Iron Stars - kelvin

Kelvin changes the sign in his small shop from OPEN to CLOSED TEMPORARILY. First Rise is here, the glow of the first of the planet's 3 moons not nearly enough to light the planet, but still welcoming none the less. The eerily curved, menacing alien glyph carved into it, millions of meters long and wide, enough to be clearly seen from the planet , stares down at Ash City. The Greystar Combine recruiting card and badge is still in your pocket.

Kelvin steps out into the street, turning around to take a look at his shop. He wonders if he’ll ever see it again. He turns and starts his short walk back to his apartment to await instructions from Greystar.

Your compad pings once , a message from your handlers, right on time.

Agent Bell. You may be aware of the recent agreement between the resistance fighters and the police in the city to make some joint patrols and attempt to integrate. We are getting reports of a standoff a few blocks over from you between both groups. We could like an agent to intervene, and prove to them we are capable of keeping order

Kelvin looks down, sighs, and types in a response. Understood. On my way. (edited)

11:38 AM

(Should I be in a uniform?)

(They dont really have a uniform really, but you'd have a badge)

Kelvin grabs his backpack and holsters his laser pistol. On his way out of the apartment he stops in front of a mirror and attaches his badge to his jacket. “I hope I don’t die today,” he says to his reflection. He turns and walks out of the apartment, down the stairs to the street below. He makes his way to the scene.

The street has been cordoned at one side by local police, and the far end by resistance fighters. They seem more concerned about keeping each other out of the unfolding scene than keeping people out- though that is also happening

Kelvin looks around to see if he can notice a leader from either side to try to talk to (edited)

There are two, one rebel, and one officer, in the middle of the street, arguing loudly. Each of them have a squad tensely pointing weapons at one another behind them. Two dead resistance fighters, a dead civilian, and a wounded officer, being worked on by two police medics are on the sidewalk near them

Kelvin walks up to the two leaders. “Ok let’s calm down. Hey! Relax. Greystar here. What’s going on?”

still shouting, the resistance spokesman turns to you. “This man over here -“ he points to the officer being worked on by medics “drew his weapon and opened fire on the street- at one of our patrols for no reason

10:39 PM

You can see the police spokesman is not having it and he throws his arms up in disgust

Kelvin turns to the police officer. “You disagree? What’s your side?”

"We don't know who shot first! or what happened here. You Resistance member are handy with a gun but you know nothing bout investigations or police work! I won't let you execute my officer over there without checking the crime scene!"

“Relax, nobody’s getting executed. Listen, keep your people under control. We’re going to look into this, and whoever is to blame will face consequences. But for now, I need these crowds to disperse so everyone can do their job.”

Each of the spokespeople pulls back from the scene for a moment, go their respective cohorts busy moving people off the street

Kelvin takes a close look at the scene, scanning for any evidence of what happened, or any potential witnesses.

(Notice/wis)

(9)

There is an open window across the street from the scene on the 6th floor, and you see someone duck back from the window as you look up to notice them\

Kelvin quickly radios his Greystar contact. “The crowd’s under control for now... Three dead from gunshot wounds. One wounded officer being treated. Suspicious activity seen from building across street. 6th floor. I’m investigating and may need backup.” (edited)

6:00 PM

He sprints to the building, seeking a way inside. Laser pistol is drawn.

6:00 PM

(Can these compads act like 2-way radios as well?)

(Yeah basically it’s a smartphone)

(Ok given that I edited that last post slightly - hope that’s Ok)

(It’s perfectly fine) You move into the building and the doorman gets the door for you. The stairwell is to the left , the elevator has yellow OUT OF SERVICE tape racked over it

Kelvin starts walking up the stairwell, his gun drawn and trained ahead, he is “slicing the pie” as he stealthily ascends the stairwell, heading for the 6th floor.

There are six apartments on this floor and a janitors closet. You quickly identify the two overlooking the street. You haven’t seen anyone come down the stairs

Kelvin opens the janitors closet, ready in case someone is hiding in there

The only thing hiding in this closet is a mop and a bucket with some wet floor signs. Hiding from work, maybe , but there are no persons hiding in here.

Kelvin knocks loudly on one of the two suspect doors, then quickly the other, and steps aside, in the path between the doors and the stairs. He readies his weapon.

The door of the first apartment flies open, and there is a human figure there backlit by the neon lights outside. "Hello?" the frail voice calls

“Step outside. Keep your hands above your head.”

The figure steps out, and an old man looks at you with shaking hands. He is doing his best to keep them raised

(Can I tell if this person could possibly be the one I saw in the window?)

(With what little you saw, the height and general shape look correct)

“Is anyone else in your apartment?”

"Just me. and my dog" he says. You see a small poodle in the doorframe wagging its tail happily

“Do you know your neighbor here?” Kelvin motions to the other suspect door

"Apartment's empty" he says, "Has been for years"

“Was that you I saw, looking out your window at the scene down there?”

“It was. Horrible scene. We should talk inside if that’s possible” he says, looking around furtively

“Ok, listen I mean no offense, but I’m going to have to ask you to walk slowly and keep your hands where I can see them. I’ll follow you in.” (When he walks into his apartment I’m going to cautiously follow, scanning the room)

"I...I...Alright then" he coughs again, and you sense a bit of annoyance in his voice

7:41 PM

"If you're going to rob me, I'd ask you let me keep my watch. It's all I've got left of my wife"\

“Not here to rob you. I’m with Greystar. I just want to find out what happened down there.”

“I saw someone in the street. He just. Appeared. Shot into the crowd as the group’s passes and then he was just gone. Like he just blinked away”

8:15 PM

“Here! I can show you!” He takes you by the arm and leads you off to a side room where a dozen monitors have been set up. He seems to have some spark back in him. A graffiti marred sign likely taken from outside during the cult domination says THIS BLOCK IS PROTECTED BY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

2

Kelvin manages a little chuckle. “Amazing. Ok, show me what you’ve captured there.”

Two of the cameras replay the scene from the street, one has a poor angle of the shooting but it does show a figure randomly appearing, emptying the magazine of an automatic pistol into the crowd , and vanishing again in a microflash of light. It is so fast it needs to be watched frame by frame

(I’d like to try to download this to my compad or something, is that possible?) (edited)

(Yeah the computing equipment is all standard unless it’s especially esoteric or alien.)

“We’re going to need to analyze this... Do you mind if I download the footage? Otherwise I’d have to get a warrant, or something... I’m not exactly sure how that works....”

8:35 PM

(Also can I tell what the shooter was wearing? At least want to eliminate a police uniform)

(Just regular street clothes, but he was in a long trench coat which most people don’t wear here. It’s either work stuff or like clubbing outfits)

8:39 PM

(Very cyberpunk kinda feel without a whole lot of cyberware)

“Please, i just want to keep more people from dying”

Kelvin downloads the video data. “Thank you. I’m sorry, I didn’t ask your name.”

"Oh, I'm just a concerned citizen, I'd rather not get caught up in all this"

(I’d like to discretely take a look around to see if there’s anything in this apartment or anything else I can discern that might hint that this guy has ulterior motives, may have doctored the video, etc)

10:00 AM

(I am paranoid lol)

1

(notice/wis_

(8)

The machinery looks standard, and unaltered aside from the very illegal connection to the city power grid, likely a holdover from the days where such a setup would have seen him executed if the cult found out. He truly is acting as a concerned citizen

“I understand. Look I really appreciate the help on this one. You may have helped calm down a very tense situation, and we have video of the shooter. Happy to keep you anonymous as best I can. If you have any other information that might be helpful, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

12:05 PM

Kelvin gives him his comm info

"I'll keep an eye on the streets. Defusing that mess outside is thanks enough"

“Ok. Take care of yourself.” Kelvin sees himself out, and heads back to he scene to find the two people he spoke with earlier.

1:20 PM

While en route, he sends the video file to his Greystar contact and pings them on the comm. “We’ve got video of the shooter. Just sent to you now. Any ideas? They just... appear. And then disappear.” (edited)

Some kind of teleporter. Either psychic, or advanced pretech. Acastus is home to a lot of MES- like (magic) forces as well. Important thing for now is we can prove it wasn't anyone on the scene

“Understood.” Kelvin continues back to the scene to find the reps of each side. (edited)

They see you emerge and have thus far been successful getting the street cleared

6:50 PM

"Find anything?"

“Yes. It wasn’t the police, and it wasn’t the Resistance.” Kelvin shows them the footage. “We don’t know who this is, but I promise it will be investigated and justice will be served. If any of you have information, let us know.”

This seems to defuse tensions , as both come to the same conclusion. "You prevented a very bad situation from getting worse. Thank you for helping with this. We'd have never figured this out without you"

1

7:23 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

“Just doing my job. I understand things are tense here. Acastus is my home too. I hope we can work together to rebuild this place and make things better for all of us. Take care of yourselves.”

8:03 PM

Kelvin shakes hands, nods, and starts the walk back to his apartment. On the way, he taps out a message to Greystar.

8:05 PM

Situation appears to be resolved. Both sides have stood down and the crowd is beginning to disperse.

(I’m getting a better sense for where I want to take this character so when I level I’ll also add some backstory and a picture. Should I also add a few personal goals?)

(I would for sure, bonus xp for you and helps me write you better missions)

(Can it basically be anything?)

(yeah, if i need more information ill ask)

1

(Leveled. Will get goals in tomorrow sometime)

(Sounds good to me!)

(I’m going to resist the urge to spend all of my credits but would like to see if Kelvin can do a few mods to his laser rifle - Boosted and Customized. Also, the laser rifle description says they can either be loud or silent depending on components - could I mod it to be silent?)

6:38 PM

(After that, unless there is a pressing mission I’d like to look into how I might be able to help with the construction and repair of the military bases in Ash City)

(Also I added a goal. Need to think of another one. Open to suggestions)

(the mods can be done, just make sure you have the maintenance score to maintain them)

7:25 PM

(xp added for goal)

(I do - +2 fix. What would cost for Silence be?)

(We can just call it the third mod on the weapon and i think that meaning you can't fit anything else on this gun is cost enough)

8:32 PM

(Just remind me if we're sneaking with it. I dont want to cheat you)

9:31 PM

(So, anything I can do to help with the base construction and repair?)

(Yes). The repair work is stalled at the breaker gun base and the main garrison citing a lack of the military grade metals and the skilled labor needed to construct these types of fortified buildings. Greystar has cast a wide net in the hopes of finding some skilled labor. One thought does come to mind, a neighboring planet called Suha. They possess a massive planet based singularity gun, and clearly have some expertise in ground to space defenses

Kelvin straightens up when he sees the mission posting. He quickly jots a reply: “Kelvin Bell available for a mission to find supplies and labor to repair the breaker guns and main garrison. Skilled mechanic and loyal Greystar initiate. Awaiting orders.”

10:10 PM

“Propose contact with Suha for assistance.”

A small ledger prints out with some information on Suha, and your contact there is a mysteriously low ranked yet highly placed diplomatic offer named Corporal Smorkle. He has been the point of contact for everyone heading there from off planet.

Kelvin contacts Corporal Smorkle

3:30 PM

(Is he allied with Greystar?)

(No, Suha is neutral, also, Suha is a few hexes away, we're looking at several days of time for a message to get there and back, believe it or not, its quicker to go in person)

(Ah ok. How do I go about getting there?)

(Greystar has ships available)

(Ok I’ll do Greystar Future Spaceship Uber)

A small shuttle is made available for you, its previous agents told about the crew change as soon as they buckle in. you get some light salt from them, but the passage for Suha is arranged, (any downtime projects over the flight? have we had a chance to discuss how that works before?)

(No we haven’t)

(Alright well there’s different languages you can learn, if you have some building talent you can mod your gear, stuff like that )

(Ok, well I modded my laser rifle already. Anything I could do with my shop? It would be cool to eventually grow a little trading empire, starting small of course)

(If I cant do any shop planning, I guess I will start learning a language. I can dig through the lore a bit but let me know if you have any suggestions)

(A lot of anything we would do with a business gets into holdings/Suns of Gold stuff, I'd look into that, for a lot of it , you really need to be a faction, but the begining couple HQ levels are small scale)

(Ok I’ll skip it for now and will study to start learning a language. Any suggestions? Just looking for the most useful one)

(Well you have 2-3 other merlon players in greystar with you right now, Slyth keeps coming up in precuror ruins you're finding)

(Right lets go with Slyth)

(sounds good, its a 3 day trip there, so you're 3/30 toward learning it)

2:28 PM

The small shuttle emerges over Suha (map on roll20) , and its daytime bathed verdant scenery and crisp blue ocean below are shades you have not seen recently, working on acastus and living there all your life. (this may even in fact be the first time you've seen true daylight)

(Hey sorry I’ve got a busy weekend. Won’t be too active today but should be able to get back to this tomorrow)

(All good)

Kelvin stares down at the ocean and coastline below, marveling at the colors and the way the sunlight sparkles off the water. He’s seen things like this on screens but it no screen can truly capture the magic of real daylight. (edited)

The shuttle enters atmosphere and one of the crew heads back to hand you a pair of sunglasses. “It’ll be a little rough your first time”

Kelvin looks away from the window and up at the crew member. He takes the sunglasses. “Thanks.”

