On arrival at Lone Pine, you find the vessel awaiting in orbit. It is a little different from what you expected, but it is set up to look like a Regular Gashidda, complete with a Giriian IFF for a long range patrol craft. The scan signature even matches. The cash you get to knoeep in case it is needed.

Choices for crew? You could perhaps pick some of Cyril's old crew...or new members is Chris is interested.

AK Explorer Gashidda, 400 dTon Close Structure

(1.6G/Move:370, dDR:90, dHP: 65, Cargo Space: 4 dTons, Jump Range: 2 Parsecs, SM:+9)
Crew:39, Life Support:40, Food Production: 30, 2 Workshops, Robofac, 2 Bed Hospital, 3 Laboritories, Survey Module

2x AK APC, 1x AK Miniminer, 1x AK Modular Fuel Drone Skimmer, 1x AKHB Recovery, 1x AKHB Surveyor

Weapons: 9xBeam, 1xMissile, 2xSandcaster

18 Oct 2184, Sukun, $87,545,300

OOC: Me?

In reply to Bonny Taching (msg # 2):

If you want an extra character...

Sure. Want to PM the set up to me, please?

In reply to Bonny Taching (msg # 4):

Can do. Potential blank slate, or I can do up the basics. What interests you?

Opposite of Bonny, so let's see how I manage with aguy, an Exec or gun bunny, depending on vacancies/ slots. For the latter I was thinking of Amos from the Expanse. And yes, please, if you're happy to do the basics for me, then I'll tweak and tune.

An exec would be great, and if it's a guy, hopefully he is at least somewhat attractive, nice and  ummm similarly inclined.
Captain* Gloria Flake has been living a deprived life of late. She would likely flaunt the rules against fraternization with the right guy.

*As in Naval type Captain, one level below Admiral.

AK Explorer Gashidda, 400 dTon Close Structure

(1.6G/Move:370, dDR:90, dHP: 65, Cargo Space: 4 dTons, Jump Range: 2 Parsecs, SM:+9)
Crew:39, Life Support:40, Food Production: 30, 2 Workshops, Robofac, 2 Bed Hospital, 3 Laboritories, Survey Module

2x AK APC, 1x AK Miniminer, 1x AK Modular Fuel Drone Skimmer, 1x AKHB Recovery, 1x AKHB Surveyor

Weapons: 9xBeam, 1xMissile, 2xSandcaster

18 Oct 2184, Sukun, $87,545,300

Captain Flake sees some immediate issues:
39 crew (assuming that includes her and Lois) and yet the abiliy to only produce food for 30? A mandatory rotating diet program?
Likewise Life support is very minimal.
She isn't so thrilled with the rest of the Stats either, thinking back to some earlier ships she had commanded.
But they would not have been seen as a simple exploration vessel either.

I'll ask for some additional clarification of mission from local officials.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 8):

The vacancies are fairly wide-ranging, with 5 troops being included in the compliment, as well as scientists, medics and usual crew members. You can define the types of labs, but recommended options are Biological and Chemical are recommended. The skimmer drone can be a remote controlled one of you choose, as could the mini-miner.

The food vats are very large, but would take up too much space to fit a full supply. A custom ship would suit better, but any Vilani meetings would make your origins immediately obvious. Some extra food will need to be found with away teams.

The plan is to explore along the Vilani border, ranging as far from the border as you choose, in order to seek out other barbarians that might be suitable allies to open other fronts against the Vilani.

Other option would be a modified Shamshir, but this would be recognized pretty much on sight as a stolen Vilani warship, and usually attacked as barbarian. Hence, this would not be able to visit Vilani space, and with it's low speed, it could not outrun more powerful ships should it encounter them.

AK Explorer Shamshir, 1000 dTon Flattened Sphere
(2.6G/Move:3272, dDR:100, dHP: 92, Cargo Space: 11.5 dTons, Jump Range: 2 Parsecs, SM:+10)
Crew:74, Life Support:80, Food Production: 80, 4 Workshops, 2 Robofacs, 5 Bed Hospital, 4 Laboratories, Survey Module
1x AK Modular Speeder, 2x AK APC, 2x AK Miniminer, 1x AK Modular Fuel Drone Skimmer, 1x AKHB Fighter, 1x AKHB Recovery, 1x AKHB Surveyor
Weapons: 21xBeam, 1xMissile, 2xSandcaster,
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:00, Wed 13 Apr 2022.

As much as I want y old Shamshirs, they aren't appropriate to the mission.
We will keep the Gashidda; could we create a slightly larger cargo area, so we can store more food as well as biological and geophysical supplies. 4 tons just isn't enough for everything. Would an AK 2 to 4 foot extension be all that noticable?

Drone says it is remotely controlled or preprogrammed with an over ride option.
Th Miniminer would probably be better as a human controlled device, as we aren't really mining as much as collecting samples.

Labs would most likely be  Geophysical, Biological [botany and biology] and Chemical.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 10):

Agree about the choice of vessels. Extensions just increase the chance of being noticed. Don't forget many of the small craft have some cargo capacity as well. The vatfac food may keep you alive, but most folk tire of it pretty fast , so most would want some supplies as well. Unused bunks can also hold some items to, and the Robofacs (there is also one on the recovery ball) can manufacture a lot as well. Chemistry Labs can also make small amounts of chemical supplies as needed.

I get all that. How much space does this vat fac take up?

How are the sleeping arrangements set up?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Wed 13 Apr 2022.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 12):

Vatfac takes up 20 dTons per 20 persons fed, from memory. You have 30 state rooms and a bunk room of 10, so most get a state room to themselves.

Of course, multi-tasking individuals will enable you to reduce the number on board...to a point. Breakdown as follows:
Command: 5 (Captain, Navigator, Pilot, Engineer, Comms)
Security/Troops: 6, include 4 for turrets, Weapons repair, command
Engineering: 5 (Specialists Fusion, Jump, Life Support, Robofac, Hull)
Flight crews/small craft pilots: 9 (include 6 pilots, 2 mechanics, 1 flight controller)
Scientists: 11 (includes 2x 4 man survey module crews, and one specialist per lab)
Cook: 1
Medics: 2

Total: 39
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:02, Thu 14 Apr 2022.

Who is my sensor  operator?  a Criticl position in my thinking.
Lois doesn't yet have a job, but will. right now she is Midshipman Alley. She has a lot to learn.
I will presume she doesn't mind working for the Terran navy, given the way the Vilani treated her.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 14):

No, she does not mind getting away from the Vilani at all. Given her time with Terran medical researchers, she would qualify as a nurse, with some desert survival skills. But she was also a capable Aerospace pilot, so she would fit as one of them. In fact, in trying her out, she is a naturally talented pilot. But she still uses her old slug thrower, while most human explorers use energy weapons that do not require ammo.

Operators would be selected with skill of 15 in their primary skills.

Edit: Updated the Players Vessels to reflect. That look right?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:40, Thu 14 Apr 2022.

Looks about right as best I can tell, although vry tired right now.

Lois can fit in as one of the medics for now, but will also get more training as the ships back up pilot.
No Dr aboard? Was hoping to also train her as a nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner ... it is likely to b a long flight ;-)

If you need specific crew, those you retired could be put aboard. The Hoolihans and Jamshid khalani.
Time wise it may be iffy, but who s going to track it?
Need to know who the exec is... or if Chris is doing something I'll be patient.
The ship design is very , very tight right now and we are likely going to have issues with space for any additional folks.

Captain's cabin is a single as are the other two officers; the Exec, who will also have an additional duty, Like Navigation or Engineering.
Officers are Cdr, Exec/Nav and Engineering.
Warrent Officers are Comms.Sensors,  Pilot and Flight Controller.
Petty officers are Security Section Leader; Senior Medic; One for the Fusion/jump section and One for Life Support/Hull,  and the two 20 ton ship pilots and One Mechanic.

the remaining are crew, excepting the Scientific Specialists who get paid on a different basis and have no command authority.
Officers are one per cabin
Warrents are two per cabin
Petty Officers are two per cabin excepting the Chief Medic who gets a single cabin off of sick bay.
The 14 other ranks are 4 to a cabin excepting the cook and the medic who share a cabin (due to odd hours of work).
The senior Scientific lead gets a single cabin, all others share a two person cabin.

Thus optimally, that requires 19 Cabins, but gender and other issues  (families, compatibility issues or women with children) will likely require a few more. The ship has 25 Cabins and a storage area that can be rigged with 10 bunks if needed. 5 Cabins are now locked storage for medical, scientific  or ships supplies (freeze dried food etc).
This should significantly increase or cargo space/tonnage although it may be more awkward to load and access.

Acceptable?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 16):

2 Medics, both assumed Doctors of differing specialties. As a pilot, she can also double as a nurse...

I will have to go through the crew from Cyril and see. Perhaps Tanya as Navigator, though not Duke I think. He would be stuck in a lab somewhere.

We can say the ship actually has 10 double and 10 single cabins and a bunkroom for 10, as staterooms can be double or single, but single will be half the size, but I think all will be needed. The small craft have better expansion for supplies...

OK, so Medic means different things to us. medic to me is someone with 10 to 28 wks of traingin and who is NOT a Dr.  US Army Medics are advanced First Aid providers, US Navy and Marine medics get far more trainging and have performed successful appendectomies and the like.

Lois can go either way, what is her piloting skill?
Tanya could be Navigator, but if I recall, she was a Comms and Sensor's specialist. Given our mission, that could easily be an officer position.

I am going to guess a double stateroom/Cabin will be a 12x12 foot or 3.6 meter square with beds, desk(s),closet/cabinets for storage and a small bathroom. we could have 2 differing sizes of Doubles too. A 3 by 3 meter for officers and a 4x4 meter for the captaain BUT he does need an office separate. The Captains office is for official duties/discipline hearings or speaking wth other officials in private.

Other officers get a double sized cabin with only one bed. We would seem to benefit from two different sized double cabins here.

A single Cabin is about 2 meters wide by 3 long and probably shares a (separate) bathroom with another single cabin.

I had a quadruple cabin, which was a double with double bunks on each side, 4 closests/chests and a bathroom for the crew. The Bunks could fold up for space reasons. It's a sleeping and bathing only with a common area for reading, talking, games and the like.

With only 10 doubles, they have to move into the bunk room, which at 10 bunks is too small. Needs to hold 12+. (potential gender issues here) or two or three smaller bunk rooms.

Not sure how to handle the sceintific crew, but for the moement will consider they all get a single cabin.

So I come up with:
Captain                   1 single as office and one double as cabin
Officers                   3 Doubles
Warrent officers     2 Singles
Petty Officers         4 Doubles Shared.
Crew                         1 Bunk room for 12+   Or 3 Double Cabins with double occupancy [2 per single or 4 per double].
Scientific Crew      11 Singles?
Medic station           1 double [sickbay] and 2 singles for the medics
Kitchen                      2 singles?  I for cooking and one for sleeping.
Thus we end up with 9 doubles, 18 singles and a need for 12+ bunk spaces in multiple rooms.

10 and 10 doesn't work well

OOC: Is Brutus due to be inhabiting this thread?

Brutus? a Security person? Uh Oh! sounds like a GESTAPO type. Vee vish to ask you a few questions

"Officer and professionally trained Beam Gunner, in case you didn't know, and talk to my mother about the name," replies Brutus with a strained smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Fri 15 Apr 2022.

Sh shakes her head... No, I am sure she had very good reasons. I apologize for making fun of your name, I understand what a pain it can be, believe me growing up as a Glorious Flake was no fun. So you head the security Team?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Sat 16 Apr 2022.

