001: Unexpected Beginnings

[joertexas]

As they reached the hatch to the bay and she left William opened the hatch and stepped into the bay. "So lightning doesn't just strike once or twice but three times at least. For a start, does anybody know how to fly a magic carpet like this? I'm just a ground pounder."

A big grin comes across Metz's face, as he gets some excitement in his step. "Oh, the ship is already fully crewed. You are our distinguished passengers, and don't need to lift a finger. The crew is at your service."

She speaks to the group as they board. "Before anyone touches anything, I would like to look around. I refuse to believe that our benefactor left no trace of his intentions." She walks though the entire ship from bridge to stern bulkhead, using her hand scanner to search for DNA or anything else interesting.

As the group gets to the airlock of the ship, Metz pipes-up again, "Uh... Jealah, was it? Yeah, I can assure you the ship is constantly being scanned for anything out of the ordinary. You don't need to search the entire ship... unless, of course, that's your way, and you feel you have to. Then, go ahead. But rest assured, you are all in good hands."

""Of course, Madam Shugilamar. If you will follow me?"

Metz watches Jealah, and Roscoe, almost with an air of admiration, as Roscoe begins to show her the ship. Speaking to nobody in particular, "Ahhh... a truly remarkable work of art. Just stunning. It never gets old."

Jaelah looks to the people and avatar following her. "If you would, please allow me to walk the ship alone. You may follow, but please give me room to work. Roscoe, please ensure that all hatches and doors are open when I approach them. That will facilitate my investigation."

[terrymixon]

As they reached the hatch to the bay and she left William opened the hatch and stepped into the bay. "So lightning doesn't just strike once or twice but three times at least. For a start, does anybody know how to fly a magic carpet like this? I'm just a ground pounder."

A big grin comes across Metz's face, as he gets some excitement in his step. "Oh, the ship is already fully crewed. You are our distinguished passengers, and don't need to lift a finger. The crew is at your service."

She speaks to the group as they board. "Before anyone touches anything, I would like to look around. I refuse to believe that our benefactor left no trace of his intentions." She walks through the entire ship from bridge to stern bulkhead, using her hand scanner to search for DNA or anything else interesting.

As the group gets to the airlock of the ship, Metz pipes-up again, "Uh... Jealah, was it? Yeah, I can assure you the ship is constantly being scanned for anything out of the ordinary. You don't need to search the entire ship... unless, of course, that's your way, and you feel you have to. Then, go ahead. But rest assured, you are all in good hands."

""Of course, Madam Shugilamar. If you will follow me?"

Metz watches Jealah, and Roscoe, almost with an air of admiration, as Roscoe begins to show her the ship. Speaking to nobody in particular, "Ahhh... a truly remarkable work of art. Just stunning. It never gets old."

Jaelah looks to the people and avatar following her. "If you would, please allow me to walk the ship alone. You may follow, but please give me room to work. Roscoe, please ensure that all hatches and doors are open when I approach them. That will facilitate my investigation."

“Of course.”

He will walk you through the entire ship with one exception. One of the quarters. “This is Doctor Metz’s room. I will need his permission to allow you access.”

“Go ahead,” Metz calls from the front of the ship.

Roscoe opens the door and steps aside to allow you in. The room is lived in. Coinich will have to say if it is neat or not.

There is another occupied room. It is the one furthered to the right at the front of the common area. It is a dumpster fire. Gaudy clothes scattered around, and it smells funky. Plenty of trace here, all belonging to a single male. You’ll note Roscoe allows you access without argument.

In the end, you note a few things.

First, there is a portable (sort of) robotics laboratory in the cargo bay. It is secured to the deck between the two hatches leading into the crew area. It is extremely high tech and looks expensive.

Second, after you open the two safes, only the one in the captain’s office has anything in it. A file folder of documents.

Third, there is no forensic evidence ANYWHERE on the ship, other than on the folder and the two occupied rooms. A sample from Metz—which he agrees to give—matches the trace in his room.

The folder has a different set of male DNA left by a single person handling them. The papers and documents have the same male DNA as from the other occupied room. Odds are, it belongs to Mad Dog, but you need a reference sample to be sure.

