"Sure. Imagine that someone has acquired a nasty little computer virus package. A combination attack that first takes down existing defenses and then inserts a ransomware package.

Hypothetically speaking, if this was introduced to the bookies and auditors overseeing the festival all that gambling money for the race would be held hostage until concessions were made.

Sure they could probably brute force hack it or dig through the logs to reconstruct it but that would take months or even years which would severely damage their reputation and spoiling their tourism industry.

Hypothetically speaking, of course but if such a scenario were possible what would something like that be worth to someone interested in that sort of thing?"

Tepha was trying to follow a script she had mentally written while waiting for Silver to change and drop off the burner phone. Just in case this was a set up she was trying to couch her words to allow for as much wiggle room as possible.

Rig was heading back to the spaceport. He had work to do on packaging up their little virus bomb before delivering it to Tepha and Silver for sale.

"Duchess of Mora, huh? That's odd. What does she have to do with this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

Ledo

She giggles and sort of demurs.  She doesn't seem to want to talk about her real life...

Persuade or Diplomacy/Soc please

---

BB

The Bellhop is not someone you've seen before.  Then again, have you really seen every employee the hotel has?

He's not so much nervous as bored looking.  This guy is turning around and chatting with the line of other bellhops who are entering the Pany Paws room.  So he seems to know them.  And they are acting like they know him.

The cart is covered with a white sheet.  So the bottom isn't visible.  But it's not a large cart.  If someone naked is underneath, they're either a midget or a contortionist.

---

Nero

"Hmmm. Well.  We do need to unwind..."

Carouse/Social please

---

Silver

The Guy gives you a quick glance.  Then another.  But he seems to buy your routine.  Either that or he's very good at this.  Hard to tell.  But you think you're in the clear.

And he's got back up.  Two women are pushing a baby carriage in a circumference around his position.  They look to be chatting but they are really watching everyone.  Now they are really good.  You didn't notice them the first time.

If you stay around much longer, they may check you out.

---

Tepha

"That's a lot of hypothesis.  But if there's something more than the theoretical...perhaps.  I would need to see a demonstration.

"Your turn to follow directions now.  I'll call this number back in five minutes.  I will give you a location and that location will have an IP address.  You will hack it.  Infect it.  And leave the message BOO.  You can erase the virus behind you.  But if you can make that happen tonight, you can contact the lady you previously spoke with in the morning.  She can make the arrangements."

He hangs up.

---

Silver

The Guy tucks the phone into a pocket and sits down on the bench.  He takes out another comm unit and starts tapping on it.

---

Rig

You head out on to the street, recalling what you know about the Duchess.

Not sure if you've read the Spinward Marches supp yet.  But here's a nutshell

The Marches don't have an Archduke or Sector Duke.  Officially.  The Imperium has never gotten around to appointing one for a whole slew of reasons.  But unofficially, the Duchess of Mora has acted on that behalf when required.

There are a lot of rumors about her.  But most come down to Don't Fuck with the Duchess.  She's supposedly the kind of woman who would take on a fight she knows she'll lose just to see how far she can get her teeth into your neck before she goes down.

Why the hell she's got people here though is super odd.  Five Sister's is on the other side of the Marches from Mora.  And Gohature isn't all that much of a hotbed, never mind Wyltz.

You noodle it but you can't come up with a reason why she would care about betting on a race four sectors away.

Fritz seems puzzled as well.  I cannot come up with an immediate reason Engineer Rig.  You want me to research and see if I can present hypothesis?

Now now, Ledo is one to wine and dine before taking things back. He is above all a gentleman!


17:36, Today: Ledo Typhin rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  diplo/soc roll.

This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:38, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

BB opens the door but blocks him from entering. Using her giant combat knife she'll poke and prod at the snacks and lift up the sheet. If something was going to explode it could at least happen in the hallway so it doesn't stain her bed.

Nero finds himself in the zone. He starts to believe his own lie, hanging out with Pansy Paws and sharing the booze. Especially once he gets a few drinks in him he starts feeling really comfortable with the group.

"Come on ladies, why don't you go put on something you can really move in! Let's get this party started!"

Nero flips his phone on and starts streaming a popular dance music station and elbowing the girls to lighten up and unwind.


17:39, Today: Nerotes Madigan rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  carouse/social.

Silver was already done and gone. Here's hoping Tepha could make the sale.

Tepha affirmed and hung up. Using her real phone she dialed up the ship to talk to Fritz and Rig.

"Looks like the fish is on the hook but he's looking for a demonstration first. Are we ready for a test drive?"

She then acts as the middle man, passing along the instructions and information to Rig and Fritz so they can kick things off.

Rig leaned back and began speaking out loud towards one of the ship's monitors that he was using as a focal point for "Fritz".

