File: 1354046448910.gif-(7 KB, 993x665, Deep space SAR 4.gif)

So far you've explored four sectors.

In the first you were able to bargain with a local crop grower for the return of the missing engineering crew. In this case bargaining meant tricking them into thinking you were bombarding the planet with torpedoes rather than mass driver slugs.
Thanks to one of the rescued engineers you also acquired a new weapon, the Mk 1 Plasma Pistol. Capable of penetrating armor almost as well as Republic anti-tank plasma guns, the pistol is rare beyond belief. If you were to sell it to the Terrans (or even back to the Republic) there's no telling how much money could could get for it.

You currently have 1 fuel cell for the plasma pistol which is capable of holding 8 shots. With some modification a fuel cell from a Shallan Fusion gun could be made to fit but these are not designed to contain the same ammo. As a result armor penetration and total number of shots stored would be greatly reduced. For the moment it should be possible to recharge the

>Side quest added:
Acquire more Plasma Pistol fuel cells! (Or sell the gun, whichever)

>>21777369
do we have any plan beyond searching randomly?

File: 1354047818021.png-(305 KB, 1400x700, WorldGen-islands2.png)

The second and fourth sectors you investigated both turned up empty in terms of missing crew, but the third is a bit more uncertain.

Sensors aboard your ships are having trouble distinguishing between the teleport capsule and sensor shielded sections built into certain smuggler vessels. Normally this wouldn't be so bad but there are numerous smuggler bases scattered among the island chains of a largely ocean covered planet. Thirty of the larger ones house launch repulsors for small starships protected by planetary shields. If you were to simply jump into orbit the locals might flee making it impossible to catch them all.

After considering methods of getting onto the planet without triggering a smuggler exodus you finally settle on that of a prospective business dealer.

"Kavos, I am now a torpedo sales woman." you announce.

Kavos merely shakes her head and starts calling up data on the warheads you have on board. A minute later she forwards the data to your displays.
"You'll need to know your product if you plan to sell them."

Checking through the stockpile half are made up of L-HGM series taken from the Lat'tham logistics bases. They're a variation of the normal torpedoes produced throughout the Dominion just with House Lat'tham markings. The remainder are a mix of Terran Mk38 and more powerful Mk 39.
The four SP torps you have on board are Mk 42's. They were cheaper to build than 41's apparently but lack the punch of the 43.

Moving the ships out of the shadow the of Gas giant you'd been hiding behind you open a channel to the smuggler world.
>What say?

>>21777528
In terms of the sectors? It doesn't seem like it. One anon just said to start at that end.

I'm assuming it was because the crew were more likely to have abandoned ship with the emergency teleporters as soon as possible after being hit thereby increasing the chance they're at that end.

File: 1354048200688.png-(79 KB, 1385x748, WorldGen-islands-magnify.png)

>>21777626
This is the area Arron believes has the highest chance to find the capsule as there are fewer launch repulsors among these islands. Because of that there should be less interstellar capable smuggler ships with sensor shielded compartments.

>>21777626
"Crazy Sonia's Discount Traveling Torpedo Emporium has arrived, so set your phase weapons to Discounts! Need to liquidate that old junker to upgrade your new frigate, trade in that thing you know or unload some like-new prisoners or slaves? Well step right up, because Crazy Sonia is here to convert your goods into cold, hard torpedoes at craaaaazy prices! Due to a garbled subspace transmission, Crazy Sonia is currently overstocked on torpedoes and is passing on the savings to you!"

alternatively, proton-powered

>>21777626
>Let's just sell the non-SP crap

So you're asking yourself, do I need a torpedo?

Of course you need torpedo! Everyone need torpedo! I am Crazy Has-Ann, and I have a used torpedo specially for YOU! Torpedos do at least twice as much damage as nukes, take one third of the space, and just between you and me, look very nice. But come, you must see my torpedoes! A torpedo for all situations and all permutations! You are stuck in little money? I have cheap torpedo L-GHM! Comes with it's own rust and even a little paint! Buy now, I'll throw in bottle of fresh, best-quality air for free! Need to kill something in the ocean? Modified Aqua-torpedo! Comes with its own waterwings! Great bargain - you buy the torpedo casing and explosive, I'll throw in a detonator! I have sold torpedoes to everyone! No complaints! Tell your friends, tell your family! Bargain torpedoes, most have been never used!

Ah, one almost misfired at the planet, it must like you!

And remember, ALWAYS SHOP AT CRAAAAAZY HAS-ANN'S FOR ALL YOUR TORPEDO NEEDS!!

>>21777763
>Using your real name
Are you sure you want to do this? Mind you it is only your first name.

>>21777819
I'd prefer not to.

>>21777819
honestly, I like the Has-Ann one much better than the one I typed!

>>21777880
I like yours a lot as well. Mine is just a Crazy Hassan camel-salesman rewrite. Yours is original.

File: 1354050001086.jpg-(38 KB, 413x395, 64dd9aa9cc83ef0b0dbc1d564(...).jpg)

>>21777818
>Crazy Has-Ann
MFW

There is a delay before any responses come back. FTL communications ensure it cant be because of a time delay.

"Our satellite is picking up communications between the scattered colonies on the surface but can't tell the contents. Shields have gone up around seven of the launch zones."

You wait for five to ten minutes before anyone speeks up.

"Call coming in sir." reports coms.

"At my station."

The face of a Dro'all male appears on screen.
"Welcome to Tourta, I'm administrator Ban'lah and before you ask no the name of the planet is not supposed to be a play on the word Torture. Most of the buyers and sellers down here feel you're laying it on a little thick but we're still interested if your prices are as low as you said. Be advised though, we're not big on the slave trade here. We'll tolerate it but only because of where we are in the universe so dont expect to find many."

You barely have time to reply with a "Noted" before the Dro'all continues.

"You can transmit a cargo manifest if you want but be aware some of the buyers will want to see some of your product in person before they send a ship out. If that means coming in system with a shuttle so be it, you're new here so we dont have a history of business with you."

>Your response?

>>21778113
Understood. What do I have to expect on the surface, and how large a security detail am I allowed to bring?

>>21778178
"Dress for warm weather and pack a weapon with a stun setting. If one of your people kill a local, things wont go well for you.
That said you're free to bring as many people as you want but make sure they stay under control.
Bars and most establishments around the ports will take money from nearly any region but outside expect to operate on a barter system. Parking fees for your shuttles at the ports will be waved if you do enough business while on planet. You can also hire local guides at most ports.

Anything else?"

>>21778326
How much taxes will I have to pay on my sales?

>>21778392
The administrator give you an odd look then laughs.
"Taxes? Are you joking?"
"Wel-" You start.
"Oh wait you're serious."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FopyRHHlt3M

"Taxes are bad for business. You'll end up paying for guides, information brokers, drinks and many other things before you're done. That alone helps the local economy."

>>21778485
Well, let's just have him transmit the approach vector, then.

And start preparing the shuttle.
Any ideas who we should take and what we should bring?

Between your two ships you have 4 shuttles. Each can carry 20 marines.

2x GE Assault Shuttles (Capacity 20 marines, 3 Torps)
1x Terketta Assault Shuttle (Capacity 20 marines, 2 Torps)
1x RFS Assault Shuttle (Capacity 20 marines, 1 Torp)

Your one Republic Fleet System assault shuttle could carry three but it needs the external hardpoints for drop tanks. Prospective buyers will want to see examples of each type of torpedo you have available.

You have 45 Marines total remaining due to forces being depleted in House Lat'tham territory. Something to consider taking would be items for barter. What exactly and how much is up to you.

>>21778523
if our shuttle can fit 3 torps, we should take 1 each of L-HGM, Mk38 and Mk39. if we can fit more, 2 each of Mk38/39's and the rest L-HGMs.

as for bodies... do we still have marines aboard? Kitting out a small group of them in partially damaged armor should allow us to help explain away the markings of our ships and torps. "Took what we could take."

I'm not sure who from the crew specifically to bring, though... maybe ask some of the engineering crew we saved if they want to stretch their limbs? Who knows if sticky fingers will come with.

>>21778796
Ask if some marines would prefer to remain on the ship, otherwise take them all.

Bring Kavos, if she wants to go, Linda, if she's interested and the ship can work without her, ask anybody who has distinguished themselves over the past few weeks, then see if there are volunteers for the remaining spots.

If there are more people interested than we have seats, just raffle the rest off.

Bring 2 Mk38s, 1 Mk39 and the rest L-HGMs.

File: 1354053592345.jpg-(86 KB, 600x1229, 1345353742989.jpg)

Choose your weapons loadout!

Armor: Your Recon armor was shipped back over to the EX-K when you were docked for repairs at Gentris Beta IV. Wearing this while on the planet may give hints as to who you are unless suitably disguised.

>Secondary Melee weapon
Monoblade
Republic bayonet
Repulsor gauntlet

>Ranged
Fusion Gun
Mass driver rifle (Cant be silenced)
Shotgun (Grenades, AP Slug, Flechettes Incendiaries, other)
Phase rifle (Has stun setting)
Silenced Carbine (+Splinter rounds)

Plasma Pistol
Silenced SMG
Silenced Pistol
Pulse Pistol (Has stun setting)

>Grenades
High explosives
Frag grenades
Flashbangs
Half moon (Breaching charge)

>Heavy
Anti tank plasma gun
Anti tank RPG

>>21778873
>Ask if some marines would prefer to remain on the ship, otherwise take them all.
A handful would like to remain behind due to injuries not fully healed.

