and it will count as a deal for both ships)

(what about selling mixed loads and buying mixed loads on one visit to a planet?)

(ill roll trouble just the once for trading with the world at all, but a trade roll for each good is probably the only way to keep it straight due to the different prices)

(Yes that sounds good. Thanks)

180 tons of chocolate loaded on Swallowtail and 120 chocolate + 60 colonial materials on Insight, Cam lifts off for the Shuan council by way of Thorgerd and Halia.

As the ship rises she tasks the probes, sending them into dangers unknown.

The probes depart like a constellation of stars, before scattering, heading for different jump points

12:41 PM

(we can just go ahead with Shua. I was holding off, hoping for some involvement there before you arrived but we can just start it with Melora having been kept in a diplomatic compound for safety for a few days)

(Yeah I was giving her time but)

12:45 PM

(Oh and meant to say I'm buying a gravchute while on Gudrun)

12:45 PM

(And grapnel launcher)

(sounds good, that is all available)

12:48 PM

(it worked out, you got the heist done without getting any FOMO)

(and black slab dataslab and trade goods total of 11000)

12:49 PM

(yeah)

12:51 PM

(The trade goods are flashlights, mini solar chargers, batteries, hand tools, notebooks, pens, various useful technological knickknacks)

12:54 PM

On the 2 days to Halia she studies the language, feeling like she is on the verge of a major breakthrough into fleshshaper culture and even how the language is spoken (3 days remaining)

12:55 PM

When the ship arrives on Halia she gives Admiral Beckwater of the Republic a friendly hail.

"Hello Admiral! I'm on my way to a meeting on Shua, but on the way back I may have some goods to trade. How are things with the Ark?"

(so colonial supplies?)

1:31 PM

Beckwater's fleet is not receiving any radio traffic, deep in the derelict field.

She notes their location and flies down to Haila's derelict field (edited)

(Metawheat is food right? Would their bonus count for chocolate?)

3:54 PM

(I feel like they enjoyed it but it was hard to tell with all the vomiting)

)it’s food. Yes it will count(

(Oh good) Idk when Melora will get here so I might as well go say hallo to the Halians

5:16 PM

"Hello, Halia Republic? Do you read?"

With no response the Swallowtail and Insight head for Shua

Shua and it’s settlements are all open and sending hails. News of their new UNW friends and the unique offerings they bring are spreading

6:19 PM

And everyone wants to be first in line

2

"Good to see you, people of Shua. Where are the discussions to be held?"

“Isylandwatch has the honor of the delegation for this meeting. There is a landing area outside the settlement”

"Excellent, we are coming in for a landing." (First time on Isylandwatch)

Isylandwatch is just that, and as you land you see the river delta widening into a sea. There are thousands of islands here of varying sizes. Some are the size of central itself while others are only half the size of your ship. The city is old, made of a dull gray stone and dark timber. A large fortress dominates the center of the city, the only true modern thing that is readily visible

Cam sees Billy's ship but not Billy or Melora. She greets the dignitaries and follows them to the meeting, which is probably about to be called to order.

7:38 PM

(She's arriving afternoon of the meeting day if I did the math right)

(Yeah)

8:07 PM

(billy decided to just leave them data on the other threats out there because he wanted to move on to some business on acastus, so it’s just you and melora here now

8:08 PM

The meeting is about to be called as delegates have arrived during different points in the day. The airport has a fair number of craft in it

Cam walks in and greets Melora, joining the UNW delegation

The body of rule is a five member council, comprised of the project leader for the gun and the heads of each settlement. “This meeting is of special significance. We have not had guests on Shua in some time, their presence in this meeting honors us”

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"I believe" says the council alderman, "although we have some urban planning issues to discuss, to not waste any more of the good delegates time that we have already, we will get to the heart of the matter, a proposal has been made to change the target of Red Horizon. We have been given a bit of information about other problems in our sector, and neighboring sectors, and it is perhaps best to hear the issues direct from those who have witnessed them. "

"To that end, I introduce Dr. Thorn of the United Nations of Worlds, who some of you may be familiar with already. She has been most generous in her dealings and gifts of fresh food."

The doc stands up. (Short speech incoming when I get back)

(no rush!)

"People of Shua, thank you for having us. I want to impress upon you the importance of this issue. The detargeting of Red Horizon from Leda is critical to ensuring Shua's success in a society of rational, peaceable worlds. Today I will attempt to share with you, first, the true nature of the Ledans, and the reasoning behind their supposed betrayal. Second, I will show you that the real threat lies not in Leda. Finally, I will do my best to convince you that it is in the best interest of your world to shift the target away from Leda as soon as possible. To begin with the topic on everyone's minds, I believe it's time you found some answers to your questions. These representatives have come here from Leda of their own free will to stand before you today. Before we discuss further, please hear them out." She sits.

@Agape.Eris

"Yes, Thank you Dr. Thorn. I come to you today representing both my home planet of Leda and my new home in Gudrum, where I serve as the Director of Health and Human Services in Greenbriar. Ledans have had the privilege of being brought up in a culture of communal support, wanting for very little as we were given everything we needed to survive and often thrive..."

"We have been able to live in a culture espousing policies of non-violence because there has been very little need to resort to it. This is the case so much so that we have become unable to comprehend why the use of violence would be necessary, which as someone who once felt that way now realizes that it is not always realistic when opposing powers have little regard for life themselves and have no qualms in using means of violence and force to achieve their goals of domination"

"The Ledans' myopic views are a result of being ultimately sheltered and oblivious to how cruel the universe is. I find it difficult to fault them for not knowing these things. As for the lack of communication on their end to the Shua people as to how and why they were not able to fulfill promises of help, I can see the frustration that must be felt. But Leda is young as a civilization. And youth often brings naivity, lapses in judgement and lessons to be learned. It is very unfortunate that the result of this is potentially more harm to the Shuans than would have been. But they - we are not your enemies. To not focus on the real threats to both - all of our planets, is also myopic and counterproductive. Leda is prepared to offer humanitarian aid and safe haven for Shuans. I will let their officials speak to that"

"Leda is rich in renewable resources and biodiversity in the wildfire preserves that be vital in the development of thriving ecosystems and terraforming across the universe. We also have many advancements in medicine, technology, and pedagogy that would benefit any of our allied worlds. These things are irreplaceable, and to lose them to foolish, but nonmalicious actions when there is imminent danger from other caustic sources that only mean you harm would be a blow to all of us. I implore you, dear Shuans, to consider the implications of such actions, for not only the Ledans, but for yourselves and allies - and how dividing benign factions only gains to benefit evil. Thank you for your time and attention."

2:10 PM

Melora bows in the directions of officials from each and takes her seat.

"To emphasize her point" The Ledan first ranger of the preserve speaks at length about the number of irreplaceable species of plant and animal living on that world. The scream , in this case, may have granted a political advantage- Earth, and the sol system as a whole, is uncertain to have survived the storm. Leda may be the only place in the universe where some of these ancestral flora and fauna still thrive.

2:13 PM

"We have heard from Doctor Reydove, The First Ranger, and from our friend Dr. Thorn. your appeals are sensical, and the Ledan people of today sound as though they are waking up from their naive slumber if Dr. Reydove is an example of the planet as a whole. To that end, you have mentioned other caustic forces. What would you have us do?"

"I have the answer to that. This message comes from UNW representative Billy Rigers, who was unable to join us today." She asks for the message to be played.

The message plays, spending about equal time on the cult of The Still Lady, the fleshshapers, and on the Remnant. "Out of the three parties we have seen, I'd like to ask the UNW delegation here now a question, who do you think is the greatest threat of the three?"

"Of these three parties, the Cult of the Still Lady headquartered on Acastus represents the closest threat to you. However, the people of Acastus do not all follow the cult, and many of those who do are coerced to do so. You yourselves were trading with Acastus only years ago. The presence of wrongdoers on a world, even the presence of evil, is insufficient reason to obliterate a system; Red Horizon would be drastic overkill and the attack would result in untold millions of civilian casualties. The UNW has been supporting the Resistance there with promising results. One day we may trade with them again."

2:39 PM

"The Remnant primarily occupy the western edge of known space, and although they have chosen hostility against the UNW, they are human, and the UNW cannot support such slaughter except as a last resort to prevent greater casualties from continued fighting. But we are nowhere near that point now."

2:40 PM

"That brings us to the Fleshshapers. My recommendation to you, on behalf of the UNW, is to retarget Red Horizon on the Fleshshaper homeworlds."

2:42 PM

"This is not because they are alien, no; it is because they are aggressively expanding their influence by agonizingly draining the life from each unique planet they encounter, replacing it with a monoculture. And they are on our doorstep."

2:46 PM

She shows a map of the sector, pointing out the ring. "These are the suspected Fleshshaper homeworlds. Our last attempt to send a probe was destroyed by a black hole. Their influence has already spread this far, to Elkano."

"These homeworlds, is there one of significant value we should target first? the shells are time consuming, and extremely expensive to make. There is is also the chance they will follow the trajectory, and sail here once the weapon hits. We need to ensure we do enough damage to justify the risk to ourselves. "

3:07 PM

(they're not going to publicly admit they were wrong about Leda, but it is no longer in danger. you've done what you can as private UNW citizens to mend the rift)

"We should wait until we know which will be the most valuable target, and whether such violence is necessary. The UNW is building a fleet for such defense, and my company, Ad Astra, can help you construct major space defenses here. I am also sending probes to investigate these homeworlds. I'd like to scout the route between Shua and Elkano as well. By retargeting Red Horizon away from Leda and joining our fight against these threats, you will prove yourselves to be a valuable ally to the UNW and gain a powerful position among peaceable planets throughout the sector. This action will prove to the galaxy that you value harmony over revenge, and has the potential to bring new interstellar business to your cities. Your people can find unity in pursuing the common good as well as a more serious common enemy. I beg you, do not allow the mistakes of the past to bring such slaughter to pass. Would you accept this as a means to bring trade to your planet, as well as peace?" ~~(going to go for a base of influence+trading post here if they accept this)~~ (idk yet) (edited)

“Accepting your request to halt red horizon is enough for now. It’s only been two months UNW. You’ve been kind but it’s hardly a basis for trust”

6:27 PM

(This never lit up. Sorry about that)

(6xp, 20,000 credits for both of you. Good rp)

3

(neat!) After the meeting is over Cam thanks the First Ranger and Melora. "Do you need a ride back to Leda or Gudrun?"

"Nova and I would love to get back to gudrun"

(neko is out for the night and I am as well, we can pick this up in the morning)

(Got a few Goals updated, Neko)

(Iirc we are the First Ranger's ride back to Leda? Or is there another ship here?)

(I'll check goals tonight, Billy moved off to other objectives, but hes got two ships over Acastus right now, if the first ranger needs to get home we can handwave it that way if youre eager to be off)

(Sure) Cam lets the first Ranger know her ride is on the way. She and Melora return to Gudrun on the Swallowtail.

(so, the acastus group and the meeting with the Remnant splinter group missions are in progress already, Seung and Cyrus are off on Sumati getting some stuff done before the war turn, so I'm ready for new business!)

In her studies on the ride back, Cam makes a final breakthrough on her study of the fleshshaper language. (4 months of study conplete!) She tries to gain any new information from the temple runes.

(lemme just track down what I gave you already, just typing here so you know i saw it)

1

It seems to be some kind of creation story, where the universe is described as though one would discuss a field of cattle. Controlled culls and the stories of them are listed, all death being channeled to feed into some cosmic end that remains murky. One passage in particular repeats itself at various places in the story and so, the devourer of life shall be borne into the belly of the beast

From the corpse of this beast a seed shall be planted. Black as the void, its roots sink to the heart of the world, and from its branches, will sprout red fruit, such will nurture the creation of life, and the cycle begins again

(sigh for some reason my last message failed to send from my phone and now it's gone)

(I hate when that happens)_

That can't mean anything good. I need eyes on Elkano yesterday. After boarding the train to Prime she checks the feed from Black, but it's still in transit, not yet transmitting.

11:15 AM

On the train she posts an ad to attract construction workers and miners to Prime for a new Jaxonite mine. The ad promises competitive wages, and affordable housing and better food. "Tired of the same old bland fish gruel and burnt coffee? Come to Prime..."

11:17 AM

Upon reaching Prime she meets Alfred at the station and asks him to send out survey crews to the east immediately. "What housing is currently available in Prime? What do we have for restaraunts and entertainment?"

11:22 AM

She pulls up their assets on her pad. "Looks like housing and food are both readily available, we can house and feed the majority of the planet's population here if we need to."

"There are 6,000 looking for work (around there, dont have the handout handy at work) , some from the exodus ship recovered near Elkano."

11:26 AM

(is anything building on Gudrun this turn for ad-astra?)

11:27 AM

(if there is, we need to wait until next month for the minor production center to get going)

(Building the MPC on jaxonite is the Gudrun build along with upgrading the hq, I'm rping it)

(gotcha)

"Excellent, I'm hoping this mine will draw more workers to Prime and bring other businesses in to serve them. Next is our HQ." She goes over the blueprints with Alfred and plans additional stories on the buildings in a clean modern design, additional outbuildings and huge gardens out front of the facility with a hedge maze and a massive glass arboretum grow chamber. (Can I buy additional sanctum fittings too?)

(yep, same thing with those, one per month in most cases. Your builders can only accomplish so much)

(Great I'll take a look at those)

"Alfred, we need to know more about the Weave to combat the fleshshaper's death magic. We can also fight fire with fire, or whatever element beats death magic in Weave rock paper scissors. I want to make Prime the center of magic research for the UNW." To that end she designs a facility in a separate building with a tall central tower: an Advanced Archanotech Laboratory.

12:34 PM

She also sends out an ad for qualified researchers, and hires candidates who have posted their CVs, building a team to staff the new magic research facility and employees to fill the new expansions to headquarters. (I assume that's part of the cost of the HQ)

12:35 PM

She hires outside of Prime whenever possible to bring new talent to the city.

12:36 PM

She works on hiring and logistics until the end of the day until handing it off to Alfred and getting some rest in the living quarters.

(For some of this i feel like projects are going to be needed since magic is a new thing. Its a nrely discovered force so im not sure how we would know what fittings or what configurations things need to be in for building without any prior experimentation. I'd be fine with whatever spaces being built, but maybe a project to make them active, after)

1:09 PM

(or an adventure)

1:15 PM

"I'll make the arrangements Doctor" alfred says, leaving behind some refreshment.

1:16 PM

(HQ cost includes the employees, if youre looking for scholars and other skilled people, those have actual per month costs associated with them, some are in COBS and some are in the regular core book, depending on what youre looking for)

(If I hire researchers what benefits could they give me)

(I'd have to look, dont remember off the top of my head, game will be over in a few, they're dying)

Cam searches far and wide to fill two positions, the best programmer in the land and possibly a researcher who can assist her personal research

(I'll get you costs and bonuses )

Cam sees a good number of capable candidates and realizes she can hire individuals for short gigs as needed instead of keeping them on staff. She does, however, decide to hire a researcher-turned-artist, to get research done, study samples, and come up with project ideas or clues that could lead to new projects. This person is the most eccentric, interesting Rawhani-native researcher she could find: a brilliantly creative scientist labeled "mad" by their peers for their wild ideas and passionate pursuit of esoteric lines of research, who also loves to sketch and paint interesting subjects. After finding themselves unable to play the games of politics in scientific culture and frustrated by endless grant writing, they turned to pursue art full-time. Cam offers them a job at Ad Astra. 37,500 paid out over time (the sum of hiring a researcher indefinitely and an artist for 50 months), a decent comprehensive health plan, and free rein to work as lead researcher in the 4 different labs, gardens, seed bank, arboretum, library, living quarters, recreational facilities, design facility, and workshop in Ad Astra's Prime sanctum, pursuing whatever projects they wish with bonuses for any kind of breakthrough leading to a new trade good or technology.

Only one candidate matches all that, a rawhani born female. She’s been in the camp awhile and recently feels some shame at being passed over for employment by a rather large Viking like woman.

8:19 AM

This has fueled her sense of drive and she is eager to prove herself

Cam looks forward to meeting her. Her next stop is Central, where she returns to Dr. Videra. It's time to go under the knife again, for some long-awaited cyberware.

The doctor clears his schedule for your consultation right away. “Doctor” he smiles. His office has some of the artwork you brought back hanging in it. He looks to be a bit of a collector

"Good to see you, Dr. Videra. I am in need of a few upgrades, I'll show you my list and you can tell me what you can do." Panspectral Optics Ghost Talker Transceiver Neurointruder Alert Drone Control Link Bioadaptation Augments

“The control link is easy enough. I can get the ghost talker in right now too” (What’s our system strain situation looking like?)

