The Other Side of Nowhere Session 7 – Turn of a (Un)Friendly Card RECAP
[17:24] <@ENGM> Last session, the group jumped from Dinmon in the black of the Abyss. During the trip a few of you had some strange experiences with random comm chatter and other odd events while in jump. Not all of the crew had these experiences....
[17:26] <@ENGM> ....You managed to exit Jump without any problem and landed in the blackness of sector 1813. After sending out your transponder codes you nervously waiting until finally you received a communication from someone on the Crazy Ivan.....
[17:28] <@ENGM> ...You followed his instructions and were escorted to the ship, a large hollowed out asteroid about 2km in size. You landed found the harbor master and set up your ship to be refuled. After, Nevka decided to return to the ship to check on her family while the rest of you decided to hit the Deck 3 or the market deck in search of adventure until you lift off again…
GAME START
[17:30] <@ENGM> So you have just left the offices and have found a lift to deck 3.
[17:31] * +Dirk presses the button. There's probably more to see than just the docking ring.
[17:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "First the provisions, then we ought to have plenty of time to browse the wares."
[17:32] <+SamuraiHanson> "I can't remember having been on a station this big before... nothin' to see out of the windows either, takes all the fun out of it."
[17:33] <@ENGM> The lift stops at deck three, a host of people are on it and get off. You arrive on the bottom floor of a multilayered deck. The center is hollowed out similar to a large earth mall. There are probably another 5 decks that rise above the floor you are on.
[17:33] <+Dirk> "Impressive work for something so hard to find."
[17:33] <@ENGM> The mall is fairly crowded.
[17:34] <+SamuraiHanson> "Thomas, do we have a list of specifics we need? Or just groceries?"
[17:35] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I do have a list yes, of what we need and what I believe can be useful.
[17:35] * +Thomas_J_Atkins passes it along to Samurai.
[17:35] <@ENGM> The patrons are not your normal Nordstrom shoppers. Most are dressed in fatigues, jump suits, work clothes or street clothes. They bustle from shop to shop each going about their business some bumping into you and continuing on without so much as an excuse me
[17:36] * +Dirk makes sure nothing goes missing.
[17:36] * +Thomas_J_Atkins keeps an eye out for pickpockets and others thieving types
[17:36] <@ENGM> For now you seem to have everything including all of your fingers and toes.
[17:36] <+Dirk> ((For now))
[17:37] * +Dirk keeps an eye out for shops where they can get what they need, while taking in the sights.
[17:38] <+Sebastian`> "What exactly are we in the market for?"
[17:38] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Believed some defense system would be a good investment."
[17:38] <+Sebastian`> "You mean as in armaments?"
[17:38] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Provisions, air filthers, replacement water chip."
[17:39] <+Sebastian`> "Ah"
[17:39] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, after we're done with the necessities."
[17:39] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "A little window shopping will not go to waste."
[17:47] <@ENGM> You pass all sorts of shops. They’re all general in scoop, provisions, clothes, food, basic medical supplies. This level all seems rather mundane. Also there’s eateries, bars etc.
[17:48] <+Dirk> "Rather...plain."
[17:49] <+SamuraiHanson> "They have planes in here too? This place has got everything!"
[17:49] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "We can search more if you'd rather find something more refined for your palate."
[17:50] <+Sebastian`> "Should we find a kiosk or map?"
[17:51] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks around for a map or info booth..if there would be such a thing here."
[17:51] * +Dirk shrugs. "Just something like this place you'd think the stores would be more exotic."
[17:52] <+SamuraiHanson> "I have no doubt this is more than a flyin gas station, if we look hard enough, we just got here."
[17:53] * +Dirk nods. "True."
[17:53] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Agreed, let us try..that way, I believe we did not went there yet."
[17:53] <ENGM> Theres a kiosk with a map of the deck. There are five decks....The top deck is the casino/entertainment deck. Deck 4 is the munitions deck. Deck three is the Tech deck. Deck 2 is the medical deck.
[17:53] * +Thomas_J_Atkins goes that way.
[17:54] <ENGM> Youre on deck one or the provisions deck
[17:54] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((scratch that then))
[17:55] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((so search for some fancier food, then hit the med/tech/munition decks?))
[17:55] <+Dirk> ((sounds good))
[17:56] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks at the info for the fancier food section.
[17:56] <+SamuraiHanson> ((sounds good to me))
[17:57] <@ENGM> Deck five has a number of restaurants. The bulk of the deck is a large casino named aptly "Crazy Ivan's Stash"
[18:01] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I meant in terms of provisions, sorry))
[18:01] <+Sebastian`> What kind of fancy food?
[18:02] <ENGM> Sebastian actually had the liner supply the ship pretty well. You only really need to replace a weeks of food.
[18:03] <+SamuraiHanson> "So what do we want to eat for the next week? As long as it's better than the soylent rations we ate in the scouts, I won't be complaining"
[18:04] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ah ok- I missed that bit))
[18:04] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, ask Dirk, here, he seems to be the 'fine bouche'"
[18:05] <@ENGM> You search deck one there are all sorts of exotic food stores specializing in a variety of planetary diets including K'kreeian, Cipher, Aslan (Raw Meat), Darrian, Zhodani, Solamani, Vargan, Vegan (as the planet no the diet)
[18:05] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Vegans eats what?))
[18:06] <@ENGM> ((A wide variety of stuff))
[18:06] <@ENGM> ((A wide variety of stuff))
[18:06] <@ENGM> ((more just a cuisine type like Chinese, etc))
[18:07] * +Dirk shrugs. "Even you had to admit the food from the passage was...questionable."
06[18:07] * +Thomas_J_Atkins rolls his tongue.
[18:07] <@ENGM> Aslan and Vargr diests tend to be more meat based. Cipher, Hivers more plant based or scavanged foods. Zhodani, Solomani are like mexican chineese etc. same as Darrian
[18:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "One is always limited with what he has on hand."
[18:08] <+SamuraiHanson> "What was so bad about it? We didn't get sick or nothing."
[18:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Solomani= hotdogs and hamburgers..good ol' earth food, once called 'take-out'!))
[18:08] <+Dirk> "that should be the starting point of food, not the ending point."
[18:09] <@ENGM> You pass shoppes with things like live bugs...large live bugs. Some are selling slimes, some live animals, some earth like foods, some even sell minerals.
[18:09] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes well, at any rate, we're only missing a week's worth of ration, so let us proceed here, before moving on?"
[18:13] <@ENGM> ((oh there are fruits and vegetables too :) ))
[18:15] <@ENGM> All of you get the sense you're being watched. Not sure by who just that uneasy feeling.
[18:15] * +Dirk adjusts his clothing.
[18:15] * +SamuraiHanson stands behind Dirk
[18:17] * +Thomas_J_Atkins goes to random kiosk that sells Solomani food and buys a week's worth of provisions.
