2156.11.6:1600 MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

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Y2156.11.08:1200 - Arctic Complex

#261 Post by atpollard »

Y2156.11.08:1200 - Arctic Complex
Noon was an eventful time. First the wolf-pack decided to move a LOT closer to the compound. Close enough that the over watch started to take shots to warn them not to come closer. As a result, the pack sort of circled at extreme range. Probing around the camp to see where you were looking and not looking. It was no longer completely safe to leave the buildings since a stray wolf scout could potentially have found a hidden path to the buildings and be within the perimeter. The majority of the pack, however, was clearly still about 500 meters or so away and keeping low.

Spirits were a bit low over missing the 1200 deadline as contact was made with Bart to give an update and a heads up about the imminent completion. For some reason your concern elicited laughter from Bart. After far too much mirth at your expense … Bart explained that the TIME is measured at Ville d’ Espoir which is 6 hours ahead of your local time. That noon passed 6 hours ago, so you had 18 hours to get the job done.

Bart informed you that you might want to be ready for trouble. There were rumors that more than one team was close to arriving at the tower and some rumors that groups may be shooting at the competition. So just keep your eyes open and stay alert.
"welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness" - e.e. cummings
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#262 Post by Thumper »

I’m curious if Mick’s scoped 11mm trophy rifle would have a longer range than the iron-sighted Arctic 12mm rifle. I suspect ultimate range is roughly the same, but a smaller bullet and scope might make it just a touch farther.

As a move to dissuade the wolves from coming closer to the station, Mick would bring that Trophy rifle up to his building and place it in the warmth of the building while adjusting the scope mounting for max range.

He’ll bring it straight outdoors and, before it can cold-soak. Squeeze off a round at a wolf.

He’s obviously trying to wound one slightly so as to dissuade the pack and hopefully drive them off.

He’ll try this a few times as required drive them off…ideally in the direction of the town.

When he’s on duty with Olivia, he’ll establish a discreet direct comms link and spend remaining time talking with her about her ambitions and dreams. What her pay from this job is going to do for her…where she wants to go in life that this will enable. Mick is actually interested impressed with this lady warrior.
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#263 Post by shaidar »

DJ

DJ grimaces when Bart explains about the time difference "That'll teach me to pay attention."

As Bart tells them about the rumours of other groups he looks more serious.

"Come on Joe, let's focus on getting the transmitters online and let the others worry about security. We've got our handguns if people get inside, but I'd hope it don't come to that." he pats his gun as he speaks.
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#264 Post by Eris »

shaidar wrote: Sat Jul 06, 2024 2:04 pm DJ

DJ grimaces when Bart explains about the time difference "That'll teach me to pay attention."

As Bart tells them about the rumours of other groups he looks more serious.

"Come on Joe, let's focus on getting the transmitters online and let the others worry about security. We've got our handguns if people get inside, but I'd hope it don't come to that." he pats his gun as he speaks.
"Yeah, let's get this done!" Joe says then adds, "Just a second..."

Joe stops opens short range comms to the rest of the party and informs them about the possible approach of competition and that they are rumored to be shooting, "I'd say pull the perimeter in very tight protecting our ride out of here and the base proper, and keep whoever comes up outside it by whatever means necessary. Oh, and are we gonna warn them about that wolf pack out there?"

"Anyway, DJ and I are still working on the transmitters, but if all goes well we'll be finished in an hour or two." he glances over at DJ for confirmation, "Or there about."
Character Stats
In the Marches, Referee
Candles Against The Night, Jimi Woo; 38; 7B9BA9; Pilot-3, Comm-1, Broker-2, Admin-1, Streetwise-2, Steward-1, Computer-1, Vacc-1, Pistol-2, Cutlass-1; 60,000 lbC; AutoPistol, Cutlass, VaccSuit, HandComp.
Winedark Game: Merchant 1st Officer Antony "Andy" Sokolov, 787AA8, 46, 7 terms; Admin-1, Bribery-2, Electronics-1, Engineering-2, Navigation-4, Pilot-1, Revolver-1, Shotgun-1;Benefits: 8,000/yr, Cr50,000, Low Passage, Low Passage, Revolver, Shotgun
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#265 Post by Thumper »

Mick:

Hmm, two or more groups fighting amongst themselves before even getting here. We might have to buy time for Joe and DJ to work.

Herbie, I need you to bring the ATVs in. Park one between Buildings 1 and 2. The other between Buildings 4 and 5. Then take the top of Building 2.