4:19 PM

(You can land anywhere, the delegation will meet you)

(I think Steelhearth seems like a sensible start)

Corporal Smorkle's jet, with his bodyguard and other diplomats aboard. The rubber tires screech down onto the runway and it comes to a taxi halt 100m from the ramp of your own shuttle, though it has landed in a far more elegant manner. Two Greystar armsmen accompany you for protection though that hardly seems necessary on such a beautiful planet

(What kind of welcoming might I expect based on previous interactions with Smorkle and co?)

(Friendly. He's kind of a smartass but he buckles down when theres actual work being done)

Kelvin approaches Smorkle’s jet, stopping approximately 50 feet away to wait to be greeted

The delegation approaches slowly, the corporal in his black and gray army uniform stopping short of your vessel. “Honored Greystar guest I am corporal smorkle your assistant and general tour Guide for your time on planet”

9:43 PM

“Pleased to meet you and I hope we can get some actual work done”

“Corporal Smorkle, very pleased to meet you as well. Thank you for agreeing to host this meeting. I’m looking forward to some productive conversations.”

"Me too. Only productive thing's I've been part of lately have been farts" He smiles, an incisor missing on the left side, and spits. "Well its bad manners to leave you out here in the sun, cmon in. Keep talkin, what brings you to the planet? Aside from coming to look at my big gun"

7:58 PM

He makes a semi inappropriate gesture toward his pants

Kelvin laughs. “Funny you should bring up your big gun. Our efforts to rebuild on Acastus have stalled a bit. We don’t have the labor we need, and perhaps more importantly we lack the required materials and expertise. So yeah, I’m admiring your big gun and thinking you might be able to help us with a solution.”

"You trying to build a singularity gun too?" he asks with some surprise "Quite an undertaking for a world on the mend"

(Still coming up to speed on the politics here - Suha may be friendly but wondering if it’s a bad idea to be specific about our rebuilding plans...)

(Theyre cooperative but neutral. They also don't have a fleet, so you guys fixing the breaker guns means nothing to them, they dont have anything for the guns to shoot)

“It is, for sure. But we need to start somewhere, and shoring up defense is a priority. I was assuming you’d be supportive, as having a friendly neighbor with defensive capabilities would only help stabilize the region.”

"It would be, and we could make a deal for some help. There's a situation you could help us up with, too. Relating to mutual defense, as it happens"

Kelvin nods. “Sounds like an opportunity for both of us then. I’m eager for more details.”

"There's a world nearby called Leda. We can't shoot them with the big gun, the UNW won't let us, and we agreed we wouldnt. Bunch of them came and helped out with some things, we made a deal, but we're still mad at Leda, is the problem. "They've got a couple ships, we want em. They're system ships, no spike, but they're small, if you can find some way to take them, and get them across the gulf of space to us, we can send some help your way"

1:49 PM

(its two patrol boats, but without spike drives)

“Ok... so what do these ships mean to you? What will you do with them? If you just need some ships, perhaps there’s a better way.”

"Suha had its own fleet once. The ships were stolen by a mutual enemy we and the Ledans both had, but when the time came to stand together, the reavers took our fleet, impressed our crews into service, and we never saw them again. Leda was not raided, and even after a UNW sponsored truth commission was held, they were more concerned with safeguarding Leda from our gun than helping us redress the wrongs done to use. These ships are going to help guard our planet. They're the ships we should have had. They will provide a measure of safety that no ground based super weapon can provide. The spike drives we later hope to mount in these ships emit powerful nuke snuffing fields. You could help safeguard millions of lives " (edited)

Kelvin nods. “Understood. And if we can secure these ships - or perhaps their equivalents - you would be willing to provide some temporary labor, materials, and engineering consultants to help us with our rebuilding efforts?”

"We would have a more than equivocal deal. I'd be happy to provide that in writing"

“I would appreciate that. It will help when I present this proposal to Greystar leadership.”

He nods and takes out a small portable computer, handed tohim by one of his aides. After a short phone conversation confirming the details of the arrangements with you’d presume his higher ups, he hands you the very neatly printed and still warm from the printer agreement

9:21 PM

A wax seal is pressed to the bottom along with his signature

(I can’t call my people right? Too far away?)

(Theres a 4 day delay for the message round trip)

7:49 AM

(At this point, its his proposal, they know you probably have to run it up your own chain of command)

Kelvin extends a hand. “Thank you Corporal. I will bring this proposal back to Greystar leadership. And again, I appreciate your offer to host this meeting. I look forward to discussing this further.”

8:28 AM

(I’d like to quickly read it before I leave)

The contract reflects what you were told, for 2 patrol boats the Suhans promise to provide the trained technical crew for repairs, training, and manufacturing of the specialized parts needed to repair the city space defenses.

“Before I leave Corporal, are there any other matters you’d like to discuss?”

"Nothing else from me. Things here are pretty stable. We just really want those ships man"

“Understood. Take care Corporal.” Kelvin nods and walks back to the shuttle.

The ramp shuts behind you, and you get a longer look at the proposal, and everything appears true to form. He's irreverent, but honest, to say the least

(So I’m thinking about ideas for this trade thing - I’m thinking of two different parts. One is for Greystar, a trade organization, and the other is personal. Aligned with my personal goal of expanding my little shop into a real inter-planetary business)

(gonna PM you)

The shuttle lifts off, and you head back to Acastus, the proposal with you. (3xp, 5000 credits)

(Am I in downtime now?)

(yeah let me check the map and ill tell you how many days for the trip home)

1:28 PM

(2)

(Could I start planning my shop expansion while on the shuttle? Basically building a business plan, sketching out remodeling plans on a napkin, etc.)

3:23 PM

(Open to other ideas lol)

(yeah for sure, so we can say by the end of the trip you have a lvl 1 HQ getting together, basically your couple of staff have been hired and your small storefront is getting itself cleaned up for your re-opening)

3:25 PM

(its takes a month for the upgrades/builds to complete no matter what it is)

(Ok cool sounds good)

3:35 PM

(Do I need to invest any capital at this point?)

(I believe the lvl 1 HQ is 10k credits, let me double check(

7:08 PM

(Yep, 10k, gives a few employees and a small store or office)

(Awesome, done)

Permits, paperwork, and over comms interviews take place on your trip back from Suha but by time you arrive in Acastus your new storefront in a nicer part of town is secured. You have a few employees under your payroll and they will have things ready for business by month end.

Kelvin can’t wait to go check out the new storefront in person, but will first deliver the proposal from Suha.

7:58 AM

(Where should I post the proposal?)

(Id put it in agent roundtable. It’s proposed action against another government even if it’s a non spike planetary one. Should probably be talked over

(Sounds good. Should I do that now or wait till next monthly meeting?)

(Lets do it now as a final issue for the month)

While he waits for his shuttle for the Leda mission, Kelvin sends a message to Greystar HQ:

Agent Bell checking in on the status of video analysis for the “disappearing man” responsible for the recent attack. Any possible matches in the database?

Nothing yet. Nothing to compare it to, citizen data is non existent. We are going to continue looking

Eisheru jogs up to next to Kelvin breathing heavily from the long run. "Good first rise Kelvin! Glad I didn't miss the transport"

8:08 AM

(don't know why i ran when I have a motorcycle lmaoooo)

(Its so new you forgot about it!)

“Good to see you Eisheru, and glad you made it!”

9:41 AM

“We can talk strategy on the flight. I’m not a natural diplomat so it would be good to both be on the same page before we talk to these guys.”

Eisheru places a hand on Kelvin's shoulder and smiles "I think I have something that can help with that. It... it is a little personal and I would only do this if you are willing."

Kelvin raises his eyebrows. “Ok... I’m open to anything I suppose. What are you thinking?”

"I can... I have the ability to read people's emotions and even their thoughts. If they are willing, I can even talk to a person telepathically."

11:08 AM

Eisheru lets out a heavy sigh. "I make it a point to not do this to my friends unless I have explicit permission as it is rather invasive. I promise I will never read a thought of yours unless you ask me to." (edited)

“I uh, yeah I would appreciate that... thanks. So like, you aren’t doing that now are you?”

11:23 AM

Kelvin does his best to think about anything other than feeling way in over his head

Eisheru shakes his head, "I am not." (edited)

11:33 AM

"If you are willing I can show you"

Kelvin takes a deep breath. “OK. I am.”

Eisheru closes his eyes for but a moment (I'll expend an effort to initiate telepathic contact) In your mind you hear Eisheru's voice but you clearly see his lips not moving. 'See? Not so bad is it?'

'And now that I have created this contact I can do so again in the future relatively easily. And you can speak back'

Kelvin closes his eyes and concentrates. Using his mind, he asks, ”Is it working? Can you hear me?” (edited)

Eisheru lips pull into a big beaming smile, 'Very good! A real natural.' He begins to talk again using his voice, "That should help us discuss things when we don't want to be heard. Also the more that I practice opening up this contact between us, the easier it gets for me. I can actually open this contact over rather large distances."

“Amazing. I’m familiar with telepathy but never had the opportunity to experience it myself. If we use this during our meetings on Leda, is there a chance our messages could be intercepted by someone with the same abilities?”

"i do not think that is possible. There are devices rumored to be able to detect unwanted telepathic intrusions but I have never seen one nor knew of anyone who possessed such powerful tech. From my understanding only other telepaths and metapsions can detect such techniques and only when they are used on themselves. (edited)

6:46 PM

"If they had a telepath working for them they could attempt a more forceful intrusion to gain access to our thoughts"

“Ok, I think I understand. We’ll keep this connection open then. Being able to communicate this way will help me relax a bit. If you catch me fumbling over my words or saying the wrong thing, please, just give me a mental kick under the table.”

"I am sure you will do fine. The only downside to this connection is that I have to initiate or reopen the contact."

(I don't want to interrupt the RP, but when youre ready for scene change, let me know)

(I'm ready)

This time, it is not a shuttle taking you to Leda, but one of the more equipped Greystar warships. The cruiser, Serpent of the Black Sea is prepared for your trip, though the crew are under strict instructions not to fire, or fly in a threatening manner unless the Ledans open fire first. The vessel is highly survivable, and the crew making it home is its first priority

"Was not expecting that kind of transportation. Best get on our way." Eisheru whistles as he climbs aboard the warship.

“Let’s hope it’s an unnecessary precaution. But I’d rather be in this thing than a shuttle if some shit goes down.” (edited)

You hear in your mind 'Too true'

(How long is our journey to Leda?)

(2 days)

5:35 PM

(Any downtime activities?)

(more Slyth practice for my 6/30 and if Kelvin is okay with it continuing our practice of opening a telepathic contact with him so 2/7 with that)

(I will do the same - more Slyth also)

7:29 PM

Kelvin looks over at Eisheru’s screen. “Ah So you’re learning Slyth also? It’s such a hard language.” He attempts to say “hello my name is Kelvin” in Slyth.

7:31 PM

(I was 3/30 so 5/30 after the trip)

(Yeppers! Did you guys want to rp here or should we get there)

Eisheru chuckles a little "My Slyth isn't much better than yours but I think you just said 'My name is smellvin'" he says as he puts his compad down and rubs his eyes. "Communication is the life blood of my people, so many of us take to language rather easily. Although this is proving to be quite difficult. Especially since we have only one point of reference for the language." Eisheru clears his throat, (in Slyth) "Good clearing, mine called is Eisheru." His brow furrows, "That didn't sound right at all... This is actually The first language I have ever had difficulty with..."

Kelvin laughs. “No worries, we’ll get it. I hope you won’t be offended but I’m going to try to sleep a bit until we get there. Wake me up if we touch down.”

10:20 PM

(I’m good until we get there)

"Not a problem. I'm just going to read and relax until we get there," he smiles warmly. (I'm good)

The ship comes to the end of its journey at the extreme end of Ledan system space, and as scanning and comms come online, powering up now that local space has been reached, you can already see the two patrol boats moving into position over the planet's sole major population center. A comm light begins to flash on the terminal, and the comms officer looks to either of you, unsure if he should be the one taking it in such an important negotiation

(Your thread you can take the lead Kelvin

)

“Let’s take the call please.”

The comm unit pulses twice, before the bridge speakers crackle live. "Unidentified cruiser, this is the Ledan homeguard , state your intentions in our system"

The line crackles again. “Comply, or you will be fired upon”

(Sorry work trip. Just got back)

8:41 PM

“We represent the Greystar Combine on Acastus. We seek a diplomatic meeting with Ledan leadership.”

“And the purpose of this diplomatic meeting?” The fleet captain says. They’re putting on a good show despite being heavily outgunned .

Kelvin hears a quiet voice in the back of his head, 'Remember our mission, we need allies. May be if we offer a little help, they will show some in return.' and he flashes a warm smile to the human. (edited)

“Simply to establish a relationship and protocols. We wish to discuss potential trade, and to see if we can be of help to one another.”