>Bring Kavos, if she wants to go
"One of us should remain on the ship."
Linda shrugs and decides to join the expedition. One of the junior crewmen need the practice.
>maybe ask some of the engineering crew we saved if they want to stretch their limbs
>If there are more people interested than we have seats, just raffle the rest off.
Most members of the EX-K's engineering crew would like to get off the ship, as would some of the crew you rescued last time so they can help find their ship mates.


>>21778904
>>21778759
While you guys decide on these I'm going for dinner.

>>21778904
We could disguise the Recon armor as some patchwork monstrosity a crazy traveling saleswoman has put together out of unsold torpedo casings. For equipment:

Repulsor Gauntlet

Phase Rifle

Pulse Pistol

Mostly Flashbangs, some Frags

We don't want to kill people here.

>>21779059
>We could disguise the Recon armor as some patchwork monstrosity a crazy traveling saleswoman has put together out of unsold torpedo casings.

>I trust my wares with my life!
I love it.

Otherwise, I agree with your equipment choices. Non-lethal stuff is the way to go.

How many seats do we have after the marines, Linda, and ourself?

>>21779005
What other stuff do we have on our ships that could be of interest to the locals, and easily replaced once we get back to our fleet?

>>21779093
Four seats spare on your 2 shuttles. Alex has five spare on his.

I haven't seen anything to be taken along for barter so far. Unless there are other suggestions you'll just bring spare power packs.

>>21779444
Small arms, ammunition, body armor, medical supplies, heck even stuff as basic as rations, ropes and survival knives would have some value.

>>21779519
Take a bit of everything.

>>21779519
Favour the rations, ropes and survival knives and only bring a little of the other stuff.

>>21779495
So, 13 seats total. I'd say 3 from the crew we rescued, 1 person we think should go (somebody from the command crew, other than Kavos), 3 as a reward of examplary service, and the remaining 6 get raffled off.

You're glad for the empty seat beside you as you toss a bag there filled with scrap you plan to affix to your armor.

The marines and engineers that are coming with you help load the overhead storage racks with items brought along for barter before strapping in and making room for a torpedo on a repulsor cart to be moved into the aisle.

"Is this thing safe? Its not going to go off is it?" Asks Linda as she walks up the ramp.

One of the Marines turn to her. "Mam, if this shuttle were blown up by point defense fire that torpedo has a better chance of surviving than we do."

"That wasn't very reassuring." Linda whispers to you as the loading ramp begins to rise.

"We'll be fine." you tell her.

All four shuttles launch and begin the long flight into the system. It should be a good opportunity to catch up on sleep once you've finished customizations. Some epoxy is enough to attach the pieces of scrap, though you find it necessary to trim them back in some places to prevent it from interfering with movement.

The Sergeant in charge of the marines starts showing the others the best methods of weathering their suits to make it look like they've undergone field repairs. None of it should reduce its effectiveness in warding off fire.

File: 1354059843205.png-(81 KB, 1385x748, WorldGen-islands-magnify2.png)

As the shuttles begin their approach into orbit you start to wonder if it was a good idea to bring all 4 of your shuttles. After all what if they're shot down or otherwise disabled stranding you on the surface?

"Sir, traffic spotters on the ground would like to know which port we're landing at ahead of time."

You frown. "You mean traffic control don't you?"

"No sir. Apparently its a bit of a free for all since there isn't much traffic. They just provide warnings."

You can land at any of the ports on the main island with the exception of the one at higher altitude to the north. It and the airspace around it is restricted for ten km.
>Where to?

>>21780164
The one under the "n" of "contacts" to the north.

>>21780164
Do our scans provide any clue as to why the northern port is restricted?

File: 1354061374853.png-(82 KB, 1385x748, WorldGen-islands-magnify 3.png)

>>21780300
"It looks like they've got starfighters stationed there sir. That launch repulsor could probably hurl them straight into orbit without having to waste fuel. Would be a real "Fuck you" if they were bombers armed with SP's."

>>21780274
This is a result of me being unclear again. Sorry for that.
There are 6 spaceports with launch repulsors on the main island. All of the other contacts are locations without much in the way of infrastructure thereby making them good places to find any missing crew since starships probably wont be there.
You can go ahead and land at one of the contacts but be aware it would be suspicious for your cover story since there would be less buyers.

>>21780536
Ah, okay. Stop at the port closest to the contact then. If things are peaceful enough, we can just claim we're taking an extended vacation after our sales.

File: 1354061761020.png-(116 KB, 1385x748, 1354061374853.png)

>>21780536
Let's land here.

Are ships generally equipped with launch repulsors?

>>21780637
All spacecraft tend to have repulsors to cut down on the amount of dangerous exhaust they have to spit everywhere to lift off. These space ports are equipped with ground side equipment to grab a ship, shuttle or fighter and hurl it into orbit thereby cutting that down even more and meaning less fuel is expended by the ship.
(The more I think about it Repulsor/Tractor beam tech is about as broken as Mass Effect fields.)

>>21780627
>>21780637
Landing site locked in, your shuttles drop into a low orbit and begin to decelerate.
"Final checks." Reminds the Sergeant.

Linda fiddles with her gyrojet pistol then checks the pulse pistol on her right thigh.
"Make sure you keep straight which is which when we land." You tell her. "I wouldn't want you to ruin your vacation because you shot someone with a lethal weapon."

"I'll keep track of them." she assures you.

Linking into the shuttle external sensors you watch the last leg of the flight on your HUD. Beaches on the west side of the island end abruptly as hills covered in trees rise up above ocean level. Its more than two hundred km of dry land until you see water again along with the spaceport and surrounding city stretching out around the inlet.

"This place isn't as small as I'd expected. There are drydocks for ocean freighters, a serious warehousing district and then the city proper."

"I'd say this city could support a million easily sir."

"Ground side is sending us coordinates to a shuttle landing pad water side of the main launch port. We'll have to come in low to avoid larger traffic."

You keep an eye out as the shuttle flight circles around from the south and approaches over the water. No signs of surface to air missiles though there are a few particle beam emplacements around the main structure.

The shuttles from Alex's ship swoop in over the concrete pad first, dropping down mostly on repulsors before carefully setting down. Both of yours are forced slow down then rotate in place using thrust vectoring to land with the aft hatch facing land rather than the edge of the platform.
When the aft door ramp lowers you and the marines are quick to exit, checking to make sure hostiles aren't about to spring from cover to ambush you.

"Paranoid much?" Asks an approaching attendant, a skinny human wearing a bright coloured T-shirt with flower patterns. "Pad usage fees are fifty a day for each shuttle payable up front. You can get a refund for any hours you don't stay on the ground or if the merchants report favourably on their business dealings with you."

"Fifty, thats highway robbery!" protests one of the engineers.

"No, it's an encouragement to do some business while you're here. Everybody take off your helmets I have to scan to make sure you're not carrying any horrible diseases. After that for a modest fee I can secure some transportation to the market district for you."

>what say?

>>21781425
Helmets off. Pay the man.

"Of course none of us have any diseases! Men whose insides are rotting sell less torpedoes. You wouldn't happen to need any torpedoes, would you?"

>>21781425
Okay. I don't see how to refuse without being suspicious as hell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUNvJ5Plo-0

>You wouldn't happen to need any torpedoes, would you?
"Hmm... I think I'll pass. Last time I bought a nuclear weapon everyone thought I was planning to blow up Terrie's Island. Not a good day."

>Okay. I don't see how to refuse without being suspicious as hell.
"Finally, a day where somebody doesn't have a fit when I ask them to take off their helmet. You'd think they were expecting to have their heads shot off by Janson one eye the moment they do."

"Who?" Asks Linda.

"The sniper who lives over there and always puts laser dots on peoples heads the moment they get out of their shuttles." The man points towards a run down looking house on the other side of a taxiway. All of the engineers and a few marines turn and look. One of the younger crewmen panics after realising there's a laser dot on his head and runs back into the shuttle.

"Yeah like that. Don't worry he's completely useless."

"You mean harmless?" you ask.
"I know what I said."

A transport bus arrives a few minutes after the checks begin and your teams begin to load the sleds.

>>21781737
Fun place. Reminds me of Roanapur.

>>21781737
Sounds like my kind of place

>>21781737
It takes a bus and two transport vehicles to move all of your people and the munitions to the market district. Mainly because the Marines charged with safeguarding the torps didnt want them to be left out of sight.

After paying another fee for a stall and storage space at the market you're quickly starting to figure out where there real taxes are. The people in charge of administration likely own ships and a good portion of the property here.

Some of your people would like to spend some time browsing the markets and checking out the city, perhaps you even want to yourself? What security measures do you want in place?

>>21781814
Rotate the guard for the stall. Leave most of the marines there at any given time, with some out escorting other crewmen. We will take three marines with us as we check out the city, while also trying to locate the teleport pods.

>>21781814
People only get to leave in groups of at least 3.