Gonna need all the spare people up on top of a building. Val, Leitz, I’d like you two in rest to continue shifts until all hands are needed.
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Y2156.11.08:1300 - Arctic Complex

#266 Post by atpollard »

Y2156.11.08:1300 - Arctic Complex
[OOC: Traveller weapon ranges are kind of granular in the Combat Rules with 500 meters an upper limit. I will need to work on that in my spare time to expand the upper end and increase the ranges beyond 5-50m; 50-250m & 250-500m for To Hit numbers. For now we will wing it.]

Mick employed his Trophy Rifle and pushed the predators back from 500m to 600m. Rather than driving off the pack, the attacks served to increase the agitation of the pack as it shifted into more of an attack frenzy. They remained distant from the Complex, regarded it as a dangerous predator, but circled and probed … constantly vigilant for any sign of weakness or any opportunity to attack.

Hereby and the others re-positioned the vehicles to create a tighter and more defensive perimeter.

DJ and Joe ran into a snag with the Broadcast Building [B2] and needed to make some adjustments inside Building 2. Travel from [B1] to [B2] was a short trip, but even with all the rifles guarding the path, the howls of the Pack as they exited the building sent a chill of terror up their spine. Everyone could imagine that VET Security that was dragged off in pieces by a pack just like this … if not this very pack.

It was with a giant sigh of relief that they reentered [B1] and sealed the door behind them. Ultimately, Building 1 was a self-contained fortress.
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Y2156.11.08:1403 - Arctic Complex

#267 Post by atpollard »

Y2156.11.08:1403 - Arctic Complex
It was at exactly 1403 local … Y2156.11.08:2003 Ville d’ Espoir time … that the link between the Satellite and the Comm Station and the Comm Station and Ville d’ Espoir Technologies was reestablished. DJ and Jim let out a shout of enthusiastic celebration as the Master Control panel signaled confirmation that their signal had been received. Both watched as vast quantities of stored data began to be transferred from the station’s buffers to VET servers. The transfer would probably take days to complete with new data having top priority.

It was Bart that contacted Mick almost as soon as Mick heard the news from below. Bart needed your authorization to share the data you had on the fate of the original crew. He had been feeding hints that his team … that would be you … had discovered the truth and had negotiated payment for that information. After all, that was NOT in your original contract, so payment for additional services seems only fair. He needed your approval to release the data to VET in exchange for a 10% bonus on top of your repair fee.
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Re: Y2156.11.08:1403 - Arctic Complex

#268 Post by Eris »

atpollard wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2024 9:11 pm Y2156.11.08:1403 - Arctic Complex
It was at exactly 1403 local … Y2156.11.08:2003 Ville d’ Espoir time … that the link between the Satellite and the Comm Station and the Comm Station and Ville d’ Espoir Technologies was reestablished. DJ and Jim let out a shout of enthusiastic celebration as the Master Control panel signaled confirmation that their signal had been received. Both watched as vast quantities of stored data began to be transferred from the station’s buffers to VET servers. The transfer would probably take days to complete with new data having top priority.

It was Bart that contacted Mick almost as soon as Mick heard the news from below. Bart needed your authorization to share the data you had on the fate of the original crew. He had been feeding hints that his team … that would be you … had discovered the truth and had negotiated payment for that information. After all, that was NOT in your original contract, so payment for additional services seems only fair. He needed your approval to release the data to VET in exchange for a 10% bonus on top of your repair fee.
"Works for me, Bart." Joe comms, "How about the rest of you?"
Character Stats
In the Marches, Referee
Candles Against The Night, Jimi Woo; 38; 7B9BA9; Pilot-3, Comm-1, Broker-2, Admin-1, Streetwise-2, Steward-1, Computer-1, Vacc-1, Pistol-2, Cutlass-1; 60,000 lbC; AutoPistol, Cutlass, VaccSuit, HandComp.
Winedark Game: Merchant 1st Officer Antony "Andy" Sokolov, 787AA8, 46, 7 terms; Admin-1, Bribery-2, Electronics-1, Engineering-2, Navigation-4, Pilot-1, Revolver-1, Shotgun-1;Benefits: 8,000/yr, Cr50,000, Low Passage, Low Passage, Revolver, Shotgun
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#269 Post by Thumper »

Nah, don’t bother doing an analysis on bullet ranges. We’ll stick to the Traveller rules and say a tiny marginal benefit was to be had

Mick would be very concerned for Didier’s safety with the pack of Mega-Wolves about. He’d raise him on comm and keep him informed of the situation, so he knows to stay well clear of the station.

He lets out a cheer when DJ and Joe inform them of success. He congratulated the team on comms.

That’s right bloody grand, Mates!

Assuming VET acknowledged (in writing) it was Bart’s team that accomplished the repair/restoration and will be awarded the reward, he provides Bart with authorization and details of the VET repair team. He also, through Bart, negotiates a commission for salvaging the VET Arctic-Cat tractor and bring it back to St Oyland or back with them on the plane. He also offers, through Bart, to provide a detailed tactical situation surrounding the station…for an additional fee.