Once you are done, Roscoe stands there with his hands behind his back. “Is everything to your satisfaction, Madam Shugilamar?”

[Tiglath]

Garvin pipes up from the back of the tour "Just a hunch really but indulge me, eh? Madam Shugilamar, would you ask Roscoe if he'd mind overmuch if you shot 'im in the 'ead? I'd be interested to get 'is reaction but I don't really do guns an' I've got a funny feeling Roscoe there's a clue in your investigation".

Turning to Metz he asks "Is 'e one o' yours then Doc?"

[terrymixon]

Garvin pipes up from the back of the tour "Just a hunch really but indulge me, eh? Madam Shugilamar, would you ask Roscoe if he'd mind overmuch if you shot 'im in the 'ead? I'd be interested to get 'is reaction but I don't really do guns an' I've got a funny feeling Roscoe there's a clue in your investigation".

Turning to Metz he asks "Is 'e one o' yours then Doc?"

Roscoe turns to look back. “I would prefer to avoid that, sir. While I don’t feel pain, this prototype superior android body is worth a significant sum and its unavailability while Doctor Metz repairs the damage would hamper my ability to perform my duties.”

Metz grins. “Yes. Roscoe is a digital consciousness. He resides in the ship’s computers and is the crew I mentioned. He is a priceless one of a kind prototype of my own design. Fully sapient, he is just as real a person as you and I. There is nothing like him in the Imperium though more basic consciousness are beginning trials back where I came from. They are tech level 16. He is more. In any case, they are all arguably sophants just like you and me. Don’t shoot either of us, please.

“He links to the android but it is capable of solo operations outside the ship, though potentially at reduced capability. Only testing will allow me to say for sure. The memories between the units synchronize once the android returns to the ship. He can also control all the other robots and droids that work aboard the ship. He will see to our needs and fill in any gaps we have. The range of skills he can load is formidable.”

[Tiglath]

Garvin replies with a satisfied smile "Don't worry Doc - I won't be shootin' anyone. It's not really my thing. I'm more yer people person - so at least me instincts there 'aven't gone off. Mind you Doc an' no offense meant but Roscoe with all 'is skills an' abilities makes your water tight alibi for the murder look a bit leaky. Looks like you fooled Miss Treegarden there then eh?"

[helvorn]

William follows along the tour of the ship. His eyes widened as he realized the capability of Roscoe. Silencer wasn't much of a ship type but he knew enough to recognize that this ship was truly worth a billion credits or so. The technological capacity of the ship boggled his mind but at least the basics were familiar. "This ship and the capabilities are insane. Doctor, you've done amazing work with Roscoe and the automation. Even a grunt like me can recognize it. Roscoe, you are amazing also and I look forward to working with you. Just excuse me as I get used to the ghost in the machine so to speak. Nothing personal." Silencer turned back to Metz. "So this ship is fully autonomous in all aspects and being run by Roscoe?"

"The other thing is mad dog must have discovered some kind of ancients site or something to get a 2 billion credit bounty. This ship may have been part of it as our ministry lady mentioned that the jump drive was very advanced and already on the ship when she got it."

[joertexas]

There is another occupied room. It is the one furthered to the right at the front of the common area. It is a dumpster fire. Gaudy clothes scattered around and it smell funky. Plenty of trace here, all belonging to a single male. You’ll note Roscoe allows you access without argument.

Once you are done, Roscoe stands there with his hands behind his back. “Is everything to your satisfaction, Madam Shugilamar?”

"I want this stateroom locked, with only me allowed inside until I have completed my investigation here." Jealah doesn't step into the stateroom herself and waits for the door to be locked. "Until proven otherwise, this room is a crime scene, and our only contact with our late benefactor."

[terrymixon]

Garvin replies with a satisfied smile "Don't worry Doc - I won't be shootin' anyone. It's not really my thing. I'm more yer people person - so at least me instincts there 'aven't gone off. Mind you Doc an' no offense meant but Roscoe with all 'is skills an' abilities makes your water tight alibi for the murder look a bit leaky. Looks like you fooled Miss Treegarden there then eh?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. She visited the ship twice after I brought Roscoe online and showed more interest in him than either Mad Dog or myself."