We should definitely spend some time selling our stuff before shopping.

The Market district is a series of streets and roads situated between the space port, warehousing district and the city proper. Its real edges are less than clear as houses nearby have been converted into shops at street level as have a number of smaller warehouses. A pair of damaged light transports and an LST missing most of its port side are technically on spaceport land themselves but markets have taken over their interior.

>>21781863
>We will take three marines with us as we check out the city, while also trying to locate the teleport pods.
>>21781868
>We should definitely spend some time selling our stuff before shopping.
Deciding you need to get some buyers interested in your wares sooner rather than later you head for the other end of the Market district with plans to draw people towards your stall. After that you can start looking around.

If everyone is okay with this Roll 1d100 for attracting the right kind of attention.

>>21781814
Before going out ourselves and exploring the town we should to selling a few things first.
But a good chunk of the marines should remain at the stall while others accompany any crew going out. In a place like this being in small groups might be dangerous.

Rolled 37

>>21781974
Rolling with amazing prices!

Rolled 40

>>21781974
If anybody we brought with us has experience in these things, ask themfor help.

Rolled 37

>>21781974
Third roll as nobody else seems to be here at the moment.

Rolled 34

>>21781974
implying I can't roll worse

"Before I go out and try to get some attention who here has actual experience with what these things are worth, because I have no idea. I sold Rovinar SP weapons one time for a few million but those can do a lot more damage and are harder to find."

Chief Engineer Rha'de reluctantly raises a hand. "I have relations in logistics that have been trying to get rich off selling torpedoes to the House for years. It never works out for them but then again we're selling at discount here."

"You cover things here for a bit Chief and make sure one of the others get the hang of it. We can rotate out in a few hours so you still get to check out the city." The older engineer sighs and agrees to take care of it.

Heading off through the crowds you keep a hand near your weapons at all times. More to protect against pickpockets than for protection.
"You sure you want to do this sir?" Asks a marine Corporal.

"Its okay I've got this." You assure him then ask the Marines to give you some space to not scare off buyers.

"Crazy Has-Ann's Discount Travelling Torpedo Emporium has arrived, so set your price scanners to Discount!!" You belt out, startling more than a few people in the area.

"A torpedo for all situations and all permutations! Great bargain - you buy the torpedo casing and explosive, I'll throw in a detonator! I have sold torpedoes to everyone! No complaints! Tell your friends, tell your family! Bargain torpedoes, most have been never used!
So step right up, because Crazy Has-Ann is here to convert your goods into cold, hard torpedoes at craaaaazy prices!"

You move through the market in the direction of your stall, making sure anyone who hears you knows exactly where to look for your deals.

>>21782343
It turns out your efforts to gather a crowd of buyers were not as successful as you'd hoped, but that isn't the end of the world. A few people do come up to the stall to check on things and make enquiries about the prices. You're even able to point out some features on each of the weapons to a potential buyer.

Looking out of the corner of your eye you spot a kid, carefully easing a pistol out of the holser of an engineer.
"Hey you!" you shout, pointing at the pickpocket.

The kid bolts, gun in hand, ducking behind one of your other crewmen and into a crowd.

>Pursuit Y/N?

If Yes:
[ ] Try to get through the crowd
[ ] Warning shot to clear crowd
[ ] Gain some altitude
[ ] other

>>21782495
Of course we pursue. Crazy Has-Ann's prices are perilously low, but they are not zero.

[x] Try to get through the crowd
[x] Gain some altitude

We and some marines will barrel on through the masses, while other marines (preferably sharpshooters) find a better vantage point.

Everyone left should be on alert in case the kid's a diversion.

>>21782521
Sounds good to me.

File: 1354070159289.jpg-(35 KB, 800x717, Hl1_jump.jpg)

>>21782521
>while other marines (preferably sharpshooters) find a better vantage point.
Marines cant crouch jump the way you can in your armor. Just saying.

Roll 2d20

Rolled 12, 20 = 32

>>21782602
poor them

Rolled 20, 5 = 25

>>21782602
Parkour training is now mandatory. Our marines will become like unto spider-gods, climbing sheer surfaces and leaping out to stab people in the neck.

Would it be possible to use miniature tractors, like the repulsors in our gauntlet, to allow a soldier to adhere to (or pull/manipulate at a distance) solid objects?

>>21782655
>Would it be possible to use miniature tractors, like the repulsors in our gauntlet, to allow a soldier to adhere to (or pull/manipulate at a distance) solid objects?
...yes I suppose. It would require some time intensive modifications, a special interface and power for the system.

>>21781060
>(The more I think about it Repulsor/Tractor beam tech is about as broken as Mass Effect fields.)

>>21782712
There's a reason power loaders are still in use, rather than every cargo tech using his TR Fists to move things around with scientific telekinesis. I assume such technology would turn out to be a lot more expensive than a relatively-primitive hydraulic exoskeleton that could accomplish the same thing.

Still, it would be extremely useful in certain situations. On the R&D list it goes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE_ofAg8POY

"After him! I want someone on the roof!"

You charge towards the crowd, careful to to hurt anyone with your power armor. One wrong step could break a foot or the swing of an arm send a bystander flying. Behind you a trio of Marines move towards another stall, two of them boosting the third up and onto the low roof.

Rounding a corner your HUD's thermal and motion trackers can just barely keep track of the small child. Its a good thing you've had so much combat with this suit, its been just enough experience to know how you can turn the suit to avoid crashing into people.

The Marine now on the roof sprints along the tile roof tops, jumping across an alleyway and onto the next row of stalls. He gets into position just in time to see the kid hand off the gun to another and update the location of both on your HUD.

The second child back tracks towards the spaceport and in the opposite direction of his friend. What he doesn't expect is for you foot to appear out of nowhere to trip him up. Sprawling across the ground he lets go of the pistol which you quickly snatch up.
"Ow, what did you do that for mister?"
"Its lady, and don't take my stuff."

"I don't know what you're talking about, I got that this morning."

"Sure sure." You pick him up by the back of his shirt and head back towards the stall. A minute later a few more of your Marines return with the other child, who's now unconscious.

>>21783048
You, the Marines who were involved and the engineering crewmen have to wait for the authorities to show up. Its amazing there are police of any kind on a planet like this but then again the merchants and smugglers wouldnt want local gangs to be running things and cranking up protection money charges.

The deputy that arrives pulls out a datapad and begins recording.
"So you say this kid stole your gun. You have any witnesses?"
You and two other marines raise your hands.

"And how is this other one involved?"
"They handed off the weapon in the middle of the pursuit." Says the marine that had taken to the rooftops.

"You have proof that this is the same weapon and that there was a handoff?"
The Marine nods "My mission recorder got all of it."

The officer puts away his pad. "Fine, this seems like an easy enough case. What do you want done with them?"

>What say?

>>21783183
What's the usual for something like this around here?

>>21783183
Nothing.

Don't fuck with gypsy kids man, gypsy parents will shank you. Calling the authorities was a bad move in the first place.

>>21783205
"Well these two are both from a local orphanage and keep escaping, so the only real option we have is throwing them into the prison. Or if you wanted to pay we could tag them with trackers so we can find them to do community service."

>>21783207
The Marine on the roof ended up stunning the first kid. Shots were fired so cops were getting called by someone.

>>21783317
Why don't we have them do community service for us? We could use some criers to announce our business.

We might also be able to use them to inconspicuously find out where our teleport pods might be. Of course, we tell no one this.

>>21783348
Putting them to use for us seems like a good move.

"Community service sounds like a plan. Actually, if they could draw the attention of buyers to our stall I think that might be worth dropping the charges."

The deputy looks at both of the kids. "You two paying attention? This lady is offering you a chance at a reduced sentence. What do you say?"

Both mumble a thank you and the deputy heads off but not before warning the marine about firing weapons in a crowded market.
>attracting attention to Torpedo sales +20!

With the emergency resolved and news that you've sold five torpedoes so far you set out to browse the markets.

What things would you like to keep an eye out for?

>>21783512
>What things would you like to keep an eye out for?

Something for Kavos, something for our sister and parents, another personal cloaking device?

If they have an especially delicious local speciality, we might consider getting some for a whole wing.

>>21783512
Medical supplies
Formal wear
Shady types who might know something about recently arrived teleport pods
Plasma pistol power cells (fat chance)

>>21783588
>Shady types who might know something about recently arrived teleport pods
One of the kids inform you that you'd need to find an information broker for this.

>Medical supplies
You brought some down with you to barter with should you go outside the ports. Did you have something specific in mind?

>>21783559
>>21783588
>personal cloaking device
>Plasma pistol fuel cells
Roll 2d100 for these.

Rolled 54, 41 = 95

>>21783722
Does the kid happen to know an information broker?

Rolled 17, 7 = 24

>>21783722
Quick patch or autoinjection thingamajigs that make it easier to keep fighting on the occasions where we forget that our light armor isn't heavy armor.

>>21783837
K. That'll be hard to find, but maybe not impossible.

>>21783771
>Does the kid happen to know an information broker?
"Well, if the price is right then may-"
You don't let him finish. "We're already letting you off easy."

With a bit of a huff he gives you a reluctant "Fine" and tells you where to locate the best connected one in the city.

