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<<nobr>>
<h3><center>The Heavens Were Stitched</center></h3>
The year is 2295. Almost two centuries have passed since the human race left its dying planet and set out to find a new home among the stars.
<br><br>
A unified galactic government—the <b>Caucus</b>—was founded to steer humanity across this new frontier. Though not always popular, their authority went largely unopposed as they led the first terraforming efforts for the human diaspora.
<br><br>
As more colonies were established and humanity gained a greater foothold in space, pockets of dissent began to arise. The increasing use of mechanised labour caused friction, with workers in remote mining and agricultural settlements losing their jobs by the hundreds.
<br><br>
A fixture in the fringe worlds since the beginning of interplanetary travel, a neo-Luddite church sect—the <b>Synod</b>—saw an opportunity in this conflict. They organised many disaffected colonists under their banner, and eventually led them to full-scale war against the Caucus.
<br><br>
Though preaching a doctrine that opposed many forms of modern technology, the Synod became notorious for their experiments with bionic augmentations. This was permitted, they claimed, as these efforts were towards the greater good.
<br><br>
The conflict raged for almost a decade, and many lives were lost before a ceasefire was finally called. An agreement, the <b>Concordat</b>, was signed by both the Caucus and the Synod. It divided up the galaxy between them, with a demilitarised zone in between. Some common laws and trade agreements were implemented, but both regimes were left largely responsible for governing their own territory.
<br><br>
That was eleven years ago now. This is [[the world you live in|intro1]].
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $introcomplete to true>>
<h2>Cordelia</h2>
It's never silent here. Standing on the foredeck you can hear a constant, quiet humming, the occasional clink of metal or hiss of hydraulics. The foredeck is a cavernous space with catwalks running above it, and passageways leading off to other areas of the ship.
<br><br>
<b>Actions</b>
<<if $progress <4 and $missions <5>><li>Check in with your crewmates before you embark on your next mission</li>
<</if>>
<<if $tech is true and $techtalk is false>><li>[[Install Server Upgrade|server]]</li><</if>>
<<if $mess is true and $messtalk is false>><li>[[Install Furniture Suite|furniture]]</li><</if>>
<<if $engine is true and $enginetalk is false>><li>[[Install Improved Thrusters|thrusters]]</li><</if>>
<<if $nav is true and $navtalk is false>><li>[[Install Comms Cloaking|cloaking]]</li><</if>>
<<if $progress is 4 and $missions is 0>><li>[[Mission: Transport Cargo|mission1intro]]</li><</if>>
<<if $progress is 4 and $missions is 1>><li>[[Mission: Station Salvage|mission2intro]]</li><</if>>
<<if $progress is 4 and $missions is 2>><li>[[Mission: Base Hacking|mission3intro]]</li><</if>>
<<if $progress is 4 and $missions is 3>><li>[[Mission: Art Theft|mission4intro]]</li><</if>>
<<if $progress is 4 and $missions is 4>><li>[[Mission: Unclaimed Cache|mission5intro]]</li><</if>>
<<if $missions is 5>><li>[[Mission: Crew Party|party]]</li><</if>>
<<if $missions >5>><li>No missions remaining.</li><</if>>
<br>
<b>Travel</b>
<li>[[Go planetside|planet]]</li><br>
<b>Ship Areas</b>
<li>[[Infirmary|medbay]]</li>
<li>[[Mess Hall|mess]]</li>
<li>[[Bridge|bridge]]</li>
<li>[[Engine Room|engine]]</li>
<li>[[Captain's Cabin|cabin]]</li>
<li>[[Tech Suite|tech]]</li>
<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Tevi Adler</h2>
Welcome to your private communications terminal, <b>Tevi</b>. Please remember to switch the unit off after use to save ship power.
<br><br>
Comms tokens: $commscred
<br><br>
<b>Programs</b>
<li>[[Private Messages (Internal)|messaging]]</li>
<li>[[Long-Range Communications|calls]]</li>
<li>[[Dial Into Feeds|feeds]]</li>
<br>
<b>[[Close Terminal|medbay]]</b>
<</nobr>><<set $introcomplete to false>>
<<set $careful to 50>>
<<set $pragmatic to 50>>
<<set $credits to 25>>
<<set $commscred to 5>>
<<set $seraap to 10>>
<<set $nicoap to 10>>
<<set $tanithap to 10>>
<<set $davidap to 60>>
<<set $shiplevel to 1>>
<<set $shipper to 0>>
<<set $toolsq to 1>>
<<set $toolsper to 25>>
<<set $tools to "Basic">>
<<set $tech to false>>
<<set $techtalk to false>>
<<set $engine to false>>
<<set $enginetalk to false>>
<<set $mess to false>>
<<set $messtalk to false>>
<<set $nav to false>>
<<set $navtalk to false>>
<<set $cautious to 0>>
<<set $reckless to 0>>
<<set $conventional to 0>>
<<set $creative to 0>>
<<set $missions to 0>>
<<set $tanithtalk to false>>
<<set $seratalk to false>>
<<set $davidtalk to false>>
<<set $nicotalk to false>>
<<set $progress to 0>>
<<set $tanithmess to 0>>
<<set $seramess to 0>>
<<set $davidmess to 0>>
<<set $nicomess to 0>>
<<set $devorahcall to 0>>
<<set $katiacall to 0>>
<<set $moishecall to 0>>
<<set $realityfeed to false>>
<<set $foodfeed to false>>
<<set $xxxfeed to false>>
<<set $job to ["smuggle cargo", "collect salvage", "run sensitive materials", "intercept comm signals"]>>
<<set $location1 to ["deep in", "on the fringes of", "a few clicks from", "somewhere in"]>>
<<set $location2 to ["Caucus territory", "Synod space", "the DMZ", "an uncharted corner of the galaxy"]>>
<<set $problem to ["a circuit in the Cordelia blows", "you draw fire from the authorities", "rival outlaws attack your vessel", "you're caught in an energy storm"]>>
<<set $crew to ["Nico", "David", "Sera", "Tanith"]>>
<<widget "fair_minus">><<fair_plus $args[0] -$args[1]>><</widget>>
<<widget "opposed_stat">><<nobr>>
<div class="statBar">
<div style="float:right"> $args[1] <<= 100-$args[2]>>% </div>
<<= '<div class="statLeftBg" style="width:'+$args[2]+'%"> </div>'>>
<div> $args[0] $args[2]%</div>
</div>
<</nobr>><</widget>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $introcomplete is true>>
[[View Stats]]
<br><br>
$credits credits
<br><br>
$commscred comms tokens
<br><br>
$tools Medical Equipment (Grade $toolsq)
<br><br>
<<if $shiplevel is 1>>Cordelia: No Upgrades<</if>>
<<if $shiplevel is 2>>Cordelia: Basic Upgrades<</if>>
<<if $shiplevel is 3>>Cordelia: Partial Upgrades<</if>>
<<if $shiplevel is 4>>Cordelia: Major Upgrades<</if>>
<<if $shiplevel is 5>>Cordelia: Complete Upgrades<</if>>
<br><br>
Missions: $missions/6
<</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<center><h1>Stats</h1>
<<return>><br></center>
<h3>Traits</h3>
<<opposed_stat "Careful" "Bold" $careful>>
<<opposed_stat "Pragmatic" "Optimistic" $pragmatic>><br>
<h3>Crewmates</h3>
<<opposed_stat "♥ Sera" "Sera ✖" $seraap>>
<<opposed_stat "♥ David" "David ✖" $davidap>>
<<opposed_stat "♥ Nico" "Nico ✖" $nicoap>>
<<opposed_stat "♥ Tanith" "Tanith ✖" $tanithap>><br>
<h3>Ship Upgrades</h3>
<<opposed_stat "Complete" "Incomplete" $shipper>><br>
<h3>Medical Equipment</h3>
<<opposed_stat "Quality" "Poor" $toolsper>><br>
<center><<return>></center>
<</nobr>>
<<if $Cautious <95>><<fair_plus "$Cautious" +20>><</if>>
<<if $Cold <95>><<fair_plus "$Cold" +15>><</if>>
<<opposed_stat "Happy" "Sad" $Happy>>
<<opposed_stat "Cold" "Warm" $Cold>><<nobr>>
<h2>Port Telesto: Transport Hub</h2>
Port Telesto is a the capital of a small planet in the DMZ, a former Caucus agri world where the terraforming didn't quite take. It's since become something of a pirate stronghold, and criminals from across the galaxy come here to pick up jobs, buy stolen goods, and get unregistered augs installed. It's hot, crowded and dangerous, but it has a certain charm despite all that.
<br><br>
<b>Planetside Actions</b>
<li>[[Go to the black market|shop]]</li>
<li>[[Pick up a contract job|smalljob]]</li>
<li>[[Return to Cordelia|ship]]</li>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set _thisJob = $job.random()>>
<<set _thisLocation1 = $location1.random()>>
<<set _thisLocation2 = $location2.random()>>
<<set _thisProblem = $problem.random()>>
<<set _inPeril = $crew.random()>>
<h3>Contract Job</h3>
You pick up a contract to _thisJob _thisLocation1 _thisLocation2.
<br><br>
During the job _thisProblem and _inPeril is hurt.
<br><br>
[[Patch up your crewmate|smalljob2]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Port Telesto: Black Market</h2>
There's a thriving black market in Port Telesto, and most of it can be found in the converted network of caverns underneath the city. Here mechanics, hackers and ship merchants ply their trade alongside food trucks, thrift stalls and entertainers. There's always a risk you'll get stabbed coming down here, but there's goods you can't find anywhere else in the galaxy.
<br><br>
<li>[[Caduceus Medical|medshop]]</li>
<li>[[Supernova Scrap & Salvage|shipshop]]</li>
<li>[[Antoni's Budget Comms Shack|commshop]]</li>
<br>
[[Return to the port|planet]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set _severity to random(1,4)>>
<<set _reward to ($shiplevel * random(50,200))>>
<h3>Contract Job</h3>
<<if $toolsq <_severity>>
Your medical equipment isn't adequate to fix up your crewmate.
<br><br>
You'll have to go to a med hub. That's your earnings for this job gone.
<</if>>
<<if $toolsq gte _severity>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_reward>>
You're able to give your crewmate adequate medical attention in the field.
<br><br>
You earn _reward credits for this job.
<</if>>
<br><br>
[[Return planetside|planet]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $missions is 1 and $seratalk is false>><<goto "sera2">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 3 and $tanithtalk is false>><<goto "tanith4">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 4 and $nicotalk is false>><<goto "nico5">><</if>>
<h2>Mess Hall</h2>
<<if $mess is false>>
The mess is exactly that—a mess. The couches on the lower level are worn and threadbare, and the kitchen table is covered in dents and old burns. There are cabinets falling off their hinges and carpets bearing stains that you suspect have been there since before you were born. One wilting pot plant is the only consolation to interior design.
<</if>>
<<if $mess is true>>
The mess is looking much nicer these days. The new sofas are plush and unstained, the rugs clean and brightly coloured. In the kitchen there’s a large table and chairs that actually match, and a collection of succulents are lined up in terracotta pots behind the sink. It feels cosy in here now, like a real home.
<</if>>
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $missions is 0 and $davidtalk is false>><<goto "david1">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 1 and $nicotalk is false>><<goto "nico2">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 2 and $davidtalk is false>><<goto "david3">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 3 and $davidtalk is false>><<goto "david4">><</if>>
<h2>Engine Room</h2>
<<if $engine is false>>
You know a little bit about engines—enough to understand that the noise Cordelia’s makes is bad. Your brother has done his best to calm her down, but she still runs at dangerously high pressure every time you travel at more than a snail’s pace. It makes the engine room almost unbearably hot most of the time, and the sound is horrendous.
<</if>>
<<if $engine is true>>
It’s more pleasant to set foot in the engine room than it used to be. The cacophony of noise isn’t so bad, and it’s far cooler. The new thrusters mean that you can travel at high speeds without Cordelia protesting, which has made life easier both for your brother and everyone else.
<</if>>
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $missions is 0 and $seratalk is false>><<goto "sera1">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 1 and $davidtalk is false>><<goto "david2">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 2 and $tanithtalk is false>><<goto "tanith3">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 3 and $seratalk is false>><<goto "sera4">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 4 and $seratalk is false>><<goto "sera5">><</if>>
<h2>Bridge</h2>
<<if $nav is false>>
All the control panels on Cordelia’s bridge are original fittings, which worries you. The buttons stick when pressed, and the sensor panel overhead is constantly blaring out tinny little warnings. This ship is not stealthy or subtle. It’s a hunk of metal flying through the void for anyone to see.
<</if>>
<<if $nav is true>>
Cordelia is flying much smoother these days. There are hardly ever sensor warnings since you installed that comms cloaking, ensuring that the ship isn’t lighting itself up like a beacon every time someone sends a message or watches the news. It’s quieter on the bridge now, thankfully.
<</if>>
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $missions is 0 and $nicotalk is false>><<goto "nico1">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 2 and $nicotalk is false>><<goto "nico3">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 3 and $nicotalk is false>><<goto "nico4">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 4 and $davidtalk is false>><<goto "david5">><</if>>
<h2>Captain's Cabin</h2>
Nico's cabin looks like a college student’s dorm, all posters and cheap furniture and half-empty bowls of ramen. Still, for all that it’s not really unpleasant. In the years he’s lived here he’s clearly done his best to make the small cabin feel like home, and you can definitely feel the captain’s personality etched into the space.
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $missions is 0 and $tanithtalk is false>><<goto "tanith1">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 1 and $tanithtalk is false>><<goto "tanith2">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 2 and $seratalk is false>><<goto "sera3">><</if>>
<<if $missions is 4 and $tanithtalk is false>><<goto "tanith5">><</if>>
<h2>Tech Suite</h2>
<<if $tech is false>>
The tech suite server bank hums louder than it should, you’re pretty sure, and Tanith has had to build a cooling system that relies a worrying amount on portable fans. The rows of blocky processors take up a huge amount of space, cluttering up the old cargo rooms and snaking wires across the floor.
<</if>>
<<if $tech is true>>
The new servers are far more compact, taking up half the space that they used to and freeing up more room for Tanith to carry out her experiments. They’re quieter as well, and don’t give off a wave of heat that screams fire hazard. The floor, once a trip-risk nightmare of loose wires, is now safe and clear.
<</if>>
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Infirmary</h2>
[[Access Personal Comm Terminal|comms]]
<br><br>
Your infirmary is modest, but serviceable. There’s a temperature-controlled storage locker where you keep your meds and other supplies, an examination-cum-operating table, and a large desk. This is where you keep everything you need at arm’s length, including your personal comm terminal.
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $missions to 1>>
<<set $tanithtalk to false>>
<<set $seratalk to false>>
<<set $davidtalk to false>>
<<set $nicotalk to false>>
<<set $progress to 0>>
<b>Location:</b> Aeolus Cluster<br>
<b>Contract For:</b> Mason Carter<br>
<b>Objective:</b> Transport sensitive cargo from Asteria Station (Caucus Space) to the port at Ull (DMZ)
<br><br>
Your objective for this mission is a simple one, and it follows the pattern of most jobs you’ve been involved with since coming aboard Cordelia; go somewhere, pick up some cargo, drop it off somewhere else, don’t ask questions. Simple, right?
<br><br>
[[Start the mission|mission1]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $missions to 2>>
<<set $tanithtalk to false>>
<<set $seratalk to false>>
<<set $davidtalk to false>>
<<set $nicotalk to false>>
<<set $progress to 0>>
<b>Location:</b> Lyre Holdings Sector 48B<br>
<b>Contract For:</b> Orson Pelletier<br>
<b>Objective:</b> Salvage for parts on a defunct company station
<br><br>
One of your most regular clients, a scrap merchant in Port Telesto, gets in touch with you about a new job. The badlands where the DMZ borders Synod space are full of old company vessels, mining outposts and shipping depots, all sitting unused since the war. Most of these have already been stripped clean, but your client has had a tip-off about one that’s still mostly untouched. He wants your crew to go out there and recover whatever valuables you can.
<br><br>
[[Start the mission|mission2]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $missions to 3>>
<<set $tanithtalk to false>>
<<set $seratalk to false>>
<<set $davidtalk to false>>
<<set $nicotalk to false>>
<<set $progress to 0>>
<b>Location: </b>St. Anthony’s Nebula<br>
<b>Contract For: </b>[CLASSIFIED]<br>
<b>Objective: </b>Clear a bandit enclave.
<br><br>
Your next mission comes to you from an unexpected source—Blackwall, the Synod enforcer and your crew’s former adversary. Tanith tells you that he’s going to round up some bandits on the edge of Synod territory, and that he’s asked her to hack their hideout’s shields so he can get in. Apparently they’re sitting on a lot of valuable cargo, and Blackwall has told her that your crew can take their pick of the contraband in return for her assistance. Hardly an orthodox plan for either side, but Nico gives it his approval anyway.
<br><br>
[[Start the mission|mission3]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $missions to 4>>
<<set $tanithtalk to false>>
<<set $seratalk to false>>
<<set $davidtalk to false>>
<<set $nicotalk to false>>
<<set $progress to 0>>
<b>Location: </b>Tlaloc<br>
<b>Contract For: </b>Myanna Santiago<br>
<b>Objective: </b>Steal some priceless works of art.
<br><br>
This job is a little different than the others you’ve worked before. A client has contracted you to steal several artworks from a collector on a wealthy caucus hub planet. They’ve informed Nico that the best way to do this would be to enter the collector’s estate through the parking garage, which adjoins the storage area—but, in order to do that, someone needs to open the door from the inside. There’s a gala being hosted at the estate tonight, and Nico has decided that this is the perfect cover for a bit of subterfuge.
<br><br>
Somehow you’ve ended up being picked as the woman for the job. Tanith seemed the more obvious choice to you, given her background, but she pointed out that there are people at the party likely to recognise her face. To your surprise, Sera volunteered to go with you. You aren’t really sure why.
<br><br>
[[Start the mission|mission4]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $missions to 5>>
<<set $tanithtalk to false>>
<<set $seratalk to false>>
<<set $davidtalk to false>>
<<set $nicotalk to false>>
<<set $progress to 0>>
<b>Location: </b>Agni 3.296<br>
<b>Contract For: </b>Vashra Dal<br>
<b>Objective: </b>Reclaim shipping containers.
<br><br>
Nico informs Cordelia’s crew that he’s received a tip about a potentially lucrative cache, waiting to be picked up near one of the Caucus hub worlds. A freighter got hit by an energy storm and went into power failure, and had to jettison most of its cargo to get towed back to port. If you’re quick you might be able to scoop up some of the best stuff before the authorities get there.
<br><br>
[[Start the mission|mission5]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $tanithtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Tanith is sitting at her desk in the ship’s ‘tech suite’. The empty chambers around the hold were probably once used for storing fragile and temperature-controlled cargo, but Tanith has done a decent job of converting them into a makeshift lab and server room. She turns around in her chair when she sees you, smiling.
<br><br>
‘Tevi,’ she says. ‘I wasn’t expecting you. Something you need?’
<br><br>
[[‘Just stopping by to say hello.’|tanith1.1][$ttalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘I was curious to see what you’d done with the place.’|tanith1.1][$ttalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Honestly it’s just nice having another scientist on board.’|tanith1.1][$ttalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicotalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Nico’s cabin looks like the inside of a thrift store. He’s got clothes hanging up from the safety rails, mismatched furniture that hurts your eyes to look at, at least three firearms in various states of disassembly on his desk. There’s a set of furry dice above the small viewport, the kind you’d usually see hanging from the rearview mirror of a taxi.
<br><br>
He looks up when you stick your head round the door, gestures for you to come inside. Nico takes a seat on the edge of his bed and generously lets you move a pile of of laundry from the only chair.
<br><br>
‘Doc,’ he says. ‘Always a pleasure. How can I be of service?’
<br><br>
[[‘Just saying hi.’|nico1.1][$ntalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘I like to check on all my patients.’|nico1.1][$ntalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘I’ve been wondering about our next job.’|nico1.1][$ntalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seratalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Of all the places in the ship, the bridge is the one you’ve visited the least often. You’re used to being on <i>terra firma</i>, and that wide window with its view onto the void is… overwhelming, sometimes.
<br><br>
Plus, Sera doesn’t seem too keen on having people in her space. She’s definitely marked out her territory—personal effects and gewgaws all over the nav unit, soft fabric hangings covering the ugly metal walls, a tiny fridge full of that weird radish soda she likes.
<br><br>
When you walk into the bridge Sera looks over her shoulder at you, frowns. She’s gripping her chair in a way that makes the tendons on her skinny arms stand out, and her eyes, narrowed now, are a startling blue.
<br><br>
‘What?’ she says. ‘You need something?’
<br><br>
[[‘Nope. Just saying hi.’|sera1.1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Sort of. Was hoping we could talk.’|sera1.1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Yeah. Could you tell me more about the ship?’|sera1.1][$stalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Your brother has made a little den for himself down in the engine room, though you have no idea how he thinks over the constant racket. He’s probably used to it after a life spent working on machinery.
<br><br>
Neither of you were able to bring anything with you from home, but David has managed to put a few personal touches on the place. There’s a cheap, raunchy calendar up on the wall, the kind that seems to be in every garage and workshop by law, and a bust-up old armchair tucked into the corner. He’s sitting there now, scrolling through something on his datapad, which he sets down on a table when you walk in.
<br><br>
‘Hey,’ he says. ‘You alright?’
<br><br>
[[‘I’m fine.’|david1.1][$dtalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘I’m bored.’|david1.1][$dtalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘I’m homesick.’|david1.1][$dtalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Private Messaging (Internal)</h2>
Expend 5 comms tokens to open a private message log with a crewmate.
<br><br>
<<if $commscred >4>>
<b>Cordelia: Crew</b>
<<if $nicomess <5>>
<li>[[Nico Lisowski (Captain)|nicomess]]</li><</if>>
<<if $nicomess >4>>
<li>Nico Lisowski (Captain): Offline</li><</if>>
<<if $seramess <5>>
<li>[[Sera Fletcher (Pilot)|seramess]]</li><</if>>
<<if $seramess >4>>
<li>Sera Fletcher (Pilot): Offline</li><</if>>
<<if $tanithmess <5>>
<li>[[Tanith Holloway (Technical Officer)|tanithmess]]</li><</if>>
<<if $tanithmess >4>>
<li>Tanith Holloway (Technical Officer): Offline</li><</if>>
<<if $davidmess <5>>
<li>[[David Adler (Ship Mechanic)|davidmess]]</li><</if>>
<<if $davidmess >4>>
<li>David Adler (Ship Mechanic): Offline</li><</if>>
<<else>>
<b>Not enough comms tokens</b>
<br>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Program|comms]]</b>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Long-Range Communications</h2>
Expend 10 comms tokens to send out a long-range signal.
<br><br>
<<if $commscred >9>>
<b>Contacts</b>
<<if $devorahcall <5>>
<li>[[Devorah Adler (TaroCorp Colony #48 - Unit 72)|devorahcall]]</li><</if>>
<<if $devorahcall >4>>
<li>Devorah Adler: Offline</li><</if>>
<<if $katiacall <5>>
<li>[[Katia Liu (TaroCorp Colony #48 - Unit 190)|katiacall]]</li><</if>>
<<if $katiacall >4>>
<li>Katia Liu: Offline</li><</if>>
<<if $moishecall <5>>
<li>[[Dr. Moishe Adams (Cybele Station - Medical Centre)|moishecall]]</li><</if>>
<<if $moishecall >4>>
<li>Dr. Moishe Adams: Offline</li><</if>>
<<else>>
<b>Not enough comms tokens</b>
<br>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Program|comms]]</b>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
Expend 1 comms token to dial into the entertainment feeds.
<br><br>
<<if $commscred >0>>
<b>Feeds</b>
<li>[[Galactic News|newsfeed]]</li>
<li>[[All-Star Movie Channel|moviefeed]]</li>
<li>[[Explore+ Documentaries|docfeed]]</li>
<<if $realityfeed is true>><li>[[Smash! Reality Bites|realityfeed]]</li><</if>>
<<if $foodfeed is true>><li>[[Caucus Cooking|foodfeed]]</li><</if>>
<<if $xxxfeed is true>><li>[[Eros Intergalactic: XXX Adult Programming|xxxfeed]]</li><</if>>
<<else>>
<b>Not enough comms tokens</b>
<br>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Program|comms]]</b>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $tanithtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
When you open the door to the Tech Suite you find Tanith in the middle of a vid call. You recognise the figure on the comms screen, a hulking, bearded man with an ancient ocular implant and body armour that looks like it weighs a full ton. Blackwall, an enforcer for the Synod. Less than a month ago he was trying to hunt down your crew and bring you to justice, and you’re still not entirely easy with the truce you’ve since called.
<br><br>
‘I know,’ Tanith is saying, her chin resting on her hand. ‘But I don’t see why you can’t refuse. Or negotiate, at least. You’re the one they need to—’
<br><br>
Blackwall clears his throat, cutting her off. ‘Dr Holloway,’ he says. ‘You have a visitor.’ The doorway you’re standing in must be in view of the camera.
<br><br>
Tanith looks over at you, smiles. ‘Oh, hey Tevi. I didn’t hear you come in.’
<br><br>
[[‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.’|tanith2.1][$ttalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Shall I come back another time?’|tanith2.1][$ttalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘We’re not in shit with the Synod again, are we?’|tanith2.1][$ttalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $tanithtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You enter the bridge to find Tanith, not Sera, sitting in the pilot’s seat. She’s typing strings of code into the nav console, her fingers flying lightly over the keypad. When she’s finished she gives one final, triumphant <i>tap</i>, then leans back in her chair while the console springs to life.
<br><br>
She must hear you shuffling your feet in the doorway then, because she glances back over her shoulder at you.
<br><br>
‘Hey, Tevi,’ she says. ‘How are things? I’m just giving Cordelia a little upgrade. You know she was running a nav OS from <i>2286</i>?’