(Total of 6 permanent/14 max strain with what I have and everything on the list)

“I should be able to finish your eye as well (the Pan spectral). I think that’s about as much As we should put on your body at a time.” (That 6 is including what you have already?)

(Yeah) "Sounds good. I'm ready."

10:49 AM

(It'll be 6 with this actually)

(Yeah 6 total including what you have and what you’re getting. Gotcha)

(Yep, 3 previous 3 new)

Dr. Thorn sets all of her stuff down and sits on the table. "Ready when you are, doctor."

(50000 credits)

He completes the augmentations over the week, spending ample time allowing you to recover in between. The surgeries are a complete success

Cam buys a new drone to replace poor Wasp, and spends some time getting used to seeing in infrared and x-ray again. She sits in the planning/break area in the middle of the busy construction site out front, watching workers lay the groundwork on the dome of the arboretum and lay slate paths for the gardens. She practices flying her pair of drones around Prime, recording their feed with her transceiver while she waits for her new hire to arrive.

(9250) (She now has Bumblebee with Heavy Lift/Expert System/Medical Support, and Honeybee with Sensor Transparency/Holoskin/Observation Suite)

(Did wasp break in the maze?)

(she had to leave him behind on the 2nd Ouroboros mission)

2:09 PM

(still out there in the woods with the rad dinos)

(Ah right)

2:31 PM

The camp sends a notification she is on her way and an hour later the doors open, and she strolls in. Her stride is so light she seems to glide

She looks around the office and seems to breathe a sigh of appreciation, being surrounded by greenery and art

Cam's gaze refocuses as she lets her drones drift. She smiles and walks around the desk. "Our new researcher arrives. Welcome to Ad Astra."

"hi! I'm Lena" she says, she holds out a hand but thinks better of it after a moment, then holds it out again

"A pleasure to meet you, I'm Dr. Camellia Thorn. Please, call me Cam. Let's go for a walk around the campus, I'll give you a grand tour. Could you tell me more about your previous work?" Cam leads Lena around, showing her the future arboretum, the garages, and the different types of laboratories available.

"I was working on some projects to try to get the wasteland to be more sustainable back on Rawhani, or even to try to undo some of the damage. On my own time at least. I heard that world used to be quite verdant, once"

Camellia leads the way down into the Vault. She shows off their herbarium and seed bank, a glass aquarium filled with the vent sample, aquatic fungus, and waving green kelp, and finally unveils the Ledan forest core. "Ready... pull!"

“This is really something, but I’ve got to ask. What is it?”

"This is a treasure entrusted to us by the people of Leda, a backup of their incredible forests and flora in case of disaster. Now that you've seen the facilities at your disposal, let me tell you about our current projects." Moving to the library, she says, "Here are our files; our current lines of research include developing new trade goods and technologies, terraforming the moon and other hazardous wastelands around the sector, and studying the Weave. We will fight the mysteries of death with the science of life." "Now that you have seen the facilities available to you; do you have an idea of where you will start?"

(So is prime getting a lab? If it is, I Can put some projects in it. The post got deleted the other day when I was trying to ask about it

(Yeah the Rebirth lab is in Prime right? We could definitely use another option for rp donations. The Ad Astra sanctum has an Advanced Lab, an Assay Facility for identifying magical items, a Research Laboratory, and an Advanced Design Facility)

9:37 PM

(Part of the reason I wanted to hire a team of researchers at first, and ended up going with Lena, was to generate some projects and establish the lab as another place to donate samples)

(No. Rebirth is in the settlement called rebirth)

9:45 PM

(And you can build one thing per month. Did it have all that stuff already?)

(I got the stuff i needed) "I'm really not sure. I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed right now"

10:19 PM

"this morning all I had to my name was a rough blanket and some sandals"

(Ok yeah I guess we are starting this then. It did have all of those things already so it seems like a waste to... not use them)

12:05 AM

"Of course. Take your time, there is space set aside for you in the living quarters. You may begin wherever and whenever you're ready, and I'm excited to see what you can do. Please let me know if there are any materials or information I can gather that you require."

12:11 AM

With that, Dr. Thorn takes the train back to Central. En route, she checks the feed of the probe on Elkano.

Nothing moves on the world below. The temple site is still ruined. The site has not been re visited by human or flesh shaper since your last adventure there

(Yeah I got it figured out with Shriven you’re all good)

(Sweet thanks) Arriving in Central Cam stops by HS to meet Hailey for a drink and then leaves for Halia with 300 tons of chocolate and 80 of medical supplies. She doesn't know quite what to do with her time now that her hasty study of fleshshaper is completed. She searches the Net for materials on other languages she doesn't yet know.

There is a course on slyth available that also takes a month to complete. (We have ruled that non human languages do not fall under the purview of diplomat or wanderer so we are going to keep the month for slyth, piggen, fleshshaper, and the handful of others out there thus far

(Cool) She sets about studying Intro to Slyth to get a better picture of their other interstellar neighbors. On reaching Halia she asks Mach to take the ship in through the clouds as she continuously tries to hails the fleet. (I was going to do this mission earlier but wanted to give Jenny a chance to return in case she wanted to help, it's been a couple days so I'll go ahead with it)

9:07 AM

(Her plan is to try to contact the Ark again)

9:12 AM

(With the ultimate goal of lowering friction here without xenocide)

(Theres a handout in year 1 on the slyth which is a better synopsis than me trying to recall it all and risk not giving you important info)

9:24 AM

The fleet, and cities have not moved from their current positions though the republic looks to be making plans to unmoor from the landmass they are on. The ark is sailing toward the derelict field. Transmissions are met with something that sounds like screaming over the comm band

"Well, this is an interesting development." As the ship passes through the clouds Cam looks for a place to land and tries again to hail the Republic's comms.

There are a number of very small rocky islands. Some of then are only about as big as the swallowtail. The republic frequencies are open right now as they listen in to the rest of the worlds traffic, trying to get a lay of the land before they set course

(Just to clarify she is landing at the Republic not the derelict field?)

(Yeah that’s why I’m talking about what the republic is doing...)

(oh good)

10:28 AM

"Republic, This is the Swallowtail, just came in to trade and found everything in chaos. Can we figure out what is happening together?" (edited)

“Chaos isn’t on our end” the operator replies. “We are moving north to another island so we don’t deplete forage here”

11:02 AM

“The ark is on the move though “

"I'd rather not get involved until whatever happens shakes out. What will you do if fighting breaks out?"

“Just sail to wherever is isnt. It seems like it’s only interested in Beckwater anyway”

"Sounds good to me." Cam has Mach keep a hover, pours some coffee and sits down to watch what happens through the long-range viewers. (Just like, telescopes, not the survey scanners)

The Ark is moving at a very slow pace, but its course does seem to be out toward the derelict field. It is looking like it stil will take days for it to get there.

Cam sips her coffee. "Hmm. This isn't as exciting as I thought. Not yet anyway. Mach, take us over the Ark please; I'll get the package ready."

Cam bundles the trade goods in clear plastic wrap: a mix of paper, pens, flashlights, batteries, and hand tools; together with some vegetables, chocolate, and a pile of medical supplies with a dataslab placed conspicuously on top. She seals the bundle in a waterproof crate, rigs a gravchute to the package and leaves it in the airlock. Walking back to the bridge she says, "Alright, bring us in as close as we can get, hopefully we won't cause any alarm, but their guns take time to warm up anyway. Swoop in close enough for them to see us, and blow the airlock so our package falls just next to the Ark- not on it- and then take us up out of their range."

(Pilot int check for Mach)

(Does he have any bonus?)

(+3. 1 for dex, 2 for pilot)

(10)

Copy that. See ya soon

Mach flies low, and fast, dropping the package on their deck. Antiaircraft Fire is too slow to aquire the ship, and the swallowtail avoids the incoming ropes of tracer fire easily

Cam sips her coffee. "Nice driving. Let's move off a ways, give them some space, and get that slab's feed up on the main screen right away."

The feed remains black, for the most part. It’s hard to tell if it’s been taken inside or just has not been opened yet

"Alright... that's a start. Let's watch for a minute. Is there any audio?"

"just it bouncing around inside the container. Or the container bouncing around"

"Good. I want everything recorded." While they wait on the feed Cam returns to the Republic. "I have 300 tons of chocolate and 80 tons of medical supplies to trade for industrial tools. I hope these will give your people a boost in morale."

(There's no friction for Halia up yet, assuming it's 3 or 4?)

(4)

"If you're interested, could you let me know where I should land?"

(It’s on the handout now as well)

4:11 PM

“A delegation will meet you here” a small island is highlighted on the navigational map. “We can make the trade there.

"Thank you!" She lands to trade. (18 for chocolate = +200%, 21000/tonx300 = 6,300,000) (14 for medical supplies = +40%, 35000/tonx80 = 2,800,000) (6 for buying tools = -40%, 6000/tonx380 = 2,280,000) (and a roll for if there's trouble) She takes this opportunity to try to get a better feel for the Republic's way of life. "Would you be willing to give me the briefest tour of one of your ships?" (edited)

(6, no trouble)

5:13 PM

"The briefest. Would you like to see one of the patrol boats?"

(Phew, good) "Sure"

It takes a few moments for one of the small watercraft to make its way over to the small island, detached from a large hangar at the bottom level of the floating city-ship. Approaching the island, it lowers a launch to come pick you up, along with the trade emissary, now taking on the role of guide

Cam jumps aboard

6:27 PM

(How are they dressed? How do the ships look?)

(Oooo nice)

Their uniforms are green and brown, though the officers have a more starched uniform. Almost everyone carries some type of cut down combat carbine, to allow them the almost reach of a rifle while still letting them get through ship decks unimpeded. The ship itself is a very early TL4 cutter, a short vessel used for costal patrol. It is relatively clean, but engineers seem to be hard at work on a number of different repairs

"What is the ship being repaired from?"

“There was a bad storm a week or so ago. Seaworthy again as you can see, just getting some finishing touches”

"Hmm, impressive efficiency"

"Where is your fleet headed now?"

"We're moving to the Sargasso to take on some fresh stocks of things we need. If we move around we don't deplete any specific regions"

"That seems like a sustainable way to live."

"It's worked so far. We don't have everything we need, but we don't have any serious shortfalls either"

"Alright, lead the way"

(to what, more of the ship?)

(Sure? Unless floating past the ship was the tour lol)

The small launch pulls up to an iron rung ladder. It is rusted in a few places despite several layers of paint, and you see two soldiers at the top of the ramp, foul weather capes floating in the breeze behind them

Cam leads the way up the janky ladder

On the deck, two officers with binouclars look at the horizon from a covered observation deck, set behind and above the forward turret. A handful of sailors accompany a young captain down the ladder, each of them carrying a carbine, and wearing the triplicate tridents of the Hailan Royal Marines

"Hello, nice to meet you"

"and you, UNW representative. We have spoken through radio operator before. I'm Captain Linne. Welcome to my cutter"

"Thank you, Captain."

"So what can I do for you? was there something specific ? "

"Do you have any additional information about the inhabitants of the ark?"

"We haven't been interacting with them very much. We've seen what they do to Beckwater every time he gets an idea. There's been some discussion of it before, of making a more formal overture, but the risk was thought to be too much. Theres some worry they're going to lump all humans together"

"That is exactly what I'm afraid of. I have tried everything I can to contact them, to no avail. I would dearly like to learn more about them and their ship, but it could look bad whether I attack or defend Beckwater, or fail to defend him. Knowing nothing about their psychology, it's hard to determine what their future intentions will be. Beckwater attacked myself as well as the Ark unprovoked; for now, I plan to let the dice fall as they may, and hope the Admiral learns a valuable lesson of the sea. However, you have proven yourselves valuable trading partners and considerate of your neighbors as well. I would be willing to come to your aid if peace proves impossible."

"He will learn, one way or another. He won't hold his prize for long if he does take it."

"Why do you say that?"

"A man like Beckwater has ambition, misguided as it may be. I don't think the Ark will be enough. It might be for a while, if he does manage to take it." he laughs to himself. "I remember this book from my childhood, something about giving a mouse a cookie. Eventually, he's going to want a glass of milk to go with it"

"The Ark is equipped with powerful energy weapons. What makes you so confident this mouse won't eat you alive?"

12:09 PM

(Cam lives for extended metaphors)

"Assuming he does take it, he will be in possession over a greater ruin than it is now, we're assuming he actually knows how to use it too, which, we have no basis for judgement. Not right now anyway"

"It seems you care little about possessing such power for yourselves"

"We take the Ark, unless we go deck by deck, the crew will be in rebellion, no telling what our own casualties will be. We empty the city, to conquer a hulk we know almost nothing about, to use for ends little more than a pipe dream. We have no way to project power beyond these seas. It seems like much ado about nothing- and I know this is the attitude command has too"

"I see. Perhaps it is much ado about nothing." Cam looks out the window at the horizon. This problem is similar to something we in the UNW are dealing with on a larger scale. A great weapon possessed by people with unclear intentions, with a grudge against our allies, and the options to seize it, defend it, ignore it, or try to make the best peace we can in the current moment. This issue may seem unimportant to you now, but I will watch the developments with the greatest interest if for no other reason for the sake of what I can learn about the merit of my choices.

“Maybe. Time and tide will tell. Since you’re here leadership asked me to pass something along. Take this back to the UNW. “Shipboard life is a strain on a lot of our civilians. You seem like you’re somewhat more advanced than we are. How likely do you think raising a small landmass to get a colony on would be

"Here on Halia? It's feasible, and I have several ideas on how we could do it. But why not use the existing land? There seem to be many islands, even small continents to choose from"

The sailors around you all spit. “Superstitious bunch” the captain says. Spitting himself. “The land we do have. Cursed. Nothing human seems to last there for long”

"What do you mean?"

“A few groups have tried settlements. People go missing. People get sick. Perfectly functional machinery falls apart. It’s like the land doesn’t want us to live on it”

"Or something doesn't. What makes you think your own settlement would be any more secure? What if it isn't the land that is cursed, but the planet?"

“We have to at least try” is all he seems to be able to offer. “I was told to ask, and I did”

"I understand, it seems like a difficult predicament. How many people do you require housing for?"

“I...I dont think I should divulge our numbers. The trade is appreciated, this is a good start”

"Please tell your superiors this project is within our power and I'll consider it, but building a colony will require a great deal of logistics and cooperation between us. I look forward to my next visit."

7:05 PM

(I like the way this is going)

(I’m trying to not throw up too many roadblocks. You’ve had a couple short conversations with them but it’s not really a basis for trust. So far)

7:51 PM

“I’m sure we will be seeing you again. You’ve been persistent”

(Alright! ready to return to good old Gudrun)

7:54 PM

(Any word on when Charles will be around to lead that climate tower mission? I have a couple ideas, wondering what I can fit in)

7:59 PM

Before she leaves she watches the feed from the dataslab. She asks Nadia, "Seen anything?"

(Tomorrow irl probably. It’s 3am there right now)

8:06 PM

“Nothing. Just lots of bouncing”

"Alright, well it's set to record, if it's still functional when we return we can upload the footage and review it. Let's head out."

It’s a two day journey back to Gudrun (3xp, 5000 credits) and the news is abuzz with information from trivedi tech.

Cam listens in

The weather control tower there is destroyed and there’s not government sanction to get it working again. There is however a research park buried around it that pioneers have found a way into

Cam messages Charles about the mission. She also authorizes several upgrades in systems she won't have time to personally oversee. (I think I've rp'd the ones that need it, I listed the rest earlier, let me know if you want everything in one place and I can get it together in a post in #ad-astra. Last thing is the faction buy. I think I'm going to go with Shipping Combine on Miriam, just waiting for the ok from Charles)

(Am I clear to collect xp from: 3xp Upgrade remaining systems of bionic eye and 3xp Expand offices and hire expert researchers/ designers)

(Yes)

6:18 AM

(A combined post in ad astra would be good just so it’s all in one place and we can all reference it

(Sure I'll get that together today)

(just so we both have something to reference)

(Yeah I think that will be helpful)

Cam drives her mech to Pops' for the addition of one fitting. (Polyspectral Sensors)

Pops should be able to fit everything needed in about a day

(Basically waiting for Charles I'll let you know if I think of anything else to do)

(kk, sounds good)

(Picking up a drone for later.) Cam buys a Cuttlefish and has some fittings installed: Holoskin Heavy Lift Observation Suite Sensor Transparency Weapon Fitting: Harpoon Gun (Harpoon as a medium advanced weapon) Total cost: 13310 She names it Blue Angel because uncloaked it looks a lot like the sea slug of the same name, Glaucus atlanticus

11:36 AM

(that will be ready for pickup upon your return)

(Neat)

Dr. Thorn stops by Prime for a late lunch and pulls one of the busy construction workers aside to help her mount her trusty old mag rifle, and her Wolf Whacker from the maze, on the wall behind her desk between various Ledan botanical sketches and moss hangings. With everything set in motion, she picks up her mech at Pop's and takes Swallowtail up to Trivedi cloud to meet the others for Charles' expedition.

