001: Unexpected Beginnings

[terrymixon]

Garvin finds the reading of the documents amusing and laughs as he approaches Roscoe and offers his hand "Congratulations on yer appointment as a partner and as a human. You're a clever lad but there might be bits I need to explain. If you feel the need just ask".

Roscoe looks confused. "Pardon me, sir, but I believe that my audio receptors suffered a transient failure. What did you say? My appointment as what?"

To his fellow partners he says "I propose a first and necessary piece of business because we need income to pay our bills and for working capital. I suggest we have Roscoe fire up his best Brokerage ability and invest some of our cash in the Glisten stock market - about five million I reckon. He should easily make us a ten percent return without raising eyebrows and that will cover the ship's debt and most running expenses - expendables, berthing fees an' the like. Roscoe can even run the whole show - now 'e's got 'is papers 'e's completely legit!"

He adds with a wry smile "Given the present company we might also unanimously agree that 'e's the most honest man here".

"As the stock market requires constant observation, that is suboptimal, sir," Roscoe said, seemingly still somewhat distracted. "It's also a long game. Might I suggest speculative cargo? That would provide the same kinds of benefits and add to the cover of being a merchant while you pursue your prey."

[terrymixon]

I forgot to mention a set of seven boxes in the safe. Commercially available tech level 16 mobile comms from Vincennes. The packaging indicates they include a built-in portable computer/5, though no programs are loaded. There are also improved commdots that can connect to them and hardware encryption modules. The note on them reads "Welcome aboard gifts." There was an extra commdot.

The receipt indicates Mad Dog paid CR 5,000 for each set. It also shows he bought eight sets and an extra commdot, so the missing set might be with Mad Dog.

MOBILE COMM

A mobile comm unit is a portable telecommunications device/computer/camera, ranging in size from a bulky handset to a slim watch or pen-like cylinder – in today’s world we call them mobile phones or cell phones. Larger comms have physical controls and screens, while smaller units either project data and control displays onto nearby surfaces, have fold-out plastic screens or connect to cybernetics. Comms have only short-range transmission and reception capabilities – typically five kilometers – but most technologically advanced worlds have planetwide comm networks, allowing the user to send messages and access data anywhere. At higher Tech Levels, mobile comms merge entirely with portable computers; a mobile comm of TL10 or greater will have the equivalent computing power of a portable computer available two Tech Levels earlier.

These are slender watches. They holographically display data on nearby surfaces as directed by the wearer. A holographic keyboard can be used as well, but they also accept voice commands and respond verbally. They can also connect to cybernetics, if a user has that capability.

They are also capable of end-to-end encryption, using the hardware encryption modules. Transmissions would be in the clear if not connecting to a comm without the synced-up hardware. They would need to be opened up and have the accompanying hardware encryption modules installed for that to be available.

COMMDOT

A commdot is a tiny microphone/speaker and transmitter, ranging in size between a few centimeters and a few millimeters across. A commdot is capable of interfacing with another communications device and relaying messages back and forth. Commdots have a range of only a few meters and are usually used as hands-free communicators but can also be used as improvised bugs or throat microphones. They are also able to decipher and transmit subvocal communications and include a tiny nearly imperceptible earpiece to allow communications that are effectively silent.

Your models use encrypted connections to the comms for security.

[Tiglath]

He adds with a wry smile "Given the present company we might also unanimously agree that 'e's the most honest man here".

Jaelah lifts a manicured eyebrow. "Of that, I have no doubt," she says dryly.

Garvin's blue eyes twinkle with mischief and self mocking indignation as he reacts "Well, no one can touch a gold plated, Imperially sanctioned new Identity that's technically only minutes old - but I'd like think I'd come out in the top 'alf on this boat. Why the nuns that ran the foundling 'ome where I grew up would be proud of me spotless record an' no mistake!" He eyes Jaelah with what might be his most roguish smile "Now, Detective, you 'aven't got the 'ump about the disappearance of a certain arty artefact from Collace 'ave you?"

[joertexas]

Garvin's blue eyes twinkle with mischief and self mocking indignation as he reacts "Well, no one can touch a gold plated, Imperially sanctioned new Identity that's technically only minutes old - but I'd like think I'd come out in the top 'alf on this boat. Why the nuns that ran the foundling 'ome where I grew up would be proud of me spotless record an' no mistake!" He eyes Jaelah with what might be his most roguish smile "Now, Detective, you 'aven't got the 'ump about the disappearance of a certain arty artefact from Collace 'ave you?"