[18:17] <@ENGM> You can get some canned goods, soup, tuna etc. and some earth vegetables and fruits
[18:18] * +Dirk follows along, still taking it all in.
[18:18] <+Dirk> "And you're sure this will keep?"
[18:18] <@ENGM> for a week for just you it costs 75 cr
[18:18] * +Thomas_J_Atkins pays for it.
[18:18] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Do you deliver to ship or do we carry it ourselves?"
[18:19] <@ENGM> <Clerk> "It can be delivered for an extra 10 cr"
[18:20] * +Thomas_J_Atkins slips him 10 "Make it so" And tells him to deliver it to the Lucky Strike, Dock *inserts number here*
[18:20] <@ENGM> The clerk nods "Yes Sir"
[18:21] <+SamuraiHanson> "Hopefully someone knows how to cook Solomani food right, but it should be good"
[18:22] <+Sebastian`> "Don't you just need a microwave?"
[18:23] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I'll figure out something with it. Now, Tech Deck, Medical Deck, or Munition Deck?"
[18:23] <+SamuraiHanson> "Not if you have a macro-appetite"
[18:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((You damn dirty Aliens!))
[18:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Canned Spam is a Solomani Delicacy!))
[18:24] <+SamuraiHanson> "Might as well just work our way up, eh?"
[18:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((so are Chef Boyardee's Ravioli))
[18:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and chunky soup))
[18:25] * +Dirk nods.
[18:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Onward to the medical deck then."
[18:25] <+SamuraiHanson> ((by the time of Traveller, we have herds of grazing Wildespambeasts roaming the Serengeti, we don't need the cans))
[18:26] <@ENGM> Deck two is medical. There are pharmacies etc but the bulk of the deck actually is medical offices. There's doctors, dentists, surgeons everything you'd see at a planet hospital.
[18:28] <+Dirk> "Well, this seems more like a just in case. I suppose your ship has some medical supplies?"
[18:29] <+Sebastian`> "I had everything supplied before we left Dinomn, all basic stuff but it will serve in an emergency as long as it isn’t tool life threatening"
[18:30] * +Dirk nods, "Well then, away and up."
[18:31] <@ENGM> The lift stops at Deck 3. A friendly voice says..."Tech level, for all your ships and personal needs. Thank you for shopping Crazy Ivan’s"
[18:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Shop like mad..shop at Crazy Ivan's!))
[18:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((tech is anything non weapons/armour related?))
[18:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and non-medical))
[18:33] <@ENGM> ((yes, computers, scanners, anything not ironmongery related))
[18:33] <@ENGM> ((no rocket launchers))
[18:33] * +Dirk steps off the elevator, curious to see what they have.
[18:34] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((heh))
[18:34] * +Thomas_J_Atkins follows, even if he does not need anything tech related for now.
[18:34] * +SamuraiHanson looks around for a good planetary survival kit
[18:34] <@ENGM> ((This level looks like one big best buy, radio shack, fry’s that goes on for ever.))
[18:35] <@ENGM> ((survival kit would be on level one.))
[18:35] <+SamuraiHanson> ((ha, naturally, n/m then))
[18:35] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ah so manned by a bunh of college kids who gives no service, got it.))
[18:36] <+SamuraiHanson> ((Someone ask if they have a record player))
[18:36] <@ENGM> There’s computer parts, gadgets, chips, programs, scanners, surveillance equipment, spying equipment, it’s all here.
[18:36] <@ENGM> ((Sam you spent enough time on deck one to find your survival kit. It’s going to be 150% above book))
[18:36] * +Thomas_J_Atkins takes a mental note of the survailence equipment.
[18:37] <@ENGM> `roll 2d6
[18:37] <GameServ> ENGMrolled 2d6: 1 2 <Total: 3>
[18:37] <@ENGM> Nope, no turntable.
[18:37] <+SamuraiHanson> ((sounds good, I’ll get one, let me know how much to deduct))
[18:37] <@ENGM> ((I have three if you need one :))
[18:38] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((put me down for one..just in case))
[18:39] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, interesting wares for sure, but do we need anything for now?"
[18:40] <+SamuraiHanson> "A pity Nevka isn't here, the Lucky Strike couldn't even detect this station until they contacted us."
[18:40] <+SamuraiHanson> "Whether that's because of the Lucky Strike's age or because the station has jammers would be a question she could answer."
[18:40] <+Dirk> "Perhaps a worrisome issue."
[18:40] <+Sebastian`> "Thomas you were speaking of updated the ships defenses, do you by chance know what the performance level of the ships computer is? If compatible we can update the ships evasion program and maybe even the security program."
[18:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Still perhaps looking for a new scanning matrix can be of use as well"
[18:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, the computer is rather..basic, not much room for anything extra."
[18:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I was class 1 or 2 IIRC))
[18:41] * +Sebastian` nods.
[18:42] <+Sebastian`> "I suppose we have neither the funds or the time to upgrade"
[18:43] <+Dirk> "What price are we looking at?"
[18:44] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Well, we got canned food, we might have a new version of windows installed, and we'll only be missing guns, guns GUNS))
[18:46] <@ENGM> ((yeah the strike only has a cpu-1 or windows xp))
[18:46] <+SamuraiHanson> ((we can get a copy of Windows 95 as a virus to upload to other ship's computers to cripple them))
[18:47] <@ENGM> If you're serious, you find knock offs of everything. You even find Pong.
[18:48] <@ENGM> There all sorts of programs . You're hitting Shadowrun and the matrix territory here.
[18:48] <+Dirk> ((cost?))
[18:48] <@ENGM> for Pong 25 cr
[18:48] <@ENGM> joy sticks included.
[18:49] <@ENGM> You find security programs similar to ICE programs.
[18:50] * +SamuraiHanson will look around for an antenna hookup for Vicky Lou.
06[18:50] * +Dirk looks over everything with interest.
01[18:51] <@ENGM> you can get a tech 14 laptop computer (cpu-5) for 250k.
[18:51] * +Thomas_J_Atkins sees the group distance each other, and back tracks a bit to snoop about.
[18:53] <@ENGM> You pass an area that has tech 15 AI computers that run in the millions. It's like having a holo version of Siri or Alexa.
[18:54] <@ENGM> it’s also like having an extra crew member.
[18:55] * +Dirk looks that over. "Now that's fascinating."
[18:55] <@ENGM> As a matter of fact there are Echo dots like things for sale.
[18:58] <@ENGM> ((ok, you going to get programs?))
[18:59] <+Dirk> ((yeah, he could do that, though we might want to make sure the computer is needed first))
[19:00] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and can accept them))
[19:04] <@ENGM> This deck has pretty much everything though. It looks like one of the major tech conventions in Vegas. As well as the AI computer there is also a robotics section.
[19:05] * +Thomas_J_Atkins returns to the others "So, have a decision been reached?"
[19:07] * +Sebastian` will purchase some miscellaneous equipment.
[19:07] <+Dirk> "It’s interesting, I can't wait to see the rest of the decks."