Looking uncomfortable for a moment he replies, " fine name, if I may say so. Yes, ma'am."

======
OOC: This is a military vessel?

Yes it is, although it is meant to look much more like a commercial vessel.

OOC: I've just started reading the IW future history. Things make a lot more sense to me. Feels like the politics and some of the Tech in the Expanse could have been based on Traveller.

I think it is all based on traveler, some a bit more loosely than other parts.
Some of the technology is rapidly being overrun in real life, in a variety of areas, while other technologies are still well out of our grasp.
Makes it confusing when my phone will do more than some of the current game story computers and for less money.
It's a game, but can be confusing in places.

Given the Gashida deck Plan in ISW, wouldn't a Lightening class cargo ship be better?
Not sure what is bigger in the Vilani world, but maybe a sharushid?

The Gashidda,even if all rooms were doubles, would be suprnmely tight and require significant modification.

Also there is no room for all those different small craft. We are going to need to adjust the ship size. Crew should be adequate for a commercial sort of ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Sat 16 Apr 2022.

The Terran Zheng Hi and the Karl Marx Classes look like the sort of ship we need, but the Vilani do not seem to have anythng commensurate.
They both will accomodate the multiple ships boats and have the crew space.

Or we could siamese two Gashiddas together! One on top of the other. It would only have two boat bays tho.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 28):

There are a couple of issues with those suggestions:

1) You are going along the Vilani border, sometimes closely, sometimes distant. You do not want to be clearly identified as Terran, as you are at war, but would like to have something that could pass for Vilani. That narrows down your options to Vilani Hulls. The 2,000 dTon Sharshurid freighters may also work, but they are not able to wilderness refuel, so their presence in new world will immediately arouse suspicion. Gashiddas, by contrast, chase pirates everywhere. The Remote freighter is about the only other acceptable design, but that too would raise the question of whom you are trading with, raising the pirate idea quickly.

2)The design got the Gashidda is existent, ie it is a working design with those small craft. Vessels can have up to 20% of their displacement in small craft, or 80 dTons for a 400 dTon Gashidda.

Yes, the Traveler world has been given a lot of issues with rapidly advancing technology, as it assumed low Cyber tech, which is starting to approach Shadowrun and has in places already overrun the Traveler canon. In these situations, I am making the call that if it exists, it can exist in the game world, but if it is defined already in Canon, then I will try to run with canon. Computers do present increasing issues, as do automation...where earth is probably approaching TL9 now.

OK, I didn't follow 2) ... The Gashidda doesn't have sufficeint room for the crew of 40 in an acceptable arrangement.
The Captain is not about to have an assigned roomie and I expect the other officers will feel the same.
The Ship layout from ISW shows a single bay for a "Gig" . Not exactly sure what that is...
Now if we put some Officers cabins behind the bridge it might work.
Sick bay is taken care of, but Labs are not and where do you plan to dock all those small craft: 1x AK Modular Speeder, 2x AK APC, 2x AK Miniminer, 1x AK Modular Fuel Drone Skimmer, 1x AKHB Fighter, 1x AKHB Recovery, 1x AKHB Surveyor

The AKHB Fighter, Surveyor and Recovery are 20 ton balls (Very un-Vilani); the other six ships seem to be 6 tonners... but we are still at 96 tons of small craft. We really need a bigger ship or a reduced misson component.  Why 2 APCs? We don't have any troops to deploy, so it's just a truck. The Speeder might be more useful than either APC.

So if we take it down to 1x AK Modular Speeder,  1x AK Miniminer, 1x AK Modular Fuel Drone Skimmer, 1x AKHB Fighter, 1x AKHB Recovery, 1x AKHB Surveyor we are now at 78 tons of small craft.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 30):

The Gashidda has sufficient room for a crew of 40. You are arguing that that the Terran Military, which normally houses all low ranked sailors in Bunks, does not have sufficient accommodation when only a few (< 25%) have to share a bunkroom? State rooms can be small individual cabins, or larger shared. They are normal officer accommodation for Terran Officers.

The layout will be significantly different from the standard shown. It also has no Vatfacs...

4x 6 dTon Modular Craft, 2x 20 dTon Modular Craft, by my calculations that is 64 dTons. Check players Vessels for details...not sure where you got 96 dTons from, but you would not have space even for 78 dTons. One of the APCs has been replaced by one with a Lab, the other is in case you find some hostile natives and need to extract your folk. But your call, I could replace both with the lab version, of have one with a sickbay and possibly a workshop. Or a speeder...

OOC: I'm still very interested in this game but will wiat for you folks to hash out the tech details of the ship design. (It's not that I'm uninterested just don't know enough about it to contribute meaningfully).
This message was last edited by the player at 12:35, Mon 18 Apr 2022.

In reply to Fate (msg # 31):

It appears I copied the ships from Msg 9. about a Shamshir ... OK so squeezing into a Gashidda. Perhaps an extra cargo area can be added above the Bridge/cargo area or below the lower engie room.

OK, so we push two cabins into a bunk room for 6-9, two of these remove 4 cabins but sleep 12-18 crew.
16 Cabins left- 12 for the ships officers and petty officers and 4 for the Scientific crew.
That likely works.
Captain -                 2 cabins, sleeping and office.
Officers                   3 Single Cabins
Warrent officers     2 Single  Cabins
Petty Officers         4 Cabins Shared.
Medics                     1 Cabin Shared.

Scientific Crew       2 shared and 1 bunk room

*IF* w put the Captains quarters up behind the bridge with a sleeping area and an office. the two Cabins she would otherwise use could be used for  bunkroom for a Fire Team of Marines. which would add 6 to the crew ... could that be sustained? That makes boarding and counter boarding asan option and gives Brutus something to command. I assume Brutus will be at least a Petty officer, possiblya warrent officer or Lt.

1 APC, One modified APC w/ a Lab; 1 Mini=miner, 1 Fuel Skimmer, and the two 20 craft (1x AKHB Recovery, 1x AKHB Surveyor). 64 tons of small craft.

Do male and female crew sleep together in the same bunkroom? should we add a midewife and day care facility?

Would Brutus be Army? Or Marine? Or Navy?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:24, Mon 18 Apr 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 34):

Brutus would likely be Navy or Marine.

Navy then: Master Chief

Welcome aboard Chief.

"Master Chief, if you please," he replies.

LoL... not in my Navy... all Chiefs are addressed informally as Chief. All Marine equivalents are addressed informally as Gunny (Gunnery Sergeant). Like with the other ranks, stipulating a specific rank means it is a formal situation or they are in trouble.

No Clue what the Air farce does, but the Army is the only one to specify Platoon Sergeant, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant (First Shirt behind his back) and Sergeant Major.

Likewise all Lieutentants (in the Army, Air farce and Marines) are just Lieutenant, not First Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant except in formal situations . In the Navy the ranks are differentiated (Ensign, Lt JG, Lt, Lt Cdr etc.)

For Colonels, normal use is just Colonel, calling a Lieutenant Colonel as such is either very formal  (like on orders for movement, assignment or promotion) or slightly insulting, as if you are taking down to him/her.

There is more, but I won't bore you, however "Welcome Chief" is proper informal language. "Welcome Master Chief Cartwright" should have you on edge.

Oh, one other Navy tradition... The ships captain, whether a Captain or other rank, is always "Captain xxx" or informally "Skipper" but not to his face.

Gloria Flake
Captain, Terran Navy
Commanding.
;-)

I blame Wiki

Well we can have Blue Dwarf detail how it's done in the RAN...

This message was deleted by the player at 18:10, Tue 26 Apr 2022.

In reply to Bonny Taching (msg # 42):

Cheif is formally a Chief Petty Officer, and as a senior sailor is well respected, but still not an officer. Commanding officer is called as such, regardless of rank, but only called a captain if they have four stripes or rings. Rank 4 is senior officer, commander or captain in navy or Leut. Col or full Col in the Army. Rank 5 and above do not adventure without a fleet of serious warships.

We Americans are less stuffy with names and more stuffy with relationships ...  Fraternazation is a big deal now and has been far more restrictive in the past in the US Military, while the Commonwealth has handled it with a good deal more grace and realistic views. I am assuming the terran Services have learned from this.

WW2 found some amazing cooperation, as Americans could smoke, but not have alcohol of any sort, while Commonwealth troops could have alcohol in controlled amounts but no tobacco.
Seems some interesting arrangements were made around these availabilities and limitations.

But Captain Flake will not be making eyes at Chief Cartwright or allowing any sort of open relationship between them, that is the unforgivable sin. If they need to confer about ships discipline (Cartwright is the head of the "police" aboard ship) in private, that's OK.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 44):

Yeah, in theory Commonwealth forces also do not allow relationships, but in practice this has only been enforced when it caused problems.

So if Mr Cartwright is chief of police does that mean Brutus needs to find another job?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 46):

Does he have multiple personalities? Otherwise, not necessarily. But he should be busy pretty much all the time doing something. Security strikes me as a never ending job though...

lol I hope not! One is enough to manage.
I was thinking that on a ship, chief of police = head of security.
Is that wrong?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 48):

That could be a suitable name, if the CO does not object.

lol I thought Cartwight was an NPC.
I haven't assimilated Brutus = Cartwright, doh!
OK, Head of Security is fine.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 50):

Lol, forget what you named him?

IRL I've been very poor with names since I can remenmber. It gets worse every decade. IG it's worse still unless I'm immersed. Sorry. Just me, not you,.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:49, Fri 22 Apr 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 52):

All good. We all make our own mistakes!

So, Brutus apllies for the Head of Security position.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 54):

Sounds good. Do you guys want me to make up characters for the rest of the crew, or should we just get started?

OOC:
(Ummm I thought Gloria had a ship and crew and so forth. ANy chance of a a couple of paragraphs fill in, please?)

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 56):

Sure.

You have been assembled for a secret missions by the Terran Navy. The war with the Vilani has seen Nusku seiged are reportedly recently captured. The assistance the Terrans were able to provide Girii (See Intelligence Reports, specifically the Giriian civil war) also enabled the defeat of many of the forces belonging to the local hostile Vilani command at Dingir.

Following that, the crew was assembled at Ceti-Command and sent with the ship through Giriian territory to Lone Pine, where they are to pick up some trusted locals as the final members of the crew, before venturing off the map the Vilani Borders, looking for other barbarians or Vilani sectors with whom they may ally.

TY, that's good.
So is Brutus meeting all these folks (including Gloria) for the first time?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 58):

First time meeting most, including Gloria, but you may have known a few of the security detail before, and maybe a few others. Ceti-Command is not a massive army, and most are drawn from there.

(TY. Have a bit of a grip on it now. Felt a bit adrift before.)

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 60):

Crew in Player Vessels has been updated. Some gaps, but key positions filled.

The smaller vessel has been selected due to its ability to be able to enter Vilani territory with minimal concerns. Whilst command does acknowledge that a larger ship would be more useful for exploration, they do not want to deploy such a vessel, despite general exploration vessels being larger, in order to permit unhindered passage through the Vilani border when necessary. You are also provided with $10,000,000 Vilani credits, which should be used sparingly, with supplies gained through foraging planets when possible. The Small craft with a laboritory is also equipped with a de-hydrator set to create long term supplies from food foraged on the planet, along with a Biology lab to ensure it is safe to eat.

As such, you have two capable linguists on board, as well as a Geonee Head of Engineering from Nusku. You have been given an IFF of Giriian long range border patrol craft.

Any further questions before you depart?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:22, Mon 25 Apr 2022.

Let me read up... just got back.