"This better be legit." you tell him then pluck out a strand of hair. "I just took a DNA sample. With this I can track you from orbit with my ship's new sensors."

"No way." You cant tell if he's in awe or calling bullshit on your bluff.

"Way. So if you're lying I'll come find you later."

"I'm telling the truth!"

"Fine, I believe you. But does my gun in orbit believe you?"

>Those rolls
Still 1 last chance to save it.

Rolled 56, 42 = 98

>>21783914

>>21783914
This kid's going to be watching the skies for a month, waiting for us to blast him.

>>21783979
This is kind of a joke about one of many things I retconned out of this setting long long ago.
>1997
>I know! Faster than light sensors that could scan someones DNA from light years away! This has got to be the best idea ever.
Yeah...

Searching through the market fails to turn up anything remotely resembling a fuel cell for your pistol or holographic camouflage. You did find an energy stun grenade of the type you ordered before setting out for Lat'tham Territory. Damnit, hopefully you don't get charged extra for shipping on those things because of the nav relay being down.

You also found some rather nice dress outfits that don't look like they're meant to have medals pinned all over them. A change of pace from the military look is refreshing.

Still nothing for your parents or sister yet. None of the items for sale in the shops seem to stand out. There's still some time to check other stores in the city before you leave.

Holding off on the search for a medical repair system you catch a ride to the part of the city this information broker is supposed to be. While the surrounding areas are busy and filled with traffic the area immediately surrounding the building you've been told to look for is quiet. There are people entering and exiting but most seem to be in a rush to leave as soon as possible.

Locals direct you to the main entrance where one of the receptionists waves you over. The dividers between each one are sound proofed.
"A new arrival? What can we do for you?"

"I'm looking for someone, or several someones. They would have arrived on the planet some time in the past thirty hours."

"I see. Can you be more specific or should I arrange an appointment with the director?"

>>21784495
"They did not come on a ship there would be a record of."

Telling the receptionist they didn't come on a ship at all would probably give too much away. Appointment time.

File: 1354078808535.jpg-(206 KB, 1200x660, 1327181962941.jpg)

>>21784495
Ate my pic.

>>21784573
"I can get you an appointment in four hours or early tomorrow."

>Ideas for stuff to buy the family? I'm literally drawing a blank here other than maybe a cool knife for sis.
Also: Roll 1d100 for finding a medical repair system.

Rolled 82

>>21784776
continuing this trend of rolling horribly

Rolled 29

>>21784776
It's non-combat stuff, as >>21784821 shows, we're already fine, I guess.

Rolled 78

>>21784776
Four hours is good.

I don't know what kind of housewarming gifts are good in the spacefuture but was our family relocating to our land? If so something useful that reflects this lifestyle change maybe. Damned if I know what though.

>>21784889
>but was our family relocating to our land?
They were not as there was nothing out there at present and it was just your mom and sister living at home now. Especially with your sister having just been moved to a new school a few months ago.

>>21784776
How about a small stand that generates a holographic image of this galaxy, or a bottle of expensive space wine?

>>21784920
RIght, in that case trinkets it is.

>"They did not come on a ship there would be a record of."
"Well I'm sure that will narrow the field down but the results will be a bit above my pay grade. Four hours?"

Deciding to take the appointment in four hours time you resume the search for useful items

Searching the parts of the markets that seem glitzier yet more dangerous at the same time you manage to get hold of a medical field repair device. Its similar to the one that was used to fix your eyes after the implants failed. Its manufacturer is a rather upscale Rovinar company. Undoubtedly it would be worth quite a bit on the markets back home.


>>21784927
That works.
Holographic projectors are things you end up finding in the higher class official looking stores. Still, from what you've seen many of the items in stock are stolen product hauled back from the raids.

Another item that stands out is a grappling hook.
"That beauty caught you eye did it? Its the new smart grapple system. The Terrans have been working on it for ages, finally perfected it, or so they claim. I personally haven't tested its full range of features but I have it on good authority that it will work in nearly any environment. Can be preset for a variety or ranges and gravities or linked into a neural interface for on the fly adjustments. There's even a dead mode for when EM fields are just too darn strong for the systems to handle."

>Trade for 1 torpedo? Y/N

>>21785270
Ask fi we can try it out first.

>>21785270
Gonna need a test drive.

>>21785321
>>21785376
"Well I suppose a happy customer is a returning customer. Still I'll need to hold onto an item of yours just in case you run off with it."

You safe your phase rifle and hand it to him.

Roll 1d20 for batgirl grappling hook.

Rolled 2

>>21785482
Wheee.

Rolled 1

>>21785482
Good thing we just bought medical equipment.

Rolled 2

>>21785482
Let's see if I can improve upon the rolls so far...

Rolled 7

>>21785498
>>21785512
Oh boy, I'm sure we're going to break something.

>Have the captchas become more insane than usually?

>>21785498
>>21785512
>>21785559
Guess this thing is our new vector thrust.

>>21785672
Problem is rolling /tg/ dice shortly after midnight. Zerg Quest picked up on the trend of rolls regularly being very low between 12 and 1am board time and it only took them 80 or so threads.

Rolled 19

>>21785714
Huh, I would have never guessed that.

And Zerg Quest is still running? Jesus Christ.

>>21785876
It actually ended yesterday.

>>21785887
Still, whoa. That quest must have been going for a long time.

Too bad I didn't have the presence on the board to participate after thread 15, or so.

>I'm sure glad you got this roll while outside your ship where you no longer get an Equipment/Experience boost like you did on the averages.

"What's the range on this thing?" You ask the salesman while looking for a good solid target.

"Well, with the gravity I would say that apartment building should be the maximum."

Taking a solid grip of the device since you don't want to pry the extra scrap off of your arms you take aim. The salesman becomes alarmed.
"Maybe you should test it somewhere else? What if you put it through a window by mistake?"

Activating it the grappling head flies skyward towards the top edge of the building which is becoming more indistinct in the fading light of late afternoon. It connects solidly with the concrete at the top and you jump upwards while setting it to retract. The device reels in the line accelerating slightly. Half way you set your feet against the outer wall of the building to steady yourself. The result is that you seem to be running upwards.

Then a vibration runs through the cable. Zooming in with you HUD you spot the grapple head move. Wait, so has the concrete around it. The head isn't the problem the material its embedded into is! You're at the mid point of an arc when realising this, having pushed outwards to avoid a balcony.

Shit.

>>21785994
Why, exactly, do we not get that bonus any longer?

>>21786016
It was highest of three or an average with bonuses. Averages had a tendency to drag down any high rolls making exceptional performances unlikely.

>>21785994
Suddenly you're falling, the cable retracting an order of magnitude faster than a minute ago. You have just enough time to swing the smart grapple into line with a lower balcony. The grappling head retracts and you immediately fire. This time it hits the railing and grabs hold but you're already dangerously close to the ground. Flashing past the railing line goes taught snapping your arms upward and filling the air with the familiar sound of deforming metal. Namely the railing.

A ninety degree course change swings you into one of the lowest levels on the building. Your knees slam into the concrete balcony while the rest of you keeps on going, smashing through the apartment windows at near terminal velocity. You vaguely register a couch breaking into pieces around you followed by some wooden objects. Then you're at a stop, a stream of water pouring down onto your helmet from a kitchen sink you seem to be lodged under.

The armor diagnostics readout shows heavy damage to your knees. Both organic and mechanical. The important thing is they're still attached to your legs.

>What do?

>>21786039
>Hmm, yes. I know we're kinda test-driving the "highest of 3 rolls" right now, but why don't we get a bonus any more?
>It's not like our crew or equipment has suddenly become crap.

Anyway, make sure we haven't landed on anybody, then call for help.

>>21786263
You're also not piloting a starship right now.

>Anyway, make sure we haven't landed on anybody, then call for help.
"Reynard to away team, I'm going to need a medic at my location ASAP. Expect local emergency personal to be on scene soon."
"Copy that. Closing on your location."

Looking around through your limited field of view there doesn't seem to be anyone immediately outside the kitchen cabinet. Flailing around for a few seconds more you grab hold and heave yourself out and onto the floor.
The path of destruction leads right through the living room and kitchen island. A car alarm is going off outside. The railing from a few floors above must have landed on it.

Dragging yourself along the floor it doesn't seem like anyone was home. There isn't any sign of blood and nothing was turned on. Speaking of which you do the owners the favour of shutting off the water valve so that the flood doesn't spread.

File: 1354086595343.jpg-(38 KB, 634x349, LockesWheelchair.jpg)

>>21786432
Will pick this up in the morning. Feel free to make plans beyond chasing what the information dealer may or may not have for you.

Oh yeah, did you want to reschedule the appointment to the next morning or wheel your ass in there?

>>21786513
Wheels.

Also, try to get one of these grappling hooks for free.

bump

>>21786432
With our luck we'll get the same cops that were on duty when we were hunting children. Hopefully the immense profits from our torpedo business will pay for the damage.

I guess this shows how hard it is to be Batman.

Anyway, after we're patched up, assuming the armor's camo still works, we'll likely need to use it to investigate any leads on the teleport pods. Unless the crew had the extreme good fortune to pop into a deserted jungle and bury the thing before anyone found it, they and the pod have probably been picked up by someone. We should properly recon that someone and his position before we start bargaining.