<br><br>
[[‘Really? Yikes.’|tanith3.1][$ttalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Does Sera know you’re doing this?’|tanith3.1][$ttalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Does Nico know you’re doing this?’|tanith3.1][$ttalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $tanithtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You hear low voices coming from the mess as you walk down the hallway, too quiet for you to make out. This, in itself, is pretty unusual; the crew spend a lot of time yelling at each other. Curious, you step through the hatch into Cordelia’s living space.
<br><br>
Tanith is sitting on one of the couches on the lower part of the split level. Next to her—okay, the lack of yelling makes sense now—is Blackwall. You didn’t realise he was on board. It’s always weird seeing the Synod enforcer in civilian clothes, though even without his armour he’s still a pretty menacing presence.
<br><br>
It doesn’t escape your notice that Tanith looks a little flushed. She drew her hand into her lap when you walked in, but you suspect that it might have been resting on Blackwall’s shoulder before that. Blackwall himself is staring over at you with an expression of profound discomfort. They look like nothing more than a couple of teenagers who’ve been caught necking after school.
<br><br>
‘Tevi,’ Tanith says, a little breathlessly. ‘I, uh. Didn’t hear you come in.’
<br><br>
[[‘I didn’t realise he was on board.’|tanith4.1][$ttalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Do you guys need some privacy?’|tanith4.1][$ttalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘You kids behaving yourselves?’|tanith4.1][$ttalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $tanithtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Tanith is at her desk in the tech suite, though today she doesn’t seem to be working on her nanobots. Instead she’s curled up in her chair with a cup of coffee, watching the news feed on her personal comms. The cycle isn’t that different from most other days. The Caucus is terraforming another half-dozen agri worlds; the Synod wants to make further amendments to the Concordat; galactic inflation is up another fraction of a percent. Same as it ever was.
<br><br>
‘Hey, Tevi.’ Tanith smiles over her shoulder at you, then reaches over and switches off the comms screen. ‘It’s funny. I never used to bother with the news. Now I can’t stop watching it.’
<br><br>
[[‘I try and avoid it as often as possible.’|tanith5.1][$ttalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘I like to keep up to date.’|tanith5.1][$ttalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘I prefer the cooking channel.’|tanith5.1][$ttalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicotalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You hear a ruckus coming from the engine room when you’re halfway down the corridor. The clanging of metal, a scraping noise, the sound of someone cursing loudly. Not your brother’s voice, though.
<br><br>
Walking through the door, you find Nico standing in the centre of the room, surrounded by various pieces of machinery and a scattering of loose tools. He’s breathing hard, and there’s oil smeared on his hands and shirt (which, today, is an eye-watering shade of orange). It looks like he’s been trying to open the engine panel, without much success.
<br><br>
‘You,’ Nico says, pointing in your direction. ‘You gotta do something about him.’
<br><br>
[[‘Who?’|nico2.1][$ntalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘You, uh. Okay there, captain?’|nico2.1][$ntalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘I’m guessing this is about David.’|nico2.1][$ntalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seratalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You find Sera sprawled out on one of the couches in the mess. She’s got an open bag of paprika chips balanced on her stomach and is watching some cheesy drama on the central comms. On the screen a woman in a Caucus administrator’s uniform slaps a man in a sharp suit, then pulls him into a passionate embrace.
<br><br>
Sera glances up when you walk in, then picks up the comms remote and pauses the feed.
<br><br>
[[‘Hey, don’t stop on my account.’|sera2.1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘What’re you watching?’|sera2.1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Gotta be honest, I’m surprised you’re into that stuff.’|sera2.1][$stalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You look around Cordelia for a while, trying to find your brother, and eventually locate him up on the bridge. He’s standing by the wide viewport, staring out at the huge swathe of void. You grip the handrail tightly as you walk up to join him, wondering why looking into open space feels like being afraid of heights.
<br><br>
‘Oh, hey,’ he says, blinking like he’s just woken up. ‘I was just about to come see you. Have you spoken to Ma lately?’
<br><br>
<<if $devorahcall >0>>[[‘Yes, I have.’|david2.1][$dtalk to 1]]<br><</if>>
<<if $devorahcall is 0>><strike>‘Yes, I have.’</strike><br><</if>>
<<if $devorahcall is 0>>[[‘No, I haven’t.’|david2.1][$dtalk to 2]]<br><</if>>
<<if $devorahcall >0>><strike>‘No, I haven’t’</strike><br><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicotalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
The door of Nico’s cabin is wide open, so you walk across the threshold without bothering to knock. The captain is sitting at his desk with a datapad in front of him, and through his brow is furrowed like he’s concentrating his eyes are focused a couple of inches to the left of the display. Aural implants, you realise after a second. Probably using a screen reader of some sort.
<br><br>
You take a step back, not wanting to disturb him, but Nico gestures for you to wait. He listens in silence for a few moments longer, then taps a button on his datapad and turns towards you.
<br><br>
‘Sorry,’ he says. ‘My accountant. Never got a fuckin’ clue what he’s sayin’. Always gives me these reports like I wanna know what’s in ‘em. I keep telling him, buddy, if I wanted to read reports I wouldn’t have hired you. But he sends ‘em anyway.’
<br><br>
[[‘Sounds like he’s being professional.’|nico3.1][$ntalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Sounds like a pain in the ass.’|nico3.1][$ntalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Wait, you have an accountant?’|nico3.1][$ntalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seratalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You’re surprised to find Sera in the tech suite. She’s crouched down in the corner of the largest storage room, rooting around in one of Tanith’s carefully-organised cabinets. She’s humming quietly to herself as she sorts through the components inside, a slightly off-tune rendition of an old song that you half remember.
<br><br>
She doesn’t seem to have noticed you walk in. For a second you just watch her—tousled, honey-coloured hair, scuffed elbows—before you come to your senses. You clear your throat to let her know you’re there, trying to ignore the slight skipping in your chest.
Sera looks up at you. ‘Oh,’ she says. ‘Hey.’
<br><br>
[[‘Didn’t mean to interrupt your performance.’|sera3.1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Need a hand with that?’|sera3.1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Does Tanith know you’re looking through her stuff?’|sera3.1][$stalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
David is taking a break when you walk into the engine room. He’s sitting in the busted old armchair he has tucked into the corner, watching something on his personal comms. As you walk closer you realise what’s on the screen—<i>Galactic Guardians</i>, a cartoon about interdimensional superheroes that’s been syndicated for as long as you can remember.
<br><br>
You and your brothers used to watch this all the time when you were kids, back before Esther came along. There were three Guardians and three of you, so it all mapped out pretty nicely when you played out scenes from the show. They made you the girl Guardian by default but that suited you just fine. Evelyn Equinox was a badass after all, a super-genius who could make all kind of gadgets out of hard light beams. She’s half the reason you got interested in science in the first place.
<br><br>
[[‘Oh my God. I haven’t seen this in years.’|david3.1][$dtalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘They made being out in space seem way more interesting than it is.’|david3.1][$dtalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Children’s cartoons, huh? Really?’|david3.1][$dtalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicotalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
The captain’s door is shut, so you rap your knuckles against the hatch. A moment later you hear Nico’s voice telling you that it’s unlocked.
<br><br>
You let yourself in, and find the captain sprawled out on his narrow bed. He’s got his arms crossed behind his head, and there’s a half-smoked cigarette smouldering in an ashtray on the bedside cabinet. You make a mental note to prepare yourself for the inevitable argument he’s gonna have with your brother later.
<br><br>
‘Hey, doc,’ Nico says, retrieving the cigarette and taking a long drag. He sounds kind of despondent, which isn’t like him. ‘What’s up?’
<br><br>
[[‘Those things’ll kill you, you know.’|nico4.1][$ntalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Just checking in after that last job.’|nico4.1][$ntalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Is everything okay?’|nico4.1][$ntalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seratalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Sera’s in her usual place in the pilot’s seat, but when you enter the bridge she’s got her feet up on the nav console and is scrolling something on her datapad. Long-haul travel like this involves extended stretches of travelling through empty space, so there are periods where Sera doesn’t have much to do.
<br><br>
She looks up from her datapad when you walk in, lifts her hand in a little half-wave. Her nails are bitten short, her wrists sharp and slender. One corner of her mouth quirks into a smile and your heart thumps painfully against your ribs. Okay; it’s possible you might have a crush on this woman.
<br><br>
‘Alright?’ Sera says, setting her feet back on the floor. ‘Close one back at that warehouse. Not in a hurry to get off the ship again.’
<br><br>
[[‘We never should’ve taken that job.’|sera4.1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘I’m just glad everyone got out okay.’|sera4.1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘I was worried about you.’|sera4.1][$stalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
David is in the middle of a job when you walk down into the engine room. One of the backup regulators is busted, and he’s replacing it with a new one that he picked up last time you were planetside. He’s crouched down on the floor with all the pieces spread out on a tarp, covered in grease to the elbows and sweating through his shirt. It’s a big job for one person.
<br><br>
[[‘You want a hand with that?’|david4.1][$dtalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Does the captain know you’re doing this?’|david4.1][$dtalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Maybe you should take a break.’|david4.1][$dtalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $nicotalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
You’re greeted by an odd sight when you walk into the mess—Nico is cleaning. The captain has an honest-to-goodness apron on and is busy scrubbing down the long table where you often take your meals. The place looks at neat and tidy as you’ve ever seen it.
<br><br>
‘Hey, doc,’ he says. ‘Be careful on that floor, it’s wet.’
<br><br>
[[‘What’s the occasion?’|nico5.1][$ntalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘That getup suits you.’|nico5.1][$ntalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Wow, someone finally looked at the chore wheel.’|nico5.1][$ntalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seratalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
Sera perks up in her chair when she hears you walk onto the bridge. She turns around, grinning in your direction, the corners of her eyes crinkling. God, it makes your stomach turn over every time she smiles like that. For the past few weeks you’ve been trying to tell yourself that your crush isn’t getting worse—that it doesn’t exist at all—but it’s getting harder and harder to deny. <i>Get a hold of yourself, Adler.</i>
<br><br>
‘Hey you,’ she says, a little breathlessly. ‘Know what I said about planetside jobs, but that last one. Oh, wow. That was fun. Like, <i>really</i> fun. Why don’t we do more crime at parties?’
<br><br>
[[‘Because we almost got caught and arrested?’|sera5.1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Because there isn’t a big enough market for party crime?’|sera5.1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘Because we never get invited to the good ones?’|sera5.1][$stalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidtalk to true>>
<<set $progress to $progress +1>>
The budget for medical supplies needs extending, so you head down to the captain’s cabin to speak to Nico about it. You’ve just raised your hand to knock on his door when it opens, bringing you face to face with—not Nico—but your brother.
<br><br>
For a moment you just stare at each other, frozen in place. Your fist is still raised to knock, and David’s hand is still gripping the door handle. It takes you a moment to process what you’re seeing. David’s wearing the same grease-stained shirt he had on at dinner last night, and his dark hair is a mess. His face has flushed a pronounced shade of red.
<br><br>
‘Tev,’ he says, a warning tone in his voice. ‘This ain’t what it looks like, okay?’
<br><br>
[[‘Uhh.’|david5.1][$dtalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Uhhhh?’|david5.1][$dtalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘UHHHH?!’|david5.1][$dtalk to 3]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -5>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Private Messaging (Internal)</h2>
<b>Connected To: Nico Lisowski (Captain)</b>
<br><br>
<<if $nicomess is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey captain<br>
<b>NL:</b> oh shit<br>
<b>NL:</b> you got long edits?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Uh, long edits?<br>
<b>NL:</b> comms credits<br>
<b>NL:</b> this speech-to-text interface sucks grass<br>
<b>NL:</b> jesus christ<br>
<b>NL:</b> anyway<br>
<b>NL:</b> you think you could fire me over a dozen or so of them<br>
<b>NL:</b> I forgot to stock up back at port<br>
<b>TA:</b> Sorry, I already deposited them in my account<br>
<b>TA:</b> Is there a call you need to make?<br>
<b>TA:</b> You can borrow my terminal<br>
<b>NL:</b> no I just wanted to watch the wrestling highlights<br>
<b>TA:</b> Okay<br>
<b>TA:</b> And you wanted me to just<br>
<b>TA:</b> Give you my comms credits to do that<br>
<b>NL:</b> I would have paid you back<br>
<b>TA:</b> Really?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Because you still owe me 15 credits for that sandwich I bought when you forgot your wallet at the fuel depot<br>
<b>Nico Lisowski is offline</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $nicomess is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>NL:</b> hey doc<br>
<b>TA:</b> Hi, everything okay?<br>
<b>NL:</b> I don’t know<br>
<b>NL:</b> I found this weird growth on my thigh<br>
<b>NL:</b> swear it wasn’t there yesterday<br>
<b>NL:</b> I’m freaking out a bit over here<br>
<b>TA:</b> Okay, well, no need to panic<br>
<b>TA:</b> Just come down to the infirmary<br>
<b>Nico Lisowski sent an image attachment</b><br>
<b>TA:</b> Wow okay or we could do that I guess<br>
<b>NL:</b> what is it doc<br>
<b>NL:</b> am I dying?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Just give me a sec<br>
<b>TA:</b> You said this wasn’t there yesterday?<br>
<b>NL:</b> I’m sure it wasn’t<br>
<b>NL:</b> is it anthrax?<br>
<b>TA:</b> No<br>
<b>TA:</b> It’s a cornflake<br>
<b>NL:</b> what?<br>
<b>TA:</b> It’s a cornflake, captain<br>
<b>TA:</b> Just peel it off<br>
<b>NL:</b> shit so it is<br>
<b>NL:</b> how about that<br>
<b>NL:</b> thanks doc<br>
<b>TA:</b> All in a day’s work<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $nicomess is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>NL:</b> doc, you need to deal with your brother<br>
<b>TA:</b> Right<br>
<b>TA:</b> What’s he apparently done?<br>
<b>NL:</b> ruined cordelia that’s what he’s done<br>
<b>TA:</b> You’re going to have to be more specific<br>
<b>NL:</b> he replaced half the components in the damn electrolysis unit<br>
<b>NL:</b> even though I expressly told him not to do that<br>
<b>TA:</b> Oh is that why it’s not making that noise any more?<br>
<b>NL:</b> that’s beside the point<br>
<b>NL:</b> she’s delicate<br>
<b>NL:</b> she can’t handle being messed around like that<br>
<b>TA:</b> I’m sure David had his reasons<br>
<b>TA:</b> Did he tell you why the components needed replacing?<br>
<b>NL:</b> some bullshit about the unit breaking down if it wasn’t upgraded<br>
<b>NL:</b> as if that matters<br>
<b>TA:</b> Uhh<br>
<b>TA:</b> Isn’t the electrolysis unit where our oxygen comes from?<br>
<b>NL:</b> I should have known you’d take his side<br>
<b>Nico Lisowski is offline</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $nicomess is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>NL:</b> doc, you are going to love me<br>
<b>TA:</b> Oh no<br>
<b>TA:</b> What have you done?<br>
<b>NL:</b> I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy<br>
<b>NL:</b> who gets me all kinds of goods for cheap<br>
<b>NL:</b> stuff that fell off the back of a shuttle<br>
<b>NL:</b> if you catch my meaning<br>
<b>NL:</b> wink<br>
<b>TA:</b> Captain we’re wanted criminals I think you can just say they’re stolen goods<br>
<b>NL:</b> you’ve got no sense of occasion doc<br>
<b>NL:</b> anyway<br>
<b>NL:</b> my buddy’s just come into possession of a load of medical supplies<br>
<b>NL:</b> Caucus-grade apparently, still sealed<br>
<b>NL:</b> he’ll sell them to us for a song<br>
<b>NL:</b> so do you love me or what?<br>
<b>TA:</b> What’s the catch<br>
<b>NL:</b> what? there’s no catch<br>
<b>TA:</b> Captain, what’s the catch?<br>
<b>NL:</b> look. they might be a tiny bit expired. like, three years at most<br>
<b>Tevi Adler has closed the message log</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $nicomess is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>NL:</b> hey doc<br>
<b>NL:</b> just wanted to say thanks<br>
<b>TA:</b> What for?<br>
<b>NL:</b> everything, you know<br>
<b>NL:</b> crews like ours, we don’t often get someone like you on board<br>
<b>NL:</b> just wanted you to know it’s appreciated<br>
<b>NL:</b> there’s a few times I would have been toast if you hadn’t patched me up<br>
<b>TA:</b> Just doing my job, captain<br>
<b>TA:</b> But thanks<br>
<b>TA:</b> It’s good to be here<br>
<b>NL:</b> glad you think so, doc<br>
<b>NL:</b> you’re one of the family<br>
<b>TA:</b> That’s real sweet, Nico<br>
<b>TA:</b> I appreciate it<br>
<b>NL:</b> yeah yeah<br>
<b>NL:</b> back to work now<br>
<b>NL:</b> these crimes won’t commit themselves<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Message Log|messaging]]</b>
<<set $nicomess to $nicomess +1>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -5>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Private Messaging (Internal)</h2>
<b>Connected To: Sera Fletcher (Pilot)</b>
<br><br>
<<if $seramess is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey<br>
<b>SF:</b> yeah?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Oh, just saying hi<br>
<b>TA:</b> Testing out the internal comms<br>
<b>SF:</b> right<br>
<b>SF:</b> well<br>
<b>SF:</b> it’s working then<br>
<b>SF:</b> is that it?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Um, yeah, I guess so?<br>
<b>SF:</b> k<br>
<b>Sera Fletcher is offline</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $seramess is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey Sera<br>
<b>SF:</b> hi<br>
<b>TA:</b> I could hear you coughing from the foredeck<br>
<b>TA:</b> Everything okay?<br>
<b>SF:</b> im fine<br>
<b>SF:</b> it’s just a bug or smth<br>
<b>SF:</b> think i picked it up back on telesto<br>
<b>TA:</b> Why don’t you drop by the infirmary? I’ve got stuff that could help<br>
<b>SF:</b> it’s not serious<br>
<b>TA:</b> I know, but it’s my job<br>
<b>TA:</b> To look after the crew when they’re sick<br>
<b>SF:</b> it’s just a cold<br>
<b>SF:</b> leave it<br>
<b>Sera Fletcher is offline</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $seramess is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>SF:</b> hey<br>
<b>TA:</b> Oh, hey. You okay?<br>
<b>SF:</b> yeah<br>
<b>SF:</b> i, um<br>
<b>SF:</b> thanks for leaving those meds for me<br>
<b>SF:</b> feeling a lot better now<br>
<b>TA:</b> No problem<br>
<b>TA:</b> I’m glad it helped<br>
<b>SF:</b> listen<br>
<b>SF:</b> sorry for being a dickhead<br>
<b>TA:</b> No you weren’t<br>
<b>SF:</b> no, i was<br>
<b>SF:</b> let me apologise alright<br>
<b>TA:</b> Okay, well<br>
<b>TA:</b> Apology accepted<br>
<b>SF:</b> thanks x<br>
<b>SF:</b> see you later<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $seramess is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>SF:</b> hey tevi<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah?<br>
<b>SF:</b> your brother just told me he won a circuit race in a tx90 hinata shuttle<br>
<b>SF:</b> that’s bs right?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Nope, all true<br>
<b>TA:</b> Him and Danny found it in a scrapyard and fixed it up<br>
<b>TA:</b> Stuck an engine from a Konig M-Series in it I think<br>
<b>SF:</b> WHAT<br>
<b>SF:</b> how did it not blow up??<br>
<b>TA:</b> I mean it did, eventually<br>
<b>TA:</b> Like twenty minutes after the race<br>
<b>TA:</b> Ma nearly killed them<br>
<b>SF:</b> that’s so fucking dumb<br>
<b>SF:</b> and cool<br>
<b>SF:</b> danny’s your other brother, yeah?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah<br>
<b>TA:</b> I miss him<br>
<b>SF:</b> im sorry<br>
<b>SF:</b> would be cool to meet him<br>
<b>SF:</b> would be cool to meet anyone nuts enough to stick a konig engine in a hinata<br>
<b>TA:</b> Haha. Maybe you will one day<br>
<b>SF:</b> id like that :)<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $seramess is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey<br>
<b>SF:</b> hey you<br>
<b>SF:</b> how’s things?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah good<br>
<b>TA:</b> How about you?<br>
<b>SF:</b> yeah fine<br>
<b>SF:</b> you up to much?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Doing inventory on the med stores<br>
<b>SF:</b> sounds boring<br>
<b>SF:</b> want to come up here for a bit?<br>
<b>SF:</b> will be able to see the augustine nebula soon<br>
<b>SF:</b> it’s a proper good view<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah, that sounds great<br>
<b>TA:</b> I’ll be there in 5?<br>
<b>SF:</b> cool<br>
<b>SF:</b> see you soon xx<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Message Log|messaging]]</b>
<<set $seramess to $seramess +1>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -5>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Private Messaging (Internal)</h2>
<b>Connected To: Tanith Holloway (Technical Officer)</b>
<br><br>
<<if $tanithmess is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey<br>
<b>TH:</b> Oh, hey Tevi<br>
<b>TH:</b> How are things?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah, good<br>
<b>TA:</b> Are you settling in okay? Got everything you need?<br>
<b>TH:</b> Yes, thank you for asking<br>
<b>TH:</b> OH<br>
<b>TH:</b> Actually<br>
<b>TH:</b> I don’t suppose you have any medical-grade saline to spare?<br>
<b>TH:</b> It’s the best thing for washing the bots between protocols<br>
<b>TH:</b> And I forgot to pick any up last time we were planetside<br>
<b>TA:</b> Hmmm I mean<br>
<b>TA:</b> I do have some<br>
<b>TA:</b> But we’ll be in trouble if anyone like<br>
<b>TA:</b> Needs saline<br>
<b>TH:</b> Don’t worry about it<br>
<b>TH:</b> I’ll just hold off doing a wash until we’re back in port<br>
<b>TH:</b> Thanks anyway though!<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $tanithmess is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TH:</b> Can I ask you a medical question?<br>
<b>TH:</b> Professional, not personal<br>
<b>TA:</b> Shoot<br>
<b>TH:</b> I’m designing a new bot protocol<br>
<b>TH:</b> Theoretically it should support grafting for dermal implants<br>
<b>TH:</b> But what would you say is actually the biggest issue with the process? Excessive granulation?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Actually, it’s infection risk<br>
<b>TH:</b> Wow, even now?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yup<br>
<b>TA:</b> Antibiotic resistance is a killer these days<br>
<b>TA:</b> There’s synthesised alternatives but they’re not widely available yet<br>
<b>TH:</b> Jesus<br>
<b>TH:</b> That’s scary<br>
<b>TH:</b> What if a bot protocol was programmed to irrigate the tissue with an antibacterial solution? Would that help?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Definitely<br>
<b>TA:</b> Could you do that?<br>
<b>TH:</b> I think so, yeah<br>
<b>TH:</b> Thanks Dr. Adler, that’s really helpful<br>
<b>TA:</b> No problem Dr. Holloway<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $tanithmess is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TH:</b> Hey can I ask another medical question?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Sure<br>
<b>TA:</b> Professional again?<br>
<b>TH:</b> Um<br>
<b>TH:</b> Sorta<br>
<b>TH:</b> Professional curiosity I guess<br>
<b>TH:</b> Anyway<br>
<b>TH:</b> Just thinking about electrocution risk with first-gen augs<br>
<b>TA:</b> For the user?<br>
<b>TH:</b> Mm yeah<br>
<b>TH:</b> And also not<br>
<b>TH:</b> Thinking about topical applications<br>
<b>TH:</b> Or, uh<br>
<b>TH:</b> Internal?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Tanith I’m going to need some more context<br>
<b>TH:</b> You know what<br>
<b>TH:</b> Never mind<br>
<b>TH:</b> I’ll look it up on the net<br>
<b>Tanith Holloway is offline</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $tanithmess is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> I’ve got a question for you this time<br>
<b>TH:</b> Oh great, about time I returned the favour!<br>
<b>TH:</b> Go ahead<br>
<b>TA:</b> Well, I’ve had my augs disabled since I’ve been on the run<br>
<b>TA:</b> For obvious reasons<br>
<b>TA:</b> I’m not expecting you to say yes<br>
<b>TA:</b> Or for it to be high priority even<br>
<b>TH:</b> Tevi, just ask me<br>
<b>TA:</b> Right. Okay<br>
<b>TA:</b> Do you think it’s possible to write a nanobot protocol that could scrub my augs?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Remove identifying info<br>
<b>TA:</b> Keep them functional without Taro being able to track them<br>
<b>TA:</b> Totally understand if not<br>
<b>TH:</b> Tevi<br>
<b>TH:</b> It’s okay<br>
<b>TH:</b> Of course I can<br>
<b>TA:</b> Really?<br>
<b>TH:</b> Yeah. It’s invasive stuff, though. Do you trust me?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah, I do.<br>
<b>TH:</b> I’m flattered. Just give me a couple of weeks to sort it out. I’ll make it happen<br>
<b>TA:</b> Thanks, Tan<br>
<b>TH:</b> Least I can do x<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $tanithmess is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TH:</b> How are your augs holding up?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Oh my God, amazing<br>
<b>TA:</b> Even tested them on a Caucus checkpoint last night<br>
<b>TA:</b> Nothing<br>
<b>TA:</b> Didn’t even ping the sensor<br>
<b>TA:</b> You’re a genius<br>
<b>TH:</b> Haha, glad someone appreciates it!<br>
<b>TH:</b> Seriously though, Tev, it was my pleasure<br>
<b>TH:</b> It’s disgusting that augs can even be used for surveillance<br>
<b>TA:</b> I still can’t believe how quickly you got the protocol written<br>
<b>TH:</b> Well<br>
<b>TH:</b> I was already kind of working on something similar<br>
<b>TH:</b> You’re not the only one being spied on via their augs<br>
<b>TA:</b> Ahhh<br>
<b>TA:</b> I see<br>
<b>TA:</b> Have you scrubbed his too, then?<br>
<b>TH:</b> He hasn’t agreed to it yet<br>
<b>TH:</b> But I’ll be here if he changes his mind<br>
<b>TA:</b> I’m sure he will. Give him time<br>
<b>TH:</b> Yeah. Thanks, Tevi x<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Message Log|messaging]]</b>
<<set $tanithmess to $tanithmess +1>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -5>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Private Messaging (Internal)</h2>
<b>Connected To: David Adler (Ship Mechanic)</b>
<br><br>
<<if $davidmess is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey<br>
<b>DA:</b> um<br>
<b>DA:</b> hey?<br>
<b>TA:</b> What’s up?<br>
<b>DA:</b> you know you can just<br>
<b>DA:</b> come down and see me right<br>
<b>DA:</b> we live on the same ship<br>
<b>TA:</b> Well yes<br>
<b>TA:</b> But this is kind of convenient don’t you think?<br>
<b>DA:</b> convenient doesn’t mean good tev<br>
<b>TA:</b> You’re so old fashioned<br>
<b>TA:</b> This is how the Synod happened<br>
<b>TA:</b> People rejecting progress like this<br>
<b>DA:</b> im nto the synod its just harfd to type when you;ve got engine grease all over your ahnds<br>
<b>David Adler is offline</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $davidmess is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>DA:</b> AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA<br>
<b>TA:</b> Everything okay?<br>
<b>DA:</b> im going to murder the captain<br>
<b>TA:</b> Probably not the best message for internal workplace comms<br>
<b>TA:</b> What’s he done now?<br>
<b>DA:</b> i spent 2 days installing new emergency lighting panels<br>