Julia Checkov had a child... and a Sister. Neither is aboard?
Dr Kyamoto worked with his wife, is she also aboard?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Tue 26 Apr 2022.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 62):

I am pretty sure the sister Alexei had the kids, and has stayed behind to look after them.

Dr Kumamoto can work with his wife....I had not gone that far.

OK, hat solves those issues.
 and was not Tanya Weaver the one who wanted every Vilani gutted slowly while alive due to theNukes theyused on her planet?
If so, she could be a bad choice here.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 64):

She was, though she has redirected that hatred to just the Imperial Vilani now, as they were the one who did the nuking. But she is a damn good Navigator...

OK, so i have a potential homicidal maniac aboard if we run across an Imperial Vilani anything ;-)

As the next most senior ranking, she would also be the XO? or would it be LCDR Evans?
Maybe the XO should be a CDR? Of course we have very few higher ranking officers.

No Warrant Officers I see... CPO seems a bit low for a qualified Dr/Medic with such good skills. Likewise for a Pilot, who would seem to be a lower officer rank. Not sure how the Commonwealth handles Pilots now? Still Petty Officers?

Brutus is a CPO as well? I can see him and Sigourney comparing dates of rank ;-)

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 66):

We usually have only one WO on a ship, but you are right in that I do not have one designated. XO and NO are usually separate. Perhaps Sigourney could be WO...Usually XO is in charge of security, which would be Brutus in this case, so he would be CMDR. Pilots are officers, usually Junior, either SBLT or LEUT in naval ranks. But to be clear I have just called them pilots.

As for the potential Homicidal maniac, I thought you would like company!

(What's an NO? And who's Sigourney?And what does 'dates of rank' mean? Thx)

LoL... all so common ... for a Military officer ;-)

NO= Navigation Officer
Sigourney is a CPO Security type from previous ships with other captains/crews ... basically a known quantity.

Date of rank is used to determine who is in charge if two or more folks have the same rank. The one holding the rank the longest being senior.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 69):

Sorry if we use a lot of acronyms...feel free to check on them in the future!

NP, it's actually a interesting.

Did I read correctly that Brutus had a promotion to Commander?

In reply to Fate (msg # 67):

Well security does work for the XO, but the XO seldom commands them... Brutus could be a LtJG or a WO.
And if Sigourney is a WO, Brutus needs to out rank her. I think she shoud go back to CPO and then Brutus can be a LT.
OR, if you want to Make Bruus the XO, he becomes Commander and Sigourney becomes the senior Security Team person.

Then LtCdr Evans could be a Lt or not.

On this ship with such a tight crew, I think second in command should be assigned to one of the extant officers.
I do think that this NO would not be a good choice ;-)  unless you want a war on the fringes.

(What's an Extant Officer?)

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 73):

A currently existing Officer... not a new one

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 74):

Well, a war on the fringes is certainly in Terras favour, and it is likely some higher up was concerned with how chummy you were with the Vilani, and wanted to balance it. Which would make it likely she would be the other candidate for XO.

LCDR Evans is head of the very large and important Engineering section... which will also cover flight mechanics. Other than pilots, scientists (who are really civilians in uniform) and security, they are really the department in charge of the ship. As a HOD, he should be at least LCDR, but that is not really a suitable position for the XO. XO should cover all HODs. NO would be HOD for pilots. Since Brutus is really HOD for security, he is also logical choice for XO.

Even I don't know what HOD means... but that is fine, send hm up to my quarters for his physical..

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 76):

Head Of Department? I thought that was a common one...

(I got HOD. Ha!)

Does  Brutus know anything about his captain (other than name and appearance)?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 78):

He would likely have been given a brief dossier indicating she had been involved in undercover work for some time, and insurgent work before that.

"Commander Cartwright reporting for duty, Captain, sir," snaps out Brutus standing ramrod straight.

Relax Commander, Have a seat, This isn't a battleship and we will be a lot more relaxd here. Please give  me some idea of where you have served and what sorts of duties you have had.

He sits, somewhat I'll at ease, and relates a very dry account of his military history with classified details omitted.

GM edit: Brutus joined in Chrysolite and had served there as a local home gaurd unit for several years, before being posted to the marine core. Serving in anti-piracy patrols when there was peace, he saw considerable ship to ship action before being sent to Ceti-Command to assist local forces there when that set of systems requested Terran protection. The ensuing tension there saw a lot of stress, but not much action for the troops, so Brutus has volunteered for this exploratory mission.

======
OOC: Help! I don't know enough here; a few sentences for Brutus's history put in on my behalf would be good, please.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:35, Thu 28 Apr 2022.

OOC: TY! Perfect. &#128522;

I see, so most of your action has been ship to ship boarding? most pirates don't have very powerful armament, although those around here are pretty damned tough. Many of the ships we will likely run into will be heavily missile armed if Vilani, so they require areful aim and quick firing so as many targets as possible can be dispatched. When we close, assuming we do, we then have to shoot out the bridge, sensors or turrets depending on our intents. We are a bit weak in the anti-boarding manpower so you will need to create kill zones and various blocks to protect our people an confine any boarders while we dispatch them.

Brutus relaxes somewhat: this captain spoke to his strengths. "Won't be a problem, sir! You can rely on me, sir! I'm good with guns, sir, most sorts, including ship's armaments."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

OK, Commander Take a deep breathe... I am NOT a Sir!  I thought it was obvious, but perhaps I have been in uniform too long.
You can address me as Ma'am or Captain or even Skipper. You may not address me as Sir.

"No, ma'am, you're definitely," a smile sneaks through just for a moment, "…a 'sir", ma'am. Sorry, ma'am."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

Did you wish to ride outside the ship, Commander?  her eyes says she is on it.

When she mentions 'ride' Brutus's eyes drop to her chest and then snap back to her face, his cheeks aflush, "Um it's been a while, ma'am. I misunderstood, ma'am. I meant no offense, ma'am. I look forward to serving under you, ma'am."

======
OOC: I actually put "not" in front of "a sir" but my phone decided to delete it and I didn't notice. Anyway, I've just run with it..
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

Gloria looks at him carefully, I look forward to working together then.

You will have over all resposibility for the ship, Chief of the Ship works for you, you keep me aware of everything, but most of it will be yours to deal with. We will have regular meetings and will continue to do so once underway. Ships condition, mechnical, supply and people problems and the like. Disiplinary problems will be discussed, so you know my thinking. I have seldom had any problems, but it is always a possibility.

"Aye, aye, ma'am," says Brutus, looking her straight in the eye. "Permission to speak freely, ma'am?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

With the door closed, I expect you to, we do not need any misunderstandings.

"Is it correct that we will be presenting ourselves to the outside world as civies, ma'am? If so, would it be appropriate for you to call me, Brutus, ma'am? Or otherwise to get used to dispensing with the rank title? And as another thing for transparency between us, I sometimes find difficulty relating to another person privately. You may have read that in my file. But it's never a problem professionally, ma'am"

======
OOC: Brutus is shy. Perhaps the captain may help him overcome that?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sat 30 Apr 2022.

Yes, That part is true, and thus Skipper is an allowed, if not preferred term. Once underway, we will dispense with any military rank terms. So you'd be 1st mate, and we have Comms, Navigator, Engines etc. It's going to be awkward for all of us for a while. We should likely leave all our work unifoms here in storage, but take a single dress uniform each in case we need to formaly meet and greet. Those can be stored away, where they are not likely to be found during even a reasonably detailed inspection.

You seem to be somewhat uncomfortable with my gender, is that going to be a problem for you, Brutus?

The '1st mate' nods positively at Gloria's comments.

"Professionally, no, ma.a.., um, skipper," Brutus says hesitating. "Off duty I think your, uh, gender is very nice."

A muscle twitchies in Brutus's cheek at his determination to not have wandering eyes.

Gloria fights a smirk  Good Job Brutus, I think we'll work well together.

She gets up and comes around the front of her desk, then leans back against it crossing her arms under her breasts giving them a slight front and center show. Brutus, all women have breasts, some bigger than others.  I am guessing you aren't too well acquainted with Breasts?  Women often don't mind you looking at them, but don't stare at them; when we talk, look me in the eyes ... which are NOT on my chest.  So, how many girls have you been close with, to the point they let you get familiar with their assets?

Brutus's cheecks glow red then crimson and it spreads down his neck as Gloria says something or other about it being fine 'looking at them' and then just as through electrocuted when called to look her in the eyes. For long seconds Brutus looks like a rabbit in headlights, and then his resolve, backbone and something else stiffen. "Well, skipper, are you telling me, that when we're in here, in private, you're happy for me to stare at them provided we're not talking?"

He looks his superior, almost just another person now, although a particulalrly interestingly-shaped one, in the eye, determined to show his mettle. "Depends how familiar, you mean, really. But, ok, then.. very slightly, five. Familiar two, almost three. And very, one. Now, how about you, um; this conversation might me arkward if I call you, skipper, but you, um, how many have you allowed to get familiar with your assets?"

Gloria laughs... So if i understand you, you have only been intimate enough with one women to see and handle her breasts Brutus? Did she teach you anything about them? As for me, I honestly never kept count, but it has been  ummm more than ten anyway. I tend to like men. and you can relax, I understand the Male fixation and I won't blow a fuse in here, out among the crew it is a very different situation.  There we must seem like puritans.

"Um yes, if you pout it like that, yes. Teach me?" Brutus answers looking uncharacteristically bewildered; (so obviously not.) He perks up on hearing Gloria's preferance and then quizzically catches the undertone engendered in the word 'tend'.

"Oh absolutely!! Puritans. Out there, completely!" Brutus echoses. "Sooo, teach? Lessons? You know, if you don't mind, what about those.. But only in here, of course..?"

She looks  bit stunned  So No woman ever told you how to rub or massge or whatever her breasts? Didn't say she liked you to do this or that? Honestly?

"Good god, no, never. Wish that she, even better, that they, had!" The blood starts to drain out of his cheeks as Brutus somehow nrmalises the weird conversation. "Do you?"

Do I? I don't understand. Are you asking if I tell the men I am involved with what I like? You can bet your boots I do. Do we need to have a basic Anatomy and Sex Ed course?

"I was asking if you like those rubbed. And massaged. And, fine, yes, provided it's not just theory." He grimaces and adds hopefully, "A practical course. In here? "

Gloria sighs and shakes her head  The things an officer is called upon to teach and be knowledgable of... If you so much as sy a word to anyone, even an eye roll, I'll have you take a space walk.

As she says that she is unbuttoning her uniform jacket, takes it off and lays it over a near by chair, then follows with her shirt. She faces Brutus
Breasts are sized, A to HH and beyond, which covers every size from sunny side up eggs to melons and beyond. Most women naturally fall in the B to D range, although a lot of men think they'd like their ladies bigger.  Of course these men forget that gravity affects heavier objects more than lighter ones and those very well developed or medically improved ladies soon suffer sagging. The Ladies with smaller breasts can often avoid that issue for decades. I am mesured a a full D or D1, depending on whose system they are using. I have managed to avoid any serious sagging by wearing very good support. She reaches back and unfastens the support, letting it slide down. There they are, the part projecting out is for babies and men to suck on, it can be very sensitive. The pink area around them is a bit less sensitive and sort of protects from chaffing, all the rest is truly just fatty tissu, but men like to rub them and women enjoy it when the right man rubs them, this is the hands on part, Brutus.

She will talk him through everything she knows about the subject in hand.

Eye initially popping out on springs, Brutus is exceptionally willing, attentive and obedient and happy to repeat all parts of the lesson to make certain he has the hang of it.

