006: Welcome to Yamaguchi Starport

[Thumper]

Walt-
”Kira, we have a planet-sized population…1.2 Billion sophonts almost. Who conducts law enforcement and under what authority? You say you have fewer problems, and I believe that. But with this many people, there must be criminal activity. What is our relationship to law enforcement. How does our corporate security interface with law enforcement. I’m assuming no magistrates aboard as all criminals are deported.

Speaking of this, how would we summon military assistance?

How in the HELL were you able to keep this and a billion or so population a secret?”

[terrymixon]

Walt-
”Kira, I and, I believe, several of the Board members would like to hear more about the ship construction capabilities. What are your current production challenges, and what resource constraints do we have? What specific unique ship capabilities do we offer? You did mention TL16?”

"Distribution is the largest challenge. We have 2.6 million tons of cargo storage capacity. At full production--735 million tons--that would fill in about 3.5 days. As the raw materials we're producing can be used here, we've kept up with the flood, but once we need to start shipping cargo around the sector, we'll need over ten thousand of the 100,000 ton freighters we plan on building per day. Per day. If we only had to take goods one jump away, that would mean a three-week round trip and require twenty-one times the number of ships, minimum. As we'll need to go all over the sector, I will mean millions of ships.

"I cannot understate how much of a bottleneck this is. It will take 18 months to build those first tranche of freighters. We have none and have not even started the process. We have 1,000 shipyard bays we can dedicate to the process, but that is completely inadequate. That means almost 1,400 years to meat even a reasonable minimum need, but there is nothing that can be done, other than restructuring the bays.

"If all of our capacity were dedicated to making 100,000 ton freighters, we could build 132,311 of them at once. That's the plan, honestly. 7.5 cycles to build a million ships. at 18 months a pop, that is just over ten years to hit what I believe to be a minimum number. Twice that, realistically."

She smiled. "Two million huge commercial starships. That's one of the reasons this starport has so much capacity. The original Baron Yamaguchi wanted to dominate this area of space and become the defacto Macrocorporation. Want anything? Get it from YamaguchiCorp. As I said, he didn't lack vision, just restraint."

[terrymixon]

Responding to Ciencia and William’s wedding

Walt will retrieve his Grav Sword from the sheath on the G-Bike, walk back to the stunned William and relieve him of his Marine saber, hand William’s to Arker and Neural Link him:
”Arker, ain’t much of a sword arch just the two of us. But help me with this, please. Yes like that.”

When all the the happy couples pass through the archway together (Princess and Imperial Consort being last), Walt delivers a flat-bladed swat on Ciencia’s fine backside!

As expected, she jumps and squeaks. "Walter! Stop that! You're touching my husbands private butt. It's pristine, so no roughing it up!"

[helvorn]

William has been looking at the plans and listening to people's ideas. He breaks in momentarily. "Director, how is the starport secured and defended against internal and external threats? What type of real space maneuverability do we have? Are there secure shelters for the population in the event of attack or catastrophe?"

"We are as secure as a large civilian vessel can be. The starport has five million triple beam turrets and another five million triple sandcasters. We could mount a total of 350 million weapons systems, but that seemed like overkill. That doesn't count the possibility of adding bay weapons and the like. Anyone not a military vessel would be well advised to seek weaker prey. We have a very large security department, and they have heavily armed teams. Almost like an army as we have over a billion people to draw from. As you might imagine, we also have a robust militia. People will fight for their homes. We have numerous secure areas in case of a hull breach and airtight hatches will secure areas that are in danger or to keep an invading force limited in their reach.

"Maneuverability is not good. We're 35 billion tons, so even getting the thrust 1 we have required massive engines. Anything can catch us, but that is a limitation we'll have to live with. If push comes to shove, we are already clear of any jump shadow and can jump immediately if danger of that magnitude presents itself."

William can only shake his head. "That's a fair bit of firepower for sure. Can I assume that you keep the fuel tanks full and the jump drives in ready standby at all times?"

[joertexas]

"We will have to think about it," Roscoe said. "We will need to understand the risks and challenges to address them. When conflict comes--which it will--we will have to have planned in advance to blunt the consequences. Small steps, taken when we're ready."

"Yes, correct."