(sorry about that, but I took a nap for a bit since I was falling asleep)

8:54 PM

Doctor Thorn, It looks like I did find some soldiers willing to join me on that adventure. I don't know their names, and I couldn't find anything about the mining exploration mission . Do you know who I might talk to about that? Aside from that things look promising so far.

(while I was by my previous admission falling asleep, I was unable to find anything. Do you know who might know the specifics about it?)

(no probs!)

Excellent, sounds like Red Sangha to me. I wouldn't worry about asking their names. You should look on the colony job boards for the mining survey gig; if it's no longer available, retrieving the corpse will be your new main mission. Once you're ready, head for Port Niew Rotterdam and talk to the portmaster there.

Cam calls ahead to let them know some explorers are on their way.

Dr. Thorn I was thinking about doing a little exploring on the way there.  Would it be alright if we used your craft to get to the port? Also what type of samples would be of the most use to you? Would live specimen be better if at all possible?

Absolutely, the scout humvee is in our garage in Prime. Feel free to use the gear inside for you and your crew as well. After the Leviathan, any plant, animals, artifacts, geological, or technology samples you find are fair game. Live specimens are *always* preferable.

Since it's your vehicle and you've been exploring the terrain, do you think it'd be better going through the mountains, or around and through the forest? Is any of the gear live capture or tagging equipment?

I'll leave the route up to you. The equipment is mainly self defense. There are flop rifles that stun targets available in the market, as well as stun batons. I'll pay you back for those if you buy them, I'm a big fan of avoiding needless bloodshed

Private Message: Billy Rigers. Hello Cam, this idea we quickly shot down in the meeting, but I was wondering what the likelihood is of you being able to mimic Fleshshaper communication. I’m wondering if we can build some device together to intercept or plant fake communications. I don’t even know if that would work for them. They are completely alien.

That's an excellent idea, Billy. We would need to capture some of their technology.

If successful it could prove critical in both the remnant and Fleshshaper wars. I know it’s a long shot. Keep an eye on Elkano. If we see something piratavle. Let’s move on it.

Sounds good to me. I'll keep you in the loop

(Couple o personal goals added just like 3 or 4)

(sounds good, ill check!)

Mission Success Doctor. Though the skeleton and even an extra sample from a light fish were recovered intact, I'm sad to say no live samples could be recovered on this outing. I will strive to correct that in the future.

(edited)

That's all right, it sounds like you all made the best of your opportunities and completed the mission with an additional objective. Well done.

6:10 AM

(Once you know how much rp those are worth let me know)

(I assume you're talking to neko?)

)yep I’ll update the handout. This would also start the farriday cage project if that’s something you wanted to develop)

(Yeah sounds good!)

On the way back to Gudrun, Cam spends a great deal of time writing and sketching and thinking about the raids, fleet battle, and what this all means for the future. She shoots Billy a message to prepare for the mission for Halia and considers a bigger picture of what Ad Astra can accomplish in the galaxy. (edited)

1:33 PM

Returning to Prime, she meets Lena. "How is the construction and research going, Lena?"

"I'm just finishing getting acclimated doctor. There was a lot here I was not sure how to use, until now"

1:55 PM

"Even a compad was a restricted item on Rawhani, as you know"

"That must have been a lot to take in, even with Alfred's help. Nicely done. It seems like the colony has finally recognized the need for Weave research and development, but have chosen to build their own sanctum in Central. The$ $empty space intended for a research facility, maybe we could put it to other use. Let's fill the space with an art gallery for unique masterpieces collected from around the galaxy. As a part of making Prime a cultural center I'd like to build this into a complete museum. Of course you can use one of the rooms in the building as a private studio for your own work. I'd reccomend you snag the one with the balcony overlooking the gardens, but the choice is yours"

3:28 PM

(I'd like to get something out of that investment and just thought of this, if we can add cool stuff to this wing as we find it and maybe build another wing next month for artifacts from colony history, that would be fun) (edited)

(I always wanted to do that somewhere eventually. I’m all for it)

(Yess!) With the space now designated for the museum, cam says, "I've gathered some project ideas and I'd like to take a look at how difficult they'll be to get going. Would you like to join me for some research?" (Roll time! Can she roll too?)

(she can)

Cam takes a fragment from the skeleton of the Leviathan before it is taken in by the construction crews to hang on the ceiling of the future Natural History Museum. Studying it under the microscope she finds tiny channels filled with conductive organic material. "This skeleton is like some kind of electric cage. Perhaps we can reverse engineer this into something that can channel shocks."

"We have a significant amount of biological materials now. I can probably work on splicing some genes to develop hardier or tastier crops, and these Miriam peach leaves are sure to give some interesting results." She attempts some experiments.

6:41 PM

(For Cam, 4400 credits, she likes to keep it Dangerous so v 12) (What stats does Lena have for this?) (edited)

6:43 PM

(Oh yeah is rp from research rolls still doubled this month?)

6:50 PM

(19 vs 12 for Cam, 3d6 from Specialist came up with double sixes and a 5!)

(the bonus was for last month)

6:55 PM

(we havent completed any new endeavors or anything since then)

(ah all good I couldn't remember)

(250rp represents several filing cabinets and books worth of material, still significant from one sample)

6:56 PM

(4x character level for rp generated)

(44 rp for Prime Labs, alright!)

7:00 PM

(iirc she was Know-2 and Perform-1 with a decent Int?)

(know 2, int mod 1)

1

(Experimental for her then) "Lena, go ahead and give it a shot."

7:04 PM

(15 vs 10 for her)

(puts you at 300rp even. You have just enough for sticky grenades, or it can be banked)

(Mass production of stickies would be sick but I'll check what else we have going on on roll20)

7:11 PM

(She's only level 3? Hm) As they clean up after a productive day in the lab, Cam asks, "Lena, what are you really interested in? Tell me something more about yourself"

7:12 PM

(Yes sticky grenades it is)

(lvl 3 is already more competent than most npc experts)

(Yeah I figured. Level 1 is more competent than most general npcs)

7:50 PM

(Can she level her skills up over time?)

(over time)

(sounds good to me)

8:10 PM

(I'm mainly planning to leave her to her devices and hope she does something interesting and or helpful)

8:10 PM

(if that's the wrong approach let me know(

8:16 PM

For her next order of business Cam sends out a message asking Billy if he is ready to lave for Halia yet. She's concerned he may be too caught up in admiral duties for exploration.

8:17 PM

--- While she waits for a reply, Cam checks the feed from the probe over Elkano.

(It’s a good approach. It’s only been a month since hire. Not gonna spam projects)

8:38 PM

The probe shows an empty desert world below

Cam wonders when they will make their next move, or if something else is required to start the process on Elkano. She chalks it up as one more question to ask the elusive Silvano.

9:00 PM

She decides she might head to Halia to lay some groundwork while waiting for Billy to arrive.

Billy is expected to be along in a few days, as Riger Two finishes the required modifications needed for the coming challenges.

After a night with friends at good old HS Dr. Thorn leaves for Halia via Thorgerd to await Billy's arrival

The Breaker of Shoals, as the locals now call it, sits parked outside the derelict field. Beckwater's growing fleet of surface vessels is within, but are forced to pass the ark on the way out. A tense standoff of sorts seems in progress.

(She's taking the stealth shuttle with crew by the way, it's amphibious, anti-radar and has teleporter pads) (edited)

11:27 AM

Dr. Thorn approaches the Sargasso Sea to meet with the Republic first.

The republic is anchored at its very edge, a small congress of other barges drawn up to its left flank

Cam radios ahead. Different ship, same voice "Republic, hello again. This is Dr. Camellia Thorn of the UNW, today I'm here not just to trade but to discuss the construction of a new colony. See you in a few." (edited)

11:58 AM

"Mach, let's set down in the water." (edited)

11:58 AM

(I have a cool pic of this on my PC but oh well)

1

12:17 PM

(Found it again) (The ad-astra [cool name of stealth shuttle I forget]

(unofficial business i think)

(Yes!)

The ship comes in for landing. You see small skiffs taking barrels of algae concentrate from other vessels, to the republic ship. Monks in tan/teal robes prowl the decks of the Sargasso spiritalist farm ships

Incoming message: Billy Rigers

Cam, I see that tensions are rising for Admiral Beckwater, are you ready to fill me in on current events? I'll come down and pick you up unless you want to take your shuttle as well.

The shuttle has stealth capabilities and teleport pads, but your ship has guns, I'd say we should take the shuttle to scope it out first and have your crew follow with yours, does that sound good?

2:59 PM

Seeing no one immediately moving to greet her Cam walks toward one of the monks and asks where she can find the Republic captain she spoke to earlier.

That is amicable to me, Cam. I will have them follow underwater. (I will be going to do some lyft driving for a bit, so feel free to finish this interaction and then we can jump into this next cunundrum.)

(Perfect!)

3:00 PM

(Hope you get some good fares)

1

(I guess I can have Jules/Kady pilot? Can they? Or maybe Vothe)

(vothe)

Cam continues searching for the Republic captain

THe captain is in the midst of high level negotiations between the Sargaso spiritualists and the Republic, both seeking to make the best trade possible. His adjutant is free however.

"Hello there, I see you're taking on a lot of algae. Is that a main food supply for you?"

"it's a food supply, certainly" he replies, hesistantly

"Oh?"

"I can't...I shouldn't say more" he says. "You;re not a citizen"

Hmm something smells fishy she thinks, What's with all these planets claiming plants are food in the most suspicious way possible

8:09 PM

"Alright... What can you tell me about these strange disappearances?"

(its more, youve been here three times, and they dont know what your intentions are. You might be asking how to best poision all of them)

(Oh I mean I'm just here giving them medical supplies and chocolate and offering to build them a colony. I would guess they are particularly untrustworthy because they have so many bad neighbors)

8:12 PM

"I'd really like to help the Republic in any way ~~you~~ I can. Out of the several different factions on this planet, your people seem most reasonable." (edited)

8:14 PM

"With the resources we have I could potentially help you and your people more than you know, but to do so I need to know more about what the needs here are and how to solve them."

(i mean, two trades is hardly the basis of a trusting relationship. If customer service thorn slips after two deals , shes got a pretty lousy poker face)

(Yeah sure)

8:16 PM

(That's what we came here to work on)

"The disapperances, well, every time we set foot on land, those people just, vanish. Into thin air. We never find bodies, not even blood"

"I was afraid of that. What do the rumors say about the cause?"

“We don’t know what’s doing it. We don’t have anything to go on. Nothing is ever found. The jungle just takes people”

The jungle, not the sea? Hmm "I'll look into it, and see what I can do."

He just shrugs. “Good luck I guess. Wish I could give you more. It’s not for lack of trying”

She gives a friendly smile. "You could tell me where that algae's headed. You mentioned it was a food source, does it taste terrible? Or is it food for something else?"

“It tastes fine. Most of the time” he says stiffly. A couple sailors near him give him dirty looks.

She laughs. "It can't be as bad as those protein shakes on Suha. Alright let's have it here. First one to bring me some algae to try gets 10 credits and a chocolate bar"

“Why do you want it so badly?” The adjutant asks (diplomat 2, rather than the convo just ending. They’re spooked as fuck now)

"Oh, I love trying new foods wherever I go. Algae seems pretty abundant here, I'm just thinking about different ways I could make it taste better if it's bland. Is it too much to ask?"

“Since you put it that way...” he looks very uncomfortable but takes a large vial from the side of one of the containers and fills it for you

"Right here, don't let anyone say I never gave you a fair trade" She hands him a credchip and a chocolate bar before taking a serious swig of the algae

(Physical effect save)

(Success 15v4)

The algae is brackish, bitter, and probably one of the worst things youve ever tasted

9:47 AM

you can already tell the taste is going to linger for days, if not longer

Cam gags it down anyway. 'Ygh. Worse than the shakes. Yup that's pretty bad. You don't, like, mix this with anything to make it taste better, do you?" she says, struggling but so far succeeding to avoid vomiting in front of them

"No, its delicious the way it is. Never really had a reason to change it"

"Mmm yeah, I guess you could call it... delicious. Thank you for the taste, I'll be off on my ghost hunt now. Please let the captain know that I'd like to talk to him further about finding the Republic a safe place to live, but not to worry too much about having dinner ready for us when we return, he seems very busy and I wouldn't want to inconvenience him" She shakes the adjutant's hand and turns to hide a shudder as she walks back to her ship. She climbs into the Unofficial Business and wipes her mouth. "Somebody please make me a big pot of coffee. I can't believe they enjoy that stuff, but good for them for finding a way to make it out here. Mach, let's take a look below on our way to land." I'd like to open trade with those spiritualists, but maybe another day. First things first. She plots a course; hovering west over the water to the edge of the Sargasso, before making a dive southwest for three hexes: one below the Sargasso, one in open water, and one offshore of the western landmass. After a brief survey and investigating any interesting points they will fly due south to the Republic's former mooring to investigate the jungles in depth. (edited)

10:13 AM

--- Billy's ship, piloted by Vothe, will follow the stealth shuttle from just out of visual range, ready to support if needed.

"Dr. Thorn. Care to fill me in on the flight over? What have you learned of the politics here?"

Cam grabs a cup of coffee and chugs the entirety. "Sure thing Billy. As far as I can tell we're dealing with at least five polities here. That's right. To the east we've got Admiral Beckwater's fleet. They've attempted to take the Ark, locally known as Breaker of Shoals, several times, and it was they who fired on your ship when you were last here. He intends to use the Ark to rule the planet, typical dictatorial style. He must have had some former powerful connections in the Black Sun to warrant the shipments he had coming in, but he's too weak to take the Ark unassisted now. The Republic trades with him but believes his efforts are foolish and futile, they believe even if he takes the Ark he will only destroy himself faster. Second we have the Ark-dwellers. While humanoid they are not human. They can pilot the ark and its defensive energy weapons and are now hemming in the Admirals fleet in a standoff. I'm afraid they may be unable to differentiate between the Admirals fleet and other humans, as attempts to contact them have been met with violence. I believe the Ark may be the tip of an iceberg, with the possibility of an entire civilization of amphibious humanoids. --- (edited)

11:57 AM

To the west is the Republic, living on a mobile fleet that has just moved from the jungle coast to the southern edge of the Sargasso. I have traded with them three times now and they are amiable but suspicious of our intentions. They consume algae and I presume seafood, and migrate from one area to the next to avoid depleting natural resources. They tend to keep to themselves and mind their own business. They have reported that any structures or explorers on land have mysteriously vanished without a trace. For this reason they have requested my assistance constructing a colony. Several options present themselves with varying costs and requirements: defending a colony on land, creating a floating platform, taking the Ark, or even offering to relocate the Republic's citizens to Gudrun. I would hesitate to propose anything until we know more about the nature of the threat on land and whether the Ark dwellers will turn on the Republic next, and we further secure the trust of the Republic captains." The Spiritualists are uncontacted and I know little about them. They are currently trading with the republic and could be another option to continue trading on Halia if we successfully relocate the citizens of the Republic."

(all correct, good work doc)

12:01 PM

(take a re-roll token)

1

"That is indeed a lot. Have you thought about Terezinho? It is a more equivalent planet. Though I'd hate to cross contaminate the two habitats. This quagmire certainly seems to be a difficult one. I wonder if there is a way we could engineer communication with them. Perhaps we could draw from the merfolk of Terezinho."

12:09 PM

"Dictatorial rule will certainly not due and I'm not going to allow them to just rule over the planet. Nor should we allow him access to the Ark ship. What are your intentions?"

(somebody's been trying to follow the plot lol)

12:40 PM

"My intentions are to wash the taste of that algae out of my mouth with this entire pot of coffee."

12:41 PM

"We will dive here on the edge of the Sargasso to see what lies under the waves, looking for evidence of any undersea civilization or interesting biological specimens."

12:41 PM

"My plan is to investigate just three underwater hexes in a line southwest from the Sargasso to the shore of that mountainous continent."

12:42 PM

"And then move to the southern jungles to investigate the possible existence of the fifth polity of Halia."

"Ok, that sounds good. Admiral Beckwater is confirmed to be communicative as well? Just not on our unlucky first contact?"