Gloria is quite willing to teach him to what ever level he wishes to pursue after she locks the door.

It has been a very long time and her resistance is quite low.

It will be quite a while then as Brutus concentrates all his efforts on her, only stopping when either they run out of time or Gloria gets too sensitive.

Far more Likely that Brutus will run out of steam ... but having gottn things straightened out, thy are off to a good start.

The captain will be more relaxed and in a better mood than anyone remembers since she arrived.

We make th final adjustments, load the final fresh produce and goods and get under way.
The XO and the Capatin work closely together and things run smoothly.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 108):

Will want a flight plan from Lone Pine...

We ask if Kuniinra and Kadardiir are still heavily patrolled.
Otherwise we hav to go around past Tralp and up toward Makra

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 110):

They are indeed, and piracy around Kamarira and Nurru and surrounding systems has been reported to be on the increase.

Do the Leaders at Lone Pine acknowledge their guys working up that way?

So it looks like 2312 -> 2213 -> 2012 -> 1911 -> 2008 -> 2007 -> 2106 -> 2104 -> 2102 -> 2040 -> 2239?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 112):

The trip to 2007 is straightforward as the systems are mapped, taking just 8 weeks due to the one day in each system refuelling.

However, the high rate of movement you are not able to get any supplies.

System 2007 is barely mapped, with 2 gas giants and seven planetary bodies, with the most habitable being a dry planet 8,000 miles in diameter. Covered by just 20% of surface water, the atmosphere is thin and would be breathable if it had more oxygen, but the lack of water results in a lack of plants, requiring respirators to be worn planetside.

13 Dec 2184, 2209, Supplies: 13,400 person days (use 70 per week, 6.7 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:05, Tue 10 May 2022.

OOC: (Over the 8 weeks, roughly how much "us" time might Gloria and Brutus manage? And as XO, how much off-duty time might Brutus get in an average 24h day cycle?)

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 114):

Most of that time is spent in hyperspace, so a lot of time is yours. Apart from drill and practice...

Gloria and Brutus spend a fair bit of time in her office getting things straight between them and resolving any issues . both of them  have gotten to know each other pretty well.

If we are having larder issues we can divert to Omni to replenish

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 116):

You filled you available space with supplies, so you have plenty remaining, as seen by the amount used. However, given the system from here are not well documented, jumping 2 at a time runs a greater risk of missing a valuable system. But your call. A basic system survey takes 10 days at least, during which time a second survey module can concurrently survey the next system to jump to.

13 Dec 2184, 2209, Supplies: 13,400 person days (use 70 per week, 6.7 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Tue 10 May 2022.

OK, so we need to specify which of these systems are already reconnoitered and which are not. I remember Cyril spent some time up here exploring, so suspect we have some knowledge  of these systems. I remember he visited Omni too. I assume that thos records are known and available for this trip.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 118):

Those records would be available to you, and are recorded in the intelligence reports page. Feel free to copy and paste them as you use them. I will assume anything not copied is not consulted!

So we have some record of the following; I note quite a few were not Charted. Not sure why the Scutum is listed when Dastavka did a lot of that exploration.

First voyage of exploration
Girii > Uamkua > Tralp > 1911 > 2110 > 2209* > 2208* > 2207 > 2206* > 2205* > 2104* > 2103* > 2102* > Irkhimmui(2302) > 2340* > 2239* > 2040* > 2102 > 2104 > 2004* > 2106* > 2007 > 2009 > 1911 > 2012 > 2213 > Lone Pine > 2213 > 2012 > Tralp > Uamkua > Girii
* Systems requiring Charting

Second Voyage of exploration, departed on 10 Apr 2179,
Girii > Marakna > 1714 > 1513 > 1313 > 1214 > 1415* >

29 Mar 2176, news of good new planet beyond the empire arrived to Girii. Settlers moved there to escape the civil war.
by Apr 2177, Populations from Zaraashi, Marakna, Rikshaniim, Gima and Dishushashig all moved to 1114 and 1214

So I gatherd we were to reconnoiter out past 2340 to coreward, or am I to chart all these looked at but uncharted systems? What happed to Scutum, since we don't hear about it after 1415*.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 120):

The Scutum did these voyages, charting the starred systems the Dastavka missed. It later headed Rimeard, charting more systems and disappeared during the Giriian civil war.

There are a lot of gaps they left, though. This was to allow ships to travel in this part of space. You are requested to do a more thorough investigation, to identify all habitable planets and potential allies, both in and outside of Vilani space. Similar, but different.

OK, with this clarification, we should have stopped at  2209*, then done 2008*,  then done 2208* then done 2206*, then done 2205*, then 2106, then 2004, 1905, 1904, 2104, 2103 etc.

We spend a week at each doing a thorough evaluation and scanning the next system we plan to look at. That should be at least 6 months worth of work.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Mon 09 May 2022.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 122):

Ok, we can change the last jump to 2209. You should note that there is an AK base at 2207. I note however that the more complete list is message 9 of 'The World you know' thread. This actually has a much more complete list...and it seems we both forgot about it! Cyril was marked as the author, probably by me on your behalf, but definitely with your knowledge!

(I found the first jump reference 2312 to the top right of he map and now understand the grid ref. TY. There is a suffix, possibly "A", on the map after the 2312. What does that mean? At the bottom of the same hex it says, I think, "Direnaa". Is that the name of that star system?
Do blank hexes mean "no systems"? Or just "not known"?
Further out to the bottom left of the map some hexes are named "Uncharted" and some "Unexplored". What do they mean exactly?)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Tue 03 May 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 124):

"A" to "E" directly under the system number is the class of starport there. Of there is no number, then there is no system there. The name is at the bottom, correct.

Unchartered means no-one has mapped out the system from a distance. You need to chart a system to jump to it. Unexplored means the system has been charged, but no one has visited the system. Both could have life there.

Got it! TY!!

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 126):

I have checked the map for Group 2, and the Explored systems definitely have the E to the right top of them.

So, have we settled on a route?

13 Dec 2184, 2209, Supplies: 13,400 person days (use 70 per week, 6.7 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Tue 10 May 2022.

I don't know for sure, as I have been pulled in so many directions, the past few days.
I'll try and get a route conformed ASAP.
Mother's Day here, and having made two of them, I was busy making the current one happy and checking on the other.

Middle Son made us Brunch which was quite good. Pastry cup with Bacon in it and a soft boiled egg on top, Muffins, Cherries, Fried Apples, sausage, bacon.  Quite a show for Mom, who had a couple of Mimosa's to go with it.

OK, Plan is : We have stopped at  2209*, will then do 2008*,  then done 2208* then done 2206*, then done 2205*, then 2106, then 2004, 1905, 1904, 2104, 2103 etc.  All of these Systems have an E, so have been explored to some unspecified extent. I am assuming all must be given a detailed survey barring any new Information from you.

We spend a week at each doing a thorough evaluation and scanning the next system we plan to look at. That should be at least 6 months worth of work. We will also harvest such food as we can and keep such valuables as we find.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 129):

Correct, though detailed surveys are really only needed where there may be life, which is actually a bit of a subjective criteria. A decent investigation to ascertain that there is no low tech intelligent life takes on average 10 days, though a proper planetary survey is more in the vicinity of several months.

Hence, the subjective evaluation of where to do it becomes relevant. We can role play any away parties where there is any chance.

Fine here.

Fair enough, we are little interested in places with no life or some form that is not water/O2/carbon based, although we will note any we find.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 132):

System 2209, Binary star, 4 Gas Giants and 3 planets with 2 moons combined.
   5,000 m dia, 60% surface water, Thin Atmosphere, low Oxygen

This planet does have considerable plant life, but little animal life. Some of the plants here consume oxygen and seem similar to rooted animals. Your survey here is rudimentary at best.

System 2008, Binary star, no Gas Giants but 2 planets with 7 moons.
   4,000 miles dia, 20% surface water but very thin atmosphere.

System 2208, Binary star, 4 Gas Giants and 0 planets with 5 moons combined.
   5,000 m dia, 20% surface water, Thin Atmosphere, high carbon and sulphur content.

This planet has acidic rain and little life as a result.

System 2206, Binary star, 3 Gas Giants and 0 planets with 2 moons combined.
   4,000 m dia, 40% surface water, Very Thin Atmosphere

Rita's Place (2205), Binary star, 4 Gas Giants and 3 planets with 2 moons combined.
   7,000 m dia, 60% surface water, Standard Atmosphere, AK Colony, Pop: 500

This small colony has two modified Gashiddas as security craft. It seems to be a scout outplacement, though there is a small scientific research base. Plentiful animal life here promises considerable supplies if you want to hunt for them. It is not currently on any trade grid though.

06 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

We identify ourselves, and ask to approach. We indicate we would like to trade as well.

Officers are gathered and told what we know so they can disseminate it to the crew.

Brutus desseminates.

[Private to Gloria Flake: Although it's only two words and totally innocent, that sounds like a dirty sentence.]

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 135):

I don't follow your thoughts Commander, please explain them to us.

"Your attention! Team briefing follows. We've reached 'Rita's Place', which is is in in binary system 2205. This system contains four gas giants, three planets and two moons. Rita's place is seven k diameter, 60% surface water and std atmposphere. There's an AK Colony, poulation 500, having two modified Gashiddas, presumed security craft. Seems like a scout outplacement with a small scientific research base. Animal life abounds, so potentially huntable. Away team roster B assemble in forty minutes. We're going to take a look and see about trading. it goes without saying keep your eyes peeled. Anything else, Captain?" briefs Brutus.

======
OOC: Debriefing later with Gloria?

No, That quite covrs it.

Privately to Brutus - likely more than they need or care about except I am sure a group will now want to go hunting, before we even know how the locals feel.
Let's see how the two Gashidda's act , it's also possible we could have a fight.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 138):

Once you identify yourselves, the Gashiddas stand down and ask about news.

The colony responds that peaceful visitors are welcome. They indicate a small paddack to land in, though regrettably have no fuel to offer.

06 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

We thank them, say we will go refuel first, then land. Do they need medical or geophysical help?


Brutus, would you like to go discuss what is and is not allowable here, when we land?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Tue 10 May 2022.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 140):

They have a small survey team, and grow many medical supplies locally. Particularly Vilani medical drugs. Their geophysical survey needs are met sufficiently by the local survey team.

News from home, mail, vehicles and small luxuries are what they are after. You are cleared to land after refueling.

We do land and i assume Brutus goes out with a couple of guards to make arrngements.
I doubt we have any mail, we will share the news we know and we have no vehicles to offer them.
Luxeries is open to some discussion...

"Yes, skipper."

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 143):

There are very few restrictions, though crime is treated very harshly. Don't kill, don't steal, don't mess around with other people.

Hunting is a popular activity, so a guide would be easy to access. Folk use energy weapons almost exclusively.

When Brutus brings back that information, Gloria will announce it and make it clear that causing trouble here is not going to be treated lightly.

She'll want hunting groups orgamized so they are not 15 people following a single guide. Then we'll peruse the town for things w might use and see what we have to spare for those here.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 145):

Being an AK Colony, they have a significant Robofac underground, and a number of automated autominers mining asteroids to feed it. As such, they need no spare parts. Indeed, with warning and blueprints, they can provide pretty much any spares.

They are also able to provide maps of the nearby Vilani world's. But other than spares and supplies, there is little that might be of value to you.

Who and how long do you want to spend hunting? There are 10 individuals able and willing to act as guides.

