The Unseen Servant forums

terrymixon wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 8:13 pm

Tiglath wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 7:02 pm

terrymixon wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 5:10 am Metz will show up without any armor. He does look a tad wary, though. “What the devil were you talking about? You’re difficult to understand at the best of times, but your message was virtually incomprehensible.”

Garvin taps the back of his own head and greets Metz with "You should get one o' them translator chips put in yer 'ead - all the cool kids are gettin' 'em now".

"Doc, I need to 'ave a word - it's about Roscoe. What with recent events... um.. anyway I've just thought on the possibility of 'im gettin' a girlfriend. I just need reassurin' that 'e could cope with that without... well... gettin' over enthusiastic - like 'e did with the cargo crate. Don't get me wrong I'm on the kid's side but I didn't want things to get... complicated that's all".

"A girlfriend? Why are you thinking about getting him a girlfriend? So you can double date?" He shakes his head. "Like I told you all earlier. I started his moral programming as someone who was a good person. What he did in the cargo bay is something that can be laid at the feet of all of us--whether we like it or not--because we allowed him to believe that playing fast and loose was acceptable. We led him to the conclusion that the ends justified the means. I'm not saying that to be judgmental, but it's true. I believe he has had a course correction on that front, and I've insisted he run anything dramatic past the group before he acts, and he has agreed.

"As far as personal relationships, well, he simply doesn't know that much about them. First of all, as a scientist, I don't go dating very much. That put me at something of a disadvantage when it comes to understanding women and relationships. While you might blame me for not giving him extensive programming on the matter, I simply don't know enough to do it justice. Does any man? Also, he didn't have the plumbing so it wasn't an issue. As an android, there was no need for genitalia because he wasn't going to reproduce, and I never foresaw the need for him to have anything like that."

Metz leans back against the wall. "Now, I have no idea what he's got going on down below. When the ancients changed him into a living being, I think it's very likely that he now possesses all of the appropriate appendages. Having a discussion with him--an ongoing discussion--about relationships and sex is undoubtedly an excellent idea but I don't think that getting him a girlfriend to push him into having that kind of thing is the right approach. Something like that needs to develop naturally, doesn't it? If someone finds him attractive or he find someone else attractive, then it's a different story, but perhaps we shouldn't be poking the bear. There is likely time to lay the groundwork to make sure that he understands both the rights and responsibilities of being a partner to another human being.

"And when it comes to whom needs to instruct him on that, are any of us really the right choices for that? I think that I've had half a dozen relationships over the last three decades and they were all with people that I worked with, so as you can imagine, they ended badly. My track record is exceptionally poor and I might need to sit in and audit the class when it happens. And then there's you. I gather that you're something of a ladies man. Is that really the kind of lessons that we want to teach him? For God's sake, you had a wild fling with Madam Treegarden in a restaurant. I'm sure that was very exciting, but if we're talking about getting Roscoe to show restraint that is not exactly the example we want to be presenting for him, is it?"

He threw up his hands. "I'm uncertain that any of us really are great examples when it comes to the relationship department. I don't know everyone else as well as I should, but I believe that only Jaelah has ever been married. Her husband died and I can tell that it still haunts her. That's not the kind of burden that I would want to put on her to help teach Roscoe what it means to be a good partner in a relationship or a considerate lover. Like the rest of us, she has to decide what's right for her and the timing that is appropriate. I would not want to be the person to rush into something that's going to cause her pain.

"So, who would we choose? Should we bring somebody in from the outside? That seems very risky. First of all, we'd have to explain how Roscoe doesn't really understand how relationships work because he's only a few weeks old. Oh, and he's also got psionic powers and can turn into a robot. While I'm certain that his endurance and ability to please a partner might be unparalleled, once again, explaining it to whoever would have to instruct him would mean letting them know secrets that we can't afford to share. So, it has to be one of us and that makes me despair a little bit."