If we have no leads, we'll investigate the most likely contacts first, and move on. I'm hoping our scanners will be able to differentiate between shielded cargo bays and the pod at close range. We should use our cover story to get close, if possible, but if not we still have our armor.

Unlocking the door to the apartment from the inside is easy enough, you make sure its open so your backup doesn't break it as well. The Marines being nearby arrive before the emergency crews.
"Sir are you alright? What happened?"
You don't know how the Marines got through the security door downstairs. Hopefully they did it without breaching charges.

"Wrecked my knees. I bought a medical repair system but I don't have a scanner to check the damage before using it."

The medic starts doing some scans. "Its a good thing you had your armor on sir or your knees would be dust. Instead you've got damage to the muscles and tendons, along with some micro fractures to the bones."

"Cant wait to file this report later." You mutter as two of the others lift and carry you out, one of your arms over each of their shoulders. They set you down outside where two police officers are taking statements.
"Please don't be the same one we ran into earlier." You pray.

"Sir, do you want us to secure transport back to the shuttles?" Asks a Corporal while the medic starts detaching parts of your leg armor.

"No. Find me a wheel chair, anything. I need to keep an appointment."

>>21787113
"Why are you in a wheelchair?"
"Clearly, you didn't understand the 'Crazy' part of 'Crazy Has-Ann', sir."

You direct one of the Marines to make payment on the smart grapple and see if they can get a two for one deal due to "issues of reliability." Really the thing worked near perfectly its just that the part of the building you targeted was no good.

It takes a half hour for the Police to question everybody and the owners of both the building and the apartment to show up. Then the yelling starts. Between the two of them they want twenty thousand for repairs to drop the charges. Considering the damage you caused might be worth one thousand at most its a bit of a joke.

Still, you keep from laughing as it might make the situation worse.

[ ] Pay
[ ] Try to talk them down to a lower price (Roll 1d20)
[ ] Other

Rolled 13

>>21791336
Talk em down

Rolled 15

>>21791382
Second attempt

Rolled 6

>>21791336
talk them down

You strike a bargain with the owners, talking them down to five thousand, though you still consider it a horrid case of overspending.

A marine returns with a wheelchair that looks sturdy enough for you and your armor. Once sitting down the medic sets up the repair unit and tells you to move your leg as little as possible.
"Your suit administered a mild local anesthetic earlier so that your knees wouldn't hurt as badly. Are you otherwise alright?"

"I just spent more money on damages than my salary as a Knight brings in every three months. I'll be okay once we're off this damn planet."

Getting transport back to the information broker takes longer than planned and you're almost late for your appointment. You briefly consider jumping up out of the chair and rushing inside then remember the state of your legs.

Leaving your escort behind in the lobby you roll on through following an attendant. A set of doors that you suspect act as an airlock and security scanner are all that stand between you and the director's officer. Most of the interior is made of glass except for the floor and desk where a Kavarian woman is sitting.

"Kyriss Valo" She introduces herself. "I was just... why are you in a wheelchair?"
"Clearly, you didn't understand the 'Crazy' part of 'Crazy Has-Ann', Madame."

The other woman seems to think about your response then continues.
"So, you're looking for people that did not arrive on the planet openly or by means that would leave a record. I've managed to sift through the myriad reports my office collects and have compiled a suitable list. Due to the nature of things on this planet I can help you by narrowing down the field to a more manageable number."

"Why, how many of these are there in a day?" you ask.

"More than would be safe to tell you about. What additional data can you provide?"

>What say?

>>21791798
They would have come here by way of emergency teleport pods.

File: 1354125136425.png-(306 KB, 1400x700, WorldGen-islands3.png)

>>21791901
"Interesting." She updates her data then activates a display.
"These are the most likely locations. Three spaceports on the south islands and five outposts among the northern islands. The outposts and settlements should be able to accommodate a shuttle or two should you go looking for them. Is this sufficient or would you like me to dig deeper? You will have to wait until morning if I keep looking."

[ ] This is fine
[ ] Keep looking
[ ] Other

>>21792045
Does the price change if she keeps looking?

>>21792085
Yes.

"What would you want in terms of payment should I ask to you keep looking?"

"Well as my contacts and I would be doing most of the work for you I think a Shield piercing torpedo would be in order."

You cough, glad that you weren't drinking anything.
"SP Torpedo? Those don't grow on trees you know."

"I'm aware. With a ship like yours odds are you would go out of your way to keep a reserve of such weaponry for emergencies."

Y/ N/ Survey ?

>>21792193
No. We'll search the eight locations ourselves and try to recoup our losses by continuing to sell things.

Maybe the teleport pod just happened to land on the largest diamond ever. That'd be nice.

>>21792219
I wonder what would happen to the price of diamonds once a civilization gets out among the stars?
http://news.yale.edu/2012/10/11/nearby-super-earth-likely-diamond-planet

>What is the diamond planet worth? The answer: $26.9 nonillion ($26.9 followed by 30 zeros).

>>21792193
"You'd be shocked how often those emergencies occur."

I can't see an SP torp being on the table unless this nice information broker produces any crew that might have arrived here, instead of just giving us possible false leads.

>>21792279
depends, does a mega-corp still manage to inflate the prices into the sky or is the monopoly lost?

You guys decide where to search first and what kind of team you'll be bringing along.
(I'm assuming you'll be going as well despite the injuries?)

I'll be back in a few minutes.

After politely turning down the information broker's offer to investigate further you see about the payment for what you've already been given and wheel yourself out.

Regrouping in the market district it seems only a few engineers have been hurt in bar fights and none badly. Sales of the torpedoes have been slow but steady, with 60% of the reserve you were willing to part with having been bought. Those in charge of your stall have been in contact with Alex and one light transport has already been out to pick up the weapons they bought.

With night fall many of the stalls are closing and the Marines quickly work out who will be on watch.

Did you want some of your people to continue sales the next day?

>>21792803
Yes, continue sale. I think we should search the spaceports first, bringing a bunch of marines and anyone who's good with a scanner. Hopefully it won't take too much effort to get a fix on the pod once we're close.

We're up to 4 votes now. Some options are in the lead but that could easily change.

Apparently I need to pay attention to comic books or or just spend some time on /co/. I had no idea about Barbara Gordon ending up in a wheelchair and becoming Oracle. What an amusing coincidence. Oh well, I only watched the animated series and some of Justice League.

Current leading votes
1) Keep selling Torps
2) Send 2 shuttles, each checks a different location
3 Investigate the 3 Ports in the south Islands

>>21793154
Out of all the injuries we've had, getting our legs busted during a completely accidental OH YEAH through an apartment is probably the most comical.

I can just see Winifred palming her face as we tell her about this, and then slowly letting her head sink to the desk as we tell her we followed up by buying another grappling hook.

>>21793454
Fought an appartment building and almost got her knees pulverised in the fight should provide in interesting read in our memoires.

Especially when you consider we did more damage to the building than it did to us.

>>21793454
on the subject of Winnifred...

does anyone else find it odd that she got called away from the ballroom ambush and then somehow ended up being recovered along with Drake? I'm not sure if that means Drake was up to something, Winifred was up to something, or they just both qualified for special treatment by the clones due to being human female officers...

>>21793505
Probably means Drake is a nark for her.

>>21793505
I'd think that if she was up to something, she wouldn't have let her ship get destroyed.

File: 1354135114888.png-(49 KB, 705x809, WorldGen-islands-magnify 4.png)

>About to post. Check survey again. Have to change everything.

Making sure enough marines stay behind to guard the stall and engineers you head back to the shuttles.
"Sir, are you alright?" Asks one of the shuttle pilots.

"I'll be fine. I need all of the shuttles prepped for takeoff. We'll be operating in pairs. Two are making a flight to the southern continent, the other two are checking the north."

"Yes sir! We'll be ready to lift in fifteen minutes."

You have approximately a squad of marines for each shuttle. Less actually but their numbers are filled out by a few crew from the other ship. For once you're glad your current shuttle has a landing ramp leading into the aft bay, its easy to roll a wheelchair up the incline.

Transferring yourself into a jumpseat and securing the folding mobility device takes a few minutes, then you're strapped in and ready. Your knee that's being repaired by the medical system is starting to hurt like hell. All of this movement probably isn't helping.

By the time the shuttles lift off its dark out and the lights of the city illuminate its crescent shape more clearly than daylight had.

"Where are our two shuttles going sir? The North or the South?" Asks the pilot.

[ ] North. You want to see those outposts yourself, you've seen enough city.
[ ] South. You need the flight time for a rest.

>>21793754
South is probably the smarter choice.

>>21793754
[x] South

I still say that we should be at least partially paranoid of Drake and/or Winifred. It is just too strange that only those two were separated to our knowledge. I'll laugh if both were having secret affairs or something.

>>21793961
>I still say that we should be at least partially paranoid of Drake and/or Winifred. It is just too strange that only those two were separated to our knowledge. I'll laugh if both were having secret affairs or something.

Or, you know, Winifred passed her off as an important member of her staff so she'd at least have some support wherever they took her.

We should still be somewhat wary of Drake, I agree. Have Kavos check her files when we're back. She should have seen enough of those to have the intuition if there's something wrong with them.