[19:07] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I hope it does..worse case it will be something to sell later."
[19:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, I believe we are done on thi deck, no?"
[19:08] <+Sebastian`> "I am"
[19:08] <+SamuraiHanson> "Yessir"
[19:11] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, let us go to the next one."
[19:11] * +Dirk makes his way to the elevator.
[19:12] <@ENGM> The lift stops at Deck 4 or munitions.
[19:12] <@ENGM> Getting off or up to deck 5?
[19:13] * +Dirk steps off...the fun stuff.
[19:14] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((yeah deck 4))
[19:14] * +Thomas_J_Atkins follows Dirk as well onto Deck 4
[19:15] * +Dirk looks over shops, focusing on blasters for him.
[19:15] <@ENGM> You exit the lift into what can only be called a NRAer's, Militiamens, Jihadists wet dream. This place puts Cabela or any gun show to shame. There are racks and racks of personal weapons from hand guns to shoulder launchers. Boxes of ammo line other shelves. There's a section devoted to personal armor, even battle dress.
[19:16] * +SamuraiHanson steps off the elevator at deck 4 but mostly just follows along
[19:16] <+Sebastian`> "Subtle"
[19:17] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Battledresses here? must be not cheap..))
[19:17] <@ENGM> There are no ship arms though.
[19:17] * +Thomas_J_Atkins checks the price for a battle dress..not that he wants one- or can afford it
[19:18] <@ENGM> Thomas inquires about the cost of battle dress, depending on the options and tech level, it runs in the millions.
[19:19] <+SamuraiHanson> ((Battledresses, for true scots who are man enough to wear a dress))
[19:19] <@ENGM> ((There’s stuff here that looks Deathwatchish))
[19:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, thank you..."
[19:20] * +Thomas_J_Atkins wanders off in the weapons alleys.
[19:20] * +Dirk looks over the armor, sighing slightly over the price.
[19:21] <@ENGM> There’s also an assortment of odd weapons. You find Halo whips, strange filament weapons, chain swords, even a light sabre.
[19:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((no bolters?))
[19:22] <@ENGM> There's blasters and laser rifles.
[19:22] <@ENGM> There’s all sorts of slug throwers
[19:23] <+Sebastian`> "I would like to remind everyone what might be purchased here isn’t necessarily legal on all worlds."
[19:24] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks over at the slug thrower "Wow, antiques! I never saw one outside of a museum."
[19:25] <@ENGM> Thomas sees some archaic grenade launchers only 1000 cr each.
[19:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Like a M79 or something like more modern?))
[19:26] <+SamuraiHanson> "They take a lot of skill that modern weapons don't, but fewer people know the signs of them, so it's easier to throw the authorities."
[19:26] * +Dirk looks over everything with interest, though seems drawn more towards the high-tech weaponry.
[19:26] <@ENGM> (whatever a basic shoulder launcher would be. I'm not much of a military guy))
[19:26] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ok))
[19:27] * +Thomas_J_Atkins is looking for something a bit more..potent than grenade launchers.
[19:28] <@ENGM> ((like a missile rack?))
[19:28] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Or a crate with the futiristic equivalent of a stinger missile))
[19:29] <@ENGM> ((so you’re looking for anti-aircraft stuff?))
[19:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((that would more suit our needs))
[19:29] <@ENGM> ((if youre looking for ship stuff it’s not here))
[19:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((no, man portable))
[19:30] <@ENGM> ((You can find a rocket battery for around 25k))
[19:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((that would be usable via missile launcher?))
[19:31] <@ENGM> ((Ill have to check the book, so lets park this and move on. If affordable I'll roll for availability and [price))
[19:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I got 39k so can afford it; I'll try to do it out of view of the others, and have it delivered.))
[19:33] <+Dirk> "Next floor? quite a bit of interest here.”
[19:33] <+Sebastian`> I believe you could camp here"
[19:34] <@ENGM> ((Sam you'll find a nice survival kit here))
[19:34] <@ENGM> ((much better than the ones in provisuions))
[19:34] <+SamuraiHanson> ((lol, let's do it))
[19:36] <@ENGM> ((up to 5))
[19:36] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I'll get one))
[19:38] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I'm good to move up a floor))
[19:40] * +Dirk makes his way up with his shipmates.
[19:41] <@ENGM> You board the lift and head up to deck 5. As you exit, the first thing you notice is the incessant noise..."Ching, ching, ching" of the slot machines. You are greeted as you get off by two attractive young ladies who hand you a pamphlet...."Please enjoy your stay at the casino deck of Crazy Ivan's where everyone’s a winner" they say cheerfully. As you make your way further you are assaulted by other pamphlet hawkers who hand you coupons for restaurants, tables, shows and accommodations.
[19:42] <@ENGM> The hawkers are so quick you barely notice who’s handing what to you.
[19:42] <+Dirk> ((do we still have a feeling of being watched?))
[19:47] <@ENGM> None of you have that gut feeling of being watched anymore. This place is such a bustle of activity that its hand to really concentrate on anything other than avoiding people. When you do finally get away from the lift doors and all of the sales pitches, it comes as a relief. It's still crowded though. As you continue on someone bumps into Dirk and shoves something in his hand. The person quickly disappears into the crowd.
[19:48] * +Dirk raises an eyebrow, but glances down, shuffling through the pamphlets in his hand until he finds something that doesn't fit.
[19:49] <@ENGM> you look at the card that was placed in your hand, a thin powder coats it and is on your and. The card looks like a Tarot card.
[19:50] <+SamuraiHanson> "The last time I was in a situation like this, it was a medical evac."
[19:50] * +SamuraiHanson notices Dirk, "What happened? Some restaurant look good?"
[19:51] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I fail to see how they make money with an all you can eat concept for only 14 credits."
[19:52] * +Dirk frowns and brushes his hand off, holding the card in his other hand, using one of the pamphlets to protect himself. "We might need the third floor after all."
[19:53] <@ENGM> ((what do you do with the card?))
[19:54] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "What happened?"
[19:54] <+Dirk> ((look it over, holding it with the other pamphlet))
[19:56] <@ENGM> Dirk manages to maneuver the card to hold it in his other hand with the buffer of one of the menus. The card is the Tower Tarot card but the tower is X'd out. On the other side written in red ink is "The Towers will fall".
[19:57] <+Dirk> "Ah, it seems someone knows my family."
[19:57] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Your, family?"
[19:58] <+SamuraiHanson> "A friendly someone? or unfriendly?"
[19:58] <@ENGM> Dirk starts to feel a little sick to his stomach
[19:58] * +Dirk shows off the card. "Still, rather surprising that someone just had his lying around. And we might have to call out trip short."
[20:00] <+SamuraiHanson> "Let us know how we can help you out."
[20:02] <+Sebastian`> "Do you need medical attention."
[20:04] * +Dirk eyes the card. "Depends on what they dosed it with. Might be best to get back to the ship."
