In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 347):

Sure. Rough time spent on each?

16 Aug 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

"Think we've got time for a habitability study, Skipper?" queries Brutus.

======
OOC: Probably a month or two?

No, that's too long... a week to 10 days. We need to stick with our primary mission while making sure of safe routes.

"Aye aye, Skipper!"

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 351):

The scientists are disappointed but understand. They proceed with investigating as much as they can. It is a rather intense 10 days, after which they confirm there are various forms of life on both planets. The one with more water seems to have a humanoid marine life form that has basic technology, perhaps TL 3-4, as metal weapons and an underground settlement is observed, but you lack time to do proper research before it is time to move on. They do not appear to be able to speak though.

26 Aug 2188, System 1539, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

Good to know, they like communicate via other means, sound being likely underwater.  We ned to bring an investigative team back with us to research this place more carefully.

"Aye aye, Skipper!" says Brutus and he makes a note in the security log.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 354):

Ok, continuing on?

Seems so

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 356):

You travel through the following systems with little else out of place:

1939, 2040, 2102, 2104, Rita's Place.

The bugs, in the five weeks, grow at a surprisingly fast rate, and with the Queen, you find that what you teach her, all the bugs then know! They are keen learners, and despite the young age, they are assisting with basic tasks around the ship. They especially like helping with the Vatfacs.

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:08, Thu 18 Apr.

Have to keep an eye on the little snitchers...

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 358):

They do seem to be increasing their food consumption, you notice. The Vatfacs have no excess...

As you approach Rita's Place, the patrol comes out to meet, as usual, asking if you have anything to declare to customs. Such as dangerous Alien life forms...

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

Alien life forms, yes... dangerous, no, we don't think so at all.

"Ah, I see. Our duty requires us to board you for the purpose of conducting our own assessment. I trust you will understand?"

The small well armed Iken class vessel moves to intercept you. No weapons are powered up.

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

Brutus checks credentials that it is indeed a genuine security patrol..

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 362):

The credentials check out. Cross-check with the planet on military channels also check out.

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

"They're the real deal, skipper."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Sat 20 Apr.

That’s good… please take them to meet the queen, and have them show proper respect, these Aliens promise to be a benefit to us in several ways.

"Aye aye, skipper." He goes to greet the 'inspectors' and invites them to fellow, giving bid instruction en route.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 366):

The inspectors wear a worn uniform that you are familiar with, having been here before. They have also seen some of the original footage of your first contact with this species, so he is rather taken aback when introduced to the queen and her subjects.

"They...are definitely a dangerous species, from your report. Are you sure they are safe?"

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

"An eating fork is safe, yes? But not if I stab you in eye with it," answers Brutus. "The difference is one of itent. The creatures in the intitial footage were intent on wiping out all life. The ones here are intent on peaceful cohabitation and learning. That's a world of difference. That is a lot of words to say 'yes', but I felt it important that you understand."

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 368):

He acknowledges your illustration and it's meaning.

"True enough. It is hard to be sure of human intentions, and we have known them for time immemorial. How can you be sure about their intentions?"

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

"Certainty about something that has not yet occurred isn't something I can comment on," answers Brutus. "For probability or belief you need a scientist or a priest. I am neither. But risk? You need an expert in Security. That, I am, and a damn good one. This is about judgement, and in my judgement, these are safe: a risk, yes. But then, so is getting out of bed every morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Sun 21 Apr.

In reply to Brutus Cartwright (msg # 370):

"So what makes these different from the ones you killed? How do you know they are different? What can you give me so i can say they pose a low risk?"

05 Oct 2188, Rita's Place, Supplies: 5600 person days, Vatfacs can cover all, $87,496,300, 18/18 Cargo, Life support 97/120 with all bugs, food growth 97/100

"Parentage, nurture and philosophy," answers Brutus. "Hate to be rude, but that's my job: I know. I'm sure you don't mean to second guess me. The first contact bugs, I would shoot on sight by reflex. These ones, I will happily have dinner with. Come meet them? Or do you want to talk to their collective parent first?"