One of the ubiquitous overhead speakers just above you came to life. "Three times," Roscoe's voice said. "She came once while you were asleep, Doctor. I monitored her closely during all her visits, and she did nothing to warrant any concerns. The final visit was several hours long. She brought some additional paperwork that I added to the folder in the captain's safe once she departed. I scanned it and it contained nothing that set off any alarms in the Anti-Hijack/3 protocols. It is a sealed blue folder. We sat in the commons and had tea for several hours, and spoke of many topics including some of the places she'd been. She asked no questions about where I came from or my personal history and seemed fascinated by the conversation itself."

[terrymixon]

There is another occupied room. It is the one furthered to the right at the front of the common area. It is a dumpster fire. Gaudy clothes scattered around and it smell funky. Plenty of trace here, all belonging to a single male. You’ll note Roscoe allows you access without argument.

Once you are done, Roscoe stands there with his hands behind his back. “Is everything to your satisfaction, Madam Shugilamar?”

"I want this stateroom locked, with only me allowed inside until I have completed my investigation here." Jealah doesn't step into the stateroom herself and waits for the door to be locked. "Until proven otherwise, this room is a crime scene, and our only contact with our late benefactor."

Roscoe nodded. "I will do as you say, but you need to be aware that any of the other co-owners have the same authority as you. I will inform you if one of them decides to enter the room, but it would be inappropriate for me to deny them entry as I am only an employee of the guild."

[ateno]

Arkar has been quiet, being pulled along the wave of happenings.

"So Roscoe, are you the only crew here or is there crewmen and how are they paid. Also, where are our owner staterooms.

Arkar grabbed a cup from a galley as they were walking and poured some of the rare Absinthe he took from the meeting room and offers some to Garvin with a bend of the bottle.

Arkar

[terrymixon]

William follows along the tour of the ship. His eyes widened as he realized the capability of Roscoe. Silencer wasn't much of a ship type but he knew enough to recognize that this ship was truly worth a billion credits or so. The technological capacity of the ship boggled his mind but at least the basics were familiar. "This ship and the capabilities are insane. Doctor, you've done amazing work with Roscoe and the automation. Even a grunt like me can recognize it. Roscoe, you are amazing also and I look forward to working with you. Just excuse me as I get used to the ghost in the machine so to speak. Nothing personal."

"No offense taken, sir. I also look forward to our association."

Silencer turned back to Metz. "So this ship is fully autonomous in all aspects and being run by Roscoe?"

"Yes. I should explain in more detail, so bear with me. The less advanced digital consciousnesses being developed by Makhidkarun on Vincennes--by whom I was employed and where I worked on the various development teams--are tech level 16 creations. They are at the very limit of what current Imperial technology allows. Incredible as they are, there are still things that can be improved upon. The company wasn't interested in advancing them as quickly as I was and thought my ideas unproven and premature. Idiots. Even so, the individuals created--for they all have free will--are quite capable, though the bandwidth and computer requirements preclude their use in anything other than large, modern computers.

"I enhanced and streamlined Roscoe's programming to the point that I could transfer a copy of him to a superior android body. He was quite correct about the cost of the unit. It was also tech level 16 prior to me modifying it and the base unit cost MCr 14. The modifications easily doubled the cost. The original unit was visibly artificial. I changed that so that he is physically indistinguishable from a real person, unless one cuts him open which, now that I consider it, probably triples his body's cost.

"I also improved on the computer built into the body and linked it to the two aboard this ship. That was some very tricky work, but it is working perfectly. the android body once as had a built-in obsolescence feature, but I removed that. Roscoe can leave the ship and go anywhere, and his memories will sync with the main version of him once he gets back. I said earlier that the portable version of his consciousness could be less capable than the main version, but that is only a guess. We'll have to find out as events proceed.

"The bottom line is while the behavior Roscoe exhibits is the same as his tech level 16 brothers and sisters, he is an advanced prototype digital consciousness beyond the bleeding edge of what is capable in the Third Imperium. Likely tech level 18, if I had to guess. The body is likely tech level 17. Roscoe is the absolute pinnacle of my life's work, and I will be watching how he develops closely. He has made tremendous strides in the seven days he has been alive, don't you think?"