[20:04] <Sebastian> "Do you want to head to what they might have as an ER here to have the thing scanned?"
[20:05] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, let's go back to the lift and down a few floors."
[20:05] * +Dirk nods. "Might as well."
[20:05] * +Sebastian` nods
[20:06] * +Dirk sighs. "Well. This was unexpected in this place."
[20:06] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "You'd better pocket that card, you can't get any worse, but we'd better not propagate that around here."
[20:06] * +Dirk makes his way back to the elevator, tucking the card away in a way that won't dose him again.
[20:06] <@ENGM> You head down to the med floor and find a clinic. Dirk is admitted and they run tests. After a few hours a doctor comes out to talk to him.
[20:07] <@ENGM> <Doctor> "Well my friend, it looks like someone tried to poison you. Luckily it was a weak contact poison. You should be fine other than maybe a little stomach discomfort."
[20:08] <+Dirk> "Ah. Thank you."
[20:08] <@ENGM> <Doctor> "I can prescribe something for you for that."
[20:08] <+Dirk> ((how bad do I feel?))
[20:09] <@ENGM> (not bad. you made your endurance throw and it was a weak poison. You have an upset stomach for a while but you don’t throw up or anything like that))
[20:10] <@ENGM> Do you keep the card? The doctor will offer it back to you but in a sealed plastic bag.
[20:11] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Ask for decontamination?))
[20:11] <@ENGM> (The poison has been neutralized))
[20:11] * +Dirk shakes his head. "I'm good, thanks."
[20:12] * +Dirk looks over the card for anything interesting on it as he gets up from where he's being examined.
[20:12] <@ENGM> It's a run of the mill Tarot card about 3x5". The tower is x'd out and the slogan is on the back.
[20:13] <+Dirk> "See, now this is a vacation."
[20:13] <@ENGM> Dirk knows the group but has never seen a card like this. The group is not known to operate off planet and Dirk has been away for weeks now.
[20:14] <@ENGM> He doesn’t have any idea if he’s been followed form the start of his trip or if someone recently picked up his trial
[20:14] <+Dirk> "Although we might have interrupted someone else's vacation as well. They're not known for being off world."
[20:15] <+Dirk> "Rather disappointing though."
[20:16] <@ENGM> oh your wallet is 1000cr lighter now for the ER visit
[20:16] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "So what say you of this 'knowing your family' you were talking earlier?"
[20:17] <+SamuraiHanson> "Hardly a vacation to take pictures of, y'know?"
[20:18] * +Dirk motions to the card. "Towers."
[20:18] <+Dirk> "I do wonder how long it took them to come up with that little play on words."
[20:19] <@ENGM> ((10 minutes))
[20:19] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I missed one session, so do we know what Dirk was doing or who he is or...?))
[20:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Or is he just a passenger who wanted to tag along?))
[20:20] <@ENGM> ((Dirk hasn't offered much info on himself other than been an adventured on vacation))
[20:20] <@ENGM> ((He was a passenger on the ship Thomas was on when it broke down))
[20:21] <@ENGM> ((and has now tagged along with you))
[20:21] <+Dirk> ((presumably they'd have his last name at least))
[20:22] <@ENGM> ((yes you introduced yourself as such when you came aboard. Thomas also has his name from the passenger manifest from the liner))
[20:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and wold I know his name and who they are?))
[20:23] <@ENGM> ((you knew his name and home planet that was pretty much it other than what he offered))
[20:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, so some..enemy of sorts from Towers?"
[20:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "A Rebel fraction of some kind perhaps?"
[20:26] <+Dirk> "Anti-government really. Radicals. You know."
LIBRARY DATA: TOWERS- Towers is a world suited to becoming an agricultural world, but with a population between 10,000 and 100,000 sophonts, but lacks the capability to produce or process sufficient resources to export its projected agricultural produce. This world is designated an Amber Zone with an environment, laws, customs, life forms, or other conditions make it dangerous to visitors. It is a member of Third Imperium in the Aramis Subsector of Spinward Marches Sector and in the Domain of Deneb. Towers, as a member world of the Third Imperium, holds the estate of an Imperial knight and a baronet. Both are members of the Imperial Nobility charged with overseeing the world. This world contains an Imperial Scout Base, capable of handling Scout Service starships and personnel.
[20:27] <+SamuraiHanson> "And they're here looking for you and they found us, fantastic."
[20:28] <@ENGM> ....Towers was once the seat of government for the Towers Cluster for the few years before the area was absorbed into the Imperium. Towers is an amber zone; its customs include a definite sense of honor and a strict dueling code to right slights and insults. Offworlders are warned to be cautious in their interaction with locals. Even visitors are expected to abide by the local code duello. Tukera Lines and Oberlindes Lines maintains offices and facilities on Towers
[20:28] <@ENGM> ((Thats the basic info all you can look up on the computer))
[20:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I suppose we'd done so while waiting for hours.))
[20:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((For Dirk's tests))
[20:29] <@ENGM> ((Back to the casino deck or the ship or any other destination))
[20:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "But that either mean they followed us here, were on-board with us, or were already here, waiting."
[20:30] <+Dirk> "Well, I really think that someone just happened to be here and saw me."
[20:31] <+SamuraiHanson> "None of which are terribly comforting..."
[20:31] <+Dirk> "It does seem rather rushed."
[20:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Meaning they had close to four hours to plan their next move."
[20:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Perhaps a trip back on the munitions deck may be in order."
[20:33] <+Sebastian`> "If someone is after you should we get you back to the ship or do you feel safe enough to keep exploring?"
[20:34] <@ENGM> "We should at least let the Captain know of the situation"
[20:35] * +Dirk shrugs. "I'm not sure more munitions will do much."
[20:35] <+Dirk> "Alerting the Captain is fine."
[20:37] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Let us go back then, with caution."
[20:37] <+Dirk> "Besides, I doubt they'd strike in an overt manner."
[20:37] <@ENGM> You leave the clinic and head to the lift. Soon you’re back on the first deck. You navigate through the crowd to the ships main lift.
[20:38] * +Dirk nods and starts to make his way back to the ship. "As you can see, they don't really believe in dueling, which is why many don't pay them any mind."
[20:39] <@ENGM> You make it to the main lift and head to the hangers.
[20:39] * +Thomas_J_Atkins keeps an eye out, analyzing the surrounding with his training now.
[20:40] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((can I roll tactics to move in a way we can be defensible in case we're jumped?))
[20:40] <@ENGM> The crowd/traffic thins out as you head to your docking bay and the Lucky Strike. Soon you are safely aboard the Strike. The ship is in the last stages of being fueled.
[20:42] <@ENGM> Thomas is able to navigate you thru the ship in a way that you are confindent that you aren't tailed.
Session 7 – Turn of a (Un)Friendly Card
RECAP
[17:24] <@ENGM> Last session, the group jumped from Dinmon in the black of the Abyss. During the trip a few of you had some strange experiences with random comm chatter and other odd events while in jump. Not all of the crew had these experiences....