He takes a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What do you have in mind? Whatever it is, I want the very best for him and all of us. Lord knows we could all use something to bring us back down to the level of regular people."

"Are you listening to me or fantasizing about Madam Treegarden in her unmentionables?"

terrymixon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 5:56 pm "Are you listening to me or fantasizing about Madam Treegarden in her unmentionables?"

Garvin interrupts a dreamlike trance to respond "Sorry, Doc, what did you say... ? I was just... uh... nevermind...".

Finally focussed he replies "For starters, no I'm not getting' 'im a girlfriend! An' I'm not hirin' 'im a prossy neither! For meself there's nothin' wrong with “fast an' loose” provided it's got some style an' most importantly you know where you're standin' - but I'll admit that last bit's becomin' more an' more difficult for all of us now. While we're on let's nail down the baseline 'ere. You created Roscoe so you can't pull “I'm busy in the lab” or get off the 'ook by layin' the responsibility off onto me as 'is "dodgy Uncle" or the rest of us as some kind of "collective duty". You talk to 'im about relationships. He's biologically human an' he needs to know... because we're all human... an' you couldn't be more right in that we all need to 'old on to that. So, it's your job but I will be there to 'elp - I made a promise to a Lady. That's Lady as in 'avin' a bit o' class - so stop mentionin' 'er unmentionables!”

Tiglath wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 7:05 pm

terrymixon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 5:56 pm "Are you listening to me or fantasizing about Madam Treegarden in her unmentionables?"

Garvin interrupts a dreamlike trance to respond "Sorry, Doc, what did you say... ? I was just... uh... nevermind...".

Finally focussed he replies "For starters, no I'm not getting' 'im a girlfriend! An' I'm not hirin' 'im a prossy neither! For meself there's nothin' wrong with “fast an' loose” provided it's got some style an' most importantly you know where you're standin' - but I'll admit that last bit's becomin' more an' more difficult for all of us now. While we're on let's nail down the baseline 'ere. You created Roscoe so you can't pull “I'm busy in the lab” or get off the 'ook by layin' the responsibility off onto me as 'is "dodgy Uncle" or the rest of us as some kind of "collective duty". You talk to 'im about relationships. He's biologically human an' he needs to know... because we're all human... an' you couldn't be more right in that we all need to 'old on to that. So, it's your job but I will be there to 'elp - I made a promise to a Lady. That's Lady as in 'avin' a bit o' class - so stop mentionin' 'er unmentionables!”

“How the hell can I do that for him when I can’t do it for myself? Am I willing? Yes. Do I have a history of disastrous relationships? Also yes. That is why we need someone better grounded in human interactions. I’m a nerd. A geek. That’s the equivalent of being socially handicapped. I don’t want that for him.”

terrymixon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 7:15 pm “How the hell can I do that for him when I can’t do it for myself? Am I willing? Yes. Do I have a history of disastrous relationships? Also yes. That is why we need someone better grounded in human interactions. I’m a nerd. That’s the equivalent of being socially handicapped. I don’t want that for him.”

"You make a couple o' good points there, Doc. If you're "disabled" at it an' I'm "hyperactive" then we're both disqualified aren't we? Stands to reason!" He adds guilelessly "I'll ask Jaelah to 'ave a go then - on the grounds that she's the least "least qualified". I'll phrase it better though. She could load up a couple of levels of "Trick Cyclist"... er... Psychiatrist to keep 'erself right - job done. I can 'elp out if needs be - I'll get Bilis to make me up some glasses an' a pipe". Swiftly moving on he continues "I am doin' "ethics" with 'im an' a touch o' philosophy. If we're ever somewhere that's not a warzone or that we're chasin' someone through we can even 'ave "field trips" out".

Growler-
”I vote Metz launch the drone following our marks’ pathway. That way, we get Intel along our route as we follow out that way on the G-Bikes. See what the drone finds and make a decision from there.

Tiglath wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 4:43 pm

terrymixon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 4:03 am “It only made sense considering we had no idea where they’d gone. I’ll get it on its way immediately.”