>>21793961
Winifred is crafty but so far it has been for the benefit of our House. Even if she does have things going it they probably aren't something we should be too worried about.

>>21793754
South. Some rest might be the best for our captain at the moment

"We're headed south."

The pilot gives a thumbs up in response and throttles up, pulling off towards the right to follow the coastline until you're far enough away from the city. Three hundred km out you start to gain altitude and turn south west, passing over the mountains of the main island. The climb levels out above thirty thousand meters, high enough that the shuttles can go hypersonic.

The flight ends up being a short one but still longer than flying to the nearest outpost. Traffic around the first of the southern ports you approach is heavier delaying landing. Your approach isn't outright refused but when a Y-type transport launches for orbit you don't want to be in the way.

After the atmospheric shock waves subside your shuttles drop in and set down on a set of landing pads similar to those at the other city. Customs scans are kept to a minimum this time and your two squads head into the space port terminal to discuss plans.

"The shuttles picked up five likely sensor signatures in this city. Most are around the ports. We'll need to check them out to see if one of them is the capsule."

Will you be joining the search around the spaceport, in the city or sitting this one out? You're still confined to your chair atm.

Roll 5d100

Rolled 74

>>21794247
Whichever is easier to access for our chair. Stay in the background, though. We don't want to get in anybody's way.

>First roll

Rolled 8

>>21794315
>Roll number 2

Rolled 7

>>21794321
>3

Rolled 67, 100, 19, 16, 45 = 247

>>21794247
Time to find us some missing crew!

Rolled 2

>>21794352
>4

Rolled 80

>>21794357
>5

Guess >>21794356 has easily improved on the crap I've rolled so far.

>>21794372
On the bright side the 100 will bring us something good and things can only look up from here!

Rolled 86, 31, 36, 25, 35 = 213

>>21794247
We should probably stay with the ship and coordinate things or go to the easiest contact

time to fail at dice, but hopefully not as badly as anon with single rolls...

You decide it would be best to stick near the spaceport and by extension the shuttles as it will take longer for you to retreat. A few people give you odd looks, one old human with a large beard even laughs at your appearance but you ignore him. Data centers in the spaceport terminal prove to have good up to date maps of the city and rough overviews of ships currently docked. It costs a bit to get in but its worth it.

Your two teams in the city are the first to report back. Scrapped starships seem to have been used to build a number of housing developments over the years. In one building the sensor reflective remains were merely used as flooring material, but in another it was a sub basement for a larger hotel where contraband seems to have been stored for years. Nothing that would be of value to you remains unfortunately.
A few minutes after signing off the same team contacts you again. The current hotel owner was apparently unaware of the setup down below and in return for finding it (and the contraband) is offering a discount on one of the starfighters in her brother's lot.

>>21794714
You look up the starfighter lot from your terminal and find that they have more available types than you might have figured.

>Terran
TF-27H Crossbow
Tarketta Needle Fighter
Arrow Interceptor
Arrow-A (Atmospheric upgrade)
Arrow-T (Light attack bomber, 2 torp hardpoints)

>Dominion
Z5
Z5A (Atmosphere only)
Z5A II (Space type with atmosphere upgrade)
Z5L
Z5H Attack Bomber

>Kavarian
V-600 Marauder
V-688 Enforcer
Iratar Corp MRF

>Republic
RF-01 Jumpjet
"Scimitar"
Type-2 Light Fighter
Type-4 Attack Bomber
Type-6 Attack Bomber(NEW!)

>>21794887
Ask Kavos for her input on what we should get. As I recall, our Needle was mostly vaporized, but we don't necessarily have to replace it here. I'm particularly interested in the specs on the Crossbow, MRF, Scimitar, and Type-6.

>>21794887
Which one is the fastest?

>>21794714
>>21794887
Are there any good investment opportunities here? We could at least dump some of those illegal diamonds from the cover operation here, but this world may be too out-of-the-way for that to be practical.

>>21794934
The one painted red. Better question. Which one is the best interceptor?

One of the teams checking the far side of the port signal that their target is clear. A Constellation class light transport that has most of its hull open for repairs rules out any chance of concealing the pod.
The other two teams exploring the docks have some trouble. A Kavarian transport has one of the suspected contacts on board and the crew isn't willing to let anyone see it without a bribe.

The situation with the remaining sensor contact is worse. Another light transport with a fully shielded cargo hold is also in dry dock but members of her crew didn't much care for the look of your people. They fired warning shots almost as soon as they saw them.

>Crossbow
Museum piece is the short description. Deployed in the last weeks of battle of Sol these heavy fighters make up for their poor handling by carrying small calibre kinetic turrets. Or it was enough to do so centuries ago. Without a modernization upgrade these fighters are incredibly vulnerable to just about anything.

>Scimitar
An interceptor used by the Republic up until the Faction Wars, they were completely outclassed by the newer model Enforcer starfighters deployed by the Kavarians. Rather than go through a lengthy system upgrade program many of these fighters were put into reserve until they could be replaced then sold off. If properly upgraded performance should be equivalent to that of other interceptors.

File: 1354142559380.gif-(26 KB, 981x863, RF-350 Type-6 Attack Bomber.gif)

>>21794907
>MRF
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/18136605/#18137024

>Type-6
A new generation of Attack bomber developed by Republic fleet systems just before the civil war kicked off. It can carry two more torpedoes bringing the total to six with only a minimal performance reduction. Maneuverability in atmosphere was actually improved over its predecessor and better engine efficiency means range isn't affected. Despite the effort put into it development many Generals dismissed it as being too expensive for the gain of only 2 more warheads.

>>21794934
>>21794974
>Fastest

In space its a tie between the Needle and Z5L. The baseline Arrow and Arrow-A can almost match them but would require custom engines to really do it.

In atmosphere the Arrow-A and Z5L are tied while the Needle lags behind because of the shape of her intakes.

>>21795385
Which is best at keeping other Star-fighters out of our hair?

>>21795385
Well the Z5L is also Dominion so if this is going to be our new personal fighter, it seems like the way to go.

>>21795307

I kind of want to get that Type-6, if the price is right. Or at least talk them into holding onto it until we can maybe come back later to buy it or let our Republic Merc buddies know where they could find replacement ships?

>>21795405
That's fairly objective. Lighter starfighters are faster and can get out to where they need to be more quickly but cant take as many hits. Heavier Interceptors like the Enforcer remain popular among military and paramilitary forces because you can lose an engine or two and still stay in the fight.

Most Republic fighters as always remain missile boats rather than gun fighters like the others. Because of this they can often engage more targets simultaneously but have to worry about ammo.

>>21795120
>Kavarian Transport
"Think they'll enjoy a free sample of Crazy Has-Ann's wares?"

>Light Transport
Perhaps this one requires a personal touch or another bribe!

>>21795500
Our starfighter usage thus far has been mostly about GOING FAST, and it is unlikely that we will be hurling ourselves into dogfights when we have a perfectly good attack cruiser.

Z5L seems like the best replacement for our old fighter.

>>21795500
What's the price difference between the Type-6 and Z5L?

>>21795542
Well if everyone thinks sticking to the light fighter category is a good idea I could put up a survey with just them in it.

>>21795510
You contact the squads returning from the city and other parts of the port and tell them to double time it to both of the other locations.
The Kavarian transport should be easy enough to bribe provided they aren't leaving in the immediate future. The light transport is another matter entirely. Better go check it out.

Arriving at the repair docks where the smaller transport is located you see that the Marines and crewmen have taken cover a safe distance away but have otherwise surrounded the ship.

"Sir, are you sure you should be out here?" Asks a Sergeant upon seeing you.

You give him an 'are you shitting me?' look then ask about police presence.

"I don't think they've contacted the authorities but there must be other ships or civilians nearby that would have."

>What do?

>>21795791
The Type 6 is 20% more expensive by Z5L's are already rather expensive because of their armor.

>>21795873
Okay, thanks. How much of a discout do we get?

>>21795816
Attempt to contact the vessel. Ask them what their problem is.

testing

>>21795894
Roll 1d10 for discount adjustment.

>>21795963
You contact the ship after switching through a number of local channels and get what must be their coms officer.

"Hi is this the ship docked at the end of pier 14?"
"Yeah, this is light transport Trapped in Shipyard, Send Help. What can I do for you?" asks a younger Kavarian on the other end of the line.

"Are you..." You stop to think that through. "Wait that's the name of your ship?"

"You must not be from around here. What do you want?"

"I'd like to talk to your captain but my men were shot at the moment they approached. What's your problem?"

There's a pause and some noise in the background then the coms officer speaks up again. "You're not with Draigo's gang? They always wear armor like that."

"What? No, we're looking for someone and thought your Captain might know where to find them."

Another minute of conversation gets you an agreement for you and three of your marines to approach the ship to talk.
>Did you want to change the terms of the conversation at all?

Rolled 4

>>21796488
rolling before i head off to sleep

Rolled 5

>>21796488
>Rolling.

Well, I guess this as good as it gets. But wouldn't an encrypted channel be just as good without putting us in danger?

>516/741-4228 ewsJews
>Jesus Christ. captcha

>>21796488
I've no changes to make, so long as we find out if these guys have our men.