[17:26] <@ENGM> ....You managed to exit Jump without any problem and landed in the blackness of sector 1813. After sending out your transponder codes you nervously waiting until finally you received a communication from someone on the Crazy Ivan.....
[17:28] <@ENGM> ...You followed his instructions and were escorted to the ship, a large hollowed out asteroid about 2km in size. You landed found the harbor master and set up your ship to be refuled. After, Nevka decided to return to the ship to check on her family while the rest of you decided to hit the Deck 3 or the market deck in search of adventure until you lift off again…
[17:28] <@ENGM> Questions?
[17:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((not now, no.))
[17:29] <+Dirk> ((nope))
GAME START
[17:30] <@ENGM> So you have just left the offices and have found a lift to deck 3.
[17:31] * +Dirk presses the button. There's probably more to see than just the docking ring.
[17:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "First the provisions, then we ought to have plenty of time to browse the wares."
[17:32] <+SamuraiHanson> "I can't remember having been on a station this big before... nothin' to see out of the windows either, takes all the fun out of it."
[17:33] <@ENGM> The lift stops at deck three, a host of people are on it and get off. You arrive on the bottom floor of a multilayered deck. The center is hollowed out similar to a large earth mall. There are probably another 5 decks that rise above the floor you are on.
[17:33] <+Dirk> "Impressive work for something so hard to find."
[17:33] <@ENGM> The mall is fairly crowded.
[17:34] <+SamuraiHanson> "Thomas, do we have a list of specifics we need? Or just groceries?"
[17:35] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I do have a list yes, of what we need and what I believe can be useful.
[17:35] * +Thomas_J_Atkins passes it along to Samurai.
[17:35] <@ENGM> The patrons are not your normal Nordstrom shoppers. Most are dressed in fatigues, jump suits, work clothes or street clothes. They bustle from shop to shop each going about their business some bumping into you and continuing on without so much as an excuse me
[17:36] * +Dirk makes sure nothing goes missing.
[17:36] * +Thomas_J_Atkins keeps an eye out for pickpockets and others thieving types
[17:36] <@ENGM> For now you seem to have everything including all of your fingers and toes.
[17:36] <+Dirk> ((For now))
[17:37] * +Dirk keeps an eye out for shops where they can get what they need, while taking in the sights.
[17:38] <+Sebastian`> "What exactly are we in the market for?"
[17:38] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Believed some defense system would be a good investment."
[17:38] <+Sebastian`> "You mean as in armaments?"
[17:38] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Provisions, air filthers, replacement water chip."
[17:39] <+Sebastian`> "Ah"
[17:39] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, after we're done with the necessities."
[17:39] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "A little window shopping will not go to waste."
[17:47] <@ENGM> You pass all sorts of shops. They’re all general in scoop, provisions, clothes, food, basic medical supplies. This level all seems rather mundane. Also there’s eateries, bars etc.
[17:48] <+Dirk> "Rather...plain."
[17:49] <+SamuraiHanson> "They have planes in here too? This place has got everything!"
[17:49] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "We can search more if you'd rather find something more refined for your palate."
[17:50] <+Sebastian`> "Should we find a kiosk or map?"
[17:51] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks around for a map or info booth..if there would be such a thing here."
[17:51] * +Dirk shrugs. "Just something like this place you'd think the stores would be more exotic."
[17:52] <+SamuraiHanson> "I have no doubt this is more than a flyin gas station, if we look hard enough, we just got here."
[17:53] * +Dirk nods. "True."
[17:53] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Agreed, let us try..that way, I believe we did not went there yet."
[17:53] <ENGM> Theres a kiosk with a map of the deck. There are five decks....The top deck is the casino/entertainment deck. Deck 4 is the munitions deck. Deck three is the Tech deck. Deck 2 is the medical deck.
[17:53] * +Thomas_J_Atkins goes that way.
[17:54] <ENGM> Youre on deck one or the provisions deck
[17:54] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((scratch that then))
[17:55] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((so search for some fancier food, then hit the med/tech/munition decks?))
[17:55] <+Dirk> ((sounds good))
[17:56] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks at the info for the fancier food section.
[17:56] <+SamuraiHanson> ((sounds good to me))
[17:57] <@ENGM> Deck five has a number of restaurants. The bulk of the deck is a large casino named aptly "Crazy Ivan's Stash"
[18:01] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I meant in terms of provisions, sorry))
[18:01] <+Sebastian`> What kind of fancy food?
[18:02] <ENGM> Sebastian actually had the liner supply the ship pretty well. You only really need to replace a weeks of food.
[18:03] <+SamuraiHanson> "So what do we want to eat for the next week? As long as it's better than the soylent rations we ate in the scouts, I won't be complaining"
[18:04] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ah ok- I missed that bit))
[18:04] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, ask Dirk, here, he seems to be the 'fine bouche'"
[18:05] <@ENGM> You search deck one there are all sorts of exotic food stores specializing in a variety of planetary diets including K'kreeian, Cipher, Aslan (Raw Meat), Darrian, Zhodani, Solamani, Vargan, Vegan (as the planet no the diet)
[18:05] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Vegans eats what?))
[18:06] <@ENGM> ((A wide variety of stuff))
[18:06] <@ENGM> ((A wide variety of stuff))
[18:06] <@ENGM> ((more just a cuisine type like Chinese, etc))
[18:07] * +Dirk shrugs. "Even you had to admit the food from the passage was...questionable."
06[18:07] * +Thomas_J_Atkins rolls his tongue.
[18:07] <@ENGM> Aslan and Vargr diests tend to be more meat based. Cipher, Hivers more plant based or scavanged foods. Zhodani, Solomani are like mexican chineese etc. same as Darrian
[18:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "One is always limited with what he has on hand."
[18:08] <+SamuraiHanson> "What was so bad about it? We didn't get sick or nothing."
[18:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Solomani= hotdogs and hamburgers..good ol' earth food, once called 'take-out'!))
[18:08] <+Dirk> "that should be the starting point of food, not the ending point."
[18:09] <@ENGM> You pass shoppes with things like live bugs...large live bugs. Some are selling slimes, some live animals, some earth like foods, some even sell minerals.
[18:09] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes well, at any rate, we're only missing a week's worth of ration, so let us proceed here, before moving on?"
[18:13] <@ENGM> ((oh there are fruits and vegetables too :) ))
[18:15] <@ENGM> All of you get the sense you're being watched. Not sure by who just that uneasy feeling.
[18:15] * +Dirk adjusts his clothing.
[18:15] * +SamuraiHanson stands behind Dirk
[18:17] * +Thomas_J_Atkins goes to random kiosk that sells Solomani food and buys a week's worth of provisions.
[18:17] <@ENGM> You can get some canned goods, soup, tuna etc. and some earth vegetables and fruits
[18:18] * +Dirk follows along, still taking it all in.