The modified Gashiddas are as follows

System Defence Gashidda, Upgrade Cost M$431.3 Solars + M$95.6 Solars for small craft, 400 dTon Close Structure
These system craft are impressive combatants for their size. But the sensors and Survey modules also give them excellent observation abilities.
(7G/Move:3250, dDR:160, dHP: 70, Cargo Space: 3 dTons, SM:+9, No Jump Capacity)
Crew:39, Life Support 40, 1 workshop, 1 Sickbay, 1 Survey Module, Sensors: 9 (24)
Weapons: 6xBeam, 2xPlasma, Small Craft: 1 AKHB Fighter, 1 AKHB Bomber, 1 AK APC (6 dTon Modular Craft)

06 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:02, Wed 11 May 2022.

Brutus brings back the information and then presents his thoughts to Gloria:

  "If they're a scientific community then they may value some of the system survey data that we've acquired.
  "Do we desire any upgrades to our vehicles? Or spare parts? Perhaps they may make such things, depending on timing."

He moves on to reflect on Gloria's comments on hunting. "Well, we've been on the ship, what, 15 weeks? So you're right, of course, time to stretch legs might be useful. What's normal fo a hunting trip? Six to eight people per pair of guides? Three day round trip and 'stay in touch'?"

Gloria shrugged That works I suppose, not sure how dangerous it is out there, but was thinking 3 hunters per guide. How many do we have who want to hunt? Fresh food is certainly desirable.

Brutis looks down at his datapad and consults the GM.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 149):

Security folk all like to hunt, as do most of the pilots, technicians and pilots. Assume there are 25 who relish the opportunity to walk planetside for a while, even if they are not so keen to shoot something.

OK, so we speak with the hunting guides and ask how many they wish in a party... then those who want to hunt may do so while those who want to just walk about can. We do keep 50% of the crew aboard and post a minimal guard.
Gloria takes a little time to walk around herself to see what they have.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 151):

The guides are less concerned with numbers than skill. They are happy with up to 15 skilled outdoors folk, but would prefer no more than 5 per guide for untrained folk.

Most of your people are somewhere in between, so you could average 1 per ten persons as a limit, but numbers are more favorable than that. However, transport is the other issue. They have a pair of trucks capable of 11 plus a quite (or 10 plus 2 guides) and five 4x4 capable of carrying 3 plus a guide. So that is probably the limit. At least 10 guides are available, for $500 per day with a vehicle (trucks are twice that, but allowing 2 guides per truck makes it the same.) Hence totat capacity is 35, so more than enough.

Let's go with one per five... we need the meat. And the trucks would be needed to haul in the kills as well. So two trucks takes care of 20 hunters. Anyone wanting something more select can rent a 4x4...

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 153):

Ok, so 2 express of 20. Some of the security want an extra trip as well, so at least one 4x4 is hired. There are plenty who would like to do more than one trip. Brutus, what about you?

06 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

"Good for team building," suggests Brutus. "How much time could you spare me for, skipper?"

She Shrugs, Whatever you need, go get us some meat.

He pauses for a second, smiles and then complies.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 157):

Brutus and Gloria in the first group heading out? On truck, or 4x4?
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:47, Sun 15 May 2022.

4x4, and maybe you meant Gloria?

I hope so, or we have a huge time/space warp to deal with ... Gloria smiles and declines the opportunity to hunt.

"Very well, Skipper. What kond of meat do you prefer?" asks Brutus.

I'm not too fussy, herbivores are generally the prey animals and the ones raised for domestic use, but birds or other meats, even some crustaceans and fish. Not big on shell fish like clams, mussels etc. I'll see if I can find something to go along with your catch.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 162):

The locals have smaller herbivores such as sheep and woolly mammoths, though warn of some carnivores that take them down in the cat family. The local climate is cooler, not quite arctic though. More like the tundra.

Warm clothes, appropriate weaponry and off we go.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 164):

Presumably taking a truck, in the absence of other information.

You set off from the base along a dirt road. The lightly wooded plains give way to tundra after about an hour, and by the second hour any semblance of a road is gone and the large wheels are needed all six wheels to power slowly through the tundra. The surface becomes rougher with large rocks dotting the landscape with increasing frequency as the truck begins to climb.

It is another two hours before you reach the mesa where the guides suggest you can find the 'sheep' herds in significant numbers. You get out an notice the herd about 2000 yards away. They are about the size of mules, but more solidly built, with large horns.

Your guide informs you they have hard heads, but the wool provides even more protection against energy weapons. They do not drop easily and may stampede when startled in a random direction if the threat is not obvious.

07 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

OOC: Roll stealth with a +5 bonus to sneak up to 1000 yards, roll again with an additional -1 accumulative for every 100 yards beyond that you advance beyond that (so stealth at 500 yds).
When you are happy with the range, roll an attack. SM +2, so +2 to your attack, including hit locations. Head DR3, torso DR5 vs energy, legs DR2 vs energy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:24, Mon 16 May 2022.

Brutus creeps 1400 yards closer to the large horned 'sheep', barely making any sound distinguishable from the background murmur.
Slowly and carefully he unlimbers his rifle and takes careful aim.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 166):

At 1400 yds, they do not notice you, but they are hard to hit!

Sorry for not being clearer - That was several checks to get to 600 yards distance..

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 168):

Ah, yes, saw in log. You spend an extra 20 minutes getting closer. It is getting much easier, but getting even closer would increase chances further. But the risk...rock litter the landscape here, providing a slight bonus to stealth (+1).

Taking his time and with a good resting place, the determined Brutus targets the creature's head.

======
OOC:
10:00, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,1.  Beam Rifle 14.
10:07, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 16,22,20,13,21 using 6d6,6d6,6d6,6d6,6d6.  Laser rifle damage. 1st 5 of RoF 10.
Each shot has DR2 after armour multiplier (2)
That's totally lethal

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 170):

Usually declare how many shots you are taking, and then divide the margin of victory by the recoil to see how many rounds could (possibly) hit.

But in this case, the creature drops. Others also fire within seconds, and 3 more drop. The herd then begins to stampede away.

07 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:19, Tue 17 May 2022.

Brutus lets them go and heads in to try and claim his kill. Unless the guides has (or does) advise otherwise, he heads in at a jog. "Well done, folks. Let's go have a look at dinner."

======
OOC: Ah, ok, I'd though that RoF 10 meant that the RoF is automatically fired in a one second round (10 in this case) and that the number the dodge suceeds by is the number of shots dodged. (And a critical success on the dodge means all shots miss.) Does this sound right?

OK, the laser rifle doesn't seem to have any recoil listed so I assume it's 1. Correct?
If so, shots fired = number possibly hitting. Margin/recoil = 4/1 =4 shots possible hitiing. Correct?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Tue 17 May 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 172):

The guide smiles.

"Best we camp here and butcher the meat. That will last a while. Not sure we will have room for more meat even if we kill it."

OOC: ROF is a maximum value...you can elect to shoot less to save ammunition. But dodge is about right.

Yes, recoil is 1 for lasers (Ultra Tech), so yes, for lasers, it is the margin of success. It is generally higher, with lower accuracy, for slug throwers.

"What we have will be fine," answers Brutus. "We will do as you advise, and thank you for the guidance. It is appreciated." He stretches and gets ready for the meat butchering and collection. "Tell me, if you would, is there anyone here, around the base, that's good at teaching how to use slugthrowers? I have some skill with them; definitely no newbie. So I'm thinking or a proper firearms instructor?"

As that conversation dies away, Brtus calls in to check on any others on planet and then back with the ship to confirm status and get an update on ship status also.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 174):

The guide has to pause from his work to answer your question about the slug thrower. "No. Wait, there is a couple of ex Vilani law enforcement officers, but the keep their ammunition stocks well guarded because they rely on restocking from scouts. But it would take weeks to learn much from them."

The other teams have shot a mammoth, bringing the total supplies to 100. The ship is still where it was.

07 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

During checking in with the ship Brutus asks the quartermaster how much more meat is wanted.

======
OOC: i.e. whether everyone that wants to has 1-2 days for hunting or 2-3 days..
I'm fine with either.
Happy to FF if you want

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 176):

A couple more trips like this would fill stocks. The value includes losses due to preserving the food, and though there would be further losses if you were to exchange it for fruits and vegetables, the variety would be appreciated by the crew.

OOC: So with the rotation of folks on hunting, (several parties queued up I think), thdoes that mean Brutus's hunting is done? (It's fine if it is; i just wanted to see how the laser rifle's gamed mechanics worked).

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 178):

OOC: That is up to him. You can do several trips if you want. It was meant to get a grip on combat a little bit.

"I will make one more larder-run, then leave it to the teams," decides Brutus.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 180):

The guides are ready to go 2 days later...they ask you if you are after the smaller game you got last time, or the larger mammoth ones.

09 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

"Mammoth I think."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Wed 18 May 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 182):

The mammoth are not as far, being on the Tundra before the mesa. The drive there also runs out of any sign if civilization very quickly, but the guide takes you for a further 2 hour hike once he leaves the car, because these creatures have been known to attack vehicles. And people. The previous group was able to find a lone one, and today that is what the guide is looking for, but he finds instead a small herd of 15. They are first seen 3000 yds away. The same rules apply as before...stealth not required until 1000 yds, and then every 100 yds.

The creatures also have thick woolen hides, and heads are DR6, with DR5/8 vs laser wool on the Torso. The have statistics similar to elephants (B460), but SM+4, ST 50 and DR as above.

09 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Brutus quietly and carefuly approaches to withing 700 yards and then settles down for a shot. Finding a suitable placement for bracing, he engages the targetting computer and makes a determined rapid fire shot at the mammoth's neck.

======
OOC:
10:15, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,2.  Laser rifle (5 shots) 16.
Margin 9, divided by recol = 9, so all 5 shots potentially hit.
Damage:
10:21, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 18,23,23 using 6d6+4,6d6+4,6d6+4 with rolls of 1,3,2,1,5,2,4,6,1,2, 2,4,6,4,1,1,2,5.  Damage to neck.
10:22, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 26,28 using 6d6+4,6d6+4 with rolls of 4,3,2,4,3,6,3,3,5,6, 4,3.  Damage to neck

Wasn't sure if neck (-5 to skill) counts as part of:
 a) the head, DR6 => DR 3 with (2) Armour multiplier, or
 b) the torso DR8 => DR4 with (2) Armour multiplier, so I've not applied either mod.

Having two days in between presumably Brutus would have his rifle's energy cell fully charged again.
And in the intervening time would enquire about the laser rsistent woll being weavable into an under vest (for armour purposes).

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 184):

The rounds do significant damage, but nonetheless, the beast begins to charge before succumbing to the massive bleeding and collapsing nearly 100 yards from where it was hit, sort of in your direction. The rest of the herd trumbets angrily and moves towards where it has fallen, pausing for a moment before a young bull seems to notice you, and comes charging in your direction with a trumpet! It was 600 yds away, and closing...and three other adults in the herd joined it, while the rest head in the other direction under the direction of what would seem to be the matriarch.

The rest of your group target the lead beast, firing single shots because they have not had the same time to aim, and most are still 300 yds behind you. They just manage to drop the second charging beast, leaving the three adults still charging past the body about 600 yards away.

09 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

OOC: Yes, we can assume that the cell is fully charged. The wool gives protection because it is so thick. This would act as layered armour, and reduce DX. But it is also warm. I applied the torso, because the neck is woolly like the torso, not hard like the head.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:52, Fri 20 May 2022.

For the wooly creature chagrging straight at him, Brutus selects the presumed easier torso target and increases the number of shots to nine. Apart from range, everything else is a repeat of the previous effort.