Rolled 4

>>21796488
Last go.

25% discount on starfighter purchase!
>But wouldn't an encrypted channel be just as good without putting us in danger?
Maybe.

You and three marines make your way towards the base of the transport's cargo loading ramp. The smugglers hold their fire, telling you to stop where you are at the bottom. The largest human you've ever seen walks down the ramp escorted by a few guards. Seven feet tall and seemingly just as wide the giant is wearing body armor that looks more like a long skirt.

"You bunch of morons." He addresses his crew. "You really think Draigo would send a troop lead by a crippled rag doll to take us out? What is it you want?" He says turning his attention towards you.

"We're looking for emergency teleport pods."

He shrugs. "Look I'm not in the mood for selling, three of my people have been killed just this week so its not the best time. There must be someone who can sell you an intact system. Terrie why do waste my time like this?"

"We don't need the pod, we're looking for the crew."

"Oh! That is much more interesting." He frowns. "We don't have them go away."

>What say?

>>21796488
Well we aren't the guys they thought we were so we may as well be polite.

>>21796865
Do you know if anyone does?

>>21796865
You do have an idea who might know where they are, right?

>>21796893
"Draigo would still have them but knowing him he'll sell them to an information broker in a few more days. None of his ships are supposed to leave until next week and he hates having to look after prisoners. You can find his men at a bar called the Nebula Dancer. I would start there. "

"What do we owe you for the information?" you ask.

"If you could kill the head of the gang and make it look like an accident that would be funny enough that I would consider it payment."

>>21797136
No promises but we'll see how negotiations with them go.

Also would appreciate a few of my marines getting a look around your ship. Not that I don't trust you, of course.

>>21797237
We probably shouldn't call the marines.

>>21797136
This is a what do btw.

You have some options. Negotiate, Attack the bar, contact the police about how to deal with this, see one of the information brokers in this city, etc.

>>21797237
>Also would appreciate a few of my marines getting a look around your ship. Not that I don't trust you, of course.
The smuggler captain stops walking up the ramp and turns back to you. Look I am being patient and courteous with you, but I don't want ANYONE knowing the layout of my ship's interior now that I'm rebuilding it. Especially if they go and get themselves captured. So go away or my men and I will get thirty-sixth century on your asses."

You see the others gripping their weapons a bit more tightly.

>>21797378
Fair enough.

Head to the bar and attempt negotiations. Have the EX-K monitor the Trapped in Shipyard, Send Help from orbit just in case it starts doing suspicious things.

>Why the hell is this thread up among the January 2012 entries in the archive instead of the other Nov 2012 ones?

>>21797484
Everyone okay with this?

If so, how many people are heading there to negotiate and are you yourself going?
You have 1 mostly good knee now. One of the medics helps you set the repair system up on your other one but advises you to take it easy and have both looked at when you're back on the ship.

>>21797706
No idea what is going on with the archive

Sounds like a good plan, and since we are already out and about might as well go along with a few marines and the medic.

We must spread the name of Crazy Has-Ann everywhere!

Giving the smugglers plenty of space you head back to the shuttles to regroup once again. The bribe to the other ship goes through and the marines allowed aboard confirm that while there is a Faraday cage from an emergency teleporter it isn't from one of your ships.

You contact the EX-K and tell them to track the transport if they lift off, and to tell you the moment they do. The medic advises against any more action for you but what the hell, its only going to be some negotiation what the worst that can happen?

A bus ride lands you at the Nebula Dancer bar where a flashy hologram of a woman twirling a nebula around her like a hula hoop lights up the exterior. Even from outside you can tell the interior lighting is much more subdued.

"Sir, this place isn't wheelchair accessible."
God dammit. You pull out your rifle and extend the stock as far as possible, using it as a cane.

The only lighting inside comes from an illuminated neon pink wall in front of which are hundreds of bottles of alcohol. Without your night vision this place would be a deathtrap for using a cane. Even one of the Marines have trouble navigating the tables and chairs.

"No dancers." Observes the medic. Maybe its too late in the evening. Only about a third of the seats are full, and most of those closer to the walls or the bar. You sit down on one of the stools and call the bartender over.
>What say? You may get different responses depending on how you word it.

>>21798380
Things really slowed down today. I wonder if it's because of the season that people are absent.

Order a drink and cut right to it. "I was told I could find Draigo here. I have an offer for him, if you know where he is."

>>21798999
That's some of it. Although I liked it better when were commanding an intact military unit. It seems like we backslid a bit in this arc.

You offer your hand to the bartender. "Crazy Has-Ann, Travelling Torpedo Emporium, how do you do?"

The bartender doesn't take your hand, continuing to polish a glass. "What can I get you."

"I was told I could find Draigo here. I have an offer for him, if you know where he is."

"Right. I'll go get him for you." The man puts the glass down beneath the bar and walks over to one of the doors, disappearing around the corner.

There's a noise and then two groups of what have to be gang members appear from the service doors to the left and right of the bar.

A dozen of them level their weapons at your group. The few remaining patrons of the bar make themselves scarce.
"Well this cant be good."

"You're going to have to come with us. Put your weapons on the bar."

[ ] Start shooting
[ ] Go along
[ ] Other

>>21799240
That and this particular arc seems to be dragging on. I hope House La'tham gets its ass kicked soon so we can get back to macro-managing.

>>21799240
I like the change of pace, though reuniting with what is left of our fleet (provided they won the battle) should be our top priority after we find our missing crew.

>>21799275
Go along, but leave the marines here and armed. Ask for a replacement cane.

Worse comes to worse we're still wearing power armor.

>>21799333
This. We'll go, but the marines will not come with us.

>>21799333
Sounds reasonable, seconded.

You unholster your weapons and put them on the bar, the rest of your people doing the same.
"I could use a cane."

One of the gang members moves up, checks you're not carrying any more weapons then grabs and an old wooden cane from behind the bar.
"You guys should wait here, I have the feeling this shouldn't take long." you tell the others.

You're shown into a back room on the other side of a sturdy blast door. An unremarkable man wearing a black helmet covering everything above the mouth is there waiting. Draigo, if this is really him, appears to be more than a little annoyed at your presence.

"Using my name out in the bar like that, just announcing it to the masses. You're either stupid, not from around here, or both. What do you want?"

You consider antagonising him but decide it would be a bad idea.
"I'm looking for some crew from an emergency teleport capsule. I've heard you might know where they are and if you do I'm prepared to pay for them."

"You're not slavers, they don't go out of their way to find people. You're not with the warlords, they would have blockaded the planet all at once. If you're here on behalf of the Terran Alliance I wont trade my prisoners for anything less than... a dozen SP torpedoes."
He nods looking smug.
"Oh and good luck if you're looking for them here, they've already been moved. None of my men know where to so bribing or torturing them wont do you any good."

>What do/Say?

>>21799751
As long as our marines aren't under heavy guard back in the bar, I suggest this:

"Only you know where they are? Simple, then."

Engage camo, and immediately duck down, then take Draigo to the floor. Exactly how we do this (repulsor gauntlet, cane-to-leg) doesn't matter as long as we don't kill him or damage the important part, his head. Keep him down with a well-placed palm. Announce that anyone who leaves the room will be brutally murdered by the micro-explosive beads hidden behind our exterior armor. Then tell Draigo to start talking. Do not disengage camo.

>>21799751
We aren't here on behalf of the Terran Alliance, if his prisoners are Terran Alliance, we aren't interested.

If he knows anyone with some considerably less valuable Dominion prisoners, we might be willing to bargain.

>>21799751
Good thing I'm not here on the behalf of the Terran Alliance, either, eh?

And since I have no clue why you would think I was sent here by the Terrans, I must assume you don't have the people I'm looking for.

(Or were there Terrans on those ships?)

>>21800022
>(Or were there Terrans on those ships?)
There were not. Some humans yes, but Terrans no.

>>21799751
"Clearly you've never dealt with the Terran Alliance before. A bit of advice, you don't negotiate with the Terran Alliance, the Terran Alliance tells you what you'll accept. If you have something they want, they kill you and everyone around you. If you have something they don't want others to have, they make this quaint little smuggler planet cease to exist and no one will ever know. Now then, what exactly were you foolish enough to believe would get you a dozen SP torpedoes?"

Seriously, little gang-baby doesn't know shit about the Terran Alliance, it would seem.

>>21799751
"The Terran Alliance isn't the only power to have humans in its military. Your assumption that I have a dozen SP torps is in error."

>>21800335
I have a very important quesiton. What happened to the guy with recon power armor?

>>21800335
I imagine that the man in the picture is gesturing to someone in power armor who has gotten themselves stuck in an apartment.

>>21800335
>[ ] Not our problem, have a nice day

That was actually meant as in, not our problem, but if you make a better offer, you might have yourself a deal.

>>21800382
Err... jump get power armor

>>21800335
I vote for this is not our problem, but we may as well make an offer on the Terran prisoners anyway after making it clear that we are Dominion and his odds of finding Terrans willing to negotiate with him are incredibly slim.

>>21800230
"The Terran Alliance isn't the only power to have humans in its military. Your assumption that I have a dozen SP torps is in error."