[Thumper]

As expected, she jumps and squeaks. "Walter! Stop that! You're touching my husbands private butt. It's pristine, so no roughing it up!"

Walt puts on his most innocent appearance:
”I touched nothing but this sword’s grip. Grav blades seem to have a mind of their own.”

[helvorn]

"We barely know each other but I feel I have known you forever." William took her hand and knelt. His eyes were shining with what looked suspiciously like moisture, likely caused by the wind. "Ciencia Iphegenia Alkhalikoi I tell you from my heart hundred times yes! Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" She pumps her fist in the air and drags you forward. You then go through the same ceremony while she fills in as the officiant and the bride-to-be. When it comes time for vows, she leads the way.

"William, I have some constraints of what I can and cannot do because of my position but know that I will never use my will to force your compliance in personal matters. We will be partners though there will be times where I am your liege and that different than being your wife. One day I will be empress, and you will have to swear a more constrictive oath, but I will always be as fair and open as I can be.

"You will be my first and only. I forsake all others for you. While I cannot say I will obey you in all things, I will respect you and give weight to our differences. And anyone that crosses you will have an Empire land on them."

William laughs and whirls Ciencia around a couple times while laughing like a madman. He settles down during the ceremony but is still smiling widely. The eye moisture seems to remain a problem as atmospheric problems continue to plague William. He nods and grows more serious as Ciencia recites her vows. "I accept that we will live in two worlds as we are both bound by bonds of honor and duty. I will gladly take you as my wife and my liege with love, patience and respect. I will forever be by your side as husband and consort in good times and in bad. I will gladly forsake all others and you will be my one and only. Together we will forge a partnership and family full of love and happiness. You can count on me to have your back in public and private with open ears, heartfelt advice and loving sympathy; I will be your honest sanctuary in a universe of pressure and problems."

After the vows he waved Bilis forward. "We need rings please to make this official. I would like an emerald in my ring. What would you like to have my darling wife?"

He nods with a smile as Walt and Arkar make an arch of swords. William kisses her as the swords cross before them and leads her through the arch. He smiles and kisses her again as she is swatted. It is clear that William expected the maneuver and he gives a thumbs up to Walt.

This is a nice example of a properly done military arch of swords at a wedding. The dark uniform is a Marine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pvzGh3 ... ieOberkrom

[terrymixon]

Walt-
”Kira, we have a planet-sized population…1.2 Billion sophonts almost. Who conducts law enforcement and under what authority? You say you have fewer problems, and I believe that. But with this many people, there must be criminal activity. What is our relationship to law enforcement. How does our corporate security interface with law enforcement. I’m assuming no magistrates aboard as all criminals are deported.

Speaking of this, how would we summon military assistance?

How in the HELL were you able to keep this and a billion or so population a secret?”

"The company provides security. The Glisten system provides the legal authority and has a significant number of security officers aboard. Any lawbreakers are handed over to them for processing. Anything that can be kept in house is. And you're right. No magistrates. All lawbreakers are fired and expelled from the station.

"We'd summon military assistance like any other ship in distress. A call for help. The Naval base isn't very far away at thrust 6. And we didn't keep them a secret. We just didn't advertise our existence. I'm sure a lot of people know."

Ciencia laughed. "I'll bet. One thing that I can help with is to declare this starport of Imperial Security interest, just like Banfi Starport. It has a Naval group on overwatch at all times to protect the significant investment and capacity that might be needed during a conflict. As you are literally head and shoulders more valuable, I will instruct the Navy to deploy a strong force to see to your protection. We don't have a lot of very heavy capital ships at loose ends, but several CruRons could be deployed at once. Very few people will screw with eight heavy cruisers and their escorts. With all this capacity, you might want to consider building some monitors. Many large starports have them if they are wealthy enough. Even a bunch of smaller ones would blunt any aggression."

[terrymixon]

William has been looking at the plans and listening to people's ideas. He breaks in momentarily. "Director, how is the starport secured and defended against internal and external threats? What type of real space maneuverability do we have? Are there secure shelters for the population in the event of attack or catastrophe?"