======
OOC: Previous modified skill was 16, +5 (torso, not neck), +1 (9 shots, not 5), total 22.
14:46, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,4.  Laser Rifle, 9 shots, skill 22.
14:50, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 16,20,15 using 6d6,6d6,6d6 with rolls of 2,1,5,6,1,1,5,2,5,3, 1,4,6,1,2,2,2,2.  Laser rifle, first 3 of 9 shots, damage
14:51, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 22,23,24 using 6d6,6d6,6d6 with rolls of 1,6,3,6,1,5,5,2,4,6, 4,2,3,4,4,4,6,3.  Laser rifle, second 3 of 9 shots, damage. 14:52, Today: Brutus Cartwright rolled 20,13,26 using 6d6,6d6,6d6 with rolls of 2,1,6,6,2,3,5,1,1,1, 4,1,6,1,2,6,5,6.  Laser rifle, third 3 of 9 shots, damage
Margin is 9 (22-13), recoil 1, so 9 shots may hit.
Assuming armour multiplier (2) from the laser rifle applies, then hairy torso laser DR 5 drops to 2.
So damage, if assumptions are coreect, becomes:
14,18,13,20,21,22,18,11,24 burn damage

OOC- You are cooking it before we even get it to the kitchen

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 187):

You drop one. The rest of your team follow suit and switch to rapid fire and drop the other two before they get to 500 yards from your position, though one trumpets in pain before it departs this world.

The rest of the herd pause, then run off, trumpeting as they go. With 5 mammoth, you have more meat than you can carry!

09 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 12,800 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Someone is going to be out there making Jerky for months!

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 189):

Nah, they wont. The scavengers will clean it up quicker than that. He calls another vehicle to come and pick up what they can...a truck without seats.

Collecting 200 supplies once they take their share out.

10 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 13,000 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Brutus call in an update to the ship and then sets to with the others to process what meat they can for the rest of the day.

Perhaps some of the deceased mamoths can be cut into managable (but still large) chuncks and transported back to the base. He lets those who would deal with the potential trading opportunity for freeze-dried  meat sales to other worlds do their thing.

======
OOC: Good to move on.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 191):

Yeah, that is basically what the guides are doing.

Th ships boat could haul some back. I assume radio contact.

Yes

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 194):

That would also work.

Other plans here?

10 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 13,000 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Have we checked to see if there's any record of the suspect ships having visited this place?

Otherwsie, are there significant (advanced?) medical supplies we could buy for either our ship or, if there's sufficient, for trade?
Or the research folks here - anything to trade? Perhaps exchange system data (that we've explored) for something they have that's useful to us?
Do the folks here have significant issues that we can help with?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:42, Sun 22 May 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 196):

The number of vessels that know about this location are kept to a minimum, and all are related to the Terran scout service or Terran military. Whilst they have significant medical facilities, they have nothing for sale and are not set up for trade. The base is setting itself up as a remote location suitable for raiding should relations sour with the local authorities, but right now the local authorities do not consider Terrans as enemies, due to increasing influence of Girii in the region. As such, they have no significant issues, with he scouts taking care of their own.

10 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 13,000 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

After some time for the meat preperation Brutus says on the radio, "Think we're about done here. Skipper? Anything else?"

A mamoth fur rug, blanket or the like?

"I thought you had a mammoth one already, but if you want more, then sure," Brutus retorts, managing to keep the humour out of his voice. Then he switches to tactical seriousness, "That's a great idea, skipper. Like a laser-proof version of a fire blanket. I did ask for the torsos to be shaved. Let me work on that."

Brutus will see about what can be done in the time we're still on-planet. Hoepfully the automated manufactuing units here can weave some rugs for tactical deployment against personal laser fire.

No I don't, not sure what you are confused about, but think on it. OUT.

Brutus keeps a straight face as he sniggers inwardly. She may make him pay for that. Worth it.

======
OOC: The hairy mammoth rug weaving thing can either happen or not off stage (unless GM has a story to tell therein?)

OOC - the Rug concept is an animal skin rug, like a bearskin rug or a buffalo skin bed covering.

see: https://www.montanabuffalorobes.com  or https://thebuffalowoolco.com/p...n-buffalo-hide-robes

OOC: Well, ok, I just learned something. TY.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Sun 22 May 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 202):

Weaving the thick wool of the domestic animals is a sort of cottage industry here, and there are a number of items available, much as you would find with woolen items on Terra. Just as thick woolen items offer some protection against both cold and weapons, so too do these.

The leather would be considered Leather of Quality (LT) and the fur would be layered cloth armour with +2 DR to energy weapons, and considered Arctic clothing for weight and for keeping warm. Rugs can be made at usual price as well, but cleaning them removes some of the fire retardant oils in them. Hence with cleaning and the reduction in volume the DR is as above.

10 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 13,000 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

OOC: Are cloaks still a thing?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 206):

Sure. Why would they ever go out of fashion? But these would only be heavy cloaks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Sun 22 May 2022.

OOC: I was thinking a 'heavy cloak of improved laser-proofness'. ha!
But if making items for tactical advantage isn't really going to work, that's fine, they can be for aethetic pleasure.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 208):

Like all things mammoth, they are big and heavy!

Ok, done here I think

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 210):

It will take another day to finish treating the meat, exchanging some for pre-prepared food, including dehydrated fruits. They can offer charts for surrounding systems suitable for jumping to, but the surveys of planets leave a lot to be desired. Leave on completion?

12 Feb 2185, Rita's Place (2205), Supplies: 13,000 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:39, Mon 23 May 2022.

"Sounds good to me. How about you, skipper?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Mon 23 May 2022.

Yes, we move on after completion of the meat processing and some item swapping.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 213):

Great. Can I get an updated travel plan please?

Hawaii, Fuji, Tahiti...  Oh Wait, not that one...

 lets try  2106* > 2004 > 1905 > 1904 > 2104 > 2103 > 2102

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 215):

2106 was charted, saving some time. It is a binary system with 4 gas giants and three planetoids. The most habitable one is 4,000 miles in diameter and is 20% of the surface covered by water, despite the very thin atmosphere. There may be microscopic life, but not much else.

19 Feb 2185, 2106, Supplies: 12,970 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

OOC: If pirates were based here would we be able to detect them?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 217):

If there is a ship in orbit, even in stealth mode, you have a good chance to see it. If it is on the planet a more thorough investigation is needed, even if it is a low atmosphere planet that requires a dome like this one. If they are underground or have cover, such as dense forest, you really have your work cut out.

But constant surveillance, such as by a neighbouring planet in this case, can reduce the likelihood dramatically.

Brutus mentions this to Gloria, and then goes back to his other duties.

She considers it briefly, but with the very limited traffic here, it's an unlikely spot for a pirate, so we press on.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 220):

Plan:  2004 > 1905 > 1904 > 2104 > 2103 > 2102

System 2004, one GG, 2 planets and 5 planet sized bodies, most habilitable 5,000 miles dia, thin atmosphere with 50% of the surface covered by water. Clouds kicked up by strong winds and storms are visible from space.

27 Feb 2185, 2106, Supplies: 12,970 person days (use 70 per week, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:13, Sun 29 May 2022.

"Does this one need any more attention? Surveying?"

Yes, I think so, the one with 50% water may harbor life.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 223):

Just to check, how many systems can you see?

A slightly more detailed survey will take 10 days, just initially.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Wed 25 May 2022.

Just the one I am in at the moment ... or are you talking about he Map? On that I can go well past the Aiish sector.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 225):

Nah, was referring to message #221.

An initial 10 day survey indicates very active atmosphere but very primative life. You may find some simple mosses are edible, but no developed plant or animal life.

09 Mar 2185, 2106, Supplies: 12,870 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

But likely habitable if need be.  Once comfortable that there are not any likely surprises, we move on as planned in msg 221

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 227):

This system was not charted, so you need to chart it prior to entering it.

System 1905, 2 GG, 11 planet-sized objects, none with any atmosphere.

26 Mar 2185, 1905, Supplies: 12,870 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Fine we do so...

With nothing curently needing the Security Chief's full attention Brutus practices in the polishesd metal mirror alternately looking impressively impassive and then morphing into a fearsome fastdraw.

======
OOC: Ha!

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 230):

Such basic charting is done automatically unless you say otherwise. It takes 17 days to jump, chart a system and do a basic survey on the next system sufficient to jump there. I will just post one system at a time, and you tell me if a more detailed survey is required.

System 1904, Binary system, 3 GG, 9 planet-sized objects, the most habitabile 4,000 miles in dia but with 20% covered by water and a very thin unbreathable atmosphere.

12 Apr 2185, 1904, Supplies: 12,700 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Doesn't sound too promising, but lets see what all we find. might be a good surce of minerals.

Gloria's dealings with Brutus are done in the wardroom [officers mess] of late. She seems a bit up tight and very formal with everyone.

"When you get a minute, skipper.."

What do you need Commander?

"A security matter, skipper. A word in private, please?"

She takes him into her office, closes the door and moves to keep her desk between them.

What's the issue? she asks curiously.

"Thank you, skipper," he replies, cautiously. "Permission to speak freely?"

Her face seems to harden... Go On.


OOC - Just to explain that which might not be obvious... Gloria has a bad temper, which she controls almost all the time... almost. But once she blows the fuze.... and poor Brutus is bearing the brunt of it, not that it hasn't made things a lot worse for Gloria as well. She was enjoying regular sex again, until Brutus' faux pas. I get that Brutus saw it as a little private joke, but Gloria has a reputation to maintain, and as a woman, feels that she is always being judged more harshly than any man would be. So she feels the need to appear spotless.

"There's a tension in this ship. It's radiating from the top, skipper," he starts. "Well, actually it's coming from you. Can I help relieve it somehow?"

No! ... You caused it...  her face changes slighly  What were you thinking? Anybody close could have heard that, and then we both are fighting to maintain command.  I can't tell you how angry that made me. I have been fighting to be better than all the wanna be Captains and something like this could have scientists and other officers trying to assume command.

"There wasn't anyone anywhere near me and the line is safe," says Brutus with a sigh. "I was trying to be fun, to make you think more of me. Not less. I'm sorry. Truly. If I promise it will never happen again? or anything like it?"

Brutus can see the signs of the mental struggle between what she thinks she ought to do and what she wants to do ... and then she just sort of crumbles, leaning on her desk.  In here, you can tease, outside that door, you are my XO and you work for me... there is nothing between us. In here, well you know ... the tears begins to slide down her cheek as she looks up at him.

Brutus is conflicted between guilt, sympathy, embarrassment and some need to save the moment with inspireing rhetoric. All he manages is "Agggghh.. I'm sorry...you are everything.." and enfolds Gloria with his strong arms and hugs her close.

For a brief moment she resists, then just collapses into his embrace, crying softly.

The tough man has little idea what to do with crying so he just stands there holding Gloria.
After a long pause he kisses the side of her head.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:24, Fri 27 May 2022.

Might be hard to kiss the top of her head, she is 5' 9" tall [175cm] ;-)  just sayin'

This message was deleted by the player at 22:24, Fri 27 May 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 247):

OOC -LoL ... Player has a tendancy toward tall characters for some reason.

Perhaps, after a brief fade to black, normal life might continue..

Not sure she is ready for that, but being held and comforted will largely ease the tensions...

[Private to Brutus Cartwright: As a women, would a quick frolic make it all better for you?  I think not, for now she needs to be supported a little while she gets her head straight. Physical closeness is fine, even a bit of straying hands and slobbery kisses; but lets keep the clothes on lest she feel sex is all you want her for.]