<b>DA:</b> so we, yknow, have light in an emergency<br>
<b>DA:</b> and he just told me to take them all down because they’re ‘not cordelia’s style’<br>
<b>DA:</b> the man is INSANE<br>
<b>TA:</b> Can’t you just say no?<br>
<b>TA:</b> I doubt he’d be able to uninstall them himself<br>
<b>DA:</b> no but he’d definitely try<br>
<b>DA:</b> that’s the problem<br>
<b>TA:</b> Damn. Good luck<br>
<b>DA:</b> thanks. i need it<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $davidmess is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA:</b> Hey<br>
<b>TA:</b> Did Essie just send you that video?<br>
<b>DA:</b> the prom one? yeah<br>
<b>DA:</b> man, can you believe she’s going to prom already?<br>
<b>TA:</b> Crazy, isn’t it?<br>
<b>DA:</b> man. prom was great<br>
<b>TA:</b> Maybe YOUR prom was great<br>
<b>TA:</b> I went with Ricky Newton and he barfed all over my shoes<br>
<b>DA:</b> hahahahaha oh yeah<br>
<b>DA:</b> that was funny<br>
<b>DA:</b> i thought you were gonna murder that kid<br>
<b>TA:</b> Mrs Gonzalez felt so bad about it that she gave me a bunch of TaroVouchers that were supposed to be for the Prom Queen<br>
<b>TA:</b> Kept me in ice cream and movie tickets for like a year<br>
<b>DA:</b> sounds to me like you did okay out of prom<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah it all worked out in the end<br>
<b>TA:</b> Essie looked adorable, right?<br>
<b>DA:</b> yeah. she really did.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $davidmess is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>DA:</b> heyy tev<br>
<b>DA:</b> guess what i found in the commissary back on that last hub<br>
<b>TA:</b> Oh my God did you find amoxicillin??<br>
<b>DA:</b> uhhh no sorry<br>
<b>DA:</b> man my thing sounds less exciting now<br>
<b>TA:</b> Ignore me<br>
<b>TA:</b> Antibiotics aren’t that exciting<br>
<b>TA:</b> What did you get?<br>
<b>David Adler sent an image attachment</b><br>
<b>TA:</b> OMG<br>
<b>TA:</b> ARE THOSE TAROCHIPS?<br>
<b>DA:</b> sure are<br>
<b>DA:</b> idk how they ended up in a commissary a million miles from company space<br>
<b>DA:</b> but i picked up a whole crate of em<br>
<b>TA:</b> Holy shit<br>
<b>TA:</b> They taste as weird as I remember?<br>
<b>DA:</b> no idea<br>
<b>DA:</b> savin em for you<br>
<b>DA:</b> come down to the engine room let’s find out<br>
<b>TA:</b> I’ll be right there!!<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $davidmess is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>DA:</b> hey sis<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah?<br>
<b>DA:</b> look i just<br>
<b>DA:</b> i’m glad you’re out here<br>
<b>DA:</b> i’m glad we’re out here together, i mean<br>
<b>DA:</b> i don’t know if i say that enough<br>
<b>TA:</b> It’s my fault you’re out here at all<br>
<b>TA:</b> I feel awful about it<br>
<b>TA:</b> You know that right?<br>
<b>DA:</b> tev, we were in it together<br>
<b>DA:</b> you and me<br>
<b>DA:</b> i know you’re the smart one and you did the hard work<br>
<b>DA:</b> but i made the choice to get involved<br>
<b>DA:</b> you didn’t pressure me or nothin<br>
<b>DA:</b> we took a risk together<br>
<b>TA:</b> Yeah, you’re right<br>
<b>TA:</b> And I’m glad you’re here as well<br>
<b>TA:</b> Love you<br>
<b>DA:</b> love you too x<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Message Log|messaging]]</b>
<<set $davidmess to $davidmess +1>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -10>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Long-Range Communications</h2>
<b>Connected To: Devorah Adler (Encrypted Signal)</b>
<br><br>
<b>Partial Transcript Compiled:</b><br>
<<if $devorahcall is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>DA: </b>Hello?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Hey, Ma.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Tevi? Is that you?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, it’s me.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh my—Tevi, you should have—<br>
<b>TA: </b>I know, Ma, I know. I’m sorry it took this long. Things have been complicated.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Is it safe for you to be calling?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, it’s an encrypted line. Taro can’t track me or listen in to you.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Good. That’s good. Is your brother with you?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, I’m still with David. He’s fine.<br>
<b>DA: </b>I’ve been so worried about the two of you. I knew if you’d been arrested I would have heard, but still. There are worse things than being arrested.<br>
<b>TA: </b>We’re okay, Ma.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Where are you?<br>
<b>TA: </b>It’s probably better if you don’t know specifics, but we’ve got work on a cargo ship. Seemed safer to keep moving.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Yes. Safer is good.<br>
<b>TA: </b>How’s Essie?<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh, she’s fine. She misses you. We both do.<br>
<b>TA: </b>I miss you too, Ma.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $devorahcall is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA: </b>Is everything okay? You sound a little off.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh, I’m fine. Really, I am. Don’t worry.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Okay, well, now I’m worried.<br>
<b>DA: </b>It’s nothing. I just—the manager stopped by the house, yesterday. Again.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Did he threaten you?<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh no, dear, nothing like that. He asked if you’d been in contact.<br>
<b>TA: </b>What did you tell him?<br>
<b>DA: </b>I said no, of course.<br>
<b>TA: </b>I’m sorry, Ma. You shouldn’t have to lie for me.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Please. I’d kill for any of you, Tevi, you know this. Lying for you is no trouble. I just worry that they’ll catch up with you one day.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, so do I. But I’ll find a way out of it, somehow. And I’ll find a way to get you and Essie out of that fucking shithole too.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Tevi Adler, language!<br>
<b>TA: </b>Sorry, Ma.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $devorahcall is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>DA: </b>Your brother visited yesterday. Your brother Daniel.<br>
<b>TA: </b>I know it was Danny, Ma. David’s on the ship with me.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Don’t be smart with me, young lady. Anyway, he and Maria are doing wonderfully. They asked after you and David, but I thought—you never know who’s listening, on the colony.<br>
<b>TA: </b>That was the right call. Thanks, Ma. How are the kids?<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh, they’re getting so big now, Tevi, you wouldn’t believe it. Lucia’s talking now.<br>
<b>TA: </b>She is? Oh, man.<br>
<b>DA: </b>It’s been too long since we’ve had the family in one room.<br>
<b>TA: </b>I know. I’m sorry.<br>
<b>DA: </b>I don’t blame you, Tevi. I’m not angry.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Why not? It’s my fault.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Your fault that what? You did the right thing? That you stood up to the company bast—to the bosses? Tevi, I will never be angry at you for what you did.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Even if it means me and David can’t be around for you any more?<br>
<b>DA: </b>Even so. Life finds a way, Tevi. Have faith.<br>
<b>TA: </b>It’s hard, Ma.<br>
<b>DA: </b>I know, darling. I know.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $devorahcall is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>DA: </b>Now Tevi, don’t panic—<br>
<b>TA: </b>Ma? What happened?<br>
<b>DA: </b>I’m okay. We’re fine. But the manager came again, and this time he—there was security with him. They—they searched the house.<br>
<b>TA: </b>They know I’m not there! Why can’t they just leave you the fu—why can’t they just leave you alone?<br>
<b>DA: </b>I think they suspect I’ve been speaking to you. They think I know where you are and they’re trying to bully it out of me.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Ma, I hate to say this, but maybe—maybe we should stop talking. Just for a while.<br>
<b>DA: </b>No. Absolutely not. I didn’t hear from you for months. I’m not going back to spending every day sick with worry, not knowing if you’re alive or dead.<br>
<b>TA: </b>But the manager—<br>
<b>DA: </b>Pah! That little schmuck. I won’t be intimidated by him, don’t you worry. He’s all bark and no bite.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Are you sure? What makes you think he won’t do something worse?<br>
<b>DA: </b>You know you’re a hero to the people here, Tevi. Ever since you and David were arrested they’ve been taking care of me and Essie. They’d never risk hurting us now.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Really? That’s—wow.<br>
<b>DA: </b>So don’t be worrying about us. How are you?<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $devorahcall is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA: </b>Hey, Ma. I need to talk to you about something.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh? What?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Our ship is docking on Olorun next week. We’ll be staying there for a few days.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Tevi, that’s right on the border with company space. Is that safe?<br>
<b>TA: </b>I don’t know. But I’m willing to risk it. If I transfer someone the credits can you take a shuttle off-world for a couple days?<br>
<b>DA: </b>Oh, Tevi. Are you sure?<br>
<b>TA: </b>I’m sure. We miss you, Ma. Might be a while before the family can be together again, but this is the best I can do for now.<br>
<b>DA: </b>I don’t want you risking your safety.<br>
<b>TA: </b>It’s a bit late for that, Ma. So, shall I send the credits?<br>
<b>DA: </b>Yes. Yes, please do.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Great. I’ll ping them to Katia later. She’ll bring you the chit.<br>
<b>DA: </b>I can’t wait to see the both of you. Will I be able to see your ship?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Uh… maybe. I’ll see what the situation is with the chore wheel.<br>
<b>DA: </b>Wonderful. I’m so proud of you, Tevi. Your father would have been too.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Love you, Ma. See you soon.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Call Log|calls]]</b>
<<set $devorahcall to $devorahcall +1>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set _show to random(1,10)>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -1>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
<b>Connected To Feed: Galactic News</b>
<br><br>
<<if _show is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
The race for victory in the Caucus primaries is proving tight on all sides this year, as candidates from the three major parties are neck-and-neck for the first time in living memory. There are concerns that the Civic Unionist result may be close enough to warrant a full recount, which has the potential to delay the presidential campaigning period by several weeks. Joshua Ramos of the GDL gave a statement saying that such an outcome would be ‘catastrophic’ for democracy.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
Caucus border agencies have warned that pirate activity is on the rise across several major trade routes. Law enforcement were hailed to twenty three suspected incidents last month, a 27% increase on the previous year. ‘It’s a worrying trend,’ said Mischa Hassan, the current Minister for Trade. ‘Our ability to recruit to enforcement agencies can’t meet the demand for enforcement. A number of temporary measures, including the consolidation of several minor trade routes, will be implemented soon’. Richard Bertellini, head of the Shipping Workers’ Union, called these proposals ‘impractical and ineffective’.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
Farah Daughton, the Caucus Minister for Colonies, has announced the terraforming of a dozen new worlds in the Santoshi Cluster. These planets—which range between B and F on the hypothetical population index—are proposed as new bases for agricultural colonies. The farming rights for the planets will be put out to tender once the initial terraforming assessments have been passed, and competition is expected to be stiff.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
Preparations are now underway for the 2297 Galactic Olympics, which will be hosted at a range of venues across the Asclepius Sector. As usual, there has been some controversy over the inclusion of Synod-born athletes in the teams for several hub worlds. So far all seem to meet the naturalisation criteria laid out by the Olympic Ethics Committee, but criticisms have still been made concerning their selection. The use of nanorobotic tech has also been a concern for some, with calls for improved screening for performance-enhancing bots to be rolled out ahead of the competition.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 5>>
<<type 60ms>>
The Consistory are calling for the release of four Synod missionaries currently being held in custody by the Caucus border authorities. The Synod’s ruling body claims that the citizens in custody were travelling to visit family in Caucus space, and had no intention of breaking Concordat law by preaching within its borders. Caucus representatives claim that the documents the missionaries held only permitted travel within the DMZ, and that they were tipped off about several incidents of unregulated religious activity on a hub world. Investigations are ongoing.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 6>>
<<type 60ms>>
In celebrity news, Justine Reynolds and Raymond Greer have married after a long and reportedly difficult courtship. Both of the actors have a reputation for unpredictable behaviour, and after their engagement was announced last year many citizens took to the feeds to express doubts about the longevity of the relationship. Reynolds and Greer have proved them wrong for now, having tied the knot at a small ceremony surrounded by friends and family.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 7>>
<<type 60ms>>
TaroCorp CEO Carter Beckwith held a press conference at the conglomerate’s head office, announcing the imminent takeover of two major manufacturing colonies. The settlements, which both produce components for use in shipbuilding, filed no-confidence documents with the Caucus legislature last year. The authorities took temporary stewardship of the colonies during the handover process, and expect to sign the responsibility over to TaroCorp at the beginning of the coming quarter.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 8>>
<<type 60ms>>
Cleanup is still underway following a major explosion on a mining colony in the border territories. The blast, which fortunately took place outside of working hours, caused the cave-in of the primary cobalt mine and several large fires across the processing complex. To date there have been two confirmed casualties, security guards who were patrolling the perimeter overnight. The settlement’s controlling company, Besham Limited, have petitioned the Caucus to grant the remaining colonists emergency resettlement status.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 9>>
<<type 60ms>>
A new motion looks set to pass through the Caucus legislature, standardising post-16 testing across all educational institutions. Currently there are three systems of assessment recognised by Cacus universities, something long protested by admissions staff and other faculty. The motion, if approved, would lead to the introduction of a single assessment model—based on the currently most-popular PBA system—over the next five standard years.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 10>>
<<type 60ms>>
Scientists at Jemisin University have made a breakthrough in terraforming technology, it has been reported. A world’s atmospheric makeup must fall within tight margins in order to be viable for terraforming, but the team reports that their new invention might widen those parameters by up to 2%. This change, while seemingly small, could have a huge impact on humanity’s expansion across the galaxy.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Feed|feeds]]</b>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘Okay,’ she says, her frown deepening. ‘Hi.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘Right,’ she says. ‘Talking. Sure.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Ask Nico,’ she says. ‘Cordelia’s his baby. I just fly her.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Sera turns back towards the nav panel. At first you think she’s decided that the conversation is over, but just when you’re about to leave she speaks again.
<br><br>
‘Don’t get what you’re doing here,’ she says. ‘I mean, I know you and your brother are in trouble with the Caucus. But just—why take up long-haul? There’s plenty of places planetside that’d kill for a medic, even a wanted one. Most people don’t come out to the void by choice. I don’t understand why you did.’
<br><br>
[[‘I was hoping for a new start. Doesn’t get more new than this.’|sera1.1.1]]<br>
[[‘It seemed like an adventure.’|sera1.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful >50>>[[(Careful) ‘Just trying to keep my family safe.’|sera1.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Careful) ‘Just trying to keep my family safe.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +8>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘I s’pose,’ she says, nodding slightly. ‘Not everyone can hack it out here.’
<br><br>
Sera pushes a lock of honey-coloured hair out of her eyes, then inclines her head towards the window. The endless blackness outside of the ship is laden with stars.
<br><br>
‘That’s my normal,’ she says. ‘This, being here? This is my normal. People come out and do long-haul for a few months, a few years, and they think they understand it. But when you’ve really lived out here you know that’s not possible. You can’t know it. Not ever. Just have to respect it for what it is.’ Sera looks at you over her shoulder again. ‘Remember that and we’ll get along fine.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘Right, so you’re a tourist?’ she says. ‘That follows.’
<br><br>
Sera pushes a lock of honey-coloured hair out of her eyes, then inclines her head towards the window. The endless blackness outside of the ship is laden with stars.
<br><br>
‘That’s my normal,’ she says. ‘This, being here? This is my normal. People come out and do long-haul for a few months, a few years, and they think they understand it. But when you’ve really lived out here you know that’s not possible. You can’t know it. Not ever. Just have to respect it for what it is.’ Sera looks at you over her shoulder again. ‘Remember that and we’ll get along fine.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘Hmm,’ she says, nodding slowly. ‘That’s smart. Make yourself hard to find.’
<br><br>
Sera pushes a lock of honey-coloured hair out of her eyes, then inclines her head towards the window. The endless blackness outside of the ship is laden with stars.
<br><br>
‘That’s my normal,’ she says. ‘This, being here? This is my normal. People come out and do long-haul for a few months, a few years, and they think they understand it. But when you’ve really lived out here you know that’s not possible. You can’t know it. Not ever. Just have to respect it for what it is.’ Sera looks at you over her shoulder again. ‘Remember that and we’ll get along fine.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $ttalk is 1>>
‘You picked a good moment,’ she says. ‘I’ve just finished up this last batch. Want to take a look?’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 2>>
‘It’s not as well-outfitted as I’m used to,’ she says, grimacing. ‘But I suppose I should just be thankful that I can do my work here without getting arrested. On that subject, can I show you something?’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 3>>
‘Isn’t it?’ she says, grinning. ‘No offence to Sera and the boys, but I don’t think any of them have much interest in my work. Speaking of which—actually, let me show you.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Tanith takes a glass vial from inside a padded box that sits open on her desk. It’s half full of a slightly viscous, cloudy fluid, and as you watch she transfers three drops of the liquid onto a glass slide. She places the slide under a microscope and flicks a couple of switches. A moment later a monitor sparks into life, displaying a highly magnified image of the slide’s contents. Thousands of tiny, six-legged shapes swarm across the screen, the pattern of their movements too stiff to be organic. Nanobots. The new, sophisticated kind, the sort that are only permitted to be researched under very strict supervision.
<br><br>
‘I still need to run more tests,’ she says. ‘But if this protocol works, it should support the brain’s neuroplasticity during the augmentation process. Decrease stress on the limbic system, prevent synapse fry. Pretty cool, right?’
<br><br>
It is pretty cool. These days almost everyone has some kind of augmentation that involves neural grafting, whether that’s ocular implants or responsive prostheses, but there’s still a risk involved whenever a new aug is fitted. You’ve treated more than one patient with permanent nerve damage from a bad graft.
<br><br>
‘Just a shame it’ll never see the light of day,’ Tanith says, sighing as she flicks off the monitor. ‘I mean, what good is this kind of research if no one can use it?’
<br><br>
[[‘There has to be some satisfaction in the work itself, right? Pride in a job well done?’|tanith1.1.1]]<br>
[[‘You’re trying to keep people safe and well. There’s value in that.’|tanith1.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic >50>>[[(Pragmatic) ‘Laws change. Even if you can’t share it right now, it could make a huge impact one day.’|tanith1.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Pragmatic) ‘Laws change. Even if you can’t share it right now, it could make a huge impact one day.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘I suppose so,’ she says, shrugging. ‘But I didn’t get into this field to be proud of myself.’
<br><br>
Tanith secures the vial and returns it to its box, then logs into her her personal terminal. Hers is a far nicer model than the one in the infirmary, with a decent vid screen and an interface that’s been updated sometime in the last decade.
<br><br>
‘I need to write up my notes before I forget,’ she says, apologetically. ‘Let’s catch up another time, though.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +8>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘I suppose that’s true,’ she says. ‘Thanks, Tevi. It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important sometimes.’
<br><br>
Tanith secures the vial and returns it to its box, then logs into her her personal terminal. Hers is a far nicer model than the one in the infirmary, with a decent vid screen and an interface that’s been updated sometime in the last decade.
<br><br>
‘I need to write up my notes before I forget,’ she says, apologetically. ‘Let’s catch up another time, though.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘You’re right,’ she says, sitting up a little straighter. ‘Plenty of scientific breakthroughs weren’t appreciated in their own time. That doesn’t mean they weren’t important.’
<br><br>
Tanith secures the vial and returns it to its box, then logs into her her personal terminal. Hers is a far nicer model than the one in the infirmary, with a decent vid screen and an interface that’s been updated sometime in the last decade.
<br><br>
‘I need to write up my notes before I forget,’ she says, apologetically. ‘Let’s catch up another time, though.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +8>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘That’s a good way of lookin’ at it,’ he says, nodding in approval. ‘We all got our own reasons for bein’ out here, doc. So long as we got each other’s backs, it really ain’t a bad life.’
<br><br>
Nico takes another pull of nicotine, cracks his knuckles, coughs. You’re forever noticing different tattoos on the captain’s skin, and today you spot one on the back of his right hand that you haven’t picked up on before. The ink’s pretty blown out, but you’re fairly sure it’s meant to be a skull on fire. About as classy as you’ve come to expect.
<br><br>
‘Thanks for stoppin’ by,’ he says. ‘It’s good to have you aboard, doc.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘You can’t think that way, doc,’ he says. ‘You’ll spook yourself if you focus too much on what could go south. Keep your head, or else you’ll lose it.’
<br><br>
Nico takes another pull of nicotine, cracks his knuckles, coughs. You’re forever noticing different tattoos on the captain’s skin, and today you spot one on the back of his right hand that you haven’t picked up on before. The ink’s pretty blown out, but you’re fairly sure it’s meant to be a skull on fire. About as classy as you’ve come to expect.
<br><br>
‘Thanks for stoppin’ by,’ he says. ‘It’s good to have you aboard, doc.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘That’s what I like to hear,’ he says, flashing a gold-toothed grin. ‘We’ll make a twenty-four-carat lowlife outta you yet, Adler. Mark my words.’
<br><br>
Nico takes another pull of nicotine, cracks his knuckles, coughs. You’re forever noticing different tattoos on the captain’s skin, and today you spot one on the back of his right hand that you haven’t picked up on before. The ink’s pretty blown out, but you’re fairly sure it’s meant to be a skull on fire. About as classy as you’ve come to expect.
<br><br>
‘Thanks for stoppin’ by,’ he says. ‘It’s good to have you aboard, doc.’
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $ntalk is 1>>
‘Well, hi yourself,’ he says, smirking. ‘People don’t usually show me that kinda courtesy. Makes me nervous.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 2>>
‘How’s that for bedside manner?’ he says. ‘I’m a picture of health, doc. Don’t worry.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 3>>
‘I got somethin’ in the works,’ he says. ‘If you need cash in the meantime we can pick up some scut work planetside.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Nico takes a small metal tube from his pocket, sucks on one end for a moment, then breathes out a cloud of cherry-scented vapour. David recently banned him from smoking real cigarettes on the ship—even a small fire could blow up a ship like Cordelia—and the captain’s been pissed about it ever since.
<br><br>
‘Listen,’ he says. ‘I’m actually glad you stopped by. Wanted to ask you somethin’. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but in my experience medical types are usually pretty gung-ho about their ethics. Are you sure it don’t bother you, bein’ in this line of work?’
<br><br>
[[‘Look, I’m not thrilled about it, but I’m a wanted woman. I’m hardly in a position to be fussy.’|nico1.1.1]]<br>
[[‘It does make me uncomfortable, to be honest. I’m scared of what happens if we get caught.’|nico1.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful <50>>[[(Bold) ‘Honestly, it’s kind of exciting.’|nico1.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Bold) ‘Honestly, it’s kind of exciting.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Yeah, yeah, I know,’ he says. ‘I made my bed, I s’pose. Just wish I didn’t have to lie in it.’
<br><br>
He picks up the panel and starts fixing it back in place, still looking pretty crestfallen. You stay and chat for a while, then leave him to his work.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +3>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
David scratches his chin thoughtfully. ‘You know, that ain’t a bad idea. I’m pretty sure Lisowski ain’t got a clue how the ship actually works. Might give that a try. Thanks, Tev.’
<br><br>
He picks up the panel and starts fixing it back in place, looking a bit less frustrated than he did before. You stay and chat for a while, then leave him to his work.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +6>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Thanks, Tev.’ David claps you on the shoulder. ‘You’re always good for a pep talk.’
<br><br>
He picks up the panel and starts fixing it back in place, looking much more upbeat than he did before. You stay and chat for a while, then leave him to his work.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $dtalk is 1>>
‘Good,’ he says. ‘Glad you’re not goin’ nuts out here. I fuckin’ am. Take a look at this.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 2>>
‘Yeah, this place ain’t exactly a thrill ride,’ he says. ‘Not the good kind, anyhow. Come look at this.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 3>>
‘Yeah, me too,’ he sighs. ‘But to be honest I got other things on my mind right now. Look at this.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
David gets up from his chair and walks over to the huge, humming unit where the core of the engine is stored. He picks up a wrench and loosens the bolts holding a metal panel in place, then removes it to expose the machinery underneath. You don’t really know what you’re looking at.
<br><br>
‘This ship’s a mess,’ David says. ‘Capacitor’s almost fried. Pressure on the preburner’s all over the fuckin’ place. It's goddamn dangerous and the captain won’t let me do shit about it. Seems to think she’s some kinda priceless antique, not a hunk of garbage that’s about three days off blowin’ up.’ He sighs, runs a grease-stained hand through his hair. ‘Sorry. I’m just—I’m strung out, is all.’