"We are as secure as a large civilian vessel can be. The starport has five million triple beam turrets and another five million triple sandcasters. We could mount a total of 350 million weapons systems, but that seemed like overkill. That doesn't count the possibility of adding bay weapons and the like. Anyone not a military vessel would be well advised to seek weaker prey. We have a very large security department, and they have heavily armed teams. Almost like an army as we have over a billion people to draw from. As you might imagine, we also have a robust militia. People will fight for their homes. We have numerous secure areas in case of a hull breach and airtight hatches will secure areas that are in danger or to keep an invading force limited in their reach.

"Maneuverability is not good. We're 35 billion tons, so even getting the thrust 1 we have required massive engines. Anything can catch us, but that is a limitation we'll have to live with. If push comes to shove, we are already clear of any jump shadow and can jump immediately if danger of that magnitude presents itself."

William can only shake his head. "That's a fair bit of firepower for sure. Can I assume that you keep the fuel tanks full and the jump drives in ready standby at all times?"

"We do, though we draw off some fuel for refueling operations. We make occasional trips out to top off. We could make more of them, but we figured a jump 2 in an emergency was still pretty good."

[terrymixon]

"We barely know each other but I feel I have known you forever." William took her hand and knelt. His eyes were shining with what looked suspiciously like moisture, likely caused by the wind. "Ciencia Iphegenia Alkhalikoi I tell you from my heart hundred times yes! Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" She pumps her fist in the air and drags you forward. You then go through the same ceremony while she fills in as the officiant and the bride-to-be. When it comes time for vows, she leads the way.

"William, I have some constraints of what I can and cannot do because of my position but know that I will never use my will to force your compliance in personal matters. We will be partners though there will be times where I am your liege and that different than being your wife. One day I will be empress, and you will have to swear a more constrictive oath, but I will always be as fair and open as I can be.

"You will be my first and only. I forsake all others for you. While I cannot say I will obey you in all things, I will respect you and give weight to our differences. And anyone that crosses you will have an Empire land on them."

William laughs and whirls Ciencia around a couple times while laughing like a madman. He settles down during the ceremony but is still smiling widely. The eye moisture seems to remain a problem as atmospheric problems continue to plague William. He nods and grows more serious as Ciencia recites her vows. "I accept that we will live in two worlds as we are both bound by bonds of honor and duty. I will gladly take you as my wife and my liege with love, patience and respect. I will forever be by your side as husband and consort in good times and in bad. I will gladly forsake all others and you will be my one and only. Together we will forge a partnership and family full of love and happiness. You can count on me to have your back in public and private with open ears, heartfelt advice and loving sympathy; I will be your honest sanctuary in a universe of pressure and problems."

After the vows he waved Bilis forward. "We need rings please to make this official. I would like an emerald in my ring. What would you like to have my darling wife?"

"Then I pronounce us husband and wife. Kiss me now."

He nods with a smile as Walt and Arkar make an arch of swords. William kisses her as the swords cross before them and leads her through the arch. He smiles and kisses her again as she is swatted. It is clear that William expected the maneuver and he gives a thumbs up to Walt.

"Traitor," she muttered with a smile.

The meal plays out and unfortunately she gets sick on the way back to the ship. She and Aster will have to put their husbands off for a day, but she promises to make up for it.

[terrymixon]

When it comes time to take the walking tour, the starport is just as huge as it seems. A world unto itself. You can barely comprehend the vastness of the place. I won't play it out, but if there are specific things you want to see, speak up.

When everything else is done, Kira will give you a tour of the owner's suite. It's big enough to very comfortably house 36 people in pampered luxury. The men might poopoo that, but the women all gravitate to the bathrooms and massive luxury showers. And the pool.

The gym is also very large and well equipped. Anything you can imagine is here. The bedrooms are huge and have beds big enough for an orgy. The kitchen is everything Roscoe could dream of. The ceiling over the entire suite is transparent and shows the stars. Kira indicates that can be turned off which makes the metal opaque for any room or the entire suite at your desire.

There will be a team of chefs to make dinner for all once the tour is complete. It is almost as good as what Roscoe can do. When that is done, Kira and Jessica will excuse themselves with the understanding that they are both available for you at any time.

With that out of the way, you now have time to figure out what you want to do next. Ciencia is looking at one of the bedrooms and then at William in a meaningful way. Aster and Garvin have disappeared... somewhere. The rest of you can do as you want or discuss things over breakfast if you like.