"Well it's one of three things.

The first is she's looking to do the same thing we are. Robbing a bookies doesn't exactly seem to track with the duchesses style though.

The second is she's got some sort of interest in the operation. Maybe she's a silent partner behind the race, maybe she's got some fingers in the tourism pie out here and wants to make sure things go smoothly.

The third option is that this is a coincidence. This might not be the only business the auditors are handling. That would be really unfortunately if its something really important and we end up stepping on her toes over this. We'd better make sure we're really damn good at covering our tracks. While the Wyltz government might not be willing to chase us halfway across the galaxy, the Duchess would.

Alright no use worrying about that now. Let's focus on getting our little package here ready for delivery."

BB

The Bellboy stands there, watching you stab the pineapple chunks and Deneb style tofu patte.  He slowly says, in a dry tone, "So....no tip?"

Nothing underneath the cart.  The snacks don't blow up.

---

Ledo

Adele giggles.  "I am such an auditor.  Damn!  My job is dull.  I don't even get to work on one of the more exciting audits.  But the money's good.  And I don't have to travel as much.  What about you?  What do you do?  You look..."  She eyes you all over.  "...dangerous..."

---

Nero

"Oh.  We just got off a twenty two hour shuttle." whines Orange Blonde.

"We should get massages," opines the Brunette.  She looks over at you.

"Wanna join?"

---

Tepha and Silver and Rig...Oh My!

The Guy sends the IP address.

A quick check indicates it's the call in number for a local sandwich delivery shop.

It's got the standard security protocols.  Nothing that makes it look difficult.

If Rig is going to send along the virus, please make me a Electronics/Int please.

Danka

BB shook her head at the bellboy, putting a scowl on her face.

"No. Not my room and my paycheck doesn't cover that."

She paused, considering how her low key intimidation effort was landing. If he looked like she was putting it on a little too thick she would soften a bit and apologize but if he had some steel to look her in the eye or scowl back she would just grab the cart and go back to her room.

Ledo grinned, this was the kind of position he wanted her in. Time to bait the hook.

"I'm with the Navy. A captain actually. Well not right at this moment. Tonight I am just a civilian..."

Careful wording that he had practiced earlier just in case. It was technically true, if a bit misleading.

Ledo then launched into a couple of select stories he had perfected after years of being a socialite as a decorated war hero. Over the years he had developed a catalog of stories: some that were funny, some that were impressive, some that were thrilling.

He selected from his catalog of decades of experience flying between the stars a selection that included some of the more exotic places he traveled.

"It's a shame you don't like traveling. There is so much to see in the galaxy. Is the money at least good enough you could take a week spa at Rorre? If you haven't been it's worth the journey. The planet has very little axial tilt so the seasons last for a very long time. Depending on your fancy you can have summers that last nearly a year and the climate is so mild no matter when you go. Every day is like waking up on a perfect day...wait...don't tell me you've never even left the Imperium? Oh honey, you need to get out more. As wonderful as this place is if you're making the credits you need to spend them. There is a galaxy full of luxuries, whole planets with foods and sensations you cannot even begin to imagine. What's keeping you here?"

Nero gives a nod before taking another swig of his bottle.

"Fuck yeah that sounds amazing. Hey do you mind a quick social media snap? My agent gets really bitchy if I don't record everything. Of course he wouldn't say shit for the day if I got a quick feed with you guys. Would probably shut up for a week if you were in spa towels when it happened."

Nero laughed. It was just a joke, just a stupid idea...unless...

His heart skipped a beat and his breath caught. If he could get Pawny Paws on his feed and show him partying with them that would be huge. If he could get Pawny Paws looking sexy as hell with only towels on that would blast him into outer space.

Eventually every parent must release their child into the wild and so Rig booted up the abomination that he and Fritz and put together. The interface was crude. They were still working on making it a bit more user friendly so that the OLF could just fill in a form and fire it off: where to target it at, what message to display etc.

For now though Rig was doing a lot of that configuration on the fly but he was able to point it at the website and pull the trigger. Now it was just a matter of time to see if their little money maker would live up to their dreams...


10:11, Today: Gary 'Rig' Rigan rolled 11 using 2d6+02.  int/electronics (computers).

BB

The bell boy seems remarkably nonplussed.  "Ma'am.  I'm just trying to deliver the snack cart that was ordered.  By a..."  He checks his wrist comm.  "A Miss Perine.  For the race judge?"

He shrugs.  It's no skin off his face if you don't take it it seems.

---

Ledo

She giggles and leans over, almost resting her head against your shoulder.  She's starting to pass the point of sloshed to outright drunk.