<br><br>
[[‘Hey, you’re the one who suggested this job, remember?’|david1.1.1]]<br>
[[‘Well, screw the captain. You really think he’ll notice if you fix stuff up without his permission?’|david1.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic <50>>[[(Optimistic) ‘You’re great at what you do, David. I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it work.’|david1.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Optimistic) ‘You’re great at what you do, David. I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it work.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
Maybe not so simple.
<br><br>
You’re almost at the edge of Caucus space, helping Nico secure the cargo in the hold, when Sera’s voice crackles over the comms. She tells you that the ship is being hailed by a Caucus border patrol vessel, requesting permission to board.
<br><br>
Nico curses. As risky as it is to let border agents onto the ship, turning them down would be even worse. He presses the intercom button on the wall and tells Sera to let them in, then heads up to the foredeck to meet them.
<br><br>
You’re alone with the cargo. You decide to…
<br>
[[Leave it where it is. It’ll be more suspicious if you’re caught trying to move it.|mission1.1]]<br>
[[Hide it in the infirmary. The border agents might not check the crates if they look like medical supplies.|mission1.2]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
You leave the crates where they are. Nothing’s going to look more suspicious than shifting a bunch of cargo around the moment a border agent comes aboard, right?
<br><br>
You decide to go to the foredeck and see how Nico’s getting on. He’s deep in conversation with a navy-uniformed Caucus agent holding a datapad. Two more agents—these ones armed—stand flanking the airlock door.
<br><br>
When you step onto the foredeck the border agent frowns, then asks who you are and what your role is on the crew. Shit.
<br><br>
You tell him…
<br>
[[Half the truth. You give a fake name, but you’re honest about your profession. Having a doctor onboard gives a sense of legitimacy.|mission1.1.1]]<br>
[[A total lie. You give a name of a childhood friend and tell the agent that you’re a hired labourer, playing up your colony accent. Hopefully they’ll dismiss you as unimportant.|mission1.1.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
You quickly move the crates into the elevator and bring them up to the infirmary. Placing them among your own supplies, they don’t look particularly out of place. Hopefully that’ll be enough to keep them hidden.
<br><br>
You decide to go to the foredeck and see how Nico’s getting on. He’s deep in conversation with a navy-uniformed Caucus agent holding a datapad. Two more agents—these ones armed—stand flanking the airlock door.
<br><br>
When you step onto the foredeck the border agent frowns, then asks who you are and what your role is on the crew. Shit.
<br><br>
You tell him…
<br>
[[Half the truth. You give a fake name, but you’re honest about your profession. Having a doctor onboard gives a sense of legitimacy.|mission1.2.1]]<br>
[[A total lie. You give a name of a childhood friend and tell the agent that you’re a hired labourer, playing up your colony accent. Hopefully they’ll dismiss you as unimportant.|mission1.2.2]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
The border agent speaks to both you and Nico a little more politely once you tell him that you’re a doctor.
<br><br>
Unfortunately they still search the ship, and find the unhidden cargo without much effort. They go easy on you though, possibly out of respect for your profession, confiscating only part of the haul as taxable goods instead of all of it.
<br><br>
Not ideal, but that could have gone worse. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
You’re a terrible liar, and it’s obvious that the border agent doesn’t believe a word of what you’re saying.
<br><br>
More suspicious than ever, the agents immediately go and search the rest of the ship. They find the unregistered cargo in the hold without any trouble, and confiscate every bit of it. Nico is <i>not</i> pleased.
<br><br>
That went terribly. You earn no credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
<<set _payout to random(800,1000)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
When you say you’re a doctor the border agent starts to treat you with respect, even deference.
<br><br>
He’s apologetic when he informs Nico that he’ll need to search the ship. You both stick close to the agent, and when you come to the infirmary he believes your lie about what’s contained in the crates. The border agents leave Cordelia empty-handed.
<br><br>
That went about as well as it could have gone. You earn _payout credits for the mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
You really suck at lying. The border agent is clearly suspicious, and immediately orders a search of the vessel.
<br><br>
Luckily your plan pays off, and they completely overlook the crates in the infirmary. The cargo is safe, but the agent still don’t seem pleased with you. He fines you for attempting an undeclared border crossing before he leaves.
<br><br>
Could have been better, could have been worse. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<h2>Caduceus Medical</h2>
Caduceus Medical is staffed by an actual medical professional, a doctor from Synod space who was tried as a heretic, and it sells mostly-decent meds and equipment. They're stolen, you assume, but at least they're not dangerous counterfeits or flagrant snake oil.
<br><br>
<b>Equipment Upgrades</b><br>
<i>Improved medical equipment, materials and pharmaceuticals. You can use these to give your crewmates better treatment when you're out in the field.</i>
<br>
<b>Professional (Grade 2): </b>
<<if $toolsq >1>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq is 1 and $credits >499>>[[500 credits|medshop][$toolsq to 2; $tools to "Professional"; $toolsper to $toolsper +25; $credits to $credits -500]]<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq is 1 and $credits <500>>500 credits<br><</if>>
<b>Quality (Grade 3): </b>
<<if $toolsq is 1>>Unavailable<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq >2>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq is 2 and $credits >999>>[[1000 credits|medshop][$toolsq to 3; $tools to "Quality"; $toolsper to $toolsper +25; $credits to $credits -1000]]<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq is 2 and $credits <1000>>1000 credits<br><</if>>
<b>Advanced (Grade 4): </b>
<<if $toolsq >3>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq <3>>Unavailable<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq is 3 and $credits >1999>>[[2000 credits|medshop][$toolsq to 4; $tools to "Advanced"; $toolsper to $toolsper +25; $credits to $credits -2000]]<br><</if>>
<<if $toolsq is 3 and $credits <2000>>2000 credits<br><</if>>
<br>
[[Return to the black market|shop]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Supernova Scrap & Salvage</h2>
There's a dozen competing scrap merchants on Port Telesto, but to your mind Supernova is the best. They only sell components that are in half-decent shape, and they'll only rip you off very slightly. The stall is manned by two brothers, both as large and monosyllabic as each other.
<br><br>
<b>Ship Upgrades</b><br>
<i>Mechanical and domestic improvements for your ship. A better-outfitted ship brings in more money from successful jobs.</i>
<br>
<b>Server Upgrade: </b>
<<if $tech is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $tech is false and $credits >999>>[[1000 credits|shipshop][$tech to true; $shiplevel to $shiplevel +1; $shipper to $shipper +25; $credits to $credits -1000]]<br><</if>>
<<if $tech is false and $credits <1000>>1000 credits<br><</if>>
<b>Improved Thrusters: </b>
<<if $engine is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $engine is false and $credits >999>>[[1000 credits|shipshop][$engine to true; $shiplevel to $shiplevel +1; $shipper to $shipper +25; $credits to $credits -1000]]<br><</if>>
<<if $tech is false and $credits <1000>>1000 credits<br><</if>>
<b>Comms Cloaking: </b>
<<if $nav is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $nav is false and $credits >999>>[[1000 credits|shipshop][$nav to true; $shiplevel to $shiplevel +1; $shipper to $shipper +25; $credits to $credits -1000]]<br><</if>>
<<if $nav is false and $credits <1000>>1000 credits<br><</if>>
<b>Furniture Suite: </b>
<<if $mess is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<<if $mess is false and $credits >999>>[[1000 credits|shipshop][$mess to true; $shiplevel to $shiplevel +1; $shipper to $shipper +25; $credits to $credits -1000]]<br><</if>>
<<if $mess is false and $credits <1000>>1000 credits<br><</if>>
<br>
[[Return to the black market|shop]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<h2>Antoni's Budget Comms Shack</h2>
Antoni’s Budget Comms Shack is a sensory nightmare. No less than ten vid screens blare on the walls at any given time, and every inch of the wide counter is covered in datapad filters, credit chits, cheap movie merch and chewing gum. The girl who mans the counter has green hair and the most irritated expression you’ve ever seen.
<br><br>
<b>Comms Tokens</b><br>
<i>Use these to make calls, send messages, and dial into the feeds from your private comms terminal.</i><br>
<b>10 comms tokens: </b>
<<if $credits >49>>[[50 credits|commshop][$commscred to $commscred +10; $credits to $credits -50]]<br><</if>>
<<if $credits <50>>50 credits<br><</if>>
<b>20 comms tokens: </b>
<<if $credits >99>>[[100 credits|commshop][$commscred to $commscred +20; $credits to $credits -100]]<br><</if>>
<<if $credits <100>>100 credits<br><</if>>
<b>50 comms tokens (SALE): </b>
<<if $credits >199>>[[200 credits|commshop][$commscred to $commscred +50; $credits to $credits -200]]<br><</if>>
<<if $credits <200>>200 credits<br><</if>>
<br>
<b>Feed Access</b><br>
<i>These access codes allow you to dial into popular feeds from across the galaxy.</i><br>
<b>Smash! Reality Bites: </b>
<<if $credits >499 and $realityfeed is false>>[[500 credits|commshop][$realityfeed to true; $credits to $credits -500]]<br><</if>>
<<if $credits <500 and $realityfeed is false>>500 credits<br><</if>>
<<if $realityfeed is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<b>Caucus Cooking: </b>
<<if $credits >499 and $foodfeed is false>>[[500 credits|commshop][$foodfeed to true; $credits to $credits -500]]<br><</if>>
<<if $credits <500 and $foodfeed is false>>500 credits<br><</if>>
<<if $foodfeed is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<b>Eros Intergalactic: XXX Adult Programming: </b>
<<if $credits >499 and $xxxfeed is false>>[[500 credits|commshop][$xxxfeed to true; $credits to $credits -500]]<br><</if>>
<<if $credits <500 and $xxxfeed is false>>500 credits<br><</if>>
<<if $xxxfeed is true>>Purchased<br><</if>>
<br>
[[Return to the black market|shop]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
Your name is <b>Tevi Adler</b>. You were born on a manufacturing colony in central Caucus space, in a settlement owned by TaroCorp, the company your parents were indentured to. Your family was never well-off, but you grew up cared for and happy.
<br><br>
As a child you showed an aptitude for biology, and TaroCorp lent you the money to attend a prestigious medical school on a Caucus hub world. Once you were qualified, you returned to your home colony to work as a company doctor.
<br><br>
Back then you thought you had it all figured out. But the longer you worked in TaroCorp’s medical division, the more uneasy you began to feel. You saw the debt that sick and injured workers racked up with the company, and were encouraged by your superiors to get people back on the factory floor as soon as possible.
<br><br>
Then there was the accident. An explosion in one of the storage facilities, chemicals improperly and cheaply stored. Six people died. One of them was [[your father|intro2]].
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
He’d always been so proud of you. Always wanted to make the world a better place, and thought you were following in his footsteps. After he died you weren’t so sure if that was true.
<br><br>
That’s when you started adjusting patient accounts. Just slightly at first; ‘forgetting’ to charge for minor appointments, cancelling prescription costs, downgrading the cost brackets for surgeries. Your brother <b>David</b>, a mechanic in one of the processing plants, began sending sick coworkers to you directly. You treated them off the clock, off the record.
<br><br>
Stupid to think it could last. You were angry, and grieving, and not thinking straight. Despite that, it was a full year before anyone at TaroCorp noticed. You and David were pulled up in front of the disciplinary board and given your punishment; ten years’ hard labour in a mining camp on the outer rim.
<br><br>
They could do that. They owned you, after all. Your family was still under indenture, not to mention the medical school debt you owed to TaroCorp. They stuck you and your brother on a shuttle and sent you off to work out your sentence.
<br><br>
But neither of you were prepared to sit back and take that. Within a few weeks you had hatched a plan to escape, and six months ago you finally pulled it off. Now you’re fugitives, [[on the run|intro3]] from both the company and the law.
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
At first you had no idea where to go or what to do. The only time you’d ever been off-world before was for school, and that was on a comfortable hub planet. Your medical degree and David’s mechanical experience should have guaranteed you work almost anywhere in the galaxy, but using your credentials would risk flagging you to the authorities.
<br><br>
For the first few months you…
<br>
[[Kept your head down.|introcareful]]<br>
[[Took risks.|introbold]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +5>>
You hopped mass transport shuffles to the edge of Caucus territory and took jobs that no one else wanted, cleaning and sanitation and food service, changing names and planets every few weeks. It was a tough life, but at least you were safe.
<br><br>
David found grunt work at various transport depots. One day he came home and told you something he’d overheard on shift. An unregistered transport had just docked, and the captain was looking for a new mechanic.
<br><br>
You knew what that meant. Unregistered transports were usually smuggling ships, operating outside Concordat law. That meant there was probably call for a ship’s doctor, if they didn’t already have one. Might be work for you both.
<br><br>
You thought…
<br>
[[It made sense, practically.|intropragmatic]]<br>
[[It was a great idea.|introoptimistic]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -5>>
Your escape emboldened you, and you took some chances you never would have dreamed of when you were younger. You settled briefly in a lawless port deep in the DMZ, patching up gunshot wounds for credits and not asking questions. Nearly got shot yourself, once or twice.
<br><br>
David found grunt work at the transport depots. One day he came home and told you something he’d overheard on shift. An unregistered transport had just docked, and the captain was looking for a new mechanic.
<br><br>
You knew what that meant. Unregistered transports were usually smuggling ships, operating outside Concordat law. That meant there was probably call for a ship’s doctor, if they didn’t already have one. Might be work for you both.
<br><br>
You thought…
<br>
[[It made sense, practically.|intropragmatic]]<br>
[[It was a great idea.|introoptimistic]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +5>>
It would be a dangerous life, but ironically working with other criminals might give you some protection. At the very least it would let you keep moving indefinitely.
<br><br>
You and David went down to the docks the next day to speak to the captain. He didn’t exactly look the part, but you supposed you weren’t in a position to judge.
<br><br>
Apparently there hadn’t been many takers for the job, because he hired you both on the spot. Couldn’t sign you up quick enough when he heard you were a doctor. By the end of the day you’d packed your things and were ready for your first voyage.
<br><br>
That’s how you came to join [[Cordelia’s crew|intro5]].
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -5>>
After years stuck on a company colony, traversing the void sounded almost romantic. Better than this, anyway.
<br><br>
You and David went down to the docks the next day to speak to the captain. He didn’t exactly look the part, but you supposed you weren’t in a position to judge.
<br><br>
Apparently there hadn’t been many takers for the job, because he hired you both on the spot. Couldn’t sign you up quick enough when he heard you were a doctor. By the end of the day you’d packed your things and were ready for your first voyage.
<br><br>
That’s how you came to join [[Cordelia’s crew|intro5]].
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<b>Cordelia</b>—never <i>the</i> Cordelia, you quickly found out—is, as David puts it, a hunk of junk. She’s a decommissioned cargo transport that’s been patched up as many times as the Ship of Theseus, and how she stays flying is nothing short of a miracle. Her outside looks like a scrapyard, and her inside looks like your college dorm room.
<br><br>
<b>Nico Lisowski</b>, your captain, loves this rustbucket of a ship the way some people love their spouses. He’s a skinny rake of a man who looks like the crook he is, tattoos and moustache and gold teeth, the buttons of his eyesore shirts never fastened all the way. There isn’t a petty job in the galaxy he won’t take. Smuggling, illegal salvage, larceny—you name it, he’ll do it.
<br><br>
<b>David</b> is working as the ship’s engineer now. He’s horrified at the state of the vessel, and even more horrified that Nico shows no signs of wanting to fix the place up. It’s been the source of more than a few arguments in the three months since you joined the crew. Your brother’s homesick, but seems relieved to have a place to lay his head at last. He’s built broad and heavy with muscle, same as you, though he keeps his dark hair cut shorter and he’s always covered with engine grease.
<br><br>
<b>Tanith Holloway</b> is the latest addition to the crew, a scientist and technician who came on board a few weeks after you did. She’s pretty, all dark curls and freckles, more elegant than most people in this line of work. You can tell that she comes from money, and it took you a while to puzzle out why she’d choose to join the crew of a ship like Cordelia. All became clear when you found out about her ‘personal research’—experiments with nanorobotics that are illegal under Concordat law.
<br><br>
Rounding out the crew is <b>Sera Fletcher</b>, the pilot. Though you’ve been flying together for months you still don’t feel like you know anything about her. She’s tough, that much is clear. According to Nico she’s been flying her whole life, on ships and stations and transports, and has never spent all that much time planetside. Sera is small and skinny, sharp cheekbones and sharp elbows, her piercings and five-credit haircut reminding you of the dock rats back home. You don’t think she likes you all that much.
<br><br>
This is your life now. Floating in the void, thousands of miles from home. You may as well [[make the best of it|ship]].
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘S’fine,’ she says, shrugging. ‘It’s a repeat, anyway. Seen it a million times.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘<i>Wagon to a Star</i>,’ she says. ‘They only made one season. Probably because it was dogshit.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Why?’ she says, shrugging. ‘It’s a laugh, and I don’t have to think too hard about it. Perfect show.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Sera shuffles up a little on the couch. It’s not a clear invitation to join her, but she’s not dismissing you either. You come and sit down, sinking into the worn-out cushions, and Sera offers you a paprika chip.
<br><br>
‘Had the shittiest, cheapest portable comms when I was a kid,’ Sera says, unprompted. Her cheeks are a little flushed. ‘Only tuned into one channel. Just happened to be the one with the big soppy romance shows for grandmas. Wasn’t anything else to watch, so I watched all of them. They’re sort of—I don’t know. Familiar. I know it’s stupid.’
<br><br>
[[‘It’s not stupid! I think it’s sweet.’|sera2.1.1]]<br>
[[‘Nah. We’ve all got things like that, right? Comfort stuff.’|sera2.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful <45>>[[(Bold) ‘Sounds to me like you’re a secret romantic.’|sera2.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Bold) ‘Sounds to me like you’re a secret romantic.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Yeah, yeah.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘Whatever. Wish I’d never said anything.’
<br><br>
Sera grumbles for a moment, but doesn’t give any indication that she wants you to leave. Soon afterwards she turns the comms back on, and the two of you watch the show for a while. It’s about a woman from a far-flung asteroid mining station who wants to run for the Caucus senate, but falls in love with her opponent along the way. It’s kind of dumb—you’re pretty sure the Caucus wouldn’t let an indentured worker be nominated for office, let alone run—but you can see the appeal in its schmaltzy dialogue and overblown plot.
<br><br>
The few times you glance over at Sera she’s watching almost rapt. The light of the comms reflects in her eyes, making them shine like stars. It’s nice to see her relaxed for once.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +8>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘Exactly,’ she says, looking almost relieved. ‘Yeah, exactly. It’s not about what it is, is it? It’s just—well, you get it.’
<br><br>
Sera settles back against the couch cushions, her eyes falling closed for a moment. Soon afterwards she turns the comms back on, and the two of you watch the show for a while. It’s about a woman from a far-flung asteroid mining station who wants to run for the Caucus senate, but falls in love with her opponent along the way. It’s kind of dumb—you’re pretty sure the Caucus wouldn’t let an indentured worker be nominated for office, let alone run—but you can see the appeal in its schmaltzy dialogue and overblown plot.
<br><br>
The few times you glance over at Sera she’s watching almost rapt. The light of the comms reflects in her eyes, making them shine like stars. It’s nice to see her relaxed for once.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘No.’ Her cheeks flare an even brighter shade of pink. ‘I don’t—shut it, you!’
<br><br>
Sera kicks your leg, not hard enough to hurt, and though she’s trying to force a scowl it’s clear that it’s taking her a great effort not to smile. Soon afterwards she turns the comms back on, and the two of you watch the show for a while. It’s about a woman from a far-flung asteroid mining station who wants to run for the Caucus senate, but falls in love with her opponent along the way. It’s kind of dumb—you’re pretty sure the Caucus wouldn’t let an indentured worker be nominated for office, let alone run—but you can see the appeal in its schmaltzy dialogue and overblown plot.
<br><br>
The few times you glance over at Sera she’s watching almost rapt. The light of the comms reflects in her eyes, making them shine like stars. It’s nice to see her relaxed for once.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $dtalk is 1>>
‘Good,’ he says. ‘I know she worries about us. She sounded good though, right? Not so freaked out as before. I think she’s just happy we’re stayin’ in one place, you know?’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 2>>
‘You should,’ he says. ‘She worries about you, Tev. I told her you were alright, but she’s gotta hear it from you or she won’t believe me.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
David looks pensive. His brow is deeply creased, and his hands are shoved deep in the pockets of his overalls. You feel guilty, a lot of the time, that he’s out here with you and not back home with the rest of your family. You were the one who broke the worst of the TaroCorp rules, he just helped you do it. Now he’s stuck out here in the void.
<br><br>
‘Are we gonna be okay?’ he says quietly, still looking out of the viewport. ‘I know we always wanted to get out of the colony, but this ain’t exactly how I pictured it happening. Are we just gonna be on the lam forever, while Ma and the others are stuck back home?’
<br><br>
[[‘No. We’ll find a way to clear our names eventually, I swear.’|david2.1.1]]<br>
[[‘I don’t know. Maybe. For now it’s safer to keep our distance.’|david2.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic >55>>[[(Pragmatic) ‘We can’t do anything to help them if we get caught. One day at a time.’|david2.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Pragmatic) ‘We can’t do anything to help them if we get caught. One day at a time.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +3>>
‘If anyone can do it, you can,’ he says. ‘Sounds like people back home are pretty mad at Taro now, anyway. Maybe things are gonna change after all.’
<br><br>
You both fall quiet then, staring out of the viewport at the endlessness of open space. Once your initial panic response has passed, it’s actually kind of beautiful. Stars clustered together like great clouds, distant planets winking red and blue, the perfect dark behind it all.
<br><br>
You’re starting to understand what Sera was talking about. The unknowable vastness of it. It makes you feel very small. But sometimes, you think, that’s okay.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘Yeah. Wish it wasn’t.’ He shakes his head, sniffs. ‘I know we couldn't have done anything else, I just… I just miss ‘em, is all.’
<br><br>
You both fall quiet then, staring out of the viewport at the endlessness of open space. Once your initial panic response has passed, it’s actually kind of beautiful. Stars clustered together like great clouds, distant planets winking red and blue, the perfect dark behind it all.
<br><br>
You’re starting to understand what Sera was talking about. The unknowable vastness of it. It makes you feel very small. But sometimes, you think, that’s okay.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +6>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Yeah,’ he says. ‘One day at a time. You’re right, Tev. We gotta look out for each other out here, huh?’
<br><br>
You both fall quiet then, staring out of the viewport at the endlessness of open space. Once your initial panic response has passed, it’s actually kind of beautiful. Stars clustered together like great clouds, distant planets winking red and blue, the perfect dark behind it all.
<br><br>
You’re starting to understand what Sera was talking about. The unknowable vastness of it. It makes you feel very small. But sometimes, you think, that’s okay.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $ntalk is 1>>
‘Your fuckin’ meathead of a brother, that’s who,’ he says, slapping his hand against the engine panel for emphasis. ‘He’s had his hands all over my girl.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 2>>
‘No, I’m not fuckin’ okay,’ he snaps. ‘Your dickweed brother can’t keep his paws off my girl.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 3>>
‘You’re goddamn right it’s about David,’ he says. ‘That asshole won’t stop foolin’ around with my girl.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
It takes you a second to realise that he’s talking about Cordelia. David wasn’t wrong—Nico really <i>didn’t</i> want him messing with her. The captain looks as mad as you’ve ever seen him, like he’s ready to throw hands at any moment. That doesn’t worry you so much—Nico is a beanpole, and David could snap him in two without breaking a sweat—but you still feel like you should defuse the situation if you can.
<br><br>
[[‘Hey, don’t fuckin’ talk about my brother like that. He’s just doing his job.’|nico2.1.1]]<br>
[[‘David’s trying to keep Cordelia running. Would it be better if she broke down out here?’|nico2.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic <45>>[[(Optimistic) ‘You think my brother could really do any damage to Cordelia? A few tweaks won’t hurt a beauty like her.’|nico2.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Optimistic) ‘You think my brother could really do any damage to Cordelia? A few tweaks won’t hurt a beauty like her.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘Yeah, his job on my fuckin’ ship,’ he says. ‘I took him on ‘cause of you, y’know. It’s hard gettin’ a medic to work on a vessel like this, and you were a package deal. I’ll let it go this time, but that’s it. One more strike and he’s out.’
<br><br>
Nico wipes his oil-stained hands on a rag, swearing when he sees the dark smears on his shirt. He makes a move like he’s about to walk out, but before he can take more than a couple of steps you make a pointed nod towards the mess of tools and spare parts he’s left behind. Reluctantly he crouches down to start cleaning them up. You give him a hand, and make sure the captain doesn’t leave until all of David’s stuff is back where it should be.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +8>>
‘No,’ he says after a moment, petulant as a little kid. ‘I guess not. That don’t mean he can just do whatever the hell he likes, though. I’m still the captain here. You tell your brother he needs me to sign off on this shit, okay?’
<br><br>
Nico wipes his oil-stained hands on a rag, swearing when he sees the dark smears on his shirt. He makes a move like he’s about to walk out, but before he can take more than a couple of steps you make a pointed nod towards the mess of tools and spare parts he’s left behind. Reluctantly he crouches down to start cleaning them up. You give him a hand, and make sure the captain doesn’t leave until all of David’s stuff is back where it should be.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Huh,’ he says, considering this. ‘Yeah, you know what? You’re right. Your brother tightening a few screws ain’t gonna break her. I just get a little protective, y’know? She’s the love of my life, Adler.’
<br><br>
Nico wipes his oil-stained hands on a rag, swearing when he sees the dark smears on his shirt. He makes a move like he’s about to walk out, but before he can take more than a couple of steps you make a pointed nod towards the mess of tools and spare parts he’s left behind. Reluctantly he crouches down to start cleaning them up. You give him a hand, and make sure the captain doesn’t leave until all of David’s stuff is back where it should be.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $ttalk is 1>>
‘What you intended is immaterial,’ Blackwall mutters.