Feel free to do anything RP for the evening. William and Ciencia and Garvin and Aster experience the same thing that Roscoe and Jaelah did. As Garvin and Aster hadn't had that before, this has to be because they are both Ancients, not just psionic.

See this post for details: viewtopic.php?p=725811&hilit=climax#p725811

When the next morning rolls around, everyone (including Jaelah) wake to find Roscoe is already up and has made a tremendous breakfast for all. "Morning," he says. "Eat up. We have a lot to do today."

Bona is absent, as is Bianca. The former is going through her day of PSI sickness and Bianca is caring for her. She’ll be fine by evening, but will need a trip to the Ancients city to complete the process.

Other than that, it is over to you. Go.

[joertexas]

Other than that, it is over to you. Go.

On the personal front, Jaelah experiments with damping the emotional feedback between herself and Roscoe during their intimate time, explaining that humans can't actually experience other's emotions. "Part of the fun is figuring out what we each like," she explains at one point. "We each also need to have a little personal space, mentally and physically. When we build the house, we each need a place that belongs to you, and one that belongs to me. I don't mean the other person can't ever enter, but somewhere that is yours alone and mine alone. I suppose we have land enough to designate whole forests, but I think a room or other small space is fine."

Jaelah works with Roscoe on their house plans, and helps set up their quarters on the station. "Are we able to set up transporters here?" She asks the group.

[Thumper]

Walt on the link…no need for mundane talk with this group plus it’s more secure:
”Well, we have an artificial planetoid, a billion plus we’re responsible for, a massive factory and shipyard…at TL16 production capability no less, an enormous mining operation, an Ancients shipyard with the ability to connect to a network of Ancients production facilities, a pocket universe (possibly all our own), and were growing into Ancients. We need to talk about this. Either it’s all going to come crashing down around our ears, or we are gods on Mount Olympus. Is any of us ready for either? I guess, like so much of life, we do things because we have to not because we’re ready to…and we learn and grow. Sorry, my poet side emerging again.

What to do? We need to consider all our options.

It is pretty clear the Universe is intent on making us Industrial tycoons. Metz can leverage this place, our ship, and the Ancients network into an unimaginably powerful tool for Imperial prosperity and security, tech development, etc. We can now hide any of our advanced kit up to TL16, and with Metz’ reputation, plausibly TL17 advances. This and the Moon Base and the teleportal network must be a new playground for Metz, Roscoe, Bills, and maybe her daughters.

That part seems the only clear path so far. Let the tech team turn this place up a notch supported by a reinvigorated Ancients apparatus. But for now, at least, the pocket verse must remain a secret amongst this group. It must be preserved as a retreat and strategic asset for us. Should we only use automated workers there, and bring its production here?

The question is, how do we best use this long term? I have a thought to turn out military production against the Zho threat. Possibly we move the station to a strategic sector where we can expand Imperium control. Or possibly we move the station along the border sectors with the intent of working with each Duke/Duchess to raise tech levels.

Other threats to us and this place and how to mitigate them:
Mega-corps- need ideas
High Nobles- were going to require higher titles, I think. And a VERY public declaration of our charter by the Princess or the Emperor. Perhaps, as a moveable facility, this station is a jurisdiction all its own wherever it goes, subject only to our titles…Ciencia? I’m kind of thinking our own Imperium-wide law enforcement authority is in order. But that will require some here reign in old instincts.
Zho- need ideas
This station- at even partial capability can significantly alter the sector it is in…and not always for the good

Some opportunities and threats we need to consider. This may be a long discussion!

Short term, we still need to get mad Dog’s murderers and take out whatever corporate and/or noble corruption is connected to it. We have a couple more days before we need to act there.

After this, I can draft a general message to our employees and their families. I’ll get Kira’s review and your approval.

And I would like a workout and a walkabout of the place. At some point, maybe tomorrow, I want to drill with whatever passes as SWAT or Rapid Response Force on the station. That will be fun and informative. William, my guess is you’d want in on that too. I’d love to see Roscoe and Bianca perform in those drills.”

Did we get an answer as to whether as Ancients now, we can tolerate wearing the Intellect Medallion longer than 2 hours per day?

[ateno]

"I have been thinking how to say something in the same caliber.