7:17 AM

Kelvin concentrates and speaks back to Eisheru through the open telepathic channel. ”Eisheru, please feel free to speak. I consider us partners on this mission.”

"We have established a new Federation on Acastus and we would welcome more friends and allies. "

“You’ll be planning to head down to the surface then, very well. We do have ground based defenses. Please don’t think of trying anything. Proceed to the designated coordinates”

6:36 PM

The link ends and the patrol boats take up flanking positions around you

Eisheru turns towards the captain with a sigh and a smile, "I guess we can placate their fears for a bit." He turns towards Kelvin, "No use in upsetting them before we get what we need."

The trip in system is estimated to take at least a few hours, before hitting the point in orbit putting you in synchronicity over their main city. A passenger lighter on the expedition deck below is being prepared for you

Eisheru goes and grabs his gear. He leaves his laser rifle behind and p laces his pistol in the holster at the small of his back under his jacket. He straightens his Greystar uniform and grabs his backpack. While he walks towards the expedition deck he sends a thought to Kelvin, 'Let's travel light. Don't want to look like we are coming for a fight.'

Kelvin nods towards Eisheru and does the same

(So each with a concealed weapon of some kind?)

10:31 AM

The lighter heads down toward the planet after you board and the cruiser crew states they feel the area is safe enough for the relatively undefended lighter to make planetfall. “I really wish we had some kind of carrier” you hear the captain say to the bridge crew, thinking he hung the vox mic up before he actually does a second later. Below, the planet is mostly a lush mix mash menagerie of plant and animal species from all over the galaxy.

10:32 AM

(we had a map for this planet once and suffice to say the person who’s homeworld this was supposed to be made all the continents look like female reproductive organs. I haven’t been able to make an actual new copy on inkarnate yet but it’s only got one city on a small continent. As much of the other land masses as possible are left green)

Eisheru mutters under his breath, "I do too Captain..." He fixes the pistol in his hidden holster in the small of his back, hidden by his flowing Greystar jacket. "It is a beautiful looking planet, let's hope their people are as friendly as their lands are gorgeous"

“We’ll be fine. Just making friends here. No reason for things to escalate.” Kelvin secures his stun baton (small adv weapon) hidden in his inside jacket pocket.

Eisheru nods absent mindedly and sits in a practiced position and Kelvin hears a familiar voice in his mind,"Agreed. I am excited at the opportunity to make first contact with another planet." Kelvin gets a feeling of excited energy over the telepathic contact. (edited)

You descend to the city below which looks to be carved out of the massive trees of this world, in as non-invasive a way as possible. You see electronics and even the slants of roofs have been made to follow and blend in with the natural flow of the forest canopy- only a stray high-gain antenna, or a rogue firewatch tower poking out of the greenery here and there, but for one section, where some trees unfortunately needed to be felled to make room for a small starport. One or two free merchants landed almost close enough to trade paint look to be able to fill out the landing pad by themselves, though there are no ships present here now.

(So this city is like IN the forrest? Super small starport?)

(Yeah think like the Ewok village but a lot bigger, and multi leveled including the ground)

8:17 PM

(and scaled for humans)

(Dope!)

(I'm gonna be constantly refreshing telepathic contact with Kelvin. I have 1 effort marked.)

(Sounds good) The lighter comes to a smooth landing, taking up about 1/4 of the meager pad space. A small group, ten in all, of dignitaries come and wait for you to emerge. Many are wearing robes, togas, tie dye, and thick strings of different sized prayer beads. A few have crystals worked into jewelry or set into elaborate body decoration

Kelvin steps to the ship’s door as it opens. He looks at the group and pauses for a moment, then raises a hand and begins to walk deliberately down the stairs.

The delegation pauses in a small pack, looking peaceful and very mellow.

Kelvin approaches the delegation. “Greetings. I am Kelvin Bell, and this is Eisheru Tidecaller. We represent Greystar Combine on Acastus. Thank you for receiving us. As stated through comm, we seek an audience to open dialogue with Leda. As a new federation, we wish to establish new alliances and trade networks. We hope you are open to such discussions.”

"We are open to discussions of peace and prosperity, without the need for war. Please, sit, speak, elucidate, we are eager to hear what you have to say" says their spokesman, a tanned elderly man, who looks to be about 70

(at the aquarium today with the family won't be around for a while)

(No rush, family and life firsT)

Eisheru walks up next to Kelvin and gives a gracious bow of his head, "Greetings from the Combine and the people of Acastus. We are eager to learn more about the people of Leda and what we can do to mutually support each other."

2:40 PM

(they speak English correct?)

2:42 PM

(i would also like to open a telepathic contact with the older gentleman, just to guage his emotional state, no save)

(Yeah, Its sort of like firefly where theres a universal anglo based but probably sprinked with other languages main language, just for my own sanity when it comes to exploring planets)

2:45 PM

(most games keep you in one sector, and we currently have i think 5)

"Mutual support" one nods, a woman this time, with thick horn rimmed glasses and a dress of an almost blinding yellow. "You've come a long way to speak of these things, we would welcome you to get comfortable from your trip, and we can continue discourse"

Kelvin nods. “We would appreciate an opportunity to see and learn more of Leda while we are here. Thank you.” Kelvin feels a tinge of embarrassment as he realizes they’ve come without a gift from Acastus...

You are taken to a small hut near the starport, which is cool and pleasant inside. Flowers grow from the walls and give off a refreshingly sweet odor, made more pleasant after so long inside the ship breathing recycled air.

8:44 PM

The furnature is likewise made from local materials, but it does seem they harvest wood and minerals when needed. There is a stone washbowl in the corner, which looks to be full of hot water, and a spa like pool of water has also been set into the floor

(As we walk I would like to establish a telepathic contact with the older gentleman that first spoke with us. Just to get his emotional state, so no save)

They are on edge, due to the cruiser in orbit. Everyone knows if this meeting goes bad, there will only be one victor.

(Are they signaling that we should relax here? Did they just leave us here?)

(Relax here until evening,)

7:56 AM

(or at least for a little bit)

Kelvin tries to relax, takes a dip in the pool and gives his feet a warm soak. It helps a bit, but his nerves get the better of him and the butterflies don’t fully go away.

"Try to put your hands up and sing a song. The butterflies will fly away. It'll feel like a party in your head, like yeah" Says an orderly, materializing from a side cloister with an armful of fresh towels, and some refreshment. You do not see any meat on the plate, but a very wide selection of produce and fruit. "You've got nothing to worry about here"

(did miley cyrus just appear on leda? Lol)

(I had to)

(Lol Miley up in the space spa!)

"you both seem on edge. Is something wrong?"

9:25 AM

"Have we offended you in some way?"

Eisheru gives a curious look to the woman and then smiles warmly, "More like anxious and excited. I had heard of the beautiful planet Leda but was not expecting this. No you have not offended, where I'm from we live a lot of our lives under water, so being offered a soak tank to refresh is an unexpected blessing. We thank you." He bows his head sightly towards the attendant. And proceeds to put this things down, wrapping his gun in his jacket to try and keep it out of sight. He then fully enters the tank. (Do i detect any telepathic presence before she asked if we were on edge?)

“Oh, my apologies if we come off that way. It’s only that we aren’t yet familiar with Leda and are excited to establish relations here. With excitement and a new environment come a bit of nerves I suppose!”

(She;s not doing anything to you, shes just part of the diplomat team)

"I see. well, it happens to the best of us. I suppose its a bit more daunting than being a stranger in someone elses house. Matter of scale" she says, laying out the goods and towels without breaking stride

"That is an apt description," he says before dropping his head under the water. He stays there for several minutes relaxing in the comfortable setting. Eisheru peaks his head above the surface, "I'm ready to meet with Leda's diplomatic team whenever they are ready to have us." He gets out of the pool and sits near his gear while he towels off.

(Me too)

She bows deeply and departs the building. You’re left to your own devices for half an hour before the same woman in the yellow dress and the elder who acted as group alderman a while ago arrive. They enter the building and take seats. “Welcome again to Leda, honored guests. You have matters to discuss with us so you’d said and we are here to listen now”

Eisheru stands as they enter and gives another generous bow the two as they take their seats. "And we thank you for being such gracious hosts. The Greystar Combine would like to extend our greetings. What do we have the pleasure of call you both?" He says and she takes a seat across from the two. Take a moment to look each of them in the eye. "We are currently looking for ships so we can expand our navy and we had heard you might have some patrol boats for sale or trade?" (At this point I want to use Suppress Cognition on the alderman. He has to make a mental save, if he fails he is not allowed to think about the Suhans. 2/5 effort committed)

(3 v 13, fails)

6:52 AM

"Ah the system fleet. Unfortunately they are not for either. They provide a necessary protection against those who might descend to the planet to poach animals from our dozens of wildlife preserves. We react too slowly from the ground"

Kelvin looks up. “Poachers? People come from off planet simply to take your wildlife? Any animals in particular?”

"Only in the most recent few years have things stopped, since travel has become so much more...difficult" the yellow dressed diplomat says, helping herself to a sip of the icy blue beverage poured out for all of you "Not to say they won't return"

“Aside from poachers, what other issues trouble Leda? Is there anything that we could perhaps help you with? Anything you might need?”

(the one thing they would have asked for they're being suppressed from thinking about) "Leda is a haven to plants an animals from all over the sector. We crave samples from two worlds, especially, due to some of their unique properties- Acastus, and ....oh my....I can't seem to recall the other world. How embarassing"

9:39 AM

"Old age" he says mirthfully, at both of you. "Try to avoid it if you can"

Kelvin concentrates for a moment to speak telepathically to Eisheru. ”What if we agree to provide a service to track and hunt any poachers that may return, in exchange for two patrol boats?”

10:20 AM

“Forgive my ignorance, but does Leda possess any ships capable of spike travel?”

"We do not. The technology was lost to us when the scream occurred, though we only ever used a spike drive as a nuke snuffer. Our ships never needed to leave the system, and we have no aspirations toward other worlds"

“Where were these poachers coming from? If they come back, would you be able to detect them before they left your ships’ range?”

"Planetary radar can detect them, it's just a matter of getting someone over to stop them in time. Stopping poaching is the one acceptable use of violence on Leda. Our rangers are the closest thing to a military we have"

12:54 PM

"its a matter of speed, redeploying or deploying quickly, when their landing ships come down"

(I am so sorry. had a job interview today and left my phone at home. I will respond tonight!)

Eisheru sends a feeling of agreement across the contact to Kelvin. "What if we were to arrest these poachers and bring them to justice, would that be trade enough for the patrol boats?" (edited)

(Please no apologies! I think you have your priorities right

Hope the interview went well)

6:40 PM

(Was that quote telepathically sent to Kelvin or did you just say it to the Ledans?)

“They’re not operating from this world. As I’ve said, they haven’t come since the scream. If you can find a way to give us a quick response to future incursions we won’t need the boats”

(Wait are these actual boats? Or the same kind of ships the Suhans want)

(Same kind the suhans want)

6:43 PM

(The actual boats could be anywhere. They were press ganged into Remnant service, they may have even been destroyed)

(Got it. I thought they wanted space ships, not just water boats)

(They want space ship)

6:50 PM

(The suhans want space ships. The ledans will given them up if you guys find a way to help them quickly respond to poachers)

“I’m guessing these poachers could come in, take their quarry, and leave Leda before you could even get to them. Perhaps we could arrange an agreement where the Greystar Combine becomes your off-world poacher hunters. We’ll investigate, track and bring them to justice, and in exchange you give us two ships.”

"We'd need something of a guarantee. We're giving you much in exchange for only a promise"

(Is it possible for me to manually drop the suppress cognition?)

(Yeah you can always stop committing effort)

Eisheru drops the cognition block on the alderman and instead attempts to read his thoughts (He can now think about Suhans, and he gets another mental save) (edited)

1

(8. Fail)

The alderman is happy to get rid of such impliments of war, but fears for the safety of the animals here. He is wondering if you can be trusted, or if this is the smooth talking of some kind of intergalactic swindler

“We are open to a guarantee. Did you have something in mind?”

"Without being sure of the exact capabilities your Greystar is able to project, all I can tell you is we would need something tangible, showing you are serious about helping us respond to this poaching issue."

1:10 PM

"If that is handled, we would be happy to release the ships. The budgetary room would allow us to ensure even more natural reserve is added, and we can hire more rangers"

“Beyond putting this in writing, which to us is tangible albeit technically a promise, we would offer you wildlife specimens from Acastus and allow our agreement to be publicized. That should help make us more accountable.”

(I'm not asking for talk checks here with your combined skill/reasonable offer)

(Ok good lol)

"We would...we would be willing to sign such an agreement with you, and gratefully accept whichever specimens you can provide"

“We thank you kindly. We hope this is the first of many partnerships between Leda and Greystar. We will have the specimens prepared for delivery as soon as we return to Acastus.” Kelvin stands and extends his hand.