Garvin smiles as he playfully goads Metz "Ohhh, a recon probe! There was me thinkin' you were evolvin' into one o' them Ancients that used to go about givin' folk "close encounters" that left 'em walkin' funny".

To the company he says "Looks like we're on the bikes then. Road Trip!"

William nodded but also shook his head. " Agreed on the drones. First let's time our trip to arrive during daylight, at least not long after sunrise if we can. Also can we bring spare batteries to avoid charging along the way?"

Is anyone going to 'fess up to the ship being stuck in the down port?

Oh that? It was broadcast on Walt’s neuro-link real time during Capt Evans’ ass chewing..

Walt will apologize to the Guild and noticeably refrains from assigning any blame to the person who originated the faulty idea. He accepts all responsibility.

”Silencer, I’d like to be there an hour before Dawn local site time, to observe personally before going in at sunup. Gives us the option to infiltrate under cover if night. Plus, we have these cool bikes.

A 4 hr ride out gives us a few hours of rest here before push time. Great idea on bringing a spare battery or battery charger along for each bike…I’m sure we can use existing batteries and rework the cabling between them and the bikes. Replicate them for all bikes and the Air Raft. Anyone wanting to go in the Air raft, just leave proportionately earlier.

But getting Metz’ recon probe out there in the next couple hours gives Roscoe a chance to collect hours of Intel while we rest. Widening the recon area as needed too.”

That will give Arkar time to take other samples as needed.
Arkar

Tiglath wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:01 pm

terrymixon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 7:15 pm “How the hell can I do that for him when I can’t do it for myself? Am I willing? Yes. Do I have a history of disastrous relationships? Also yes. That is why we need someone better grounded in human interactions. I’m a nerd. That’s the equivalent of being socially handicapped. I don’t want that for him.”

"You make a couple o' good points there, Doc. If you're "disabled" at it an' I'm "hyperactive" then we're both disqualified aren't we? Stands to reason!" He adds guilelessly "I'll ask Jaelah to 'ave a go then - on the grounds that she's the least "least qualified". I'll phrase it better though. She could load up a couple of levels of "Trick Cyclist"... er... Psychiatrist to keep 'erself right - job done. I can 'elp out if needs be - I'll get Bilis to make me up some glasses an' a pipe". Swiftly moving on he continues "I am doin' "ethics" with 'im an' a touch o' philosophy. If we're ever somewhere that's not a warzone or that we're chasin' someone through we can even 'ave "field trips" out".

He looks relieved. "I'll do what I can. I'm not ducking out on him, but I want better for him than I've had. The life of a hermit is not a pleasant one at times."

Thumper wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 1:43 am Growler-
”I vote Metz launch the drone following our marks’ pathway. That way, we get Intel along our route as we follow out that way on the G-Bikes. See what the drone finds and make a decision from there.

"Probe away," Metz said. "It made it clear of the downport and the city without anyone seeming to notice it. With all the active stealth it has, it had better. I'll have some initial recon data in roughly an hour and a half."

helvorn wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 2:01 am

Tiglath wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 4:43 pm

terrymixon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 4:03 am “It only made sense considering we had no idea where they’d gone. I’ll get it on its way immediately.”

Garvin smiles as he playfully goads Metz "Ohhh, a recon probe! There was me thinkin' you were evolvin' into one o' them Ancients that used to go about givin' folk "close encounters" that left 'em walkin' funny".

To the company he says "Looks like we're on the bikes then. Road Trip!"

William nodded but also shook his head. " Agreed on the drones. First let's time our trip to arrive during daylight, at least not long after sunrise if we can. Also can we bring spare batteries to avoid charging along the way?"

"Maybe," Metz said. "We have the antimatter batteries and they would provide plenty of power to do exactly that. I'll need to rig up a converter to step the power levels down so it won't fry the bikes, but I could have that done by the time the drone gets to the area. Excellent thinking, William. Well done."