I am worried we will start taking things easy and start separating ourselves from humans. Having a single serve cloning device is a big step down that slope.

I can't run a business, I'm a fixer, as in problems. bad or good.

I think the first thing we need to do is figure out a way to stay on our two feet. The space station runs it self, the other portal areas will be there.

I'm not good at talking from the heart, but I don't want to lie."

Arkar

[terrymixon]

Other than that, it is over to you. Go.

On the personal front, Jaelah experiments with damping the emotional feedback between herself and Roscoe during their intimate time, explaining that humans can't actually experience other's emotions. "Part of the fun is figuring out what we each like," she explains at one point. "We each also need to have a little personal space, mentally and physically. When we build the house, we each need a place that belongs to you, and one that belongs to me. I don't mean the other person can't ever enter, but somewhere that is yours alone and mine alone. I suppose we have land enough to designate whole forests, but I think a room or other small space is fine."

Jaelah works with Roscoe on their house plans, and helps set up their quarters on the station. "Are we able to set up transporters here?" She asks the group.

You can control it a little. Perhaps you can do more with practice and growth into your new state, but the connection during intimate moments doesn't go away. It does become a little less overwhelming, but the thread of connection doesn't vanish.

"I respect you wishes and will try to do the same," he said. "Still, I enjoy being able to guide you to great pleasure. Knowing deep inside what feels best for you helps me do that. Feeling you reach your peak is both erotic and personally satisfying. I will try to find a balance to respect your wishes, though we may not be able to fully sever that connection. It may simply be part of who we are now. In a way, it is a gift as long as we don't take things too far.

"I was already doing something about separate spaces in my planning. I'll present the potential plans in a day or so and you can tell me what you think. I know some of the things I would use my space for: robotics work, business planning, and I want to learn to paint. What kinds of things might you do? The design needs to reflect your needs.

"We should be able to set up teleportals. We only have a few, but I believe we will find many more on Tech World and Doctor Metz will eventually figure out how to use the equipment we recovered to build more. I will dispatch drones to find something suitable and bring one end to the site and the other to our ship."

[terrymixon]

Did we get an answer as to whether as Ancients now, we can tolerate wearing the Intellect Medallion longer than 2 hours per day?

I wasn't aware anyone was testing. No, the restriction is still the same.

[terrymixon]

Walt on the link…no need for mundane talk with this group plus it’s more secure:
”Well, we have an artificial planetoid, a billion plus we’re responsible for, a massive factory and shipyard…at TL16 production capability no less, an enormous mining operation, an Ancients shipyard with the ability to connect to a network of Ancients production facilities, a pocket universe (possibly all our own), and were growing into Ancients. We need to talk about this. Either it’s all going to come crashing down around our ears, or we are gods on Mount Olympus. Is any of us ready for either? I guess, like so much of life, we do things because we have to not because we’re ready to…and we learn and grow. Sorry, my poet side emerging again.

What to do? We need to consider all our options.

It is pretty clear the Universe is intent on making us Industrial tycoons. Metz can leverage this place, our ship, and the Ancients network into an unimaginably powerful tool for Imperial prosperity and security, tech development, etc. We can now hide any of our advanced kit up to TL16, and with Metz’ reputation, plausibly TL17 advances. This and the Moon Base and the teleportal network must be a new playground for Metz, Roscoe, Bills, and maybe her daughters.

That part seems the only clear path so far. Let the tech team turn this place up a notch supported by a reinvigorated Ancients apparatus. But for now, at least, the pocket verse must remain a secret amongst this group. It must be preserved as a retreat and strategic asset for us. Should we only use automated workers there, and bring its production here?

The question is, do how do we best use this long term. I have a thought to turn out military production against the Zho threat. Possibly we move the station to a strategic sector where we can expand Imperium control. Or possibly we move the station along the border sectors with the intent of working with each Duke/Duchess to raise tech levels.

Other threats to us and this place and how to mitigate them:
Mega-corps- need ideas
High Nobles- were going to require higher titles, I think. And a VERY public declaration of our charter by the Princess or the Emperor. Perhaps, as a moveable facility, this station is a jurisdiction all its own wherever it goes, subject only to our titles…Ciencia? I’m kind of thinking our own Imperium-wide law enforcement authority is in order. But that will require some here reign in old instincts.
Zho- need ideas
This station- at even partial capability can significantly alter the sector items in…and not for the good

Some opportunities and threats we need to consider. This may be a long discussion!