Its shaken by both, and they look to Eisheru

Eisheru smiles warmly that agreements could be made, "We also received some non lethal weapons from our friends in the UNW we would be willing to share with your rangers. We are excited for the start of this new relationship." He shakes the outstretched hands (edited)

(so at the very least, they want specimens and are expecting some kind of security arrangement be made) "We will release the boats, but if the desired arrangement's aren't made in the next few months, we will terminate the compact, and you will no longer be welcome here"

(did they seem receptive to the idea of non-lethal weaponry for their rangers?)

(Thats sort of like an additional goodwill measure, relations arent going to be hurt, but theyre not making it a requirement for what you've just agreed)

(ok i will definitely add that to the agreement as a gesture of good will if I have the authority to modify agreements for the polity)

(You do, everythings done by committee, so you can always amend and discuss things. I know its a bit cumbersome, but with this many people its good to have the discussions so everyone is appraised)

2:57 PM

"You're free to remain here for as long as you wish, of course, but I believe this concludes the matter you'd come to negotiate" the yellow dress woman says, finally delicately setting down the china mug of tea "If you are sincere in this, the people of Leda will thank you, for finally ridding our world of the weapons of war"

"I believe that does. I am personally eager to learn more of your people and her history." While he was engaged during the meeting, Eisheru seems excited. He has a broad smile on his face. (I don't need to wait on lore, whatever you are cool with)

(Yup me too - we can board the shuttle. As much as I’d love to just hang out on Endor we have stuff to do. Busy busy!)

"return for a visit soon, and we would be happy to speak again" and with that, the Ledan delegation takes their leave of the diplomatic quarters (6xp, 10,000 credits)

3:15 PM

the ship's captain, listening in, signals the greystar hab that the boats will be de-crewed and ready to take within the next couple days, and it will begin making the spike trip here to collect them, and prepare them for transport to the Suhan system

Kelvin relaxes in his seat. “Hey, nice job out there Eisheru. I think that whole thing went a lot smoother with your telepathy. I’m going to grab a cocktail and relax a bit, but you feel like practicing some more Slyth on the way back?”

3:24 PM

(Are we going to need to hunt down the wildlife specimens or can we assign that to some Greystar peons?)

"You did nice work as well. Quick thinking with the poachers! Yes let's practice over some dinner." (So +2 more days for travel back. I should bring up the agreement in the monthly meeting chat? ) (edited)

(Also, would it be reasonable for some NPC to travel with the ships to Suha once they are ready, and pick up whatever materials and workers/engineers they are letting us use for the repairs? Or better to RP that interaction with Smorkle?)

(You don’t have to mime out the ships being taken and delivered unless you want to. You should follow up with smorkle to actually welcome them into the federation. Maybe you guys can go with kensh or something)

(Sounds good)

(we have month flip...not soon, exactly, but within reach. We have a couple things that are going to need to happen- greystar players need to decide how the actual government is going to work. Relationships between planets in the federation/relationship to federation, who is responsible for what, any other pertinent laws, ect. I think the results of that talk would be brought to Suha, Leda, and other planets youre trying to court.)

2

8:26 PM

(thats what we did on the UNW side when they started moving to encompass more worlds and it made things far easier)

(I can’t do anything yet with my shop that’s being upgraded right? I can’t actually start buying/trading until the end of the month?)

(Your employees are being trained and your lvl 1 HQ is being built and prepared for use right now, at the moment, no trades, since there's nothing to support it. )

You arrive home after a short trip, and it sounds as though the handover of the boats is going peacefully, and more importantly, according to plan. The Suhans are expecting their delivery soon.

(Cool. Do we need to go out and hunt for wildlife specimens or is that entrusted to someone else? I guess we have fungal hounds to give)

(The only thing out in the wild you have information about is the hounds but there’s a ton more stuff out there)

(Ok can I prepare a male and female fungal hound to ship to Leda, with a letter saying we’ll send more as we find them?)

(Yes you can! They like plants too. Were you thinking about an Acastain Lion Safari?)

(Haha shit yeah!)

8:45 PM

(Or even some fishing)

Acastus has no visible water on its surface, you realize, but the city has plenty to drink, and water always comes out of the taps when needed. Its all underground, according to the survey, and 500m down, pumped up through an elaborate series of pipes and pumps, there is an underground sea below Ash City. A small spelunking company, specializing in deep crust expeditions like this, offers tours of the sea, and its cavern, though they're priced far beyond what the normal people of Ash City could ever afford. For a reasonably well off Greystar agent, however....

“I could use a little spelunking for fish adventure.” Kelvin contacts the company to ask if they’d be willing to guide him on an expedition for exotic fish specimens. He doesn’t have equipment, so would need proper harpoons/rods/lures/ nets etc and a way to store the live fish for transport.

9:26 AM

(Fish or other aquatic or cave-dwelling species)

For 5,000 credits, the Deeper Darkness Exploration Company is more than willing to provide you the gear, guides, and special equipment needed to go underground. A small office is marked for you on your map, in the heart of Ash City

After a brief stop at the shop to see how things are coming along, and a shower and meal back at his apartment, Kelvin makes his way to the DDEC office.

The office is a maze of climbing gear, lights, head protection, and the assorted trappings of professionals working in dangerous vertical spaces. Two workers sit behind a desk, fiddling with a harness, trying to untangle a knot of paracord and clips

Looking around, Kelvin approaches the desk. “Uh, hey. Sorry to interrupt, but I was speaking to someone here about a spelunking expedition?” (edited)

"Ah you're just the person we were waiting for. Getting your harness ready now as you can see. No problems here. Everything is A+ quality work" one stammers , casually moving the harness behind him. "Actually, lets pick out a different one for you. So, what brings you underground?"

“Research. For Greystar. We’re interested in collecting some specimens from Acastus’ underground oceans and caves. We need them alive, so hoping you also have some tanks or other containers we can bring along.” (edited)

4:26 PM

“Have you managed any expeditions like this before?”

“We did before the cult days. Only got back into business recently now that it’s safe. Most people are still nervous about going down there though”

“Should I be nervous?”

"You'd think on a night world people would not be so scared of the dark, but I guess even up here, we have the moonlight, so it's not all bad. You get used to it. We've been spending time down there for almost a decade now. It's beautiful, once you get used to it"

“Cool. I’m looking forward to it.”

"No time like right freaking now" the second attendant says, taking a much better looking harness of the shelf for you. You're thrown a leather bag, coated generously with some sort of waterproof coating that leaves your fingers feeling a bit greasy

“Sounds good to me man. Ready when you are.”

11:56 AM

Kelvin catches the bag with one hand, notices the coating and looks for a place to subtly wipe it off.

You find a small poncho near the door on your way out. You're lead around the back where a utility van, free of markings, is stationed. "We used to have the logo on here, we scraped it off during the occupation. Fair number of people were hiding down on the sunless sea below for a time, especially during the beginning with the purges in full swing. You're part of the government, we're telling you this so you know, not because we're bragging, but at one point we had over 1500 people living down there on different small islands"

3:20 PM

"The dark though, that long without any natural light at all, it does things to you. Not everyone made the adjustment back without some kind of mental problem"

“What happened to all those people? Did they all come back safely? Did anyone stay down there?”

"Nearly everyone returned to the surface when the occupation ended .We keep up with as many of them as we can- some don't want to interact though. We're reminders of a dark time on a dark planet. There are a handful we never managed to account for , lost and died somewhere in the dark probably"

Kelvin nods. “Well it sounds like you helped save a lot of people. Thank you. It’s because of people like you that Acastus is free and safe. I hope you know how important your efforts were.” (edited)

"Its like the boy and the starfish" one says "it made a difference to those starfish. Anyway, enough of this morbidity, you're going to be amazed at how beautiful it is down there, it is going to be relaxing to be down there now that there is peace on the surface"

7:11 AM

The van powers up with a push of the ignition button, and you head not for the city outskirts as you'd expect, but the waterworks instead

Kelvin settles into the seat. “We going down through the waterworks?”

"We are, there are some disused pipes heading down to a small island, where we have some exploration equipment and a boat stashed. We had to bring it down piece by piece and assemble it by lantern during the occupation.

9:46 AM

"Fancy some fishing on a sunless sea?"

Kelvin smiles. “Absolutely. I’ve fished in simulations before, but have always wanted to experience the real thing. Never thought I would, on this planet anyway.”

12:40 PM

(I hope “VR fishing games” could be a thing in this universe lol)

1

(yeah, they are. You saw the OOC talk about dabloonscape too, probably hahah)

1

"Nothing in the way of water on the surface. Part of me wonders if this world would have even be settled if it wasnt by the precursors. So much liquid just beneath our feet, but so well hidden from above"

“How long is the trip down?”

“We have a winch set up. It’s about twenty minutes of rappelling down, but there’s a powered set of cables to bring you back up”

“I was kind of wondering how we’d get back up. Are you pretty familiar with the fish and other wildlife down here? What can we expect to see?”

"There's a few. Most of the fish don't even have eyes, there's no natural light down there that they'd use to see with. Very similar to earth or other terran like planets, but as with all worlds that are not our home, there are some variatons"

1:55 PM

you head down through the waterworks, passing workers, who seemt o know what is going on, as you are not challenged at all, to a hatch about twice the width of your body, labeled "Descent"

Kelvin continues to follow the guide. ”Hey, I’m sorry, I never asked your name.”

4:40 PM

(He’s just following the guide’s lead here until we get to the destination)

(You’re at the descent hatch) “Shiv. Just a nickname. You know. Occupation name. I kind of like it though.” He opens the hatch and a blast of howling wind comes out as pressure stabilizes

Once the wind dies down a bit I look into the hatch. “Holy shit. That is a long way down.” I take a deep breath. “Can I help with anything here?”

A climbing harness is reverently placed into your arms, and the two attendants help you into it. "Alright, one of us, you in the middle, then last man down shuts the hatch. Harness has glow strips in it, and a light on each shoulder. You've got another on your helmet. It's going to be a hard rappel down, just go slow, relax, and enjoy yourself"

Kelvin grins. “Alright man, after you!”

The three of you bundle into the pipe and you hear the sound of the cable unwinding slowly as you begin descending into the ground. The hatch above closes as the last member of the descent team shuts it, and your suit lamps click on. It is a twenty minute descent to the bottom, the small winch purring as it helps take some of your weight. Below, you begin to see glittering rock formations, catching your beams of light, as flecks of micha and other minerals in the rocks gleam

7:15 PM

After a twenty minute descent, you arrive at the base of the ladder, in a small building that has been reinforced with metal beams and strung with lighting. An emergency air station with four masks sits in the corner, the bright yellow paint of the tank flaking away from age

Kelvin looks over at the masks. “Guessing those don’t see a lot of use?”

“The gods have blessed us and they’ve just been a precaution, but they’re nice to have ready, just in case”

“Good to know. How far through the caverns to the water?”

He takes you by the shoulder and raises the small garage like door, and you hear water lapping against the shore. He hands you a flare gun. “Do the honors, if you please”

9:53 AM

“Right into the air”

Kelvin chuckles. “Ok, if you say so...” He aims the flare gun into the air and pulls the trigger.

The red flare shoots skyward and blooms in the dark sky. You feel almost like you are standing on the surface rather than deep underground. A vast sunless sea stands before you, the flarelight making both the ceiling of the cavern and the reflective surface of the water sparkle. The waves look black with the absence of light and you get glimpses of small pipes running down deep below its surface as water is slowly piped to the city, and then is reprocessed and put back

“Amazing.”

A well waxed boat, with a small sail (like a dingy) sits moored to a peg, sunk deep into the beach of rock and sand

Kelvin gestures towards the small boat. “This us?” (edited)

"Your chariot...well, our chariot. There are some islands out there in the dark, along with plenty of spots to fish. I think we might even have a couple baited crab pots floating out there somewhere still .You still want to go out?"

“Yes of course. This is why I’m down here. I’m ready.”

You're quickly helped aboard and you feel the hull sliding below, as the two guides push it into the water, expertly clambering aboard. '

11:56 AM

"We'll tell you if you need to duck, sometimes the lower rigging swings when we turn, never quite managed to find the right part to lock it down properly. Sailing and boating wasn't really something the factories were concerned with during the occupation"

11:56 AM

"But the first pot is not far from here, we have a few fishing lines in the trunk at the back of the boat too, with holders, couldn't hurt to drag a line and see how we do"

“Right on.” As they get moving, Kelvin heads to the back of the boat to grab a rod and attempts to drop the line in the water and set the rod back in the holder. (edited)

6:00 PM

(Presumably with bait/lure)

(Yeah they’ve got all that with them. They knew you wanted to do a wildlife survey)

7:02 PM

)let’s get a survive/wiz(

(7)

The ship crests a shallow wave, and you feel a pull on the line. The bobber weaves madly through the waves at the trashing of whatever is on the line

Kelvin yanks back on the rod, gaining tension to set the hook, and starts to reel in. He yells out, “Got one!” ”Let’s see how good those sims are,” he thinks. (edited)

A large fish, easily 60 pounds jumps into the air, caught on your line. It is a pale pink and appears eyeless, with long whiskers near its snout

Kelvin keeps reeling, maintaining just enough tension on the line and backing off when needed...