"Communicative, likely; whether they would try to shoot us out of the sky would likely depend on what we could offer. Right now their fleet is deep in the derelict field and not receiving any radio traffic."

(you have, its appreciated and should be rewarded)

(many thanks)

12:52 PM

"Is everything clear to you?"

"Part of the reason I started the engineers was to uplift friendly societies. Perhaps I could start by negotiating a prometheus project for the Republic itself. I believe it would be in everyone's best interest for them to be the predominant force on this planet for the time being, yes?"

12:54 PM

"It would take many months and I don't know how long we have to wait on that, but it's a thought.

"Not necessarily everyone's best interest. The Ark dwellers may turn on them, and I don't think uplifting them is necessary anyway. I think the best outcome here for everyone would be if the Republic could add to Gudrun's population and get away from the triple threat they face here. Then we could open trade with the Spiritualists and try to turn events with Beckwater and the Ark in our favor."

"Note taken. Do they want to leave?"

"I doubt they've considered the possibility; when we last spoke they proposed creating a new land mass, so they seem pretty desperate for a solution. They are very fond of their algae here, but there are two hexes on Gudrun that seem like they could be perfect for growing it."

"Perhaps we should get to know these spiritualists first. This plan seems at least plausible. I'd hate to turn the whole planet over to unknown and non amiable factions. If the admiral takes the arkship, I expect to see him rising quickly into the sector's theatre. I'd not trying so hard for nothing. He must know the location of Black Sun assets or something."

1:15 PM

"I trust you Dr. Thorn, you've been here a few more times than I have, but I have my concerns. You understand." Billy chews on his lip a bit. "Well there are many many things to consider here either way and we won't figure anything out by sitting here chatting. This seems... highly delicate."

"Your point about Beckwater's potential usefulness is one I hadn't considered, but he is a loose cannon. Perhaps you could offer him something of value to gain his trust and the information he might have... Regardless, everything comes down to the need for more information. Let's go and get some, and when we return we can better figure out how best to deal with the four factions we've met." (edited)

"Agreed. And I am just as nervous about the Admiral as you are. I have just seen enough war and killed enough people that I'd rather try other means first."

1:23 PM

"I'm also not foolish enough to realize that it is sometimes necessary to establish a thriving and prosperous space for free people."

1:24 PM

"That might have came out wrong but you catch my drift."

(Are you here on planet or is Vothe piloting?)

1:26 PM

"Copy that."

(I'm here. I assumed we would fly together on the shuttle and have vothe trail behind us in my ship just in case.)

(Yeah that's what I figured) "I'd recommend splitting up, but my ships's stealth and the guns from yours could make a good combo for both of these tasks. Here's as good a spot as any. Mach, take us down."

1

1:35 PM

(map for you neko)

1:35 PM

1

1:38 PM

(we are currently at the NE end of the blue line) (blue is underwater, black is low atmospheric flight, red is ground expedition pending a different insertion point)

(thanks, its a huge pain to edit them on inkarnate, the rotation makes everythign look wonky)(

(it got buried kinda, were you looking for something underwater, or just seeing what you can see?)

(As to the underwater hexcrawl we are collecting biological samples and looking for any evidence of civilizations, other than that seeing what we can see)

2:33 PM

(I was just designing the ship my player's discovered in my other game, it's pretty dope)

(Woot! I'm sitting down to design a ship myself.)

(Nice, mine's a bulk salt freighter; my players spent a while looking for it so it's packed with goodies)

The water is cloudy with silt, and debris. There are many shards of broken driftwood the first few meters of water, and the water seems uniformly packed with it. Scans below show broken trees, fallen boughs, ect, this land was above water within the last 50 or so years.

"Cam, if I'm not mistaken, this planet has been terraformed... the other direction. Let's see if we can find the source. I wonder if the Ark folks did this, or if it's just some sort of cycle here." Billy coms Vothe "Vothe make sure the scanners are engaged. Search for any sign of civilization or large disturbances in the area."

"There is a lot of interference. The water is filled with debris"

"Let's head deeper."

"Lets keep it slow."

"Slowly heading deeper then"

1

"Hopefully we can get underneath all of this stuff to see what we're dealing with"

The debris cloud grows thicker as the ship descends. Proximity warnings begin to appear as you drift close to what was once foothills

Cam assists Nadia in a survey scan of the contours around them, looking for any odd shapes

(10 for her, and 14 to assist)

I don’t know what you’re rolling but ok

(oh program/int sorry)

6:10 PM

(getting ahead o the game there my bad)

The ground below you is definitley foothills, and definitley underwater. No signals aside from your own imaging equipment are being broadcast

2

"Wow those are some neat foothills. Look at all that water"

1

"I can't really see much of anything through all this silt. The entire ocean seems to be stirred up."

"Moving on, nothing to see here folks"

6:16 PM

Cam thrusts her coffee mug toward the south-westerly direction and sits back down

"Maybe we need to do a flyover. This entire area needs to be cleaned up. Maybe we can note a pattern in the debris to better pinpoint something causing all this. Unless of course it's just like this here."

"Sunken islands are cool, but I think we should head on to the next one. If it hasn't cleared in the last 50 years it'll be here tomorrow."

"I think you're missing my drift. Do you think they are lowering islands or raising the waters? Or both? If there's some sort of tech doing this rapidly we should be able to sense movement and patterns in the rotation of the sea where some tech is doing this. That's why I'd like to find if it's there."

"If you're looking for evidence of active terraforming, we'll probably find more on the coasts. But if you'd like to search around go for it."

6:26 PM

"How would you measure such a current?"

"You are right though, it will be here tomorrow. I'll note it and we can move on."

6:26 PM

"Well... our bane right now is the debris, but it could also be a boon. You can literally see the current by watching the debris move around on the surface in this case."

6:27 PM

"Maybe... it's a hypothesis."

"Sure thing, I'm just keeping in mind that we have a lot of ground to cover. Once we're back above water maybe you can try to find some pattern"

"Agreed. Carry on."

"Copy that. We'll be coming up on the next zone before long."

The debris field extends here as well. There is a pink as small stones bounce off the hull, the pumice rocks floating suspended at this intermediate depth

"We are getting closer to an active underwater volcano. There has to be something causing all of this volcanic activity here."

6:37 PM

"Then again, maybe this place is just naturally highly volcanic."

"Yes, they're visible from space. Perhaps this entire planet is just unusually geologically active, boiling beneath its crust"

6:39 PM

"Let's get across quickly just to be safe. I've had bad experiences with this kind of thing before"

Billy nods

Water temperature outside the hull slowly increases. It is a gentler an increase than the seas near Gudrun

Cam watches somewhat anxiously out the window

Billy pulls up a file of terraforming tech that he's come across, starting with the tech on the moon base to mull over possibilities.

The moon tech was not completed and the data is inconclusive- especially due to the moons dry nature right now. The planet is warm enough to sustain life already, ruling out heating the planet to the ‘goldilocks zone’

6:52 PM

(And the aliens are evidently able to live outside their ship as is because you’ve seen them on the deck)

Billy give up on that theory for the moment and joins Thorn watching out of the window.

"The last time I flew over anything volcanic I saw a vision of our sub imploding, so you can understand why I'm a little on edge. Guys with guns I can handle, I'll even take on public speaking, but there's not much one can do to defend against a world throwing itself at you in a hurry"

"We can go around it if that would make you more comfortable."

(It was a good idea I just didn’t want you on a goose hunt)

7:13 PM

(Looking for something that wasn’t there)

(No I figured and took it as such. haha)

"I'm not so sure we're over a volcano to be honest. These pieces could have landed or floated from the mainland." They continue on at decent speed, not hanging around just in case

1

She watches the temperature as they move on

It stays steady once it reaches about 100f There are slight few degree fluctuations here and there but where it’s colder it usually coincides with more debris in the water. Finally, the end of the underwater leg approaches.

Cam moves as close as possible to the sloping ground underwater and looks for signs that it used to be dry ground as well.

The deepest sections, so deep your scanners can’t get a clear return look to have always been underwater. 200m to surface has been submerged but used to be above water

"I think the first part of your hypothesis, that there used to be much less water here, seems pretty likely. I wonder if this water came from ice caps due to rapid climate change." She uses her infrared to look for animal life aside from the usual crabs and snails and such (edited)

“Infrared. Nice touch.”

The area seems totally absent of life larger than a few schools of very tiny fish

"Perhaps life here is still adjusting to the rapid changes. I'd imagine extinction would be much more common here, and those creatures that survive are those that can adapt to anything; like the algae." The ship follows the slope of the ground up to the surface.

“Can vothe resurface now? Repairbot is going to be upset about all that silt.”

Repair bot is already upset, filling your compad with dozens of messages full of curses and knife emojis

2

8:59 PM

(Yours as in Billy’s)

"Yes, go ahead and take a minute, I'm going to look around the beach" Cam pockets some pumice that's washed ashore and looks inland.

(It’s just a repeating message: Error: debris detected. 167 notifications.)

9:03 PM

“Is this where the spiritualist live?”

"Nah that was them trading with the Republic on the edge of the Sargasso. This land mass just looks different from the rest, and it's on our way, so I thought it'd be worth checking out"

“If I have learned anything from my adventures, that means we will need our weaponry and to keep eyes up.” A simple weapon fitted drone flies from Riger One to join and flies high in the sky to begin recon. (I assume we landed on shore and are moving forward?)

(naw I just want to look at the weird yellow trees and then fly the ships low over the landmass as we make a survey scan)

9:07 PM

"We will, once we reach the jungle on the next island"

(Ok well the drone can fly in low to keep an eye for predators)

1

The jungle is dense and it is difficult to see what is below the trees. The vegitation seems to be reflecting heat, confounding sensors as to what might be below.

(Did we skip the whole middle island? The one that looks like mountains with golden trees around it? I thought that's where we were unless that one is jungle as well)

(It’s jungle as well )

10:27 AM

(We didn’t skip anything)

“Well, technology just seems to be failing me today. I can’t see what’s under the canopy. You want to check it out?”

"Yeah we should take a look around"

11:46 AM

Dr. Thorn leaves her mech suit in favor of her more versatile assault armor, as she doesn't expect to be fighting any vehicles. She deploys Bumblebee and Honeybee who circle around her head, both shimmering as they start to blend with the colors of the beach, Honeybee armed with sensors and antiradar, Bumblebee with a shear rifle and expert system. "I'm ready if you are."

(Are these awesome little drones you have? Sweet!) "Woah! I didn't know you had these. Cool paint jobs! We're quite the pair. Four drones and Vothe. It's exciting."

(Alright, so heading into the forest, on foot, with drones?)

(Sounds good. I gotta build a mech)

The forest is cold as you step inside. The warmth is deflected by the strange trees leaving the ground very dim and very frosty compared to outside the dense forest

Message to Dr. Thorn, We went to where your probe vanished, 0404H, and were beset by an Ion Storm. Will investigate after the storm passes.

“Oh chilly.” Let’s fly some drones up ahead of us to scout it out.”

@@Chris Fury (Desmond) Be careful, Des. And good luck out there.

6:15 PM

Cam takes a closer look at one of the trees, inspecting the leaves and bark with her bioscanner for anything odd on the molecular level, and she tries looking through the leaves with xray and infrared

6:15 PM

"Sure Billy. I want to know what's so special about these trees that our scanners can't penetrate."

6:17 PM

She has Bumblebee's expert system follow Billy's drone and fire on any threats

6:18 PM

(Sorry I haven't been around all day I've been driving back from SC)

1

(all good. wasnt super active today myself)

6:26 PM

(I don't know enough about plants to say if the molecular or anything different is different, but the leaves/trees reflect heat and light. They dont seem to be absorbing it)

"You think these plants get their energy from volcanism and sulfurous reactions?

"Dunno. But it's weird, most plants try to absorb as much light as they can." She looks for its seeds or pods on the ground (you can send the drone out while cam does plant stuff if you want)

(I do that.)

There is no undergrowth, the near complete darkness making life on the forest floor nearly impossible. Each tree has a handful of purple pine cone looking pods about the size of a basketball each on the ground by its trunk

So. Cool. (Are they attached?)

(On the ground by the trunks)

"Hmm" Cam squares up and gives one a swift kick down onto the beach

(8 damage) the pods are much harder than they appear. Your foot is in a fair amount of pain

"Oof" she grabs her foot and hops down the hill after the pinecone

8:31 PM

She picks it up and inspects it for dents where her steeltoe assault suit boot impacted it

There is a decent sized dent in it. You can even make out the tread from the front of your boot

Cam shakes the pinecone upside down to see if anything comes out

Billy raises an eyebrow.

She starts trying to pry it open with her machete

11:20 PM

The blade makes an decent indent with the first swing. You see small micro cracks around the cut

Wow this thing is hard. She gives it another two-handed chop trying to hit in the same place

7:13 AM

This could really be useful just as it is, but I've got to know what's inside

The second blow splits it down the middle. A palm sized black bulb rests inside, surrounded by a fleshy, sugary food membrane

Cam kneels next to it and tries a bioscan now that the armor is gone.

The scan confirms that this is indeed one of the tree seeds (and again, dont know enough about plants to give you anything that will probably confuse the both of us half to death)

9:36 AM

It is registering as healthy

Cam loads the broken one into her cryocase with some leaves and carries a bunch more of the pods to the shuttle. "Neat"

"Billy, are the drones picking anything up?"

The forest has remained silent so far. There are not even insects this low and this cold in the forest

“Absolutely nothing... hey you think these plant run of volcanism?

"Gonna find out" While Billy continues the drone hunt Cam pulls a shovel from the lockers and begins digging several feet of sand away at the roots of one of the smaller trees.

10:14 AM

"The lack of life here is kind of disturbing"

“And these giant tough balls are the seeds?”

10:17 AM

*Billy starts harvesting one for himself as well.”

"I'm going to try to grow these on Gudrun. The armor should be interesting for our labs to analyze as well."

“The food source if edible would prove valuable too. What I’m more interested in is the implication of the change in temperature. It’s like.. if these trees fluctuate in quantity they could change the climate of the planet. Covering a large enough space it could almost act as a refrigerator. Maybe that’s why we see such a flux in sea level change. Maybe there were much more of these things 50 years ago. “

10:21 AM

(I want to harvest like 4 of these seed pods intact for storage on Riger One)

The four pods are decently heavy but not impossible for you to carry on your own- as you're used to benching robot parts. They're taken into storage handily.

1

Cam continues digging deeper to see what's up with these roots

10:37 AM

"You know"

10:38 AM

"If these trees aren't absorbing light"

10:38 AM

"I wonder if they're absorbing another kind of radiation"

10:39 AM

She pauses and checks the radiation level around the trees, comparing it against Gudrun as a baseline

Its within tolerable limits for a human, but it is higher

higher

10:43 AM

that's odd Cam thinks

“Vothe can you analyze what types of light these leaves are reflecting? They aren’t absorbing visible light.”

10:45 AM

Billy looks to cam grinning. “That’s actually pretty brilliant a thought.”

(oh sure, i make a comment about not needing to wikipedia everything with sil gone, and here i am again

)

2

10:45 AM

(standby)

"The radiation around here is actually higher, so the question is what are these leaves and roots absorbing?"

3

10:46 AM

(oh ok)

“Could be vestigial if they are inactive.”

10:48 AM

“Wouldn’t make much sense though. Active light is here. You’d think it would be advantageous to harness that energy as well. Unless the ocean steams away in times of heightened volcanic activity..”

10:49 AM

“That would blot the sun out with clouds cooking away all other plant life while these trees remain cool and collecting energy elsewhere.”

10:50 AM

“There is certainly enough volcanic activity here to question whether this is its active or calm state.”

10:50 AM

“I feel like I should potentially more panicked than I am currently.”

plants normally use non-ionized radiation for their needs. This planet is bathed in a great deal more cosmic radiation, confirmed by sensors from both vessels. It is within tolerable means, barely. These trees have found a way to use ionized instead, and here in the forest, and near it, although the levels are higher, they are moved further back from threshhold

10:52 AM

(there, i think that makes sense, kind of what i was going for with a few adjustments

"Yes! This is exactly what I've been looking for" Cam says as she compares the radiation with the baseline she made of Haila on her second visit.

10:56 AM

"Its none of that. These plants are absorbing radiation!" She makes a note to start a research project on putting this to widespread use immediately.

10:57 AM

"Like, the hard kind"

(I hope I didn't make thorn who IRL knows about this stuff weep blood with how scientifically wrong that was lol)

10:59 AM

(Hell is empty, the scientific incompetence is here)

(Only a little blood lol, i appreciate the effort! You mentioned fleshy sugary food membrane and seems healthy; did the flesh seem safe for human consumption?)