Short term, we still need to get mad Dog’s murdered and take out whatever corporate and/or noble corruption is connected to it. We have a couple more days before we need to act there.

I will plan to take Bona to the Ruined City tonight when she is feeling better. But she will have another bout tonight or tomorrow, I believe.

After this, I can draft a general message to our employees and their families. I’ll get Kira’s review and your approval.

And I would like a workout and a walkabout of the place. At some point, maybe tomorrow, I want to drill with whatever passes as SWAT or Rapid Response Force on the station. That will be fun and informative. William, my guess is you’d want in on that too. I’d love to see Roscoe and Bianca perform in those drills.”

"Having all the things we could do is a way to lose sight of the things we want to do," Roscoe said. "Options are just that. Things we might chose to act on. Rather than list out the various paths we might address, we should ask what appeals to us most. Jaelah wants to help people like those on her home world. I want to help the company by creating a separate but connected merchant network. What do you want to do? That should guide our actions."

He sent an image of the map of the pocket universe that Walt discovered to everyone. "This is the pocket universe. It is obviously engineered and there is so much to explore. We cannot do it all by ourselves. I suggest as we are going to be working with Ciencia and the scout service to explore the Ancients city and the base, we get a group of trustworthy scouts we can vet and turn them loose there. We'd still control access in and out, so we don't lose oversight. We might be Ancients, but we cannot do everything ourselves. Not anymore. Perhaps not even in the beginning.

"We don't need servitors like the ancients had. We have no need to force people to do our will. What we do need are trustworthy employees to help us take advantage of the cornucopia that has fallen into our laps. We shouldn't be gods, as Walt put it, but to do that we cannot keep everything to ourselves. We can control what is allowed to get out, as that is only prudent, but the more people we can work with to make this a group effort, the better."

He gestured back at the map. "The pocket universe was obviously adjusted to hold 240 planets and 3,600 moons. At a guess, there is a station--possibly more--at each planet. That is far more real estate that we can use. We need more bodies. Do you see the station above the system? It is likely the portal to our universe. It is big. Potentially large enough to move this starport to the pocket universe. That might solve a number of our problems. Or it might make new ones. In any case, I we need to add getting to the gate and finding out where the pocket universe is to our list of things to do.

"Which includes taking Ciencia to Captial and meeting with her father, retrieving the teleportal on the other side of the Solomani Rim so that our base is protected, working with Ciencia to set up trusted teams of people to examine the base under our oversight, getting the scouts to examining the Ancients city and the world where it sits, and dealing with Mad Dog's murders.

"I have taken steps on the last item. I hired someone to monitor all incoming ships and report on ones that are coming in from the system we suspect the ran to. They won't interfere, but if they can confirm the arrival of our targets, we can move quickly to apprehend them. At this point, they could arrive tomorrow. If they don't show up in a reasonable time, we can pursue them. Am I missing anything?"

Metz holds up his coffee mug. "I'll be working with the people here to potentially address the shortfall in shipping and IT security. Those conversations will take a day just to see everyone on the same page. I have ideas that can help."

He looked around the group. "Everything I do for the group is part of the group, but I came into this partnership with one thing that was my own: the fabrication technology. Roscoe and Bilis have helped me make it better, but it is still my baby. I intend to offer it to alleviate the shipbuilding bottleneck. For anyone else, that would be an expensive proposition, but you are my friends and partners. I want to propose licensing the technology to you--with the exception of making more fabrication units--for a nominal fee of 5%. Build a ship worth a hundred million credits? MetzCorp earns five million. Make ten million tons of robots? Same deal.

"The only right I reserve is that MetzCorp is the only company to make more fabrication units. That is the core of my business. Rather than taking eighteen months to build a ship, it will take five minutes once the pattern is established. I'd estimate that even with the best work I can do, there will be flaws that have to be assessed, corrected, and new versions made until the ship is perfect. That might happen on the third try or the thirtyish. Failed attempts get deconstructed and so nothing is lost.