12:27 PM

“Hey you guys got a net?!” he yells back to the guide

You hear the utility box snaps opening, and the weighted net is thrown into the water, there is a squeal of tightening rope, and it is cinched closed, before being dragged into the boat, dripping the dark water into the bottom to drain

8:08 PM

the milky white, flopping form of your catch thrashes and writhes as its gills struggle to find something to use for breathing

“Yes! Awesome. Now you have some kind of a holding tank or something we can keep this guy in right?”

You hear a pop as the cooler lid is pulled open. "He can swim with the ice and the beer" one chuckles. "amazed we even have some left. This is probably aged perfectly by now"

7:59 AM

The specimen is gently taken from the net, and dropped into the cooler full of ice and mostly water, along with a few floating bottles of amber beer.

“Perfect.” Kelvin reaches into the cooler, keeping his hand away from the fish, and grabs a few beers. He offers them to the crew, keeping one for himself.

They are cold, and more importantly, they are flavorful. It is the first alcoholic beverage you've been able to enjoy not cramped inside of a canteen full of Greystar agents and ratings, and even in this dark, sunless sea, you being to relax.

2:26 PM

"I think we're going to be checking on one of the crab pots next, think you're any good with a billhook?"

Kelvin laughs and shakes his head. “No idea what that is. No crabbing in my sims!”

"You're in for a treat" he smiles, handing you a long hook, easily ten feet long, with a metal hook on the end. "We're going to sail by it. Metal ring above the water, hook it, and lift, when we get close. you've got enough time to finish your drink. We're going to go by one of the islands we had some people settled on too, if you want to take some pictures"

“Sounds amazing man.” Kelvin is grinning widely, sipping his beer. He steps out to the front of the boat and dangles his legs off the front. “Any chance you guys have a stereo on this ship? Maybe some reggae?”

You begin to hear some Reggae beats, "ther'es this signal from Gudrun, we only pick it up once in a while but whenever it comes in, we download and record as much as possible. Smooth Jai. He works for something called dank crew, but their music is tight!"

“Hell yeah man! Love it. Alright let’s go try to grab some crabs.”

(lets get a stab/dex, the skill check not an attack) The boat speeds up. as it catches a current and the crew are knocked to their feet- recovering seconds later but trying to regain control of the boat. "If you can reach it! make a stab for it!" out in the water, approaching faster than recommended on the right side fo the boat, you see the small pale green glow of a dying glowbug, marking the place where the crab pot's catching buoy floats in the water

Kelvin reaches out with the bilhook, aiming for the metal ring and trying to keep steady. At this speed on water it’s like threading a needle at a full sprint. (5)

The hook bounces from the eyelet of the pot, as the ship goes sailing past. You see the hatch door was accidently hit, and now free, the dozens of tiny, pale crustaceans scurry out, floating through the dark water on their eager way toward the bottom

8:19 PM

"Don't get too hard on yourself, a good try. Some of the refugees never learned how to do it"

Kelvin shakes his head. “Damn. Alright. Not a crabbing natural. I can accept that. Let’s check out one of these islands. I’d love find some terrestrial animals as well.”

The sailboat turns left, back the way they came after missing the pot, and it’s bow crunches the rocky sand underfoot as it is beached. You see a camp ahead, made of dark metal, though everything looks dark in the shadows cast by dim lighting down here

Kelvin hops out and helps the crew secure the boat onshore.

The ship is quickly beached and pegs are driven into the ground to keep it secured. "So the camp is ahead, probably animals living in it now. Not much, and pretty dark. I'll see if I can find the generator and get some light. We kept things pretty compact down here. There's other ways down, some of which I'm sure we don't know about. We were always on the lookout for Cult patrols.

Kelvin nods. “Yeah, alright man. Just let me know how I can help. Otherwise I’m just following you.”

One of them breaks off, and a few minutes later you hear a bang, as the generator starts up, Lights illuminate a small community , ringed by scrapped walls. Some sort of mammal bat like creature, a colony of thousands, cheeps and squeals as they begin to flood skyward. "Someone get that net!"

Kelvin grabs the net and runs over. He aims for the densest group of bats he sees, trying to scoop the net down on top of them as the fly upwards.

(lets get a ranged attack, jsut whatever your normal weapon is, we're just interested in the to-hit portion of it)

(9)

The net flies out, thrown from steady hands as another of the spelunkers help cast it, and as it tumbles back to the ground you see at least three of the small, furry creatures have been trapped inside of it

2:52 PM

(I've got art for this at home)

2:52 PM

(but good work)

“Hey check it out - I caught a few. Got anything we can keep them in for the trip back?”

He cracks a smile "Well, I've got this cage we can keep them in, was for crabs but we saw we aren't any good at that today. They'll be okay for a little ride I think"

(Oh shit - not the cutest fuzziest specimen for the Ledans)

7:54 PM

“Ok cool. Do we camp here or press on anywhere else?”

"Well. thats your decision. We've got enough beer and we can get a fire going, make fun night out of it, or if you're in a hurry to see...well we dont have a sun to see, but if you wnt to breathe the fresh air on the surface, we can press on to one more stop before heading back up"

“Beer and camp would be amazing right now. I’ve got to get back tomorrow but can enjoy a night out down here. Maybe tomorrow we can take another crack at a critter before we head back. For now though, toss me a beer and I’ll help you get that fire going.”

Driftwood is piled up, detritus and plants from the underground, here. and a fire is sparked, casting shadows onto the cave walls. "You could spend forever down here and still not see everything. Could you imagine how much we miss in the darkness like this?"

Kelvin nods. “If a lot of Acastus’ underground is like this, a ton of it must be unexplored. Or untouched for many many years. Have you seen ruins down here?”

"Not in this cavern, but there are apparently some out near the volcano formation we draw power from"

Kelvin enjoys a few more beers and shoots the shit a bit longer before suggesting they get some rest for one more hunt in the morning.

They reluctantly turn in, everyone exhausted by the day they've had, and you're not sure if its dawn, or even morning, but someones compad alarm begins going off six hours later. The fire is low, but still warm and smoldering.

Kelvin sits up, yawns and stretches. He looks around the camp. (edited)

“‘Morning all. Would love a bit of breakfast but then right out for another shot at some wildlife before we head back to the surface.”

"Right, its been an experience down here. Whole different environment when its relaxed like this. We can try another swing at those crab pots on the way back, see if another night out has anything in it. We have that fish, and those bats to look into returning to the surface and getting into actual wildlife expert hands as soon as we can"

“Sounds like a plan!”

They finish breakfast and stop to feed a bit of the protein paste they brought to the bats, who are calm and accept the food now that the flock is not scattering from sudden light. They load up the boat with supplies, and push off, heading to sea

Kelvin turns to one of the guides. “Any chance we could take the approach to the crab pots a bit slower this time? Or maybe, you know, actually stop for a second so I can grab it?” (edited)

2

“The current on the way back is gentler. We would have flipped trying to stop like that on the way out. Let’s give it another go” (Exert dex I believe it was)

(It was Stab/dex but doesn’t matter - both skills -1 lol)

8:34 PM

(5)

8:36 PM

Kelvin tries lining up the hook and ring again. With the waves and a minor hangover it’s still proving difficult despite the slower speed, but he gives it his best shot. (edited)

One of them rushes forward seeing your attempt and together you hear a clink as the hook locks around the eye. Your combined strength pulls it from the water and into the boat.

9:10 PM

The cage is deftly emptied into the cooler before you have much chance to see it’s contents. The cage is quickly baited and thrown back (edited)

“Oh hell yeah! Nice!”

10:16 PM

Kelvin sits back and relaxes for the rest of the trip back.

The trip back is uneventful but relaxing, and you're still a bit buzzed by the time you ascend the ladder on the powered winch. The creatures are taken by Greystar beastmasters who arrive at the water works, in a city pest control van as to not raise suspicion of the undisturbed underground sea .

12:12 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

12:12 PM

(good work, we can detail the actual stuff you found later on)

1

(Ok cool! I wanted to also get a fungal hound for myself, and possibly add one hound to be sent to the Ledans along with the things we just found - would those be with the beast masters?)

(yeah, they're like your biologists)

(don't forget to check out the pure metal pooping cow things)

Kelvin tells the beastmasters, “Hey, can you reserve me two of those fungal hounds? One is for me and one will be shipped off with these specimens once they are ready. I may need to head off-world for a while but will pick mine up when I return.”

"We will ensure they are trained and ready for travel. Would you like your personal companion fitted with cyberware? "

“Yes, I would.”

1:12 PM

(What were the options again? Trying to find the original post)

(can fit anything TL4, up to 2 strain)

(Ah ok. I will figure it out later and post back here again. Also in searching I found an exchange in this channel where I decided to send them a breeding pair, so will do that)

(no problem, we'll go figure that out after the shipyard)

(Leveled up to 6, rolled 21hp. Used my three skill points to take Shoot to 2. Banking my bonus non-combat SP from Expert. AB now 3)

8:00 AM

(Using 11 of 12 day spike travel to finish Slyth) (Think I’d like to head to Suha to see about opening a storefront there)

(if you want to join me and Svenka we are headed there as well. but its cool if you want to go solo there)

(Oh ok cool. Yeah I’ll join you.)

(Greystar After-party!)

(Wooo! We have a few days on the ship right? No combat danger - I’m drinking the whole trip)

(Continuing from Eisheru’s thread) Kelvin heads into the ship to examine the life support and shield generation systems.

(Which one first )

(Shield gen)

The shield generator section is a complex maze work of cables, strange centrifuge machines and what you think is a large particle accelerator. It is not immediately clear what type of particle was charged or manipulated to generate this kind of protection or how much of a power drain it caused On inspection you notice the ship has little in the way of actual exterior armor, instead relying on energy screens to protect it.

(Is anything written around here? Signs, warnings etc?)

(No signs or anything. You’re the first group of people to make it to the ship proper aside from a brisk security sweep)

(Ok will check out life support next)

The life support system is complicated when you make your way to the area. Currently it is offline, but the shipyard is providing atmosphere right now, allowing you to breathe inside. The terminal is on but idle.

I’m going to try to get into the terminal to see if I can gleam any understanding of how the systems work and whether they are operational.

The systems are operational, but at a reduced capacity since the power provided by the main reactor is not coming in. The air mixture tanks still have contents in them after all this time and you see the optimal air mix for the slyth inhabitants is a more Oxygen rich environment than humans would be used to.

Modifications will need to be done to make the vessel truly comfortable for humans to inhabit

(Is that beyond my ability/resources?)

(Nope. You can reprogram the air mix

(Ok I’m going to attempt that)

Kelvin Bell hears the exasperated voice of Eisheru in his head. "Excuse me? What?" Then the voice seems to calm down and redirect to You. "Sorry for the outburst, Kelvin, but Svenka thinks she might be able to restart the reactor..." (edited)

(depending on what happens with the others your job might get a lot easier)

Kelvin responds to Eisheru. ”That’s great news. Keep in touch and let me know how it goes.” (edited)

8:27 AM

(I’m having trouble viewing that ship map. What has yet to be explored that might be of interest?)

The ship groans as power turns on and you see additional readouts beginning to appear on the life support system. There is a slow hiss as the gas mixture begins dispensing slowly, as power has returned. You can handily see the mixture controls now, and Medical information on the ideal mix for humanoids is easily accessed

Kelvin presses some buttons, setting the proper mix for life support. (Now that the power is on, anything I can do to get the shield system operational and understand how it works?)

( yes that’s a great next step

(Ok I’m going to head back over to that system and see what I can figure out).

The shield system is active now, and a timer shows it is about a half hour from reaching enough charge to project something. Proximity warnings and a master warning advising against activating the shield while docked are flashing by on the screen gently.

(Putting my response to Kelvin here so it doesn't get lost in the sauce)

3:21 PM

Eisheru sends a thought back. Kelvin sees the ships weapons in his mind and hears, "Let's get their weapons array checked out". (edited)

(It did. Thank you)

”10-4.” Kelvin makes his way over to the weapons array.

Weapons and shields seems to be linked to the same su system and the panels awaken as you come near them. The ship is a gunboat, clearly, outfitted with several laser weapons in cannon banks like an age of sail warship

Eisheru opens the connection once again with Agent Bell. "I've got bad news and worse news, Kelvin. Bad news is that Svenka discovered and unknown contaminant in the Med Bay. Worse news is that the unknown contaminant is a Slyth bioweapon virus that killed all the Slyth on board. For now it is contained in the Med Bay but we do not know if that will remain the case. We are unsure if venting the virus into hard vacuum will neutralize it or make it spread. We know that the UNW synthesized a vaccine some time ago, but that route would take over two weeks between travel and conversations. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions?" Eisheru pauses for a bit before adding, "I am sorry to dump all of this on your but this is the situation we find ourselves in."