<br><br>
‘Oh, shush,’ Tanith says. ‘Mind your manners.’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 2>>
‘That will not be necessary,’ Blackwall says, shaking his head. ‘I should return to my duties, regardless.’
<br><br>
‘Alright then,’ Tanith says. ‘Stay safe out there, okay?’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 3>>
‘There is no active bounty on your vessel,’ Blackwall says. ‘If that changes I will inform you as a courtesy.’
<br><br>
‘How generous,’ Tanith says, smiling to herself.
<</if>>
<br><br>
The enforcer bids you both a stiff farewell. Tanith switches off her comms, then lets out a short sigh. She looks… you don’t know how she looks. A little frustrated, a little amused, a little sad. You don’t know why she’s bothered staying in touch with a man who was trying to throw them in jail not that long ago.
<br><br>
‘The way the Synod uses their soldiers is criminal,’ she says, frowning. ‘They just throw them at any problem like they’re shooting a missile. You know they’re sending him to the pirate stronghold in the Asopus Fringe? <i>Just</i> him. No backup. It’s completely egregious.’
<br><br>
[[‘He’s tough. I think it’s the pirates who are gonna be in trouble.’|tanith2.1.1]]<br>
[[‘That does sound dangerous. At least he’s experienced.’|tanith2.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful >55>>[[(Careful) ‘You worry about him, don’t you?’|tanith2.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Careful) ‘You worry about him, don’t you?’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +8>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘I think he’ll give them a run for their money,’ she says, smiling. ‘He survived a week on Cordelia, I suppose. A den of pirates will probably seem like a breeze compared to that.’
<br><br>
Tanith changes the subject then, inviting you in to see the new protocol she’s been working on. This set of nanobots are programmed to work in tandem with ocular and aural implants, enhancing reaction times in response to external stimulus. You don’t miss the implication. With something like this in their system, a person in combat might get a shot off before someone shot them. Could be the difference between life and death in a pinch.
<br><br>
You’re starting to understand why she’s kept in touch with Blackwall. You wonder if he knows.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Yeah,’ Tanith says, her frown deepening. ‘That’s hardly a guarantee of safety, though, is it? Not indefinitely.’
<br><br>
Tanith changes the subject then, inviting you in to see the new protocol she’s been working on. This set of nanobots are programmed to work in tandem with ocular and aural implants, enhancing reaction times in response to external stimulus. You don’t miss the implication. With something like this in their system, a person in combat might get a shot off before someone shot them. Could be the difference between life and death in a pinch.
<br><br>
You’re starting to understand why she’s kept in touch with Blackwall. You wonder if he knows.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘I—yeah.’ Tanith glances into her lap, cheeks colouring a little behind her freckles. ‘Yeah, I do. All the time.’
<br><br>
Tanith changes the subject then, inviting you in to see the new protocol she’s been working on. This set of nanobots are programmed to work in tandem with ocular and aural implants, enhancing reaction times in response to external stimulus. You don’t miss the implication. With something like this in their system, a person in combat might get a shot off before someone shot them. Could be the difference between life and death in a pinch.
<br><br>
You’re starting to understand why she’s kept in touch with Blackwall. You wonder if he knows.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
Nico splits you into two teams. He and Tanith will go looking for intact tech; you and David are tasked with finding ship components. Sera stays aboard Cordelia, ready to extract you quickly if anything goes wrong.
<br><br>
Your brother leads the way through the station’s maintenance tunnels, scouting for the most valuable pieces of salvage. This place has been sitting dark and dormant for years, and you have to carry flashlights to light your way around. It’s kind of spooky.
<br><br>
Eventually David finds what he was looking for; a holding unit for compressed kitrionite, a rare and expensive commodity that can increase the efficacy of a ship’s fuel supply almost tenfold. There’s a tiny keypad lock on the front, but the display is dark. David takes a screwdriver from his toolbelt and starts trying to open the top panel.
<br><br>
You should…
<br>
[[Leave him to it. This is his area of expertise and you don’t want to interfere.|mission2.1]]<br>
[[Offer to help. You think you can put your surgery skills to good use on that keypad.|mission2.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
The interior of the holding unit must have been more degraded than it appeared from the outside. Before David can finish unscrewing the panel it half-collapses in on itself, smashing a portion of the kitrionite vials in the process. You only manage to salvage about half of them before moving on.
<br><br>
Eventually you come to a maintenance shaft leading deeper into the station’s core. There’s a ladder going down into the darkness, further than the beam of your flashlight reaches, and a bridge across the chasm that will take you back to the main deck. David tells you there could be some components down in the core that would fetch a hefty price.
<br><br>
You decide…
<br>
[[Not to risk it. Who knows how dangerous it is down there?|mission2.1.1]]<br>
[[To take a chance. Fortune favours the bold.|mission2.1.2]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
David steps aside to let you try. You use the scalpel and tweezers from your med kit to remove the panel’s fascia, then manually adjust the locking mechanism from the inside. The unit’s door clicks open gently, and you’re able to retrieve all of the kitrionite vials successfully.
<br><br>
Eventually you come to a maintenance shaft leading deeper into the station’s core. There’s a ladder going down into the darkness, further than the beam of your flashlight reaches, and a bridge across the chasm that will take you back to the main deck. David tells you there could be some components down in the core that would fetch a hefty price.
<br><br>
You decide…
<br>
[[Not to risk it. Who knows how dangerous it is down there?|mission2.2.1]]<br>
[[Take a chance. Fortune favours the bold.|mission2.2.2]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
Going down into a pitch-black unknown isn’t your idea of fun. You and David head back to the foredeck instead, and it’s a good thing you did; on the way over the bridge you get a better look at the ladder, and see where it’s almost hanging off the shaft wall in places.
<br><br>
You return to Cordelia with a respectable, if not hugely impressive, amount of salvage. You have earned _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
You head down the ladder first, since David is still carrying the kitrionite. The first few rungs hold fast. You descend further, and are starting to feel as though the rest of this job will be a breeze, when you hear a sickening, metallic groan. Looking down, you see that the ladder you’re standing on is coming away from the shaft wall.
<br><br>
You know a moment of blind panic, but before you can fall David has reached out to grab your hand. He manages to pull you to safety, but in the process of grabbing you drops all of the remaining kitrionite vials.
<br><br>
You return to Cordelia empty-handed. You have earned no credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
<<set _payout to random(800,1000)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
Going down into a pitch-black unknown isn’t your idea of fun. You and David head back to the foredeck instead, and it’s a good thing you did; on the way over the bridge you get a better look at the ladder, and see where it’s almost hanging off the shaft wall in places.
<br><br>
You return to Cordelia with an impressive amount of salvage. You have earned _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
You head down the ladder first, since David is still carrying the kitrionite. The first few rungs hold fast. You descend further, and are starting to feel as though the rest of this job will be a breeze, when you hear a sickening, metallic groan. Looking down, you see that the ladder you’re standing on is coming away from the shaft wall.
<br><br>
You know a moment of blind panic, but before you can fall David has reached out to grab your hand. He manages to pull you to safety, but in the process of grabbing you drops a good number of the kitrionite vials.
<br><br>
You return to Cordelia with a respectable, if not hugely impressive, amount of salvage. You have earned _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $dtalk is 1>>
‘I was just channel surfing and it came on. It’s the episode where the Guardians storm the palace of the Martian King, remember that? It’s a good one.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 2>>
‘I know,’ David laughs. ‘What a letdown, huh? Haven’t fought even one giant space slug.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 3>>
‘Give over,’ he says. ‘Like you ain’t been watchin’ over my shoulder for the last five minutes.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
There isn’t space for the two of you on his chair, but he shuffles up so you can perch on the arm. You watch <i>Galactic Guardians</i> together for a while, the animated heroes on screen gearing up for another climactic battle. Now you’re sitting closer to David you can see the tension in his shoulders, the tight line of his mouth. You ask him what’s up.
<br><br>
‘I’m worried about Danny,’ he says. ‘The old crew are keeping an eye on Ma and Essie, but what about him? What if the bastards at Taro figure he’s their next-best target?’
<br><br>
It’s a thought that’s crossed your mind too. Your eldest brother got off-world the only way anyone indentured could, by enlisting in the Caucus military when he turned eighteen. His wages go some way towards paying off your family’s debt, and between tours he’s allowed to live as he pleases. A few years ago he married a girl and settled down on a hub world in central space, had a couple of kids. Started a life.
<br><br>
You’ve only made sporadic contact with him since you’ve been on the run, something you know bothers David a lot. They were always close. But Danny got clear of TaroCorp’s clutches a long time ago, and you don’t want to compromise his family’s safety. That doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all.
<br><br>
[[‘I’m sure it’ll be fine. Try not to worry about it.’|david3.1.1]]<br>
[[‘I don’t think Taro would risk pissing off the Caucus by going after one of their soldiers.’|david3.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful >60>>[[(Careful) ‘I’m worried about him too. But we’re doing the right thing, keeping our distance.’|david3.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Careful) ‘I’m worried about him too. But we’re doing the right thing, keeping our distance.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Easier said than done, Tev,’ he sighs. ‘Honestly, I don’t know how you can be so calm about it.’
<br><br>
You both turn your attention back to the vid screen, where the battle between the Guardians and the Martian King is reaching its climax. You’re surprised how much of this episode you remember, given that it’s been over a decade since you last saw it. For a while it looks like everything is lost, then the Guardians’ allies show up and turn the tide. Happy ending, like always.
<br><br>
If only everything were that simple.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +3>>
‘Yeah, that’s a good point,’ he nods. ‘I know the Caucus ain’t our favourite people in the world, but at least they’re on his side.’
<br><br>
You both turn your attention back to the vid screen, where the battle between the Guardians and the Martian King is reaching its climax. You’re surprised how much of this episode you remember, given that it’s been over a decade since you last saw it. For a while it looks like everything is lost, then the Guardians’ allies show up and turn the tide. Happy ending, like always.
<br><br>
If only everything were that simple.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +6>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘Yeah,’ he sighs. ‘We are. Fuckin’ hate every minute of it, but we are. And it’s not forever, right? Can’t be.’
<br><br>
You both turn your attention back to the vid screen, where the battle between the Guardians and the Martian King is reaching its climax. You’re surprised how much of this episode you remember, given that it’s been over a decade since you last saw it. For a while it looks like everything is lost, then the Guardians’ allies show up and turn the tide. Happy ending, like always.
<br><br>
If only everything were that simple.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘What? Oh.’ Sera laughs, her cheeks colouring slightly. ‘Had that song in my head for days. Can’t get it to fuck off.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
Sera shakes her head. ‘I’m good. Thanks, though.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Yeah, she does,’ Sera replies, looking slightly offended. ‘Not a thief, you know. Well. Not <i>on</i> the ship, anyway.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
She sifts through another drawer for a moment, then lets out a small, triumphant sound. Getting to her feet, she shows you what looks like a tiny transistor.
<br><br>
‘Tan told me she had a few of these lying around,’ Sera says. ‘Been looking for one for ages.’
<br><br>
Curious, you watch Sera go and take a seat at Tanith’s desk. She reaches behind her ear and unscrews an aug from the port there. As she begins to take it apart you can see it’s an older model, soldered together in places. You’re not surprised that Sera’s hacked it herself, but that worries you. Modified augs can be dangerous.
<br><br>
Sera must see the concern on your face, because she sets down her work and turns to face you. ‘Not as bad as it looks,’ she says. ‘I’m not stupid. These things are expensive to fix, so I taught myself. That’s all. Nothing experimental. I like my brain in one piece, yeah?’
<br><br>
[[‘Good. I kinda like your brain.’|sera3.1.1]]<br>
[[‘That’s still risky, Sera.’|sera3.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic <40>>[[(Optimistic) ‘That’s a great skill to have. Especially out here.’|sera3.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Optimistic) ‘That’s a great skill to have. Especially out here.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +8>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘Shut up,’ Sera snorts, but she looks pleased regardless. ‘I don’t—you—just let me get on with this, yeah?’
<br><br>
Sera spins her chair back around and turns her attention to the disassembled aug once more. You watch her work, curious. Implanting augs is a medical procedure but their construction is a mystery to you. It’s satisfying, seeing Sera’s quick, competent movements as she replaces the tiny component. She’s clearly well-practised at this. You’re admiring her more by the day.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘I know,’ she frowns. ‘But not all of us can afford to hire proper techs, alright? It’s better than the alternative.’
<br><br>
Sera spins her chair back around and turns her attention to the disassembled aug once more. You watch her work, curious. Implanting augs is a medical procedure but their construction is a mystery to you. It’s satisfying, seeing Sera’s quick, competent movements as she replaces the tiny component. She’s clearly well-practised at this. You’re admiring her more by the day.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Thanks,’ she says, smiling slightly. ‘Never know when you might need it, right? That’s what I thought. Glad you get it.’
<br><br>
Sera spins her chair back around and turns her attention to the disassembled aug once more. You watch her work, curious. Implanting augs is a medical procedure but their construction is a mystery to you. It’s satisfying, seeing Sera’s quick, competent movements as she replaces the tiny component. She’s clearly well-practised at this. You’re admiring her more by the day.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $ntalk is 1>>
‘The guy’s launderin’ cash for a bunch of criminals,’ he says. ‘If you’re right he sure knows how to pick his fuckin’ moments.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 2>>
‘You’re tellin’ me,’ he says. ‘If I pay you to do somethin’ it’s because I don’t wanna do it myself, y’know? Leave me the fuck out of it.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 3>>
‘What, you think I’m launderin’ all our cash and sortin’ out your paychecks personally?’ Nico snorts derisively. ‘Fuck no. I have people for that.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Nico picks up his datapad, scrolls through it for a few seconds, sighs, then tosses it onto his bed—or tries to, anyway. He pitches long and it ricochets off the wall, landing on the ground with a <i>thunk</i>.
<br><br>
‘Mother<i>fucker</i>,’ he says, kicking the edge of his desk. ‘Shit. <i>Shit</i>.’
<br><br>
Nico seems… stressed out. Tentatively, you ask if he’s doing okay.
<br><br>
‘Sorry, doc.’ He lets out a long exhale, shakes his head. ‘It’s just—the jobs ain’t comin’ in like they used to, and it’s costin’ more and more to keep Cordelia running. We ain’t close to grounded yet, but we’re closer than I’d like. And to tell you the truth, I don’t know what the fuck I do without this. I got one plan, doc, one, and you’re lookin’ at it.’
<br><br>
[[‘It’ll work out, captain. I believe in you.’|nico3.1.1]]<br>
[[‘Can’t we just, I don’t know, go and rob a bank or something?’|nico3.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic >60>>[[(Pragmatic) ‘I bet you’ve got through worse situations than this in the past. What did you do then?’|nico3.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Pragmatic) ‘I bet you’ve got through worse situations than this in the past. What did you do then?’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +8>>
‘Thanks, doc,’ he says. ‘Glad somebody does. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations, alright? Just a bad week, is all.’
<br><br>
You leave Nico to it, after that. Kind of shames you to admit it, but before now it hadn’t occurred to you that the captain took all of this seriously. He didn’t seem to take <i>anything</i> seriously, after all. But you suppose he must do—running a ship like this outside the law is no small thing. You don’t envy him, that’s for sure.
<br><br>
[[Return to Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘Jesus, Adler, d’you really think it’s that easy?’ He lets out a cheerless laugh. ‘We’d be tased by a security drone before we got in the front door. I know I might seem reckless, sometimes, but I’m not riskin’ that.’
<br><br>
You leave Nico to it, after that. Kind of shames you to admit it, but before now it hadn’t occurred to you that the captain took all of this seriously. He didn’t seem to take <i>anything</i> seriously, after all. But you suppose he must do—running a ship like this outside the law is no small thing. You don’t envy him, that’s for sure.
<br><br>
[[Return to Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘I guess I have,’ he says, nodding slowly. ‘Yeah. Yeah, a few years back I was on the crew of this junker—<i>Makara</i>, she was called—and our jobs slowed all the way down. The captain was talkin’ about cuttin’ the squad, but we convinced her to diversify a little. Take more work in the defunct sectors, maybe put the screws on one or two of our contacts. That worked. Yeah. Yeah, Adler, you’re right. Thanks.’
<br><br>
You leave Nico to it, after that. Kind of shames you to admit it, but before now it hadn’t occurred to you that the captain took all of this seriously. He didn’t seem to take <i>anything</i> seriously, after all. But you suppose he must do—running a ship like this outside the law is no small thing. You don’t envy him, that’s for sure.
<br><br>
[[Return to Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $ttalk is 1>>
‘I know.’ She shakes her head, incredulous. ‘It’s amazing we haven’t reversed straight into an asteroid belt by now.’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 2>>
‘Sera asked me to,’ she says. ‘She’s a good enough pilot to recognise that she’s a lousy comptech. Once this is up to date she’ll have a much better time flying.’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 3>>
‘Ah.’ She grimaces. ‘I may have… neglected to mention it, actually. Don’t say anything, please? If he’s not told I doubt he’ll even notice.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Tanith gets up from the console and stretches, rubbing the back of her neck. She looks tired. There are dark circles under her eyes like she hasn’t been sleeping, and her clothes and hair aren’t as pristinely neat as usual.
<br><br>
She catches your eye, shrugs slightly. ‘It’s been a long few days,’ she says. ‘My father finally managed to patch into Cordelia’s signal. He wants me to give all this up, go back to work at the university. Says that I’m “playing the space pirate”, and that it’s time to grow up and come home.’ Tanith sighs, glances out at the window. ‘I don’t know. Maybe he’s right.’
<br><br>
[[‘I mean, you’re a smart woman. Wouldn’t you have a better life planetside?’|tanith3.1.1]]<br>
[[‘It sounds like he’s worried about you, that’s all.’|tanith3.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful <40>>[[(Bold) ‘No way. You’re a great space pirate.’|tanith3.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Bold) ‘No way. You’re a great space pirate.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Define better,’ she says, a little tersely. ‘Begging the department for funding? Working on projects I don’t care about because I’m banned from doing anything really worthwhile? Not being able to—not being out here any more? I don’t think so, Tevi. It’s not for me.’
<br><br>
Tanith gives the viewport, with its endless vista of pinprick stars, another long look.
<br><br>
‘I had a really clear idea of why I wanted to come out here,’ she says. ‘Scientific enquiry. Academic freedom. But now… I don’t know. I feel like I found something else, while I was looking for all that other stuff. Just not sure what it is yet, is all.’
<br><br>
Her brow furrows as she loses herself in that thought. You stand with her for a while, looking out into the dizzying void. It makes you wonder what you might be searching for, here in the great wide nowhere.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +8>>
‘He is worried,’ she says. ‘In a misguided, short-sighted kind of way, but he does care. That doesn’t mean I have to do as he says, I suppose. But maybe I should go and see him next time we’re back in Caucus space. Put his mind at ease.’
<br><br>
Tanith gives the viewport, with its endless vista of pinprick stars, another long look.
<br><br>
‘I had a really clear idea of why I wanted to come out here,’ she says. ‘Scientific enquiry. Academic freedom. But now… I don’t know. I feel like I found something else, while I was looking for all that other stuff. Just not sure what it is yet, is all.’
<br><br>
Her brow furrows as she loses herself in that thought. You stand with her for a while, looking out into the dizzying void. It makes you wonder what you might be searching for, here in the great wide nowhere.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
She lets out a throaty, delighted laugh. ‘You think so? Well, maybe I am. Perhaps I should get an eye patch. Maybe one of those hats with a skull and crossbones on it. You think that would suit me?’
<br><br>
Tanith gives the viewport, with its endless vista of pinprick stars, another long look.
<br><br>
‘I had a really clear idea of why I wanted to come out here,’ she says. ‘Scientific enquiry. Academic freedom. But now… I don’t know. I feel like I found something else, while I was looking for all that other stuff. Just not sure what it is yet, is all.’
<br><br>
Her brow furrows as she loses herself in that thought. You stand with her for a while, looking out into the dizzying void. It makes you wonder what you might be searching for, here in the great wide nowhere.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
Sera is on the hunt for a new set of flight instruments, so this time she goes down with Nico and David while you stay on the ship. Tanith is with you, hacking the shields remotely, while you monitor the ship’s external cameras and give guidance to the crew. It’s your job to let them know about any threats or opportunities they might encounter while they’re raiding the bandit enclave.
<br><br>
The bandit holdout is a warehouse in a former agri colony, abandoned when the terraforming didn’t take. The fields are all scrubland and dust now, great pieces of farming machinery all gone to rust.
<br><br>
You watch the crew get out of the shuttle and head towards the enclave. There’s still a vague blue flicker around the building, where the shields are. From your vantage point you spot a pair of figures walking on the other side of the warehouse. They haven’t spotted the crew yet, and the crew haven’t spotted them.
<br><br>
You radio down and tell them…
<br>
[[To prepare to open fire. They need to take out this threat before they’re hurt themselves.|mission3.1]]<br>
[[To go to ground and wait for the bandits to pass. They shouldn’t get into a firefight if they can avoid it.|mission3.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
On the monitors you watch the crew draw their weapons. They get off a good few rounds when the bandits turn the corner, but their targets are well armoured and their rifles are far more powerful. It’s not long before they’re forced to retreat slightly, taking up a defensive position behind the wreckage of a combine harvester.
<br><br>
There’s a flicker on the screen, and then the blue light surrounding the warehouse starts to falter. Tanith must be getting through the shields. That draws the two gunmen away—and also brings another half-dozen bandits outside. A few of them head south, away from the shuttle, presumably towards where Blackwall has landed his own craft. You spot a couple of others make directly for an outbuilding.
<br><br>
The plan was to raid the warehouse, but there could be something more valuable that they’re trying to protect in that outbuilding.
<br><br>
Tell the crew…
<br>
[[To head for the outbuilding. We need to find out what’s inside.|mission3.1.1]]<br>
[[To stick to the plan. We shouldn’t take any risks here.|mission3.1.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
You watch the crew advance slowly, hiding behind a shipping crate when the gunmen come around the side of the warehouse. Once they’ve passed Nico and the others press on, getting all the way up to the edge of the compound without being spotted. They’re in a perfect location to bust in when the time is right.
<br><br>
There’s a flicker on the screen, and then the blue light surrounding the warehouse starts to falter. Tanith must be getting through the shields. That draws the two gunmen away—and also brings another half-dozen bandits out of a back door. A few of them head south, away from the shuttle, presumably towards where Blackwall has landed his own craft. You spot a couple of others make directly for an outbuilding.
<br><br>
The plan was to raid the warehouse, but there could be something more valuable that they’re trying to protect in that outbuilding.
<br><br>
Tell the crew…
<br>
[[To head for the outbuilding. We need to find out what’s inside.|mission3.2.1]]<br>
[[To stick to the plan. We shouldn’t take any risks here.|mission3.2.2]]<br>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
Bad plan. The moment the bandits spot your crew approaching they sound the alarm, shooting their rifles into the air to draw the attention of the others. That draws half of them back, guns blazing, and soon your crew are running low on ammo. They’re forced to flee before they can take anything from the compound at all.
<br><br>
That was a disaster. You earn no credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
The crew heads towards the warehouse, but they lost precious time in that firefight. While Blackwall is keeping the bandits occupied they slip inside, carrying out a few crates ready to be loaded onto the shuttle. They have to cut their work short when the fighting outside gets too hot.
<br><br>
The contraband is worth something, but not tons. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
The crew heads for the outbuilding, and they manage to overpower the two bandits who made a beeline for it. What’s inside, however, is disappointing; a few crates of supplies and two ancient ATVs. The bandits must have been planning to make a run for it, not going to protect a valuable stash.
<br><br>
The supplies are worth something, but not tons. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
<<set _payout to random(800,1000)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
Your restraint pays off. When the shields come down for good the crew slips into the warehouse without a hitch. They manage to load the shuttle down with crates before the bandits even notice there’s anyone there, and by that time they’re on their way back to Cordelia.
<br><br>
A job well done. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘Tell Nico that,’ she snorts. ‘I said the same thing when we got back. He told me we’re not a “competitive option” if we won’t take the risky jobs. Might listen to you.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘Yeah,’ she says. ‘Me too. I’m used to waiting up here for you lot to do your stuff. Being on the other side, it’s… yeah. Not great.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Right,’ she says, cheeks flushing a little. ‘Well, that’s—you’re the doctor, yeah? Your job to worry. About everyone. Isn’t it?’
<</if>>
<br><br>
A red light on the console starts blinking, and Sera spends a few moment adjusting the controls. You feel the slightest lurch in your stomach as she adjusts Cordelia’s trajectory, though the change is almost imperceptible. When Sera’s finished the warning light clicks off, and she leans back in her chair again.
<br><br>
‘Does it ever make you wonder?’ she says. ‘Doing jobs like that. Whether this is right for you. This life, I mean. D’you actually enjoy all… this?’
<br><br>
[[‘I hate it. It scares the life out of me.’|sera4.1.1]]<br>
[[‘I like it. It keeps things interesting.’|sera4.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic >65>>[[(Pragmatic) ‘It’s not ideal, but I’m trying to make the best of it.’|sera4.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Pragmatic) ‘It’s not ideal, but I’m trying to make the best of it.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘Okay,’ she says, her face falling slightly. ‘Well. Hope you’re not stuck here for too long then, yeah?’
<br><br>
Another warning light switches on, a different one this time. Sera curses under her breath and starts working on the controls again, her brow creasing in consternation. She handles the ship like it’s an extension of her, a part of her. You’ve seen pilots fly before, but this is something else. You guess it must come from growing up out here in the void; from living aboard ships the way some people live in houses. Regardless, it’s always satisfying to watch the effortless, assured way Sera steers you between the stars.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +8>>
‘Interesting,’ she snickers. ‘That’s one word for it, I suppose. True I wouldn’t swap this for being planetside, though. Some truck job or whatever. No thanks.’