VET ATV: [2d6+3]=9+3=12

Tactical Brief: [2d6+3]=7+3=10

He has it in mind to tow the other dead ATV back with them (claiming salvage rights) and turn over the frozen corpse to the grav port authorities.

He’ll ask Bart for updates regarding the expected inbound and fueding competitors.

He’s been observant to the Wolves increasing agitation to their shot’s, but also trying to observe whether the shooting has driven the Wooves directionally. He’s trying to herd them towards the road from St Oyland in hopes that they will drive off competitor teams so they can avoid a potential shoot out. He’ll ask Bart to try to warn competitor teams of the Wolve’s presence.

He’ll open a conference call with Didier (Arctic animal behavior and local area expert) and Olivia (long range weapon expert) and the rest of the team to discuss the behavior of the Wolf pack to a badly injured pack member. Does the pack turn on a mortally wounded wolf? He’s assessing the feasibility of the following plan: If they need to break from their position at the station with the Wolves about, would everybody firing on one wolf that strays into rifle range be able to mortally wound a Wolf, the remaining wolves consolidate and be distracted by the downed wolf, then their team escape to pick up Didier and head to the abandoned ATV the round-about way, then on to St Oyland? Any other suggestions, refinements, or alternatives?

Question is, do we all feel up for the several hours journey back to St Oyland? Do we want to stay the night knowing other groups are on the way and some may not get the message the race is over…and they are already trigger happy?
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#270 Post by shaidar »

DJ

"That's the easy bit done, now we need to get back to get our hands on those credits. I don't have an issue with claiming payments for additional services."

He listens while Mick outlines the options

"Well, it seems like a good plan, depending on what Didier knows about the wolves behaviour. Normally I ain't going to say no to a decent snooze, but I don't fancy being shot at. I'd hope they could be reasoned with once they know we've fixed it and registered our claim with VET. But if they'll willing to shoot then they could just as easily hold one of us for ransom to get the money, so I guess we should leave while we can."
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Y2156.11.08:1500 - Arctic Complex

#271 Post by atpollard »

Y2156.11.08:1500 - Arctic Complex
Detecting Mick's plan to herd the wolves towards the road, but not knowing why, Dieder circled the fringes of the pack taking shots at closer ranges to more precisely direct them. What the big bore lacked in range, it more than made up for in a thunderous boom that sent frightened wolves fleeing in the desired direction. The pack was now generally concentrated in the direction of the exit road. Dieder slipped back into the compound and entered the building as sunset gave way to darkness once more.

”Umm, guys … are you there? I … well … we need to talk.” began a strange message from Bart. With a smile, he quickly assured everyone that the Payment was safe. Both the seven figures for the repair and the six figure bonus for the situation report. This was something else.

As soon as transmissions began, VET dispatched a repair team to the Station to take over. That’s where things got strange. People were sort of freaking out over the SitRep. The VET crew sent out refused to continue without extra security. The Tech People were aghast at the status reports coming in on the damage and Government Agencies were all over reports of a death from Radiation poisoning and wanted to send a HazMat team out to clear the site for habitation before anyone would be allowed to begin repairs. VET was freaking out at the possibility that the system could crash before Techs arrived on scene to keep it running. All the news reports about Arctic Monsters had not exactly inspired confidence and a surplus of volunteers.

”So, well … VET would like you to remain on site until their people arrive. That is an official request. Unofficially, the repair crews refuse to go and the Government will not allow anyone to go to an unoccupied station until it is inspected for radiation and certified safe. VET has both TECH and SECURITY forces on the way that should be there in no less than 12 hours and no more than 24 hours.” Bart paused for a long time ”You should know the ‘request’ comes with another 10% bonus. That’s a six figure bonus for staying there another 12 to 24 hours and keeping the system running. The choice is completely your’s to make, I just need an answer to give to a lot of Government and Corporate people that are blowing up my Comm line.
I just love plot complications.
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#272 Post by shaidar »

DJ

"Well, ain't that a doozy. We're potentially in danger from other crews as well as the local wildlife. Bart, do you think there's a chance we could negotiate that 10% up? Ask for 20 but settle for 15%?"
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#273 Post by Thumper »

Mick:
How much was the payout?

Lady and Gents…there’s an old saying that says: “Bulls make money, bears make money, but pigs get slaughtered.

I don’t think 10% or even 15% is worth the risk of an armed confrontation…I agree with DJ’s assessment. The bonus, divided by the number of people in the split is not a great value. Then there’s the government’s probable overreaction to the radiation leak.

I’m pretty certain we can hold the facility against man and beast, but I’ve half a mind to leave under our own terms.