He points to the arm of his sleeve. "They have unit patches that read TCS Odyssey on the uniforms. If you're not here for them why are you bothering me?"

"Let me put it this way, if you know anyone with some considerably less valuable Dominion prisoners, we might be willing to bargain."

>>21800382
>>21800429
He was with the heavy strike team boarding the ships. Most of the unit was scattered as those who were wounded had to be taken off the line. The Knight Commander was trying to recover House Personnel that might have ended up on other ships so its possible some of the team is back together again on board the House Carriers.

>>21800420
LOL

>>21800423
Noted.

>>21800593
>TCS Odyssey

Well we don't have any SP Torpedoes to offer, but perhaps we could still reach an accord for some of your Terrans

>>21800593
"We could take them off your hand however. We could probably get the terrans to cover our expenses, and you avoid the chance of them turning this planet into a billiard ball to protect some national secret that everyone knows. They're kinda assholes."

>>21800593
>They have unit patches that read TCS Odyssey on the uniforms

Ahahahaha, you're SO fucked.

Vote is leading with intimidate followed by Not our problem (negotiate.)

Roll 1d100 to intimidate this guy into negotiating.

Rolled 14

>>21800875
It's not between 0-1am 4chan time right now, I hope?

Rolled 8

>>21800875
For real he's in way over his head.

>>21800900

Dice still hate us either way it seems.

Rolled 44

>>21800875
This guy has no idea how many Terran black ops are going to be knocking on his door.

Rolled 42

>>21800875
We are know as "Crazy" Has-Ann for a reason

>>21800958
I hope this puts us into "He doesn't believe you" territory rather than "He laughs in your face and asks if you're that same asshole who destroyed his grandmother's apartment."

>>21800900
>>21800912
>>21800958
>>21800971
Considering how close these two rolls down in the same minute are, and when taking what has happened so far into account, I guess the dice function really is shit.

>>21800996
Ah, I am now remembering the dangers of the "best of 3" system. But so far we haven't done that bad

>>21801034
I think the problem is that the dice function uses the timestamp of the post as its seed.

So if two people roll at the same time, they get the same result. And it seems if the roll at nearly the same time, they get nearly the same result.

>Dice
Has anyone tested this one? I'm wondering if it would be prone to the same problems as I use it for some rolls on occasion.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/dice/dice.htm


You give him your best Terran propaganda treatment. For the most part you draw on your personal dealings with them trying to impress upon him just how utterly screwed he is if the Terrans take note. He has trouble believing they were ready to destroy a fleet of Dominion ships but he's starting to catch on.
"Tell you what. I'll buy them off you for a reasonable rate and see that they get where they need to go, you get to remain perfectly safe."

"Hold up. I'm selling these guys to an information broker in a few days for a price nearly matching what I'm asking. They have way better success with ransoms, why should I give them to you now?"

"Because the Terrans might show up before that exchange happens. Then they're going to fuck over you and everyone within a few hundred meters of you. Its not pretty."

The gang leader seems reluctant but is willing to hear an offer.
>What are you offering this guy?

>>21801218
'Check out this awesome grappling hook'

For real though maybe some regular torpedoes, miscellaneous supplies/small arms, a starfighter or two if we have any to spare.

>>21801218
"Ah yes, an information broker. And when those Terrans are ransomed and report being tortured, the broker will be the first to sell you and your gang out to the Terran Black Ops, because they would never allow such treatment to occur while they held the prisoners. It must have been that vile gangster and his greed that is responsible!"

I'm tempted to offer him ~30 conventional torps, not knowing what the general ratio of value is between SP/conventional torps...

We want just enough to be undercutting the information broker, while convincing him that we happen to like this planet and are more than willing to ensure he gets plenty of time to get his ass hidden elsewhere.

>>21801218
>I'm using http://anydice.com/ but their rolling function is still listed as "beta" so no clue if it's actually fair.

Well, we do have torpedoes. Only regular ones, but more than twelve.

There's also the other stuff we brought here to trade with.

If that doesn't interest him, ask him what else he would be willing to settle for.

>SP torpedo is good sure, but does nothing a dozen regular ones could do just as well. And cheaper.
>Also doesn't get ones ship on the priority target list as easily as SP torpedo does.

>>21801354
>>21801392
>>21801400
"A'right. Normal torps, guns, supplies, those are all good. Sounds like we might have a deal. Only one thing though."

You get ready to turn on your camo and rush the bastard if he tries anything.

"Who told you I would be here at this bar?"

>Tell him? Y/N

>>21801478
>>Tell him? Y/N
>N

"Paid an information broker for possible locations where I might what I'm looking for. I'd make a joke about it costing me an arm and a leg, but as you can see, there's currently not much demand for arms."

>>21801478
"Some asshole that had a far better defensive position on his ship."

Are we planning to go through with killing this guy and making it look like an accident, or will we just move on?

>>21801554
I don't like the idea of becoming a killer for just a bit of information.

Send him a gift basket with a few torpedoes, and that's it.

>>21801554
Nope, he didn't have our people.

>>21801577
>Send him a gift basket with a few torpedoes, and that's it.

The captain of the other ship, I mean.

>"Paid an information broker for possible locations where I might what I'm looking for. I'd make a joke about it costing me an arm and a leg, but as you can see, there's currently not much demand for arms."
"Heh. Didn't pay one so they broke your legs?"

"Actually I hit a balcony while base jumping."

"Whatever. Deliver the torpedoes to this warehouse." He hands you a card. You should be able to hire one of the transports that still have to pick up warheads from your ships to make the delivery. Telling the engineers to stop selling any more is also a priority.

"I'll make some calls and have the prisoners at the next spaceport west of here in four hours. If you try to follow me the deal is off." He waves you towards the front and you limp back into the bar.

Drago drags one of his people aside that had been standing guard. "Marcie, I want you to stay here with your step brother and don't tell anybody anything about me you got that?"
"Yeah boss, sure thing."
"Now no more going near the spaceport, it's dangerous out there." He chuckles. "I mean you get me so worried some times I'd probably kill you if you went back out there. Got it?"
You see her nod in return then the gang leader heads for the door.
"Give them their guns back once I'm out of here." He orders.

>>21801554
May prove difficult when he still has the prisoners.

Getting things in place with time to spare is a bit hectic but you manage it. Your two shuttles head west to the next spaceport and set down. The medical repair device beeps to inform you its done so you call over the medic. There are plenty of marks from small incisions but they're sealed. The damage to your muscles and tendons has been fixed.
"Please, please, take it easy. You could tear an ACL without much difficulty right now."
"I will." You assure him.

The Marines and engineers cart bundles of barter supplies from the shuttles to a wide open area a safe distance from the shuttles just as the sun starts to rise. An expensive looking ground car approaches from the direction of the city and pulls to a stop twenty meters away. Equally well dressed bodyguards step out and open the back doors helping out a group of Terran Alliance crewmen who are gagged and bound.

The lead bodyguard raises a communicator to get your attention. "They're unloading the transport now."
One of the other guards begins scanning the pile of supplies and gives a thumbs up.
"You can take the prisoners."

Waving them forward to your position you rip the gags off and ask for name rank and serial number to make sure there aren't just beggars rounded up. There's no sign of Drago being nearby.

"These are them sir. Nothing seriously wrong with them." Confirms the medic.

You get your people back to the shuttles and dust off.

"What happened to the Odyssey that you needed to abandon ship?" You ask the ranking officer, and engineer likely in charge of maintaining a section of the ship.

"We were hit by torpedo fire from one of the super heavy cruisers were were chasing. The navigator must have dropped us out of FTL too close. I know the bow sections were taking hits when we bailed." explains Lieutenant Li. "We landed out in the ocean and tried radio distress beacons first. We didn't want to bring a fleet of ships down on us. Those smugglers or pirates tried to fight over us for the ransom we must be worth."

"Well I talked the price down a bit. I let them know that your CO's were assholes that would rather start shooting first."
The junior officer gets a kick out of that.

You contact the other shuttles to check on their progress... Success! Two crewmen were found alive and well. They'd been doing welding work for drydocked ships for the past day to earn food and lodging. There was a third but it seems he's deserted.

Rolled 86

>>21802705
>Roll 1d100 for each sector you plan to scan down.

Let's do the remaining 3 sectors in the image.

>1

Rolled 56, 94, 6 = 156

>>21802705
Rest of the nearby yellows

Rolled 9

>>21802793
>2

Rolled 44

>>21802814
>3

>>21802705
I'm a bit worried we're spending too much time on this while our house is still engage in battle.
But I think getting our crew back is more important than securing another set of medals, and it's not like we haven't done a lot already.

>>21803200
Very true and not only have we saved our people, but we ended up helping out some Terran people.
So we have "another" set of people who may owe us something in the future!

>>21803200
On the whole i agree with you. Confirming those super weapons was important, but we're been sidetracked for too long now. We should really find the rest of the missing crew and then return to the front asap.

>>21803200
I have to agree, but must say that finding out TCS Odyssey is likely hulked is worth at least double the amount of trouble we just spent on this planet alone.

we even got the nifty medical thing that has partially fixed our exploding knees!

>>21806049
If the Odyssey was knocked out, and is just drifting around intact, would it be worth a salvage attempt?