Jaelah shakes her head. "We recovered that artifact two weeks after you shipped out, which was because one of your babes had turned out to be even more of a leopard rat than you. Barbie, I think? I arrested her for stealing from a charity in Downspire a month after you left." She lifts the box containing the comms and commdots. "Before we go out, let's issue these and synch them up with Roland."

[terrymixon]

Garvin's blue eyes twinkle with mischief and self mocking indignation as he reacts "Well, no one can touch a gold plated, Imperially sanctioned new Identity that's technically only minutes old - but I'd like think I'd come out in the top 'alf on this boat. Why the nuns that ran the foundling 'ome where I grew up would be proud of me spotless record an' no mistake!" He eyes Jaelah with what might be his most roguish smile "Now, Detective, you 'aven't got the 'ump about the disappearance of a certain arty artefact from Collace 'ave you?"

Jaelah shakes her head. "We recovered that artifact two weeks after you shipped out, which was because one of your babes had turned out to be even more of a leopard rat than you. Barbie, I think? I arrested her for stealing from a charity in Downspire a month after you left." She lifts the box containing the comms and commdots. "Before we go out, let's issue these and synch them up with Roland."

You'll want to read the post again. I added some stuff about hardware encryption. It isn't installed yet, but I bet someone has the skills and tools to make it happen. And Roscoe is offended that you forgot his name.

[Eris]

"Roscoe, what are these two programs?" Spicoli highlights the two he doesn't recognize.

"Two different programs designed to help track ships that have jumped while under observation, sir. Mad Dog felt they would assist in chasing down those bounties that have taken flight."

"Hum, I didn't know you could do that." Spicoli nods, "Yes, that could come in handy. Very handy!"

[Eris]

Looking around the commons area and seeing most everyone seems to have scattered Spicoli shakes his head and asks the air (actually the ship computer/Roscoe), "Roscoe, I was recording while I was working so I'll catch up, but there was something about Staterooms? Would you please tell me which one is mine?"

"Certainly, sir. yours is the forward stateroom to the left. All the others were claimed."

It's marked on the deck plans.

Spicoli looks at the table top, is the card still there? If it is he will take it to the safe and put it inside. If it isn't he'll ask Roscoe where it is and say to Roscoe, "This needs to be kept safe, but all of us need to be able to access it."

It's still right there, so you can lock it away.

Spicoli does both. He drops off the card locking it in the Captain's safe and then drops by his stateroom and takes a quick look around before going in search of William, Walter and Jaelah, with Roscoe's help.

[Eris]

"As the stock market requires constant observation, that is suboptimal, sir," Roscoe said, seemingly still somewhat distracted. "It's also a long game. Might I suggest speculative cargo? That would provide the same kinds of benefits and add to the cover of being a merchant while you pursue your prey."

"Right!" Spicoli nods, "That's the way to go. It does mean we'll need to do some travelling, though to get best deals. I'm not opposed to that."

[terrymixon]

Looking around the commons area and seeing most everyone seems to have scattered Spicoli shakes his head and asks the air (actually the ship computer/Roscoe), "Roscoe, I was recording while I was working so I'll catch up, but there was something about Staterooms? Would you please tell me which one is mine?"

"Certainly, sir. yours is the forward stateroom to the left. All the others were claimed."

It's marked on the deck plans.

Spicoli looks at the table top, is the card still there? If it is he will take it to the safe and put it inside. If it isn't he'll ask Roscoe where it is and say to Roscoe, "This needs to be kept safe, but all of us need to be able to access it."

It's still right there, so you can lock it away.

Spicoli does both. He drops off the card locking it in the Captain's safe and then drops by his stateroom and takes a quick look around before going in search of William, Walter and Jaelah, with Roscoe's help.

Do you take the second card that was attached to Roscoe's new ID packet and put it in there, too?

They are easily found. They are looking at the new comm units and pondering installing the hardware encryption.

Your stateroom is a high stateroom, roomy and upscale as far as the fittings. It has its own fresher and a dedicated holographic computer interface at the desk made of dark wood. There is a wardrobe made of the same wood for your clothes with drawers underneath. The sheets are soft and smooth. Very high thread count. The room is undecorated, so that would be up to you.