If VET could deploy repair and security teams this quickly since restart, this must be important to them. They either need to pay up or I vote for walking. It would take a MUCH bigger security reward to entice me to stay. And only until next dawn.
Last edited by Thumper on Thu Jul 11, 2024 4:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#274 Post by shaidar »

DJ

"How much were you thinking? 50% to stay until dawn. Worse case they say no and we walk."
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#275 Post by atpollard »

Thumper wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2024 4:49 pm Mick:
How much was the payout?
I will need to take some time to calculate the EXACT date from the original post for the Job. Ballpark, around MCr 1.1 for the repair and about Cr 110,000 for the Bonus for the data. Staying until relief arrives is worth another Cr 110,000. [Give or take 10% of those figures, so MCr 1 to MCr 1.2 and Cr 100k to Cr 120k depending on the exact number of days ...]
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#276 Post by Thumper »

I can’t decipher from previous posts if Olivia was brought as a full partner. Assuming she was, I think we have a seven-way split. Bart, if I remember right, is on a “finder’s fee”.

Good question DJ. We have all the same threats as when we arrived on station. They’re asking us to stay for just as long as we’ve already been here. Currently, we have the Wolves herded in one direction…giving us a window of escape that may not last. And we now have assets in the form of wealth of our own that need protecting.

To make it worth staying…Between us girls, I’d settle at 20%.


Haggling through Bart:
Admin 3: [2d6+3]=4+3=7

Int 9: +1 should it help
Last edited by Thumper on Thu Jul 11, 2024 4:44 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#277 Post by shaidar »

DJ

"Let's tell then 25% or nothing then. We're the ones taking the risks."
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#278 Post by Thumper »

Mick gives a reluctant sounding, “Right then. But we need VET’s response within 3 minutes. Window’s closing.”
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#279 Post by atpollard »

Thumper wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2024 6:27 pm I can’t decipher from previous posts if Olivia was brought as a full partner. Assuming she was, I think we have a seven-way split. Bart, if I remember right, is on a “finder’s fee”.
I will need to go back and check the details, but my vague (swiss cheese) recollection was that the reward was going into a common fund for "the group" with people like Olivia being strictly "Hired Guns". I was planning on dropping the "retired NPC players" leaving the bulk of the cash in a fund controlled by FOUR of you [assuming Herbie resurfaces as a player and THREE if he does not]. I will probably just take 10% to cover expenses and salaries for NPCs and severance for characters that walk away just to keep the math simple [unless I go back and find you paid up front for the rentals and such, then no 10% deduct].

Yes, Bart got paid from VET (and makes a percent from VET for each of the bonus negotiations) ... like a Broker.
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Re: MILLION CREDIT COMM JOB

#280 Post by Eris »

atpollard wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2024 8:12 pm
Thumper wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2024 6:27 pm I can’t decipher from previous posts if Olivia was brought as a full partner. Assuming she was, I think we have a seven-way split. Bart, if I remember right, is on a “finder’s fee”.
I will need to go back and check the details, but my vague (swiss cheese) recollection was that the reward was going into a common fund for "the group" with people like Olivia being strictly "Hired Guns". I was planning on dropping the "retired NPC players" leaving the bulk of the cash in a fund controlled by FOUR of you [assuming Herbie resurfaces as a player and THREE if he does not]. I will probably just take 10% to cover expenses and salaries for NPCs and severance for characters that walk away just to keep the math simple [unless I go back and find you paid up front for the rentals and such, then no 10% deduct].

Yes, Bart got paid from VET (and makes a percent from VET for each of the bonus negotiations) ... like a Broker.
Sounds good to me. I'm also for taking the VET offer and staying here until their Security arrives....

"Guys, we're a target here, but we're also buttoned up and safer here than back out on the wastes. If we have to fight anyone, I'd rather do it from inside these buildings than out there in ATV's and worse in the ice fields." says Joe, "Yeah, it's fine to squeeze VET for a big bonus, but I vote for making a deal with them and waiting here for Security to arrive.
Character Stats
In the Marches, Referee
Candles Against The Night, Jimi Woo; 38; 7B9BA9; Pilot-3, Comm-1, Broker-2, Admin-1, Streetwise-2, Steward-1, Computer-1, Vacc-1, Pistol-2, Cutlass-1; 60,000 lbC; AutoPistol, Cutlass, VaccSuit, HandComp.
Winedark Game: Merchant 1st Officer Antony "Andy" Sokolov, 787AA8, 46, 7 terms; Admin-1, Bribery-2, Electronics-1, Engineering-2, Navigation-4, Pilot-1, Revolver-1, Shotgun-1;Benefits: 8,000/yr, Cr50,000, Low Passage, Low Passage, Revolver, Shotgun
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