He frowned. "Where was I? Oh, yes. There are other robotic units that are capable of doing work aboard this ship: Two Star Tek engineering robots that Mad Dog named Frick and Frack run engineering, with eight medium repair droids that have been upgraded to Standard Engineer Droids, twelve small repair droids, and twelve extra small repair droids. They will handle all aspects of the engineering work.

"The ship also has a BDVSR (Beverage Dispensary/Venue Security Robot) Bartender Robot, a Steward Droid, two Type C Cargo loaders in the cargo bay, a Surgeon Bot and a Nurse Bot for patient care, six Skitter units to see to the cleanliness of the ship, and a black ceiling cat named Void. All except Void have been modified to allow control by Roscoe. With Roscoe doing much of the interaction with people, the Steward Droid mostly helps the Skitter units with cleaning where they cannot reach. It and the bartender unit will assist the crew when Roscoe's body is absent.

"The ship's computer has both virtual crew and virtual gunner programs that Roscoe controls to allow him to perform all the other crew work. No one needs to do anything with the ship. Roscoe can handle it all, though someone will eventually need to pretend to be the captain as there are exactly zero wholly computer-controlled ships in service at this time. No one will believe it and it is possible some overly officous type would impound the ship if that became known. Roscoe will do all the non-bounty hunting work so that will leave you all free to do what you do best. Whatever that is."

The doctor is quite a bit chattier when talking about his work. He doesn't even seem self-conscious right now.

"The other thing is mad dog must have discovered some kind of ancients site or something to get a 2 billion credit bounty. This ship may have been part of it as our ministry lady mentioned that the jump drive was very advanced and already on the ship when she got it."

"He never shared any details of what he found with me, I'm afraid. He said it was part of the deal he'd made but assured me that I'd have loved it. Considering what I do, that likely means you're right and would explain the exorbitant payment. It would also put some context to Madam Treegarden's department, eh? The jump drive is a tech level 15 unit, but the power plant is arguably tech level 18. It uses parts that are of Imperial manufacture, but the unit is substantially more compact than it would otherwise be.

"I don't think it is Ancient work. I was part of several archeological digs for the Imperial military and those places and things are a different beast altogether. Nothing functional in the places I was at, but there was no mistaking what we were looking at. As to the powerplant, I believe it had to be the work of someone visionary like myself."

[terrymixon]

Arkar has been quiet, being pulled along the wave of happenings.

"So Roscoe, are you the only crew here or is there crewmen and how are they paid. Also, where are our owner staterooms.

"I am the only crew, sir. Don't worry. I can handle all the operations. No one ever discussed salary with me, and I'm uncertain what I would even use it on if I was paid. As far as the owner staterooms, there are seven. That is fortuitous as there are seven of you. I'm not sure what Mad Dog would have done after you arrived as there would be one too few cabins. There are four along the port side. The rearmost is taken by Doctor Metz, but the remaining ones are available. Three more are forward of the common area. The starboard most was Mad Dog's and is now potentially a crime scene. The other two are available. Should I contact the port authority and have all of your belongings brought here?"

Arkar grabbed a cup from a galley as they were walking and poured some of the rare Absinthe he took from the meeting room and offers some to Garvin with a bend of the bottle.

The "galley" is significantly more advanced than any you've seen before. It looks like a professional setup in a high-end restaurant.

[Eris]

Spicoli takes all, this in shakes his head, and goes to sit at the table in the commons. He takes Teagarden's card from his pocket and places it on the table, as he said he would do then sets up his computer.

"Roscoe, I would like my computer to have access to the ship's computer and her systems." says Spicoli, "Please, give me the code for access."

Spicoli will browse the computer's library to see what software is available to be loaded (libraries, data and programs). He's just browsing and assessing what is available.

[terrymixon]

Spicoli takes all, this in shakes his head, and goes to sit at the table in the commons. He takes Teagarden's card from his pocket and places it on the table, as he said he would do then sets up his computer.