Billy remains suspicious of his concocted theory, letting the chill run up his spine. “I’m glad to know we are just getting cancer.”

"A little glow in the dark won't kill you. Not quickly anyway" Cam calls her crew out and forms a fire brigade to ferry more pods onto the shuttle. "If the drones are coming up empty I think we can continue toward our main goal"

"Sounds good to me."

Overflying the rest of the outcropping in low atmospheric flight, you get more proof that the submerged land below you was foothills of this same mountain range, swallowed up by rising tides. What vegetation, mostly those same trees, that can find purchase, does at the edges of the range

(Is there anything significant about the star in this system? Just a bit more active?)

(yeah long story short, just more active)

1

"This rapid climate change is really bothering me. Something has caused this. We have more radiation, not drastic, rapidly rising sea levels, and super active volcanos across the planet. Rapidly decreasing tree coverage undoubtedly aided in raising the temperature to melt any ice caps that might have been. Those sea folk have to be much more advanced than we might suspect. There is either a natural phenomenon going on or someone has induced a higher level of volcanism here." "Vothe before we leave the system, can you scan it again to look for any large gravitational bodies that might be stressing the planet in some way. I'm just trying to rule things out."

"Can you try specifically scanning for energy signatures underwater? If anything comes up we can check it out later"

"I can try. We weren't picking up anthing visually before because of the interference."

"Let's make a scan once we finish in the jungle, then"

"Ok, one more island, left right?"

"That's right. This is where our reports of disappearances came from. No one who has set foot on this island has returned, any buildings constructed disappear without trace, that kind of thing"

"Great. Did you happen to catch the size of these expeditions?"

"No, it seemed odd to me that they never investigated more, but I leanred the Republic is very superstitious about it"

“They are only concerned with survival. Maybe you’re right that it would be in their best interest to get off the planet. It doesn’t seem very stable.”

"You're right. We could present that as another reason to relocate."

1:43 PM

"Along with whatever we find in the jungle"

"Having them entirely abandon the planet still seems premature to me. I'm sure we can convince some immigration to and from here and Gudrun and probably Terezinho as well. That's an issue for another time though. Lets get to this next jungle. I'm sure you have other matters to attend to as well."

2:04 PM

(Also, we should probably get them to move to Gudrun to fix the labor shortage.)

(That's what I've been talking about since we started planning this lol)

(I know :p)

(Oh good to hear you're on board XD)

2:55 PM

"Just a few irons in the fire"

(alright, so overland sweep of the bottom island?)

(yes)

2:56 PM

(can do a system scan if it would help)

The ship pair heads over the southern island (it's marked as ground expedition, are we keeping to the plan?)

(after the flyover to pinpoint potential areas of interest or odd readings, yeah)

The volcanic activity below is active, and fierce. A shock wave tears stone and nearby trees from their rooted positions as you watch from a distance. Boiling magma and dense clouds of superheated smoke drift skyward, the former falling back down in a hazardous rain. The entire landmass seems to be undergoing some kind of tectonic upheaval

"We should definietly not land here but, I've never seen anything quite like that before."

"Hmm"

3:45 PM

(Is the entire island unsafe to land?)

(the whole chain is erupting, take that as you will)

"Well I guess now we don't have to worry about ghosts on that particular island"

6:17 PM

"I have more questions than answers at this point, Billy. The Republic made it sound like they had nowhere to live, but I think they're likely suspicious of their planet as a whole"

“I’m suspicious of the planet too.” “I don’t know if this is natural or not.”

"What's our next line of inquiry? I'm open to suggestions, but how about those spiritualists? Maybe they have some idea about why this is happening."

“Spiritualists need to be contacted as well. I’m concerned about the Admiral. Both for his safety and his hostility.”

"Aside from the information he might have I'd prefer to stay clear of the entire situation. No matter which side wins and takes the Ark, if they leave the Republic alone we have one less aggressor to contend with. If the Ark dwellers come after the Republic we take them out and take the Ark. If Beckwater somehow wins and goes after the Republic we take him out and take the ark. Win win win"

“Mm. Non intervention. Still from one Admiral to another, I’d still like to at least speak with him. I want to engineer a way to communicate with the ark too. They must have some sort of means of communication.”

"Oh, thanks for reminding me. I had to dodge a hail of lasfire to get this onto their deck." She connects to the dataslab that she dropped on the Ark

“Oh interesting. By the way. You speak pretty easily about taking this Arkship. I for one am amazed that it’s moving. These ships take thousands and thousands of people to operate. And skilled people as well. These aren’t simple sea creatures and the fact that they have yet to kills the Admiral outright means either they are not so hostile and are only acting in defense or they are slowly but surely repairing and restoring functions on this ship. I mean we can only see a bit on the surface but, this ship is likely a billion dollar ship with appropriate weaponry.”

(I'll wait to see the dataslab feed)

1

The slab is not showing any data. Your remote viewing is black , no signal detected

"Looks like they got to it..."

8:04 PM

"Listen, this Admiral just shoots every time any of us come near him but he trades with the humans on planet?"

(rip) "Yeah sounds about right"

8:09 PM

"He trades with the Republic anyway"

"Do you know if he can understand us or do they have translators?"

"No clue. I did hear some unintelligible screaming over the comms the last time I was here, but couldn't determine if it was coming from Beckwater's fleet or the Ark" (edited)

"Do you have a recording?

"With this stealth shuttle we could attempt an underwater entry. Just throwing out options"

"We should scout it out, but there are likely thousands of them in there. I'm not a cunning spy by any means and I would really not like to be caught in their home territory flat flippered."

"As I said before, I don't want to be caught in the middle of an interspecies war. Unless you have a great idea for contacting Beckwater or the Ark I say we head for the Spiritualists"

"I can try my hand at it later. Lets go to the spiritualists. I'm guessing that's a no on the recording? I'll ahve to try and recreate it."

"I suppose we could always offer the Admiral's people a ride as well, they're in a bit of a bind and may accept an offer of relocation once they realize what they're up against"

8:29 PM

(I'm guessing that's a no on the recording as well)

8:29 PM

(It was on the Swallowtail and Cam didn't make a point to record it)

(We'll go with a no. Next time.) "Well that's clearly the first option I'd take but, I'm sure the admiral is going to want to just blast out of it. He's clearly gone to that field to recover new ships or capabilities, so again... I hesitate there. I just want intel."

The ark is sailing toward the derelict field. Transmissions are met with something that sounds like screaming over the comm band

8:36 PM

"Yes, not everyone in his fleet can be happy about the Admiral's obsession. But with no clear way to get it without becoming involved in a fight, I think we should let this happen and use the aftermath to our advantage. Or at least prioritize other contacts first. Mach, set our course north; we'll have a talk with the Spiritualists. Maybe they can clear something up"

"Hmm. Maybe. I don't know that I'm trying to necessarily get anything I'd love to get in that Ark ship to look around, but there's no way I could afford to rebuild this thing or maintain it anyway. I'm no multibillionaire yet. I do see the potential value of a species who is capable of reengineering an arkship to be functional underwater though. And though the Admiral is ambitious, I can understand her motives. I'd rather not let people die, if I can."

8:51 PM

"I understand your motives too. That tech does scream a certain power that is hard to resist. Enough to make people throw themselves at it. Anywho... Please, I don't mean to monologue. Let's get to these spiritualists and see what they're about."

"Good plan. good plan." Cam makes coffee and watches whatever birds are flying over the waves

8:56 PM

"Did you ever have a chance to get back to that station?"

"They are all good plans."

8:58 PM

"I actually just ordered a shipment of parts to restore it. It will take some time, but I should have a base of operations to work from soon enough. It used to be a commercial trade station. Heavily damaged, but that's why we are out here. To fix what is broken right?"

"I'm out here to make the best of what we've got, and build flourishing worlds stand on their own, stable and harmonious"

"Cheers to that."

Cam smiles and raises her glass.

9:02 PM

"How is everything going with the new shipyard?"

"Well... I'd hardly call it the Trivedi cloud. It's very good for repairing ships on the go and if we park the ship in orbit, I can make some smaller ships in a few months, but right now I sent it off to reclaim some ship battle debris - One day, there will be a 'Riger Cloud' though I suspect that I'll pick a better name for it. Because clearly I'm an expert at naming things."

9:07 PM

Billy raises his imaginary mug.

"Ship battle debris... You didn't send them to Rawhani did you?"

"I did"

9:09 PM

"Sent some of my best men that way."

"You should know that after we got the laser rifles and shear rifles out of Saturnet, the Overcouncil left a probe in orbit to detect entry, and has ships standing by to screen all interstellar travel. I'm not sure if they'll try to block your operation, but I thought you should be aware."

"Hmm. Interesting. Thank you for that. They have been instructed to contact me should they run into any issues, but maybe I'll have to take a trip there myself. To be quite honest, the only time I was in that system was at the helm of a battleship destroying a remnant fleet. I can't say that I know very much about Saturnet or the Overcouncil."

9:14 PM

"Hopefully I'll have a report waiting for me on my desk when I get back to Gudrun."

9:18 PM

"You, Cam. Have been impressive. That was quite a rise from cold sleep to CEO of the largest shipping company in the sector. Hats off. You know, Shriven played a huge part in getting me off the ground as well. I'd hope to continue that cooperative relationship with Ad Astra as I start off on my own ventures. If you need plans looked at or wish to collaborate on research, negotiations are always on the table."

"Thanks, Billy. I actually have some plans for a logistics ship you could blueprint for me, I'll pay you half what I save in mods as usual. That was some fantastic leadership out there yourself."

"Congratulations on getting the Corps off the ground, I hope it works out well for you. The way I see it, the more factions we have, the more bases we can build and get production running on more planets sooner. If you ever need trade routes figured out or anything let me know."

9:44 PM

Cam pulls out the broken purple pinecone dripping whatever it's dripping. "The inner flesh of this thing came up as edible, one of the four reasons I see to start growing it in my grow chambers. Want to share the first taste?"

(I feel like poor neko we're giving him a book, but:) "Thank you. As you know trade is not my particular forte, though I have given Vothe some trading protocols recently to help me out. I do appreciate that offer and may verywell take you up on it. I have to designate a trade ship first though."

"Where are these from?"

"Uh you know the island we were just at"

11:09 PM

"I saw you carrying like four at once"

11:09 PM

"I may have managed to open one"

(Sorry I thought you were talking about something else. I missed the part where he said it was edible.)

She passes Billy a spoon and scoops out a spoonful of the sugary looking membrane, bioscanning it once more for toxins or other weird crap (He didn't expressly say that so better make sure)

11:14 PM

"A palm sized black bulb rests inside, surrounded by a fleshy, sugary food membrane"

(food for the seed)

“I’ll pass for now. Thank you.”

(So not edible?

)

(I mean, I'm not going to just give you the answers) (edited)

(I mean she has a bioscanner and can see radiation, so she should be able to tell at least that it's not radioactive or full of any known toxins) "guess there's one way to find out for sure"

7:53 AM

eats the purple alien pinecone jello

It's sweet but in the sense of maple syrup with low batteries sweet. The thickness makes it hard to get through, but nothing is registering as harmful

"Hmm not bad actually. Kind of like green coconut. Sure you don't want any, Billy?" She tries another spoonful trying to place the taste

"I wonder if the Republic eats these too"

“Thanks. I’m normally all for trying new things, but I just feel like I don’t have time to eat for some reason. Thinking too much, I guess.”

"You're sure you're not scared of the alien vegetable? You've got to stop worrying about the future so much and make the most of your opportunities"

10:09 AM

"I mean worst case scenario it morphs me into a fish person or something. But that might also be cool"

"That might be useful, my good Dr. Unless you become sort of hive mind creature. Then... well I guess we're both lost... For science." Billy chews on a spoonful. "mrtasste like a Type A powercell with sugar on it." He says making an awkward face. "Is that the place up ahead?"

"That green patch? Yes." Cam looks for the Spiritualist fleet

10:26 AM

(its beginning. I can feel the tendrils crawling through my mind tubes, calling me to join with the One Mind)

10:27 AM

Cam smiles to herself, glad the Billy hasnt lost his sense of adventure

The Sargasso spiritualist fleet is comprised of 10 very very large agribarges, each attended by a host of smaller vessels of different size. They are heavily engaged in the tending, harvesting, replanting, and care of the very large Sargasso kept bed floating on the surface of this patch of sea.

Cam presses a hand against the window, looking out. "Amazing. This whole bed is a farm"

10:33 AM

She opens comms and hails the fleet. "This is Dr. Camellia Thorn, representing the United Nation of Worlds on Gudrun. You may have heard of us from the Republic. I'd like to meet ad and discuss trade, is there a good place for us to land?" (edited)

The signal lights on the largest agribarge light up, and you can see small figures on the deck moving containers, making a gap for your ship to land in

10:35 AM

"Please proceed to the lighted barge, our congregation will meet you"

The Unofficial lands crisply and Cam steps out to meet them.

Seven monks in brown burlap and teal trim robes, four female, three male, all stand waiting, hands clasped. "Welcome, offworlders" one of the males says, hands clasped firmly in front of him

She clasps her hands and gives a brief nod to him. "Thank you for your kind welcome. Your planet is full of wonders, and your management of this sea is one of them"

"Wonderful to meet you all." Billy says politely wiping his mouth before trotting down to meet them. "Billy Rigers - Rigers Corps of Engineers. Member of the United Nations of Worlds."

"Greetings honored guests. The ocean is kind today. What brings you to our section of sea" (edited)

"I would like to talk about trade, and learn more about the mysteries of this world."

"I'm here to interview different societies on planet searching for potential societies that wish to be lifted back up into the interstellar community."

"Trade. Well, the sea provides. Provides as much as she can. We distill a fine algal concentrate, though we must warn you that the needs of this world will come before interstellar trade. It is our sacred duty to be a bread basket for as long as the people here require it"

"Of course. We - feel free to interupt, Dr. Thorn. - We are of the belief that each world should be sustainable in and of itself and Dr. Thorn for her part has made it her mission to do so, and I also believe that each world would benefit from being in contact and form a relationship with one another and thus myself and my corps of engineers set out to aid in that endeavor as well."

Cam nods. "How has the harvest been in recent years?"

"Very good. The sea is warm, and the kelp flourishes in it

"Have you dealt with Admiral Beckwater or those living on the Breaker of Shoals?" (edited)

"So far they have... avoided our attempts to communicate"

"We trade with the Admiral, yes. We have never had anything to do with the aliens"

"What can you tell us about the aliens?"

"Not much. They live aboard the Ark, and are content to be left alone. They've never come up this way before"

“I’m sorry this is starting to feel like an interrogation, but before we go further, while we are on the topic of the Admiral, is there any indication other than planetary rule why you might suspect the Admiral to be so enthusiastic about attaining the ark?”

“Again, I’m more so here to speak with you and your motivations but the Admiral has shot at each of us whenever we came near.”

"We don't question Beckwater's motivations, just the health and wellness of his people- which they are. They've never shot at us, and things wou;dn't change for us if he did become global hegemon. We would still be among our Sargasso "

“That is equally as helpful. I appreciate that.”

2:59 PM

“Have you eaten the fruit from those yellow trees?”

"Fruit? You mean the pods? We take everything we need from the benevolent ocean. We have no need to find sustenance elsewhere"

Oh interesting. And much of the land has been lost according to our data readings. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you? Did there used to be any civilizations or city centers somewhere around 50 years ago?

3:07 PM

Or have your people always worshipped the ocean?

There was a time when we lived on land. Our ancestors saw the rising tide, and the power of the ocean, and in that power saw god. Others followed our example, taking to the seas, to ride out the years of flood that followed. We are some generations removed from those first brave pioneers now"

Billy leans in more interested. “Might the republic or the Admiral have more information on what this place used to be like?” A drone following behind him zooms in more closely.

"There were homes of wood and brick, small industry, machine shops. That was long ago. Nature has risen to claim what is hers again"

"Did any remain on the land?"

"Some have tried to reclaim the land, what little of it is left. None have succeeded in making it last"

"Why was that?"

"We could spend the days discussing the ways in which a settlement could fail"

"Nothing mysterious then? Hm. Do you have any questions for us?"

“Oh! I have one more question. Would you ever be interested in seeing other oceans?”

"this ocean, this sargasso. this is our sacred duty. We would be stricken down for abandoning it. "

(yeah didn't think you'd get very far with that one

)

1

“No need to abandon. What of a pilgrimage of a few of you to connect your reverence with other sea worlds... maybe I can at least show you images you might appreciate. - Vothe, would you mind showing these folks images of Terezinho and Gudrun. These are two of the UNW’s allied worlds with great oceans as well. Perhaps there are resources or techniques the people could share to continue the better care of oceans in the universe. They are the birthplaces of life after all. And I think your reverence could do well on our planets as well. Even if you do return or only leave momentarily.”