"Lissen...I wanna retire on some nice beach somewhere.  That's why I took this job.  The money's good cos no one wants to live in a freakin' fishbowl!"

She laughs, slapping your shoulder.  She finds 'fish bowl' to be very funny.

She picks up her glass, which is empty.  "Oopsie.  I think maybe I had enough."  She bats her eyelashes.  "But I'm worried I won't get home safe.  Would you mind giving me an escort?"

---

Nero

Hmmmm.  Give me a persuade/soc.  Let's let the dice decide.

---

Rig, Tepha, and Silver

Seems that canine engages in blood sports.  Wait.  That dog hunts.  That's it.

Fritz is correct.  That dog hunted.  In a few minutes, you get back the confirm.  Boo has been launched.

The phone in your hand Tepha rings a half hour later.

Alright.  You have an interesting toy.  What kind of price tag are we talking about?

Having done her due diligence she'll take the snack cart and wheel it back into their room. Seemed legit so far.

Ledo gives a nod and holds out his arm for her to latch onto. Out of the corner of his eye he was curious to see what her watcher would do.

Nero's heart continues to skip beats...this...could...be...it...

OOC: Praise RNGods!

13:21, Today: Nerotes Madigan rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  persuade/soc.

Tepha was once again all smiles. It sounded like things were coming together afterall.

"Well we have a couple of packages available. 100,000cr would get the package itself. For an additional 50,000cr there is the Support package that would include intel on the places it would need to be targeted at and for an additional 100,000cr on top of that, for a grand total of 250k, would be the Deluxe package that would include credentials needed to get onsite to one of those targets."

BB

And that's when the tray of Swedish meatballs explodes!  Your brains splatter all over the 1800 count Egyptian cotton sheets!

Just kidding

The little hoagies filled with Vargarian ham and olive salad are surpisingly tasty.  The pimento cheese spread is a little suspect. But then it is pimento cheese.

The hub bub in the hallway has quieted down.

---

Ledo

Her watcher pays his tab and picks up his comm.  He must have a second unit standing by outside to take over the tail.

Sure enough, it's pretty easy to spot.  A couple who were 'window shopping' start to stroll down the street opposite you.

Adele giggles and puts her free hand on your upper arm and squeezes.  "Wow!  So big!  Do you work out?"

---

Tepha

The Guy is quiet a moment.

"The basic will do us just fine.  Reach out to Olga in the morning.  She'll handle the exchange.  Bring the package on a data cube.  Half up front, half once the contents are confirmed."

---

Nero

Orange Blonde looks at Brunette who's pursing her lips and hmmming and pondering.

Finally, Brunette says, "Well.  Okay.  But you can't show our tits.  They're trade marked."

As they were walking back Ledo leaned in close to whisper a sweet nothing into Adele's ear.

"What if there was a way for you to retire early?"

He raised his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

Nero gave a knowing nod, playing it cool.

"Of course, of course. Alright girls, lean in and smile!"

He pulled out his phone and snapped the pic, immediately tagging it six ways to sunday to make sure it hit a wide spectrum of results.

#PartyingWithPansy

Ledo

Adeled snuggles closer.

"But I don't wanna go to sleep yet.  Bed yes.  Sleep no."

She seems a little too sloshed for subtleties.

---

Nero

The boards light up.

O no U didn'! I love them dawgs!

O yeah he did!  Send snaps of their boobs!

LOL. So is it the Pany Paws who are partying with the pansy?  Or the pansy who's partying with the Pany Paws???

Screw that what about their booooooobssss?!?

I can't wait to slice you open

Can U go b psycho nuts on your own time?  I wanna see some vids o my girls!  Luv U bunches Pany Paws!!!

The oppression of marine life for the sake of a 'good meal' has got to stop!  Many species are kept alive only out of an interest to decorate the seas for tourists!  The seeding of marine life is done haphhazardly with no thought to the impact on the oceans or the innocent life that exists in it!  End the hate!  Release the Gracken!  All power to the Vegans!  Also, the Pany Paws suck!

O Jeez.  Can we go back to the psycho stalker guy?

What about their tits!!!???!!

Internally Ledo made a decision and snuggled her right back. When they reached her apartment he'll get her pointed in the right direction.

"Why don't you go make yourself comfortable. I need to make a quick phone call and let me crew know I won't be coming back this evening. They were about their Captain..."

He gives her a sly grin before pointing her towards where he guessed the bedrooms were, giving her a nice slap on the rear to get her moving. Meanwhile he headed towards the bathroom and locked the door behind him. He turned on the faucet to provide additional noise cover and hunched in a corner as far from the door as possible, whispering into his phone to avoid being heard.

"Tepha...it's me..."

"What? What's wrong? Why are you whispering?"

"I started talking to Adele and she's into me. Like...really into me."