As stated earlier, the card is a creamy white in color. It also has Aster Treegarden's name in block script and a comm code. The card itself has a stylized and embossed O on the right side and a minuscule bump that most would miss on the left. It is almost certainly a chip that can be scanned for more information.

"Roscoe, I would like my computer to have access to the ship's computer and her systems." says Spicoli, "Please, give me the code for access."

"Yes, sir. I will be watching for your access attempt and allow it to occur. Be advised that while you have complete access to the computers and their contents, there are sections that will be read-only for you. That is to protect myself and the ship's operational programs from inadvertent damage or sabotage." He will provide you with a code and the system allows you in.

Spicoli will browse the computer's library to see what software is available to be loaded (libraries, data and programs). He's just browsing and assessing what is available.

First of all, you note that the ship has two Core/110 computer systems. They are tech level 16 and are the largest and most advanced systems you've ever seen. One would be overkill for most ships. They are running in tandem rather than one being primary and the other a reserve. The combined bandwidth is 220+10. The latter is reserved for jump control, leaving 220 for everything else. There is a lot of bandwidth left over as running everything all at once caps out at a grand total bandwidth of 165, including the 10 reserved for the jump program. That leaved 65 bandwidth perpetually free.

That's a lot of processing power going to waste, especially since there will rarely--if ever--be call to run everything at once. Frankly, the computers most often will only be running a few programs with measurable bandwidth: Anti-Hijack/3, Roscoe's Conscious Intelligence/3, and Virtual Crew/2. Together, they will consume a mere 35 bandwidth, leaving 185 sitting idle, since 10 is always reserved for the jump program. That is an inconceivable waste of money but leaves you with a bunch of processing power at your beck and call.

The programs loaded include an extremely extensive library, Advanced Fire Control/3, Anti-Hijack/3, Auto Repair/2, Roscoe's Conscious Intelligence/3 program, Evade/3, Intelect (which is wholly unneeded with Roscoe running the show), Jump Control/2, Maneuver/0, Virtual Crew/2, Virtual Gunner/2, and two programs you are unfamiliar with: Jump Filter and Jump Analyzer/4.

Roscoe's program has an adjunct that is labeled skills, but while it is similar to what might be used for a wafer to upload to a jack in a person, they are not the same things. These programs are much more extensive and there a lot of them. If you can think of a skill, it is likely there.

You note the Anti-Hijack/3 protocols watching you as you browse. Roscoe, too, though he is much more subtle. Neither are interfering, but your actions are certainly being monitored.

[joertexas]

Roscoe nodded. "I will do as you say, but you need to be aware that any of the other co-owners have the same authority as you. I will inform you if one of them decides to enter the room, but it would be inappropriate for me to deny them entry as I am only an employee of the guild."

"I understand."With that, Jaelah returns to where everyone else is gathered. "I have asked Roscoe to lock Mad Dog's cabin until I can go through it for any evidence that might help solve his murder. While I do not have the authority to enforce that decision against any of you owners, I ask that you respect my wishes. I will, of course, expedite my investigation and report all of my findings." She pauses for a moment as if she wants to say more, and then she shakes her head fractionally and continues.

"Does anyone have a preference as to which of the cabins they want? I suppose I can take Mad Dog's cabin after I have it cleaned."

[terrymixon]

Roscoe nodded. "I will do as you say, but you need to be aware that any of the other co-owners have the same authority as you. I will inform you if one of them decides to enter the room, but it would be inappropriate for me to deny them entry as I am only an employee of the guild."

"I understand."With that, Jaelah returns to where everyone else is gathered. "I have asked Roscoe to lock Mad Dog's cabin until I can go through it for any evidence that might help solve his murder. While I do not have the authority to enforce that decision against any of you owners, I ask that you respect my wishes. I will, of course, expedite my investigation and report all of my findings." She pauses for a moment as if she wants to say more, and then she shakes her head fractionally and continues.

"Does anyone have a preference as to which of the cabins they want? I suppose I can take Mad Dog's cabin after I have it cleaned."