"My guess is that it will take a week or two to convert the shipbuilding plans into a fabrication template. Then a week or two to achieve the final product. The same can be done for any other ship we want to build. Need to sell a small freighter to the masses? After a month finalizing the pattern, it can be built on demand. Oh, and as Bilis and Roscoe helped me finalize the current design of the fabrication unit, they will each have a 20% stake in the company."

"I vote to change the name," Bilis said.

Roscoe laughed. "Me, too. Something less Metz-centric. It makes you sound like a supervillain."

"I suppose you're right," the scientist said with a chuckle. "We'll talk about that. Oh, Aster, I have the coating I was contracted to make for the Omicron Division. I was able to find a way to detect it with a slight modification to the process. Something we can do with our advanced tech, but that others won't be able to manage."

Aster laughed. "I don't think I'll be needing it, but you should deliver it and get paid. MetzCorp needs seed money."

The Roving Director from Omicron Division looked around at the rest of you. "I'll see about pulling in resources that can help us. We have experts--of a sort--on Ancients tech. They could be of assistance in building teams to start cataloging what we have and helping us to use it. This is going to be lifetimes of work, and we will need helping hands. Ones we can scan to make sure they are loyal before bringing them on board."

[terrymixon]

"I have been thinking how to say something in the same caliber.

I am worried we will start taking things easy and start separating ourselves from humans. Having a single serve cloning device is a big step down that slope.

I can't run a business, I'm a fixer, as in problems. bad or good.

I think the first thing we need to do is figure out a way to stay on our two feet. The space station runs it self, the other portal areas will be there.

I'm not good at talking from the heart, but I don't want to lie."

Arkar

"The best guard against that is to be part of humanity rather than separating ourselves," Bilis said. "We don't have to reveal our natures, but we can help people and pursue our own interests. You want to fix things? The endeavor that Jaelah put forward will need a lot of your kind of talent to fix and it is helping people. Aki is another example. Lucius made plants that can grow there and thrive in the lower water environment and don't absorb the taints in the air. That will be helpful, so long as someone doesn't try to hijack the project. Your talents would help in making the project a success."

[joertexas]

"The best guard against that is to be part of humanity rather than separating ourselves," Bilis said. "We don't have to reveal our natures, but we can help people and pursue our own interests. You want to fix things? The endeavor that Jaelah put forward will need a lot of your kind of talent to fix and it is helping people. Aki is another example. Lucius made plants that can grow there and thrive in the lower water environment and don't absorb the taints in the air. That will be helpful, so long as someone doesn't try to hijack the project. Your talents would help in making the project a success."

Jaelah speaks up. "I think there are three areas we can work in. One is the pocket universe, the other is here in the Imperium and surrounding space, and the other is the rest of the galaxy. If we don't want a war with the Zhodani, then we help them expand in another direction while we make it clear that we aren't a threat to them. We no longer need anyone else's territory. The same goes for the Aslan. I want to have some development for my Farm World, and I want to help every planet in the Imperium, starting with District 268, to improve everyone's standard of living. We do this incrementally - do, check to see if it works, and then repeat."

[terrymixon]

"The best guard against that is to be part of humanity rather than separating ourselves," Bilis said. "We don't have to reveal our natures, but we can help people and pursue our own interests. You want to fix things? The endeavor that Jaelah put forward will need a lot of your kind of talent to fix and it is helping people. Aki is another example. Lucius made plants that can grow there and thrive in the lower water environment and don't absorb the taints in the air. That will be helpful, so long as someone doesn't try to hijack the project. Your talents would help in making the project a success."

Jaelah speaks up. "I think there are three areas we can work in. One is the pocket universe, the other is here in the Imperium and surrounding space, and the other is the rest of the galaxy. If we don't want a war with the Zhodani, then we help them expand in another direction while we make it clear that we aren't a threat to them. We no longer need anyone else's territory. The same goes for the Aslan. I want to have some development for my Farm World, and I want to help every planet in the Imperium, starting with District 268, to improve everyone's standard of living. We do this incrementally - do, check to see if it works, and then repeat."

"Agreed," Roscoe said. "Honestly, the first thing we need to do is see the Emperor. In the pocket universe, we have a couple of small ships. If one of them had a teleportal on it, we could have it jump to the gate and wait for us. Then we could go through and see where the pocket universe is physically located. That might help us figure out next steps."