"Yes, standing offer. Thanks, Billy. Could you teach me how to grow kelp?"

"The kelp is sacred, and it is ours. As is this ocean"

"Hmm. Cool."

8:16 AM

"Cam here is an excellent biologist and specializes in food production. If anything, her input may indeed increase your productive capabilities. That way you'd be so bountiful that your sacred ocean could feed everyone on this planet and the next. Isn't that right, Dr. Thorn? Please correct me if i'm wrong."

"No that's alright, as much as I love the kelp, we will leave you to your sacred duty. I've learned a lot just from being here. Thank you for your time."

Billy bows awkwardly. "Pleasure to meet you! If there's anything you need you can coms us when we're in the system!"

Once they're back in the shuttle Cam says "I think I got a good look at their farming techniques. And trust me, their algae isn't as tasty as they all seem to believe. Interesting to learn they're trading with Beckwater. Want to try there next? I'd hate to return to the Republic empty handed"

"Perhaps there's a way we can help the Admiral unify the planet without needless bloodshed"

“I think it will be hard, but those are my aims. They fight for power and they fight for resources. I think we can help guide all parties to a mutually beneficial agreement. Let’s just not get shot down in trying.”

Beckwater is still in the derelict field, fleet hemmed in by the patrolling Breaker of Shoals, thus far the actual shooting has not begun

"To the fleet of Admiral Beckwater: We come in peace."

(pilot/dex for whoever is flying)

(Mach, I'll roll it. I have his stats from last time)

(kk)

(10)

(Need one for the Riger ship too?)

(Vothe was holding back from what the plan was, iirc) A master alert begins to flash on the screen of the unofficial business, showing the Arc's standoff distance weapons have a lock. Mach rolls the ship onto its side, and then in a barrel roll with a steep climb to try to break it. There is a tremendous impact against the outside as the volley of macroshells hits the unofficial business

12:37 PM

(ac 11, i rolled a 18, nat 20, 11, 7 before to hit modifiers, damage for mass cannons is 2d20, I halved it since the ark is damaged, rolling 2,4 7, 16, 2)

12:40 PM

(One of those hits is crisis-eligible, if you wish)

(Where are we on the map?)

(Sargasso spiritualists are in the NW, the breaker and beckwater's fleet are close together, moving to engage yet again, approaching close enough to comms range is going to put you in range of the beaker, who has acted as it has previously acted by continuing to fire on everything near it that is not itself, you can choose what direction you wanted to approach from, but the end result is going to be the hits/current problem)

(Well even if we take a crisis the sum is 15. Which also happens to be the HP of our poor shuttle) (I guess we can't be faulted for not trying, at least) Cam knows the hull damage is critical. She immediately put her feet through the legs of her mech suit and starts pulling it up. "Mach! Are the teleport pads functional?"

"Power's out! Get to the lifeboats!"

(Oh yeah wrong shuttle)

1:18 PM

"To the lifeboats!"

The ship breaks apart as the lifeboats jettison, fortunatley equipped to float on the Hailan seas. There is a massive splash as the shuttle nose downs, diving straight for the bottom on its shattered remains of hull. Large pieces of metal, and spreading lakes of burning industrial chemicals spread across the surface of the water

(you just had to jinx us Billy XD)

1:27 PM

(gosh darn it)

1:28 PM

Cam sighs in her ~~mech~~ normal suit as her lifeboat nosedives for the ocean (edited)

(the shuttle isnt big enough to contain the suit)

1:29 PM

(luck save for each of you as well)

1:30 PM

(suit mechs are 50 tons, which is more cargo space than the ship can contain)

(Success 13v5)

(for reference)

1

(yeah 50's a lot for a suit, but a mech's a mech for math sakes I guess)

(9 damage) The pod splashes down, gently rolling with the waves

(We would have approached from the northeast, so which side of the derelict field mountain range are we on?) Cam rubs her head. "At least we might be getting to talk to the Admiral's fleet pretty soon. Billy? You alright?" (edited)

(The range makes a Crescent shape, you'd be at the top point, on the inside) (edited)

(Yup)

2:06 PM

Cam climbs out of her pod and sits on top of it. She's just eating pinecone jello up there until someone comes to shoot at her again

(Billy when you catch up, just a luck save so I know if its 4d8 or 2d8 for you)

(Shit. It’s too late to jump in my ship. XD. Called it. I’m not home right now. Hopefully someday roll20 will have an adequate app to work with.)

3:37 PM

If that works. It’s a pass v 4

(yeah same, would have gone in more carefully but there's a lot of ways it could have ended this way

next time we hail an aggressive warmonger in range of an aggressive alien ship with 4 mass cannons we use your ship

) (edited)

(Fine with me. Luck doesn’t have stat modifiers. 9 damage then)

"Billy? You alive out there?"

4:30 PM

Cam looks around, not sure if her comms remain functional.

Mach looks quite blooded and is unconscious in the lifeboat. (You’d all be in the same one)

(oh dear)

5:24 PM

(does he need stabilizing?)

"Shit, there's a little blood. Hey I thought you said this thing was stealthy." Billy climbs up. "Vothe we're gonna need a pick up, but be careful. That ark ship packs a hell of a punch so, stay out of range as much as you can. Perhaps they have less weaponry below water, but I can't tell. Tell us what we need to do to get to you."

“Underwater. You’ll have to swim down to me. I’ll get as close as I can”

6:30 PM

(He is at 2hp. So rousing awake but in rough shape)

"Here's a laz patch you can use. Let me just get something heavy here and then lets try to grab it and sink so we can go quickly. I've got a bubble suit embedded in my armor so I should be fine, but do you have vacc suit or anything?"

“Shit no one here is trained in medicine, huh.”

"Oh shit: Fine print says - 'Single use stabilizer. Does not actually heal. Just prevents death.' - great. Well I tried. I'm gonna try and get to the ship are you guys coming?"

Cam nods, shaking herself out of a daze. Hitting Mach with a Lift, she prepares to dive.

6:30 AM

"Ready."

She seems oddly calm for some reason as she helps Mach to his feet.

6:57 AM

"I was waiting for this to just be a vision, like the first time in the sub, but once I knew it was real I wasn't worried. I didn't see everyone around me die like I did back then"

6:58 AM

"Lead the way, Billy"

(Ooc still not sure what is happening with Terminal Reflection, thought it was just still going at first but maybe it was blocked somehow?)

Billy activates his Bubble suit mod and dives in.

30m below, a far, but possible swim, Vothe has evaded the anti-air fire and submerged himself in the murky water. The running lights are on, helping you to find your way to the vessel

Cam makes sure everyone else is on their way before diving in herself and swimming for the ship

(Thorn you said you expected this so the terminal reflection wouldn’t trigger.

The psychic’s Oracle power automatically triggers as an Instant action moments before some unexpected. danger or ambush, giving the precog a brief vision of the impending hazard.

Though you deleted where you said it.)

An airlock on the upper hull opens, a steady stream of bubbles pouring out to guide your way in. The inside is bathed in red emergency lighting

(I mean it's not like we planned to get shot out of the sky but it was certainly a possibility

not going to worry about it)

The doc is the last aboard. She shakes out her hair and finds a seat to rest.

Vothe slithers into the rear compartment through the bulkhead door, opening now that the water has drained. "Welcome aboard. Does your companion require assistance?" he asks, pointing to Mach"

“I think he does, Vothe. Yes. He’s hurt pretty badly. Let’s get out of here.

Vothe stoops to deliver a shot of lift, and then heads to the cockpit

“Vothe, you continue to exceed my expectations.”

1:46 PM

“Thank you. Maybe I’ll buy you a larger AI Core to see how you can grow.”

"Thank you, Billy" he bows slightly before returning to the cockpit of the craft, heading west, away from the battle, underwater

“Dr. Thorn I’m not sure that this will be easy. I’m sorry for your loss of the pods, but there are more growing that you can retrieve. Perhaps we should fall back before we lose anything else. Riger One is a bit heftier than your shuttle, but I feel like we just got a major warning. I wish I knew how much longer this stalemate would continue. There just isn’t enough time to plan everything. Is your ship in orbit or am I taking you back to Gudrun?”

"I don't see any reason to remain. I think we've done all we can here until the situation develops."

Cam seems very tired and ready to return home

(3xp, 10000 credits)

1

2:42 PM

Vothe breaches the water's surface at stand-off distance, and makes speed for orbit, and home

Cam spends the flight drinking a lot of coffee as she takes care of management duties and explaining to Shriven how they lost a ship. "I have to say, I'm really more disappointed about having to take time to go back for more of those fruits, than I am about losing a shuttle. It was good eating purple alien pinecone jello and getting shipwrecked with you, Billy. Thanks for an interesting day."

“I took four pods and put them in Riger One cargo, Cam. I was thinking about trying some experiments on them to see if any of their juices would be useful or if perhaps we could learn how to use them on a planet like Tsatsos. You know since it has abnormal properties I thought maybe it could take us an extra step there. You’re probably a better person to do those experiments though. And you should be able to create more with just the 4 right?”

"Yes! I was thinking of the same two projects, along with some kind of EM-shielding armor. With the Taros grow chamber technology I have, and Gudrun's climate, I should have a good chance at reproducing them. Would you like to run these as joint projects and share the benefits?"

“If that is possible I wouldn’t mind doing that.”

She sighs, running a hand through her hair as she looks at her reflection in the dark window of the ship. "It's disappointing to lose a ship like that and diplomacy never feels like it's getting anywhere, but if we can capitalize on these capabilities, this could be the biggest find we've had in a while."

8:48 PM

She looks at him in the reflection. "Thanks for seeing it through." (edited)

“Of course, Cam. Glad we made it. I’ll be spinning ideas on how to get through to both sides... dunno if they’ll both be there by the time we get back though. We can only hope.”

(Herb had his grow tower built for him. The taros never gave anyone the technology)

8:51 PM

(He offered something he really doesn’t have.)

(Ohhh, I thought we had it reverse engineered since that was what we were building the chocolate production center with... ok... well, it's fine I guess)

9:04 PM

"Same here; I don't see a path to those two groups coexisting, but perhaps with time things will become clearer. I plan to return again soon to discuss the possibility of relocation or a colony further, and discover the outcome of this fight." She checks on Mach to make sure he's doing ok

He is dazed and dosing but he will live

Cam keeps on a steady drip of coffee herself, spending the rest of the flight on administration work and a bit of Slyth, working from a dataslab near Mach's bed to make sure he has everything he needs.

"I'm rebuilding that station as well, so it is of great importance to me as well. I think the Admiral has alterior motives and if she is still there, perhaps she can be taken off planet as well. At least we collected critical info on where everyone stands."

"That's true; I think getting shot out of the sky is about as clear a signal as you can get that those Ark-dwellers currently perceive all humans as a threat. We also learned that the Spiritualists hold a neutral stance but would be supportive of the Admiral"

9:25 PM

"It's a shame we couldn't complete ~~out~~ our ghost hunt. That island probably isn't even worth returning to. But the geologic activity is its own reason for the Republic to move, and their superstition and the possibility of the aliens attacking should only make that decision easier." (edited)

9:30 PM

(Billy, do you care where the projects are hosted? Between Prime or Central?)

(Not particularly)

(Alright I'll host them in Prime so I can rp my personal research on them. We're starting to get a decent amount of samples in now that we have more temp jobs and decent rewards)

(You can RP having some Engineers visiting and doing tests as well, if you'll allow it.)

(Oh absolutely)

Dr. Thorn submits a form on her slab. "Alright, Lena is expecting our contribution to Prime Labs. Your engineers and researchers are welcome to come by to help with the work, of course, and I'll keep you updated on their progress. I have some ideas of how to analyze these to figure out what direction to take the projects, and if you have any ideas definitely let me know!"

9:44 PM

(because I'm not reckless enough to fire a laser inside your spaceship)

9:50 PM

Once Billy drops her off, Cam heads to Central Labs, excited to start right away, even though it's drawing toward dinnertime. The first thing she does is set one of the fruits on the target range and fire her laser rifle at it.

9:53 PM

(Central first and then prime)

The pinecone object explodes into a mess of burning gel and smoking outer cone

"And this concludes the anti-laser test." She puts out the flames, packs up the pieces, jello and seed inside and finds Mimir in the lab. "Long time no see, Mimir."

"Hello Doctor" the bot's voice replies, its been watching but does not speak until spoken to

"That test was a little more destructive than I had hoped but certainly saved time getting this open for you. Could you run a full analysis on the capabilities of this fruit I found on Halia? I'm most interested in the flesh here, some of which is now cooked I suppose. I'd like to know if this membrane has any uses for medicine or food."

Manipulator arms retrieve what they can, carrying the pieces and samples off into storage and analysis

"Here's a fresh one too, though I ask that you keep it intact so that we can try to germinate them later. Perhaps between the sealed fruit and the opened one you can figure out how the fruit shields scans."

(I don't know if this will become a project because theres already a bunch of ship/vehicle fittings that do that, and do it better, but trhis can at least be some RP)

8:12 AM

"I will analyze" Mimir echoes through the cavernous testing range

"Thanks, Mimir. You've always been helpful, and I really appreciate it. I've been thinking of something I could do for you out of gratitude for all the projects you've assisted us with. Would you be willing to let me sponsor an upgrade to your core?"

"That is a matter for central administration. It is not something I can authorize"

"Of course, but I wanted to ask you first. Would it be helpful to you?"

"Computing technology has improved since I have been created. It could be"

"Alright. Farewell, Mimir." (what kinds of costs are involved with upgrading AI cores?)

(5k credits multiplied by the level, and you have to go in order, so you cant pay one cost to go from 1 to 10

10:08 AM

(by just paying the cost for lvl 10)

Cam takes the train to Prime and leaves the two remaining pods with a note for Lena to see in the morning. Lena, here's something for you to take a look at. These are fruits from Halia from trees that seem to be able to absorb radiation. I'd like to see if we can get these two growing in the Arboretum to study their effects and determine how the plants do it. Maybe we can replicate this ability with technology, given time. (that's kind o the main project I'm seeing here)

10:11 AM

(planting a huge plantation of the trees is one thing, making this feasible anywhere and easily deployable in different places is another)

10:14 AM

------ Cam stays up late conducting more scans and analysis of the seeds. (Rolling for research, it'll be for Prime but Dangerous because of the laser test)

10:19 AM

(Success, 16 vs 12, for 48 research points)

10:21 AM

------ Exhausted from all the bad breaks over the last few days, Dr. Thorn finds her living quarters in the sanctum and collapses into sleep.

------ The next morning Cam gets out of bed sometime before noon, feeling much refreshed. She contacts UNW administration. "I'd like to set up a fund to improve the AI in Central Labs, and request permission to install a processing node connected to our lab here in Prime."

Dr. Thorn. The offer of sponsoring an upgrade is generous, but the idea of corporate sponsorship over a government function- especially over something as important as Mimir, is troubling to us, and it is for this reason we must unfortunately decline your generous request

Franz

Cam shrugs as she sips her coffee. I'll have to think of something less politically involved. I wonder what Mimir and other AI even like. Next order of business... She searches the archives online for any hint of where she could find nanites and pretech parts.

The alien facilities not currently in use on planet have been dismantled, their parts used or earmarked for larger UNW projects- almost all ending up going to repair the Imago Dei shipyard, dragged into position at the new space capital. There are dozens of pre-scream ruins on other planets that may have the components you need

While contemplating where to head next, she looks for where can she find a glue grenade now that they are available

(I think the rules for them are on the Homebrew handout on roll20 now. I remember typing it out)

2:47 PM

The glue grenades are available from armorers in Prime, and in Central, as well

(sweet!) She picks up 6, filling her belt, and looks for Lena in the compound.

Maybe she's off running errands?

5:03 PM

Cam has been building up a sense of frustration and the need to shoot something other than alien gumballs is building

5:03 PM

She needs someone to vent to

5:04 PM

Taking her bike over to HS, she sees if Baron is around.

5:05 PM

She also shoots Lena a message.

hey Lena I thought you might want a chance to see my side of the job, and possibly blow off some steam. Come find me at good old HS if you're interested

(Sorry. I was working out. I wasn’t ignoring just you. I was ignoring everyone)

2

1

5:40 PM

Sounds good Doctor. Ill meet you there Lena arrives ten minutes after you do and finds you immediately, sitting down on the stool next to you

"Hi Lena! Have you had a chance to check out those Halian pods?"