Kelvin thinks for a minute. ”Is it possible to seal it in the med bay, then vent it much further away in open space? The likelihood of a virus staying alive and reaching somewhere and contaminating it feels very remote.”

5:39 AM

(I apologize for how slow I have been. In Bangkok this week and will try to check in but will be off hours.)

"Yes it is contained in the medbay. Svenka is currently in the process of freezing and then reheating the virus to see if extreme cold temperatures can kill it. Will let you know how it goes. If she decides to vent the virus and any thing known to be contaminated we will probably need your help as you are the most familiar with environmental controls. Will keep you updated."

"Great news, Kelvin! Svenka has found out that extreme cold temperatures can kill the virus. She is going to attempt to decontaminate the Medbay by freezing the room. I'll keep you updated." (edited)

”Fantastic news, thanks Eisheru. Should I keep investigating the weapons array or should we meet to discuss next steps?”

"Definitely keep investigating the array. See what we can learn about their weapons tech. Hopefully if its more advanced than what we have we can reverse engineer and implement to our future ships. I am just checking the crew quarters then we can probably all meet."

The array is focused mostly on energy weapons , specifically high powered lasers. Knowing that they fought the shapers to a large degree , the high energy output would have burned and destroyed flesh, which is the chief component of most enemy vessels

”Think I’ve wrapped up my investigating here. Ready to take this thing home.”

(I’ll post a dungeon clear screen but I moved us back to eisherus thread for the debrief )

(In case it wasnt seen in Eisheru's thread, there was a pretech components, xp, and credits reward. I'll pin it there. We can move into something new, or ive got ideas for you if you dont have any of your own at the moment)

(Ok cool. Unless there are pressing issues with Greystar I’d like to do something to help advance Campana. What were your ideas?)

(you have an endeavor list up on roll20 with what you need to do to boost your faction ratings)

Force: Wealth attracts two kinds of people- those interested in making it and those interested in taking it. As Campagna begins trading, security measures will be needed to ensure our cargo makes it to the destination on time- and ends up in the right hands.

Build a force asset

Help another planet with a problem, causing unrest to fall

Assist your own company, or another faction with trade troubles

Wealth: Campagna trading company has many competitors already, even among The Greystar Combine. Something must be done to stand out from the pack.

Open a market on a planet that does not currently have a trade report

Develop an off planet headquarters and a holding to accompany it

Reduce friction on a planet currently not offering the best deal (anything with Friction 4+)

Cunning: Fleshshapers, pirates, and others that would see ships cleaned of cargo and life exist in the darkness between stars. Efforts need to be made to locate and deal with these threats before they feast on our trade ships.

Assist in an intelligence gathering mission

Uncover a fleshshaper operation, or a pirate base

Develop spike routes to two new worlds not previously connected to the galactic spike chart

(Ok I definitely want to go for Wealth. Think I’d like to open an off-world HQ)

9:24 PM

(Maybe Suha?)

9:28 PM

(I dropped my other game so I could focus on this one BTW. Work and travel was crazy but now coming back to normal so I should be back to a regular posting pace)

(ill do my best to ensure you've got plenty to work with. We can do suha, thats done as part of your faction turn, which we havent done for you this month, so we can roleplay you going out there and setting it up)

(Yeah I need to do my trading as well)

12:12 PM

Kelvin inquires about a ship to Suha

Greystar has several shuttles and a courier vessel available for your trip, along with the spacers needed for the journey. Thanks to your prior service you do not need to worry about travel costs

Kelvin nods to the courier pilot. “Good to go to Suha?”

“We have a flight plan. It’s a two day jump but it should be a smooth trip” he affirms. (Any downtime activity?)

(I think Kelvin’s just going to relax this trip, but will also spend a bit of time planning for negotiations.)

You spend the two days in spike space relaxing on your way to the strange planet, with its singularity gun. The two gunboats brought over from Leda stand proud over the site of the gun in orbit, and after some checks with the crew to confirm your identity, you're given permission to land anywhere you like on the surface below- -- but are asked to keep a 200km exclusion zone around the gun. (I can post the surface map if you need it)

(The main city. I’d like to scout around any main commercial district for a suitable location)

(We do already have permission to build outposts here right?)

(you do, and there are five very large cities. They're very decentralized)

8:24 PM

8:25 PM

The courier moves along, getting permission to set down in the city of steelhearth, where msot of the contact between the governments of Suha and Acastus has been conducted so far. Corporal Smorkle and his small honor detail await you, the smart mouthed government representative idly twirling a parade walking stick as he waits for the ramp of the ship to lower

Kelvin walks up to the Corporal. “Corporal Smorkle. Good to see you again. Trust all is well?”

“All is well for the moment. Feeling a lot safer with those two guardian angels you’ve brought us watching over things. How is Acastus?”

“Glad we could help. Things are well on Acastus. Feels strange having life there feel almost normal. We’re all happy to have peace and progress in this sector, and look forward to the future of our partnership. As you may know, Greystar is supporting not just defense, but also the advance of science, technology and our sector’s economies. It is that last point that brings me to Suha. I’ve started a corporation to help enable broader free trade, and I’d like to establish an outpost here. This would help bring goods to Suhans and also provide opportunities to spur demand for goods produced here.”

(Would I receive the emergency broadcast while on Suha? Would this be out of time?)

)it would be when this is over but yes)

“I see. Trying to open up a shop then. I like shopping and I guess we should open up to our deep space neighbors. What kinds of things do you sell, and don’t say shoes. I fucking hate shopping for shoes” he says, leaning back at ease

9:44 PM

“I’m catty today. Haven’t eaten yet” he says smiling

“Well, we do trade food. If we had the shop up and running I could buy you some Acastan chocolate. For now, we are generalist traders. Building materials, metals, food, tools... we look for what’s needed around the sector and locate those willing to trade.”

“I see. No shortage of planets needing those things I suppose. I can tell you the people here have a taste for luxury. Fuck man, I have a taste for luxury too. You bring in stuff like that chocolate. Or some other fun things that make me feel some kind of way, we could make some deals”

6:40 AM

“I’m sure Suha could offer something in return to help the confederation”

(I assume Kelvin doesn’t know about the Fleshshapers at this point? Would Suha even be able to help there?)

(It’s public knowledge. Suha could be asked to send their patrol boats but they might not. The singularity gun isn’t something you want them to fire in the Acastus gravity well if any of you want to live

“Well, since you’ve asked, I’m about to return to Acastus to deal with an imminent threat from the fleshshapers. If we don’t survive, they’ll likely move to another nearby planet. Perhaps Suha. Anything Suha could do to contribute to Greystar’s efforts to protect Acastus would be of enormous help.”

“WhAt kind of threat are we talking?” He asks. “I can see what we can lend to the effort”

“Mortal threat. Potential wipeout of humanity on Acastus. If you could possibly lend us your patrol boats I would gladly sign an agreement ensuring they or their equivalent are returned to you once the war is over. Or if there’s anything else you can think of. Technology, weaponry, advice... we are in desperate times.”

“There is one solution that doesn’t involve us sending the patrol boats. But it’s dangerous, and may complicate the battle you’re expecting”

“Ok, we’re willing to take risks. What is it?”

“We have one, and this will risk your ships in the immediate quadrant as well... We have one singularity sub munition that should be able to significantly damage if not outright destroy anything near the blast radius. It’s dangerous to fire one of these in a star system still, and it’s indiscriminate. any moons or friendly ships in the area risk being fragmented or spalled too”

6:31 PM

“The vast distance of space even between our two relatively close worlds means an accurate shot is also difficult. There is a chance it could miss, or veer off target, though that is more slight

“Yes. I will admit we’ve thought about the singularity gun. However, for the reasons you’ve described I think it may be - at least for now - too risky to be anything but a last resort.”

4:32 AM

“While our chances are not great, I don’t yet think we are facing almost certain failure. There are others with armies, others with ships. We will ask for help and see what we can get in return. If we fail, perhaps you’ll hear from me again.”

“Should we load the gun with that shell, just in case?”

Kelvin nods. “Not a bad idea. Thank you Corporal. I wonder, is there a way to send a simple signal to fire without having to spike here?”

“This is how it will work. The projectiles use spike space to pass the distance. We will fire it through the Acastus gravity well. A signal from a ship there, when broadcasted, will stop it at the target location in system. If the signal is not broadcast the shell will not exit spike and harmlessly pass on into deep space, going inert. The ship broadcasting the signal will need to be very close to the point of impact , and I believe you can guess the danger to them will be...extreme”

Kelvin looks confused. “But, would we need to signal from a ship at the same moment the shell happened to be traveling through the gravity well? How long is that window of time?” (edited)

“You’d Have an hour from the estimated time of the shapers entering engagement range. Our engineers and astrotechs have been meticulous in plotting this”

4:19 PM

(Basically you have it for the battle. We are sort of getting too into the weeds on exact timing)

4:19 PM

(And they’re deliberately keeping some of the guns capabilities a secret)

(You mean you can’t explain the exact physics???

) “Understood Corporal. Let’s hope we don’t need to use it, but we truly appreciate your offer to help Acastus and Greystar. I’d better head back to Acastus to prepare. Any last words of advice?”

“Win. Acastus falls, the rest of us won’t be able to do a single thing to even delay them”

Kelvin nods. “We’ll do our best Corporal. Thank you again for your help. I’ll come visit again after the war.”

"Make it through to do that. The gun will be ready, I hope to see you back"

1

8:58 PM

(3xp, 10,000 credits)

(Cool, will level up to 7 today and make all my trades for the month. Also will spend credits for the Campana outpost here on Suha)

(Awesome. As far as the big battle we have tons of npc ships so if you want to have kelvin take on the role of a squadron commander let me know)

(How could I say no to that? I will put some points in Pilot - think I’m at -1 lol)

(Leveled to 7. Took Star Captain focus, taking Lead from -1 to 0. Had one skill point carried over for total of five with Arcane Expert. Used 2 to take Lead to 1, remaining 3 to take Trade to 2. Rolled HP under current HP so only increased by 1)

(Actually when you take the focus it goes from -1 to 1. when you take a focus after character creation it gives you 3 skill points towards that skill)

(I feel like we’ve discussed this before. P. 18 of the rulebook says “Many foci give a bonus level in a skill as part of their level 1 benefits. These bonus levels work like any other skill pick; they either give you the skill at level 0, raise an existing level 0 skill to level 1, or let you pick any other non-psychic skill if the skill is already level 1”)

4:53 PM

(But then maybe somewhere else he clarifies - I just can’t find it)

(Look under advancement, the rules are different when it's not for character creation. You do get 3SP towards the skill if you get the focus during level up)

1

(Ok that means I have 2SP left. Taking Heal to 1.)

9:21 PM

(Thanks guys!)

(Leveled up to 8. AB to 4. Rolled 26 HP. Used 4 SP to increase Talk to 3)

(Awesome. We can pick up with whatever you want to get into when you’re ready)

(Going to see how our round table goes and will take it from there - likely some travel/exploration/diplomacy to try to add to Greystar’s ranks, reach, and might)

###Incoming Secure Message###

Kelvin,

I know we spoke in private about how Our companies can help each other. I've been lucky enough to have an angel investor and I want to pay it forward. I would like to offer you 500,000 credits in return for 10% of your monthly profits until I have been paid 750,000 credits. If this agreeable to you, just hit accept and the funds will be transferred. 

I look forward to working with you more in the years to come. Let's make Acastus great again.

Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Eisheru
Aiya Technologies

Accept [ ]
Decline [ ]

###Secure Message###

Eisheru,

First, I must apologize. With all that’s been going on I neglected to follow up with you regarding your earlier offer.

Second, thank you! I am happy to have a partner to help grow Campana, and I graciously accept. I’ve been learning quite a bit about trade operations and business strategy, and I believe I’ll be in a great position to leverage your capital, both generating the return you are looking for and putting the company in a better position for growth. 

Again, my sincere thanks. I look forward to celebrating our new partnership over a drink when we can next meet in person!

Best Regards,

Kelvin Bell, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
Campana Trading Company

Accept [X]
Decline [ ]

2

7:53 PM

@Eisheru, et al.

(I'll deduct the funds from AT and Mark it accordingly. Hope it gets you going nicely)

(Yup thanks man! How do we track this? Just in the Campana channel? I’ll post earnings and then show the deducted amount paid to you?)

(yup that would be my suggestion) (edited)

7:57 PM

(feel free to look at my channel to see how i structure it to give you an idea. No right or wrong way to track it as long as it is accurate)

(yeah just faction actions recorded in there, helps me keep things straight)

8:23 PM

(lets me get everything nice and easy on the handouts so i can see what everyone has at a glance)

(Meeting ended how it did if you don’t have anything to dive into I’ve got stuff)

(Thanks work has been crazy and been traveling but should be able to post today. Heading to Suha)

Suha ground control welcomes you back and corporal smorkle is waiting on the ground for wherever you land. They’re eager to hear about the results of the gun firing. It was the first unleashment of the Red Horizon and it’s firing was something like a national holiday here

4:43 PM

Celebrations from this “Day of Thunder” are in full swing

1

Kelvin exits the ship, putting on his aviators as he steps down the ramp. He looks around and sees Smorkle in the welcoming party, giving him a big smile. He heads towards him, shaking hands with a few others and giving thanks on his way. “Corporal, great to see you again. We can’t thank you enough for the help with the gun. Not only was it a comfort to have as a last resort for defense, it was critical in destroying the remains of the shaper battle moon.”