Thumper wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 2:06 am Oh that? It was broadcast on Walt’s neuro-link real time during Capt Evans’ ass chewing..

Walt will apologize to the Guild and noticeably refrains from assigning any blame to the person who originated the faulty idea. He accepts all responsibility.

”Silencer, I’d like to be there an hour before Dawn local site time, to observe personally before going in at sunup. Gives us the option to infiltrate under cover if night. Plus, we have these cool bikes.

A 4 hr ride out gives us a few hours of rest here before push time. Great idea on bringing a spare battery or battery charger along for each bike…I’m sure we can use existing batteries and rework the cabling between them and the bikes. Replicate them for all bikes and the Air Raft. Anyone wanting to go in the Air raft, just leave proportionately earlier.

But getting Metz’ recon probe out there in the next couple hours gives Roscoe a chance to collect hours of Intel while we rest. Widening the recon area as needed too.”

As I said earlier, with your Assisted Ambulation augmentation allows you to operate without sleep for as long as you like. Catch a few Zs and leave when you like, all rested and refreshed. Or fly all night and still feel the same way.

ateno wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 2:22 am That will give Arkar time to take other samples as needed.
Arkar

So noted.

Thumper wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 2:06 am Walt will apologize to the Guild and noticeably refrains from assigning any blame to the person who originated the faulty idea. He accepts all responsibility.

Garvin comments levelly "Not your fault. It turned out to be a bad call but I thought droppin' 'ints that our two were public enemy number one might get some sympathy from the local cops. The old "enemy of my enemy" touch. Turns out either you some'ow over played it or, from what went down, it sounds like they are just ruddy fanatics about the whole concept an' went overboard". He shrugs "All we can take away is to " 'ave better Intel" but not only is that always true but we knew it in the first place! Save the details for the de-brief but it might just be one to chalk up to experience. Sounds like you did well enough with the diplomacy afterwards so maybe that mended some fences".

He pauses then adds "The value might be that we're all now primed to go nowhere near that subject in conversation with any potentially less tolerant locals that we encounter in the mountains".

terrymixon wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 3:58 am

Thumper wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 1:43 am Growler-
”I vote Metz launch the drone following our marks’ pathway. That way, we get Intel along our route as we follow out that way on the G-Bikes. See what the drone finds and make a decision from there.

"Probe away," Metz said. "It made it clear of the downport and the city without anyone seeming to notice it. With all the active stealth it has, it had better. I'll have some initial recon data in roughly an hour and a half."

"They'll 'ave made a recharge stop somewhere but I'm not sure if we need to cover that. Knowin' where it is might be useful just in case we need the Intel or the asset but I don't think we need it".

Walt-
”Putting on all this muscle mass gives me the appetite of a horse. By the time we can eat a good meal, we’ll start getting Intel from that Recon Drone. Roscoe, can you get the steward bot onboard to start making dinner?”

"I agree with Garvin. It's not your fault that they went so bonkers Growler. The donation to the police benevolence fund was a brilliant stroke and should help us out a great deal. Even if we have to pay a fine to get free it's really in the weeds." Silencer laughed. "I wonder how long it took those cops to drink through your 5000 credits. I'm guessing just a few hours." He looked around at the others. "I think we have a good plan to get out into the country side. If Doctor Metz can provide enough batteries we can have the juice to make it there and back with some combat time to spare."

All of you will get back to the ship and have time to eat dinner while Doctor Metz works on rigging up a power supply for you. Roscoe will create something delicious and filling and the conversation of what occurred in the down port and some of the obvious issues that might come up with the local populace are discussed in detail. It's obvious that their militant vegetarianism could be a problem and mentions of meat are probably not wise. Needless to say, dinner is filled with protein products, and they are delicious.