[18:18] <+Dirk> "And you're sure this will keep?"
[18:18] <@ENGM> for a week for just you it costs 75 cr
[18:18] * +Thomas_J_Atkins pays for it.
[18:18] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Do you deliver to ship or do we carry it ourselves?"
[18:19] <@ENGM> <Clerk> "It can be delivered for an extra 10 cr"
[18:20] * +Thomas_J_Atkins slips him 10 "Make it so" And tells him to deliver it to the Lucky Strike, Dock *inserts number here*
[18:20] <@ENGM> The clerk nods "Yes Sir"
[18:21] <+SamuraiHanson> "Hopefully someone knows how to cook Solomani food right, but it should be good"
[18:22] <+Sebastian`> "Don't you just need a microwave?"
[18:23] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I'll figure out something with it. Now, Tech Deck, Medical Deck, or Munition Deck?"
[18:23] <+SamuraiHanson> "Not if you have a macro-appetite"
[18:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((You damn dirty Aliens!))
[18:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Canned Spam is a Solomani Delicacy!))
[18:24] <+SamuraiHanson> "Might as well just work our way up, eh?"
[18:24] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((so are Chef Boyardee's Ravioli))
[18:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and chunky soup))
[18:25] * +Dirk nods.
[18:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Onward to the medical deck then."
[18:25] <+SamuraiHanson> ((by the time of Traveller, we have herds of grazing Wildespambeasts roaming the Serengeti, we don't need the cans))
[18:26] <@ENGM> Deck two is medical. There are pharmacies etc but the bulk of the deck actually is medical offices. There's doctors, dentists, surgeons everything you'd see at a planet hospital.
[18:28] <+Dirk> "Well, this seems more like a just in case. I suppose your ship has some medical supplies?"
[18:29] <+Sebastian`> "I had everything supplied before we left Dinomn, all basic stuff but it will serve in an emergency as long as it isn’t tool life threatening"
[18:30] * +Dirk nods, "Well then, away and up."
[18:31] <@ENGM> The lift stops at Deck 3. A friendly voice says..."Tech level, for all your ships and personal needs. Thank you for shopping Crazy Ivan’s"
[18:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Shop like mad..shop at Crazy Ivan's!))
[18:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((tech is anything non weapons/armour related?))
[18:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and non-medical))
[18:33] <@ENGM> ((yes, computers, scanners, anything not ironmongery related))
[18:33] <@ENGM> ((no rocket launchers))
[18:33] * +Dirk steps off the elevator, curious to see what they have.
[18:34] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((heh))
[18:34] * +Thomas_J_Atkins follows, even if he does not need anything tech related for now.
[18:34] * +SamuraiHanson looks around for a good planetary survival kit
[18:34] <@ENGM> ((This level looks like one big best buy, radio shack, fry’s that goes on for ever.))
[18:35] <@ENGM> ((survival kit would be on level one.))
[18:35] <+SamuraiHanson> ((ha, naturally, n/m then))
[18:35] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ah so manned by a bunh of college kids who gives no service, got it.))
[18:36] <+SamuraiHanson> ((Someone ask if they have a record player))
[18:36] <@ENGM> There’s computer parts, gadgets, chips, programs, scanners, surveillance equipment, spying equipment, it’s all here.
[18:36] <@ENGM> ((Sam you spent enough time on deck one to find your survival kit. It’s going to be 150% above book))
[18:36] * +Thomas_J_Atkins takes a mental note of the survailence equipment.
[18:37] <@ENGM> `roll 2d6
[18:37] <GameServ> ENGMrolled 2d6: 1 2 <Total: 3>
[18:37] <@ENGM> Nope, no turntable.
[18:37] <+SamuraiHanson> ((sounds good, I’ll get one, let me know how much to deduct))
[18:37] <@ENGM> ((I have three if you need one :))
[18:38] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((put me down for one..just in case))
[18:39] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, interesting wares for sure, but do we need anything for now?"
[18:40] <+SamuraiHanson> "A pity Nevka isn't here, the Lucky Strike couldn't even detect this station until they contacted us."
[18:40] <+SamuraiHanson> "Whether that's because of the Lucky Strike's age or because the station has jammers would be a question she could answer."
[18:40] <+Dirk> "Perhaps a worrisome issue."
[18:40] <+Sebastian`> "Thomas you were speaking of updated the ships defenses, do you by chance know what the performance level of the ships computer is? If compatible we can update the ships evasion program and maybe even the security program."
[18:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Still perhaps looking for a new scanning matrix can be of use as well"
[18:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, the computer is rather..basic, not much room for anything extra."
[18:41] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I was class 1 or 2 IIRC))
[18:41] * +Sebastian` nods.
[18:42] <+Sebastian`> "I suppose we have neither the funds or the time to upgrade"
[18:43] <+Dirk> "What price are we looking at?"
[18:44] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Well, we got canned food, we might have a new version of windows installed, and we'll only be missing guns, guns GUNS))
[18:46] <@ENGM> ((yeah the strike only has a cpu-1 or windows xp))
[18:46] <+SamuraiHanson> ((we can get a copy of Windows 95 as a virus to upload to other ship's computers to cripple them))
[18:47] <@ENGM> If you're serious, you find knock offs of everything. You even find Pong.
[18:48] <@ENGM> There all sorts of programs . You're hitting Shadowrun and the matrix territory here.
[18:48] <+Dirk> ((cost?))
[18:48] <@ENGM> for Pong 25 cr
[18:48] <@ENGM> joy sticks included.
[18:49] <@ENGM> You find security programs similar to ICE programs.
[18:50] * +SamuraiHanson will look around for an antenna hookup for Vicky Lou.
06[18:50] * +Dirk looks over everything with interest.
01[18:51] <@ENGM> you can get a tech 14 laptop computer (cpu-5) for 250k.
[18:51] * +Thomas_J_Atkins sees the group distance each other, and back tracks a bit to snoop about.
[18:53] <@ENGM> You pass an area that has tech 15 AI computers that run in the millions. It's like having a holo version of Siri or Alexa.
[18:54] <@ENGM> it’s also like having an extra crew member.
[18:55] * +Dirk looks that over. "Now that's fascinating."
[18:55] <@ENGM> As a matter of fact there are Echo dots like things for sale.
[18:58] <@ENGM> ((ok, you going to get programs?))
[18:59] <+Dirk> ((yeah, he could do that, though we might want to make sure the computer is needed first))
[19:00] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and can accept them))
[19:04] <@ENGM> This deck has pretty much everything though. It looks like one of the major tech conventions in Vegas. As well as the AI computer there is also a robotics section.
[19:05] * +Thomas_J_Atkins returns to the others "So, have a decision been reached?"
[19:07] * +Sebastian` will purchase some miscellaneous equipment.
[19:07] <+Dirk> "It’s interesting, I can't wait to see the rest of the decks."