“A fucking moon?!” He says, party hat and sunglasses going askew, he clutches his chest. “A fucking battle what? They’re throwing fucking battle fucking moons at the galaxy?”

6:53 PM

“Fuck me. Those eggheads at red horizon are being chained to their fabrication tables from now on. We are going to need more shells”

1

Kelvin lets out a big laugh

5:14 PM

“Indeed Corporal. The Shapers took a hard run at us, and we won. And your gun imploded that big fucking moon. But it won’t be the last time they come into our space. We need to prepare for further attacks. And that, in addition to thanking you for the backup, is why I came here today. But, no big rush - I see you’re enjoying the celebration. Talk can come later. Any chance I can join you in a cocktail? And where do I get one of those party hats?” (edited)

One of the security officers, with a badge that says FUN POLICE: MANDATORY FUN SQUAD hands you one, along with a handful of poppers and a bag of confetti

7:44 PM

“Talk and party. I do my best thinking when I’m feeling loose as a goose on laxatives. “

3

Kelvin puts on the hat and grabs a champagne flute from a passing server “Cheers to that Corporal. And to the big ass gun. So we’ll talk. Do you want to go somewhere more private?”

“Alright alright. Let’s go into my skrilla villa and we can talk business” He leads you to an opulent bungalow nearby the celebration grounds and his guards wait outside. The bungalow itself is decorated nicely with potted plants , local art and statues of athletes.

Kelvin admires the art and sculptures before taking a seat. “Quite a celebration out there. Sorry to take you away. Again, thank you, and please extend our thanks to all of Suha for having our back during that battle. As I mentioned, this skirmish was possibly only the beginning of a longer war. We need to be prepared, and we need all the help we can get from across the confederation. And we all need close allies. To further advance the partnership with Suha, I’d like to propose the establishment of an embassy here on Suha, as a way to deepen our relationship and signal our combined strength to other planets in this system and beyond.”

“I see. What would this embassy be doing. What would the day to day lives of the people there be like? I’m not against the idea I’m just wondering what they’d actually...do. If a fleet slips by you and we get attacked, what’s the embassy going to do. Sure we know reinforcements from you will arrive eventually, but can they really do anything on their own?”

“We would maintain a small group of diplomats, some who would serve as official representatives for discussions with their Suhan counterparts, others would serve any Acastan citizens on business or travel here on Suha. Finally, we could use our more permanent presence here as a conduit to share intelligence from around the system and beyond.”

5:42 PM

“As far as defense, we can discuss establishing protocols so that we can quickly aid Suha if anything like that happens. Rest assured, Suha’s security is a high priority for us.”

“It hasn’t felt much like a confederation so far. Which is good and bad in its own ways. I’m still unclear about the role of planets within the system you all are creating.”

“Same as any coalition I suppose. Mutual defense, shared intelligence, trade agreements, protection of joint sovereignty, that kind of thing.”

“See the thing is, well I’m a jealous guy. When someone else comes to town and they start swinging around a dick that’s bigger than mine, well, my sensitivities get a bit hurt. I’d like to have some kind of assurance this isn’t going to turn into a hub for you to replace me as big swinging dick of this planet”

Kelvin doesn’t try to hold back his laughter, and even embellishes a bit “Corporal, when you’re packing heat like you are - and to be clear I’m talking about your gun now, the one out there -“ Kelvin points outside “- you don’t need to worry about us swinging anything around. Trust me, there’s nothing sexy about Greystar. We just want some close friends, because we know we can’t do this alone. And frankly Corporal, neither can you. The people in the embassy will be career diplomats and a few pencil pushers. I’m sure you’ve met a few career diplomats. Not exactly the dick-swinging type. The building will be tastefully bureaucratic, non-imposing and non-monumental. We aren’t going to distribute any propaganda, or try to ‘recruit’ any Suhans. We will however work with you to find ways to make our partnership stronger and more effective. We’ll share things we’ve learned about the shaper threat, and things we’re learning about other planets and their polities. We hope this sharing of intelligence can be of mutual benefit.” (edited)

“I like the sound of that a lot better. I don’t see the harm if that’s all they’re going to be doing. You’ll understand if I keep my eyes on the place for a little bit as things get moving of course”

“That’s good to hear, and absolutely. Thank you Corporal. I have another matter to discuss. Along the same thread of needing more allies, we are looking to add additional planets to the confederation. Our hope is that the next addition will be Leda. I would understand any apprehension you might have about that prospect, which is why I’m coming to you before we’ve even mention it to the Ledans. Corporal, the history and conflict you have with Leda is real. I’m not going to pretend you’ll be fast friends. But the new threats we face as society recovers from the Scream - some we know about, and others we have yet to discover - could mean a second annihilation. One that’s slower. And bloodier. We can only face them with the help of coalitions of other planets and societies. Those with common interest in preserving peace and the advancement of intelligent cultures and economies. It doesn’t mean we won’t disagree on things, or have occasional conflicts. It does mean, primarily, that if something threatens the sovereignty or existence of any of us, the others will cast aside our differences and fight. We’re at an inflection point here, and we have a chance to dictate history and be fucking heroes.

7:48 AM

We’ve already signaled our willingness to right some wrongs of the past. If there are any transgressions in the new alliance, with Leda, Suha, Acastus, or any of Greystar’s members, they will be dealt with. You have my word on that. You questioned earlier how you’d defend yourselves if a fleet slipped by and attacked Suha. With your support, Greystar can install a local space defense system - ground batteries, braker guns, nuke sniffers - enough weaponry to defend at least your capital city. While we don’t yet have the resources to protect the entire planet, that should at least protect your core population center and buy time for confederacy forces to come to your aid. These are the kinds of things our combined strength can offer, and in the future we hope to do more. So I ask you Corporal - can I have your support when we ask Leda to join Greystar?”

“I don’t like it, but you’re the ones setting policy now. Make us some space defenses. We purposefully don’t have a capital. All our cities are important. Defenses that cover the planet , and we don’t really have a reason to hang on to our hate of Leda. Common defense is what started the whole thing”

9:29 AM

(So to clarify, you can induct Leda now, and once the defenses are done, suha will have an easier time with it/tensions will decrease)

(Ok - just conveying that this will be “Minor” Space Defenses that could protect a major city but not the whole planet. Maybe someday we can step that up to “Major”)

(Exactly )

1

“Corporal, I appreciate your willingness to be flexible here. All of Greystar is happy to have your support. I’ll report back to HQ, and we’ll get things in motion for the embassy and space defenses, coordinating everything with you of course. We’re building up resources, so the defenses will be somewhat limited at first, but as soon as we can get full planetary coverage we’ll give you one hell of an upgrade. And I’ll let you know what happens with Leda. Honestly I’m not yet sure what they’ll say. Any questions for me? Or should we get back to the festivities?” (edited)

He puts on a pair of silver Venetian sunglasses that sparkle when the sun hits them. “Oh it’s well past beer thirty already. Let’s get to it. Tomorrow you can deliver your message back home. Nothing like a spike jump to mix with a hangover”

Kelvin puts his party hat back on and whips out a pair of aviators from his pocket “Now that’s what I’m talking about. Lead the way!”

There are a few speeches , Smorkle getting through them with a greater degree of slop as they day goes on. The drinks never seem to stop coming and neither does their protein slop, though flavored to be any number of different actual food items.

5:57 PM

The land is fertile and their lack of organized farming is something that’s long been a mystery

Kelvin manages to swallow down a few bites of the slop, solely out of politeness. The taste is actually pleasant - like a steak with sautéed mushrooms - but the texture nearly forces him to vomit and he struggles to get it down. The alcohol helps, and he appreciates the atmosphere. As the party starts to wind down, he thanks Smorkle again and says farewell to some of the other Suhans before heading back to the ship for the trip home. (edited)

Smorkle was drunk at seventeen and a half drinks ago. The both of you know that during your sloppy handshake goodbye, but the next morning as your ship begins heading to system edge , the agreement is sent to you and mirrors everything the two of you have discussed

5:33 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

2

(Level up - new level: 9)

HP increase to 42
Skill points: 4 (Arcane Expert)
Increase Intelligence by 1 to 14 (first attribute raise - 1SP)
Sneak to +1 (2SP)
Stab to 0 (1SP)

(Kelvin is going to go on a little shopping spree) On Acastus, Kelvin first seeks out a cyberware fitting lab

The best lab ends up being the Greystar hab itself. Now that steady supply is beginning to come in from Acastus and other allies worlds, a skilled doctor should have the parts they need to fashion cyberware

3:55 PM

(Some of the military grade stuff has a small face requirement or might be locked if it’s extra high tech. Just let me know what you’re looking at)

Kelvin flips through his compad in the waiting room, tapping one foot nervously while he waits for his name to be called. He’s excited about the new abilities the operation will allow but anxious about the procedure. When he’s finally called back, he tries to shake the nerves and explains to the doctor what he’s looking for. “I don’t want to go too crazy doc. This will be my first fitting. I’m thinking three mods. First, would love to get some better body protection without having to wear this armor. Second, I’m thinking about having a drone built and want to be able to control it without having to hold something in my hands. Finally, I’ve got a pretty nice laser rifle that I’ve modded myself. Is it possible to get something that’s just as effective embedded in my arm so it’s concealed until I need it?” (So that’s Dermal Armor for 20k and 2 strain, Drone Control Link for 20k and 1 strain and Body Arsenal Array for 10k and 1 strain)

4:11 PM

“I guess while I’m at it, some kind of stun blade in the other arm would be pretty useful too...” (If I’m reading the description correctly, Body Arsenal Array can give you one advanced medium melee weapon plus a ranged weapon equivalent of up to a laser rifle... might be asking too much to maintain my mods?)

(If the rifle stays as is we can keep it , it being added to the body arsenal will just be the last thing we can do with it in terms of improvements)

(Cool - yup as is)

(I don’t have a problem with it then. I’d say it won’t count toward your maintaining score at that point since it’s integrated with your body)

4:16 PM

(The surgery will essentially master craft it)

(Awesome thanks)

Following the surgery and recovery, Kelvin begins planning his custom drone, planning to have the parts delivered so he can assemble it himself. He places the order and awaits confirmation.

 Chassis: Ghostwalker (2 fittings, 3k credits)

Fittings:
1) Observation Suite (250 credits)
2) Weapon Fitting (1,000 credits)

(For the weapon fitting, I’m going to purchase and attach a Sniper Rifle - 400 credits. Can the drone be fitted to reload it? And could I add any mods to the rifle? Mods would be Boosted, Customized and possibly a silencer?)

(edited)

(There’s no silencers in the game)

(and the weapon needs a ammo unit i believe)

(And the mods will count toward your scores, and the weapon needs an ammo unit)

(Got it - change of plans then. Grav muffles instead of weapon fitting)

(Totals - 50k and 4 strain for cyberware. 5,250 for the drone)

The parts are approved and show up within the day, expedited due to your reputation

(If you’re stuck on what to do next I can come up with something)

(Just checking in. Not sure where we ended up mission wise)

Kelvin prepares to head to Leda with the council meeting wrapped up.

(How long is the trip?)

(3 days from Acastus to Leda, but the route's clear of danger, Kensh just went and came home)

(Could I start a 90-day Pilot training to raise that skill from -1 to 0? Kelvin would be studying as well as spending some time with a willing pilot observing and asking questions.)

12:57 PM

(Basically would do that on multi-day flights until I hit 90 days)

(absolutely can)

(Ok I’ll do that. Need to mark up a few of the things I bought and the cyber ware stuff on my sheet but ready for arrival in Leda when you are.)

Arriving in Leda is always a plesant affair, but this trip promises to be different from what its been in the past.

8:49 PM

The Scions of the Storm have begun immigrating through the gate, right now, a test of ten volunteers to see how their bodies are adapting to the heavily decreased MES energy on this side of the gate

(Kelvin’s going to use any information gleaned from GS contacts to try to find appropriate Leda leadership and schedule a meeting)

The alderman of Leda is found and a meeting scheduled. The planet is already on the verge of joining the confederacy and is waiting to get something like a formal introduction and a presentation of the Greystar constitution

Kelvin re-reads the latest draft of the constitution and his talking points, and heads to meet the Alderman

The alderman is younger than you’d expect him to be when you’ve landed and are taken to the large hut he uses for himself. Leda only has one town, of medium size, the rest of the planet taken over by large jungles , wetlands, and Savannah’s. He has an unkempt beard and a string of thick wooden beads around his neck. Almost every textile in the home is made of some kind of industrial hemp variant

“Greetings Alderman. Agent Kelvin Bell of Greystar. Appreciate you taking time to meet with me on such short notice. As you might guess, I’ve come to invite Leda to formally join the confederacy. We could use your support as we continue to spread hope and prosperity in our sector, and start to explore and reconnect other planets. Of course, we also face the threat of the fleshshapers. I realize Leda is a pacifist nation, and we don’t expect military support, but I believe there are other ways you could help.”