Brutus doesn't really understand women. He's looking for a solution where one wasn't relevant.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 251):

Well then she'll try to make it clear what she wants now...  and what she doesn't want.

Brutus gives a wan half smile, "Come here, then, Gloria. I'm not good at this. But I'll learn." He stops talking and holds her close.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 253):

I figured he'd already done that, but anyway... things ease.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 254):

So I assume with the discussion out of the way, System 1904 is not interesting?

(Binary system, 3 GG, 9 planet-sized objects, the most habitable 4,000 miles in dia but with 20% covered by water and a very thin unbreathable atmosphere.)

[Private to GM:
System 2103, 5 GG, 10 planet-sized objects, most habitable 4,000 miles in dia, Very thin atmosphere, 10% covered by water, numerous green shrubs and small lifeforms.

System 2102, Binary system, no GG or planets, but 11 planetoids, the most habitable 4,000 miles in dia with very thin atm. and just 10% of the surface covered in water]

System 2104, Binary system, zero GG, 10 planet-sized bodies, most habilitable 4,000 miles dia, very thin atmosphere, just 10% water on the surface, only place to refuel.

29 Apr 2185, 2104, Supplies: 12,530 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

If there's nothing to suggest a threat Brutus has little further interest in the system..

Concur, let's move on...

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 257):

Right, assume that applies to both 1904 and 2104. You land to refuel at 2104, before moving on to the next system. The preliminary survey indicates an inhospitable system for humans, but considerable life nonetheless.

The next system is System 2103, 5 GG, 10 planet-sized objects, most habitable 4,000 miles in dia, Very thin atmosphere, 10% covered by water, with numerous green shrubs and small lifeforms, including some animal lifeforms that resemble large insects.

16 May 2185, 2103, Supplies: 12,530 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

What level of life on 2104?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 259):

More than expected on a planet with such thin atmosphere. To know for sure, you probably need to spend a month or more doing a proper biological survey, which takes a week per region.

However, you can tell that there appear to be intelligent life there, somewhere between TL 5 and 7 would be the initial estimate. They do not have objects in space at this time.

16 May 2185, 2103, Supplies: 12,530 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Worth knowing. "Skipper? Still good to keep moving? Or you want to spend four weeks here?"

In reply to Fate (msg # 260):

If 2104 has intelligent life, we stop moving and explore. TL 7 means reasonably intelligent life and the difference between a Bushman and an airline captain is one genration in Africa. After a better exploration we will reevaluate making contact.

"Very good, skipper," acknowledges Brutus.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 263):

You can spend a month observing as linguists try to learn the new language. This will involve sending out teams to stealthily place listening devices and scanning the radio waves for transmissions. Unfortunately, this is complicated by the fact that there is likely to be multiple languages transmitted. Assuming that it will be Brutus' team controlling the drones and the Linguists who are working on the language, please provide the following symbolic rolls for activities during the month:

Gloria: 1 IQ roll (Vs Linguist Skill of 17-2(Unfamiliarity) = 15)
Brutus: 1 Stealth roll(Vs best of Piloting (17) and Stealth (15), so target 15)
      : 1 Camouflage roll vs 11+3(time taken to prepare)=14, guess guys need to work on that!

Rolls may be attempted once per month.

16 June 2185, 2103, Supplies: 12,230 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:02, Sun 29 May 2022.

Gloria uss the computer programs and the skills of selected members to get some feel for the Language(s) and any different nations or holdings.

[Private to GM:  19:51, Today: Gloria Flake rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,2,4.  Linguist.]

Presumably Brutus does something similar.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 266):

Rolls above, Brutus? Or do you want me to roll them?

Brutus seems otherwise involved, I gather this Monday is not a holiday in the Commonwealth. It is our day of remembrance for all those perished in the service of the country. Why don't you roll for Brutus and subtract three from the roll, since you and I roll very high all the time.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 268):

Ah, our ANZAC Day is equivalent to our rememberance day.

It seems the average of 12 is right again... for both rolls!

Brutus team is able to place a number of listening devices in market squares and areas that seem to be frequently used during the day. They see no evidence that they are seen.

Linguistics software and experts work side by side for the month analysing the constant stream of data. You do identify 6 known languages, but cannot be sure you have mastered any just yet. But progress has been encouraging.

Gloria: 1 IQ roll (Vs Linguist Skill of 17-2(Unfamiliarity) = 15)
Brutus, to place another device to give +1 on above
 Roll : 1 Stealth roll(Vs best of Piloting (17) and Stealth (15), so target 15)
      : 1 Camouflage roll vs 11+3(time taken to prepare)=14, guess guys need to work on that!

Rolls may be attempted once per month.

16 June 2185, 2103, Supplies: 12,230 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

She seems to be getting it...which language seems to be the most common one in use?


14:21, Today: Gloria Flake rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,3.  Linguist.

Should I [or can I] add this skill to her CS?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Mon 30 May 2022.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 270):

Not hers, but the linguistic expert has managed a local language at Broken level. Improving can be done in the same way, or by practicing.

But you can now begin analysis of the political and social structure or the speices. This is at -4 without making contact, but also a lot less chance of misunderstanding each other.

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

What sort of beings are these? Animal, vegetable or mineral?  General physical description, some idea of what they eat. Any obvious behaviors?


16:17, Today: Gloria Flake rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,2.  Comprehending society.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 272):

They know themselves as 'whaiz' (pronounced 'wayz') from what you can tell. They breath CO2 and exhale oxygen, from what you can tell.

WHAIZ: 25 kg. green insectoid omnivores (gatherers), with a a puffy sponge-like torso that serves as their digestive system, picking up seeds after they are flailed from the stalks by 4 ft long torso claws. Four short but sturdy legs support the torso.

They do seem quite social, with a very strong caste system that may or may not have biological roots. You can't tell yet.

OOC: this is the limit of what has been found online. If you find more, happy to include it, otherwise I will fill in the gaps myself!

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

So they do not speak as we do? What form does their communication take?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 274):

Their voices and language sound like chirps, but the variety of tones suggest a human could learn it, at accented, and they could learn a human language again no better than accented.

OK, we have found several systems that they might be able to inhabit, but first we need to see how inclined they are to deal with out siders.

Guess it's time to put ourselves in harms way to see what we have. We'll take the APC with PO Rodney flying, PO Andropov on the Gatling Laser, Myself, Brutus and PO Jo as the approach team.

We will carry pistols, but will stay close enough to the APC to not need long arms, although we can have them in the APC just in case.
We pick a place near  a major leadership position [trying fo the highest leader] and land, the three of us disembark and move about 20 feet out from the APC and stop.  I'll do my best to click a greeting to anyone close.


10:13, Today: Gloria Flake rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,4.  Click a greeting.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 276):

You locate several factions that seem to be vying for power, though not violently at this time. Not fully understanding the differences between the factions, you pick one, identify its capital, and send a contact team. The response to your crafts arrival on the primitive radar is surprisingly quick, and before you can land, you are contacted by un-encrypted radio. You practice your greeting there, and are asked by radio to follow a small jet, similar to an early jet fighter, to land.

One of the six jets that approach you pull ahead of you on the same flight path.

It looks as if they are wanting to decide where you land, but they have not fired and you are communicating!

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Communicating is good. Trying to explain our capabilities in broken clicks is unappealing. We follow and try to make no startling moves.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 278):

You follow the aircraft for about 30 minutes until you reach an airfield, where they seem to be asking you to land.

It looks to be a military style airfield, and from the air you can see a number of vehicles approaching. There is a location where there are many on the ground on foot as well.

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

We go to the location, but try to keep some distance from the crowd. Gloria leads the three of them out and clicks a greeting. Hands are empty.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 280):

You move to the location indicated and land.  By thee time you leave your shuttle, large numbers are approaching you. Some are in vehicles, the first arrivals, but many more approach on foot.

As you leave your shuttle, a number are exiting their vehicles. As they approach, you give your greeting. There is some initial confusion, but it soon becomes clear that is due to translation challenges, and the combination of your body language and your cooperation indicate your peaceful intentions. One that identifies herself as a local leader of some kind approaches you and asks who you are and why you are here

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Brutus keeps a wary eye but does nothing to provoke.

We are exploring for our kind, we discovered your system and your culture, we thought to make ourselves known and create an open and friendly relationship. We will not become involved with the politics of your people if at all possible.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 283):

You have to repeat a few things, but eventually you think they understand.

"What purpose,, this relating? You speak to others of us?"


16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

I have spoken only to you.  We can try some hand signs as well to clarify.

It is possible other ships come. perhaps trade?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 285):

When you say you have spoken only to them, the leader puts his long forward appendages a little lower, resting them on the ground.

"Trade? Sure. We interested in technology. What we sell?"

Gloria looks confused on purpose Them?  Only with you.

Trade ... what do you make a lot of to trade?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 287):

them = these Whaiz

"We have Iron, oil, rare minerals, animals, food, artwork. What sort of things interest you?"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:22, Thu 02 June 2022.

Is the conversation understood by Brutus?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 289):

Actually, both of you would need to have your linguists interpreting. Though not mentioned, I assume they would be there as no-one else would have as much understanding of the language.

Brutus says quietly, "Several factions here. We should take care not to inadvertantly weaponise one faction. Perhaps we could independently trade with each faction. Bit I do wonder what their art is like."

Interesting question, ask them. All of these are of sme interest, although Iron and oil are havy and costly to transport. Rare minerals could be of interest if they are rare elsewhere too.

Through intermediaries as necessary Brutus asks, "Please may we see a two examples of your art? And two examples of your rare minerals. So that we may judge what we have that may be of value to you, would you be able to show us two examples of your medical capability?"

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 293):

Your request cause considerable discussion, before there is a response.

"This our first meeting. Perhaps a second meeting with our world leaders a better way to progress. Your breathing apparatus noted [Due to very high levels of CO₂ in this atmosphere you need this] we should provide a compound for you to stay in until meeting. You say what?"

Our thanks, but we can save the trouble, our ship is but a short ride away.
We can communicate if you give us a frequency to contact you on...

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 295):

"We also wish learn speak language, wish to you speak better. Perhaps you land in secure zone?"

That is Possible, how big is this zone?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 297):

He indicated the area you are now in, what appears to be a secure airport over a mile long and wide.

Ah, we can easily fit in here, but Whaiz must be careful as our power systems can be harmful, so we will show where it is safe to approach.


To the crew out of hearing to the locals - And No Whaiz comes aboard with out specific approval of myself or Brutus. They are escorted 100% of the time when aboard.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 299):

Keen to avoid incidents, they set up a temporary building for meetings to take place, and invite you to land your ship.

What appear to be troops or police move the growing crowds back to the fence line and gaurds are stationed just inside.

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

We zip back to the ship and then bring it down to land... it's a risk, but so is everything

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 301):

The ship has detected three small objects that may be the first satellites, as well as large ships that may be aircraft carriers, but no major wars.

As you return to land, you can see what seem to be growing numbers around the airfield, some look to be setting up for a long time.

It does not take long to see that you are creating a lot of curiosity. The meeting is planned for the 20th. Plans in the meantime?

16 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:01, Fri 03 June 2022.

Assessments on air, plants and any specimens presented.
We can share a few hand held computers withword processors, dictionaries and words to speech capability.

Brutus may also have some ideas...

Brutus re-requests some examples of art and asks if they have a periodic table. If so, to point to what they would trade as rare minerals.

He tries to establish on a map of their world whether the major parts of it will be repesented on 20th? (ie are the talks with world leaders? or the leaders of one nation?

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 304):

Some examples of odd sculptures are offered as art.