[19:07] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I hope it does..worse case it will be something to sell later."
[19:08] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, I believe we are done on thi deck, no?"
[19:08] <+Sebastian`> "I am"
[19:08] <+SamuraiHanson> "Yessir"
[19:11] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Well, let us go to the next one."
[19:11] * +Dirk makes his way to the elevator.
[19:12] <@ENGM> The lift stops at Deck 4 or munitions.
[19:12] <@ENGM> Getting off or up to deck 5?
[19:13] * +Dirk steps off...the fun stuff.
[19:14] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((yeah deck 4))
[19:14] * +Thomas_J_Atkins follows Dirk as well onto Deck 4
[19:15] * +Dirk looks over shops, focusing on blasters for him.
[19:15] <@ENGM> You exit the lift into what can only be called a NRAer's, Militiamens, Jihadists wet dream. This place puts Cabela or any gun show to shame. There are racks and racks of personal weapons from hand guns to shoulder launchers. Boxes of ammo line other shelves. There's a section devoted to personal armor, even battle dress.
[19:16] * +SamuraiHanson steps off the elevator at deck 4 but mostly just follows along
[19:16] <+Sebastian`> "Subtle"
[19:17] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Battledresses here? must be not cheap..))
[19:17] <@ENGM> There are no ship arms though.
[19:17] * +Thomas_J_Atkins checks the price for a battle dress..not that he wants one- or can afford it
[19:18] <@ENGM> Thomas inquires about the cost of battle dress, depending on the options and tech level, it runs in the millions.
[19:19] <+SamuraiHanson> ((Battledresses, for true scots who are man enough to wear a dress))
[19:19] <@ENGM> ((There’s stuff here that looks Deathwatchish))
[19:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, thank you..."
[19:20] * +Thomas_J_Atkins wanders off in the weapons alleys.
[19:20] * +Dirk looks over the armor, sighing slightly over the price.
[19:21] <@ENGM> There’s also an assortment of odd weapons. You find Halo whips, strange filament weapons, chain swords, even a light sabre.
[19:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((no bolters?))
[19:22] <@ENGM> There's blasters and laser rifles.
[19:22] <@ENGM> There’s all sorts of slug throwers
[19:23] <+Sebastian`> "I would like to remind everyone what might be purchased here isn’t necessarily legal on all worlds."
[19:24] * +Thomas_J_Atkins looks over at the slug thrower "Wow, antiques! I never saw one outside of a museum."
[19:25] <@ENGM> Thomas sees some archaic grenade launchers only 1000 cr each.
[19:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Like a M79 or something like more modern?))
[19:26] <+SamuraiHanson> "They take a lot of skill that modern weapons don't, but fewer people know the signs of them, so it's easier to throw the authorities."
[19:26] * +Dirk looks over everything with interest, though seems drawn more towards the high-tech weaponry.
[19:26] <@ENGM> (whatever a basic shoulder launcher would be. I'm not much of a military guy))
[19:26] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((ok))
[19:27] * +Thomas_J_Atkins is looking for something a bit more..potent than grenade launchers.
[19:28] <@ENGM> ((like a missile rack?))
[19:28] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Or a crate with the futiristic equivalent of a stinger missile))
[19:29] <@ENGM> ((so you’re looking for anti-aircraft stuff?))
[19:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((that would more suit our needs))
[19:29] <@ENGM> ((if youre looking for ship stuff it’s not here))
[19:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((no, man portable))
[19:30] <@ENGM> ((You can find a rocket battery for around 25k))
[19:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((that would be usable via missile launcher?))
[19:31] <@ENGM> ((Ill have to check the book, so lets park this and move on. If affordable I'll roll for availability and [price))
[19:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I got 39k so can afford it; I'll try to do it out of view of the others, and have it delivered.))
[19:33] <+Dirk> "Next floor? quite a bit of interest here.”
[19:33] <+Sebastian`> I believe you could camp here"
[19:34] <@ENGM> ((Sam you'll find a nice survival kit here))
[19:34] <@ENGM> ((much better than the ones in provisuions))
[19:34] <+SamuraiHanson> ((lol, let's do it))
[19:36] <@ENGM> ((up to 5))
[19:36] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I'll get one))
[19:38] <+SamuraiHanson> ((I'm good to move up a floor))
[19:40] * +Dirk makes his way up with his shipmates.
[19:41] <@ENGM> You board the lift and head up to deck 5. As you exit, the first thing you notice is the incessant noise..."Ching, ching, ching" of the slot machines. You are greeted as you get off by two attractive young ladies who hand you a pamphlet...."Please enjoy your stay at the casino deck of Crazy Ivan's where everyone’s a winner" they say cheerfully. As you make your way further you are assaulted by other pamphlet hawkers who hand you coupons for restaurants, tables, shows and accommodations.
[19:42] <@ENGM> The hawkers are so quick you barely notice who’s handing what to you.
[19:42] <+Dirk> ((do we still have a feeling of being watched?))
[19:47] <@ENGM> None of you have that gut feeling of being watched anymore. This place is such a bustle of activity that its hand to really concentrate on anything other than avoiding people. When you do finally get away from the lift doors and all of the sales pitches, it comes as a relief. It's still crowded though. As you continue on someone bumps into Dirk and shoves something in his hand. The person quickly disappears into the crowd.
[19:48] * +Dirk raises an eyebrow, but glances down, shuffling through the pamphlets in his hand until he finds something that doesn't fit.
[19:49] <@ENGM> you look at the card that was placed in your hand, a thin powder coats it and is on your and. The card looks like a Tarot card.
[19:50] <+SamuraiHanson> "The last time I was in a situation like this, it was a medical evac."
[19:50] * +SamuraiHanson notices Dirk, "What happened? Some restaurant look good?"
[19:51] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "I fail to see how they make money with an all you can eat concept for only 14 credits."
[19:52] * +Dirk frowns and brushes his hand off, holding the card in his other hand, using one of the pamphlets to protect himself. "We might need the third floor after all."
[19:53] <@ENGM> ((what do you do with the card?))
[19:54] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "What happened?"
[19:54] <+Dirk> ((look it over, holding it with the other pamphlet))
[19:56] <@ENGM> Dirk manages to maneuver the card to hold it in his other hand with the buffer of one of the menus. The card is the Tower Tarot card but the tower is X'd out. On the other side written in red ink is "The Towers will fall".
[19:57] <+Dirk> "Ah, it seems someone knows my family."
[19:57] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Your, family?"
[19:58] <+SamuraiHanson> "A friendly someone? or unfriendly?"
[19:58] <@ENGM> Dirk starts to feel a little sick to his stomach
[19:58] * +Dirk shows off the card. "Still, rather surprising that someone just had his lying around. And we might have to call out trip short."
[20:00] <+SamuraiHanson> "Let us know how we can help you out."
[20:02] <+Sebastian`> "Do you need medical attention."