About the time everyone is wrapping up, Metz will come out of his laboratory with a grin on his face. "I've done it. I've rigged up something to step down the power in one of the antimatter batteries and it is more than sufficient to charge all of our grav bikes. When we get near the location that we're searching, we should be able to park our vehicles and plug them in to recharge over about an hour-long period. Let me get something to eat, and we can begin reviewing what the probe has found at our destination as I'm certain that it's already circling around the area."

He'll wolf down some food and then bring up what the probe is bringing in on the video screen over the kitchen. It's dark there, but the probe is able to pierce the darkness with its PRIS sensors. It's extremely rugged terrain and thankfully it can take the process of locating things that are interesting and display them for your observation. One of the things that it has noticed is that there is a ravine at the exact location that the van indicates it was going to. Once it circles the area and locates some broken vegetation, it can even pinpoint the exact landing place.

The bottom of the ravine is very rough and it is obvious that it took several attempts to find a suitable parking location for the van. There's plenty of paint scratches on the vehicle you witnessed that would match up with such a landing locale. From there, the ground is disturbed heading in one direction and the probe can float above the vegetation until it locates where the two subjects were going. In this case, it looks like the side of the ravine was hollowed out by explosives and a covered area that was invisible from above created. Sitting inside that location is a full-sized shipping container with the door swinging wide open.

The contents of the shipping container seem to be missing since it was likely full of something that was probably transferred to those two wooden shipping crates that the men had in their possession when they returned. The probe is small enough to go inside and after looking over everything, it will find a couple of pieces of small debris that were missed. In this case, they are obviously of ancients manufacture but just look like pieces of metal that were recovered from somewhere. The only thing of actual value seems to have been dropped outside the shipping container and large between the couple of rocks, but the probe was sensitive enough to find it.

Your all quite familiar with the object that the probe is looking at. It's a rod-shaped disintegrator like the one that Mad Dog recovered. Whenever they were moving the contents of the shipping container out, it seems that they dropped it. It does not look to have been out for very long because it is not covered in dust like everything else in the area. The probe is able to pick it up with a small sampler and put it inside a storage compartment inside the probe itself.

Metz has the probe search around the general area and in specific go over everything around where the shipping container is located. Based on the growth of the vegetation and some of the markings on the ground, it looks like a small ship landed here decades ago. There is no indication of a larger vessel being here anymore recently than that so odds are good that whoever landed the ship created the hiding place for the shipping container and unloaded it. A thorough search of the area reveals nothing else. The probe will remain on standby for orders.

From all evidence, it appears that the murderers found a treasure map and have already recovered the booty and escaped.

terrymixon wrote: ↑Thu Aug 29, 2024 3:36 amFrom all evidence, it appears that the murderers found a treasure map and have already recovered the booty and escaped.

Jaelah sighs. "Okay, so they grabbed some Ancients artifacts and left. What would they do with them?"

joertexas wrote: ↑Thu Aug 29, 2024 4:17 am

terrymixon wrote: ↑Thu Aug 29, 2024 3:36 amFrom all evidence, it appears that the murderers found a treasure map and have already recovered the booty and escaped.

Jaelah sighs. "Okay, so they grabbed some Ancients artifacts and left. What would they do with them?"

Garvin replies "I agree an now we don't need to go there. If I remember right when they killed Mad Dog they took 'is comm. So this may have been an old stash of Mad Dog's. Maybe we can match that landin' imprint to his Scout ship? These guys aren't Ancient Hunters so either they're freelancin' for profit or they're followin' up a lead an' dealin' with loose ends. They could be goin' to Weiss under orders or because that's where they reckon they can unload the archaeotech an' turn it into cash. I suppose another option is that they're still followin' a trail Mad Dog left 'em".

He muses "Weren't their crates made to order? If we can get the specs then that might give us some clue as to what's inside".

Arkar will stay on planet during this paying credits for fresh vegetable wraps and soy burgers. He will gather the samples required by Metz and when done ask for a pickup.

"If someone is available, I am just outside the main door of the starport, where do you want me for pick up, or should I get a room?"

Arkar