[Eris]

Spicoli will approach Jaelah and William and Walter, either singly or as a group and quietly suggest they go to TAS to register and get their ID's. He hands each of them a hand written note, as privately as possible that reads, We need to talk away from all listeners. Please, go along with me on this.

[terrymixon]

Spicoli will approach Jaelah and William and Walter, either singly or as a group and quietly suggest they go to TAS to register and get their ID's. He hands each of them a hand written note, as privately as possible that reads, We need to talk away from all listeners. Please, go along with me on this.

I added a room description for you. Missed that question.

[helvorn]

Silencer returns from his futile effort to find Void. "It's a lot to digest. I like the idea of investing in speculative cargo once we have a set of destinations. We should also take time tomorrow to go to the bank and TAS to settle those items. It would be worth contacting the scrapyard to find out about Mad Dogs old ship. I think the Guild should be organized on a majority vote system for any major decisions or purchases. I think we are all trustworthy enough to know the difference between major and minor. A set of vehicles, vac suits and other helpful equipment is pretty essential. I'm sure each of us are well equipped but there will be gaps for sure. Let's get these communication units and encryption modules integrated right now. Roscoe, can you do that?" He raised his glass. "And congratulations to our newest member and Imperial citizen Roscoe Adams!"

He glanced over at Spicoli later while he was hunting the cat and read the note. "I'm in and will follow your lead."

[terrymixon]

Let's get these communication units and encryption modules integrated right now. Roscoe, can you do that?"[/dialog] He raised his glass. "And congratulations to our newest member and Imperial citizen Roscoe Adams!"

"Thank you, I suppose. I must confess that I feel unsettled at the rapidity and unexpected nature of the changes. Still, the identification will make things easier. A suggestion. You were discussing earlier that someone needed to be the face of the ship as its captain. With these certifications, I can do that while still following the guild's decisions. You'll pardon me for saying so, but none of you look like merchant spacers."

He stepped away and returned with an electronics toolkit. He quickly read the instructions (does that make him inhuman?), opened the first comm, and installed the hardware encryption. His movements are smooth, professional, and skilled. Then he linked it to the commdot and connected it to the station's network. The process only took a couple of minutes. At that rate, he will have them all done in twenty minutes or so.

"I am making note of the comm numbers, and I will program them into the contacts. According to the documentation, the encryption should be automatic between these units. I already have a comm number associated with me that I use for making calls with the hardware built into my body and will add that number as well. I can add the remaining hardware encryption to my comm suite once I have finished setting these units up."

Twenty-two minutes later, all the phones are done and programmed. He will excuse himself with the remaining hardware encryption device after you all take possession, and head for the robotics laboratory, leaving you all alone.

[joertexas]

And Roscoe is offended that you forgot his name.

He will survive.

[Tiglath]

Garvin's blue eyes twinkle with mischief and self mocking indignation as he reacts "Well, no one can touch a gold plated, Imperially sanctioned new Identity that's technically only minutes old - but I'd like think I'd come out in the top 'alf on this boat. Why the nuns that ran the foundling 'ome where I grew up would be proud of me spotless record an' no mistake!" He eyes Jaelah with what might be his most roguish smile "Now, Detective, you 'aven't got the 'ump about the disappearance of a certain arty artefact from Collace 'ave you?"

Jaelah shakes her head. "We recovered that artifact two weeks after you shipped out, which was because one of your babes had turned out to be even more of a leopard rat than you. Barbie, I think? I arrested her for stealing from a charity in Downspire a month after you left." She lifts the box containing the comms and commdots. "Before we go out, let's issue these and synch them up with Roland."

Garvin shakes his head and looks genuinely upset "Must've gone back on the gear - I actually thought I'd weaned 'er off it". He smiles fondly "She was a much better diver/artificer than she was a "babe" an' in that respect never "mine". She was on the other team if you know what I mean. She 'ad a Nitrox imbalance though - too much off books deep work. That an' she used to self medicate. Damn she swore blind she could last it out until she could access 'er account an' get 'er share...".

After a moment's thought he says "Well, that's wrecked a lovely caper. I was sure we all got away clean. She still locked up? The nobilty 'ad the ragin' vengeful zig I recall. Bayin' for justice they were an' no doubt barely mollified by the artefact's recovery. I'll bet their insurers swore up an' down as to the provenance of the recovered piece an' all, eh?"