<br><br>
Another warning light switches on, a different one this time. Sera curses under her breath and starts working on the controls again, her brow creasing in consternation. She handles the ship like it’s an extension of her, a part of her. You’ve seen pilots fly before, but this is something else. You guess it must come from growing up out here in the void; from living aboard ships the way some people live in houses. Regardless, it’s always satisfying to watch the effortless, assured way Sera steers you between the stars.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘That’s good,’ she says, nodding approvingly. ‘All you can do, yeah? I don’t being here is the first choice for any of us. Except the captain, maybe, but he’s hardly—look, we’re all in this together. That’s what I’m trying to say.’
<br><br>
Another warning light switches on, a different one this time. Sera curses under her breath and starts working on the controls again, her brow creasing in consternation. She handles the ship like it’s an extension of her, a part of her. You’ve seen pilots fly before, but this is something else. You guess it must come from growing up out here in the void; from living aboard ships the way some people live in houses. Regardless, it’s always satisfying to watch the effortless, assured way Sera steers you between the stars.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $dtalk is 1>>
He leans back on his heels, wipes his forehead with the back of his arm. ‘As a matter of fact, that’d be great. Thanks, Tev.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 2>>
‘He does not. And you ain’t gonna tell him, are you? So there’s no problem. I could do with some help getting this finished, if you’ve got a sec.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 3>>
‘Naw, I’m almost done,’ he says. ‘Though it’d go a lot faster with another pair of hands.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
You roll up your sleeves and join David kneeling on the floor. He gives you basic instructions for what he wants you to do, but most of it you know without being told. When you were younger you and your brothers used to do stuff like this all the time; fixing up old junk, turning scrap into working machinery. There wasn’t much else to keep you entertained back on the colony.
<br><br>
‘There we go,’ David says at last, slotting the new regulator into the hatch. ‘Now Cordelia won’t explode if we hit turbulence. That’s something.’ He sighs, looks over at you. ‘You ever think about what’d happen, if something did go wrong out here? I mean, who’d tell Ma?’
<br><br>
[[‘You do a good job keeping us safe. I don’t worry about it.’|david4.1.1]]<br>
[[‘No one, I guess. Maybe we should have some kinda failsafe.’|david4.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful <35>>[[(Bold) ‘Hey, don’t talk like that. It’ll take more than a little turbulence to finish us off.’|david4.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Bold) ‘Hey, don’t talk like that. It’ll take more than a little turbulence to finish us off.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +3>>
‘Thanks, Tev.’ He goes to clap you on the shoulder before realising his hands are still covered in grease. ‘I’m glad you trust me. I do my best, you know?’
<br><br>
You hang around the engine room for a while, chatting idly about what your mother and siblings might be up to now, whether you could risk trying to organise a meet-up soon. It hurts with a physical ache sometimes, the way you miss your family out here. There aren’t words to express how glad you are that David, at least, is with you.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Yeah,’ he says, grimacing. ‘Ain’t that nice to think about?’
<br><br>
You hang around the engine room for a while, chatting idly about what your mother and siblings might be up to now, whether you could risk trying to organise a meet-up soon. It hurts with a physical ache sometimes, the way you miss your family out here. There aren’t words to express how glad you are that David, at least, is with you.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +6>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
He chuckles. ‘I guess we’ve lived through worse, huh? Thanks, Tev. You know I get in my head about this stuff.’
<br><br>
You hang around the engine room for a while, chatting idly about what your mother and siblings might be up to now, whether you could risk trying to organise a meet-up soon. It hurts with a physical ache sometimes, the way you miss your family out here. There aren’t words to express how glad you are that David, at least, is with you.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Engine Room|engine]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $ntalk is 1>>
‘Doc, I get shot at every time I step off this ship,’ he says. ‘I’m pretty sure smoking ain’t what kills me.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 2>>
‘I’m golden,’ he says. ‘Shit like that reminds you you’re alive, y’know?’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 3>>
‘Yeah,’ he says. ‘Yeah, I’m all good.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
He still doesn’t sound particularly upbeat. It’s unnerving. You’re used to a lot of your captain’s moods—his irreverent charm, his short temper—but you’ve never seen him look like this before. Like he’s sad about something. You figure he might start talking if you stay quiet, give him the space to open up.
<br><br>
Sure enough, a minute later Nico continues unprompted. ‘Sometimes I think I ain’t good at this,’ he says. ‘The captain thing. I know I put the crew in danger, sometimes. I mean, we’re workin’ outside the law, it ain’t never gonna be safe, but I just—I don’t know, doc. Perhaps I’m not cut out for this. Havin’ people’s lives ridin’ on me. Maybe I’d be better off doin’ something else.’
<br><br>
[[‘I bet you’d be great at whatever you put your mind to.’|nico4.1.1]]<br>
[[‘No way. You’re the captain of Cordelia! What else would you do?’|nico4.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful >65>>[[(Careful) ‘It must be hard, sometimes. Having that responsibility.’|nico4.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Careful) ‘It must be hard, sometimes. Having that responsibility.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘But I don’t <i>want</i> to do anything else,’ he sighs, clearly frustrated. ‘I’d be shit at anything else, doc. This is all I know.’
<br><br>
He finishes his cigarette in three short drags, then stubs out the filter. Sitting up, he runs his fingers through his hair before stretching like a cat. The movement rucks up his shirt and you spot another hitherto-unnoticed tattoo, this one on his hip; the outline of a heart, with a smudged name in the middle. You aren’t a hundred percent sure, but you’re almost certain the name inside is <i>Cordelia</i>.
<br><br>
Jeez, the guy really does love his ship. You can’t fault him for that, at least.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +8>>
‘Shit,’ he says, unable to keep the smile from his face. ‘You’re goddamn right I am. What am I talkin’ about? Of course I’m in the right job.’
<br><br>
He finishes his cigarette in three short drags, then stubs out the filter. Sitting up, he runs his fingers through his hair before stretching like a cat. The movement rucks up his shirt and you spot another hitherto-unnoticed tattoo, this one on his hip; the outline of a heart, with a smudged name in the middle. You aren’t a hundred percent sure, but you’re almost certain the name inside is <i>Cordelia</i>.
<br><br>
Jeez, the guy really does love his ship. You can’t fault him for that, at least.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘It is,’ he sighs. ‘I don’t think people—I worry that the crew don’t notice. That they think I don’t care about ‘em. I’m glad you see it, doc. Because I do care, even if I got a funny way of showin’ it.’
<br><br>
He finishes his cigarette in three short drags, then stubs out the filter. Sitting up, he runs his fingers through his hair before stretching like a cat. The movement rucks up his shirt and you spot another hitherto-unnoticed tattoo, this one on his hip; the outline of a heart, with a smudged name in the middle. You aren’t a hundred percent sure, but you’re almost certain the name inside is <i>Cordelia</i>.
<br><br>
Jeez, the guy really does love his ship. You can’t fault him for that, at least.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $ttalk is 1>>
‘I was passing through the sector,’ Blackwall says, a little stiffly. ‘I thought it best to debrief after the last mission.’
<br><br>
You’re can’t be certain, but you’re pretty sure you see Tanith silently mouth ‘<i>if only</i>’.
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 2>>
Blackwall says ‘yes’ at the same time that Tanith says ‘no’. She lays a reassuring hand on his arm, then smiles awkwardly up at you. ‘It’s okay,’ she says. ‘Really.’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 3>>
‘Yep,’ Tanith says, nodding. The way she says it makes it sound as though she wishes that they weren’t.
<</if>>
<br><br>
God, this is uncomfortable. You came down here hoping you’d run into someone, that one of your crewmates might feel like watching a movie on the big comms screen, but you’re certain that Tanith and Blackwall wouldn’t appreciate you joining them on the couch right now. You can’t just walk out, either. That would look even weirder.
<br><br>
After a moment Blackwall kind of makes the decision for you. He stands up—the guy must be seven feet tall, you don’t even wanna think about the kind of chemicals the Synod must have pumped into him—then mutters something about needing to make a call. He walks out, leaving you alone with Tanith. On his way out he casts a glance back at her, the expression on his face almost longing. You don’t think she notices.
<br><br>
Once he’s out of earshot Tanith sighs, rubs at her temples. ‘Jesus,’ she says. ‘I have no idea where to start with him. I’m used to… there isn’t a manual for this kind of thing.’
<br><br>
[[‘You know him better than anyone. Trust your judgement.’|tanith4.1.1]]<br>
[[‘Why not just tell him how you feel?’|tanith4.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic <35>>[[(Optimistic) ‘He cares about you, Tan. You’re gonna be fine.’|tanith4.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Optimistic) ‘He cares about you, Tan. You’re gonna be fine.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +8>>
‘That’s true,’ she says, smiling a little. ‘Though that’s half the problem. I know him. He’s… troubled. Life’s already difficult for him. I don’t want to make it harder.’
<br><br>
You make some coffee and grab an armful of snacks since you’re down here anyway, and by the time the pot’s finished boiling Blackwall has returned from his (potentially fictional) errand. You watch out of the corner of your eye as Tanith shuffles up to make room for him. He looks askance at you for a moment, then goes to join her. You pour your coffee as swiftly as you can, then leave them in peace.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
Tanith looks at you like you’re insane. ‘He’s a genetically modified church supersoldier,’ she says. ‘He can barely handle the emotional implications of going for coffee. I don’t think romantic confessions are the best approach here.’
<br><br>
You make some coffee and grab an armful of snacks since you’re down here anyway, and by the time the pot’s finished boiling Blackwall has returned from his (potentially fictional) errand. You watch out of the corner of your eye as Tanith shuffles up to make room for him. He looks askance at you for a moment, then goes to join her. You pour your coffee as swiftly as you can, then leave them in peace.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘You think?’ Her cheeks flush a shade darker. ‘I mean—I hope so, but—yeah. Maybe you’re right. Thanks, Tevi.’
<br><br>
You make some coffee and grab an armful of snacks since you’re down here anyway, and by the time the pot’s finished boiling Blackwall has returned from his (potentially fictional) errand. You watch out of the corner of your eye as Tanith shuffles up to make room for him. He looks askance at you for a moment, then goes to join her. You pour your coffee as swiftly as you can, then leave them in peace.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
The estate is a sprawling, lush property in a wealthy Caucus suburb. You take a cab there, and when you step out next to the front door you’re awed for a moment by the fountains, the twinkling lights, the kind of greenery that speaks to extensive terraforming. You hear Sera mutter an expletive under her breath as you climb the steps to the front door.
<br><br>
The other guests that you pass look… rich. Very rich. You wonder if you’re going to be able to pass as one of them. The doorman is already eyeing you as you approach the entrance.
<br><br>
You tell him…<br>
[[That you’re a guest, giving the name of a surgeon who taught a class at your med school. You might not make a believable socialite, but you’ve known enough arrogant high-class doctors to pass yourself off as one.|mission4.1]]<br>
[[That you’re staff. There’s no way he’s going to buy that you’re one of these glamorous guests, but he might believe that you’re a waiter.|mission4.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
Though he narrows his eyes at you at first, you do a decent job of aping a haughty medical type. Channelling every asshole you’ve ever met in the course of your career seems to work. The bouncer waves you in and wishes you a good evening. Sera takes hold of your arm as you enter.
<br><br>
The inside of the estate is even more opulent than the exterior. There’s a string quartet playing in one corner, and waitstaff circulating with trays of champagne flutes. You know from the blueprints Nico showed you that the parking garage is accessible through the owners’ private quarters on the far side of the room. Tanith programmed a keycard that should get you through the door, but there’s a hundred of people who might see you do it.
<br><br>
Your plan is…<br>
[[Get Sera to cause a distraction. You can get to the door without being spotted if everyone else is looking elsewhere.|mission4.1.1]]<br>
[[Approach with caution. Better to do this slowly than make a mistake.|mission4.1.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
You can tell that the bouncer doesn’t believe you for a second. When you glance inside you see why—every member of staff, from security to the valet to the waiters, is wearing the same green-and-white uniform. He points this out. Sera swoops in with an excuse about changing once you’re inside, and while he waves you in eventually it’s clear that he’s suspicious.
<br><br>
The inside of the estate is even more opulent than the exterior. There’s a string quartet playing in one corner, and waitstaff circulating with trays of champagne flutes. You know from the blueprints Nico showed you that the parking garage is accessible through the owners’ private quarters on the far side of the room. Tanith programmed a keycard that should get you through the door, but there’s a hundred of people who might see you do it.
<br><br>
Your plan is…<br>
[[Get Sera to cause a distraction. You can get to the door without being spotted if everyone else is looking elsewhere.|mission4.2.1]]<br>
[[Approach with caution. Better to do this slowly than make a mistake.|mission4.2.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
<<set _payout to random(800,1000)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
Sera approaches this task with glee. She accidentally-on-purpose walks into a guest, making sure that their full glass of champagne spills down her shirt. She starts screaming bloody murder, accusing the guest of trying to ruin her evening, and creates such a ruckus that every party guest can’t help but stare.
<br><br>
It’s the easiest thing into the world to slip through the private door and down to the parking garage. You let Nico and David inside no problem, and it’s the work of moments to liberate several expensive paintings and sculptures from the storage unit.
<br><br>
Once it’s done you and Sera make a run for it. That went off without a hitch. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
You spend the best part of an hour making your way slowly through the crowd, trying your hardest not to draw suspicion from the other guests.
<br><br>
Eventually you reach the door to the estate’s private quarters, but by the time you’ve managed to sneak in and unlock the parking garage the gala is almost over. You don’t have enough time to clear out the whole storage unit, and you have to leave some of the artworks behind.
<br><br>
A modest success. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
<<set _payout to random(400,600)>>
<<set $credits to $credits +_payout>>
Sera approaches this task with glee. She accidentally-on-purpose walks into a guest, making sure that their full glass of champagne spills down her shirt. She starts screaming bloody murder, accusing the guest of trying to ruin her evening, and creates such a ruckus that every party guest can’t help but stare.
<br><br>
You get the door to the parking garage open easily, but unfortunately security is still breathing down your neck. One of the bouncers almost catches you when you’re halfway through loading paintings onto the shuttle, and you have to abandon the rest to make your escape.
<br><br>
Not a bad result. You earn _payout credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
You spend the best part of an hour making your way slowly through the crowd, trying your hardest not to draw suspicion from the other guests.
<br><br>
Unfortunately, the bouncer must have tipped off the rest of the security team after guessing you weren’t really staff. You have to make a run for it before you can get to the estate’s private quarters at all.
<br><br>
Your client won’t be happy. You earn no credits for this mission.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $techtalk to true>>
Tanith is over the moon when you return to Cordelia with new servers for the tech suite. You spend a pleasant few hours helping her install them, and while you don’t completely understand her instructions she’s very patient with you.
<br><br>
When you’re done she insists that it’s worth a celebration, and cracks open a very nice bottle of wine from the personal stash she’s apparently been keeping on board this whole time.
<br><br>
Once she’s had a couple of glasses Tanith relaxes a little bit, lets her guard down. She’s actually a lot of fun when she wants to be. You really think that the two of you could be good friends.
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $messtalk to true>>
Nico is cynical when you first show him the new furniture. He doesn’t like change, and he tells you so, but relaxes a bit when you assure him that these changes are only cosmetic. You won’t be doing anything permanent to Cordelia.
<br><br>
The first time he sits on one of the new couches, his attitude changes entirely. Then he can’t wait to get the rest of the furniture into the mess, and even starts making demands about which piece should go where.
<br><br>
When he starts looking up Feng Shui on the communal comms you become concerned that you might have created a monster. Oh well. Better than armchairs that smell like soup and feet, you guess.
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $enginetalk to true>>
When you bring David the new thrusters he looks both delighted and like he’s about to be sick. He’s pleased, he assures you, just worried about what the captain will say if he finds out that David has installed such a major upgrade to Cordelia without his permission.
<br><br>
You end up hatching a bit of a plan, and rope Sera in to help you. She talks Nico into coming planetside with her next time you land at a fuel depot, and you and David spend a tense, frenetic hour trying to install the thrusters before the captain gets back.
<br><br>
In the end you manage it, against all odds, and the beer that you and David crack open in celebration of a job well done is the best one you’ve ever tasted.
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $navtalk to true>>
When Sera sees the new comms cloaking system her eyes go very wide. She’s been talking about needing one of these for the longest time, and you’re glad that you’ve finally been able to source one for Cordelia.
<br><br>
Sera’s apparently glad too—for a moment she looks like she might hug you, but she pulls back at the last second and squeezes your hand instead. She slots the cloaking device into the back of the nav panel, then shows you how it dulls the signal sent out whenever Cordelia connects to the comms network.
<br><br>
You decide to test it out by dialling into the feeds. There’s a movie just starting, and you wind up watching the whole thing together. It’s nice. It was worth the expense.
<br><br>
[[Return to Foredeck|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $ttalk is 1>>
‘That’s probably smart,’ she says. ‘Just makes me worry, most of the time. This galaxy is pretty broken.’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 2>>
‘Me too,’ she sighs. ‘Even if what I’m keeping up to date with is usually pretty depressing. Knowledge is power.’
<</if>>
<<if $ttalk is 3>>
‘You’re probably smart for that,’ she says. ‘I don’t think sitting here watching events unfold does much to change them anyway.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Tanith tips her head back, as if considering what to say next. There’s something inscrutable about the tech officer. She holds her cards very close to her chest, and even now you can’t entirely figure her out. You think she has a good heart, though. That you’re pretty sure about.
<br><br>
‘I’ve been wondering,’ she says at last. ‘Maybe sitting around waiting for my research to be legalised isn’t enough. Perhaps I should be taking more action. Campaigning for new nanorobotic legislation, something like that. I have to try, right?’
<br><br>
[[‘I don’t know. That’s a controversial topic. It could put you in danger.’|tanith5.1.1]]<br>
[[‘I think it’s a great idea. You should fight for what you believe in.’|tanith5.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic >70>>[[(Pragmatic) ‘If anyone could convince people to change their minds it’s you.’|tanith5.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Pragmatic) ‘If anyone could convince people to change their minds it’s you.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘I’m not sure safety is my priority,’ she says. ‘I’d take a little risk if it meant doing the right thing.’
<br><br>
Tanith changes the subject then, wanting to show you a new prototype that she thinks could have medical applications. You watch over her shoulder as she runs a simulation for you, pointing out the ways that the robots could repair tissue on a microscopic scale. She speaks with knowledge and authority, with the confidence of someone at the top of their field.
<br><br>
One thing’s for sure. Her discoveries could change the galaxy, if they had a chance to. You just hope Tanith gets to see it in her lifetime.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +8>>
‘Yeah,’ she says, looking emboldened by your support. ‘I should. No one else is going to do it for me, are they?’
<br><br>
Tanith changes the subject then, wanting to show you a new prototype that she thinks could have medical applications. You watch over her shoulder as she runs a simulation for you, pointing out the ways that the robots could repair tissue on a microscopic scale. She speaks with knowledge and authority, with the confidence of someone at the top of their field.
<br><br>
One thing’s for sure. Her discoveries could change the galaxy, if they had a chance to. You just hope Tanith gets to see it in her lifetime.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $tanithap to $tanithap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Thank you,’ she says, smiling. ‘I do think I can be pretty persuasive. Let’s find out how much, huh?’
<br><br>
Tanith changes the subject then, wanting to show you a new prototype that she thinks could have medical applications. You watch over her shoulder as she runs a simulation for you, pointing out the ways that the robots could repair tissue on a microscopic scale. She speaks with knowledge and authority, with the confidence of someone at the top of their field.
<br><br>
One thing’s for sure. Her discoveries could change the galaxy, if they had a chance to. You just hope Tanith gets to see it in her lifetime.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Tech Suite|tech]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $ntalk is 1>>
‘Nothin’ special,’ he says. ‘Just needed doin’.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 2>>
‘Thank you.’ He makes a short bow. ‘I like to think so.’
<</if>>
<<if $ntalk is 3>>
‘Don’t be a smartass,’ he says. ‘Don’t pretend you check it either.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Nico straightens up, rubbing the small of his back, then looks around to inspect his handiwork. You have to say, he’s done a great job. The upholstery is free of stains, the surfaces gleaming, and that weird damp smell that used to emanate from the refrigerator is all but gone.
<br><br>
‘Cordelia’s home, you know,’ he says. ‘Maybe we do get grounded, one day. I don’t know. Maybe I fuckin’ retire. But me and her, that’s for life. Even if she’s sitting on blocks on some nowhere colony world. I’m tryin’ to think about the future, y’know?’
<br><br>
[[‘It’s good to invest in that. Nice to have something you can rely on.’|nico5.1.1]]<br>
[[‘Wouldn’t it be better to just, I don’t know. Buy a condo?’|nico5.1.2]]<br>
<<if $pragmatic <30>>[[(Optimistic) ‘I think you and Cordelia are going to be together for a long time.’|nico5.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Optimistic) ‘I think you and Cordelia are going to be together for a long time.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +8>>
‘Yeah,’ he nods. ‘That’s what I thought. There’s a hell of a lot of things in this galaxy you can’t rely on. I ain’t lettin’ go of the one thing that’s never let me down.’
<br><br>
Somehow Nico manages to rope you into clearing out the kitchen cabinets with him. It’s actually more fun than you expected, shooting the shit while you sift through packets of reconstituted potatoes and dusty old protein blocks. When you’re finished everything looks much more organised, and there’s a certain pride in that feeling of a job well done.
<br><br>
It’s nice to see the place looking so clean. Cordelia’s your home too, after all.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
‘Fuck no,’ he says, scowling. ‘Fuckin’ condo. Are you serious right now? I should kick you off my goddamn ship.’
<br><br>
Somehow Nico manages to rope you into clearing out the kitchen cabinets with him. It’s actually more fun than you expected, shooting the shit while you sift through packets of reconstituted potatoes and dusty old protein blocks. When you’re finished everything looks much more organised, and there’s a certain pride in that feeling of a job well done.
<br><br>
It’s nice to see the place looking so clean. Cordelia’s your home too, after all.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $nicoap to $nicoap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Thank you,’ he says, smirking. ‘We’re very happy together.’
<br><br>
Somehow Nico manages to rope you into clearing out the kitchen cabinets with him. It’s actually more fun than you expected, shooting the shit while you sift through packets of reconstituted potatoes and dusty old protein blocks. When you’re finished everything looks much more organised, and there’s a certain pride in that feeling of a job well done.
<br><br>
It’s nice to see the place looking so clean. Cordelia’s your home too, after all.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Mess|mess]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘I mean, <i>yeah</i>,’ she says, wrinkling her nose. ‘But that always happens. At least this time it was a laugh.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘Shame,’ she says. ‘Bet there’s loads of good crime you could do at parties. Stealing wallets from rich dicks while they’re off drinking champagne and talking rubbish. Stuff like that.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Too bad,’ she says. ‘Bet the Caucus high-ups have some mad parties. Could cause some chaos there.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Sera draws one knee up, hugging it to her chest. She’s wearing torn denim today, and there’s an earring in the shape of a comet dangling from her right earlobe. There’s a moment of not-quite-uncomfortable silence, during which the two of you stare out of the wide window. Funny. The view of the void doesn’t make you feel dizzy any more.
<br><br>
‘Tevi,’ Sera says at last. ‘D’you reckon you’ll stick around here? On the ship, I mean.’
<br><br>
[[‘It’s working out so far. Don’t see the need to leave just yet.’|sera5.1.1]]<br>
[[‘Hopefully David and I can find a way to clear our names soon. Then we can go home.’|sera5.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful <30>>[[(Bold) ‘I like it here. With you.’|sera5.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Bold) ‘I like it here. With you.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" +10>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +8>>
‘Good, yeah?’ she says, smiling. ‘It’s working out for us, too, you know. Having you here. You fit.’
<br><br>
She turns back to face the console, punches a few buttons. Her cheeks are a little flushed. There’s part of you that’s starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe—but no, you can’t hope for that. There have been too many disappointments in the last few years. You aren’t going to risk embarrassing yourself here by assuming Sera shares your feelings.
<br><br>
The way she smiles at you, though, small and expectant; you won’t forget that smile as long as you live.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
‘Right,’ she says, her composure faltering just for a moment. ‘Right, yeah. Of course. Don’t want to stick around here when you could be home. Makes sense.’
<br><br>
She turns back to face the console, punches a few buttons. Her cheeks are a little flushed. There’s part of you that’s starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe—but no, you can’t hope for that. There have been too many disappointments in the last few years. You aren’t going to risk embarrassing yourself here by assuming Sera shares your feelings.
<br><br>
The way she smiles at you, though, small and expectant; you won’t forget that smile as long as you live.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $seraap to $seraap +16>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘You—yeah?’ she says, laughing nervously. ‘I, uh. Yeah. Same. With—yeah, same. Good.’
<br><br>
She turns back to face the console, punches a few buttons. Her cheeks are a little flushed. There’s part of you that’s starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe—but no, you can’t hope for that. There have been too many disappointments in the last few years. You aren’t going to risk embarrassing yourself here by assuming Sera shares your feelings.
<br><br>
The way she smiles at you, though, small and expectant; you won’t forget that smile as long as you live.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Bridge|bridge]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $dtalk is 1>>
‘Jesus,’ he says, stepping out into the hall and pulling the door closed behind him. ‘Look, just don’t freak, okay?’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 2>>
‘Goddamnit,’ he says, stepping out into the hall and pulling the door closed behind him. ‘Just listen to me, alright? I can explain.’
<</if>>
<<if $dtalk is 3>>
‘Keep your fuckin’ voice down,’ he says, stepping out into the hall and pulling the door closed behind him. ‘I don’t—just be quiet, please?’
<</if>>
<br><br>
You can’t remember the last time you saw David looking this flustered. Probably not since you were teenagers and your mother caught him and Danny growing weed in a corner of the colony’s hydroponics complex. He shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot, cracks his knuckles. You can’t help but bite back a laugh.
<br><br>
Him and Nico, huh? Can’t pretend you ever saw this one coming. Guess there’s a thin line between love and hate.
<br><br>
‘Please don’t tell anyone,’ he says. ‘The others don’t gotta know. It’s not—look, I don’t know what it is yet, okay? Maybe nothin’. Maybe not. But I sure as shit don’t want the whole ship gossiping about my private life, okay?’