“Other ways we can help” he repeats to himself as much as to you “In what way? Surely you’re not planning on just taxing us to death. The people here are peaceful but that won’t end well for you”

“Well, there are likely numerous ways you could contribute. Economic, scientific... I’m wondering if perhaps you have something in mind? You know Leda better than we do of course.”

“The scientific discoveries you could make here would be worth anyone’s time. We are also masters of working with plants and wildlife. No doubt your worlds will need that as you continue to industrialize”

Kelvin nods. “I couldn’t agree with you more. And we want to protect what you have here. As a member of Greystar, should Leda fall under attack all other nations will come to your aid without hesitation. The gate is of course also of interest. Access to it could serve the confederacy possibly greater than any military support.”

“The scions of the storm have come through. We are observing them now to ensure there are no medical complications. We do know what we have here within our deep jungle and we know it’s value”

“Good to hear no abnormalities have been observed yet. And once you’ve joined the Confederation, would you agree to allowing Greystar access to the gate?”

“As long as what you do behind it is responsible. We would like independent monitoring by a delegation from our world. Nothing too cumbersome but our experience with the outside hasn’t been positive ”

“You have my word that we wouldn’t be doing anything irresponsible, and your request is a reasonable one. Just so I’m clear, what would you be most concerned about, and what would be prohibited?”

“I guess the best way to put it is not bringing anything through that could risk the planet. We don’t know what’s fully behind this gate or what’s lurking behind that metaspace storm in wider space there”

“Of course, understood. I don’t think that will be an issue, and we’ll certainly keep you in the loop on anything we discover. While I’m here, is there anything else you’d like to ask of us?”

"Just where do we sign. the people of Leda have wanted to work for something greater for a long time.

12:44 PM

We are also very keen for some Acastus wildlife, we would be interested in studying the unique fungal variations of these more common creatures"

12:44 PM

"I understand many of your agents travel with their own sporehound companions, I was saddened you did not arrive with one"

“I’ve brought the paperwork with me.* Kelvin hands it over. “As for the fungal hounds, my apologies. I’ve been so distracted with Greystar work I haven’t even gone to see them myself. I’ll see what I can do. I enjoyed collecting specimens to add to your collection before, and would be happy to try and find more.”

(6xp, 10,000 credits. I'll update pop sheets for them joining)

11:56 AM

"We could use more, the environment on Acastus is like nothing else. Preserving some of those species here would be a true honor, and valuable to our researchers"

“Many thanks Alderman. Welcome to Greystar! We look forward to a long and successful partnership. And I’m looking forward to catching some wildlife! See you soon, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.”

9:21 PM

(Unless he has anything else to say Kelvin’s going to make his way back to the ship for the journey to Acastus)

(2 more days of downtime, I think we've concluded things here nicely. The budget points sheet has been updated to reflect the new member planet. )

1

(2 days of Pilot training for a total of 5)

The return to Acastus is smooth, and with Leda now joining, the official planetary members are now 3. The galactic news rolls in, as you exit spike, and for the first time in recent memory, it appears Greystar space is not under any sort of immediate threat.

Campagna HQ also sends back word that things are running normally, but many more worlds exist out there, and both Campagna and Greystar itself are close to completing many of their goals

4:19 PM

(not sure if you had anything you wanted to jump into)

(Hey I’m sorry for not letting you know but I think Eisheru did - I’ve been crushed by work for the past couple weeks and wife was sick this week so been slacking here - will jump back in today)

(You're good man, Im just glad you're still with us!)

2

After attending to some Campana business, Kelvin makes preparations for his trip to Shaila.

5:52 PM

(He’ll study piloting for the duration)

The planet Shaila has seen much Greystar attention, by time you arrive. Two corvettes are lifting off from the surface, one of them heavily damaged but still spaceworthy. The comms light up as they seek to offer their local knowledge to assist you

Kelvin responds. “Agent Kelvin Bell here. I’m preparing to land to secure the Academy. Anything you can share that might help would be most appreciated. But first, what’s happened to your ship?”

"A feral managed to attack us, followed by a raiding clan on the surface below. We lost an agent down there, they threw him off the hovercraft when he tried to board them. There's a map, should be downloading now. Lots of electronics and books, but he didn;t really try to get at any of it. The Flock of New Israel is securing the site for us now. We paid them well, but they won't set foot inside without a greystar representative

“Thank you. And I’m sorry to hear about the agent. Sounds like my timing is good then - I’ll head to meet the Flock. Anything I should know about them?”

(Just what’s in the handout) “The flock are good people. Better now with the ferals handled

2:19 PM

Once the raiders are handled, it’ll be even easier for them”

(The map is up on roll20 as well under the psychic academy folder. theres an unclaimed sites sub folder. We didn't really get a chance to go through many doors or pull from databanks, but Lucius was able to do some general scouting before he was killed)

(Did he go in solo or with some NPC help?)

“Great, thanks for the info guys. You headed back to Acastus? Get that thing fixed up.”

4:44 PM

(Ready for landing)

(Lucius went in by himself)

7:11 PM

(Didn’t run into automated security)

“We are. Had some trouble with a feral getting on board. Fried the reactor but it’s restarted now. Enough to get home. You shouldn’t see any more of those things on the surface now. That second wave of energy seemed to finally let them rest. I don’t think the raiders will be back anytime soon either. The flock and the fact that someone boarded their hover fire seemed to make them pause for now.

“Good to hear. Thanks for the information. Take care of yourselves.” Kelvin requests transmission of landing coordinates and prepares for landing.

The ships pass along an encouraging message each before providing radio contact information for the Flock of New Israel. Pleasant sort , they’re standing by on the ground, providing external site security. Help with their raider problem has evidently been payment enough The ship sets down on the desert sands within a loose ring of hovercraft. Men and women wearing bandannas and dust goggles patrol, many with old pattern rimworlder semi automatic rifles. A few have something more modern- some look like they were distributed from Greystar ship armories

Kelvin exits, his arm shielding his face from the swirling sand. He looks for someone that might be in charge.

A man dressed in the regalia of a rabbi approaches. He wears woven armor under the desert clothing and despite being a spiritual leader he hasn’t exempted himself from carrying a weapon. A Star of David has been carved into the stock of his rifle, along with ‘God is my point-man’ underneath

3

“Hi there. Agent Kelvin Bell. Assume you’re in charge here?” Kelvin extends a hand.

“Rabbi Goldberg. I was in charge until you showed up , not that I’m unhappy at handing things off. There hasn’t been much done inside Agent Bell. We have site security in hand but haven’t sent anyone in. Didn’t want to contaminate the site by poking in things we don’t understand”

“Understood. Would you recommend a security detail or do you think me and my drone will be ok in there?” Kelvin thumbs back towards his drone hovering overhead.

"I think you'll be alright, more men would just get in the way or increase your risk of triggering something. The ferals were the unintentional best defense of the whole place, with them gone, I think us, Greystar, and the raiders all realized this was the best time to explore all around the same time"

“Sounds good, thanks Rabbi. We appreciate your help here. Anything else I should know before I head in there?”

"Not much to tell, the last agent who came to check it out didn't really try anything."

“Hm. Alright then. I’ll make my way in.” Kelvin preps his pack and laser rifle and after shaking hands with the Rabbi he starts to head to the Academy.

(need me to pin the map?)

(That would be great thx)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 4/30/2020 7:58 AM

(Youre coming in at the south, where the dotted line is)

(And this hasn’t really been explored before?)

(no. Lucius went inside and found a couple locked doors, and then left)

Kelvin looks around the courtyard to see if there’s anything for interest, then heads through the door to the East, to where the labs are (heading to the “Expo” room first)

in lab 4, the door is open, and an elaborate set up of beakers and tubes is on display, all leading to a stained coffee cup. A small book has been left under the table, the corner of the red cover barely visible among the other detritus in the room

Kelvin steps forward to check out the book

HOW TO MAKE A CHEMICALLY PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE IN 106 EASY STEPS is written on the cover. A skilled EK and Telekinesis user is clearly the author, and you notice for them, there are far fewer steps involved to make the perfect brew. this glass and metal set up seems to be the end result of a hobby project lasting months, if not years

Kelvin eyes the book. “Hm, Eisheru might be interested in this.” He pockets it and looks over the array of tubes and beakers and the rest of the room. (If nothing else of interest here or the Expo room Kelvin will move to Lab 3)

(No one went into the expo room. The door is locked )

1:12 PM

(Which would be a sneak/dex to pick)

Kelvin tries picking the lock (That’s a 10 - added 1 in R20 by accident)

The lock clicks open and the door leads to a large exhibit where some sort of helmet is on display. Wires lead from it to a bank of computers and something called the Mindwall project is continually trying to reconnect with its Data source

Kelvin walks up to the computers to see if he can interrupt the code and access any local data (edited)

The sequence can be cancelled , it is hovering around 70% complete and although there is a download going, it seems to be moving glacially slow

While that’s going, Kelvin takes a look at the helmet. (Anything I can tell about what it might do from looking at it, or looking at anything on the computers without yet interrupting the download? Could I tell where the “server” it is downloading from is located?)

(Server is on campus but not in this room) The helmet and research you can load were looking into a way to artificially implant the nullification arts into a piece of technology. The hope was eventually to miniaturize it into a neuron chip for implantation in deep black operatives

(If i remove the helmet will it render it useless without a download?)

(Right now 70% of the total information is on it. The download will stop. It’s unclear if 70% is enough to make this function in a meaningful way)

(Sorry I’m back! Will keep this moving)

9:25 AM

Kelvin leaves the helmet for now, wanting to see if he can find the server and maybe see why it’s so slow. He moves to other rooms in the hallway (Headed to try Lab 3)

The door to lab 3 is open, you can see scratches on the doorknob like someone has tried to pick this recently. The door opens to a bank of computers, set into the wall, that all seem to be working on the project next door, judging by how warm the room is. The main exhibit table is empty, aside from a few pieces of wire that were not used, and some small hand tools for manipulating electrical work

Kelvin approaches the computers, to see if he can determine if they are functioning properly or why the download might be slow.

IT seems like they are struggling with the sheer amount of information that needs to be packed into the helmet before it is ready for use. The collapse of quantum computing after the scream is the reason this is going so slowly. It looks like there were more databanks this was once feeding from that did use this quantum technology, but they are offline, represented on the network status panel by empty black boxes

(Any way to download some of the information to my compad? Like obviously not the whole dataset but perhaps some pieces/schematics that might be helpful for our scientists?)

(A very generalized view of whats going on here, but yes)

9:37 AM

(think of it like giving them the border of the puzzle, but not the middle)

(Alright so he does that, then moves to Lab 2)

broken furniture barricades the stairs you pass on your right, on the way to lab 2, where the door is locked. This one looks free from attempted tampering.

(Sneak/dex 12 to pick lock)

The door opens, and the smell of burning electronics fills your senses. The quantum computing network in this room has fried, all leading back to the mindwall helmet. There was an actual fire here, at one time, and the towers themselves are blackened, their insides having run like molten rivers of metal and rubber.

“Well shit.”

10:12 AM

(Anything else of interest in here? If not he’ll move to 2)

(could see if anything is salvageable from the computers, just looking in from the door, you cant really see how some of them look toward the center)

Kelvins steps inside to assess the damage, looking in the towers for any possible salvageable hardware or anything from which data could be recovered.

You find a pretech component inside one, some advanced computing parts that would be equally at home on anything you bound it to

3:03 PM

(I wanted you to have one so bad I’m like please don’t leave)

2

Kelvin puts the component and parts in his bag and moves to Lab 1

The first lab in this wing has another set of quantum computers in it. These seem to be intact and are likely most of the power behind the large download happening outside. The room is very hot from all the electronics in close proximity

(Anything to recover or just racks of computers?)

(nothing to recover, but the room is aiding the download)

(Alright gonna let that run, go take a peek out the terrace and then to the library)

The terrace is coming back to life. Several skeletons from long deceased ferals, or original academy inhabitants have fallen here, and desert flowers, creeping vines, and small lizards who drink the dew from these plants inhabit the area. Brilliant yellow flowers, the same hue as the local sun, seem to follow its movements across the sky, giving life to broad, green leaves

Kelvin steps out to examine the skeletons. (Particularly any humans)

The bodies all look to be human. Desert scavengers have picked the skeletons clean and plants have begun to grow off the extra nutrients here. Many show signs of being twisted in unnatural shapes or agonized like poses. One has something like a staff of office in its skeletal grip, the head fashioned into a pyramid with an onyx like eye

(Kelvins going to try to take the staff of office, and if it comes loose, the eye)

The staff remains solid, and in your hands feels almost like it is something you owned forever. It is almost like an innate understanding of this place is imprinted on you when you are holding it.