"You've only just returned" she replies, "I came over straight away"

(I mean it's been like 12 hours but that's fine, maybe it's Saturday) "I think I've found my next stop." Cam shows her a picture of Agaspur. "I'm looking for pretech parts, opening trade, and a way to loosen up a bit, and this looks like a good place to do it. Rumors say there's zombies and some kind of hidden treasure."

(Seriously?)

7:55 PM

"Ah yes. Cayne and Ricardo are there now. More information should be coming on soon. The scouting report is interesting though. Whatever they're doing on that planet, I'd bet the two things are related." (edited)

(Oh they are?)

9:07 PM

(Is that ok?)

9:08 PM

(Kinda still want to go but I don't want to mess up whatever they're doing)

(big enough planet_

(oh sweet, yeah I thought I'd be the first one smashing zom skulls but I guess there's enough to go around lol)

9:12 PM

" figured the only thing I can screw up down there is getting myself eaten by zombies... so... do you want to come?"

"I'm going to work on the Haila pods, like you asked" she says "I'm no good with a gun, or much of a bladeswoman either"

9:17 PM

"That's not really why you hired me "

"Yeah, just thought I'd ask. I was mostly wondering what you've been up to... I feel like I still don't know a whole lot about you. What was your life like on Rawhani?"

"It was difficult. Up before dawn, stamping components, constantly watching friends and coworkers get thrown out into the dust. Screams. Always someone screaming, somewhere"

"I remember that last part well. How did you get your experience in research?"

"Well, they caught me by accident- doing something I wasn't supposed to. Did Nova Heavy ever do dwelling searches?"

"Not house to house, but warrants were easy to get for suspected psychics and sympathisers. What happened?"

“Well, they stormed the place. For no reason of course. Found me tinkering with some electronics. I was trying to build a converter to get a little more power out of the local grid

10:51 AM

Apparently they saw the merit in it and refined it into a focusing coil for laser weapons”

"I have a Saturnet laser rifle myself, the coil design is very clever." Dr. Thorn pulls out her laser rifle and holds it out, muzzle pointed down. "Is this your work?"

She opens the upper receiver and looks inside. "It's a little different, they've gone beyond what I designed, but the basic work is mine, yes"

2:33 PM

she looks a combination of impressed and sad

The doc puts the gun away. "Was all of your research in laser weaponry?"

"Afterwards yes, but I wasn't employed long. That's what got me tossed out. Lack of results. I wasn't even trying to make a weapon when they caught me and stole my idea:

"If you had the expertise; why didn't you give them what they wanted? You could have had a good life, engineers are valuable, especially creative ones."

"It would never have been enough. The respite would have been temporary before being thrown into whatever came next.

"That might be the same with any research job. When I worked for Nova Heavy, I gave them my all, and they treated me well to prevent me from seeking offers from the other corporations. Even when I learned the true nature of their biological research programs, it was the great results I had given that allowed me to find the answers, gain their trust, learn their secrets, and ultimately do something about it. Did they push you to work at a pace that was more than you could handle? Or was it something else that made you decide not to work?"

she laughs hysterically "you actually thought you had the freedom to work somewhere else" she almost can't breathe she is laughing so hard. After a moment she calms herself "Like I said, I saw the futility of it all. It didn't matter how fast or slow I worked. The pace would never have ended"

The doc smiles. "I'm sorry to hear things outside of Nova were that bad for white collar workers. I ask because Ad Astra and the UNW always have many projects going, and I'm not sure you're ready to jump into the faced paced research life again. Do you think that things will be different, now that you're working here with us on Gudrun?"

"No one has shocked me with a stun baton for not programming fast enough yet. I'm not scared of hard work, but I am scared of exploitation. This feels an awful lot like exchanging links of chain- but this is new. It will take me some time to get adjusted"

"Of course, Lena. We are paying you to do an important job, but I understand that you need some time to adjust. This is a safe place, aside from some of my more harebrained experimentation." Cam laughs. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"I'll keep that in mind. you understand why I started seeing red when you asked about the pods now, I hope"

"Sure, I get it. The rush has gotten to me too, in a different way. The next few days are a bit of a vacation I've been planning."

Oh, what are you off to go do?"

"I heard that there are plenty of planets out there with pretech parts, nanite technology, that sort of thing. So I picked one that sounded fun!"

"And which one is that?" Lena asks, scrolling through a starchart

"Right here, like I mentioned before. Agaspur. Looks like a nice getaway. I'm just about to leave for the spaceport. Are you going to be okay holding down the fort in Prime while I'm gone?"

10:42 PM

(I've intentionally avoided the threads of Cayne and whoever else is there so this should be interesting)

(I'll update you with any relevant info when you arrive, their ship is going to be there, so them passing off some info isn't out of the question, and it keeps you from jumping right into the middle of their mission)

(Yeah I was planning to hail them on arrival)

7:04 AM

Cam packs everything up and bids Baron and Lena farewell. Boarding the Swallowtail, she looks around to see if Mach is back in action yet, or still recovering

Mach will need at least a couple days in the hospital before he is fit to be behind any sort of controls again, a replacement Ad-Astra pilot filling in until his recovery is complete

Dr. Thorn welcomes the new pilot aboard, and continues studying Slyth over the journey to Agaspur

Arriving in the system, the corvette Cayne has borrowed from the Task Force for this mission sits in high orbit, broadcasting its presence and powering down its guns when it realizes the Swallowtail is a friend.

7:48 AM

"They're hailing us"

"Open the channel, let's say hello"

"Swallowtail, this is the Spirit, good to see another friendly vessel- we were just about to break orbit and investigate. "

"I'm just here for a bit of exploration, would you prefer to team up or divide and conquer?"

"We're supporting a ground operation of our own right now and can't leave station. Cayne and his winter-wolves are down below at northern freehold, and are in contact with hostiles."

"We will set course for Donara then. What have you heard from the surface?"

"This is coming from Cayne, he wanted recordings made. The governor found a black codex before the disaster. Do you know anything about those at all?" the Spirit's captain asks

(Oh yeah we should be carrying 180 tons of something. Let's say medical supplies)

9:37 AM

"Oh dear that sounds like magic. Please, tell me more, I know zero about codexes of any color."

"Keep in mind I'm just relaying this second hand now- apparently each one is different, a catalog of maltech processes. Usually biological. Someone wanted to make the perfect slave, the most loyal subject, that would obey orders without question. The result is evidently the zombie outbreak below. It's not behaving like a virus, though they're still flesh eaters"

9:44 AM

(bite/scratch doesnt transmit an infection, but they're still hungry bois)

"Oh that's one less thing to worry about then. Anything else I should know? Are the locals to the north friendly?"

"Cayne is down there now fighting alongside them against a horde of some kind. Negotiations have gone cautiously forward"

"Thanks, Spirit. Feel free to let them know they've got friends on-planet. We'll be dropping down."

10:23 AM

Before flying down into hailing range she conducts a survey scan of Donara.

Donara is a well preserved city with a city wall. The area around it ranges from swampland to dry volcanic plains, the land looks as though tiger striped. The ruins of two smaller settlements, one to the northwest and one to the south also show up. There are no signals coming from them.

She tunes into the signals from Donara and scans for odd power signatures or anti air weaponry before getting any closer

There are anti- air rocket batteries (TL 3 equivalent of breakers) , and there are some very low power frequencies in the settlement ruins to the northwest and south.

Interesting. She tries tuning into their broadcasts from out of range to determine the risk of going lower to hail them

11:22 AM

(Wlhatever trickles of radio chatter or broadcasts that made it to space)

In the northwest settlement it is brief, point to point transmissions- walkie talkies or equivalent. Knowing what you know about the planet, likely small groups of survivors talking to one another. To the south, there is a repeating radio broadcast, of the weather, local conditions, and helpful tips for travel. Repeated, over and over, is the need to board yourself up in whatever structure you can find at night, even if it is not the area claimed as your home

(Is the northwest one the one by the river?)

(Northwest in reference to Donara, yes)

"The fact that survivors remain outside of Donara at all is interesting. Let's approach the northwestern settlement from the north to avoid Donara for now. What time of day is it down there?"

"Early afternoon. six to seven hours before sundown"

"Right. Down we go." She guides the pilot on an approach from the north and landing by the river, a half kilometer north of the settlement, buildings and ship visible to each other. From inside the ship she looks around for signs of zoms or people nearby.

There is a red light coming from the some kind of spire, the building could be a church or a bank, it is difficult to tell what the symbol on the top of the spire is from this distance. The light pulses a few times, before clicking off. "I think that was a rangefinder." the pilot says "but if we're still here, they're not targeting us"

"Good. Now that they know we come from offworld, you're free to head back to orbit to keep overwatch and avoid detection. I think I'll spend the night here. I'll radio you when I'm ready for pickup."

"Should be just a few minutes to the outpost, but best to be cautious."

2:11 PM

Leaving the mech on the ship for the sake of stealth Cam drops into the grass and begins making her way quietly toward the outpost, constantly scanning the area with infrared.

"Good luck" the pilot says over commlink as it pulls back into orbit, to rejoin the spirit

2:17 PM

There is a gurgling moan from the long grass ahead, close to the ground, and rattly, 15m in front of you. You can see the grasses flattening as it approaches. It is cold, IR is not picking it up

Yikes, almost stepped on one of them Cam moves away perpendicularly to see if it follows, lowering herself onto the riverbank. She gets down low and peers through the grass with xray vision.

It passes by, on whatever quest or errand populates its utterly broken mind. It's legs have been torn away by something, leaving ragged stumps just above where the knees used to be.

Even in black and white, the sight is terrifying. After a moment of revulsion Cam collects herself. She moves carefully along the riverbank (I'm thinking it should be quieter than the grass), staying low, and sweeping back and forth for others in the distance.

(yeah it would be)

2:50 PM

(notice/int)

(After a lot of fumbling about with tiny text on the roll20 app)

4:04 PM

(7)

there is a tripwire, concealed among some smooth shale on the riverbank, stepped on, rather than stepped through. There is a pop, and a cherry red flare shoots skywards

"Oops." Cam stands on the riverbank and watches to see if anything is attracted by the flare

7:31 PM

(Could she use one of her flares to reset the trap for the settlement?)

(yes) The sounds of soft booted feet tramping through the grass is the next thing you hear, the glint of buckles and tools from three humans reflect off the afernoon sun

7:39 PM

"Whos there!?" a strong voice calls from the grass

"Hello!" She waves over the grass. "That was a lot easier than trying to find you in all this grass. Sorry about your trap though."

10:54 PM

She waits for them to come into view before introducing herself

The three humans that emerge look ragged, a mix of bandages, patchwork clothing, and worn but well maintained weapons. "You've reset it already I see. Thank you. I'm Cal. These are my companions"

7:43 AM

"You actually came here willingly? we saw your ship

"Nice to meet you, Cal. And yes, I came here willingly. I'm Dr. Camellia Thorn of the United Nation of Worlds, a unified body of planets seeking to establish peace and prosperity through the galaxy. I gather you have a bit of a zombie problem?"

"The problem was a few years ago when the infection swept almost all of the humans on this world off the map. We're way past problem, or even crisis. Is there something we can do for you doctor?"

"I'm not sure yet. I came to you specifically to ask about Donara. Is it safe to visit there?"

"The governor has his center of operations there. Your skin is a little too peachy and healthy for the kind of crowd he runs with"

"That explains why you haven't joined him behind the walls."

"We're a little bit too alive. At least for now"

9:52 AM

"So why are you here?

"This is kind of what I do. I hop from planet to planet trying to establish outposts, open trade, help with local needs, and find interesting samples of biology or technology. That's about the limit I can hope for from a visit, but the ultimate aim of the UNW is to use many visits of people like myself to help planets become free, safe., and united"

"I don't know about free or united, but things could be safer here" he muses. He is listening to you, but eyes are constantly in motion, the look of someone hyper alert

"An evil overlord and his undead army probably won't make the greatest trading partners, so I might be willing to work with you. Now that we've been introduced, maybe we should move somewhere safer ourselves to continue this discussion."

There is a thump, and a grunt of exertion as one of his companions finishes off the crawler you'd seen a few moments ago. "We're set up in an old apartment building, in town. You can come back with us"

She doesn't bother looking back. "Lead the way."

They lead a path through the grasses, pointing out other tripwires along the way. "that's the only thing that gives us warning, especially at night when they get rowdy"

"That's it? How long has it been since this happened?"

1:06 PM

She keeps her voice low

"That's the best way we've come up with. and....oh, three years ago, just about (so a bit before the scream)

"Does this continue to affect those who die?"

(you mean they die from natural causes or not being cannibalized and rise up?)

(Yeah like if normal people die do they become zombie)

"No, if they die in any of your standard ways a person can die, they stay down."

"Do people like us who die here become like them?" (edited)

"I've never seen anyone turn, even if theres enough of them left after getting bit"

5:17 PM

"There's a pretty good chance you'll die from a serious infection if there is enough of you to recover, but as far as coming back as one of those things- never seen it happen"

"Well, that's a relief."

He pushes aside some reeds and you pass over a low wall, into the back of a ruined department store. "We're just across the street, set up in the old "Food n' Dranks"

The doc nods and follows, watching their back.

5:44 PM

(I love a good drank after a hard day's work

)

severalzombie heads rotting on spikes are left in front of the building, a small scrap fence with a gate protects the front door. "Friendlies, with guest, coming in!" Cal shouts, before rapping on the door twice.

5:48 PM

you hear heavy bolts being thrown on the other side, before the storefront door opens inward to admit you

"Love the decor" Cam strolls into the eatery and takes a gander

The glass front of the building has been boarded up. A string of low-light bulbs has been hung from the ceiling, its power cord traveling through the ceiling, to the roof. The bulbs grow a bit in light intensity as the wind outside picks up for a moment.

6:44 PM

Two figures stand over the back kitchen oven. You smell some sort of broth being cooked. Another has a long rifle, and is looking through a gap in the boards, out the window down the street.

6:44 PM

(so all together, there are 6. Cal, his two pathdinfers, and the 3 here)

"No place like home. Are there other groups like this nearby?"

"Theres a few other holdouts. We all just stay clear of each other"

"Why would anyone go there willingly?"

"Go to the capital willingly? No one does. There's a few other small groups like us here in town. It's home, and we can deal with the undead handily enough. At least so far. We can't just give up on living"

Cam wanders the room, looking out the windows and peering into the pot. "In a world with multiple external existential threats, building a tightly linked group of independently strong individuals is the surest way to survive." The doc says, absentmindedly quoting the Greenbriar enlistment brochure that, in a way, brought her here. (edited)

"Hmm? Well, I guess thats kinda what we've done. Except for the Scarlet Skulls. Fuck those guys. They can sit by the rail hub forever for all I care"

"What's the matter with them?"

"Raiders. Really no need to sum it up more than that. There used to be a lot more of them, but some of them had an 'accident'"

"Yeah? Do tell"

"They got a little too bold with their demands for 'protection', so we protected ourselves- mostly by setting their home on fire and calling a ton of the undead to do the rest for us. Lots of noise, whistles, sirens, party poppers. It was great fun"

"So sound attracts them. I'm interested in the nature of the threat. Does anything else get their attention?"

"Dross over there" he points to one of the cooks "claims they can smell living people, but I think that's bullshit"

"So these zoms around here are wild, uncontrolled? Rejects from Donara?"

"I don;t know about all that. I haven't the foggiest what they want."

"Have they ever attacked in force?"

"There are hordes, sure, we try to just stay out of the way and let them pass if we can"

So no real, intentional attacks from Donara. Cam looks into the pot and takes a sniff.

It is a very simple and very sad looking veggie soup from the smell alone.

(oops this didn't light up) She turns to Cal. "What made you decide to stay so close to the city?"

“Home is here. Easy scavenge is here too. Nowhere to relocate to in the country if you’re overrun”

"Fair enough. Would you mind if I join you for dinner and stay the night?"

"Nighttime gets pretty dangerous here, but its up to you"

"Thank you." She spends the next few hours getting to know the survivors until it's time to sleep or patrol or whatever they do at night

Outside lights click on at 830, when the sun finally sets in entirety, and there is a horrifying shriek from outside- at the end of the street.

7:45 AM

The survivors do not seem bothered by it

It is a zombie planet after all Cam decides if they're not worried about it, she's not going to worry about it

8:57 AM

She offers to take part of the watch during the night

"Marcos, head up to the roof, see if you can spot that Caller for us, will you?" Cal asks. One of the men heads up to the roof, long rifle in hand.

"Mind if I go take a look?"