"Would anyone care for drinks or sandwiches and tea? Roscoe asked from the edge of the fancy kitchen. "I apologize for not having a meal prepared but I am as of yet unfamiliar with your dietary preferences and any food incompatibilities.

"We have an expansive wet bar, if that is your preference. Beer on tap, wine, and a wide selection of hard liquors. I can mix any drinks you might want, if that is your fancy. So far as sandwiches, we have many kinds of bread and meats to delight the palate. Salads, too. Simply ask and I shall get to work on it."

[ateno]

"I also improved on the computer built into the body and linked it to the two aboard this ship. That was some very tricky work, but it is working perfectly. the android body once as had a built-in obsolescence feature, but I removed that.

Mr. Metz, ah question, I don't want to sound like a apocalyptic sci fi vid, but what was removed?"

There are four along the port side. The rearmost is taken by Doctor Metz, but the remaining ones are available. Three more are forward of the common area.

"Roscoe, please designate port 3 as my stateroom. And a meal sounds great, I look forward to seeing what is available."

Arkar will place what is left of the Absinthe in the Wet bar.


At the table

"Well everyone what do you think of the situation, i'm waiting for the micrometeor."

Arkar

[terrymixon]

"I also improved on the computer built into the body and linked it to the two aboard this ship. That was some very tricky work, but it is working perfectly. the android body once as had a built-in obsolescence feature, but I removed that.

"Mr. Metz, ah question, I don't want to sound like a apocalyptic sci fi vid, but what was removed?"

"Either Lucius or Doctor Metz, please. I took it out because I don't want my greatest creation losing his body," Metz said with a frown. "Did you not hear me say just the android body is worth around MCr 45? Besides, Roscoe is as much a living person as we are. Why don't we install bombs in people's arms and legs to make sure we render them immobile before they do something bad?"

There are four along the port side. The rearmost is taken by Doctor Metz, but the remaining ones are available. Three more are forward of the common area.

"Roscoe, please designate port 3 as my stateroom. And a meal sounds great, I look forward to seeing what is available."

"Of course, sir. I don't have a menu, but if you would like to peruse the options, I will make it all up for you."

Arkar will place what is left of the Absinthe in the Wet bar.

First, the gourmet kitchen has a lot of high-quality food items and a genuinely wide selection of breads, meats, and cheeses. Sauces and dressings galore are there for the taking, and all the fixings mean ALL the fixings. Imagine a sandwich and it can be built.

So far as the wet bar, it puts the one in the conference room to shame. Top shelf here is truly top shelf. The breadth of options is breathtaking. It must've cost a fortune to stock it. Well, maybe not in comparison to everything else, but a lot of money none the less.

[ateno]

.... Besides, Roscoe is as much a living person as we are. Why don't we install bombs in people's arms and legs to make sure we render them immobile before they do something bad?"

"Ah understood, thank you for enumerating."

First, the gourmet kitchen has a lot of high-quality food items and a genuinely wide selection of breads, meats, and cheeses. Sauces and dressings galore are there for the taking, and all the fixings mean ALL the fixings. Imagine a sandwich and it can be built.

Arkar will choses a thick bubbly white bread that reminds him of his mother's homemade with spicy vegetables thin tasty meat.

"Thank you Roscoe,and here your first tip.

Arkar hands Roscoe 100 Cr.

Arkar

[terrymixon]

First, the gourmet kitchen has a lot of high-quality food items and a genuinely wide selection of breads, meats, and cheeses. Sauces and dressings galore are there for the taking, and all the fixings mean ALL the fixings. Imagine a sandwich and it can be built.

Arkar will choses a thick bubbly white bread that reminds him of his mother's homemade with spicy vegetables thin tasty meat.

"Thank you Roscoe, and here your first tip.

Arkar hands Roscoe 100 Cr.

It will be even better than hers, but we won't tell her.

Roscoe takes the credits curiously. "I do not require tipping, sir. Also, this seems a rather large tip for such a small service. Even so, I am unsure what I would use it for."

He then frowned. "On reflection, I think it might be inappropriate for me to accept this. I am an employee of the guild, and it is my duty to serve. Please, take it back." He proffers the credits back to you.