Silence from the other end.

"Also she has a tail. Some kind of security team is keeping her in check."

The words were casual enough but they had been a couple long enough and had been involved long enough that she could read the subtext of that comment.

This call might be intercepted. Choose your words carefully.

"...how into you?"

This time the pause was on Ledo's side.

"I might not go back to the ship tonight."

"..."

"That's why I'm calling you. To let you know and get your opinion."

A very long pause on Tepha's side.

"And what happens if you stay?"

"I think I might make a long term connection."

Translation: She might be the best way to get access to the authorization keys so they can land their big bet.

Another long pause from Tepha that made Ledo's heart sink into his stomach. What was he even asking? He was asking to put their relationship secondary to a sack of cash, one that they could potentially get at through plenty of other avenues. What kind of person even asks that of their lover?

Then again, part of his mind said, it wasn't like they had explicitly said they were exclusive. Tepha did 'own' him just as he didn't own her. He tried to wrap his head around what he would do if it was Tepha on the phone with some drunk auditor slobbering at her neck. Faint jealously flared up just from that hypothetical and his stomach sank even lower. What was he doing? What was she even going to say?

The words Tepha spoke to him sent him reeling:

"I trust your judgement."

Ledo stared at the phone like it had just electricuted him. In a single sentence she had both condemned him and abdicated all responsibility to him. There was no quarter from her, no allowance given. Whatever he chose, it was entirely his decision and his view of their relationship. At its core it was back to that dilemma he thought about earlier: were credits worth more than their relationship?

A large part of him said that it was. He felt his relationship with Tepha wasn't really solid, that it was all just illusion and momentum and that the slightest pressue like this would cause it to crack but a small part of him rejected that. A very tiny voice in the back of his mind said that he was a good, honorable person deep down and this isn't what heroes do in the story. They don't betray their love for credits. Even if Tepha forgave him through the mountains of jewelry and clothing he could shower upon her, he would know what choice he made and that would forever haunt him.

"I..."

He caught himself. He almost finished "...love you." but remembered the call log might eventually be intercepted and analyzed. He shifted his tone from the raw emotional to a more matter-of-fact business tone.

"...you're right. We do have a schedule to keep. I've got too much waiting for me at home to get dragged down with a local. I might not return to the ship tonight but I'll be back, don't worry."

He had no idea how much of that translated through his acting and coded phrasing but he hoped that she understood his meaning: I love you and no matter what will love you.

For Ledo it was less a chemical reaction and more a conscious decision. Even if his mind wandered and his heart wavered he had decided long ago the kind of person that he was and what that kind of person would do in situations like this. Even if it felt hollow, like he was acting in a play about someone else's life, it gave him guidance and direction in times like this when the mind and flesh were week. While Adele wasn't exactly his type there was a raw attraction to any promise of sexual activity and with how he and Tepha had been it had been rather long since they had been intimate in any way, not since the assassins but even with the cry from his flesh he decided then and there he wasn't that kind of person.

He hung up and splashed some cold water on his face. Time to wake up and focus on his mission. There were other paths forward to manipulate Adele without betraying his own principles or his relationship with Tepha. Ledo turned off the sink and toweled off his face and quietly opened up the door. Maybe after all this time Adele had just fallen asleep. Wouldn't that be the perfect ending for the night, after all this agony and doubt?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Ledo

Adele managed to get her shoes and blouse off before passing out on her bed.

The night isn't a complete loss though.  Her bag from work is laying on the kitchen table, her lap top tucked inside.  You can't sign into it.  But you can copy the system address. Rig and Fritz should be able to hack into it if need be.

I'll leave it to you if you want to do a scene of Ledo's homecoming.  If not...

The security detail tries to tail Ledo, but seems to give up after a few blocks.  Why that is, you aren't sure.

---

The switch with Olga is pretty classic.  She walks into the women's rest room in the hotel lobby.  Tepha follows soon after.  They both are carrying the same type of handbag.

Tepha is adjusting her make up when Olga comes out of a stall. She takes the sink next to Tepha.  Olga picks up Tepha's hand bag.  And she's out like the pro she is.

Silver and Olga's bodyguard sit in chairs in the lobby, eyeing each other the whole time.

Nero's numbers bump into the doubles than triples with the Pany Paws clips.  No word from the Bugga Boys.

BB and the bell boy continue their waltz the next day when he delivers the booze cart Nero requests and the snack cart Perine pre-ordered.

---

Silver

Your comm lights up.

Entrant Number 24.

Please make sure you, your crew, and your bike arrive at Gate 4 of...

It's instructions from the race committee.  Where to go and when tomorrow for the race.

Is Silver going to actually race?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:00, Fri 21 Aug 2020.