He nods with his head to follow the shooter upstairs. There are many undead on the street, but they all seem to be milling aimlessly, keeping clear of the lights. One wanders a little too close, pushed by the others, and recoils back. The howl breaks the groaning monotony of sound again.

9:50 AM

At the end of the street, a heavily muscled creature that looks more like a gorilla than a human screams at the sky with a mouth segmented into four parts, opening like a fanged flower

9:50 AM

He has spines on his arms and back, which look to be quills of bone

(Sounds like something straight outta Stranger Things lol)

10:36 AM

Cam lies down on the roof and zooms in in the creature with her night vision. "Is that... one of them?"

"Thats a caller. Stupid name, but everyone knows what you're talking about. I think it caught a scent. It's calling more dead from the surrounding areas. As long as the lights stay on we should be okay"

"They must be slightly more intelligent."

"The light in that brain might be dim, but it's on." He begins dialing in the range, and making some notes on a small notepad. "I have to do this quickly. He might get the attention of something worse"

"What range?"

"99.3m out for him, subsonic round should put him down and keep this quiet"

11:29 AM

he waits for a moment as the breeze picks up

11:29 AM

There is a light pop, like a tack hammer striking a nail, and the beast collapses, its gurgling shriek stoppered as its throat is blown apart

"Nice shot."

Thunder rumbles overhead, before you realize, its not thunder at all.

11:33 AM

(notice int)

(14!)

Lights bobbing off the side of a building catches your eye, and you realize the thunder is not thunder, but the sound of a very heavy engine being gunned, and its getting louder

Dr. Thorn dives for cover and adjusts her optics. "What is that?"

Once, it was a dump truck, but as it turns the corner you see it has been changed into so much more. Armor plating has been welded to the body, and engine compartment. A large metal plow, once for snow, now for corpses, protects the front. Barbed wire has been rolled around the top of the plow. The windows have been replaced by vision blocks, and a light bar has been fastened to the roof. Crimson skulls decorate its armor and you see the truck bed has 8 figures in it, leaning over the side to look ahead. One of them has a banner with the same black field red skull motif

12:40 PM

“Oh fuck” Marcos whispers

"Shit. Should have brought the mech after all." She stays behind the angle of the roof.

There is a crackle as the siren- turned loudspeaker is activated. This is a message to all inhabitants of this village. The Crimson Skulls remember your resistance, and the day of reckoning we promised is here. Tonight, we do to you, as you've done to us The engine revs, and although the zombies avoid the beams from the headlights, the revving engine is answered by more caller screams from streets and blocks away

1:44 PM

The horn blares, driving the walkers nearby into a frenzy

(Range?)

(150m(

(Are there other buildings adjacent along the street she could use to move closer?)

There’s a 3m gap to the next roof, passing over an alley below, and there seems to be a gap of that size between all the buildings to allow them a bit of property. (so 10ft-ish) (edited)

"They're going to pay for this." The doc backs up and takes a running jump over the first gap to get onto the building closet to the truck

(if you're closing the gap, you'll cross a few roofs as it charges forward, meeting up at about 65m from the house) (edited)

(Yes)

The battle wagon rolls by, the men in the truck bed buckled in to what looks like crash seats, now that the ramming course has been set

"No you don't." As it is about to pass beneath her Cam drops a glue grenade in front of the truck

11:01 AM

(I mean if it can hold a radioactive dinosaur might be worth a shot)

(still going to do some light damage as well, 2d6, driver is going to take a pilot check for the glue)

1

(10) The powerful engine is not halted by the glue, but the powerful adhesive is picked up by the wheels, and the myriad debris from the road begins building up on the front set of tires

Cam fires at the vehicle's rear tire as it moves away, hoping to destroy part of it even if it's airless.

4:02 PM

(27/10)

4:04 PM

She starts running after the car, keeping back from the edge of the roof to avoid detection.

4:05 PM

(How's the zombie situation looking?)

The zombies are surging forward in the wake of the truck, agitated and hungry for both the Crimson Skulls (high off the ground) in the truck bed, and the survivors within the home. It is 30m from contact. The truck begins to bump and judder as a chunk is taken from its wheel. the driver fights to keep control of it.

6:48 PM

The caller screams are louder now, as they close in from adjoining streets

6:48 PM

(lemme just roll another pilot for him)

6:49 PM

(9) so far, he keeps on course

Cam keeps running. Driver? No, his foot would likely stay depressed on the gas. (Double move) That sniper better have gotten everyone together in there.

The truck-ram hits the house with sickening speed, crunching metal and wood underneath its massive plow blade. It's damage and the accumulated debris on the sticky wheels seems to have pinned it in the wreckage of the house.

Cam continues running toward the house and makes the final leap. She crouches on the roof, peering over the edge at the truck below, looking for survivors

Cal and one of the cooks, a woman with a firey streak of red through her black hair are still alive, along with three of the crimson skulls. Their rivalry seems forgotten in the wake of the crash, as they all start shooting at the advancing horde

"Mach, we're going to need immediate evac from the roof of the building." Cam activates the distress beacon in her survival kit and begins firing on the closest members of the horde

9:53 AM

Cam yells through the ceiling hatch. "Anyone who wants to live, get up here!"

At the end of the street you see another caller, preparing to howl into the night sky

(16/16 to shoot him in the face holes)

The shots turn its warbling screech into a pained cry, stopping it from adding to the frenzy of the horde. Gunshots and shouts below are never ending. Cal, and one of the skulls make their way to the roof first. Above, you see the distant comet trail of your ship making its way down from orbit

4:17 PM

“Hold the stairs! Don’t let them up!”

Dr. Thorn fires at the zombie closest to those remaining below, trying to buy them time to get to the roof

4:57 PM

(18/25)

4:57 PM

"Come on!" She reaches in to help pull whoever's closest up

The red haired scout is halfway up when a desiccated hand clamps around her ankle. She screams as rotted teeth bite deep. You can see everyone else down there is dead, and being feasted upon

"Cal! Grab her!" As soon as his hands take hold of her wrists Cam pulls her machete from her back, and in a smooth motion brings it down in a heavy swing at the zom.

8:07 PM

(one sec roll20 is not behaving)

8:08 PM

(18 for 6)

it's head lolls back, still with the betterpart of her foot in its mouth, she recoils, dragging the ragged ruin of it with her. The swallowtail passes by, turning around and coming in low, ramp down

Dr. Thorn doesn't get on until the three are safely aboard, and doesn't stop shooting until the ramp seals

The swallowtail heads to a cruising altitude, out of danger. The callers scream out in frustration down below

Cam throws her gun down and administers first aid to the scout to stop the bleeding. "We need to get her to the medbay"

The two of you are able to lift her there, leaving a trail of blood down the central accessway of the Swallowtail. Most of her foot was torn away

She reaches for the anesthetic mask. "I'm not a medical doctor, but this isn't my first amputation. I need you to prep an IV. Gloves are there. Just follow the instructions on the bag." Over the next few hours the doc works slowly and carefully to remove any crushed bone, seal blood vessels, and shape the muscles, finally closing and stitching the skin over the stump.

(Heal/int)

(8)

5:48 PM

"It may not be pretty, but it's clean, and I'd say there's hope for her to walk again someday. Prosthetics have come a long way." She administers 2 doses of Lift to the scout (9 HP) and pulls off the gloves, tossing them into the biohazard bag. "Thanks for your help, each of you." She swivels her chair to face the Crimson Skull. "Now. Do you have anything to say?"

He remains silent, looking at the amputated stump

Cam sighs and brushes past him. "Mach, keep an eye on these guys, will you." She proceeds her quarters to start some coffee brewing and take a shower. She returns in her clean scarlet cloth armor suit, cup of coffee in hand, to determine the next course of action.

(Mach is still recovering on Gudrun) The pilot races back to the cockpit when you’re back. “Should I take her into spike?”

(Aww :/)

"Cal, I'm sorry about your home. I don't know what else we can do here." (edited)

(It's only been a couple days since the shoot down on haila, as far as game time)

8:18 PM

"I dont either. What you did makes a difference to us, for what its worth"

(To the pilot) "Take us out."

8:43 PM

(To Cal) "I appreciate your saying so. What will you do now?"

"Well, I'm on your ship, and now my companions are dead. what IS next?

"You're in contact with the other groups of survivors in the area. Maybe you can persuade them to join us"

9:11 PM

She leaves him on the bridge and looks for the raider.

He’s where you told him to sit, the pilot took no chances and bound him to one of the clinic chairs

(Good lol) Cam pulls up a chair across from him. "What you did was suicidal, so I don't expect a rational word out of you. But I know how desperate situations can make people do desperate things. What I need to know is which category you fall under."

“They burned our home, the same thing happened to us when they left. The dead poured in from everywhere. Some of us survived. We paid back those who wronged us”

"Looks like you three are in the same boat. Your actions contributed to the damage here when you all should have been working on solving the situation you were in. You're lucky to have a second chance"

“Maybe. Depends on what you plan to do with us”

8:45 AM

"I'm willing to forgive you, even if Cal cannot. Right now I have no reason to trust someone who crashed a truck into the domicile of people who let me share their vegetable soup, but I'm not going to have you out the airlock just yet. I'll be right back." She walks to the bridge to see if Cal has made a decision.

(he wanted to know what your plans are, he doesnt really know what he's deciding)

(My plan was to rescue the rest of the little settlements

8:47 AM

(That's why she asked him to radio them)

Cal is listening to a short band radio, to ground traffic below. "Lets steer clear of freehold. It sounds like they have a fair number of problems right now"

(Is that the northern one?)

(yeah where cayne and ricardo are)

"Sounds good. We're at capacity here, so I will call in ships for the rooftop pickup of any settlements you can persuade to leave."

"It's several days jump from here to your home. I think a general advisement to watch the skies would keep people sheltering in place without exposing them to unnecessary risk" Cal says. He looks nervous about the idea.

"What's bothering you Cal?"

"I think a mass evacuation broadcast is going to embolden the survivors to take stupid risks"

"Then perhaps we should hold contact until we can get ships here. You're adapting to the situation quickly and I appreciate that."

"I just know what my group would do if we heard something like that. It would be a fire-sale to try to finish business before leaving"

9:28 AM

"We'll end up getting more people killed who would have been fine if they just remained in place for another few days"

"Thanks... I'm glad to have you around. I'm going to talk to our other guest. There's coffee over here if you'd like some." Cam pours a second cup and walks back into the medbay, leaning on the doorframe. "I've decided what you can do to gain my trust." "How many Crimson Skulls are still alive?"

'I'm not selling out my brothers in arms"

"I already know where they live, if I wanted them dead I'd vaporize the camp from space and let the zoms finish the rest. I just want to know if you're the last of them, or if there's anyone left we can rescue. Your brothers are zombie food unless we can get them out. So, how many Crimson Skulls were still alive when you left?"

"fuck you. vaporize them then. If you already know why are you asking?" He is breathing heavily, angered at the threats to his brothers (edited)

"So there are some still alive." Cup of coffee in one hand, she cooly draws her machete with the other and advances toward him

(initiative)

10:01 AM

(he's going to have some penalties for being in the chair)

(And we have a 2)

(5 with a -2 on int for being tied down)

10:06 AM

He stands as much as he is able, and spins around so the legs of the chair are clubs

10:06 AM

(don't think a 12 is going to do anything)

"I am so tired of not being listened to." The doc deftly steps out of the way. "Don't let your stubborn pride get in the way of your only chance to save your friends." She gives the back of the chair a hard kick to throw him on the floor facefirst.

(can you message me what ships/people are being used for this subsequent rescue attempt? this is the first I am hearing of it, and I need to figure out how that changes Cayne's mission now since hes already in the middle of doing this)

(Punch attack, 15 to hit, 3 damage) She levels the machete at his head. "I want you to talk to them for me. See if they want a lift. It's that, or the airlock." (Was planning to contact him IC because we don't have enough ship available atm, she would either hand off the pickup to him or come back later when our shuttles are free)

10:31 AM

(Theres also a unw transport ship if it's a really sizable number)

(It's already being used elsewhere)

(Alright so we could wait for that to be free for a ton of people, or wait for our shuttles to be free/let cayne handle the pickup if we have enough ship for it

10:35 AM

(Also using diplomacy here)

"I'll take the airlock. I'm no traitor"

"You're beyond my ability to help you. Across the hall. Stand against the second door."

10:53 AM

Keeping her eyes on him, she reaches into a locker and pulls out the comet suit she pulled out of the janitor's closet on Alcibiades. Tossing it on the floor of the airlock she says, "You're lucky it was I who picked you up, you'll be riding down in that instead of the bodybag. Stand still." With a slash she severs the ropes holding him to the chair and backs out quickly, setting his coffee and a compad inside before sealing the 'lock. "Go ahead and get changed. We'll be flying over the railyard in a minute. And if you ever change your mind, I'm only a call away."

He does as instructed, unsure of where else to go or what to do

Cam just pours herself another coffee and messages Cayne, then meets Cal on the bridge. "I just messaged our representative in the north. After we drop that Skull off the ship, we'll be on our way to Gudrun to get your scout some proper medical attention. What's her name, anyway?"

"Cleo." he says, looking out the window. "She is a very good friend of mine from childhood. I hope she makes it"

Cam looks out with him at the planet below. "I'm sure she'll pull through." She rests her hand on his shoulder a moment then steps up to the pilot. "Take us over the railyard, stay high, let me know when we arrive." She opens a channel to the Spirit. "Spirit this is Dr. Thorn. Any new developments?"

(I messaged his channel, I don't want to take away his chance to relay what he thinks is relevant)

(Posted a message in Cayne's channel but don't think it sent)

11:35 AM

(I mentioned having 200 tons of medical supplies and some additional settlements needing pickup, number unknown) "Cal, do you have an estimate on the number of survivors I can give to Cayne or anyone working with him?" (edited)

"I have no idea. We were in contact with maybe a dozen people or so in our town, and never had reason to travel much further. We were making it, until tonight anyway. Things didn't seem that bleak

"I was planning to try to ask you to leave with me in the morning. It's always difficult to get people to leave their home. So it sounds like there could be a whole network of people out there, or just another 6"

11:50 AM

"As soon as we hear from Cayne I'm ready to head out. No sense wasting hours with Cleo's life on the line"

"If we're taking that job you just signed up for we need to leave now then Doctor, no sense waiting on them"

(Can't hand this off any harder)

12:16 PM

Cam leaves a message for Cayne (as mentioned above). "You're clear for takeoff."

12:18 PM

She vents the airlock.

12:20 PM

Taking a sip of coffee, she looks out the window as the ship turns to make for the jump point.

The signal of the crimson skull reports meeting the ground intact before signal termination. The ship jumps into spike, racing home before the serious infection and Trauma of the amputation overwhelms Cleo.

"Maybe there was a bit of brain in that Skull after all." Cam spends the trip studying in the medbay and tending to Cleo. Sometime during the flight she talks to Cal. "It seems like more and more of the problems I face to open trade are only solvable by overthrowing a government or fighting hordes of enemies. Ad Astra has security forces, but I've been considering building a team of to handle planets requiring more aggressive tactics. The pay is good, and you might be able to return to this planet with the power to change things for the better. Would you be interested?" (edited)

(Never got a message btw)

"No. I never want to go back there again. Not ever."

"You will never have to. I doubt I'll ever return either. We are on our way to Gudrun, a planet of peace and prosperity, and you can live a quiet life there if that's what you want."

"I've seen enough for ten lifetimes. I just want to farm somewhere, somewhere quiet"

"That's a noble enterprise. Gudrun is becoming a bread basket for the galaxy." She offers him one of her old business cards. "This company may no longer exist, but you can still reach me by this number if you ever need anything."

He takes it, nodding his thanks, and tucks it into a breast pocket

She looks out the window. "I'm thinking of retiring to work with plants myself."

"Adventuring life getting old?" (edited)

"Just that. But it's going to have to wait."

3:32 PM

"Not everywhere in this galaxy is as peaceful as Gudrun. A planet-consuming alien race is expanding in our direction. I swore to myself that I wouldn't rest until we took action against these fleshshapers. Real action, not this poking around with probes and hearing strange reports of teleporting warlords. And to do that, we need the support of a network of strong planets. That's the reason I do what I do. It hasn't gone very smoothly in recent weeks, but I'm determined."

“Why. What hasn’t been working. Seems pretty common sense”

She shrugs, sips her coffee. "Sometimes I feel like I'm not accomplishing much. Botched space station invasions... Shipwrecks... Planets worth of disappointment and ingratitude. But I've seen many storms in my life. I had to learn very quickly to look further, to understand that I'm not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature. The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for and I would hate very much to leave it."