<br><br>
[[‘Maybe you should have thought about that before you screwed the captain, David.’|david5.1.1]]<br>
[[‘I think it’s sweet. I’m happy for you.’|david5.1.2]]<br>
<<if $careful >70>>[[(Careful) ‘Don’t worry, okay? My lips are sealed.’|david5.1.3]]
<<else>><strike>(Careful) ‘Don’t worry, okay? My lips are sealed.’</strike><</if>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" -10>>
‘Oh my God,’ he says, burying his face in his hands. ‘You’re never gonna let me live this down, are you?’
<br><br>
Not wanting to stand in the hallway any more, the two of you head back towards the mess. You don’t miss the way David is smiling to himself, the spots of colour in his cheeks. He’s not been happy all that often since the two of you left home. It’s nice, seeing him like this. Knowing that he’s got something good in his life to focus on.
<br><br>
Even if that something has come from the most unexpected source possible. Nico? Seriously? Well, the heart wants what it wants. At least they’re happy.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<fair_plus "$pragmatic" -10>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +3>>
‘Thanks, sis,’ he says, giving your arm a friendly punch. ‘It’s good. It’s alright.’
<br><br>
Not wanting to stand in the hallway any more, the two of you head back towards the mess. You don’t miss the way David is smiling to himself, the spots of colour in his cheeks. He’s not been happy all that often since the two of you left home. It’s nice, seeing him like this. Knowing that he’s got something good in his life to focus on.
<br><br>
Even if that something has come from the most unexpected source possible. Nico? Seriously? Well, the heart wants what it wants. At least they’re happy.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $davidap to $davidap +6>>
<<fair_plus "$careful" +10>>
‘Thank you,’ he says, looking visibly relieved. ‘I just don’t—I don’t wanna jinx it, you know?’
<br><br>
Not wanting to stand in the hallway any more, the two of you head back towards the mess. You don’t miss the way David is smiling to himself, the spots of colour in his cheeks. He’s not been happy all that often since the two of you left home. It’s nice, seeing him like this. Knowing that he’s got something good in his life to focus on.
<br><br>
Even if that something has come from the most unexpected source possible. Nico? Seriously? Well, the heart wants what it wants. At least they’re happy.
<br><br>
[[Return to the Captain’s Cabin|cabin]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
You’re sitting in the infirmary, writing up some notes, when the ship lurches so hard that you’re almost thrown out of your chair. The lights flicker. That isn’t good. Maybe an asteroid?
<br><br>
Your answer comes a few minutes later as Sera’s panicked voice sounds over the ship’s PA. You’re being boarded, forcibly, and nothing she’s tried has been able to stop the intruders. Heart in your throat, you step out onto the walkway to get a better angle on the foredeck.
<br><br>
The airlock door hisses open, and five people move inside in a tight unit. Well armed and armoured, but too slick for bandits. You feel your stomach sink as you recognise the insignia on their chests. TaroCorp. Their private security contractors must have put out a false tip as a trap.
<br><br>
They’re here for you. If only your life was at stake, you might consider handing yourself in. But they’ll arrest David too, and probably hand over the rest of Cordelia’s crew to the Caucus. You can’t let that happen.
<br><br>
First you need to get to the bridge. You’re going to…<br>
[[Climb up into the vents. If they see me I’m toast.|mission5.1]]<br>
[[Grab my compact pistol from the infirmary lockbox. If there was ever a time to use it, it’s now.|mission5.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $cautious to $cautious +1>>
You slip back into the infirmary and shut the door as quietly as you can. From there you push crates of medical supplies against the wall, use them to climb up to the ceiling. It’s a tight squeeze into the vents, but you just about make it. Crawling on your hands and knees, you hear muffled shouts from below you. No gunfire yet, though. Small mercies.
<br><br>
By some miracle you make it to the bridge, kicking off the vent cover and dropping down into the room below. Sera looks small and pale and terrified, scared for the first time since you’ve known her, and you want nothing more than to put your arms around her and tell her it’s going to be okay. But right now you need to focus on fixing this situation, and as soon as the two of you start discussing a plan that steely glint returns to her eye.
<br><br>
A few hurried minutes later, Sera fires up the PA so you can broadcast a message down to the agents on the foredeck. She squeezes your hand, mouths ‘good luck’.
<br><br>
Watching the security feed, you tell the TaroCorp agents…<br>
[[That your guns are locked onto their ship, and if they don’t fall back their vessel will be destroyed. Cordelia doesn’t have guns, but they don’t need to know that.|mission5.1.1]]<br>
[[That you’ve taken the pilot hostage and you’re prepared to vent the whole foredeck out of the airlock if they don’t retreat. You’re happy to play the role of crazed fugitive if it’ll save your crewmates.|mission5.1.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $reckless to $reckless +1>>
You open the lockbox with shaking hands. Since joining the Cordelia you’ve had more than a few opportunities to fire a gun, but that doesn’t mean you’re anything like an expert. Loading a clip into the magazine, you keep your thumb firmly on the safety as you run out of the infirmary door. The next few minutes are blur of shouts and flying bullets—some of them yours—as you run full pelt across the catwalk that runs the length of the foredeck.
<br><br>
By some miracle you make it to the bridge, calling out and banging on the door until it flies open. Sera looks small and pale and terrified, scared for the first time since you’ve known her, and you want nothing more than to put your arms around her and tell her it’s going to be okay. But right now you need to focus on fixing this situation, and as soon as the two of you start discussing a plan that steely glint returns to her eye.
<br><br>
A few hurried minutes later, Sera fires up the PA so you can broadcast a message down to the agents on the foredeck. She squeezes your hand, mouths ‘good luck’.
<br><br>
Watching the security feed, you tell the TaroCorp agents…<br>
[[That your guns are locked onto their ship, and if they don’t fall back their vessel will be destroyed. Cordelia doesn’t have guns, but they don’t need to know that.|mission5.2.1]]<br>
[[That you’ve taken the pilot hostage and you’re prepared to vent the whole foredeck out of the airlock if they don’t retreat. You’re happy to play the role of crazed fugitive if it’ll save your crewmates.|mission5.2.2]]<br>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
This announcement clearly takes them by surprise. The footage on the vid screen is grainy, but you still see the agents jump at the sound of your voice. One of them shouts a reply, calling your bluff, but there’s no confidence in his tone. Another leans close to the first, mutters something that your sensors don’t pick up.
<br><br>
You know a moment of complete, cold fear. Then relief washes over you as the lead agent orders the others to fall back. They keep their guns drawn and their backs facing the door as they retreat, and just like that—they’re gone.
<br><br>
Sera whoops with delight as the airlock door slams shut behind them, and a moment later their docking gear detaches from Cordelia. Your heart is pounding, your limbs loose and weak, and before you know what you’re doing you’ve hugged Sera close to your chest. At first she freezes, stiff in your arms; then she melts into you, her arms wrapping tight around your waist.
<br><br>
For a moment it’s just the two of you, alive and perfect. Then the rest of the crew starts clamouring to be let in, and the moment passes. You share one small, shy smile with Sera as you break apart, then go out to join your crew.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
This announcement clearly takes them by surprise. The footage on the vid screen is grainy, but you still see the agents jump at the sound of your voice. One of them shouts a reply, calling your bluff, but there’s no confidence in his tone. Another leans close to the first, mutters something that your sensors don’t pick up.
<br><br>
You know a moment of complete, cold fear. Then relief washes over you as the lead agent orders the others to fall back. They keep their guns drawn and their backs facing the door as they retreat, and just like that—they’re gone.
<br><br>
Sera whoops with delight as the airlock door slams shut behind them, and a moment later their docking gear detaches from Cordelia. Your heart is pounding, your limbs loose and weak, and before you know what you’re doing you’ve hugged Sera close to your chest. At first she freezes, stiff in your arms; then she melts into you, her arms wrapping tight around your waist.
<br><br>
For a moment it’s just the two of you, alive and perfect. Then the rest of the crew starts clamouring to be let in, and the moment passes. You share one small, shy smile with Sera as you break apart, then go out to join your crew.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set $conventional to $conventional +1>>
They’re clearly still on guard after your warning shots, and they share a few nervous looks at your announcement. One of them shouts a reply, calling your bluff, but there’s no confidence in his tone. Another leans close to the first, mutters something that your sensors don’t pick up.
<br><br>
You know a moment of complete, cold fear. Then relief washes over you as the lead agent orders the others to fall back. They keep their guns drawn and their backs facing the door as they retreat, and just like that—they’re gone.
<br><br>
Sera whoops with delight as the airlock door slams shut behind them, and a moment later their docking gear detaches from Cordelia. Your heart is pounding, your limbs loose and weak, and before you know what you’re doing you’ve hugged Sera close to your chest. At first she freezes, stiff in your arms; then she melts into you, her arms wrapping tight around your waist.
<br><br>
For a moment it’s just the two of you, alive and perfect. Then the rest of the crew starts clamouring to be let in, and the moment passes. You share one small, shy smile with Sera as you break apart, then go out to join your crew.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $creative to $creative +1>>
They’re clearly still on guard after your warning shots, and they share a few nervous looks at your announcement. One of them shouts a reply, calling your bluff, but there’s no confidence in his tone. Another leans close to the first, mutters something that your sensors don’t pick up.
<br><br>
You know a moment of complete, cold fear. Then relief washes over you as the lead agent orders the others to fall back. They keep their guns drawn and their backs facing the door as they retreat, and just like that—they’re gone.
<br><br>
Sera whoops with delight as the airlock door slams shut behind them, and a moment later their docking gear detaches from Cordelia. Your heart is pounding, your limbs loose and weak, and before you know what you’re doing you’ve hugged Sera close to your chest. At first she freezes, stiff in your arms; then she melts into you, her arms wrapping tight around your waist.
<br><br>
For a moment it’s just the two of you, alive and perfect. Then the rest of the crew starts clamouring to be let in, and the moment passes. You share one small, shy smile with Sera as you break apart, then go out to join your crew.
<br><br>
[[End the mission|ship]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -10>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Long-Range Communications</h2>
<b>Connected To: Katia Liu (Encrypted Signal)</b>
<br><br>
<b>Partial Transcript Compiled:</b><br>
<<if $katiacall is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>KL: </b>Hello?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Hey, Katia?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Sorry, who is—wait. Oh my God, Tevi? Is that you?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, Kat, it’s me.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Holy shit Tev—are you okay? Is this, like, safe?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, it’s encrypted, don’t worry. How are you? How are things on the colony?<br>
<b>KL: </b>They’re fine, I’m fine, but Tevi—Jesus, I didn’t know if you were alive or dead. Where are you? Can you say?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Probably safer if I don’t, you know, sorry. I’m travelling.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yeah, of course. Fuck, it’s good to hear your voice. Was sure you were gone for good.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Nah, it’ll take more than that to finish me off. How’s Otis?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Oh, God. Terrible twos are here in full force. Can’t remember the last time I didn’t have mashed banana in my hair. He’s gorgeous, though. Is this a two-way comm link? Can I send you a picture?<br>
<b>TA: </b>I’d love that. Sorry I’m not there to see him for myself.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yeah. We miss you, Tev, all of us. Can I tell the folks at the station that you called?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Not just yet. Still trying to keep under the radar, you know.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Of course. Is David with you?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, he is.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Good. I’m glad you’re not stuck out there alone.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $katiacall is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA: </b>Kat, can I ask you something?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yeah, sure. What’s up?<br>
<b>TA: </b>How have things been with Taro since me and David left? I mean, are they worse, or…?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Eh, about the same.<br>
<b>TA: </b>You don’t sound sure.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Well… look, it’s not yout fault—<br>
<b>TA: </b>Shit, I knew—<br>
<b>KL: </b>Listen, Tev, it really isn’t. You weren’t the only person who got in trouble around that time. They’re cracking down a bit, sure, but that’s been coming for years. It would have happened whether or not you’d been arrested, I’m sure.<br>
<b>TA: </b>What are they doing?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Increased surveillance, increased security. Random searches, sometimes. They’re just being paranoid. It’s more annoying than anything.<br>
<b>TA: </b>It doesn’t sound annoying, Kat, it sounds bad.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yeah, it’s not great. But don’t worry. It’s not going to get any worse. We’re gonna make sure of that.<br>
<b>TA: </b>’We’?<br>
<b>KL: </b>You’re not the only one with secrets, Tev. Don’t worry. I’ll tell you more as soon as I can.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $katiacall is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>KL: </b>Tev, I’ve got a question.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Shoot.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Who covered for you while you were working off the books? Like was there anyone in particular who helped you out?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Well there was David, obviously.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Sorry, I mean anyone still on the colony.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Right. Well, Yvonne Michaels helped me fudge a lot of my paperwork. Kyun Jones, the vet, let me work out of his office sometimes. Kelly Jaffrey and her sisters. Why do you ask?<br>
<b>KL: </b>No reason.<br>
<b>TA: </b>C’mon, Kat. You’re a terrible liar.<br>
<b>KL: </b>You’re right. I guess I don’t need to be cagey with you, anyway. We’re—we’ve had enough of the way Taro are treating us all. Things have been getting worse. A few of us are worrying it might boil over into out-and-out violence soon, and Taro would crush that like a bug. If we can organise, if we can be strategic with that anger, perhaps—I mean, I don’t know. Maybe it’s stupid to think that things can change.<br>
<b>TA: </b>It’s not stupid, Kat. It’s brave. Just be careful, okay? Taro won’t be happy with anyone they think is a ringleader.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yeah, I know it’s a risk. But nothing could be worse than living in fear all the time. We have to try.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $katiacall is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>KL: </b>Oh my God, Tev, you won’t believe it.<br>
<b>TA: </b>What happened?<br>
<b>KL: </b>We did it. We stood up to Taro.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Oh, wow. Is everyone okay? Are you okay?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yes, fine, everyone’s fine. I’m shaking like a leaf but I’m okay.<br>
<b>TA: </b>What happened?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Well we were having a little after-work celebration yesterday—it was Jenny’s birthday, you know, her sixtieth—when the guards show up and say they need to search the rec centre and so we all need to leave.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Charming.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Ha, yeah. But anyway—Tevi, we didn’t even discuss it. Everyone just took one look around the room, shook their heads and stood their ground. I—I told them that we weren’t going to accept this any more. That they couldn’t just search us without some kind of reason, some kind of warrant, that we deserve the same rights and respect as anyone else in the galaxy.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Oh my God, Kat. What did they say to that?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Well they didn’t look happy, I’ll tell you that much. But they left. They left and didn’t come back. Not that night, at least.<br>
<b>TA: </b>That’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Thanks. But honestly, Tevi? I think we’re just getting started.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $katiacall is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA: </b>So? How did it go?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Really, really great. Nearly the whole unit block turned out. I really wasn’t expecting that much.<br>
<b>TA: </b>You need to have more faith in yourself, Kat. You’re good at this.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Well, I guess I must be. They elected me chair.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Of course they did. You’re done a great job of leading so far, sounds like.<br>
<b>KL: </b>There’s a long way still to go. We drew up a list of demands we think we might be able to win right now, and it just looks like nothing.<br>
<b>TA: </b>One step at a time.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Yeah, I know. I’m just impatient. We’ll take the fight to them for real at some point, but we need everyone on the same page first.<br>
<b>TA: </b>And who better to get them there?<br>
<b>KL: </b>Oh, stop. This wouldn’t have happened without you, you know.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Ah, sure it would.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Maybe eventually. But you’re a hero, Tevi. You showed people that they could stand up for the colony. This is happening now because of you.<br>
<b>TA: </b>I wish I could be there to help.<br>
<b>KL: </b>Me too. But we’ll see each other again one day, I’m sure of it.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, I hope you’re right. Good luck, Kat. Give ‘em hell.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Call Log|calls]]</b>
<<set $katiacall to $katiacall +1>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -10>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Long-Range Communications</h2>
<b>Connected To: Dr. Moishe Adams (Encrypted Signal)</b>
<br><br>
<b>Partial Transcript Compiled:</b><br>
<<if $moishecall is 0>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>MA: </b>Hello, Dr. Adams speaking. How can I help?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Moishe, is that you?<br>
<b>MA: </b>Uh, yeah. Sorry, who is this please?<br>
<b>TA: </b>It’s Tevi. Tevi Adler.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Holy shit, Tevi? Are you serious? I thought you were in jail!<br>
<b>TA: </b>I kinda broke out. It’s a long story.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yeah, I bet. I mean, it’s good to hear from you, but—I mean—<br>
<b>TA: </b>Don’t worry. You won’t get in trouble talking to me. Signal’s scrambled.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Right, sure. Sorry, it’s just—my patients, you know.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, of course. I understand.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t get in contact while you were on trial. I only heard about what happened after the sentencing.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Look, neither of us were great at keeping in touch after med school. No hard feelings.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Thank you, Tevi. Is there a reason you’re calling now?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, actually there is. Can I send you some files to look over? No rush, of course.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yeah, send away.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Thanks. Oh, and—maybe don’t open them on your work comms, okay?<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $moishecall is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>MA: </b>So, I took a look at those files. I can see why you wanted me to be discreet.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Ha, yeah.<br>
<b>MA: </b>How the hell did you get them out? Weren’t you in prison?<br>
<b>TA: </b>I started putting this together before I was arrested. Paid to have the data stored off-world in case anything happened. And then, well. Something happened. Obviously.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Smart. Does TaroCorp know you have this?<br>
<b>TA: </b>I don’t think so. Never came up at my trial.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Wow. This is huge. The Concordat Health Act violations alone—this is the sort of thing that tanks a company. I’m guessing that’s your goal, here?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah. But I’m worried about how to go about it. Obviously I can’t blow the whistle, I’m a wanted criminal. And if Taro folds overnight there’s tens of thousands of homes and jobs just… gone. I need to be smart.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yeah, that makes sense. Hey, listen, do you want me to speak to Anton? He went into human rights law after college.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Anton Hawkins? I mean yeah, absolutely, if you think he can be trusted with it.<br>
<b>MA: </b>He can. We actually, uh. For a while now. Yeah.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Ha, no shit. Good for you. Well sure then, why not? Would be great to hear if he’s got any ideas.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Great. I’ll be in touch. Take care, Tevi.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $moishecall is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>MA: </b>Hey, Tevi. Is now a good time to talk?<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yep, go ahead. Did you speak to Anton?<br>
<b>MA: </b>I did. And to be honest I haven’t seen him this excited about a case since that DMZ citizenship debacle.<br>
<b>TA: </b>What did he say?<br>
<b>MA: </b>Well, he thinks you were right to not just leak the info raw. Would be too easy for TaroCorp to cover up, apparently.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Guessed as much.<br>
<b>MA: </b>But apparently there’s precedent. There was a mining company, Osterling-Davis, that got shut down for a string of violations about ten years ago. A judge ruled that, since the colonists would be eligible for a great deal of compensation, that Osterling-Davis would have their assets liquidated and shared out among their former indentured staff.<br>
<b>TA: </b>No shit. Why did I never hear about this?<br>
<b>MA: </b>It wasn’t a huge colony, and I imagine some of the powers that be buried it. But it can be done. Anton thinks there’s a case.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Would he take it on?<br>
<b>MA: </b>I think so, yeah. He’d need more evidence, though, a lot more. It would be a long process, Tevi.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah, that’s what I was expecting.<br>
<b>MA: </b>You’ve done a great thing here, bringing this to light.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Thank you. I just wish I could do more.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $moishecall is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>MA: </b>Had a bit of a breakthrough in your case.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Oh yeah?<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yeah, well, nothing major, but it’s something. Anton made some discreet enquiries, and it turns out that TaroCorp is already coming under a lot of scrutiny.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Really?<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yeah, because of you as a matter of fact.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Wow. Seriously?<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yes. The Caucus has to do a full security review every time there’s an escape from a private prison. Apparently they weren’t delighted with what they saw during their inspection.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Well that’s not surprising. Does the Caucus really give a shit about prison conditions, though?<br>
<b>MA: </b>Well no, but a few journalists picked up the report before it got buried and are digging into it. Anton’s hoping to join forces with them. Get the work done more quickly and drum up some public support in the process.<br>
<b>TA: </b>That sounds promising. Is there anything I can do?<br>
<b>MA: </b>You’ve already done so much. The files you saved have moved the investigation forward years, probably.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Great. That’s great.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Don’t worry. I’ll keep you in the loop.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if $moishecall is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
<b>TA: </b>I just saw Anton on the news feed!<br>
<b>MA: </b>Oh, good, you caught it. I wanted to give you a heads up but it all happened so quickly.<br>
<b>TA: </b>He’s a great speaker. Damn.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Isn’t he? Taro are in real trouble now.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Isn’t it a bit early to be giving interviews, though? There isn’t even a case yet.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Anton and his journalist friends got sent another cache of files a few days ago. Anonymously, but Anton thinks might even have come from someone in the TaroCorp office. As soon as he verified that they were real he thought it was worth getting out in front of the situation.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Bold move.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Yes, but I think it’s working. His office has been flooded with calls from former Taro employees asking about class actions, stuff like that.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Sounds like it would be hard for Taro to bury it now.<br>
<b>MA: </b>Exactly. It’s still early days, but it’s looking promising.<br>
<b>TA: </b>That’s—wow. Thank you so much for your help. You and Anton. Really, I can’t tell you how much it means.<br>
<b>MA: </b>My pleasure, honestly. Here, if your ship’s ever passing through the Fides Cluster you should drop by and visit. I’d love to see you. We both would.<br>
<b>TA: </b>Yeah. Yeah, I might do that.<br>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Call Log|calls]]</b>
<<set $moishecall to $moishecall +1>>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set _show to random(1,10)>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -1>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
<b>Connected To Feed: All-Star Movie Channel</b>
<br><br>
<<if _show is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
Martin Duborg was just an ordinary border agent—until Synod mercenaries kidnapped his wife and daughter. Now he’ll have to use every tool—and gun—in his arsenal to save his family and bring these criminals to justice. Critics are calling <i>Bullet Star</i> an ‘incredibly violent’ feature with ‘more shuttle chase scenes than you would expect for a ninety minute movie’.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
He’s a clerk at a colonial port authority. She’s a smuggler with a Caucus agent hot on her tail. When she ropes this unwitting bureaucrat into her scheme, will they manage to escape the authorities—and find love on the way? From the team who brought you <i>Comms Credits</i> and <i>A Different Treaty</i>, <i>Desk Jockey</i> is this year’s most heartwarming romantic comedy.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
For any long-distance crew, losing power is the nightmare everyone fears. But when the crew of the Alameda hits an energy storm deep in the DMZ, they soon realise that there are far worse things than darkness. Alone in the void, with something stalking them through the powerless ship, how far will they go to survive? <i>Dark Space</i> premieres this weekend!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
Colony life can be dull—right until it isn’t. When a case of mistaken identity leaves socialite Candace Moretti stranded on a mining planet without cash or identification, screwball antics ensue! With the help of an absent-minded foreman and a rebellious teen, will Candace manage to get off-world—and get her life back? Find out in <i>The New Hire</i>, out this week!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 5>>
<<type 60ms>>
From prestige director Angela Torres, <i>One Small Step</i> is an epic saga following one family through the years of the Progress Wars. With loved ones caught on both sides of the conflict, how can three generations of colonists hold themselves together? With over a dozen five star reviews from major news outlets, <i>One Small Step</i> is expected to be the undisputed star of this year’s awards season.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 6>>
<<type 60ms>>
Andy Edison has always dreamed of exploring the stars, and he’s tired of being stuck planetside with his parents and sister. But when he finds an alien hiding in the attic of their residential unit, it seems like he might get what he wished for—even if it’s not quite what he expected. Will Andy be able to keep his new friend secret, and learn some important lessons along the way? <i>Outer Spaces</i> is a fun flick that the whole family can enjoy.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 7>>
<<type 60ms>>
In the outer reaches of the DMZ, where both Caucus and Synod fear to tread, lawlessness reigns. Smugglers and pirates ply their trade in these dangerous places, on abandoned stations and half-terraformed planets. <i>Solar Wind</i> follows Safia Creedy, colonist-turned-outlaw, as she and her trusty pistol fight for supremacy in an uncaring universe.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 8>>
<<type 60ms>>
For the first time on public comms, you won’t want to miss the premiere of controversial comedy-musical <i>Consistory!</i> When a young Synod missionary gets taken under the wing of a high-ranking cardinal, he learns the hard way that church life isn’t all its cut out to be. With numbers including <i>Colony Gospel</i> and <i>Jesus In Space</i>, see the play that EVERYONE is talking about!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 9>>
<<type 60ms>>
When Samantha Monroe is sent to the prestigious Hellar Academy, she’s nervous that she won’t fit in. So when she’s befriended by the popular and enigmatic Tally King, she’s over the moon. But Tally is hiding a dark secret, and before she knows it Samantha has been roped in to cover up a crime she didn’t commit. <i>Boarders</i> premieres on All-Star this weekend!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 10>>
