A couple of quick questions.

You mentioned a -10 DM to crack the security program, is that based on Darrel's abilities (or lack of ) or the TL/Level of the security program itself? A level 3 security program, IMO, that's a serious program.

A random security program that doesn't allow a backdoor to stop it. I understand the reasoning behind that, so the password couldn't be tortured/intimidated out of someone, but, is that considered normal on a commercial ship?

Not trying to read to much into it, it might just be a holdover from when the SDB was in military service, or it might be something more.

The -10 isn't about the tech level, it's about the sophistication of the program.


A program with a backdoor is only functional if the user doesn't know that there's a backdoor or what the password is. On a commercial computer, someone else on the ship (usually chosen at random) is given the password. On a private ship, all bets are off. A 'double redundancy' system is often used--the person who thinks they've got the password discovers it doesn't work.

It's probable that the captain didn't write the program, nor did any other crew member.

I should have worded that better....

A security-3 rated program is -6DM, so I am assuming that is what is running and the other - DMs are other issues...but, my point being (at least to the other players) doesn't a security-3 rated program seem military grade, and not something you would normally see on an old "decommissioned" SDB?

I shouldn't have used the word "backdoor" initally, what I basically meant, it's strange that the captain of the ship doesn't have the password.

But maybe he does and I'm jumping the gun....

While military systems typically are Security-3, they aren't the only ones that use that level. In this case, the program is probably running at a Security-5 level or equivalent.

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 953):

And that fact, in itself, should make us say "Hmmm..."

  I'm guessing that the 'atmosphere held in place' bit is also tech beyond normal?

  ... and the "nearing the 1000 post limit" nag line is showing up. Time for OOC +1.

As far as I recall, the TL of "force fields" for atmosphere is something like 16?

That would be around TL14+?

And people call me paranoid....

  All this stuff must be outside the core book, which means it's not just the character who's clueless in my case. :P

I actually am enjoying the surprises, though my inner old grumpy grognard whines at times. In our own situation, the deployment of such high tech stuff makes me wonder who you lot, and now by extension poor Pablo, have fallen in with.

Mahahahaha....if only you knew....;-)

My hats off to the GM, I've also been constantly surprised.

Quick note, we seem to have forgotten one NPC, Mr. Tolman...did he come on our little trip?

Isn't the scout which brought us here still in the area? Maybe a status report is in order.

  Darrel: I think that anyone who isn't still a PC has been quietly set aside. We're already a big group as it is!

In reply to Kaengarr Ruzokh (msg # 962):

Yea, I see your point, but...he is a semi-employee, I have spent a considerable amount of money, and more importantly, through him I've developed some contacts that might prove useful later.

I think you've probably noticed, I'm working on establishing a "network", people and institutions that can provide benefits/abilities that we ourselves can't.

Anyways, no worries... ;-)

In reply to Darrel Cromwell (msg # 963):

Over the years, in various places, I have encountered a term which may apply towards all the surprise security and Tech we're encountering....IMTU.

It means "In My Traveller Universe". Star*Master may be throwing a few of his own IMTU twists at us.  And I like it ^_^

Hey, if Darrel is looking for ex-military personnel, Pablo could probably use somebody to point him at the correct people to shoot. Or not shoot, as the case may be.  He can do some other things too, but nothing others in the group can't match or better.

Also, given this group's tendency towards humanitarianism and non-murder, Pablo *will* be buying a snub pistol and/or an accelerator rifle at the earliest opportunity, and laying in supplies of tranq rounds and gas grenades.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Fri 18 Dec 2015.

Well I at least tend more towards aslanarianism.

  ...and that means?

  Pablo, that last post of yours - are you writing that to just the four of you (Walter, Sharik, Pablo, Vonon) or are you figuring it happens afterward when we're all back from the Long Shot (with or without the hijackers)?

In reply to Kaengarr Ruzokh (msg # 968):

In my mind, I was thinking aboard the launch, so yeah, those four would be physically on hand, but Pablo could be on the squad channel too, for convenient and equal opportunities to cut him off at the knees.

  StarMaster, is the Rock Dancer operational (we can fly it) or is it locked down/locked out somehow too?

The Rock Dancer has a password to activate, but you can get that from any of the hijackers as they all have pilot skill and know the password.

  Okay. Edited my last IC post with the new plan!

  And the next question would be: about how long will it take to get back to Grendal with these three ships (assuming that the launch can piggyback again)?

For the sake of future 'issues', I think it's safe to assume that whenever someone speaks, if he doesn't actually say it's addressed to someone specific or he/she doesn't specify a location, then whatever is said is either heard by everyone (via comms if necessary) or relayed to them.

In other words, if the speaking character isn't trying to keep it a secret, then anyone who needs to hear it... hears it.