[20:04] * +Dirk eyes the card. "Depends on what they dosed it with. Might be best to get back to the ship."
[20:04] <Sebastian> "Do you want to head to what they might have as an ER here to have the thing scanned?"
[20:05] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, let's go back to the lift and down a few floors."
[20:05] * +Dirk nods. "Might as well."
[20:05] * +Sebastian` nods
[20:06] * +Dirk sighs. "Well. This was unexpected in this place."
[20:06] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "You'd better pocket that card, you can't get any worse, but we'd better not propagate that around here."
[20:06] * +Dirk makes his way back to the elevator, tucking the card away in a way that won't dose him again.
[20:06] <@ENGM> You head down to the med floor and find a clinic. Dirk is admitted and they run tests. After a few hours a doctor comes out to talk to him.
[20:07] <@ENGM> <Doctor> "Well my friend, it looks like someone tried to poison you. Luckily it was a weak contact poison. You should be fine other than maybe a little stomach discomfort."
[20:08] <+Dirk> "Ah. Thank you."
[20:08] <@ENGM> <Doctor> "I can prescribe something for you for that."
[20:08] <+Dirk> ((how bad do I feel?))
[20:09] <@ENGM> (not bad. you made your endurance throw and it was a weak poison. You have an upset stomach for a while but you don’t throw up or anything like that))
[20:10] <@ENGM> Do you keep the card? The doctor will offer it back to you but in a sealed plastic bag.
[20:11] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Ask for decontamination?))
[20:11] <@ENGM> (The poison has been neutralized))
[20:11] * +Dirk shakes his head. "I'm good, thanks."
[20:12] * +Dirk looks over the card for anything interesting on it as he gets up from where he's being examined.
[20:12] <@ENGM> It's a run of the mill Tarot card about 3x5". The tower is x'd out and the slogan is on the back.
[20:13] <+Dirk> "See, now this is a vacation."
[20:13] <@ENGM> Dirk knows the group but has never seen a card like this. The group is not known to operate off planet and Dirk has been away for weeks now.
[20:14] <@ENGM> He doesn’t have any idea if he’s been followed form the start of his trip or if someone recently picked up his trial
[20:14] <+Dirk> "Although we might have interrupted someone else's vacation as well. They're not known for being off world."
[20:15] <+Dirk> "Rather disappointing though."
[20:16] <@ENGM> oh your wallet is 1000cr lighter now for the ER visit
[20:16] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "So what say you of this 'knowing your family' you were talking earlier?"
[20:17] <+SamuraiHanson> "Hardly a vacation to take pictures of, y'know?"
[20:18] * +Dirk motions to the card. "Towers."
[20:18] <+Dirk> "I do wonder how long it took them to come up with that little play on words."
[20:19] <@ENGM> ((10 minutes))
[20:19] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I missed one session, so do we know what Dirk was doing or who he is or...?))
[20:20] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((Or is he just a passenger who wanted to tag along?))
[20:20] <@ENGM> ((Dirk hasn't offered much info on himself other than been an adventured on vacation))
[20:20] <@ENGM> ((He was a passenger on the ship Thomas was on when it broke down))
[20:21] <@ENGM> ((and has now tagged along with you))
[20:21] <+Dirk> ((presumably they'd have his last name at least))
[20:22] <@ENGM> ((yes you introduced yourself as such when you came aboard. Thomas also has his name from the passenger manifest from the liner))
[20:22] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((and wold I know his name and who they are?))
[20:23] <@ENGM> ((you knew his name and home planet that was pretty much it other than what he offered))
[20:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Yes, so some..enemy of sorts from Towers?"
[20:25] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "A Rebel fraction of some kind perhaps?"
[20:26] <+Dirk> "Anti-government really. Radicals. You know."
LIBRARY DATA: TOWERS- Towers is a world suited to becoming an agricultural world, but with a population between 10,000 and 100,000 sophonts, but lacks the capability to produce or process sufficient resources to export its projected agricultural produce. This world is designated an Amber Zone with an environment, laws, customs, life forms, or other conditions make it dangerous to visitors. It is a member of Third Imperium in the Aramis Subsector of Spinward Marches Sector and in the Domain of Deneb. Towers, as a member world of the Third Imperium, holds the estate of an Imperial knight and a baronet. Both are members of the Imperial Nobility charged with overseeing the world. This world contains an Imperial Scout Base, capable of handling Scout Service starships and personnel.
[20:27] <+SamuraiHanson> "And they're here looking for you and they found us, fantastic."
[20:28] <@ENGM> ....Towers was once the seat of government for the Towers Cluster for the few years before the area was absorbed into the Imperium. Towers is an amber zone; its customs include a definite sense of honor and a strict dueling code to right slights and insults. Offworlders are warned to be cautious in their interaction with locals. Even visitors are expected to abide by the local code duello. Tukera Lines and Oberlindes Lines maintains offices and facilities on Towers
[20:28] <@ENGM> ((Thats the basic info all you can look up on the computer))
[20:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((I suppose we'd done so while waiting for hours.))
[20:29] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((For Dirk's tests))
[20:29] <@ENGM> ((Back to the casino deck or the ship or any other destination))
[20:30] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "But that either mean they followed us here, were on-board with us, or were already here, waiting."
[20:30] <+Dirk> "Well, I really think that someone just happened to be here and saw me."
[20:31] <+SamuraiHanson> "None of which are terribly comforting..."
[20:31] <+Dirk> "It does seem rather rushed."
[20:32] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Meaning they had close to four hours to plan their next move."
[20:33] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Perhaps a trip back on the munitions deck may be in order."
[20:33] <+Sebastian`> "If someone is after you should we get you back to the ship or do you feel safe enough to keep exploring?"
[20:34] <@ENGM> "We should at least let the Captain know of the situation"
[20:35] * +Dirk shrugs. "I'm not sure more munitions will do much."
[20:35] <+Dirk> "Alerting the Captain is fine."
[20:37] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> "Let us go back then, with caution."
[20:37] <+Dirk> "Besides, I doubt they'd strike in an overt manner."
[20:37] <@ENGM> You leave the clinic and head to the lift. Soon you’re back on the first deck. You navigate through the crowd to the ships main lift.
[20:38] * +Dirk nods and starts to make his way back to the ship. "As you can see, they don't really believe in dueling, which is why many don't pay them any mind."
[20:39] <@ENGM> You make it to the main lift and head to the hangers.
[20:39] * +Thomas_J_Atkins keeps an eye out, analyzing the surrounding with his training now.
[20:40] <+Thomas_J_Atkins> ((can I roll tactics to move in a way we can be defensible in case we're jumped?))
[20:40] <@ENGM> The crowd/traffic thins out as you head to your docking bay and the Lucky Strike. Soon you are safely aboard the Strike. The ship is in the last stages of being fueled.
[20:42] <@ENGM> Thomas is able to navigate you thru the ship in a way that you are confindent that you aren't tailed.
*SESSION END***