He pauses then commits "If you can spring Barbie I'll tell you where the other two of that "unique artefact" are - one's actually the original. As a show of good faith I'll also explain why the nobs were all so ruddy antsy - just about all of the packing around that aggravatingly two meter long piece of "useless" was krystal krank. The greedy sods were so confident about the "special customs clearance" from the Ministry of Culture they'd even added a few extra kilos - just slung in loose on top! I destroyed it all - otherwise I'd 'ave retired by now. I don't "do" drugs or people. Maybe you might 'ave to allow that even "leopard rats" 'ave rules?"

[joertexas]

Garvin shakes his head and looks genuinely upset "Must've gone back on the gear - I actually thought I'd weaned 'er off it". He smiles fondly "She was a much better diver/artificer than she was a "babe" an' in that respect never "mine". She was on the other team if you know what I mean. She 'ad a Nitrox imbalance though - too much off books deep work. That an' she used to self medicate. Damn she swore blind she could last it out until she could access 'er account an' get 'er share...".

After a moment's thought he says "Well, that's wrecked a lovely caper. I was sure we all got away clean. She still locked up? The nobilty 'ad the ragin' vengeful zig I recall. Bayin' for justice they were an' no doubt barely mollified by the artefact's recovery. I'll bet their insurers swore up an' down as to the provenance of the recovered piece an' all, eh?"

He pauses then commits "If you can spring Barbie I'll tell you where the other two of that "unique artefact" are - one's actually the original. As a show of good faith I'll also explain why the nobs were all so ruddy antsy - just about all of the packing around that aggravatingly two meter long piece of "useless" was krystal krank. The greedy sods were so confident about the "special customs clearance" from the Ministry of Culture they'd even added a few extra kilos - just slung in loose on top! I destroyed it all - otherwise I'd 'ave retired by now. I don't "do" drugs or people. Maybe you might 'ave to allow that even "leopard rats" 'ave rules?"

Jaelah stands and tosses back her drink. "I'm afraid we will have to continue this conversation later. A few of us are going to pay the T-A-S office a visit." With that, she makes ready to leave with Spicoli.

[terrymixon]

Unless I hear differently, I'll assume that Spicoli, Silencer, Walter, and Jaelah head off for the TAS office and write up that post tomorrow. If someone begs off after that, we'll assume they stayed at the ship with Arkar, Garvin, Lucius, and Roscoe. I wonder what we'll do what they're gone?

Oh, yeah. We're waiting for Mad Dog's body.

[Tiglath]

Jaelah stands and tosses back her drink. "I'm afraid we will have to continue this conversation later. A few of us are going to pay the T-A-S office a visit." With that, she makes ready to leave with Spicoli.

Garvin waits for the four to depart and looks to Arkar with a rueful smile "Well, that's the Collace PD response I remember. Daft of me really - I should 'ave opened with a bid. Bent as a bottle of crisps - the lot of 'em. Poor old Barbie done up for theft from a charity - you've got to admit it's a nice theatrical twist. O' course we need to validate our TAS membership too but it seems only yer authentically "Imperial" badges and troopers are invited. Fancy a drink out? I'm suddenly feelin' a bit claustrophobic".

[terrymixon]

Jaelah stands and tosses back her drink. "I'm afraid we will have to continue this conversation later. A few of us are going to pay the T-A-S office a visit." With that, she makes ready to leave with Spicoli.

Garvin waits for the four to depart and looks to Arkar with a rueful smile "Well, that's the Collace PD response I remember. Daft of me really - I should 'ave opened with a bid. Bent as a bottle of crisps - the lot of 'em. Poor old Barbie fitted up for theft from a charity - you've got to admit it's a nice theatrical twist. O' course we need to validate our TAS membership too but it seems only yer authentically "Imperial" badges and troopers are invited. Fancy a drink out? I'm suddenly feelin' a bit claustrophobic".

"I'll remain here and take care of Mad Dog, if you like," Roscoe said. "I'll get the autopsy started and secure his effects for later examination."

Arkar and Lucius? Care to go out for a drink with your new companion?

[Tiglath]

"I'll remain here and take care of Mad Dog, if you like," Roscoe said. "I'll get the autopsy started and secure his effects for later examination."

"Responsible job bein' Captain. I'm pleased for you". Garvin grins "Old Mad Dog was indeed as mad as a box of frogs but at least 'e 'ad a bit of style. Oh, an' if I were you I'd send Miss Treegarden a note just to let 'er know yer news - about bein' promoted an' that. She'd like that 'cos - well romantic fools do".