<<type 60ms>>
Filmed using cutting-edge holo-techniques, <i>Electric Storm</i> is a movie experience like no other! Following a nameless galactic traveller as she traverses time and space, this visionary tale will take you through awe-inspiring landscapes never before captured on screen. <b>Warning:</b> those with heart conditions or a predisposition to motion sickness are advised against watching. All-Star is not liable for any medical issues arising from the viewing of this picture.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Feed|feeds]]</b>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set _show to random(1,10)>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -1>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
<b>Connected To Feed: Explore+ Documentaries</b>
<br><br>
<<if _show is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
Join Dr. Magda Collie for the third and final part of <i>Into The Beyond</i>, an ambitious and expansive portrait of Caucus history from the first terraformed world to the present day. Tonight Dr. Collie explores the causes of the Progress Wars and the impact the conflict had on the galaxy, ending with the signing of the first Concordat.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
<i>Thine Is The Kingdom</i>, a controversial documentary from filmmaker Idris Bannatyne, takes viewers into the very heart of Consistory-controlled space. For five years Bannatyne went undercover in a Synod seminary, secretly filming and interviewing his peers while working his way through the ranks. The resulting film—which many have called unethical—reveals much about cutthroat, and often hypocritical, church politics.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
Welcome to <i>Salvage Wars</i>, where looters, scrappers and reclamation specialists from across the galaxy fight against the clock—and each other—to strip abandoned stations for the most valuable parts possible! This week Chuck Bellevue and his team run into trouble when their docking gear fails, and Desiree Nye finds an unexpected treasure in an asteroid mine.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
The truth is out there! This week on <i>Real Aliens</i> the team uncovers more evidence in the tunnels under Port Telesto. Is the rusted-out old bunker from last episode simply an old terraforming unit, as the ‘authorities’ claim? Or is this a ruin of an extraterrestrial life pod? Tune in to find out!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 5>>
<<type 60ms>>
<i>The Pioneer</i> is a moving, in-depth portrait of the hero who founded our new civilisation; Admiral Hannah Huang, who led humanity on its first terraforming efforts in the outer reaches of the galaxy. Knowing that the journey would be too long for her to return home, she and her intrepid crew left their lives behind and dedicated themselves to their mission. This documentary, including footage recovered from Huang’s own ship, reveals for the first time the true extent of her sacrifice.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 6>>
<<type 60ms>>
The galaxy is infinite; infinite worlds, infinite atmospheres, infinite possibilities for life. While we have terraformed many empty planets, conservationists have always fought for the preservation of those worlds which already host their own ecosystems. In <i>Living Galaxy<i>, Ben Kimura guides you through some of these unspoiled landscapes, using cutting-edge technology to immerse you in their unique flora and climates.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 7>>
<<type 60ms>>
What secrets lurk between the stars? In <i>Mysteries of the Void</i> our team of scientists, researchers and broadcasters attempt to answer some of the galaxy’s most pressing questions. What happened to the crew of terraforming vessel I-98X, whose ship was found floating empty near a white dwarf? What is the rumoured ‘echo’ phenomenon observed in some black holes? And have the physical rules governing lightspeed really been changing incrementally over the last hundred years? Uncover the truth, only on Explore+.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 8>>
<<type 60ms>>
Earth was the home of our species for two million years. Today, only a handful of people have set foot on the planet that once birthed humanity. In <i>First Home</i> you’ll learn the history of Earth, from the first appearance of humans to the collapse of the livable climate five years after the last Pioneer vessel departed. Using a mixture of archive footage and interviews historians, <i>First Home</i> builds a compelling picture of the world we left behind.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 9>>
<<type 60ms>>
Every planet you’ve ever stepped foot on has been terraformed to some degree—but do you know what it really takes to turn an ‘hospitable candidate’ into a liveable planet? <i>Worldbuilders</i> is a fly-on-the-wall documentary following the intrepid crew of the G-49Z vessel as they undertake the fascinating, labour-intensive, and often dangerous work of creating new homes for humanity.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 10>>
<<type 60ms>>
Wherever humanity spreads among the stars, depravity is sure to follow. <i>Blood in the Void</i> tells these horrifying TRUE tales of crimes in space, from the modern threats of aug-hacking and nanowashing to good old-fashioned murder. Out in the silence of the galaxy, are you ever really safe? <i>Blood in the Void</i> is here to tell you: NO!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Feed|feeds]]</b>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set _show to random(1,10)>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -1>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
<b>Connected To Feed: Smash! Reality Bites</b>
<br><br>
<<if _show is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
Ever wondered how you could make YOUR vessel better? A bigger engine? A better nav system? A sick paint job? Here on <i>Drip My Ship</i> our team takes ordinary vessels and makes them out of this world! This week, we surprise the owner of a passenger transport with a souped-up cooling unit and some gnarly flame decals!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
The galaxy’s biggest sleeper hit is back! <i>Company Town</i> returns to your comms screens this week for its fourth season, once again following the residents of Messima Co.’s T-48 manufacturing colony as they go about their daily lives. Will the Millers manage to pay off their indenture contract this year? Can Bobby Knowles get into the prestigious Caucus university he’s always dreamed of? And will Mischa and Karen finally put the will-they won’t-they rumours to bed? Tune in to find out!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
It’s back! Join us tonight for the premiere of season three hundred and ninety two of <i>Keeping Up with the Kardashians</i>! The galaxy’s longest-running reality show returns for another drama-filled season, as the old-Earth dynasty welcomes its seventeenth generation of socialites. We were left on a cliffhanger last episode, with Klarissa informing Karly that she’d be cut out of the family will if she didn’t break up with vid star and notorious womaniser Sean Mellado. Will Karly choose love—or her family? Find out tonight!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
Tonight on Smash! Reality Bites, a brand new show the likes of which has never been seen before—<i>DMZ House</i>! We invited five Caucus military cadets and five Synod missionaries to move in together for three months as part of a social experiment—the catch is that neither group knew the other was coming. Will their differences turn into conflict as they live alongside each other? Or will they find that outside of Concordat space they have more in common than they thought? <i>DMZ House</i>, only on Smash! Reality Bites!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 5>>
<<type 60ms>>
You’d have to be crazy to drift a spaceship past a black hole, right? What about dropping a shuttle onto a world without terraforming? Or doing a hands-free spacewalk without a safety cord? Luckily the guys and gals at <i>Extreme Spacing</i> are just crazy enough to try! They’ll pull off the wildest stunts in the galaxy so you don’t have to, all for your viewing pleasure! New episodes twice a week!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 6>>
<<type 60ms>>
With tens of billions of people now scattered across the galaxy, how do you know when you’ve found your soulmate? We asked thousands of volunteers from across Caucus space to participate in a rigorous personality profiling system, then worked with a team of psychologists, couples counsellors and sex therapists to select the most compatible pairings. Of these, we invited the five couples with the highest numbers to meet in person—and filmed the results. Can science predict true love? Find out tonight on <i>Perfect Match</i>.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 7>>
<<type 60ms>>
Tonight on <i>It Happened To Me</i>, another shocking tale of tragedy dramatised for your viewing pleasure. When Reba Geller (not her real name) had cut-price augs installed five years ago, she thought she was simply saving credits. It was only when strange things started happening that she realised the truth—her ocular implants were being used for illegal surveillance. What happened next will shock you. Tune into Smash! Reality Bites tonight to find out more!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 8>>
<<type 60ms>>
Is the grass really greener on the other side? On tonight’s <i>Planet Swap</i> we send a family from a bustling Caucus hub city to live on a remote agri world, and give the farmers the keys to a luxury apartment. How will the city slickers manage the demands of farm life? And will the excitement of urban living prove overwhelming for these country colonists? Join us tonight to find out!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 9>>
<<type 60ms>>
We’re back for another series of <i>Grounded</i>, the show where those used to the high-tech environment of Caucus hub worlds have to live like our ancestors in the early 21st century. This week, Darryl struggles to complete his desk job without the help of his ocular implants, and Eli is dismayed to discover that their new apartment is not self-cleaning.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 10>>
<<type 60ms>>
Tonight on <i>Real Housewives of Port Telesto</i>, Vanessa is hosting a garden party for the neighbourhood. Ramona, who still hasn’t forgiven Vanessa for sleeping with her pool boy, is planning revenge, while Trish sees an opportunity to flaunt her new aug enhancements. Meanwhile, the contractors building Lindsay’s summer house accidentally dig into the black market tunnels.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Feed|feeds]]</b>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set _show to random(1,10)>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -1>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
<b>Connected To Feed: Caucus Cooking</b>
<br><br>
<<if _show is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
It’s that time again; join a new set of twelve contestants as they arrive at an undisclosed location for <i>The Great Caucus Bake-Off</i>! The competition is set to be a big one this year, with new themed weeks including ‘hydroponic ingredients’ and ‘traditional Synod festival breads’ set to give our bakers a real challenge!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
The galaxy’s toughest cooking show, <i>Titanium Chef</i>, returns to your screens this week! Our first episode is set to be explosive—literally! We’ve challenged some of the best chefs in Caucus space to make our judges a gourmet meal fit for any five star restaurant, using only industrial salvage tools for cooking equipment!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
A shipping port isn’t a shipping port without travelling food vendors. All across the galaxy hungry travellers are sustained by deep fried, greasy street food delights. Join Dana Moritz tonight for <i>Truck Nuts</i>, the show for diners who are just WILD about these planetside snack stops!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
Abigail Aiken invites you into her kitchen for another episode of <i>Colonist Woman</i>, the galaxy’s most popular home cooking show! Join Abigail and her family for more rustic treats, including a protein bar casserole and mealworm flour biscuits. Plus, an industrial accident at the ranch!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 5>>
<<type 60ms>>
Join everyone’s favourite robot host, G-AI Fieri, for this week’s three-episode run of <i>DMZ Dinnertime</i>, a guide to the hottest spots to eat outside of Concordat space! First up G-AI tries calamari with a difference at Tentacle Time, a joint serving up unidentified native molluscs from a hatch in an old shipping container!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 6>>
<<type 60ms>>
As a species, we’ve always been quick to terraform marginal planets—but are we too quick to do so? In <i>Planet’s Bounty</i>, foraging expert Carmine Bell takes you on a journey to taste some of the galaxy’s native edible flora. <b>Note: This programme is for entertainment purposes only. Caucus Cooking holds no liability for sickness or death induced by consumption of unidentified plants.</b>
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 7>>
<<type 60ms>>
This week on <i>Loretta’s Table</i>, galactic treasure Loretta Labelle makes supper for twenty of her closest friends and several diplomatic envoys from the Synod. To celebrate her honoured guests she whips up a fun ‘ascetic-themed’ feast including an elevated ‘gruel’ pottage and an experimental water-flavoured granita.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 8>>
<<type 60ms>>
<i>Spacer Chefs</i> is a new documentary series following the highs and lows of catering staff on long-haul transports. Often travelling for weeks between ports, and needing to keep both the morale and the health of the passengers intact, these chefs are the unsung heroes of spacer life. You’ll be amazed how much can be done with a single block of nutrient paste!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 9>>
<<type 60ms>>
Filmed in their studio in the Caucus hub capital, the chefs at <i>Hachiman Test Kitchen</i> are here to share their newest and hottest recipes! This week, Melinda recreates a famous landscape painting in microgreens and Lars makes a barbecue out of an old shuttle engine.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 10>>
<<type 60ms>>
Due to a scheduling error, tonight on Caucus Cooking we’ll be screening reruns of <i>Chopped</i> from Earth year 2011. Apologies for this mix-up and thank you for your patience.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Feed|feeds]]</b>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<set _show to random(1,10)>>
<<set $commscred to $commscred -1>>
<h2>Comm Terminal: Dial Into Feeds</h2>
<b>Connected To Feed: Eros Intergalactic: XXX Adult Programming</b>
<br><br>
<<if _show is 1>>
<<type 60ms>>
Are you ready to make <i>First Contact</i> with the hottest alien babes in the galaxy? Whether you’re into tentacles, teeth or tails, we’ve got something for all of you xeno-fetishists out there! <b>Please Note:</b> All alien species are simulated by human actors. Please stop sending us emails about this.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 2>>
<<type 60ms>>
When you’re stuck on an all-woman freight crew, there isn’t much to do out in the void—except for each other. Directed by the infamous Betty Jive, <i>Long Haul Lesbians</i> is the newest instalment in her hot and heavy ‘Boiler Suit Babes’ series. Don’t miss out!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 3>>
<<type 60ms>>
What’s hotter than a bad boy? What about a bad boy in SPACE? <i>Ill-Gotten Gains</i> is packed to the brim with the galaxy’s sexiest pirates, outlaws who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty between hauls. Volume 1 stars Cole Abernathy in his first on-screen appearance since his skiing accident in 2291!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 4>>
<<type 60ms>>
It’s the skin flick so notorious that the Synod almost started a CRUSADE to ban it! <i>Daughters of Eve</i> follows the exploits of two naughty nuns who can’t WAIT to get out of the convent and taste the FRUITS of the galaxy. See the film that the Consistory called ‘an affront to God’!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 5>>
<<type 60ms>>
Everyone loves a uniform—that’s why in Volume 4 of <i>Booty Camp</i> we’re crossing the aisle to bring some Synod military action into the mix! Whether you’re into a clean-cut Caucus officer or a bulked-out space marine, if you like your hotties PACKING this is the show for you!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 6>>
<<type 60ms>>
Prestige Erotica is proud to present <i>Tides of Passion</i>, the newest feature in our female-focused, tastefully-shot pornography series. Dive into a steamy romance between a marine exobiologist and the captain of her exploration vessel, who may be in charge behind the wheel—but not in her cabin.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 7>>
<<type 60ms>>
Following from the success of our last two hundred and eighty five films, Home Comforts is proud to present <i>My Stepmom’s Cousin’s Babysitter Volume 17</i>, the newest instalment in the ever-popular series! If you liked the last sixteen, you’ll love this; it’s almost exactly the same!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 8>>
<<type 60ms>>
Meet the rough and rugged cowboys and cowgirls of agri world X-69, riding in this week! <i>Leave Your Boots On</i> is a new series for those of you who like your denim grass-stained, your accents thick, and your haylofts steamy! Yee-haw!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 9>>
<<type 60ms>>
Sign up to the beta trial of <i>Mindfuck</i>, a groundbreaking erotic experience that uses your neural implants to procedurally generate pornography that’s geared specifically to YOU! No more typing your nasty little fetishes into the search bar of your comms! After five minutes with our software you’ll forget all about the data mining allegations—try it TODAY!
<</type>>
<</if>>
<<if _show is 10>>
<<type 60ms>>
A moving, tender exploration of love between a hot yoga instructor and her sexy housewife neighbour, <i>Meeting Sappho</i> is a surprisingly emotional portrait of a love affair that lasts only a single afternoon. Reflect on the transience of love—and the importance of lube—this weekend on Eros Intergalactic.
<</type>>
<</if>>
<br>
<b>[[Close Feed|feeds]]</b>
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<set $missions to 6>>
<b>Location:</b> Cordelia<br>
<b>Contract For:</b> The crew<br>
<b>Objective:</b> Throw a rager
<br><br>
Not long after your brush with TaroCorp, Nico calls an all-crew meeting in the ship’s mess. You head down from the infirmary feeling like you’re walking to the gallows, certain that the captain is going to kick you and your brother off Cordelia for the trouble you’ve caused.
<br><br>
So you’re surprised when, instead, he announces that it’s high time the crew let off some steam. He suggests a party, to celebrate the fact that you’re all still alive and not in custody. It’s a shock, sure—but not an unpleasant one under the circumstances.
<br><br>
[[Start the party|party1]]
<</nobr>>[[cool collected|partytest][$cautious to $cautious +1; $conventional to $conventional +1]]<br>
[[special agent|partytest][$cautious to $cautious +1; $creative to $creative +1]]<br>
[[space cowboy|partytest][$reckless to $reckless +1; $creative to $creative +1]]<br>
[[cool collected|partytest][$reckless to $reckless +1; $conventional to $conventional +1]]<br>
[[party]]<<nobr>>
It takes a couple of days to find a fuel depot that sells decent booze, and the crew spend that time getting prepared. Tanith reroutes the ship’s PA system through a spare datapad so you can play music; David hauls his couch upstairs so no one has to sit on the floor; Sera decorates the mess with some of her trinkets from the bridge; Nico produces a stock of cocktail umbrellas that he already had in his cabin for some reason.
<br><br>
You've got a guest, too. Blackwall was apparently in the same sector as you again—this happens too often to be coincidence, you think—and Tanith convinced him to come aboard for the event.
<br><br>
By the time everything’s ready, the place looks almost festive. Nico instructs you all to dress up for the occasion, and while you don’t own anything particularly fancy you’ve got a few nice things in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn since joining the crew. You put on a nice shirt, brush out your hair, and head for the mess.
<br><br>
[[Party time|party2]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
The party looks like—well, like a party. There’s a bowl of punch and a stack of plastic cups, dishes of salty snacks, music playing through the emergency alert speakers. You’re the last to arrive, and everyone already seems to be having a good time.
<br><br>
Funny how normal this all is now, how comfortable. David and Nico are talking in the kitchen, not arguing for once, your brother smiling slightly as the captain rambles on. Blackwall is sitting on one of the couches while Tanith stands next to him, the position getting them almost to eye level with each other. Sera is fiddling with the controls on the communal comms, apparently trying to pick a movie to have on in the background. It’s nice, seeing everyone like this. Really nice.
<br><br>
<<if ($cautious > $reckless) and ($conventional > $creative)>>[[While you’re fetching a drink, Blackwall comes over to speak to you.|partyblackwall]]
<<elseif ($cautious > $reckless) and ($creative > $conventional)>>[[While you’re fetching a drink, Tanith comes over to speak to you.|partytanith]]
<<elseif ($reckless > $cautious) and ($creative > $conventional)>>[[While you’re fetching a drink, Nico comes over to speak to you.|partynico]]
<<else>>[[While you’re fetching a drink, David comes over to speak to you.|partydavid]]<</if>>
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
You’re surprised to see the Enforcer approaching. He moves awkwardly out of his armour, and he’s holding a cup of punch in his huge hand like most people would hold a grenade.
<br><br>
‘Dr. Adler,’ Blackwall says. ‘Dr. Holloway has been telling me about your crew’s exploits, these past few months. From her accounts it seems as though your conduct has often been responsible for the safety of the crew. I’m glad that there’s someone on the ship with the ability to remain calm in a crisis.’ He glances over to Tanith, and is still looking at her when he speaks again. ‘Very glad indeed.’
<br><br>
[[‘I do my best.’|partyblackwall1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘Part of the job. “First do no harm” and all that.’|partyblackwall1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘You should tell her how you feel, you know.’|partyblackwall1][$stalk to 3]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
‘Hey you,’ Tanith says. ‘Enjoying the party?’
<br><br>
She looks lovely tonight, her dark curls pinned up and her freckled shoulders bare. Lovely, and happy. You can take a guess as to why.
<br><br>
‘Listen,’ Tanith says. ‘I just wanted to say what an honour it’s been working with you, Tevi. I was a little scared when I joined the crew. Didn’t know what to expect, thought it would be lonely. Working with outlaws, all that. It’s nice to have another scientist around. Someone who thinks things through, who has creative solutions to problems. Someone I can talk to.’ She laughs, shakes her head. ‘Long way of saying that I’m glad we’re friends.’
<br><br>
[[‘Come on. I’m not all that.’|partytanith1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘It’s been an honour working with you too, Dr. Holloway.’|partytanith1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘I’m glad we’re friends.’|partytanith1][$stalk to 3]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
‘Woman of the hour,’ Nico says, sidling up to you. ‘Just who I wanted to see.’
<br><br>
The captain pauses briefly to fill his cup with punch before turning to you. He’s only got one button on his shirt fastened tonight, you notice. Must be because it’s a special occasion.
<br><br>
‘Y’know, you were a gamble,’ he says, apropos of nothing. ‘Clean-cut medical type, all that. Good to have a doctor on board, of course, but goddamn if you didn’t turn out to be a space cowboy after all. You’ve pulled some crazy stunts on these last few jobs, doc. That’s a compliment, by the way. You fit Cordelia like a glove.’
<br><br>
[[‘Glad to hear it.’|partynico1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘It’s good to be here, captain.’|partynico1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘That’s… actually kind of terrifying to hear.’|partynico1][$stalk to 3]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
Your brother’s actually cleaned up for once, and there’s not a smudge of engine grease to be seen. He looks well, actually. Better than you’ve seen him for a while.
<br><br>
‘Hey, sis,’ David says. ‘Listen, I just—just wanted to say that I’ve had a good time workin’ with you, these past few months. You keep me on my toes, y’know? Always think I know what you’re gonna do, then every now and again you pull a wild one on me. You were the same when we were kids. Showin’ me up. Makes me wanna be better, y’know?’
<br><br>
[[‘That’s real sweet of you.’|partydavid1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘You’re great as you are.’|partydavid1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘You’re drunk.’|partydavid1][$stalk to 3]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘I’m certain you do,’ he says. ‘I just wanted to thank you, Dr. Adler. I sleep better knowing you’re on this ship.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘It’s a fine philosophy,’ he says, nodding slowly. ‘I appreciate your work, Dr. Adler. That is all.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘I have no idea what you are talking about,’ he says, though the colour of his cheeks tells another story. ‘I must—goodbye, Dr. Adler.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Blackwall leaves then, walking back over to the spot in the corner that he and Tanith seem to have claimed for the evening.
<br><br>
Once you’re alone again, Sera comes over to you. She looks gorgeous tonight; hair messy, cut-off sleeves on her shirt, dark eyeliner a little smudged. The way she smiles up at you makes your pulse flutter.
<br><br>
‘Hey,’ she says. ‘Come with me a minute, yeah?’
<br><br>
[[You go with her. Of course you do.|partysera]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
You follow Sera out of the mess and across the foredeck, then up to the bridge. It looks a little bare, since she’s moved so much of her stuff down to the party, but it’s still unmistakably her space. It even smells like her, like raspberry shampoo and glass cleaner and warm spice.
<br><br>
She walks over to the viewport, stares out at the stars for a moment. It doesn’t even occur to you to feel anxious about the void. You’re too busy looking at her; the golden curve of her eyelashes, the sharp angles of her wrists, the way one crooked tooth gnaws at her lip.
<br><br>
‘Fuck sake,’ Sera says. ‘Don’t know how to start now. Wanted to talk to you alone, but I just—dunno where to begin with it. I just—when those people were here. The ones from the company you worked for. I was so fucking <i>worried</i> about you, Tev, I was—I was afraid I was going to lose you.’ She looks up at you, shrugs a little self consciously. ‘Made me think about things, yeah? Made me realise how much—how much I care. About you.’
<br><br>
[[‘About me? Seriously?’|partysera1][$stalk to 1]]<br>
[[‘I care about you too, Sera.’|partysera1][$stalk to 2]]<br>
[[‘You don’t know how great it is to hear that.’|partysera1][$stalk to 3]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘You are, actually,’ she says, smiling. ‘You’re just modest, too.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
She raises her glass in a toast. ‘And long may it continue.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Yeah,’ she says, smiling. ‘Me too.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Tanith leaves then, helping herself to another drink and carrying it over to Blackwall in the corner.
<br><br>
Once you’re alone again, Sera comes over to you. She looks gorgeous tonight; hair messy, cut-off sleeves on her shirt, dark eyeliner a little smudged. The way she smiles up at you makes your pulse flutter.
<br><br>
‘Hey,’ she says. ‘Come with me a minute, yeah?’
<br><br>
[[You go with her. Of course you do.|partysera]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘You keep that up we’ll make a real pirate out of you in no time,’ he says. ‘You just watch.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘Good to have you, doc,’ he says. ‘Hope you stick around.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘You’ll get used to it,’ he says. ‘You got a crazy streak in you, doc. No point denyin’ the truth.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
Nico drains his cup in three swallows, then refills it again.
<br><br>
‘Listen, I gotta go,’ he says, flashing you a wink. ‘Else your brother’s gonna start missin’ me.’
<br><br>
Once you’re alone again, Sera comes over to you. She looks gorgeous tonight; hair messy, cut-off sleeves on her shirt, dark eyeliner a little smudged. The way she smiles up at you makes your pulse flutter.
<br><br>
‘Hey,’ she says. ‘Come with me a minute, yeah?’
<br><br>
[[You go with her. Of course you do.|partysera]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘Guess I’m just real sweet,’ he smirks. ‘Love you, sis.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘You’re a real one, Tev,’ he says, grinning. Love you, sis.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘Yeah,’ he says, amiably. ‘But that don’t mean it ain’t true. Love you, sis.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
David grabs a couple of drinks and heads back over to Nico, who smiles in a way he usually reserves for Cordelia. It’s nice to see them happy.
<br><br>
Once you’re alone again, Sera comes over to you. She looks gorgeous tonight; hair messy, cut-off sleeves on her shirt, dark eyeliner a little smudged. The way she smiles up at you makes your pulse flutter.
<br><br>
‘Hey,’ she says. ‘Come with me a minute, yeah?’
<br><br>
[[You go with her. Of course you do.|partysera]]
<</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $stalk is 1>>
‘Of course about you,’ she says, looking almost annoyed. ‘You’re amazing, Tevi. The way you look after us. What you did for those people back where you grew up. And you’ve never made me feel wrong here, not once. That’s—that’s special.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 2>>
‘Good,’ she says, looking relieved. ‘Good. I mean—wasn’t sure, yeah? You’re all… not like I’m used to. Nice to everyone, I thought. Maybe. But you do, right? Care. That’s good. That’s really good.’
<</if>>
<<if $stalk is 3>>
‘No, I don’t,’ she says, half-smiling. ‘Because you haven’t said it back yet, have you? Be nice to hear it if you do. Feel that way, I mean. About me.’
<</if>>
<br><br>
And right then, seeing the expectant look in her blue eyes, you find that you’re tired of not kissing this woman. So you lean down and that’s exactly what you do. You worry that she’ll freeze, go rigid with surprise or dismay, but she meets you as keenly as anyone ever has.
<br><br>
Sera is small and warm in your arms, her hands gripping the front of her shirt as she rocks up onto her tiptoes. Her mouth is sweet from the punch, teeth sharp where they catch at your lip. It’s perfect. Better than you imagined, and you’ve imagined it a hell of a lot.
<br><br>
[[You almost can't believe it's really happening.|partysera2]]
<</nobr>>
<<nobr>>
When you finally break apart there’s that vertigo again, the kind you used to feel looking out at the expanse of space, overwhelmed by the vastness of it. But when you feel it now it’s not a bad thing; not like it was. It’s something exciting. Huge and terrifying, yes—but exciting most of all.
<br><br>
Sera slips an arm around your waist, and the two of you turn to look at the void. And it’s not empty, after all. There are infinite stars out there in the blackness, infinite points of life. And right here—right now—they seem to be shining just for the two of you.
<br><br>
[[Return to Cordelia|ship]]
<</nobr>>