You suspect the periodic table does not seem to translate, when they bring you a schedule. However, your translator is persistent, and shows them a copy of your own periodic table. It arouses a lot of interest.

A map is provided, and there are 11 continents. All have some representation.

18 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Brutus is comfortable with the professed representation and shares that with Gloria. He notes their interest in the table and asks for small samples of 'rare minerals' so that he can explain more about the table. He asks of they could prepare a book or catalogue of available art for trade.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 306):

They oblige, bringing a book showing many sculptures next day. They also bring a catalog of minerals. Some are pure, but most are composites. Chemical analysis reveals some to be Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, Tin, Lead, Sulphur, Carbon and Phosphorus, as well as Calcium Carbonate, Copper Sulphate, Sodium Chloride and a number of crystals, including quartz.

You are asked to prepare for the meeting early the next day. Who is going, apart from the translator?

19 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Obviously Gloria is going.
I'd expect Brutus and probably Jo again.
I am not interested in making this too large a group but perhaps  Leut Kyamotowould be a good one to bring along.

He is happy to do so and asks those on the ship who do know the prices and values of such things which minerals would be good for trade elsewhere. Also If any know anything much about art, he asks for opionions on the catalogue's contents.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 309):

The artworks are of some interest, but getting ships to travel this far for them would be a stretch at this time.

Leut Kyamoto is happy to join Jo, Brutus, Gloria and the translator. One of the other biologists and a geologist also ask to attend.

You are taken with some ceremony to a large vehicle, basically a truck, where you can all fit. You travel for about 30 minutes before you are escorted out and led to a large round building that resembles a giant bubble, larger than the smaller bubble-like buildings that dot the landscape. Ushered inside, it is like a massive amphitheater, with hundreds of important-looking Whaiz all around. In the centre is a larger podium, with large seats that do not look comfortable, but they are much larger than the seats the others are sitting in.

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

The Biologist and Geologist ar welcome to come along.
We go as directed and pay attention, we wait until invited to go somewhere, or follow along as seems appropriate.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 311):

The city is curious, with round squashed spherical homes dotted across.

You are invited to be seated at the seats in the centre. There is the Whaiz who first met you waiting at the table.

The begin by welcoming you in peace to their planet. Then a number of individuals in the ring of seats around the centre podium table begin by introducing themselves. There are a total of 53 individual leaders who identify themselves as leaders of one nation or another. Then they look to you.

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Sat 04 June 2022.

Gloria introduces herself as the expeditions Captain, Brutus as her next in command [omitting the part about being security] , Jo, who is a security person, then the Translator, Geologist and Biologist. I explain we are exploring to find habitable systems, other life and resources of value.  We are not a military ship, which would be many times larger and more powerful.  We would be willing to establish trade if we each have items of use for each other.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 313):

They acknowledge your statements as you make them. When you finish, one member asks about your rules of engagement, as well as rules governing the sale or arms and technology.

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Sat 04 June 2022.

Brutus smiles charmingly although well aware that their hosts wouldn't discern a smile from the opposite.

He looks at Gloria with interest as to whether she'll field the question or delegate.

Rules of Engagement? Generally we don't fire unless fired at, however there are exceptions based on the other enities behavior and in some cases their alliances.  We are willing to share technology, but less willing to share weapons technology, as new and more efficient ways to kill each other seldom advances societies.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 316):

They look at you with some concern, before a number speak in rapid succession. The translator translates their concerns. The translate roughly to

Is that an excuse to ensure you can always overpower us?

We notice turrets on your ship. Are they weapons? If so, why do you have them on a diplomatic vessel?

Are there any other aliens? If so, how many?

Will you help defend us if we are attacked by hostile aliens?

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

On the second question Brutus interjects into Gloria's earpiece a suggested answer (that deflects part of the question), "We are more of an exploraton vessel rather than a purely diplomatic one, although we do have a significant diplomatic function."

Gloria looks and Brutus and nods, having thought the same thing.

We are not a Diplomatic Ship, we are an exploration ship and we do not know how we will be met. Some newly discovered beings have been quite ugly in their response. We are armed to defend ourselves.
We note that you are not very close to any other races, but would be willing to have others come and negotiate the means for your defense. We agree that is wise. There are numerous other races, small  ones only hundreds or thousands in number and others who are countless millions in number. Some are inclined to want to dominate all other races, and some choose to trade and grow peacefully if allowed. We are of this last group and have no desire to dominate you.  Most other races would find your system to be inhospitable with out breathing equipment, as do we, so that does reduce the likelihood of you being dominated by anyone, but it does not say it could not happen.

Brutus remains on the lookout, just managing to refrain from noding approval at the captain's little speech.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 320):

The revelation that there were others did not surprise them, but statements that there were may others but none close caused much discussion. Your translator endeavors to keep up, but doubtless misses a lot as she translates what she considers the pertinent points.

What of the signals detected just 2 parsecs away?

How can we tell who is hostile and who is not?

What difference would it make? How would we fight a hostile enemy alien anyway?

We need to form a planetary military.

Who will command it?

The nation with the most troops in it of course!

You would say that. Then you can contribute all of the troops!

No, that will not work. We need to dismiss them and form a single planetary government.

You mean dictatorship?

You can forsee this taking a while...

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300

Gloria has to pull up her laptop and check things.

My Mistake, you are correct there are two Vilani outposts about 2 Parsecs away, my error. The Viani are the Largets empire we know of, although not friendly to us. They tend to want to control everything and they want it done their way; few societies have prospered greatly under their thumb. However the Vilani Emporerhas decreed no further expansion or exploration beyond their borders, as they struggle to control what they hold now, even with faster than speed of light communications.
A Planatary defense planning committee would be a wise start. Do you have any space capability past the satellites we saw?

My recomendation is that you form a planetary government. The leader should not be all powerful, having two bodies he must listen to and consult with. One chosen by the number of countries and the other by the number of people. Both must approve the leaders actions and in extreme cases can viote to remove him. The leaders department would have a second to the leader, who would take control if the leader fell ill or something happened to him.

You will need to tune the concept to your ways.

Brutus says quietly into Gloria's earpiece, "You might suggest that one of the things their embryonic planetary government may consider if they wished to be able to request the Terran Federation to provide military support if needed, that such could be facilitated, made easier, if they decided to concess a significant area of land to the Federation for a 'Diplomatic Base'."

======
OOC: Yep, trying to obliquely recruit them.
Nice idea to suggest they model their governement on that of Terra.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 322):

It takes time before they pause to give you time to speak, which gives you the time to do your research. However, when you mentioned the Vilani, the room fell silent, and remained so as you talk about them.

However, when you start to detail the form of governance mumuers begin, resulting in quick responses when you finish.

Not all should choose...many cannot manage their own lives and should not be entitled to extend their mismanagement to the nation, let alone the world.

Rulership by the charasmatic? What sort of <untranslated> idea is that?

We will decide how we are ruled! Do you have a problem with that?

They wait for an answer to the last question.

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:36, Tue 07 June 2022.

I did not come here to dictate, I offered a suggestion that has worked elsewhere. What you do is your business to be sure.
If you wanted us to request some defensive help, we can do that, it will take time and they may ask for an area to establis a base.
Those are things you should discuss.

As for current weapons, I assume you have missiles, as do we. Do you have Lasers? Plasma weapons? Something else e may not know of?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 325):

They relax bit after assurances are given that you will not be involved in their governance. They do not have laser or plasma weapons, and have only recently developed nuclear missiles and not all have them.

There is concern about what the Vilani have, and many want to know more about them.

Dishushashig 11 July 2182, supplies 1740 person-days basic food, consuming 140 person-days food per week, usual starship fees $5000 + $3200, Cash: $17,6914,326, Spare Cargo space: 18

Brutus remains alert but inert.

We will give them general information about what the Vilani have.

I'll discuss with my officers and specialists giving them pulse laser tech, although that assume that they have at least fission power plants.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 328):

What information regarding the Vilani do you provide? Just bullet points...

Mostly, but also a thumb nail history of their accomplishments and conquests.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 330):

Just so we are clear, please accept or modify the following information to what was given.

Vilani Society

Every caste has its own customs and traditions, every Vilani world follows its own path of social evolution, and many of the Imperial subject races have accepted a veneer of Vilani culture while retaining portions of their own.

The Vilani Mainstream
The core of Vilani civilization is its “High Vilani” and “Low Vilani” subcultures. High Vilani culture is that of the interstellar elite, the aristocrats and senior shangarim administrators who wield Imperial power. Low Vilani culture is that of the Imperial “middle class.” Its members include the vast majority of the Vilani population, as well as those Imperial subject races that have fully assimilated into Vilani civilization.

Khagarii
On the Imperial social hierarchy, the rung below the Low Vilani is occupied by the khagarii, or “dissidents.” Dissident groups live and work within Vilani society, but they reject some or all of the age-old Vilani traditions. This includes most subjugated speices, some of whom were subjugated at great cost through the use of thousands of nuclear weapons.

The primary goal of the new Imperium in 500 AD was stability rather than further expansion. Exploration beyond the borders of the empire was permitted only under special circumstances, and within a few centuries had ceased entirely. About A.D. 1000 the kimashargur exiles established a Vilani pocket empire, with its capital at Dingir. It did not last long; just after A.D. 1100 the Imperium gathered a war fleet and forcibly annexed the kimashargur state.

Below these are any races not subjugated. Despite the Vilani similarities with us, who are known as Terrans, we are considered barbarians because we do not embrace the Vilani Empire and their traditions. We too have been subjected to attacks with nuclear weapons as a result, but because of the philosophy of no longer expanding we have not been subjugated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:22, Mon 06 June 2022.

In reply to Fate (msg # 331):

They have developed fission power, but do not use it due to early accidents. Fusion has been proposed, but is decades from development, perhaps centuries. They like the 'fresh air' coal provides, but it is getting scarce and large forests are planted as fuel instead, along with ethanol plants, which seem to be how they use their bodily waste.

Given the ease of developing beams from pulse weapons, your officers suggest both or neither, as well as fusion drives and at least maneuver drives for now, as a show of good faith. Perhaps a small island as payment, on which a scout outpost can be constructed.

20 July 2185, 2103, Supplies: 11,930 person days (use 10 per day, 6.4 dTons), $87,545,300
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:37, Tue 07 June 2022.

# 331 is good as written,e xcept I'd slightly increase the militaristic aspects and they way they treat subject races a bit more. Several othr races chaff under vilani rule, but were forced to submit through heavy handed military operations, including nuclear weapons.

In reply to Fate (msg # 332):

Well they will need the beams if they hope to fight a Vilani Missile flurry.And some good quality Missiles will be useful.
We should assist them with Fission power, and we doo need to give them at least a planatary base shield against Pirates and anyone else.
That absolutely requires maneuver drives. I do not think thy are ready for Jump Drives immediately, but will be ready in perhaps 5 years.

"That's a lot of tech. I think one should ask for a hefty amount of rare minerals in addition to anything else," suggests Brutus. "Did we investigate what the potion-things were hat they offered us originally?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Mon 06 June 2022.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 335):

"It is true, it is a lot of tech. Though I can't help think that Fusion power underpins it all. With regards to the potion things, I am not sure what you are referring to, but we have not had a chance yet.

But yes, I agree that this amount of tech should come at a price. But not a price that would be so excessive as to sour relationships. Ultimately, we are offering tech in exchange for Allies."

OOC: Msg #331 modified. Now suitable as is?

OOC: It was msg #294, "Compound" was the word I recalled, but now realise it meant a fenced off area. Please ignore.